J. Ross Robertson - Talks With Craftsmen 1890

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TALKS WITH CRAFTSMEN,

AND
PENCILLINGS BY THE WAYSIDE

THOUGHTS FOR THOSK \VHO ARE EARNEST
A WORK THAT SERVES A NOBLE END
IN
AND
I,1M
THE HEARTS OF A GREAT BROTHERHOOD

IN THE GOLDEN CHAIN
OF
FAITH,
FELLOWSHIP AND FRATERNITY.
J.
ROSS ROBERTSON,
TORONTO, CAN
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\\ III'
TO THE READER.
>HE
scattered thoughts which, at the request of
old friends in the Craft, are preserved within
the covers of this volume, are garnered from

the columns of the Masonic press, to which, at times, I
have been a contributor.
Some were penned while
the
enjoying the comforts of an Atlantic
breezes that cheer the
flyer, and inhaling the helpful
the mind.
Others glided into my
wi
-book
summer-land of the South, where
in the
sought a vacation in the home of the orange groves

A few more originthe old piney woods.'
and
ated by my own fireside, where the warm-hearted
companions of a life-time were talking of Craft work,

drawing plans for the future, each with a resolve
and
to be
earnest
ioned
the pictures
sincere.
Some
of
in the firelight are
those
who
fash-
yet in the cir-
others have slipped life's cable, and sailed into the

the dawn.
cle
With these pencilling may be found a few extracts

the proceeding f Masonic bodies that have called me
i
-ful toil.
top
x.-n>-d
my
an old
These marks of esteem
desire to realize the

to the Craft,
and
dream of a
lent
new
life-tim.
strength to
desire to carry out in every-day life those prinnd pi.-c.-j-ts wliidi wiv taught me wh.-n first
1
TO THE HEADER.
came from the outer darkness
of the world into the inner
radiance of the Sons of Light.
A poor man is he who journeys through the mazes of

a busy world with no purpose in view, no ambition to
serve.
All, in their respective spheres, should try to
better our
common humanity, and
brotherhood that
hope that
is
my efforts
I,
as a
member
of a
without peer on earth, cherish the

to advance its interests have not been
wholly unfruitful, and that those who come after me may

have kindly words for one whose ambitions may have
been, possibly, too excessive, but whose sincere desire
was to cultivate those eternal principles that should pilot
us
all
over the shoals of
life.
These unpretentious jottings, like clearings in the

forest, may mark the way for some, and tend to make
those
who
read, think.
The stream that
ripples
down
the
hillside contributes its mite to the size and strength of

the mighty current that rolls on to the ocean.
Thoughts,
seeds of golden grain, have germs of life within.

May I, therefore, hope that what I have pencilled in
moments of leisure snatched from the crowded hours of
like
an active business
sess love for Craft
who never falter
life,
will be appreciated
work, who desire to see
by
it
who
pos-
prosper,
and
all
keep our brotherhood pure free from those who enter our fold for revenue
only, our primal object being to live our life out on the
lines laid
down
in the honest effort to
at the altar,
and avoid the dangers that
progresses on a pathway that leads

ever onward and upward.
await the Craft as
it
THE AUTHOR.
The whole of the proceeds from the sale

to the Building
Fund
of the Lakeside
of this
Home
book will be devoted
for Little Children, the
Convalescent Branch of the Hospital for Sick Children, on Toronto

MASONRY
IS
HIS CAPITAL.
Always look with suspicion on the man who mak

his
hi;
bring in Masonic talk in mercantile
'
MASONRY NEED NOT

have too
HI
<;
>R
life.
RECRUITS.
many members and
This canvassing for candidates
HI
IS
is
not enough Masons.

demoralizing the Order.
A GIANT AT MEAL TIM!
The knife and fork Mason should be kept out of lodge

He is generally an nnaffiliate, or a member a
rooms.
way
in arrears of du-
kujr.
ie
n you hold the gavel, govern justly.

you from the path of duty.
or clique turn
1
thi-n g
ruling.
petty
Be suiv
TALKS WITH CRAFTSMEN.
10
THEY ARE FEW, BUT NOT TOO FEW.

Keep clear of the brother who blasphemes. Curses
heard in lodge ante-rooms sicken many a man who thought
that Masonry was free of such ofFensiveness.
BE SURE YOU ARE ALL RIGHT.

Before you cast a black ball first think are your
motives pure ? Are your reasons for clouding the good
name of a friend or stranger sound ? Brother, think it over.
REGULARITY
IS
A MASONIC VIRTUE.
Attend your lodge regularly.
Be sharp on
time, avoid
the smoking room when the lodge is in session, watch

the business and the work, and you will make your mark
some day.
AMBITION SOMETIMES INSPIRES ZEAL.
often hear a brother say of another, " Oh, he's too
ambitious."
So the critic thinks, but if he had a little
You
sample of the same he would be a better

brighter Mason.
SMOOTH THE WRINKLES OUT OF
man and
LIFE.
How
the asperities of life might be softened, if we had

sense enough to think a kind thought, and with a plea-
word greet the brother with whom we

forgive and forget.
sant
differ,
and
11
THE TALKING MASON DOES NOT WEAR.

The
t
that
Mason soon exhausts
talkative
He
true to the core.
is
made
is
of white metal gilded over
jonuine
He
his influence.
like the pinchbeck jewellery
and palmed
oft
article.
DEAD TO
ITS
BEAUTIES.
How many of us
visit the lodge and listlessly sit through

with
hearts callous to the brightness of
ceremonial,
ritual,
and minds as unimpressionable as
the gold<-n sun
i:
is
the Arctic
WORD MAY
Ht:
HIS HELPER.
from danger
a timely word,
kindly spoken, will often stand as a way-mark in the life
Id
the
young
i,
to
initiate
which he can look ba-k with pleasmv.
action.
**
FAULT- FIX
\V.
'IX'-
Nor A VIRT
we pledge our heart

bind our will to charity and yet
f our oath, our
lips arc ,CVT
plight our troth to friendship
to brotherly love
we
Is fir
!!T.
coming
-><\ge
night should be to us as welnry pilgrim, wlm.
12
coming from the snow-clad north, seeks

health in the
summer
rest,
pleasure and
land.
A WEALTH OF MASONIC PRIVILEGES.

The
We
of Masonic privileges are inestimable.

ought, therefore, to appreciate them, and show those
blessings
without our gates that we live our

severe trial do not find us wanting.
lives so that
hours of
DISCONTENT THE DESTROYER.

In feeling we are sometimes on the keen edge of discontent with our brother. We snap and snarl at every
we joined our
strands of good-will and charity.
word, forgetting the hour when

in the
woven
LIFE
IS
life
to his
NOT TOO FULL OF JOY.
The sunlight of friendship should gladden us

gather in our lodge rooms.
Life
is
as
we
so mingled with joy
and sorrow that we ought to make the most of the happy

hours when we meet upon the checkered floor.
WED PLEASURE TO
PROFIT.
lodge room should be a cave of harmony, full of the

pleasures of music, so that the monthly reunion may be
welcome
to us as
butter-cups and
the rays of the spring sun are to the

bearded by the winter frost.
clover,

A DRONE
13
THE HIVE.
IN
The Mason who seeks the ante-room to smoke and chat

when work is going on is like the seeds sown on
rocky ground. The only trouble is that the wind won't
carry
although he has plenty of
him away
it.
THAT CHRONIC FAULT-F1NDEK.

are always ready to find fault with the
be missed or a sentence be twisted. These
Some brethren
k, if
word
a rule, are not perfect themselves, and

cannot perform even the duties of a minor office without
the assistance of a promj
fault-fin
yrn-K TO CHIDE.
fore finding
Don't get up in your
fault.
be sure you ange simply for the sake of criticising, but

If the platform on which you
.t, and then go ahead.
sound, your views will influence

will carry
hut
it'
not. they
no appreciable weight.
THE HOPE OF MASONRY.

youthful
aie
C'rat'tMix-n
who
circle
around our
altar->
lik*
clime-v
them
.Nurture and preserve
t'slll
'(
<
'I
in
harv.^t
tli.-
M'ic''
youth, and whni

will indeed
14
BE ALWAYS ON THE SIDE OF CHARITY.

Let your judgments as a Craft ruler be so tempered
that if you do err it may be on the side of charity. Better
give a brother the benefit of a doubt than make him
feel that you are anxious to censure and show your power,
you are endowed with authority.
just because
MASONRY BLESSES ALL MEN.

is
Masonry
as
full
snow
of good
as
the
lofty
northern
The glad song of its

teachings should be as sweet in harmony as the bird music
The tree of Masonry blooms all the year
of the tropics.
and
finds
life in any soil nurtured b/ true men.
round,
peaks are of
MASONRY
in winter time.
IS
NO INSURANCE CORPORATION.
a luxury. Many mistake it for a benefit

organization, a life insurance corporation, which it is
If insurance is wanted, go to the associations foundnot.
Masonry
is
ed for that purpose.
Masonry, and
its gifts
There are no pecuniary benefits in

to the
widow and orphans
are acts
of grace.
THE WORLD
IS ITS FIELD.
teachings and principles is like a Western prairie in vastness millions of acres to be tilled, to
bring forth the fruits of the earth worlds of good to be
Masonry by
its
TALK*
done by
CRAFTSMEN.
\\'1TH
Lfi
and inculcating principles that

enlarge the mind and promote uni-
instilling charity
will nurture the soul,
versal fellowship.
BE SLOW TO SPEAK THAT WORD.
How many
of the bitter animosities of the lodge
room
might be allayed, and how much happier would we feel

with our brethren if, before we utter the harsh word in
we
give but a thought to the principle, in the keystone of that arch, which binds us in sweet charity with
all, be he brother or friend.
debate,
WORDS SHOULD REFLECT TRUE THOUGHTS.

In love for one another
-e
of our fraternity
let
is
us be real
that savours so
much
who grasps your

and winds up by some re-
the brother
hand, utters pleasant sentences,
mark
not hollow. The
of business that
you
feel like
your apron from you or pitching the socalled brother from the dormer window.
either casting
TRUE FRIENDSHIP
IS
IMMORTAL.
greeting in our brotherly reunions ha.s many

a time made us tenants fur life in the palace of friendship.
ads may drift by, storm ivntivs may send forth
first
thun'ifib;lts that even pierce natun-'s wall, but the
bee -
iendship remain*) unl.i.>k<-n, and

winter of on
bond
-nêr a^
16
frORK GRAFT LESSONS OUT IN LIFE.
Masonry should strengthen our faith, intensify our

love, and teach us to exercise charity in word and deed
We
should carry out in life what we

mankind.
teach in our lodge rooms, and the dream of our hearts
should be to so fashion our words that whatever we do
(o all
may
be emblematic of the pillars of truth that support
our beloved Order.
EXAMPLE THE BEST PREACHER.

Like the tender plant, the young Craftsman should be
Let the example of those
care.
watched with parental
gray in the work be so far above reproach that, as they

take our young brother by the hand, they may lead him
as their own child, in the path of rectitude, sobriety and
The turning point in many a brother's career is

within the year when first he knelt before the Great Lights.
honor.
STUDY
IS
A DOOR TO SUCCESS.
Take an interest from the hour of your initiation in the

work of your lodge. As you progress, attend to what
you hear and read up the symbolism of the degrees.
Read the constitution and study well your by-laws.
Keep yourself posted in the methods of the chair, watch
the rulings, inform yourself on rules of debate and when
you have anything to say, be pithy, short and to the
point.
17
THE HARVESTS OF GOOD DEEDS WILL RIPEN.
Our meetings should be made
attractive.
While
ordi-
nary routine has its place, let it be so mingled with

pleasant talk that brethren will carry to their homes
thoughts that will make them better men, happier in their
home
and stronger in the desire to sow the seeds of

kindness and fraternity amongst those whom they meet
life,
either in the paths of business or of pleasure.
IF
you are
It
YOU ARE WRONG GET RIGHT.
in the
Do
ference right.
wrong with a brother make the

not wait and hesitate and
dif-
discuss
with yourself the matter of dignity, but, assured that

you have made a mistake, do your best to rectify the
error.
all
It's
_;,
:.
over in a moment.
word, a friendly
may be
and unhappy memories blotted from the mind
Do
and the interrupted friendship of years
AfLTI
INI)1N<-
IS
POOR EMPLOYMENT.
not go to the lodge to find fault, to raise a row, to
when you mean hate, determined to set

on edge with any that come near you. Try the
k kindly to all.
If you
disagree
tier do so in such a charitable
spirit that your
talk of friendship
i
wit!
Is
will
ii
il/a flood of
yourhea
harmony wh-
may
nl ;iKouii<l<"
18
THAT KNOCK
IS
A TEACHER.
The knock of the initiate at the portal gate should remind those within that another heart yearns for knowthe duty of those who circle around
the altar to take the youthful brother by the hand, and
ledge,
and that
it is
by deed and word show an example that

every step of his
all
who
daily
life
will lead
him
nearer the goal sought
in
by
value virtue and have an ambition to do good
to their fellow
men.
THE CHARITY OF MASONRY.

The charity
of
Masonry
is
emblematical of the
life ot
Him
who, eighteen centuries ago, walked through the

Eden of the East speaking words of comfort to those who
words of encouragement to those who were

and
by acts of kindness smoothed the pathway
weary,
for all who were pressing onward to receive the reward
sorrowed
prepared for those whose work

the building of the Temple.
is
worthy
of a place in
POWER OF THE OBLIGATION.
Who
has not sometime in his experience

straining influence of a Masonic obligation ?
felt
the re-
How often,
when our minds are filled with hard feelings against a

brother, do we in memory go back to the hour when, on
bended knee, we pledged ourselves to charity not the
charity of the hand, but the charity of toleration and
TALKS WITH
good-will, the charity of the heart, the lever that
the gentle feelings and marks us all as brothers ?
EARNKD
is
AI>\
ALWAYS COM
KMF.NT
\N
Let our younger brother practice patience. Ambition

an excellent quality when properly tempered. This
Every moment
we
when
and
seek
has golden value,
for favor and
so,
rank at the hands of our brothers, let us merit the promolife is
tion
too precious for us to play with.
by years of steadfast work
that our ashlar
may
which we are told
be
made
in the Craft quai
as perfect as the model of
volume on the
in the inspired
IS
THE TRUEST
altar.
PI),OT.
x
stop and reflect.
right, and be guided there-
TC you cast a black ball

nee will
Hw
<;ft.
tell
ii
you what
is
do we find the
who delights to stab in the dark, and thus in

secures revenge for an imagined wrong.
<ê
is
How
man who,
of the ballot to the
nocence, believes that he
by some
his own mind
>lack ball cast
unfair
in all in-
about to enter an associat
the principles of brotherly love
and
p.
MASONRY KNITS MAN

bond of fraternity
aociations,
may
T<
>
be found
ne are the strands
in
woven
many
so clo
as-
TALKS WITH CEAFT8MEN.
20
as under the covering of a Craft lodge.

Friendships have
been formed within the portals of a lodge that death only
hum of a busy world, the ups

and
disappointments, its sunjoys
sorrow, the friendly greeting on the
has severed, and despite the
and downs of
shine and
life, its
its
checkered floor makes brighter the sunshine and relieves

the shadows.
MASONRY THE MOTHER OF CHARITY.

The
spirit
and essence of Masonry teach us charityand to make an effort to carry out
good- will to one another
precepts that are of value inside and outside the* lodge

room. The intent of Masonry is to heal difficulties, and
by kindly words and gentle advice produce a sovereign

remedy for those rifts of discord that occasionally cloud
the fraternal gathering, where friendship and brotherly
love should reign supreme, and banish in perpetuity dis-
cord and unrest.
LOOK FOR TROUBLE AND YOU FIND
Some brethren have a
IT.
They are
Grand
craze for trouble.
enquiry or a
never satisfied unless a committee
of
Lodge Commission
These Craftsmen have
their quiver
full of
is
in session.
points on jurisprudence
and
their
views, whether right or wrong, are as plentiful as pines

Such Craftsmen like to parade
in Southern forests.
knowledge and their aprons, and fancy that the

Craft structure would tumble, if Atlas-like, they were not
on hand to hold it up.
their
TALKS WITH VRAfTBMMN.

LKAI>KK \M> crini: "F
LOT><
>f a
Iml^v lia.x a great responsibility.
father of the household, the dispenser of
Tinis
THE
the
He
v,
the allay er of harsh feelings, and tin- shining

he success or failure
example
of the meeting depends largely on his tact and forbearance.
-,
for the brethren at large.
'\
careful he can promote the general welfare of his

imke the meetings entertaining, and cement the
unity and nn. <.r-l of men who are banded together to
If
he
is
promote fraternity and good-will.
TV.
1)1-
bitter
.t
feeling
The
ir
ai
little
in
cloud
ntent, at
month
hand,
first
month,
after
no
till,
injudicious and indiscreet bivth-
liarmony that once existed.

rs
of lab
l'\
'
.-aiii'
Why
naught.
up
It
HUM.
but
it
in
building
not try and formay be hard at
i
nd.
\\irn
sca.s.
\v>hip <f
1:
Masonry
22
board of the Great Architect.
Let
us, therefore,
be real
with one another, and with hearts full of good-will show

that our brotherly love comes from the crystal spring in
the rock upon which the essentials of Craft -work are
founded, and without which all would be chaos.
LET MASONIC FRIENDSHIP BE TRUE.
There should be true friendship in Masonry. The June

mornings with their gladsome rays of sunlight which
bring into blossom the golden petals, do no more for the
flower than brethren do for one another, when the
perfect
harmony of brotherhood
prevails.
Men whose
hearts are linked in the bonds of fraternity should so direct their thoughts as they glide by life's milestones, that
when dust is given to dust the world at large can say he

who has gone to the other shore had a record clear of spot
or blemish.
TOO MANY MEMBERS, TOO FEW MASONS.
We
are
Masons.
a farce.
making too many members and not enough

Our committees of investigation are sometimes
We accept a man simply on the name of his
not of his seconder, because the latter very often

knows nothing whatever of the person of whose candidaproposer
Some of our lodges are admitting

ture he has approved.
If
be
men who should
subjected to a close scrutiny.
desire
to
the Craft respectable and
we want to
keep
secure the respect of those outside the pale,

watch the ballot box.
we must
23
KEEP EVERLASTINGLY AT WORK.
Be on time at your lodge. Pay attention to the busiBe equally attentive to the work. Have a name
ness.
and ambition to reach the East, not by any royal road,
but by diligence and perseverance, and a perfect mastering of the work of the subordinate officers. Don't ask
If
for a warden's post until you are an expert deacon.
on your road to the East, some one gets there ahead of

"
I won't play," but
you, don't be chagrined, and say
the
at
the
show
brethren
that your soul is
work
keep
:
in
and you
it,
will reach the goal.
WAIT AND WORK FOR HONOURS.

Don't be too eager for
old Spanish proverb, to
office.
All things come, says the
him who
Show
waits.
yourself
Devote a
enthusiastic in the doings of your lodge.
little
time to getting up the work of Inner Guard or Deacon or

Warden. Be ready when called upon to till a vacant
cbair.
(.'ultivate precision in
your work.
Speak
out,
and
be correct in every detail. Let your voice sound clear as

a bell, and show the lodge that your heart is in the work,
and
lfp-n<!
upon
it
will
you
advance in Masonry and
the esteem anl respect of your
II
liretln-
HAS IHM 1MMOKTAI.I

-rvMtinn
in
TRUTH.
>f
matin-ma
tin<>f
'raft
tli-
'
liHb U-.-n
24
The power of thrones has been

been hurled against it.
The torture room
invoked to crush it out of existence.
of the inquisition has tested the fealty of our brethren,
and yet Masonry

zations, doing
men
lives,
the king of
fraternal organi-
good to humanity, welding the friendship of
of every clime
and tongue, and proclaiming
equality, and fraternity in a

lives are
all
liberty,
whose
spirit of good-will to all
governed by Faith, Hope and Charity.
WARDENS AND MASTERS MUST WORK TOGETHER.

The work of the W. M.
even
if
done well
should
have the active co-operation of the Wardens. It is a

poor compliment to a Master when his Wardens are
drones in the hive
shod
manner.
men who mouth
The
their parts in a slip-
Wardens should be
meaning of every word
lessons of the
they appreciated the

and thus not only impress the candidate
those who are sitting on the side benches.
The
given as
if
they uttered,
but
all
language of Masonry
is
too beautiful to be mangled, and
the instruction at the Wardens' chairs requires as

attention as the work in the East.
much
WISE WORDS ARE ALWAYS HEARD.
The rank and file of the Craft should have more to say
floor of Grand Lodge.
In many instances advice
on the
from the
not only well timed but acceptable and

has, before to-day, had its effect in changing the vote on
floor is

many important questions. The delegates from the lodges
should have minds of their own and not be driven like
the cattle of the cowboys into the corral upon the plains,
by the lash of the whip of the silver-tongued platformist
or the wiles of the
wary wire-puller. Enlighten yourand give your opinion before Grand
bivthren,
Lodge, and
come.
if
be a sound one, none can be more wel-
it
THINKS TOO LITTLE
The brother who
TALKS TOO MUCH.
continually on his feet giving hasty

ression to opinion*; on every subject that comes up
soon
lo
is
Words
influence with the brethren.
in
on are always acceptable, and brethren are anxious

to have a clear exposition on any subject, but this Jackin-the-box brother,
who jumps up and down

Hi- talk
child's toy, is a nuisance.
When
sence irksome.
to bully,
his
is
like
the
wearisome, his prefails he tries
weak argument
and then he collapses temporarily.
He
cannot
-ct to play the part of Legree in debate without acijuaintiu^ the bivthreii with the truth that he
ilri
is
a slave-
UTl'M'l U
jitunitir-
t'>r
<
hat
that
wo
live
look
down
work are
.n
which shoul
.'.
we
ask a
bl
as
tin-
26
guide us in our daily toil we strive in our tasks to do to

others as we would be done by
we are thankful for the
;
hour of refreshment when not only the body but the mind
is improved
the body by a diet without excess the
;
mind by judicious thought and pleasant reading we

lay ourselves to rest and rise refreshed and re- invigorated
to battle anew with life and perform the tasks allotted
;
us by the Master.
PAST MASTERS
MAY BE POWEKFUL.
When you become a Past

is
As a matter
done.
Master, don't think your

it is only half begun.
of fact
work
You
were honored as a W. M., and were grateful for the support and attendance of P. M.'s, so do unto others as you
would be done
in the
work
by.
aid
for the brethren,
pleasure
by
Come
regularly to the lodge
by your
and your greeting
those with
assist
Have kindly words
advice.
will be returned
whom you
with
have intercourse.
Courtesy costs but little, and it goes a long way to make

the road easy and pleasant on -which to travel. So
practice what you preach, and you will do yourself and
your brethren a world of good.
THIS
How
often are
IS
Is it not
worth trying
THE GLORY OF MASONRY.
we charmed with
fraternal friendships,
We meet in
fellowships that ripen as the years roll on.
of
marts
We
trade.
march tothe lodge and in the busy
gether by the wayside, and while
we
are
young Father
27
hurries the chariot along at lightning speed and we

are pleased.
The years begin to creep up the ladder, and
as they mount nearer the allotted round, we pray that
Time
the scythe-armed climber

is
may hold
his speed,
but no.
deaf to our entreaties, and halts but for a
the door of the
tent
"
He
moment
at
whose curtain never outward
-wings," and at the summons of the silent sentry the

friends of our youth go to join the loved ones gone
before.
POVERTY
is
SELDOM A VALID EXCUSE.
What pure nonsense

as an excuse for
it is
for brethren to plead
non-payment
poverty
of their lodge dues.
In
ntry lodges the amount averages six cents a.week, in

lodges about ten cents, and yet we hear growls and
grumbles
always, however, from those
who
allow
th<
and yet have money enough to

As a brother put it at Grand Lodge " one drink
pay.
or one cigar less per week would cover all that is reselves to fall in arrears,
ijuired for lodge dues."

ft
assessment.
No man
has a right to join the
able and willing to pay his yearly

In the A. O. U. W. there is no humbug
unless he
is
about non-payment of assessment, and

be in Masonry
JhWKI.S
Faith, Hope,
ring of
why
should there
IN
THK
UINC;
<
>F
I'uWl
and Charity are the tluv< j,.\v-U in tinniimU u- "f that essential, with-
would be
28
fruitless.
which
it
Hope nerves us
opens to him who
in our
is
march
to the
gateway
and
faithful to his trust,
Charity teaches us that, as we journey by the wayside,

we should be kind in heart and generous in speech, not
only to our brethren, but to
we have
all
What power
mankind.
power so renewed
by each successive sunrise that we wonder why all on
for
good in all these jewels
earth are not joined in a great universal brotherhood, to

which hate would be a stranger, and love the frontal setting in the crown.
THEIR MONEY DOES NOT TALK.
The members
ally more to say
of lodges in arrears of dues

in lodge matters
and
have gener-
in street corner dis-
members who pay up with regularity.

Men offer all kinds of excuses for non-payment of dues,
not one of which will hold water. The W.M.'s are gencussion than the
erally afraid to deal with the delinquents,
from motives
of friendliness or for fear of giving offence.
It is only by
that
men
can
be
made
to
feel
their
suspension
positionClose the door to them, and the treasurer will be laden
with a goodly sum to defray expenses. Some W. M/s

have the courage of their convictions, and as a consequence their rolls are in good form, but in too
the W.M.'s neglect their duties.
THEIR NAME
Would
some
that
it
IS
many
lodges
LEGION.
were feasible to blot out of existence
of our lodges a class of brother
whose
sole
aim
is
in
to
TALKS
}\'TTH
CRAFTSM
annoy and worry, not only the W.
M.,
but the brethren in
One of these is perhaps an old P. M. or a \

W. M He takes advantage of the W. M .'s good nature
want of know ledge, and is on his feet continually, raising
the lodge.
h
or
questions either on points in the constitution or the work.

Perhaps he i^ an ancient P. M., who imagines that he still
the lodge and that his
gospel to the
W. M.
word should be law and
or perchance he
an old-time
is
grumbler, whose business it is to come down to the lodge

to find fault, and when business routine is over scurry
home without taking
LIFE'S
W, come
thr
SEASONS
n.w AND SHORT.
in .with the spring-time,
Our
joysome.
part in the work.
faces
fields in
and are bright and
beam with happiness as we wander

summer soft in clover bloom. We
autumn, and the maple leaves in a thousand

the air. Then come winter and our cosy
drift into the

ior
in the
i
chimney
in
one
W-- journey
happy
as
we
We
So we pass through life.
brotherhood and weld our friendship.
corner.
i^reat
hand
chat,
in
hand over the plains of life. We are

ur words lift us to thoughts of th-
and
beyond. Onrdiif, and

picture a
;
the
away.
We draw plans for the

j.
-tre with
for
noise;
all,
and wal
1
crosses the
30
FRIENDSHIP THAT WILL LAST FOR LIFE.

Let us remember the welcome in the lodge room.
It
to
of
kind
the
The
be
may
opening
years
friendship.
voice of a brother greets us, and the chain of fellowship
is forged.
As the years roll by the bond strengthens and
We
our hearts are as one.
meet in fraternal and
social
gatherings, and the ripened friendship of a score of years
We
unbroken.
is
to the
Beyond
see
prepare
draw designs for the coming

work and pleasure in the distance and
;
are ready to
silent
who
We
a perfect ashlar.
and
look to the future with pleasure, and
for the rest promised to those
hew
messenger
years,
as
we
in the forest or carve in the quarry, a

flits
across the path, death's door swings
open, and we sing the dirge of woe and hold a lodge
sorrow in our hearts for the friend
who
of
has gone.
LET OUR PRACTICE MATCH OUR PREACHING.
Why
should there, of
that savours of
lodge room
fishness.
We
all
places in the world, be so
much
and heart-burning within the

preach toleration and we practice sel-
ill-will
We
speak of peace, and the next moment our
vent venom and spleen. We talk of fraternity, and

perhaps there are a dozen in the lodge room to whom we
are unfriendly.
We find fault with others for not acting
lips
up
to their obligation,
and yet
if
we
search our
own
with imperfections. How

much good would be done if we were only to live anywhere near the line of our obligation. Severed friendrecord
we
will find it clouded
3]
would be unknown, hasty words would never be

spoken, and we might all cheer one another with kind
ships
words, doing our best to cherish and act up to principles

that smooth the path of life, and make not only ourselves
but others happy.
TOO GORGEOUS TO BE GOOD.
The brother who trades upon the
may
spot of the fraternity.
We
everywhere.
He may
off shoddy, or
he
may
Craft,
be enriched,
and joins a
the plaguefind the commercial brother
lodge so that his coffers
is
be in the jewellery line, or palming

be the presiding genius clothed in
You
spotless white behind the counter of a wine bazaar.
meet him on the rail and on the road, in the church and
in the bar-room.
Look out
and never rings the
nals
for him.
bell to
He
announce
no
sig-
his coming.
He
carries
sharper than the sharpest, and his shirt front is a picHis in

ture, studded with a square and compass.
is
weighted down with a signet ring, ornamented

with Graf t emblems, and his watch chain is like an anchor
with glittering baubles dotted with jewels.
Keep your
finger
is
lips tyled
t
yours, and
find that
s
when
this brother is
if
His shibboleth
you read
he
his thoughts aright you will

the ordeal and cannot pass the
of the Jordan.
BEWARE OF
>ft
the
en route.
is
Till,
MKK< 'ANTII.K MA
beginning to keep one eye opei

n
the square, an-l
who
32
dently have joined the institution for no other purpose

than to make money. You cannot be too wary of the
goods
he
may
He may
trade in soft goods or hard

be a member of the church and peddle
mercantile Mason.
notions or jewellery.
carrion does its prey.
He scents the young Mason as the

He wines him, or he dines him,
just as circumstances require. The Masonic wolf meets you

"
in
de lodge or de chap-it-er," and considers then that he
is
your bosom
own
friend.
and he
estimation
He
has influence untold
tries to
Craft would run on the rocks
if
make
all
in his
believe that the
this descendant of Solo-
Look out for him. He may

want you to invest in a book or a Craft trinket, or purchase a pair of boots. His business is varied, his manner
mon were
is
crude,
not at the helm.
and
it
causes a blush to corne over the face of
decent Craftsmen
when they
see the fellow salute at the
altar.
BROTHERS IN NAME AND HEART.

lodge night. We meet and greet in fraternal
welcome, for the time-dial has brought our monthly reYes,
union.
it's
With hand extended we wish our brother the
joys of health
we speak the words
of friendship as if our
Is our act alhis were the pledge of fellowship.

in
the effort of
born
?
Is
it
sometimes
not
ways
sincerity
?
so
our
nature
common
to
expediency,
Why should not
life for
our greetings always bear the true stamp of genuine

friendship ? Why should not our welcome be so that
every word, yes, every look, would carry the conviction
C&APT8M
\\'ITH
was
that our hand-shake
that our lips spake naught
real
.lust think over this, next lodge night, and

aeet your brother be a brother, not in name
Be frank, and if your mind is buronly, but in heart.
ith an imagined wrong, act as you are taught at
but truth.
the altar and your heart will be the lighter, your broYou will then have made friends with
happier.
:
nee in carrying out the great
maxim
of
"
for-
NT INNOVATION.
I'-:
should be an inspiration to
it echoes from
Ljood
voice of charity as
_re
to lodge
of practical virtue.
s\
-to relieve distress, serve our brethren, and be
In
who have
those
for th>
:d
:<>od one.
we
our duty
an old world
feel it
Charity Box.
It is
Our brethren
in the
thrir deedfl of goodness,
D
.
a claim,
motherland
and the open-ban- led
which they dispense their gifts should

that our forefathers were of the stock that
ith
1
;ring
when the cry

I,
for succor came.
sueh as Zetland, Toronto,
nt innovation, and as
>;ird,
.t
the hivtlm-n liave

Ifl
ity of
:'acU
the sound of fallin

hearts that throb fur
H-mi'inln-i-
that the soft-
rom
of grace.
it cir-
Tli-\
^lioul.l
be di
.".4
BEADING, THE SOURCE OF KNOWLEDGE.
Without a thorough knowledge of the foundation of Masonic law, those into whose hands is committed the governing power, are liable to
fall into
great error, and, per-
chance, by unwise legislation, do irreparable injury to

our revered Institution. The Master of a lodge, when inis
stalled,
required to give his assent to the ancient
charges and regulations, and also to promise to preserve

the ancient landmarks which the fathers set up. It is,
therefore, his duty to study those antique laws, not only
for his
own guidance
in the performance of the duties he
has assumed as the Master of a lodge, but also, and more

especially, that he may become qualified to be the instructor of the lodge over
which he has been
called to preside.
Count up the masters within your ken, and ask yourself

qualified ? The great mass of the fraternity
how many are
are satisfied to pick the bare bones of the ritualistic skeleton, knowing nothing of the rich marrow which those
To break those bones requires labor,

at
the
and,
present day, labor without a reward meabones contain.
sured by dollars and
The few
read, think,
cents
and urge
is
too- often
to progress
foolishness.
the great mul-
titude are satisfied with present attainments, and prefer

"
to
sit down, rest, and refresh themselves."
GET OUT OF THE OLD RUT.

There are a dozen different ways of making lodge
There is the accurate
meetings of interest to the brethren.
exemplification of the, work, which might be supplemented
\\'irn <'i;ArrtM
running comment and explanations aa
true
tlu'
of
MLrnitiiMiier
(hod of avoiding monotony

ni
.-\-mUU
tin-
Another
ceremonies.
tin-
have brief
to
is
.Masonic subjects read, occupying not
than thirty or forty minutes

-
the writer
a whol-
ion
1
non/ or
i
"
'1
of
and give a
off,
he (ireat Lights," or
Anothrr capital
Warden."
MI
take the
may
them
Lodge."
more
"The
>ul>j<vt
feature in old
ivading of the minutes of forty years ago.

only interest the older brethren, but tend to
the
iot
fainiliari/e
m.-mbers
tlie
II
es of
the Craft
tlie
tlie
is
history of
reading of
or of indivi-
in
A lloaid of Trial
i
with
idea
at
work on the
floor,
and
of bivthren in the ne<-cs> a i-y o iu-ries, in

i
to be perfect, are other feat u
;hf
idea^ well
unions
tO
by
Mil)
.at.
in the
bei
la;
lly
is
a\
t'a^.-rly
looked forward
en.
tl
many
worked out would
WKU.
POSTALS,
notwith.standin^
ijualilicatinn
f
THI:
f.i
all
rship in lod|
into our fold,
n,
or socially, to be entered
good ground
iard>
At
who
on
hav.-
the
whid
no
36
a limited period
it might tend to
strengthen the Craft in
the estimation of the world at large.
Of course in some
the
lodges
greatest care is exercised and the material
is a credit to the
In other cases,
fraternity.
in
the
idea
seems
to
be with many
especially
city lodges,
brought in
W. M.'s that a successful year is

number of candidates brought
only a few
to be
in
measured by the
for
initiation.
In-
moths
deed,
ago that one of our prominent city lodges actually called the attention of members,
in the monthly circular, to the fact that as many candiit is
dates as possible should be brought in, so as to make the

"
"
year a banner year in connection with the work of the
We
hear the stereotyped cry of too many memlodge.

bers and not enough Masons, and of a truth we think this
remark might be applied with
full force to
many
city
lodges.
The remedies
for this fault are at hand,
in the Masonic press
and Craftsmen
have made suggestions so strong that
one would almost think Grand Lodge would be compelled

There seems to be no way out of
to take decided action.
the difficulty except by either increasing the initiation
fee or making the examination by the lodge committee
so searching that unless a man has a very fair record he
cannot be received.
We
do not wish to be unreasonable,
but when we look at some of the men
who parade in Ma"

ask
ourselves
Are these men fit
sonic processions and
to wear the lambskin ?" our inward sense of right tells
:
us that however
much
the friends
who
proposed them
might justify their membership, a large majority of the

brethren of their lodge, if candid opinions were asked,
TALK* H777/
<7i',l/-7YW/-:.Y.
thev were not
tliat
tit
to
In-
into the
.1
ranks of the fraternity.
N. VI
|{.
KK take an office the duties of which you cannot
KR
1'ail
watch the ballot box, and thus keep your
to
roll clean.
As a
KR join cliques.
alk
16
<>n
always
in the
every subject up for discussion,
(Ji\v
rule they are
a rhai.
If
Mice.
you have any value the
>ut.
\V.M.
ly.
witlinut
th
our
lo'l.
^,)
Think
Be on hand
'ing.
lioine
when
l.efore
lo.lê
el<
AY on Is
you speak.
no ini<si.n and an- l<t
in
tit--
knowledge at the
md remember
(hat
you
man
!!
when
of a
I-
the
a.l\ai,
with a ^njH'an-"
i
l.y all.
38
NEVER revenge
It is an unyourself with a black ball.

fair advantage to take.
The chances are that you are in
the wrong. Rather return good for evil and let the ap-
plicant
come
in.
You
will both be better friends
when
clothed in the lambskin.
NEVER
bother the
W.M.
He
has enough to do to rule
the lodge, and your advice interjected at pleasure is a

source of annoyance, not only to the W.M. but to the lodge.
When asked for advice, give it, but wait till you are asked,
and when giving it be as unostentatious as possible. Say
what you have to say in as few words as will express
your meaning.
NEVER go
to lodge
and
sit
through the business routine,
taking part in the discussions, showing that you are a

man from head to foot, and then when a degree is to be
worked go home
or seek the ante
room
to
smoke and
Better stay away altogether.

It is such as you
that do harm to the Craft. You are always on deck, save
gossip.
and except when you are wanted.
NEVER
means
leave your lodge with temper ruffled. Masonry

friendship, and as the sun should not go down on
our anger, so neither should we part with ill-will to a

Life's struggle is but a short one, and our mission should be to clear away the boulders of ill-will, help
one another along the road, so that hand in hand we may
brother.
enter the gateway that guards the portals of the undissolving lodge.
THE FRATERNAL DEAD.
THK mMMITTKKS OX
I
HK OONDU
IN
VARIO1
ATKKN
A L
DKA
I).

IN
who
.!.
41
GRATEFUL RECOGNITION OF MASONIC VALOR.
following resolution of thanks to the Volunteers

servel in the North- \VeM was moved by R.E. Frater
Ros-
-n.
Hall, at the
''
and seconded by R.E. Frater E. H. D.
Annual Assembly
of
Ireat Priory in
Hamilton,
That the Sovereign Great Prioiy of Knights

now assembled in annual session,
uplars of Canada,
portunity of recording heartfelt thanks for

of our gallant kinsmen, who, a
ago, were called together
11,
's
to
to
few months
repress the actions of misuted authority, who have
and death,
in tin-
youngest and
fair-
Dominion. To these citizen-sold
gallantly took up arms at their country's call this

tends the fullest meed of gratitude, and
members of ur own body, who fought
so nobly, and whr.se deeds have been heralded

land,
<
all
thmughpay a tribute of
'ie valor
they have shown in defend
our
hearths and homes, facing
danger,
we
desire
-pet -ially
lute courage, the
to
heritage of those who,

themselves worthy
iowri
in the
n-
land beyond
mournful
lot
jng the
til
were
TALKS WITH VJtAFTSMEV.
42
many
Craftsmen.
To some
the gavel of death came not

of peace, but
amid
of these, the dread
among
the- clash of
arms.
The deadly
aimed by rebel hands, sent them to a
They gave
sound
ol
the pleasant works
their lives to their country.
bullet,
soldier's grave.
Among them was
W. Kippen, over whose body our last sad

were performed by the W. M. of Lodge No. 14,
Perth, in the presence of hundreds of Craftsmen, and a
our brother, A.
rites
large concourse of citizens.

ories of those
who have
the tender tribute of
Let us treasure the
mem-
and lay upon their tombs

a Mason's grief, and to those whom
fallen,
they have left behind let us extend the firm hand of a

Mason's fellowship, and shield with our Order's protect-
*******
ing wing the
widowed mother and the orphan
Others have been taken from our ranks.
child.
The voice that
greeted us when last we met we shall hear no more.

Hands that clasped ours are cold in death, and he who
was our
friend has passed over to the Great Beyond.
They
known to a great many of us. Let their

a
monument to their memory, and an indeeds
be
good
centive to those of us who are left behind to carry out
were brethren
the good work which they were so wont to encourage

and eager to advance." Extract from the Report on the
Condition of Craft Masonry, Grand Lodge of Canada,
Hamilton, 1885.
"
Death's grim banner has again invaded our Preceptcries and summoned some dear to us, to take their places
on that
lone couch and everlasting sleep.'
May we
ever
TA LKH
\Vl Tlf
'ItA
FT* MEN.
43
happy days when they
cherish the recollection of the
aided us with their voice and inspired us with their zeal,

let their withdrawal from all earthly scenes be to us
and
a talisman that shall keep us loyal to truth, and active in

promoting the principles of our beloved Order." Extract
on
Condition of the Order of the TernGreat

Priory of
Sovereign
the
1885.
"
The shadowing wings
have clouded
of the death angel
who made
threshold of not a few of our brothers
with their voices when last
Our joy
mu'
lost in
is
we met
And
..ml XT.
of
whose
lingering with us
him who a
annual com-
in
sorrow as we hear our
the n aincs of those
ice
us
faces
we
so
seems the
still
short spacv aô eheered us as
if
were never to
idshi]i- of a score of years
the teaching of our Legend had no mean

new-made ^rave, we ivad our
nid around the

\ve
l.in
MULT our funeral ps;ilm-. and, as the earth
our
eoHin-lid,
fall
nd
l.rotli.-r,
who.
MHllfl
lyiii'_r
that
in
go out
must
all
1'V
the call of
Him who
îts
in
the ^lui'lev
wln-iv
sleep
tin-
^rief for
,,f
tin-
evergreensi
till
wakened
'his are
'
&d.
nid
\\
d
th.-v
hem
th.-
the
l.y
our
kindli.-s,
.n
wonder
1.
wiap
if
in
that
the Si!
\\
tl
lips, a-
44
Some were young
mantle of a Mason's charity.
in years,
down
before the day dream was realized, others had

carried the burdens of manhood, and in their prime, death
cut
knocked at the entrance
of their
happy homes.
Others, in
the mellow of old age have said good-bye to take their

Let it be our care to
places with the shrouded throng.
be ready for the messenger, and, while we circle around

our altars ask that as we hear the wail of the widowed
mother and the tiny
we
footfall of our brother's
learn well the lesson of the
Book that
teth his ear against the cry of the poor
cry himself and not be heard
'
'
'
orphan child,
he who shut-
and needy
shall
Extract
from Report
Condition of Craft Masonry, Grand Lodge of
Canada, Windsor, 1886.
on
the
"
From
the muster roll of our Chapters we miss old

Not a few from this Grand Chapter
familiar names.
have been cut down by the sickle of that great reaper,

who, without regard to age, garners the sheaves oft-times
before the time of harvest.
The memorial
our sorrow for those of our companions
tablets speak
who
rest in the
green fields beyond the shining river, awaiting the glad

reunion round the golden throne. They toiled with us
in labor,
and were constant and
sincere.
May we
not
we spent together, and as we

our
mission
out
may we extend to those our dead
carry
have left behind that kindly-handed charity taught us
forget the pleasant hours
in the
on
the
symbols we exemplify." Extract from the Report

Condition of Capitular Masonry, Grand Chapter
of Canada, Windsor, 1886.
\VliH CRAFTSMEN.
:,
"
The joy and pleasure uf this, our annual greeting,

are not unmixed with sorrow.
The cold hand of death
has beckoned hence some who foregathered with us one
We
short year ago.
we
miss their friendly grip,
look for
glowing with goodness,

Their eyes are closed, and their manly
their fraternal smile, their faces
but in vain.
voices
mount
Seeing
hu>hed forever,
is
;i
from that hand we cannot
of the Cross,
;1
of
an eternal day.
gon
heal the sorrow
see, they, like
have doffed their armour and
lain
slumber, awaiting the golden dawning

May the bright memories of the by-
n they gladdened us with their counsel,

nol hearts, cheer us as we
and help
;y for
whose
knight,
the pale steed, has ridden through our ranks
the vizored
for
to
keep us ever
>m
the
Report on
Temple
at
$<>
the journey's end."

oj
tJte
\V>ndsor IS86.
t
;tl
we must
all ol>e\
has dealt
during the year. While

n meet in fraternal counsel,
1
i-h,
!i"\v
I,
thi-y
we mi
but a
memory.
.rtain
wh-.
)l>elient
their
ijianioM
>.me whose
Qever outward
wa^
in-i
46
By the
daily toil, was for the good of the Craft.
Grand
Sudeath of Ex. Comp. Joshua G. Burns, a Past
his
perintendent of this Grand Chapter, on the 28th May,

1887, we lost a companion, well known to the Craft not
only in this but in other jurisdictions. He was the intimate friend of many now sitting in this Grand Chapter,
abiding faith and love in and for our

Order earned for him in life the good-will and respect
of all.
Now that he has gone to that dreamless night
a
man whose
'
of long repose,' let us in our speech say of
him kindly
behind, let us
words, and, for the little
do what we are taught in the Legend of the Temple
Builder, shield them in their tender years, and help them
as they climb into womanhood to reflect honor upon him
ones he has
left
who, in the prime of life, has been taken

known.
"Let the memory

to go higher
to the shore
un-
many virtues inspire us

in our thoughts, as we move through earth's
awaiting the day when we too shall touch
of their
vast throng,
again the vanished hand,
now still
in death."
and hear the sound of voices

Extract from the Report on the Con-
dition of Capitular Masonry, at
nada,
"
Grand Chapter of Ca-
Broc/cville, 1887.
The Board
is
thankful that the Grand Architect has
dealt so mercifully with the
membership
of the
Grand
Lodge during the past year, and that so few of our

brethren have been called away to end life's journey, and
the dawn of
join the host that is ever pressing towards
TALK*
ITU CBAPTSM
It'
Km-
MI ii-.
who
thn>._
17
lia
into
on tin- leaves oi' memory

when they e;mmuned with
'I
the hours
words as we together plodThe memorial tablets in our
us with their
,
life's
past
mile
iitin^r tril>ute> to
ri
eh
lit
in
the
work of tliese brethren

ouwanl to
the
a time a-o. helped
us
when we
the
in
Rtport on
have finished the
<t
in
t<>
who
We
the
roll
one
form
bright
May morning, when
\ve sat in silence
which
.
'
no
at
dgn
was
Sir
ôiie.
-ilor
Vi<-.
1
and ene
and ga/ed
that he
ind
ug zeal
the absent
look for his kindly Lpvetin::, and
fr-.n:
iendly
and, with
call,
face,
so often journeyed with us in
that one
looked her
Ma*<>urij,
our annual
our
thought that some of th
the
listen
e of
L\i1f<
Toronto,
we have
1'V
shall
Condition
'.
ned
of the Craft."
Legend
the
.at
us
Kn:
of this
ilnited nnicl! 1'V his

iesa
<>f
have hern
unof
tl
hand
in
48
the Temple, but those kindred associations from which we

Of many now seated in this Great
receive support.
was the personal and intimate friend, one whose

cheery words and good counsel were like sunshine spoken,
for they were always welcome.
Priory, he
"
Let us treasure his memory in our hearts and with

our voice speak kindly of our Frater, who so short a time
ago was with us in the full prime of vigorous manhood."
Extract from the Report on the Condition of the Order
of the Temple, Sovereign Great Priory of Canada, Brockville,
"
1887.
The heavy hand
of the dread
angel
has again been
reaping in this field of Masonic labor. Some of those who

have helped in the forest, in the quarry, and at our an-
nual reunions, have answered the summons of the silent

messenger, and 'taken the path that man must tread, if
man would
when
pleasure.
It
ever pass to God.'
The memory
of the hours
their friendly voices gave us counsel, re-awakens
We
think of their genial faces and good words.
was but yesterday when they were
here, they
now
arc
companions have pierced the everlasting

mists that veil our view of the beyond, to realize in experience the truth of all that was taught them in the
not, for our
Legend of the Craft. This is the seed time,

and the harvest is sure to come to all. Let us emulate
lesson of the
the virtues of our companions who have so lately said

Good-bye/ and thus build a sure bulwark around the
'
friendships moulded in our fraternal gatherings.
May
TALES WITH ORA1

The
r
human
re
}!.
the crowded
in
tli.-
little
country village, has marhle tablets that look heavenward,

;>ed with the names of so many u ho, through the
Mid
1
plete,
and
wt-
join
and Chapter.
shrouded tin-Mi
tlie
when
in lol<l relief, so that

n
\\
>umi-.',
hind, that
id
the
did our duty."
lii'<
it
n.
w- earned
Extract fron,
U ur
>rt
on
Co
\V-- ai
;1
that
ti
of the
to
:<-aper
form
row
that
Time
OUT ran
l
we
our
with us
at
iveol-
our
shall
noet
the
ll|>l
ith
TALKS WITR CRAFTSMEN.
50
tract
of the
Report on the Condition of the Order

Temple, Sovereign Great Priory of Canada, Tothe
from
ronto, 1888.
"
While we
summary
and word
rejoice in prosperity,
we cannot
close our
of this year's labor without a kindly thought

for those
who
were, but are not, who, a year
ago, counselled with us in all the activities of Craft life.

As a fitting sequence to this annual review, we may pause
who gladdened us
with their greeting in days gone by, but who have hastenWe raise our
ed on to answer the voice we cannot hear.
to recall the earnest endeavors of those
and read the names of those whose

we prized in life, and still we
kindliness
and
friendship
scarce realize the grim truth that they no longer interchange a friendly word, or greet us with the welcome and
memorial
tablets,
well remembered voice.
Even
to a second call
We
sorrow as
no answer
is
we
call
the
roll.
returned, and then
memory turns to that day not so long ago when we

stood on the grassy coverlet of the little country churchthe sound of mattocked clay, forever
yard, and heard
of him who was dear
hiding, as it fell, the resting-place
*
*
*
*
*
to us.
Prominent among those who have been called away,

we are reminded of many who were pillars of thought
"
and earnestness, companions who gloried in the work of

the Craft, and whose efforts were enthroned in a resolve
We
to hold fast to our sacred teachings in word and act.
all
miss
Henry
Bickford, a Right Excellent Companion, so
TA LKS
WITH
'HA
FTSMEN.
;,i
good, gentle and true, a prince in kindliness and friendship, a worth v Craftsman, honored as a man, respected as
umd whose grave the whole country-side
a ci
whom
and of
.ed.
Others,
too,
are
at
honored with our
'
naught but kind words were spoken.

and should be
their journey's end,

In Memoriam.'
#
i*
\Ve valued
We
miss their friendly

Our teachings were to them but primers of what
faces.
v Yiow know, for
they know all, standing as they do
<re
Him who
re
whose
their counsels.
tinal,
holds the golden
whose
deeds, and be firm
wn.
widows and
Let
in
us
helpless
think, hav.- a claim
derre*
idg-
are merciful,
>
and from
no appeal.
Let us hallow their good
our resolve t<> do right and secure
do our duty ly
ones, who, it
shielding
little
upon
us,
is
their
our pride to
and who, as they welcome
thank the day a husband, la-other, or BOD,

lit from
the outer daikilie
inner light of the Craft."

('OIK! if 'ion
of CnjiifHlur
M
To
Till';
MKMO|;Y OK
\YILLINO
i
MAY.
\Vo|;M-;|;
,;il.-
]\'
'Mil-:
M.
lUH,
I'.
i.\
'
ilptor
in
said
nn\
rilii,
52
"
The duty which,
at the request of
Master and brethren of
St.
Catharines,
your Worshipful
have undertaken,
perhaps not an unfitting sequel to the survey of Masonic

history with which I have endeavoured to acquaint you
is
You with me have been dwellers for

evening.
a season in the Masonic past, sojourners with our brethren
this
the olden time.
of
We
have for a
sharers of the joys, the sorrows,
little
while been
and the hopes of the early
Craftsmen and pioneers of our fraternity.
It is
eminently
separate, that we should do

honor to one of that willing band of workers who, when
fitting, therefore, before
this country
we
was young, gave
his ability
and talents
to
the rearing of the Craft Temple in the old Niagara Disa district sacred forever to the cause of the Craft.
trict
whom an ungrateful counin

to
unmarked
allows
graves, that the memory
sleep
try
The dead, to
of their valor is their only monument.
It
has been said of our heroes,
whom we
as Masons are debtors, live in the grand rewhich they were contributing in those distant
sults to
times.
participate
in
this last tribute of respect to
all the more willingly because he was

active and zealous in Craft work, and not only that, but
James Seymour,
he was a personal friend, whose advice I valued, and

whose many good qualities of head and heart are among
Standing as I do amongst
whose society he lived out his life, it would
be presumption on my part to attempt an enumeration of
my
treasured recollections.
his friends, in
his virtues,
and yet I feel that Craft work throughout the

was so aided by his efforts and counsel,
entire jurisdiction
TALK* WITH
th
that
our
Lite
no
he valued
will
when
the
in
by the brethren who knew

life, and as they read the
Order, and recall the
activities of the
will surely
stimulate them to follow the example
who was an
earnest ami active worker, a worthy
it
ft,
Canada.
in
brother
records of
bereavement, but a l<s to

This silent memorial of the
not a local
is
the fraternity
<'!;,\rrsMi-:\.
:'t>m;m
who,
the busy haunts of daily life, fought

down in the book that lies
in
the battle on the lines laid
Fr'm
ur altar."
<
the Sf. C<i/>
OPENING niK TORONTO MASONIC TKMPLK.
Al)l;i!SS
n\
1>1.I.!YK1;KI>
!.Y
ST MAY.
.SI
MKl.TINc;
1S-M),
I'LA^KS oF
Toi <>nto Freeti
'une, 1889.)
uple on Toronto-Street
la\ at
t>
WITH I.KCURi:
THK CBAFT.
was re-opened
innovation and elaborate decoration.

Miien were ]>re>ent and
lit
of
:iic
t:
For the oeca.Mon a
if
"
The
K.W. Bro.
follnwini: ad'li-
6
*'
\V.
on
lecture
livered by
11.
Hall Trust, occu-
<.flei'
\v
re,
that
becau
R. \V.
for the
nd although
have
TALKS WITH CEAFTSMEN.
54
deavored to cover the ground satisfactorily, it would have

been more pleasant for me to have had longer time, so
as to look
up other
ject that
is
especially
those
so
facts in connection
deeply interesting
living in Toronto.
diffident in being called
upon
to
I
to speak
with the suball
Craftsmen,
feel
somewhat
to-night before
all of iwhom
such a large assemblage of brethren, nearly
personal friends, and whose good opinion I appreciate to such an extent that they deserve the best that
are
my
can be given them in connection with the subject.

diffident for
other reasons.
whose presence
True, the brethren
am
with
am
favored to-night, may not be all

for
the
of
the recreated interior, but I do not
eyes
beauty
think I am far wrong when I say that they have gathered
I
here to see rather than to listen.
my
Conscious as
style of physical architecture
am
that
would not match the
magnificence of this apartment, it is with some little reluctance that I am forced into apparent competition for
your attention with the decorations of R. W. Bro. R. J.
Hovenden.
ing,
But
still,
had ample time
you have, no doubt, since the openview the elaborate designs and
to
of the artist, and I think I can say with yourselves that the Masonic Hall Trust deserve every credit
colorings
manner in which they have carried

There are two organizations in connec-
for the very complete
out their work.
tion with the Craft that I
am
always anxious to serve

one is the Masonic Hall Trust, and the other the Masonic
Board of Benevolence. I am anxious to serve these
bodies because the
members give a
large portion of their
TALKS WITH WAFTSUKS.

tune, without
reward, to the service of the
>r
!'*
I'raft,
and not only husband the resources of Masonry in Toronto, but see that the moneys entrusted to their care are
Although I have had the honor some
properly laid out.
am
,o of being the President of the Hall Board, and

at pi-eiit actively connected with the Benevolent
is not 8O much to put in a good word

honor the twenty or thirty brethren who
are associated with me in the work, and who, I am afraid,
n receive but scant recognition at the hands of
Board, what
for
say
i:
think that with regard to the work

the brethren of Toronto have little conception of
the Craft.
of relief,
the large
Indeed,
amount
of valuable time given
by the
officers
that Board, and the sharp and some-
whieh they are subjected,
to
eritieiMii
who
every brother
that
the funds of the Craft, entrusted to
of the
members
Board, can be
of this
There are no
without great care and precaution.

'raft
that are more
of both the Hall
Board and the
/animation of the
oiis
than
tin-
members
,-id
am
not -a\
'HILT
and
ibers of either of
latter
could be
when
state that no
refer
much
more
thanks hat
t
repay them I'm- the ran

the work, and requite their UOC
i
to
,re
a word too
to take care of those who,
it
i-
our prick
to think,
ould have the kindinectrd
with
ûeli 01
56
They
and true stewards, and discharge their

men and brethren, and have no right to be sub-
are faithful
trust as
jected to the taunts of brothers who, in the ordinary

business of life, would not criticise the work that is paid
for, as
they sometimes do this work, that
is
one of grace
and good-will."
Bro. Robertson then proceeded with his lecture, giving
interesting facts concerning the cathedral builders of the
early days, with the meeting-places of the lodges of continental workmen, who travelled from one part of Europe
to another in the erection of sacred edifices.
He
gave
Temples of Great Britain
and the continent, and referred to the earlier lodge rooms
and the places dedicated to Masonry in the United States
some
particulars of the Masonic
of America.
Interesting particulars were also furnished
of the meeting-places of the Craft in Toronto,
days of the old Queen's Rangers' Lodge,
met
in Masonic
communion
in the Old Fort at Toronto,
from the
when the brethren
in the little log lodge
down
room
to the building of the
rooms on Toronto-Street, at present occupied by

the Craft. The migrations of all the lodges from the
suite of
beginning of the present century, the meeting-places

where the old lodges were organized, and where the
early Craft Grand Lodges were held, were also described.
In the course of the lecture the speaker outlined the
primary causes which led to the inauguration of Masonry

and establishment of the Craft. Proceeding onward he
depicted the numerous difficulties and obstacles which
beset the Order on every hand during the eighteenth cen-
TALKS
tur\
iiiDNt
Toronto,
the struggles of the
which eventually
their present
p-itim
portion of the lecture \va^
ijit'Tr^tini;
of
i-riptitui
in
OKAFTSMSN.
\\iril
tliev
of arHuence
first
lodges in
triumphed, and reach* d
and prosperity.
CRAFTSMAN'S KVKNINC.
DAYS
IIIK
t
<>i
IX
THE STORY OF TH K
$,o
I.<)N<;
MASONRY
OLD
CANADA.
I'lTEIt
July, J8W.)
On Friilay evening, the 'JSthof June, 1880, the Masunir

.voiu\l with a large and
uplc on Toroi
nt audience,
recital of
J.
gathered together to hear an historic
Tpper Canada, from
>nry in
tl,.
Ross Robert -m.
til*-
the pivsL-nt time, by R. W. Bro.

I).-}iuty Grand Master of the Grand
Lodge of Canada, V. \\
\v. M.uflnnic
ied
;n
tin-
M. Morson occupied the
inder
with a resume
tin-
<>f
mythical period
iiixatinn
in
<;f
Kn^land
i
whose auspices
in
Craft-history
York
in
$'2i\
1717, with a
York, London, and
(Ju-
lian
He then ]rocMMled
life
1
iuda.
of the .larvis
322
tl.<
ig
t(
of
in
58
Grand Lodge
latter
"
and
finally
the union of the

lec-
ture,
said
of Canada,
with the Grand Lodge of Canada. After the

W. Bro. Robertson addressed the brethren.
He
W.
Sir, R.
W.
Sirs
and brethren
can assure the
brethren of Ionic Lodge, and the brethren of the city

lodges, who have been kind enough to favour me with
their attendance this evening, that I particularly appreci-
honour that they pay me in connecting the toast

The Most Worshipful, the Grand Master, and the Grand
ate the
'
'
Lodge with the position that the brethren have favoured
me with
in the governing
body
of the Craft.
that T do not indulge in terms of flattery

that our Most Worshipful Grand Master
I feel sure
when
claim
Walkem
will
compare more than favourably in earnestness, assiduity,

and faithfulness with any Grand Master who has preceded him in the jurisdiction.
It is gratifying for
me
to
proclaim this statement, as from personal contact with the

Grand Master, and actual knowledge of the feeling of the
Craft, as
tricts, I
conveyed
to
me
in a tour throughout all the dis-
can assure you that towards him the kindest and
most fraternal feelings exist. All know the deep interest

our M.W. brother takes in Craft work. (Applause.) He
is one who merits honor
by work accomplished, and in
any position he has held the same story can be told, that
and that he is resolved to
his heart is in the right place,
make
in the
his mission a success
work
of
Masonry.
by sincerity and faithfulness
He
has visited
important parts of the jurisdiction,
and
many
of the
only regret that
TALKX WITH CKAFTtM i:\."

while
lie
was
on his way t'ruui (iuelph he

His
remain and he with us this evening.
unable to
in this city
-ence was, h<>wr\vr, required in an eastern district to
perform the ceremony
laying a corner-stone, thus com-
of
I'.efore Grand Lodge ini

pelling his aUeiic,- to-night
ses making a tVw moiv visits to complete his
circuit.
For thcoilu
\V. Bio.
Bio.
urer, R. \V.
Mason, and the
).
>}.
officers, especially
Edward
Mitchell,
way, an example
nd good fellowship
h,;
that they d;
the
Grand
(Jraiul Tiva^-
both
a city, by the
:iilton
Craft
Grand
residents
of
of absolute
can say
he distinctive duties of their
offices,
manner, but with a personal intti

the work that should secure for them even more than
in a perfunctoiy
in
the ordinary
in
which we hold our (Irand

tie
ponmt
ild
om'<
of the most entertaii
of Craft
thought in theenthv
not forget the chairman of the

like
bi-rthreii
ird.
M.
fidelity to the
\V.
Bro.
work
of
ing
aidrd us in the ilistribution and allot-
do a very la
wrn- not tor the care with
are enal
lnd-d
amount
if it
which claim* an? emjuired

iayt-d
by the
be the
claim upon
M.\\'. Bio,
that
and the good judgment

and his cmiimittrr, we mi jht
into,
we
an-
t->
th'^
>
(
wlio ha\
us.
_'
concludefl with
me my
tour through
tln
jllst
60
as the M.
W. the Grand Master
does, that in the past our
lodges have not been dealt with fairly by Grand Lodge

and that by these friendly visits we not only en-
officers,
courage the active, but quicken the lake-warm, members

of the Craft.
For my part I feel that it is unfair to the
brethren, after showering rank, honour, and regalia on
those whom they select at Grand Lodge, that the recipients should be content with returning thanks, embellished
with
many
promises,
and then disappear, Jack-in-the-box
whole year, to re-appear at the next session,

where they probably want more honour, more rank and
like, for a
more
possibly
In the interval they do little or

bone and sinew of the Craft for the men
regalia.
nothing for the
whose hearts kindle with enthusiasm at the friendly

It was, therefore,
visit of an officer of Grand Lodge.
to avoid the
which
slightest
approach to anything like that
have described, and for the good of the Craft,
I have paid
that these lecture tours were inaugurated.
visits
to
different
of
sections
the
forty
jurisdiction, visit-
ing every district with one exception, and when I talk to

my brethren at North Bay and Mattawa I will have com-
work which certainly no Deputy Grand Master,

and possibly no Grand Master, has ever accomplished.
"
By this visitation a new interest has been awakened
Brethren who have been members of the
in Craft work.
pleted a
Craft for eight or ten years, and

little
who knew comparatively
or nothing about their Order, have profited
research.
only in
They have heard what
my
lecture,
by my
have told them not
but in addresses on Freemasonry in
(-1
and they now see the Craft in a different li_

.v brethren have been good enough to say that they will
attend their lodges more regularly, and do what they
general,
to help on the glorious

it
work
which should actuate
That
of Masonry.
who belong
all
is
the
to our fra-
was very much impressed with my meeting at

I
had M. W. Bro. General Laurie, the P. G. M.
Ottawa.
Scotia, on my right, and M. W. Bro. J. V. Ellis,
I
New
Brunswick, on my left two excelml yet as active in Craft

lent brethren, well up in
with gavel in hand, governing a
k as if
the P. G. M. of
-,
me
a large number of visiwho tiy, like our feathered friends, once a year to
climes that are most welcome, and hence even the cold of
I
_:e.
also
had around
our northern capital does not
represented all class.

willing to build railwax
L-t
views of
Their
>ne.
philoso]'
differed in a greater or less d.-gree,

.
ft.
Ottawa
on.-
whriv
oiii-
civil
and yet
government
were Ma-
all
the
tainly their
-pot
were after the
all
great lights, had

wish -tin- good of the
and, while gathered around
naught but one heart and
men some were

me would take
of
and
to bridge the Atlantic,
These brethren
them.
chill
work
vor in our live^ and
liece*
ii'-ar>
|'rii<--tion,and
praetire. not
peak,
.t
in sim-.-rity oiii
in
gay
mdrrd
M-
My
nan n- on
t<>
live
but. xtrik-
mm
;n
lit
not
"i
62
We
show an interest in our work that puts us

on a par with more extensive jurisdictions on the other
side of the line, and after we cast a retrospective glance
Canada
to the old-time
days we can,
think, look around with
the
pleasure, beholding in the lodges of Toronto and
brethren of Toronto, worthy descendants of the pioneers
whose lives were pledged to the work of the Craft.
"
No
one
feels
more than
do the importance of the

following men who were
I am
position I now hold.
blessed with natural ability, and
more immediately,
who
professional experience
reinforced
by an extensive
one,
?
possesses advantages that I cannot possibly attain. While

I willingly recognize their merits, I claim an equality
with
all in
gress.
my
love for and desire to see the Craft pro-
It is nearly a quarter of a century since I first
had the honor of entering a lodge room, and during that

time I have taken the deepest interest in the work,
whether
I
Grand Lodge, and

never wane; and my
in the private lodges or in
hope that
my
interest
may
only wish is that I may be spared to place in acceptable

shape the story of the Craft life of the past. Regarding
this work, my hope is that in the near future it may be
so completed as to be on record in our archives.
Some
brethren have asked me as to the form of publication,
and
as to whether
will be in
book form.
My brethren,
there are enough members doing business on the
square
without the Deputy Grand Master stepping into the
it
arena as an evangelist of commerce.
My
effort is
to
gather together the records and so arrange them that
TALKS
am gone, they will be

have
access to them and
may
ive all possible benefit from the work thus preserved.
"The meetings I have attended during the past six
either in
in
GRAFT8M
Wl'lll
my
lifetime, or after I
such form that the Craft
have given me an insight into Craft work and

have rambled over the entire
thai
ifying.
.ths
life
jurisdiction, and am convinced that there is as much fra'anada as there is in other

,ity and good-fellowship in
(
jini
My
world.
in the
experience in
my
travels
on this continent, and in the old world, shows me that Maossesses no peer as a social and fraternal organiza-
While kindred organi/.-uions may do good in their

;>ective localities, the bem-tit* of
Masonry are
so wide-
the fact that ours
is
the
one universal society, where the responsive heart of friendand brotherly love is exemplified and taught,
Be
-al.
initiates,
at tlie
.ntic
main,
it
-t
taken
in
slope
atfi
it
is
north or south, on the Pacific

the same.
our work
is
not confined to the
and although we have a large number of unwe have men all over the jurisdiction, from
i
t<-
nin-
Age,
who
attt-nd
our meeti'
.IV.
"
As you
are
all
av
nth.
ion.
age
On
tilt-
of
in-
have ouite a number
i.
biuthr!
that the
Anothrr
n in th-
initi-
brotliei- deition,
whieh
64
refers to the
from one
man
Another wants to change lodges

and in this case, as chair-
work.
district to
another
Committee on Redistribution, I trust the Mamap will not be disturbed. Another brother
thinks that where all or most lodges have concurrent
jurisdiction, the names of rejected applicants should be
of the
sonic
sent to both
an excellent suggestion. Another brother

Board shall contain the
desires that all ballots for the

full
number
of
names
at present a brother
may
for one, two, three, four or five, etc., for the Board.
other brother desires a

tion of officers,
and
vote
An-
new
clause affecting the resignaanother brother thinks all business
should be transacted in the Third Degree. Grand Lodge,

as a deliberative organization, stands well, and I have no
doubt
all
the notices of motion will be fully and freely
discussed and 'a true verdict found.'

"
We
think, congratulate ourselves on the

success of Masonry, not only as a social and fraternal or-
can
also, I
ganization, but also in the good \ve have been the means
of doing in providing comforts for those whom we have
a right to shield and protect.
We may
likewise put in
a good word for the General Hoard of Relief of the

United States and Canada, with which we are affiliated,
and which has materially aided us in detecting frauds

and tramps, whose aim is to impose on our charity. We
have in Toronto, by this connection, reduced ouii transient relief about sixty per cent., and in the United States
and Canada we have in three years caught about eight

hundred tramps and impostors. The good-hearted and

at the
65
Grand Secretary, R.W. Bro. J.

incident the other day which is
same time cautious
lason,
gave me an
worth repeating.
One John Tascar I think that was

upon Bro. Mason and solicited aid. He
name called
was admitted into the Grand
his
Secretary's office, and with

his face poured out a woeful tale
sorrow stamped upon
of poverty and wretchedness, asking for aid to carry

where he had friends who would
as far as Kingston,
him on
Step
'
to Montreal.
in, for I've
just
Bro. Mason reads
him
help
Well,' said Bro.
had a
letter
Mason, 'I'm sorry.

about you,' and then
John
'
Tascar,
Lodge,
age 40, height 5 feet, 11 inches, weight 170
pounds, blue eyes, etc., a dead-beat, a tramp and a liar
:
clerk,
'
unworthy of
son.
'
Yes,'
relief.'
answered Tascar;
ing towards the door,
following me. This

been read to me.
resumed
"
After
Is that you, sir
is
'and,'
'
asked Bro. Ma-
he continued, turn-
'
those infernal circulars are

always
the third time that circular thing has
Good morning.'
Bro.
Mason smiled
labour.
lecture at Guelph, I was a listener to the

a story, the accuracy and absolute truth of
my
recital of
which are vouched for by R.W. Bro. Donald McPhie, of

ilton, and R.W. Bro. J. J. Mason.
''
At the
recent railway accident at St. George, thirty

minutes after the ill-fated train plunged into that al
scores of willing helpers were on the scene, eager in the
;1
work
of rescue.
While
party was srai,

hey heard a voice, ap;
amid a mass of flaming

i
at of a colour''!
mm.
on^,
willing for their attention
66
at once, in language that
Hands that were eager

were now
frantic,
and
is
dear to every Mason's heart.

few minutes before
to rescue a
in five minutes a coloured brother,
a dining-car waiter and member of an American Masonic

lodge, was pulled out of the mass of debris and car timbers of the wrecked diner,
to the glory of the Craft.
was going
and
lives to repeat his story
While
work
this
wreck, words of import for one in
distress, for
din and noise and shrieks for succour, he
had heard
voice
of rescue
on, a second voice shouted from beneath the
his
brother's
cry
amid the
who owned
for aid.
the
Quick
as
thought willing hands were at work, and Bro. George

Margetts, the conductor of the dining car, was pulled
from beneath a car door which pinned him down, and

over which streamed hot water from the tank of the
cooking range, which had fortunately fallen on the door,
for if the door had not protected him his death by scald-
A third man on being taken from the

looked up beseechingly at his
burned,
frightfully
Is
there
a Mason's lodge, or Masons
and
rescuers
said,
ing was certain.
wreck
'
here
'
'
Hearing the answer of a St. George brother

and lots of Masons,' said,
Then,
;
'
Yes, there's a lodge
thank God, I'm all right.' This poor brother, however,

only lived a few hours. Brethren, these are not stories
made up
a
for the sake of telling, but true as
thrill of
know what more
I fully recognize
me.
am
and shed
an earnest purpose through every Mason's
I don't
heart.
life,
I can
say this evening.
your goodness and patience
glad to be with
my
in hearing
brethren always, and I

hope that
cause, to aid
spared to do a
brethren in the work
may
my
In-
heart, so that, in the years to come,
brethren
I
did
my
little
<;;
more
for the
we have so much at
when I am gone, my
able to say of me that with all my faults

duty in this, the grandest of all fraternal or-
may be
ganizations on the face of the globe."
RE-UNIONS OF THE MASONIC PIONEERS.

One
the
of the happiest features of our lodge gatherings is

d re -union of the old members, the veterans
of the Craft who, in the early days in their lodges
were
active in the work, and wielded an influence that has
ntuated for good to their lodges and to the Craft at
Lodge at Hamilton,
lar^:
Lodge
at Belleville, have
all
St.
Andrew's at
Kingston, and th-
had such nirrthi--
Moira
\\itli
the
This annual coming together, if

>uld be made welcome to our
judi
i
age
at
who an up
years, and who, on
in
are
nt
accomr
p.-nnitted to visit a
the fatl
.f
,-ip
tin-
wh-i
and
,v
fruits of tln-ir labours.
enj
Tlirii
recol-
aud kindly approval of the act

in tli.M
pa wcmld have a
n tin-
membership,
lirin^.
and
1;
li-t
Make
tin-
014
68
ings interesting, and spice them with brief addresses,

The shadows are deepeninteresting to old and young.
home
the
of
around
of
our seniors in the Craft,
many
ing
and while they are with us
let
them know that they
are
not forgotten.
IMMORTAL IN
The
fear
is
ITS INFLUENCE.
sometimes expressed that the influence of
on the wane, that the summit of our growth

has been reached, that we are off the Craft line and sidethe Craft
tracked
men
is
among the
societies, associations
and organizations
same goal as ourselves, but

with more effective methods, which not only popularize
but enrich, and thus invite membership. To a certain
extent we are ready to admit that the position of the
of
Craft
ing
striving to reach the
not as strong as it might be, and still, all thinkthat while the wave of benefit association
is
men know
may not continueto gather strength on its way,

may soon be exhausted. It is claimed, of course,
prosperity
its force
that
all
these associations have a tendency to
influence of the Craft.
Is
it
weaken the
an irrational or unreason-
able claim, for we, in thus writing, desire to say naught

but kindly words of organizations that, for the time being
It
at least, are doing a certain amount of good.
be remembered that all benefit organizations are
must
kept
young and incoming membership. The old

up by
die
members
off, calls accumulate, at first few in number,
and then the increase is gradual. Members withdraw,
the
(59
and their places are filled with those who have either
come in voluntarily or have been canvassed for by
active agents.
even the success of
Still,
all
these as-
sociations has not militated against the Craft influence
that the apparent loss in Craft memberWe have

will have a beneficial effect in the future.
p
that we are making too many members and
indeed,
may
it
l>e
retion in
We do find that occasionally zeal
Masons are few.
that true
some of the
fields of
Craft work. It
onderful, indeed, that in the struggle we have even

our own, for we offer no inducement save the friend-
We win brethfellowship of social enjoyment.

ren to our cause for manhood's sake, for the reason that,
i
as
human
it is
beings,
part of our mission to do good to

fields of thought that are
our fellow men, to cultivate the
The
lying waste.
wide,
influences of
its pii!
It
the Craft are
world-
on both continents, the obliga-
"s no more than have a restraining effect on

youthful minds, is serving a good purpose. The
initiate,
unle
li>-
is
callous to the core, cannot but feel
a circle that possesses all the elements of

and religioa He cannot shun the influences that
!i
ail
where our teach ings are appreciated, and we vena large percentage of those
tur<
neel at our altars,
e
i
up
to
who
rever-
do carry away new thoughts

u.-r futuiv. and a heart
they are pledged.
laid
duwn
in tin-
70
A DUTY OF THE CRAFT.

LAYING THE CORNER STONE OF TRINITY CHURCH,
BLENHEIM, ON THE ?TH AUGUST, 1889.
(From The Toronto Mail.)
CHATHAM, Aug. 8. The ceremony of laying the corner

stone of Trinity Anglican church at Blenheim took place
yesterday with Masonic honours. The ceremony was performed by R. W. Bro. J. Ross Robertson, Deputy Grand
Master of the Grand Lodge of Canada. Rev. David
Armstrong, the Grand Chaplain, and about three hundred
members
of the Craft
were present, in addition to about

town and the surrounding
1,500 of the inhabitants of the
country. The Grand Lodge opened at three o'clock, with

R. VV. Bros. T. C. Macnabb, of Chatham, acting as Deputy
Grand Master, A. J. Anderson, of Ridgetown, as Grand
Senior Warden, and A. H. Clarke, D.D.G.M., of the
Masonic
District, as
ings were opened
Grand Junior Warden.
by a
first
The proceed-
by the rector of
The
the church, and Ven. Arch. Saunders, of Chatham.
Masonic
was
then
of
the
fraternity
impressive ceremony
performed by the officers of the Grand Lodge, after which
R.
W.
Bro. Robertson delivered the following address
Men,
mand
religious service
Women
and Children
Pursuant to the com-
M. W. Grand Master, and at the invitation

of you, reverend sir, and those associated with you
in
of our
this
work
of
works,
we
are
congregated here in

Grand Lodge to-day
to discharge a
members
liarly acceptable to the
an
duty that
of the
by laying the foundation
71
is
pecu-
fraternity
of
corner stone of
or
the worship of the omniscient,

omnipresent and omnipotent Father the Great and Glorious Architect of the Universe.
We, as Masons, regret,
edifice dedicated to
and
am
>uiv
with us in our regrets, that

so faithfully presides over the
will join
you
who
the esteemed brother
nty thousand 'raftsmen of this fair province is not able

to be with us to-day, for no one is more eminently worthy
(
to take trowel
in
so happily fallen
hand and perform the duty that has
my
to
lot
than
M.
\V.
Bro.
R.
T.
the Supreme officer of our great brotherhood.

a brother known to so many of you, a prominent
i,
is
and consistent member of your own communion, one to

whom we all look up with pride, as an exemplar in word
and act of the principles and precepts upon which our
1.
to e
lie
buting by
Words
fail
me when
endeavor
pleasure that we, as Masons, have in contria to

place as firmly as on a rock this
yet contain another of the ten thoufrom which will be preached " Glory to God
iall
sand
pulj.it>
iii'l
'
on
peace, good-will towards

kind an- denned opportune, by
'raft, to refer to the principle
earth
.in
this
:iud in doin.Lr
briefly
purpose to vary
out
the more imQg
nials of
ha\
Masons,
1
mel
72
this kind,
and
do so because by
many
the brotherhood of Freemasons and
its
outside the pale
mysteries
may not
be looked upon as happily and kindly as the institution

deserves.
From time immemorial it has been the pleasant
and agreeable duty of the Craft to take part in the laying of

corner stones of public edifices, thus aiding in the advancement of the public weal. Indeed, when we look back to
the history of early times we find that the corner stones

were laid by the Roman colleges of builders, from whom
we
claim descent, and these works were accompanied by

impressive ceremonies, and an ancient writer, in his description of the rebuilding of the capital of
describes the ceremonial, to
Rome, well
which that of to-day is similar
The symbolism of the corner stone
in import.
Masons
full
square
is
is
to us
of significance, for in its form it must be perNow, the

fectly square, and in its solid contents a cube.
truth.
to us the
This stone
symbol of morality, and the cube of

between the north, the place of
is set
darkness, and the east, the place of light, illustrating the

Masonic progress from darkness to light, from ignorance
to knowledge.
The permanency
of granite, this corner stone,
of this chiselled block
which
will
remain firm after
the building falls into decay, is intended to remind Masons

of the sure foundation of eternal life, the corner stone of
immortality, which survives the tomb, and rises triumphant over the grave. -And thus the virtues of a Mason
and of all men must stand the crucial test before being
pronounced by the Master Builder of souls to be materials
worthy
of that spiritual temple, fitted
"
as living stones
73
house not made with hands, eternal in the

heavens." For this work we feel that by right of heredity,
for that
we, as Masons, have peculiar claims. When we look down

the long vista of the centuries that have gone by, we find
that the early edifices erected and consecrated to the deity,
were
cut, carved,
and hewn out of the original rock by the
hands of the Monastic builders, whose work as sculptors

and designers we see to-day in the cathedral towers and
spires of continental Europe.
ceeded by
These
societies
ling builders, journeyed all over Europe,

in the erection of
tions of
science,
were suc-
the fraternities of stonemasons, who, as travel-
and engaged
In turn these associa-
sacred edifices.
men were sought
after by the learned in art and

and the operative feature became distinct from
the speculative.
the building of a material

temple, and devoted itself to the erection of a spiritual
one, and the working tools of the operative became
It ceased
symbols in the work of the speculative, so that what

1
workman
the
e masons,
in erecting the building aids us, as
in directing the
mental
faculties,
and im-
proving the mind that the Grand Architect has given us.
H while the twenty -four inch gauge, or rule, the comn gavel,
calling, to
and the
chisel, are
for
into tW'
to
th.-i
it
workman
measure, hew, and shapen the stones,
these tools great lesson
used by the
we
in his
tind in
the twenty-four inch
sson of daily admonition an! inMrneminds tin- division of the day

if
and diivrts us
<-K vix
t<,
apportion thrm
labour, ivhv-lm
74
and
From
sleep.
without exertion
common
the
prompt
we
learn that skill
From
may
con-
the hand be not
in vain if
to execute the design.
perseverance
gavel
of little avail, for the heart
and the head devise
ceive
that
is
the chisel
we
learn
necessary bo perfection, that the
is
rough rock receives its line finish from repeated efforts

alone, and that nothing short of indefatigable exertion
can induce the habit of
and render the
virtue, enlighten
the mind,
might go on at greater length

and give you more extended illustrations, but time will
not permit.
Our institution is founded on the princisoul pure.
ples of brotherly love, relief,
and
truth,
which are built
upon the Scriptural teachings of Faith, Hope, and Charity.

Our brotherly love extends to all who circle round our
altars,
and
to
mankind
at large.
Our
relief
we
give, not
only to those of our brethren in distress, to the widows

ones, whom it is our pride to think have a
and helpless
claim upon us, but in cases where greater disaster has

afflicted the world.
Truth we exemplify in our sincerity
and honesty one with another, and in our search for knowledge. Our faith is in the mercy and promises of the Great
Architect
all
who
our hope
is
shall follow the
our charity
is
in that immortality, promised to
teachings
of
Surely an institution
command the love and respect of the

let me say to you, as has been said by
on the other side of the
on the
strict
the Master, and
and affection one to another.

founded on such principles should
in good-will
world.
Further,
a learned brother
and I divulge this secret

that
none of those connected
understanding
line
TALK* WITH rKAFl'SM

with the Young Ladies' (Juild of this congregation shall
flee to the telegraph office and wire the Grand Master
1
that Masonry
not, in the accepted sense of the term,
is
aims and purposes are very much the

same as those of the very church with which so many
secret society.
Its
ou are connected.
that
is
way
known but
it is
True,
we may have
a language
to the brotherhood, but, surely, in this
well to create union, so that
we may
thu>
enabled to do a greater amount of good. The piclx

that guard the outposts of our national militia camps at
London, Niagara, and other places in the Dominion have

and yet we do not for a moment
secret count
claim that an
army
is
a secret society.
No,
my
friends,
we justify our methods by
the experience of years, and

on the same principle that an organized army is better
than a mob, so we maintain that by union we gain
strength that enables us to carry into the work of everyiife the principles taught us in our lodge-room.
As
a fraternal organization we, as Masons,
may
claim honour
The best men and brightest minds of all

their names on our rolls, and her Majesty's
and dignity.
ive
the
Canada, Earl Stanley,
in
repi
Lodge of England.
'
rulers of the earth
have
laid
ivel of
together, and
;
kindly
sons,
I
am
in
member
kings, emperors,
of
down the kingly sceptre

W. M., which calls t!
to
our motherland the good Victoria has a

which all
v,
!'
aii'
isons too, an? bright
at'
The
is
have
and shining
Q
li.
ani
76
I feel that I
have your pardon
on
this,
which must be
a red letter day in the history of the faithful band of folwho watches over us as we
lowers of the Master Builder,
journey past life's mile-stones. This day indeed shall

carry with it pleasant recollections, and our hope is that
whether within or without the Masonic fold we may,
with charity to all men, remember as we open the Good

Book, which lies unfolded on your and on our altars, the
words of him who said
"
:
He
that shutteth his ear to
the cry of the poor and needy shall cry himself and not
be heard."
THE LODGE QUATUOR CORONATL

A PLEASANT EVENING WITH ENGLISH CRAFTSMEN
WORDS FOR CANADA.
A FLW
R. W. Bro. J. Ross Robertson, Deputy Grand Master,

while in London visited the Lodge Quatuor Coronati,
which met
This
pose
is
is
at Freemason's Hall, London, on Oct. 4,
of Masonic subjects.
bracing
889.
the literary lodge of Great Britain and its purto encourage research in Craft lore and the study
many
It
has a large membership, emMasons in the kingdom.
of the leading
Bro. William Simpson, the well-known artist of the

Illustrated London News, whose faithful pictures of the
Crimean war are so well remembered, occupied the chair.

Robert Freke Gould, the Masonic Historian; Col. S. C.
Pratt, of Aldershot, S.W. of the lodge, and many other
TALKS WITH
CKAFTXMl-.'X.
77
prominent students in Masonry \\vn- present, among whom

were noticed W. M. By water, P. G. Swd. Br., J. \V.
:
G.
W.
Speth, Sec.
Rylands, P.G. Sd.;
Prof. T.
Hayter Lewis, S.D.
W. M. Williams,
W.
H.
J.
Finlay Finlayson,
Also the follow1'urdon Clarke and C. Kuferschmidt.
Bro. J.
mernbers of the Correspondence Circle, viz.
Ross Robertson, Dep. G.M. Grand Lodge of Canada R. A.
Gowan, F. W. Driver, Rob. Roy, E. T. Edwards, G. A.
:
Nock and
Mackey, and the following visitors Bros.

and
Dr. B. W. Richardson.
egson
The London Freemason of Oct. 12th, after a few inJ. B.
trodrfctory remarks, reports Bro. Robertson's address as
follows
"R. W. SIR AND BRETHREN,
Words
to ex
fail
in being present with
the gratification I feel

my brethren of Quatuor Coronati Lodge this evening, a pleasure
enhanced by the fact that I have the honor of being a
member
of the Correspondence Circle.
The kindly words
and Bro. Gould inspire me with the

am at home, and assure me that, although
elf
feeling that
'>te
in
from
my own
jurisdiction, I
thought and speech,

:>ip
kh<MM
id
who
first
an- united to
Canadian
of
1,
1
,
80 mui'li
Yat'tsmon with that
the United
did
with
be present with
E?
received li^ht at an altar of th
Ixxige of the world
am with those who,

me by the bond that
my
of
postpone a visit to the

wrr and array ..f attrac-
lnvtlnvn of khk lodge

'
t<
mother
Grand Lodge
ht'v ai
who
78
those who, like myself, are delving into the

by-gone days of the Craft, to find facts that will give the
modern Mason a knowledge of the work of the veterans
newed
life to
of old, who, in the early times, carried the banner of the

in
Craft, and have planted it on the pedestal of victory
to
as
are
hail
that
we
a
of
the centre
proud
jurisdiction
Mother, where the pure principles of our Order are exan example to be emulated
emplified in the truest sense
by the Masonic world
We, as Canadians, are

the dear old land, and although
at large.
proud of our ancestors in

we inscribe on the banners which hang on our outer
walls Canada for Canadians,' yet for our kinsmen and
'
Craftsmen on this side of the Atlantic

Irish or Scotch
one
common
we have
be they English,
the feeling that
we
hail
from
stock, the subjects of an empire that
is
climbing up to perfection in art, science and literature,

having within its realms a myriad of Craftsmen loyal to
the old flag and faithful to the obligations of the Order
we all love so well.
"
My
visit
here this evening
is
indeed to
me
one that
will be long remembered.

You, W. Sir and Bro. Gould,
have said many pleasant words for the Grand Lodge of
Canada and for myself as Deputy Grand Master, and from
my heart I thank } OU. Indeed, I feel that I would fail
T
duty did I not convey the fraternal message that

send
to our Grand Master.
He is not personally
you
known to many of you, but I can assure you that M.W.
in
my
Bro.R T. Walkem is a brother whom we delight
to honour,
the unanimous choice of a thousand Craftsmen in Grand

Lodge assembled, an exemplar in his daily
sonic
Our
work
of all that should endear
(Irand Master
i
him
one whose endeavour
is
down
the lines laid
life
and Ma-
to his brethren.
is
to discharge
in the ancient charges,
and within a few months many of you will have the

Britain
pleasure of meeting him, as he purposes visiting
For the Canadian Craft let
luring the coming winter.
are
we
that
young in years and cannot
although
say,
look very far into the vista of the past, yet we have a
and one full of interest, and some day soon the
history
our story as yours has been told and so

told
by my friend Bro. Gould. We hope in 1892
to celebrate our centennial.
s
may
tell
In 'in
all
w-irk our desire
is
good
Masons one to another, and stand, as we
that
o to do,
to emulate all that
is
at the front of all fraternal organizations in
With 300 lodges and 20,000 Craftsmen in

the Grand Lodge of Canada in the Province of Ontario,
this world.
with
."3,000
with
tip
and 80 chapters, with a

Royal Arch V
we
ceptories and nearly 2,000 Templars,
lean cousins
would
endeavouring
LOU,
say,
hope
ijui--
as
making too many

Our mnnbership is aetivf, and by
all parts of the jurisdiction we
of grand
to inspire
much
members and
possible the mistake of
ts
keeping up
to avoid as
>
N who
al
6
1,
kindly word
to
the active Craft SMH-M, and
way and nred but
l-;id
tlu-m
an allu-ion toil
a In-lpin^
<
>ur
80
of relief pertinent to an application
made by a brother
in
and Bro. Junior Warden has used a term familiar

engaged in the work of relief, when he speaks of
distress,
to all
not encouraging the Masonic tramp/ We in Canada

and in the States have a peremptory method of dealing
'
with the tramp through the medium of the General

Board of Relief of the United States and Canada. This
is
composed of representatives from the Grand
and
local
boards of relief that affiliate in this
Lodges
association on payment of one half penny per head for
Association
the entire membership.

"
Thus, the Grand Lodge of Canada, with 20,000
When
brethren
who
mem-
are un-
pays $200 per year.

worthy apply, we take their names, ages and description.
This is sent by the secretary of the local board to the
bers,
general secretary at Baltimore, U. S.

sends out monthly to all subscribing
This
officer
then
members a printed
and accurate description of all the

tramps for the month. In three years we have caught
about 80() and in tbsLt time we estimate we have saved
the Craft, by our warnings, the sum of $20,000. We have
circular
with a
list
so
few tramps calling
now
at Toronto that
year to take the photograph of

to
keep as
him.
But
a souvenir of
I
am
'
'
we hope
the Masonic tourist,' as
wearing out
in a
the last Masonic tramp
my
welcome,
still
we
'
call
you are
so patient and appreciative that in closing, I know that

it will please English Masons to hear that in 25 years we
have expended nearly $200,000 in the
and orphans
away.
relief of the
widows
who have
passed
of those of our brethren
WITH CRAFTSMEN.
VN
my
81
brethren are sometimes inclined to minimize
The work
the influence of the Craft.
of
Masonry is, how-
best advantage in the days of peace

r,
and prosperity, but the darker the night of human sorrow the brighter shines the light of the Craft.
are
not seen to
its
We
in
i
of
we
our work, and
if
we cannot pour
the oceans of
into the lap of Charity, as the generous
we
Craftsmen
we
are able, and in our gifts

that each is an individual link in
give as
England
try to remember
do,
sum
ha in of Masonic endeavor, and that the

of good accomplished
creased
by our
is
increased or de-
faithfulness or unfaithfulness to the obli-
gati
<1
by the Craft,
into the
CRY Pi
when we come out of the winter

summer of Masonic brotherhood."
of
SONRY IN CANADA.
THE OUTLOOK OF THE RITE IN THE DOMINION OF

CANADA.
A
o years ago the writer published a history of
<>th
which was most favourably received by

on this continent and in Europe. The
chapter of the work, which emto the outlook of that Rite in
foil
is
ic
organization, as with other
all
itlook in
nit
Canada
of
<
82
perity,
and
as the Rite climbed into
manhood, many had
fond hopes that the efforts of its sponsors would be

crowned witn a long and happy old age. Yet it looks
if this view were
disappointing. The writer does not
volunteer an opinion as to the prosperity of the Rite in
any but the Canadian jurisdiction, and yet he fancies
as
that in other lands the Cryptic banner has been held to

the fore only by combined effort of sincere companions,
who, marshalled in solid phalanx, have nerved themselves

In Canada
to keep the organization in a healthy state.
in the early years its prosperity
was phenomenal.
As
to
a deep-rooted doubt. In this and other

not
only the Cryptic, but other complimenjurisdictions
tary or honorary degrees have had to contend with the
its
future there
is
competition of benefit societies, and the fact that Crypticism has not been in the van of success since benefit
societies
gained a temporary foothold,
is
evidence that
these organizations have militated against the Cryptic

ask ourselves what is the future of the Rite ?
Rite.
We
What
is
the experience in Canada and in the United
States
and we get an answer in one way and another,

not gaining that
history and the beauty of
strengthening the belief that the Rite

rneed of success to
which
a
its
is
Crypticism will always

have a struggle for existence. The primal degrees magThe Royal Arch
netise and draw men to the Craft fold.
its
ceremonial give
it
title.
degrees, closely allied as they are to those of the Craft,

have also an attraction for the young initiates. Tem-
plarism gathers in a goodly number.
The
Scottish Rite
TALK* \V1TR CRM-TXMEN.
83
has a limited constituency, but the Cryptic Rite seems to

languish, and in very many jurisdictions is only held to-
by the natural fraternity of men who cling to the

love, and have enough ambition left to invite others
CT
old
to take part in the
work
of the secret vault.
Companions
make
the completed edifice worthy

of those who a century ago sowed the seeds of a Rite that
has in it the germ of all that is essential to the comple-
are thus stimulated to
Royal Arch, with a beauty of ceremonial that

kens an interest in the minds of the initiates leading
tion of the
igher thoughts,
mation of the
the Cryptic
-onry
is
and elevating all Masonry in the estiand happy few whose names grace
select
The charge that

roll.
not an unreasonable one.
we have
too much
The Masonic field
Craft Masonry monopolizes the
ith degrees.
and ambition of thousands of men who go

Their fervor for the Order cools at the third
love, interest,
no further.
and hence the justice of the statement that we

making too many members and not enough Masons.
degree,
are
ce along the roll of the higher degrees
we
find
the constituency becomes limited and the interest

Those who do cling to the rock have too much
wan->.
le
to let go,
aii'l
tln-ir
enthusiasm kindles a flame in

k
alii
after
more
light.
Whether
and the Cryptic and the other
<e8 be enabled to stand
against the int

of the preoent day,
ated by the
3o far in
1
y-t
th'-iv
\\v.\\
is
prospects are
IM>;I M!V.T 1::
'li-
'
84
to this cloud of doubt
the day-dream of our lives
may
be realized, and a fresh interest, a new-born enthusiasm,

an inspiration for another existence, may be waiting for
thoso who hold fast to the faith, and feel that in the degrees of Royal and Select Masters, there is enduring
strength that can withstand the giant wave of success
which seems to attend those modern organizations,
planted as they are like pines in Southern forests,

over this great continent."
all
THE PAST OF CANADIAN TEMPLARISM.

THE AMERICAN AND CANADIAN SYSTEMS COMPARED WHO
CAN JUSTLY CLAIM THE TEMPLAR TITLE? THE
ORDER AND ITS FUTURE.
The following
son's
is
the concluding chapter from RobertOrder of the Temple, published,
History of the
The
reviews the past of Canadian

Templar ism, and compares the American and Canadian
as to the outlook of the Order
systems, with an opinion
January, 1890.
in
Canada
article
One ventures on debatable ground and
accepts a situ-
ation that has the merit, at least, of being aggressive,

when he undertakes the task of peering into the Cana-
dian Templar past, and out of the work of an organization, that cannot claim to have been an unqualified
Could we, with even the scant

knowledge of the student in palmistry, examine the
success, predicts a future.

Templar hand and
as they cro^s and
85
to a limited extent trace the life lines
recross in greater or less degree, it

us
a
fair
claim
to a gift of prophecy.
And yet
might give
we are but poor humanity. We air our opinions with a
self-satisfied
light,
we
promptness and
feel that,
are dictators of thought that
guided by our own

proof to
is
all criti-
and gradually ufive way and grudgingly give up

our vantage ground, and only smile as our critics lose
i.
maze
ves in the hopeless
of argument,
from which
have somewhat unwillingly extricated ourselves.

The history and origin of the Knights Templars have
n dealt with in the earlier chapters of this work.
The
ind
variance of opinion of dill- -rent authors is slight
are
so
marked
that
the
novitiate
distinctly
tracings
from a pathway that
is
brilliant
with
his-
toric truth.
While the connection of Teniplarism

onry
is
ii
modern
with
admitted, the fact stands in the forefront that
and Templars, while travelling to-day along

in
re
early times
far
&fi
whose hearts were

r
the
Pilgrim
1
Shrine,
only
saw
that
the tree of
mature.
l.eiiiij
apar
en<l<>v
the
I'larUm wav diverted, and

a
all
kiMu
<>\, r
ili,
Kniidith
alia
1'iilwai
tli.
In
p, u
(I
the
86
Proud in strength, it has gallantly resisted the attacks

of the aggressor, and in its march of mercy has carried its
eagles to victory, the standard-bearers crowned with the
laurels of a faith the flower of
spring-bud which opened
which bloomed from that
petals the day the Christon

the
Cross of Calvary.
yielded up
The writer has more than ordinary respect for the
Man
its
his life
men of the stamp and character of the esteemed and venerable Grand Master, M. E. Frater MacLeod Moore, a respect tempered with an admiration for
opinions of
tenacity of opinion which forces the conclusion that it is

not only well founded, but sincere. His assertion, proved
by the
light of history, of the essentially Christian char-
acter of the institution
is
of course unassailable,
and the
introduction of any degree not in strict harmony with

this idea is foreign to the genius of Templarism.
In the
United States, where the Order is open to men of all religious beliefs, a great organization is held together
by
fraternal obligations, analogous to those uttered at Craft

altars
and while the style and title of the Order imply
;
that
it is
built
system places
Templarism
on old-time
it
an examination of
lines,
in a different
its
sphere from that of the

and Canada. Its suc-
of both Great Britain
phenomenal, and in earnestness, energy and all the

contributing forces which may be legitimately used, it
cess
is
its ranks a host whose thoughts have been

taken from the Craft brain, that is really the fountain of
light which sheds lustre on every organization that has
counts in
any claim
to
Masonic fellowship.

This
is
the trend of thought one
is
87
forced to follow
Templar lore, and it

minds of the men who write with a
after a close reading of the tomes of

is
satisfying to the
pen guided by brotherly love for the world at large.

The Order of the Red Cross, with all its beauty of
legend and ritual, has no connection with the Order of
The Supreme Grand Master affirmed
the Temple.
and he
this
endorsed in his view not only by

years ago,
of
Great Britain and Canada, but by General
the Fratres
is
Roome, the Past General Grand Master of the Knights

Templars of the United States, who, in a letter written
Moore on the 25th October, 1888, says

agree with you that the Order of the Red Cross
should never have been introduced into our (Order) sys-
to Col.
"
tem, and cannot see any connection between it and the

Order of the Temple. It in no way refers to the Chris-
and should never, therefore, have been made

part of a system whose foundation is Christianity.
tian religion,
in this country,
however, believe differently.

with
agree
you that Templarism should
be Trinitarian, but there are many Unitarians in this
Templars
Personally, I also
who
are earnest Templars, and who find no difficulty in their professions of belief in the Christian re-
country
<>n.
It is not for me, therefore, to
sonal opinions, in view of the

I
am
fully
satisfied that the
ited States
mean
interpose
harmony now
my
per-
prevailing.
Knights Templars in
and
to be thoroughly Christian,
tli.
that
they will, under the influence of Christianity, to the uttermost of their ability, promote tlif happim^ an-1
88
welfare of
mankind and
unite Christian Masons in a
sacred bond."
There are
many reasons which

when
we endeavour, as
argument
step into the realm of

if
with a divining rod,
to arrive at conclusions as to the real difficulties in the
way
of perfect success in the
Knight Templar Order in

is peculiar.
We have
Our environment
not the pecuniary means which
the Dominion.
is
essential to a certain
extent in building up all fraternal organizations. It does

not of course necessarily follow that because we are not
gifted with surplus wealth, as are our Fratres across the
line, we are less contented or less happy, but the luck of
means has In a measure a deterrent

fore not a
effect,
and
is
there-
we have
a territory that
happy
Again,
extends from the Atlantic to the Pacific, without the
factor.
density of population that
is
such a material aid in carry-
Yet another reason may be

ing on fraternal work.
advanced in that we of the Dominion have an attachment
for
home
life
that
is
not to be found in other countries
Our American neighbours
outside of Great Britain.
live
more on the wing than we on this side of the great lakes,

and the craving for fraternal association is much greater
than with us. Again, may not the power of the Church
act as a preventive to the flourishing of
ism in this country?
Knight Templar-
a type of ChrisTemplarism
some extent secularized,
is
tianity in its fullest sense, but to
and therefore
as
it
comes into competition with the Church
an inducement
the Church
is
to
make
or keep
men
Christians.
too powerful to feel the effect of
Now,
any such

and Templarism
opposition,
Further, there are so
too
is
weak
compete with
and associations
to
societies
many
attached to the Christian Church that
89
leaves
it
men who
inclined to Christianity little time to indulge in
any
luxury as Knight Templarism, even were they not

ed with the rites and ceremonies of their religion.
In countries where the Trinitarian test
not a pre-
is
grand principles, and is

only an association for show and sociability. Unless a
man be an adherent of a -church which teaches the doci-ite,
Templarism
loses its
he cannot be a true Knight Templar,

view thoughtful minds concur.
this continent Templars are one in fraternity, but
trine of the Trinity
and
in
On
this
divided on a question that has disturbed the serenity

the claim to
thinking minds for many years, viz.
of
the
name they
it
that
the
is
argued from a
rejection
the
of
any claim they

Jits of the Temple.
at once,
which
bear.
It
is
Trinitarian doctrine
may
The
possess to call
British system,
almost similar to that of Canada,
in a modified form, of the
historic stand-
is
a perpetua-
Ancient Chivalric Order,
which accepted, as a cardinal dogma, the doctrine

Trinity.
The moment
ire
Bel
nd broom.- latitudinarian, that
we
of tin-
that for broader
a.sidr
moment
liave bitlierto borne.
\ve f.irtVit
If \ve
\v most abandon that

wli
to
br no objection to
ii
Mtry. but
i,ud
are
if
lie
90
In the United
be purged of all suspicion of deceit.
under
a
Christian
the name of
States,
organization,
has grown in wealth and numbers
are told, it discarded at its formation the
Knight Templar,
because,
we
ancient doctrine for the broad platform of modern repoints to its numerical strength and prosperity as a result of the system, but admits, at the same
time, that that system, called by any other name, would
ligion.
It
The question then
not, perhaps, be equally attractive.
has it a right to the superstructure while disownthe

foundation ? The two are necessarily inseparable.
ing
History settles that phase of the question beyond per-
arises
adventure, but, for obvious reasons, the distinction
conveniently made by our go-ahead
martyr De Molay's utterances before
is
The
neighbours.
the Papal Commis-
sioners, at Paris, incontrovertibly connect the
and
their faith.
"
Templars
God, in the
the other articles of the
I attest that 1 believe in
persons of the Trinity, and all

I believe there is but one God, one faith,
Catholic faith.
one baptism, one church, and that in death, when the soul
is
separated from the body, there is but one Judge of the
good and evil. This is my

the Order of the Temple."
belief.
Such are the words of the
last
This
is
the belief of
Grand Master
of the
Ancient Order, and by a singular anomaly, due to what

is popularly known as advanced ideas, his memory is
by men who don his garb and

but
to which he subscribed
the
doctrine
reject
badge,
with his life.
revered and honoured
91
perusal of old Masonic constitutions, their dates

extending over a period of more than two hundred years,
show that our brethren of the misty past acknowledged

belief in the
Holy
his
Anderson, in 1717, when he
Trinity.
constitution,
produced
and omitted
the
made many
Trinitarian
noted this and rebelled, but
radical changes
Brethren
qualification.
it
was not
until a score of
years had passed that their dissatisfaction took practical

shape, in the revival of the Temple Order, where they
taught the doctrine which had been recognized in their

lodges from time immemorial, and which was fully expressed in the opening sentences of the old constitutions,
"
viz.
The might of the Father in Heaven, with the
:
His Glorious Son, and Goodness of the Holy

three persons in one Godhead."
inin of
Spirit,
i-ni
claimed that this opening of the door of Templarto those who do not profess the ancient doctrine
y gather in
attracted
many
antry, and
par;;
time,
studmt
the
by the allurements
reunion
social
of history
but
it
of
deters, at the
who, without doing
could not ally himself -with so

That this is thf condition of
an
incongruity.
repellent
cnunfiit Masonic
affairs in the United States, many
violence
\\
rit* i>
f
au <>,
t<
his
ft
-flings,
The
have asserted.
"
in 1880, said
not to
in
lint
We
late Theodore T. Gurney, of

would advise our Dominion
hastf fora change.

it
rannot
l><-ar
jiipnp-nN
h a
ii"r
<
Mir
in>|>Ttion
system
t><>
mplf, l.ut it
ritnaK _îvinu
is
Ho^-ly.
is
'
only
>
any
92
The Grand Prelate
of the
Grand Commandery
Vir-
of
an address delivered at Richmond in November,

1870, threw a little light on one cause of the prosperity
of which our neighbouring Fratres boast.
He said "At
ginia, in
the close of the war the best of the Masonic fraternity

sought knighthood, not only on account of its Christian
principles
works
and high character for noble deeds and good

by union with those of
in the past, but also that
similar principles, they
might either
many unworthy who had

war, or reform them.
rid the lodges of the
gained admittance during the
The unworthy
also,
drawn by
the
name, history, and uniform, favoured by the desire for

numbers and the neglect of the officers, found an entrance into the Temple and assumed vows which they
could not honestly take, professed principles which they
could not comprehend, and entered on a professed life

whose duties they had no heart to practice. The Order
thus became numerically prosperous^ but the seeds of

death were in the breath that gave so large a life."
As an
instance of the extraordinary lengths to which

the liberality of our American Fratres led them, and in
support of the contention that in seeking to build up

the Order by numbers, we may leave it open to reproach
or ridicule, the following extract from the report of Frater G. B. Edwards, chairman of New Jersey's Committee
on Foreign Correspondence, in 1882, is submitted

"
It may not be out of place here to pen a slight memorial to a worthy Mason and Knight Templar, who as:
sisted at the conferring of the
Order upon the writer,
TALKS inn CRAFTSMEN.

I
member of the C'ommamlery. Of tin- seed

of Abraham, he was a Jew a Jew by education, a Jew by
One to be greeted
religion, a Jew in life, a Jew in death.
and who was
in the givat herealter,

:
whether met with in the bosom of
aham, or of the Redeemer, both of

of his nation and religi-
whom
on earth
and Master Hopkins of Pennsylvania, addressing the Grand Conimandery, in 1881, on the Trinitarian
"
I have always contended that our
qualification, said
:
Order rested upon that foundation or upon nothing that

our symbols, lessons and ceremonies declare our belief
;
all
in the
Holy
Trinity."
Many quotations, of a -iinilar import, taken from the

utterances of eminent Fratres across the border, might be
added, but the foregoing will be sufficient to show that
there is not that concurrence of opinion respecting the
Templar Order as a system in the United States that
goes to
:ay,
make a sound suco
-<.
Numerically, the Templar
outh of the lakes, was never stronger than it is
The recent Triennial
display at
Washington may
be adduced as proof of this. But take away the glitt.-r

of the parade, the seductiveness of martial music, the gregarian attru
would be
and the pleasurable reunions, and

left to fight the
good
fight, as
"
poor
and stay within the fort to battle

and unl>elief, with no reward but tin*
soldiers of the Cross,"
again
infidelity
'Kjusnestt of
t:
be
Teinplarism be
t" whir},
w- have
clung
in
94
nearly thirty-five years, and which fundamentally is as

pure as doctrine, teaching and history can make it, for
the
pomp and parade
to
which our American Fratres
in-
the future prosperity of the Order is to be

measured by numbers, the example of our neighbours is
cline
If
in our midst who argue that

can
Templarism
only be manifested in buildings of imposing proportions, where the ceremonies can
be conducted with scenic and musical effects, where drill -
There are those
before us.
successful
rooms and armouries will echo to the patter of the " goose
where
step," and the tinkling of nickel sheathed swords
;
halls will
resound periodically with song and
banquet
merriment, and where fraternity in its pleasantest and
most alluring form may be enjoyed at a considerable
outlay.
Having thus considered some
of the points that neces-
sarily have to be marshalled in review, in dealing with

the general history of Templarism, let us close with a
more particular allusion to the work in our own land,

which has to exist and quicken under native inspiration.
The Templar Order

and
tribulations.
in
Canada has had
Craft Masonry
was enveloped
its trials,
itself,
troubles
in the earlier
were well nigh

In the latter, the keynote of freedom sounded
fatal.
when the Canadians, after years of entreaty and appeal,
vainly sought the kindly eye and friendly hand-shake of
times,
their
in difficulties that
mother across the
sea,
a neglect that marks the cal-
endar of Canadian Craft Masonry, and
is yet fresh in
the minds of the veterans of the Craft, who, struggling for

a kind word from mother
without
avail,
lips,
appealed for recognition
had
and, driven out of the old home,
to
fight the battle of independence and saver a connection,

the continuance of which would have lowered forever the
vitality of
And
Canadian Masons.
surely the change
has been a pleasant one, and peace, prosperity, and friendship exist between ourselves and the mother from whom
<-ent.
The Order
of the
Temple
in
Canada had
its struggle,
when, pacing through a state of -dependence under the

control of British Templarism,
it
rejoiced in a
new
birth,
and became an independent organization, blessed with

powers of self-government, emancipated from foreign
control and influence, and governed with a view to the
In dealing with the
best interests of Canadian Fratres.

indeed, with
future of the Order
its
present status
convey an unbiassed opinion that may

be the means of refreshing the Templar mind, and thus
doing good. There are two courses open in the future to
the Canadian membership.
One is to adopt the system
our endeavour
which prevails
is
to
in
the United States, where, in a semi-
and military tactics

the hundred thousand
militant manner, ceremonies in drill
are
the mainsprings that
sword
bearers,
convene and
move
who, under the pseudonym of Templars,
vu- in >tivet
parades and exhibition
drills,
tain periods, in tru-nnial display.

If
we Uke
fall
into
the American Fratres as an
lin-
,r
Ili^h
example
('Imrdi bivthivn,
idling
of
\v- imi>t
who
tli
place
96
and show and parade before the practice of our teachings.

We would thus worship the shell and reject the meat of
the Chivalric Order, and our ritual would become an un-
meaning form, subservient to the pomp of ceremony and

The other course is to pursue the even tenor
parade.
of our way, abandoning the extravagance of ostentatious
parade, and adhering to the traditions and practices of
the Ancient Order within our Preceptories, drawing good

men to our shrine, not by the inducement of outward
show, but by a beauty of ritual and exemplification of

teaching, which may soften the heart and make us feel
we have an end
to serve, not only helpful to a

but
to
mankind at large. There are,
brotherhood,
great
other
however,
points to consider, in connection with
that
the position and future of the Order in the Dominion.

Some favour the centralization of Preceptories in the
larger cities
tories,
and towns, while others argue that Precep-
with even small
membership, located
in
the
smaller towns and villages, would be more advantageous

to the Order.
Those who advocate the
first proposition claim that the

of
the
history
Preceptories in the Dominion reveals the
fact that in the smaller towns and villages Knight Templarism might be more successful, and that outside the
large cities the Preceptories have not a vigorous
member-
Further, the position is strengthened by the consideration that the expense necessary to be incurred in
ship.
providing Preceptories with the paraphernalia and appointments for the work, could not be met by many
TALKS WITH CRAFTSMKX.
:7
AnPreceptories outside of the larger cities and towns.

other ground is taken by those who oppose centralization.
unfair to compel brethren desiring
admission to the Order to journey to the large cities, pay
They
assert that
their fees,
it is
and thus
assist in fitting
up elaborate halls
with handsome furnishings, while, at the same time, compelled to supply themselves, at a large expense, with a
semi-military attire and that it is doubtful whether they
;
any practical advantage from such a state of things,

or learn anything of the teachings of Templarism. One
prominent Prater, who advocates this latter view, mainp
tains that all the satisfaction the Fratres from a distance

"
"
is that a^
poor soldiers of the Cross," they can hew
wood and draw water,

imperious city Fratres."
phase of thought, and
is
as serving
This
brethren
for their
however, a pessimistic
limited and not general in area.
is,
Those who are against centralization argue that it would

be better to follow the plan of the churches and have
Preceptories in small towns and villages, as well as in
the cities, where the principles of Templarism could be
taught and the precepts of the Order exemplified with-
out the show and parade of those who desire a semiIt is maintained that if the
military organization.
were established
h good might be done
small
at
central points,
in a quiet, unobtrusive
man-
and at an expenditure proportionate to the purses

lembenhip,
ak-n and the c".

Tli.-
vrriter
\\\\<*
for
Ins
98
opinion only, and while giving a place to the views of

others, does not feel justified in advocating either of the
That the Order should be maintained
courses suggested.
as a purely religious organization, with the Trinitarian
test,
must be admitted
served.
That
of the cities
if
the present ritual
is
to be pre-
to
open Preceptories in any place outside

and large towns has been one of the fatal
government is a fact that is well known.

That even in the larger towns, it is a difficult matter
to secure a large attendance unless on special occasions
errors of its
that
it
would be more
in the interest of the
Order
if
work were exemplified correctly that the Fratres

should comprehend the principles of the Order, and the
nature of the obligation, rather than that candidates
the
should be brought in irrespective of qualification, only for

the purpose of enriching the coffers of an organization that
held together for the purpose of conferring titles and
giving rank to Fratres who wear the insignia of the cross,
without a just claim or title, must be admitted by all
is
who
will express
an impartial judgment.
must be remembered that while
It
in the
Dominion
the Order has not progressed after the fashion desired

by those who admire outdoor show, it has given no
In proportion to the Masonic memberhas shown an unmistakable advance, and although

spots have exhibited themselves at intervals, they
evidence of decay.
ship, it
weak
are not of a nature to affect the body.
If there is a future
great and growing country there must be a

future for the Order of the Temple, maintained ou the
for
this
WITH CRAFTSMEN.
T.lLKti
Templar system. To sacrifice a single

foundation would be to place the whole fabric
linos of the British

in its
in
It
peril.
now
rests
on the rock bottom of historic
provided there are none ambitious uii"Ugh to seek to jack it up with a framework of
\vhioh might hold for a time, but, shell -like,
truth an-1
must
is
tlioiv
>tay,
come down with a
inovital.lv
The
t<>
fatal crash.
not
nd future of Templarism in the Dominion

The views herein expressed are
doubtful.
iered
from careful observation of the situation and

ntured by Fratres
opin
Tho
who
are not indifferent to
of time
,IMM TOSS
|
which others may have
may
to record,
bring
about
but
there
if
be any question of the present stability and assured advance of the Order, it exists only in the minds of the
1
tendencies and -ympathios are in the direction
of d:
AN AMERICAN MASONIC PRKSKNTATIOY

On
3rd September, 1889, R. \\ Bro,

iimmoiiod from a iin--tin^ <>f tho (Im
of the United States. and Canada, to
Boa
A. M.,
Nr\\
die T.-mplr,
"f
ity
\\
B
ri
proxrntinu
holding a Mat-d
to \V.
Bi-o.
^'n^k.
1
),-i\
and
id
P.]
tin-
Tin-
Ige
and
ludô
loiiui
greeting accorded Bro. Robertson was most cordial
ili-
100
After the reception of a number of visitors,

Robertson, in making the presentation, said
R W.
Bro.
"
It is
when
always a pleasure to
me
to visit
my brethren,
in lodge assembled, but this visit has an additional
charm, in that
it
me
brings
to a lodge in a jurisdiction
own, and one that has in it many dear perwho have, in business and in Masonic work,
associated with me for the past twenty years.
I
foreign to
my
sonal friends,
been
confess I
am somewhat
at a loss to properly express
gratitude for the
privilege of being with you, and

the honor you have conferred on me, in asking that a
Canadian Craftsman shall perform a duty that could be
my
so much better discharged by one of your own, for oratory

and eloquence are truly gifts cultivated to a much greater
extent here than on the other side of the chain of lakes
that separate two great nations. Moreover, I fraternally

submit that it is rather unfair to take me from my duties
Grand Lodge Library and ask me to perform a

work that requires not a little preparation and advisement. When R. W. Bro. John R. Pope and R. W. Bro.
in the
me to this pleasant meeting I promptly

do not profess to keep eloquence on tap,
ready to turn off and on at the will of every brother who
comes along, even if he be the President of the Board of
Carter invited
refused.
Grand Librarian, and
Relief, or the
yet,
when
these
two
distinguished brethren, with a look of contempt and

scorn, expressed words of pity for a Canadian who is not
always ready,
word, made
I felt
my
my way
honor impugned, and, without a

to this lodge room.
You know,

brethren, that there
only two
is
truth in the saying that there aiv

in the community who can afford
men
classes of
Those are fooK and
an audience unprepared.
You know what
vlu> an- inspired.
and r.Ttainly you aiv
.fool,
101
to expect
what a brain
a \vaiv
from
full
of
in>piration can Lfive yon.

justified in taking thi>
feel
preliminary canter, for
around me so many exerllmt talkers that my conscience trlls me

must, to >a\v myself from undue critiI
ci^m. point out that the position
1
occupy to-night is new,
and
but
novel,
unexpected,
pleasant in the extreme. The
few minuted conversation I have had with Bro. Carter
to believe
to his trust,
that your
whose heart
and ambition are

Ma-
Pas!
is
a brother faithful
the work, and whose aim
to serve his brethren,
ition
my
part.
who have
l>elong
toa profession that never
tli<-
way
of
lil>el
suits,
not for the generous-hearted jurymen,
it
so ap-
cannot see him relegated

without some mark of their
-xcept in
estimonials,
whom
W.M.
in
his labors that they
ft-d
were
i>
had
the honor of appearing,
lately
would haveenough
left to
even put
and,
before
doubt
in a
decent
appeal ane
i
in your Kast to-night.

I ask, ho\\ \, r. no
hom.r than your invitation, the m-uv i-^p.-.-iallv
nit- an
word for
Opportunity "f
-
a Past
Ma-t.-r
Ilk.-
\V.
nheim,
I;
who
has been
wh-n
as activr in his position of

6 In-Ill
a ^;vfl in a
ate
tin-
<
woi
-.
of a'-tivi-
\\
hold that
and
we all
when
102
they pass through the chair, and continue to take, as during

their term of
office, a live interest in the lodge work, we

should pay them all the honor that men deserve, who are
Masons, not in name only, but who honor the institution
by standing firm
to its obligations,
principles in the daily
walks of
and following out its

We, on our side of
life.
line, have not the advantages in Craft life that you

have in the United States, with your magnificent temples, devoted and dedicated to the cause of Masonry.
the
Yet we have a phalanx of 20,000 Craftsmen, who are

earnest and sincere in the field of Masonic endeavor. We
have, on our
and, while
Grand Lodge
all
rolls,
a thousand Past Masters,
do not participate in the activities of Craft
life, a large percentage take a deep interest in different

branches of the work. You, brethren, must remember
we
and that, although we are

about
to
the
one
hundredth
mile-stone in our
just
pass
history, we have, owing to an environment that was unthat
are
young
in
} ears,
favorable in "earlier times, had to struggle against an adversity that would have shattered all our hopes but for
the determination of the pioneers
who saw
victory in the
far future.
"
To-night, too, I am pleased to be here, for the members of this lodge are descended from a race that is closely
linked to that of the motherland, from which we, in CanIn the past of Craft history the Fatherland
ada, hail.
takes not an unimportant part, and the shelves of

Masonic literati are laden with the treasure trove of Ger-
man Masonic
literature.
In our jurisdiction
we have

warms
hren whose heart

b
>n
the Rhine,'
wli>
/,
'The
to the notes of
and we have
is
103
one, at least, M. \V.
and whose
a pillar in Craft work,
en so esteemed that the Craft, with unani-
has honored him with the highest rank and

led him a front place in Craft councils.
For our
voice,
brethren*
have the most fraternal feelings.

flag, and yet, as Masons,
\\
not live under the same
we
bending our knee at the same altar, guidmiii-is

our
1mm
the same great lights, and aiming, by
ing
our work here below, to reach that goal where we shall
are as one
realixe the truth of all that
In
earner
galia
now
y.ur \V.M.
we are told in the legend

we have a bright example
of
our recognition of his worth, in the reel<>t lie him

with, is the best evidence that
your confidence in
B
him
is
unshaken, and that his pres-
a welcome at jour monthly re-unions that
will cheer his In-art, brighten

light,
are as
warm
lit
bis
and
Tin: annual ivuni-.n of
^nn ..us as
i
,!'
-J4th
i
Jan
which
lodge."
AT HAMILTON.
and
:it
Hamilton, was held
Adelphi
ever
any who
Mains'
KKCMOX
SCOTTISH 1MTK
mind, and make him
that the Craftsmen of
ai ti-d
assembled within the four walls
T11K
of
in
<
A-
that
>n
city
en
the
Kri-lny ev.-ning,
by
th.'
1,
104
ing members of the Rite from Canada and the United

States.
The
chair
was occupied by
111.
Secretary-General of the Rite.
Bro.
Hugh
Murray, the
After the toasts of the
Grand Commander of the Rite, and the representatives

of the Northern and Southern jurisdictions of the Rite
had been proposed and replied to, the toast The M.W.,
l<
"
the Grand Master and the Grand Lodge of Canada was

proposed by the chair, and responded to by R.W. Bro. J.
Ross Robertson, Deputy Grand Master of the Grand

Lodge of Canada. He said:
After the galaxy of rhetoric with
have been dazzled this evening, I think I may
Illustrious Sir
which we
be pardoned for feeling somewhat diffident, standing as

I do before an assembly highly representative in its Masonic character, eminently intellectual, and,
nature
and that
its
by
very
for a
is
something
do in these days of libels and libel
that in the vocation to which fortune has called
newspaper
suits,
I admit,
critical.
man
to
me, diffidence is a rarity, and that it is a somewhat arduous undertaking to justify the claim.
When I look back at the long line of worthy men who
have preceded me,
have some hesitation
in
assuming
the responsibility of framing a fitting reply to the toast
which you have so generously proposed, and which has

been so heartily honored by the brethren. I am, in
the
office
which
now
nence and renown,

sonic firmament,
hold, following
many men
of emi-
of the bright stars of the
many
men who have
Ma-
illumed the pages of pe-
TALKS WITH
rio liral literature,
my own
admit
In
to
in-titutiun,
born in
tin-
men who have shone
inferiority in these respects
is
I feel that
my love for and fealty to that

in truth the benefactor of the world
none
which
rother
enric'ied tin- press with its elever-
filled
political offices
I
lu,
in the forum, ami

with honor the highest judicial and
in the gift of the nation, and yet
while
ontributions:
men who have
ami
<'1!.\FTSMEH.
in
vny cradle of the race.

who was ever elected
to office in
Grand
Lodge had more reason for gratification than I had, when

on two occasions I was placed by the unanimous vote of
my
lirethivn in the second position in the governing
body
These tokens of regard have encouraged
and strengthened my zeal for Craft work and I
of the Craft.
me
en
not in hoping that in the work I have per

formed during the past two years I have earned the love
i
and regard
of
my
brethren of the jurisdiction.
however, as these duties are, they place
dons of perplexity, and to-night
Simple,
me sometimes in
am face to fae
with one of these.
Surely
it is
emii
my
ther,
duty to respond to the health of the

our Grand Master, and the body over
which he so ably presides, and

in a
manner worthy
as I did when
ii
form a
rt,
it-
of
first
my
I
only wish I could do so

theme. Indeed, I feel very
\t-ntuivd on the lecture plat-
ivmemU-r
how, with trembling

a return ticket, and change of clothing in mv
If on
th.mercy <>f tin- l.ivtlnvn in
\
and
t'i\vn>hij'
well
hcadi-d fur
tin- tirM
ni^ht
106
.stand, 1 felt
that I would be content to compromise all

glory as a lecturer for the certainty of get-
claims upon
ting out with
my
life.
My
mind reverted
to
an enthu-
siastic, though importunate and unfortunate, lecturer,

who on his first visit to a certain village was heartily
welcomed at the station by the omnibus driver, and a
was hurriedly escorted out of town by an

enraged Committee of Four Hundred. However, I am
tew hours
later
pleased to be here, doubly gratified because I am in

a city whose chief magistrate is from amongst our ranks,
and a brother for whom we all entertain the highest

respect and esteem, and one who has shown his ability to
hold the civic gavel, and govern the representatives of
the people in council assembled, in a manner that is unexcelled
by any other man
in a similar position in the
Dominion.
For our Grand Master,
can truly say that he dis-
charges the duties of his office in a manner that gives

unqualified satisfaction to the Craft, and I feel sure that
I
do not
flatter the
eminent brother when
claim that
dignity and deportment are characteristic of the

man, an exemplar for every brother in the jurisdiction.
For all the other officers of Grand Lodge, 1 can only re-
his
encomiums I have passed upon them before.

are faithful to their trust, and their attachment
iterate the
They
to Craft
diction.
work
is
bearing fruit in every part of the juris-
For the work of Grand Lodge, as a fraternal
and benevolent
institution, congratulation is unnecessary.
In no jurisdiction does a greater amount of harmony ex-
TALKS WITH ORAFT8MRN.

harmony ami good-fellowship,
hi respect tu
ist.
rther than
and
tiiv
your own
of
)irinciples
1<7
Masonry are carried out
.ample for
nrl
city, as one win TO the
tei
in their en-
other sections of the jurisdic-
all
tion to follow.
\\"e
stand in
the greatest
this
amount
on the upper
S.-ottish
of respect
Rite
and
say this with
and love
for Craft lodges
the physical
universe, the higher we get the purer the atmosphere, the
brethren of this Rite should be able to see, as one of the
brethren
ni
floor of
Masonry, and, as
in
-marked to-night, the great aims and objects

v. with the clearer vision of those who climh
the summits of the Alpine ranges.

We are
-life is full of hills to he surmounted.
rrow
that
While
1
all hill
The
valleys,
many, yet it is a comfort to

can
and
lias let a flood of .sunshine
Masonry
ienedhome and cheered many a wid<>>
vits,
are too
pleasant to contemplate past achievements,

thank (iod that in Masonry the forward look isstil!
it
i^
Pleasant
i-
it
to tliink of the time
mi of Masonic- excellence will he reali/ed

life,
to
climh-
when
iin-n
will
l.e
men, and
think that the huml-:

ean
ii
look
it
i-,
is
y-t
l.y
hasten the dawning
around me and
d,
when
the
in evei
\ -
morep,
faithfulness to
,,f
that
better
any hivthren who

pati-iarchs in
had
th
I'Mt
'lat't
\v
'
TALKS
108
five years' experience
CRAFTSMEN.
Wl'lH
in Craft work, possibly I
am
in-
truding thoughts which would come better from older

and believe me, I am earheads, and yet, my brethren
nest and sincere
should
we
not always remember that
we
are each individual links in the golden chain of Masonic endeavour, and that the sum of good accomplished
by the Craft
is
increased or decreased
by our
faithfulness
we assumed when we
world into the Summer
or unfaithfulness to the obligations
came out of the Winter of the

of Masonic brotherhood
A WORD FOR TEMPLARISM.

The aims and
objects of
other lands have endeared
Templarism are such as in
it
to
many
Craftsmen.
It re-
and has the good-will of all who

Masonic endeavour, and no reason can
ceives encouragement
work
in the field of
be advanced why, on Canadian
soil,
should not flourish, and shelter under
the Templar tree

its benign shade
the best and brightest minds of this young nation. If,

therefore, we have a mission, why should we not, with
true fellowship for those who are in kindred work, build
up an Order on lines that will make its foundation sure
and give us a front place in the ranks of all fraternities

whose effort is to do good, and add a little to the sunshine
of
life,
gladdening those
who grow weary by

genial
warmth
who
sorrow, encouraging those
the wayside, and shedding the

of brotherly love on all, whether within
or without the fold
T.l/.KS 1177
rXAi'TXMJ-:*.
//
SAVED BY A
10'.
SIGN.
and fellowship of Masonry are shown

many providential escapes men have had when
live* were in peril, or they were in sore distress.
Tin- fraternity
in
the
their
When
death has stared Craftsmen in the face, either on
some dire disaster, the

Mason has been often outstretched to*
save those who, by word or sign, could show that they
had knelt before the great lighK and been raised to the
th- Battlefield, or in the midst of
ndly hand
of a
sublime degree.
A story is told of an ancestor of Bro. John M. Cleof Niagara-on-the-Lake, which is of interest, although rescued fmm the oblivion of a century, by the
an old paper, a few months ago.
it,
Capt. John P. Clement, who died in 1844, was a revolutionary hero, a U.E. Loyalist, who fought in the war on
the side of the British in Butler's Rangers.
When the
iii'-i'lent
occurred he was in command of a company
and was fighting in the neighborhood of

ppewa, Ontario, between the years 1770 and 1776.
mpany had advanced and taken an out-
of Indian*,
the
post
i,
whin
poor prison
one of the enemy

The
Indians were about to scalp.
th.
.-ly
hand lielple^ from the

to
pay
able
t<>
Mow
of a
the
.'.
kni!
observed
Captain
ith
t-rnl.le
a
and with
stand,
his left
tomahawk, saw that he

penalty of Indian war-
powerful Indian, wh>-e k.-en

,.
With
wild
shout, the
110
American freed himself, and, seeing an officer crossing

an earthwork, and coming towards him, he hastily gave
the sign of a M. M., and appealed for protection, calling
on the
officer to
save
him from a
cruel death.
Capt. Cle-
ment took in the situation at once, and, with fleet foot

rushed to the aid of his
for he was young and active
brother, and as in the uplifted hand of the savage the
bright blade glistened in the morning sun, ready for its
deadly mission, Clement seized the strong arm, threw the
Indian on his back, ordered him
off,
and
calling
an orderly,
wounded man to a
was taken of him.
he was sent to his home in
improvised a stretcher, and sent the

farm house, where the greatest care
When
sufficiently recovered,
the State of
New
York, forever thankful that he had
knelt at an altar and taken an obligation.
SPARKS FROM THE ANVIL.

Some W.
M.'s
the ritual.
have just a bowing acquaintance with
They hardly speak
The W. M. who reads
as they pass by.
carefully the constitution,
may
be certain that he can govern his lodge aright,

In our work of relief let us remember that liberality
to the unworthy is a wrong to those who are the legiti-
mate wards
The work
less
of the Craft,
of
Masonry
sands of the desert.
prints
some men, like the trackThey march along, leaving im-
is
to
by the way, which are blurred by the
first
wind.
TA
WITH
L A'N
CliA FTSM
1 1 1
the lodge, listen to the work, and carry

>od impression.
nothing away not
They
sit
in
Time should point Craftsmen

the truth that the fleeting moments for preparation
\V- learn new lessons every night
are very pivcimi-.
warning
\\-e
meet
\\V are always learning,
in the
deep
of
liand
and ought
to be
still
mark* the
mine of knowledge, when the dial

and we pass to the land of the
of our departure,
-un, there to
il-plate
of
behold the Master,
Time marks many
The
rhanês.
from small beginnings, and over many

ri-i-n in its
might, and to-day can, with
iada,
ka
gratification. p,,int to a roll of lodges that will
compare-
with some of the best worked
unfavourably
Those who had the Craft in hand, in the
early dav^, scarcely dared to look forward with hope to
time when we should command, in the Masonic
juri-
and respect of which we have a right

jurisdictions can claim a greater
n influence
Few
;>roud.
and.
re
that
at the birth Qf ours had to sutler
motherland,
tin-
'ikful for the

r
considering
iiiei-d
in thi> iaan<l
that
by the neglect
we ought
to
be
has attended
tin-
j<n i^lictimi.
itli
in
who
those
th'-
sh'n-lils
the
('ral'tsman.
ft
deli
t
lit-
'.roMfn
held
n the
ah
work.
while he
A-;, in
fruit, his In-art
under ihe
|.
-ui'lain
the
112
The
principles of
Masonry are as bright and pure as

The work of Masonry is
the gems in a royal diadem.
regal in magnificence, and to exemplify
it,
as
we move
on our daily journey, should till our hearts with a joy

unexcelled by even that of the Queen of Sheba, when
she greeted the Mason King.

The Craftsman who attends his lodge meetings and
exercises the sense God has given him, by attention, not
only to the actual rendering of the work, but to

meaning, must come away a better man. The
its
real
life
of
Masonry
quickened by the earnest men, who, as the
work goes on, drink great draughts of knowledge that
should soften the heart, attune it to the better view of
is
and enable the pilgrim to journey with joy

goal where stands the perfect Ashlar.
life,
The charity
lecture in the primal degrees has in
well-spring of meaning.
is
to the
as bright to the true
Every
Mason
line
yes,
it
every word
as the sprays of silver
that glisten in the rock laden with precious metal are to

the eye of the prospecting wealth-seeker.
Who that has
ever listened to the Craft picture of charity can be weary
in well-doing
our pathway
The
enough to make us free and

we pass through this busy world,
Is it not
open-handed, so that as
may
initiate is
be paved with blessings.

welcomed into the Craft fold in the
morning, just as the dawn creeps up the eastern sky, and

he kneels, the circle forms, and, brought to light, he
The
greets those bound to him by ties of brotherhood.
as
meridian
is
reached as he
ascends
the steps
of
the
TALKS WITH
(.'KAl-'TSMEN.
113
middle chamber, and listen* to all that is told him ut' the
matchless pillars, through which the faithful worker
At eventime, as the
daily wage.
crimson sunset Hoods the west, and eastward the shadow-,
hi-
he
wlmwa-
midday, reaches
a tyn> in knowledge at mnrn and

inn-r circle of Craft life, and finds
l.nt
tin-
are
that tin- lessons tan-lit
and Hope
i'aith,
i
n.
who
afi
an unfailing spring that
who
to all
drink
its
waters.
can pass through the Craft and not feel a rewould be better without the fold.
w. d iv>pon*ihility
v teaching
in
.night
the
world,
ft
may
not have
h.-art,
lessons of
word makes
and should make men
think.
life,
but the
effect,
are like corn to the sower
grain brings forth a hundred, every
on the
The
he lo>t in men.
may
its
every
mark
Masonry
a power other than this whieh compels men to keep

lines, and restrains those who are inclined to
within the
we not rather think of men, as

and directed by the tenets of the obligation, and
ulcated, rather than that they are kept
on the side of right by fear of public condemnation ?
err,
but withal should
i-d
ity of
heart and speech

lo
cli
is
a virtue that
is
easily lost.
wrong, and, once in that path, we inlet us buckle on our Craft-armour,

.
common
i,
ood.
life
with a resolve to bet-
TALKS WITH CRAFT8MEN.
114
WITH A SILVER TROWEL.
PLUMB, RULE, LEVEL, SQUARE.
Corner Stone
of the High School at Meaford Laid

with Masonic Honors.
The corner stone
of the High School at Meaford was

with Masonic honors on July 9th, 1890, by R. W.
Bro. J. Ross Robertson, Deputy Grand Master of the
laid
Grand Lodge.
In addressing the audience of two thousand people
assembled, R. W. Bro. Robertson said
I can assure you
the members of the High School
Board of Meaford, and you, ladies and gentlemen, who
have honored this ceremony with your presence to-day
,
who had
it is
with pleasure that we, the Fraternity of Ancient,
Free and Accepted Masons, of Canada, in Grand Lodge

assembled, appear here in response to your invitation.
We are here to further an object that is dear to all
Canadians by aiding in the erection of an edifice, within

the walls of which the boys and girls of this fair Dominion shall receive that mental training which is to fit them
for the larger life, waiting for them at the end of their
A few years must bring them into manhood
school days.
and womanhood, and they will fall into the ranks of
agriculture, commerce or the professions, or, as wives
mothers, will do what they can by lives of integrity
industry to forward the cause of good.

Our fraternity
are proud to be here.
We,
is
and
and
as Masons,
identified with
WITH CRAFTSMEN.
-.
that
all
U-ii.K
Ma-on-.
promote the cause
to
view
\v
tin*
endeared to us by
cipi
ility.
public
!'
school as
115
education.
au institution
attachment to the Masonic prinFor, within its walls, as on the check-
its
ered floor of our lodge rooms, the inequalities of social

;
mon
and
\v
n,
and
all
meet upon
com-
level.
nd timely compliment to ask our

wa>
We deem it a privico-operation in this pleasant task.
it a
duty, to aid our fellow-men in this
rk, the
ocially as in the education of the
It
i.
country the fraternity of Masons
:h of a
is
peculiarly
d.
When we
look at the motherland across the sea in dear

>ly
tial
schools erected for the educa-
who have passed away.

nd Lodge of England, the most influenis of
any Masonic body in existence
hildreii of
an
Lodge of the world, has under its

and a girls' school, which have been
s.-ndmg into the world hundreds of boys and
Billed to tight the battle of life and
reflecting credit
the fathers and mothers of the land we
refi
(irand
the
care
MJ!
love so well.
com
In tin-
has taken
ft
to-day are aiding

of
in
can point to the interest

Many of our luu
education.
ruction of children
in
'
and
I
SLJO.
one of
0111-
Lod
orphans
my
research.^
in
iind that
away back
in
in
116
ancient town, on the shores of the Bay of Quirite; and

of a truth some of the brightest minds that ever graced
the bench or bar
And
come from that
historic section of
Can-
we not
look back with pride to the prowhich

made in Canada, from the days
education
has
gress
of the old log school, when the master supplemented his
ada.
can
endeavours to impart instruction by the aid of switches

or gads cut from the beeches surrounding the building,
down
to
magnificent edifices and perfected
this era of
methods of instruction
This morning
"
"
a copy of the
placed in my
grip
Government report for 1875-1889. The latter conta ns
I
It was enlivening reading, and, as

the train (you all know the train on the Northern Division of the Grand Trunk) leisurely climbed the Oak
the record for 18S8.
Ridges and crawled past the blue waters of Lake Simits way to your thriving place, I mentally noted a
few figures. In 1888 there were 115 High schools in
coe on
new schools were added last year. While

were about 8 800 pupils, in 1888 there
were 17,800, or an increase of over 100 per cent, in J3
Ontario,
and
six
in 1875 there
It is really marvellous the impetus given to

in this country.
education
When High schools
higher
were established, the sustenance was derived from a
years.
small government grant, with fees and voluntary support

of the municipalities for the trustees had no power to
;
tax the people.

Then, in 1871, authority was given to
the Boards to levy taxes, and county councils were
required to grant annually to each High school a sum
equal to half the government grant, and a few years
This
later, an amount equal to the government grant.
\LKS WITH. CRAFTSMEN.
/'
increased
^reat impetus, which was

the system of payment by
gave them
aid
much strengthened when

vincial
117
Mished in 1870, and the amount of proand county grants became largely dependent upon
who
passed the
This system of
was found to place the masters and pupils
attendance of those pupil^,

departmental half-yearly examinations.
tli.
mination
under too great a strain in the race for money, and the
plan of payment was modified. < )ne might have expected
the interest, but on the contrary, it steadily
increased, and the figures I have quoted are high testiv to the efficiency of this plan of education,
-e in
mine on the train to-day said that he

complaint made that the High schools
are for the "classes rather than for the masses," and this
charge is often made by people, who, if they had to rely
on their own means, would be quite unable to give their
children more than the merest rudiments of an education.
The High school is really the poor man's college, and
i
riend of
the
fun
or
Ins child,
at
nominal
whereby he can
the wealth!
himself to
fill
lan<!
the
true
rai-e himself to
and
effective
means
a level with the child of
nts in the community, and prepare

and to adorn the proudest position in the
work of our High schools is not to seplom tie- lo\v, hut to seek to break down
nut
all
even at his very door, either free
cost,
l.as.-d
hut lifting
Is
on merit, drawing not the

lowest up.
That the work
tin-
commends
i
l.y
its.-lf
the
generally
marked
which
to the
ineiva^c in
incn-as.-d
fn.m
118
$332,000 in 1875, to $637,000 in 1888, or nearly 100 per

cent, in 13 years, or $35 per pupil.
To refer now for a moment to the Masonic significance

of this ceremony.
The symbolism of the corner stone,
when laid by the Jiand of the Craft, is full of import and
and its permust be square on its surface and
in its solid contents a cube.
The square is to us a symbol of morality, and the cube of truth.
We place the
stone between the north, the place of darkness, and the
significance as regards its form, its situation
manence.
east,
In form
it
the place of light, symbolizing the Masonic progress
light, trom ignorance to knowledge.

a happy symbol. May it not be our idle
day dream, that those, who reach after learning within
the walls of this school may be taught to lead lives of
from darkness to
Surely, this
is
purity and morality, may keep the truth as a guide ever

before them, and, grasping the opportunities the teachers
provide, advance to knowledge from the natural imperfections of youth.
Ambition can
pilot
them
into paths
of knowledge, which shall lead them upward and on in

the journey of life.
use corn, wine and oil all ele-
We
ments of Masonic consecration peculiarly
fitting.
In
the olden time, in eastern lands, these products constituted the wealth of the people, the support of life, and
the means of refreshment, and the Psalmist enumerates
them as the greatest blessing we enjoy, for it is " wine
maketh glad the heart of man, and oil to make his

and bread which strerigtheneth man's heart."
We, therefore, use corn as an emblem of plenty, wine
as an emblem of cheerfulness, and oil as an emblem
that
face shine,
of comfort and consolation,
TALKS WITH
Before concluding,
tn
perous
of
opportunity
The
t<>\vn.
and the pleasure of
Ill*
be permitted, as a Mason
may
and native Canadian,
RAPT8MBN.
<
my personal gladness
the
citizens of your prosmeeting
Bfl of success on
every hand
to express
l>eing
a humble contributor to the
erection of such a substantial token of progress as this

Without invading the
building will prove, cheer me.
there
politician (and I believe

the platform) I may be permitted to
1
of the
is
one on
hope that Canada

has seen its worst days. For our country the forward
look is the brightest, and I know that you join me in
niT that any doubts and misgivings, that even in the
minds of a few may now cloud the outlook, will soon fade
in the bright reality, which must dawn upon this, the
and happiest of nations.
he close of Bro Robertson's address, which was
with great applause, Dr. Sproule, M.P., made a
complimentary remarks regarding the work, and the
iibly
A IJKD
LKTTKR KVKN1NG.
TALK OF DA
/
If
ll
\\'<l<-in<
iitilluit
\v
I!Y.
VM).
IV6
ble
"ii
fl,r
l)<
[mill
(ir<ii/<j
Civat indeed the attraeinduced
-urli
ni
three
hundred
Kridav,
120
the lodge-room was filled, by a

was uncomfortably full, and at this
hour the Deputy Grand Master was announced,
R. W.
Bro. John Malloy had opened the lodge in the first
degree, and despatched R. W. Bros. Murray and Mitchell
to receive and introduce the visitor.
When the formality of receiving the Deputy Grand
Master was concluded, R. W. Bro. John Malloy, D.D.G.M.,
stepped forward and welcomed the guest of the evening.
By
half-past
quarter to nine
eight
it
BRO. ROBERTSON'S REPLY.
Upon ascending the dais the Deputy Grand Master

was received with grand honors, and at the lose of this
tribute, R.
Words
W.
Bro. Robertson said in reply

my endeavour to express the satisfac:
fail in
and pleasure I feel in being present with my brethren of Hamilton to-night. In accepting the kind invitation of your committee to appear in Hamilton, I did so
tion
not only from a sense of duty, but from a feeling that I
had many warm personal friends

generous support, and endorsation of
twenty-five years of
my
whose
in this city
my work
during the
connection with the Craft, and

I have had the
whose gladsome welcome of me when

honor of visiting Hamilton, have left a
lasting impresyet in acceding to the request of

the committee I did so with great reluctance
not that I
sion on
my
heart.
And
doubted the sincerity of your welcome, but, knowing

that Hamilton, being a Masonic centre, possessed many
brethren well versed in Craft lore and literature and
skilled in
Make no
rhetoric, I
naturally
mistake, brethren,
dreaded
its
verdict
come here neither
as an
TALKS WITH
RAFTSMEN.
121
orator nor as an instructor to you in anything appertaining to the i-thio of Masonry, for amid the Gamaliels of
th-
Cr.it't
it
probable
indeed would be a very novice.

inl.
that among the veterans
!,
h'-re
is.
UK*,
it
More
whom
would more likely be in the way of
iving instruction than imparting, tor suivly this p:
most fruitful
.anvn acres of
whore I can gather information

ou can gather knowledge from the
As I previously remarked,
remarks.
fit-Id,
moiv ivadily than
my
was what
my
dreaded, for you may either seal

humble effort with your approbation or stamp it with
the
mark
diet
of your disapproval.
would not have one word
Hamilton,
tr
If
their hospitality to
occasion has been unbounded.
allow
me
the
well, a
kindness could silence
to say to
my
me on
brethren in
each and every
Just at this juncture
to say that with regard to a certain
unn
newspaper
m-wspaper anyway, the name of which it is
I wish it to be distinctly underto recall
am
responsible for its utterances,

I am a lecturer by profession,
lighter and Applause.)
an-1 mv relationship to a journal that has sometimes the
stood
that
not
say naughty things about Hamilassure you to raising the salaries of its
drawing the profits and paying them over to
id taste to
ton,
is
confined
who
jhti-r
and
called
in
to
defend
libel suit^
Aj.jila
bag
than
are
muiv
have
gratitude and gratitwice, by the

ln-ing selected
tin- Oraft, to fill the office of
iv;ix<m
in
inanimoiis voic-
fur
{'
This plra-uiv
is
OF
brightened by
I
have
VALKS WITH CRAFTSMEN.
122
honored above
me
my
deserts,
by
They have
my brethren.
many positions of importance, and I trust

and
when they crowned their kindness at
usefulness,
called
to
Owen
Sound, when for the second time they selected
to
the office of
fill
as a recognition,
what
Deputy Grand Master, it came

not so much for what I had done
had endeavored to
fraternity.
do, for the
to
me
me
as for
good of our great
(Applause.)
The honor conferred upon me has however brought

with it sometimes trials, tribulations, and in some
Of course to-night I am here to say
instances doubt.
work during the past hundred
about
Craft
something
years
am
here for the express purpose of giving you a
lecture in Craft history, but

trict and in other districts I
sometimes in
my own
dis-
am called upon to pay to a

Deputy Grand Master. A certain amount of haziness has always clouded my mind as
to what an official visit of the Deputy Grand Master
should be, and this doubt places me in peculiar straits.
lodge an
as
official visit
On
the other hand, were this an office similar to the one

was the active holder three years ago, no
There was no haziness as
such doubt would beset me.
of which I
to
the
duties of
the
Deputy Grand
Eleventh Masonic District.
and aim
(Laughter.)
of his official existence
was
Master of the
The
end
and in
chief
to find fault,
that pursuit I am told by my friends I was eminent(Renewed laughter.) Of course, in Hamilly at home.
ton, where, as I tell
my
brethren in every
lodges are models of unity,
district,
the
harmony and good work,
could have no reason to find fault with the excellence of

the Masonic work, but
in
my
old
district
where
my
\virii
r.i/./v'N
I fear, were
I to
stray up
would be a severe struggle
between the courtesy of the brethren and a desire for
Seance.
Really the duties I have to
(Laughter.)
in
with
mv office have not been of a
connection
perform
I have been called upon by
v onerous character.
official sanction and signature to ifive effect to the votes
>dge in assuring substantial aid to the widows
and orphans of our brethren who have passed away.
These cheques are not pledi^s of an empty sympathy,
career
ie
is
yet a living memory,
of the concessions, there
but render cheerful aid to the helpless ones whom it is

When I receive
pride to think have a claim on us.
Year and see the names of

dead
and gone brethren, and
my
strikes me that our Masonic dead
ffiee a
widows and orphans

i
my name
of
it
are not so far separated from
us,
and though they have
the calm of a great

ave they not left in their widows and little ones
a sacivd charge for tin- 'raft to shield ? I have travelled
bo
that
unseen
temple, to
<
mal
had the
juri
hearty
jurisdiction
and
this
have paid in two years.

have
hand-shake of brethren all over the
visit
and can substantiate a complete contradicliable or inclined to minimi/e tinam!
influence^
in
its
,,f
To my mind
Masonry.
beauty
in
the days of
he
I!
liidit
c'-nl in
'raft.
6
pn.j.
i-aft
li
of our
in
\
<
p.-
human sorrow
irket the ni^ht of
tO
(Applau
"II tlie hU-
troin the
di\\ n to tin- format
ln-în-
in
124
our Grand Lodge, and at the conclusion the brethren

will, I hope, have a very fair idea of the course of the
Craft in Canada from
its
earliest
days prior to the foun-
dation of their old Barton lodge, on to the days of 1855

and the organization of the Grand Lodge to which we
are
now
proud to belong. (Applause.)

The lecture, which lasted about an hour, was complete
in detail, embracing many interesting incidents and
reminiscences, which a Mason must hear to appreciate.
After prefacing his remarks by a retrospect of the early
all
so
history of speculative Masonry in England to its inauguration in Canada, the Grand M aster led his hearers on
more modern times, and discoursed upon the various

stages in the march of Masonry to its now prosperous
The speaker was given close and critical atcondition.
to
tention throughout.
In closing the lecture the speaker said
Now, brethI have endeavoured to
ren, this concludes my paper.
:
describe the activities of Craft

past century.
what
it
is.
You have
With
idle
seen
life
in
what
Canada during the

was you know
it
contemplation of the past I will
not occup}^ your time, still I think you will all agree
with me that this history of our Craft has not been an
While it may be true that our brethren

inglorious one.
of long ago may not have heeded the guide posts that
and have made their mistakes yet

they were earnest and sincere. In their own untutored
manner they strove to do the right as God gave them to
Their toils and their triumphs, their sucsee the right.
cesses and reverses, come to us as a lesson eloquent with
instruction.
Forewarned by their mistakes, why should
marked the way
TALKS WITH ('RAFTSMEN.

undertake
not
Manir
future
125
make
the present an example for

generations; adopt the truths of their
to
history, imitate their energy, so that our followers,
who
around our altars, and guided by the three

lights, may have imprinted indelibly on their hearts
-hail cirri.at
the truth of the good old story told in the legend of the
plause.)
TKim
When
I
Jr->.
Ti;s
THAT \\KRK TFNDKKKD.
applause of the audience died away, M. W.

P.
In order
M., rose and said:
tin-
''
Hugh Murray,
<
;.
thanks to Bro. Robertson, unusual as the

While doing so
resolution.
may he, 1 p:
-atisfaction
on
of
account
the movement
my
imnitt'-r that was
appointed for last December
to exprrx- "ur
11
in
to arrange for the celebration of St. John's Day.

It was
that our chief attraction was to be this lee1
tun- by
He had many
Kob.-rtson.
I'-io.
lectures
engaged
then, and had
many thousands of miles to travel, but even

minute we have been able to secure the best
at the last
Masonic history to which any of you have ever listened,

or in fact lead.
In moving this resolution
(Hear, hear.)
of thank^,
must couple the tribute with an apology. A

a
vi-iting Grand Lodge officer is of rare
vote of thank- to
in fact, almost without precedent

occurrence
for the
passing of a complimentary motion implies the power to
I am
satisfied, however, that
pass a vote of censure.
ill
brother
will
approve of the
as
motion,
ezpma
heartily
his
and
that
thanks as
(Applause.)
i
<
libaon seconded Bn>.
Mm
each
do."
126
The vote thus moved and seconded was carried by an

unanimous standing vote and the honor was supplemented
by an ovation.
"
Votes
reply to this offering Bro. Robertson said
of this nature are so often the rewards of unsatisfactory,
as well as satisfactory, effort that it is with reluctance I
Iii
place myself in the position of a recipient this evening.

If, however, the sincerity of your thanks is at all equal
pleasure in being with you, I cannot regard the vote as the hollow offering of formality. If
you are as pleased at my being with you as I am, then
to the sincerity of
we
my
are both a pretty well satisfied
community."
(Ap-
plause.)
THE BANQUET.
It was shortly after eleven o'clock when the lodge was
closed and the brethren called from labour to refreshment.
hall being much more spacious and possventilation
to the lodge, the atmosphere was
essing superior
more agreeable. The hall was attractively decorated for
The banqueting
the occasion, the ceiling and walls were festooned with

brilliant bunting, flags and Craft emblems, while the tables
as usual, groaned and sagged a little under the weight of
the luscious repast spread for the brethren.
Provision
had been made
for
250 guests, but the attendance was
much
greater than the usual prudent committee anticipated, consequently a score or more brethren were compelled to
there
enjoy their repast standing,
was no lack of refreshments.
which characterizes
fail in this instance.
but fortunately
The usual
liberality
Hamiltonian banquets did not

There was ample for all and to
all
yA
spare.
I.
Kx
was twelve
It
r Til
o'el.u-k
/;
,1
rr^MEN.
when R. \V. Bro.

and proposed the
1 1>:
M alloy
"
called the assembly t,o order,

Queen
and the Craft." The patriotic toast was honored with
"
"
Hod Save the Queen was sung. Bro.
cheers and then
"
Hannaford sang the Red, White and Blue," and Bro.
Beth une reeited "Down by the Rio drande." (Bret
liar
Ige of
coupled
names
witJi the
Canada," the toast of the evening,

of R. \V. Bro. J. Ross txobertson,
Mason, was then proposed.

"
In response Bro. Robertson said
Worshipful Sir
and Bn-thivn. -What can I say in reply to such a tribute
and
R. \V. Bro. J. J.
with the highest range of eloquence
re gilted
ould
satisfactorily express my
-ratrt'ulnrss to the brethren of Hamilton, for
my
fail
to
and warm-hearted
welcome that they

To tell the truth I feel a good
boy in the American humorist's story of the
The father saw that notwithstanding the
Btic
hav
like the
son looked glum and

questioned as to what was the
the banquet the
and when
1,
the
all
right
'
boy
but
Well father, the provisions arc

have to make an after-dinner speech toreplied,
Laughter.)
i
Possibly you are aware, brethren,

inner speeches are always delivered
the banquet is over, or
i
11
Lowell says, to the coachman on the
Renewed
as I
am
way
dr-ply grar.-ful and

nor of your token of loyalty to thinan
'.rund Ma>t-r would if lie
\\-.
know
<
can âv without
tin' slifirhtesl
128
of contradiction that
no better men ever held
office in
any
jurisdiction in this or any other continent than those who

are connected with the governing body in our own
Some of the most active
jurisdiction.
(Applause.)
are in your own city, (Hear, hear,) and the seventeen District Deputy Grand Masters who are doing
officers
work will show to Grand Lodge that the jurisdicYou have a corps of
tion has been pretty well covered.
officers who are men who desire alike to attain excellence
effective
and see the good work progress, because they are earnest
and sincere and love the work the great ends to be
accomplished and not as we find in some jurisdictions,
If I could accept your enthusiasm as
for revenue only.
a personal tribute to myself, rather than the position, I
would indeed be overpowered by the attentions of
.
my
Hamilton brethren, but as it is, the close attention and

evident interest with which you followed my remarks
greatly strengthened Hamilton's claim upon the gratitude
If I had the assurance that I have given
of your guest.
a
of
the
tithe
happiness you have given me I have
you
a
be
need to
happy man. In the lodge room I told you
the truth, but like many a good witness did not tell you
the whole truth. Wounded honor, brethren, was the
unwillingness to visit Hamilton. I
over Canada obtaining Masonic manuscripts to aid me in my historical work, and naturally
came to this city for some. I borrowed some from Bro.
actual root of
my
have wandered
all
Mason, our Grand Secretary, and just because I did not

I only kept them a couple of
said
he had no doubt I might be
he
that
while
years
return them on time
honest in every other respect, yet
when
came within

t
of a
it meant in my mind a recommandment. (Laughter.) Well, my
Masonic manuscript
peal of the eighth
character
129
at the point mentioned by Bro.

the best one I have.
Taking this reproof
may saga
Mason, but
it is
little
my brethren on Tuesday night in Barrie,

that their thriving metropolis could add to its natural
and it has many the artificial glory of
as a text, I told
There
raiting point in my career of crime.
three years ago I started out to talk Craft history to my
I felt that it was an experiment which should
brethren.
away from home. You know that on the slowNorthern

railway train that leaves Toronto there
tlying
time
for reflection time to become acquainted
'nty of
be tried
farmer on the line; in fact I think by the

time the train stopped I secured the right to have a vote
witl
in every constituency.
ed
(Laughter.)
out on a series of
This
stretched out into a hundred.
Well, as I was saylectures,

is
which has
the hundred and
and speaking to-night

immunity from
I
of
can
well remember
the vengeance
outraged audiences,
I
with
which crawled out of Toronto and
the olitH'h-nce
With a Wavy heart, a return ticket, and a
into r>;nii>of clothing in my valise I threw myself upon the
mercies of the brethren in the towns and townships, and
as I headed for the first one-night stand I felt that I
would be content to compromise all claims upon glory
as a lecturer for a certainty of getting back with my life.
,
with
and
tin-
tli'-y
are
still
going on
confidence born of prolonged
cannot say too much

Baking ^-riou-ly.
which I' have l>een n>cei\vl hy
1
vin'lly manii'-r in
;iii
jx'inN.
hi
"llr.1
OVer
.">,()<)()
130
miles of this jurisdiction, and have enjoyed the hearty

hand-shake, as I said, of one quarter of the membership
of the Grand Lodge of Canada. Everywhere I have been
have met with a truly Masonic welcome. The attendall meetings has been uniformly large and the atThe interest manifested in
tention close and intelligent.
the history of our glorious fraternity, and the attendance
I
ance at
of the brethren, lead
me
to believe
that I have, in a
humble manner, been the means of encouraging the active

and quickening the lukewarm brethren who were strangThis inward consciousness amply
ers to their lodges.
repays
me any
sacrifice of
time or comfort involved in
brethren of the Craft information, instruction,

giving
and perhaps entertainment. It would be perhaps unfair
my
and certainly unfair to you, to weary you with

more
remarks this evening. My endeavor is to do
many
for
the Craft faithfully and well, and whether
work
my
in the Craft, the Capitular, or in any other bodies, my aim
to myself,
advance the interests of the twenty thousand Craftsmen of this broad Dominion. My ambition is to serve
the brethren, and if I can accomplish one-tenth of all
is
to
which
it is
my sincere desire to
am
achieve,
willing to serve in
we may
feel sat-
position or capacity
that may be assigned to me, either in the front rank or
I hope to live to see an ever-growing
in the rear guard.
isfied.
any
army of Masons continuing the grand

mercy, and doing something
men
hood.
shall
summer
(Applause.)
to hasten
fraternal
the time
march
of
when
all
in the sunshine of perpetual brother-

A
The
STORY OF THE
WAR OF
old records are full of Craft lore,
131
181
1>.
and when the
his-
tory of these pioneer lodges is gathered and compiled, the

tsmen of to-day will feel that in their Masonic sires
had worthy men who lived close to the lines of

their obligations, and were worthy to wear the emblem
tlu-y
o!
purity.
facts gleaned and given me in this story are from

the lips of W. Bro. Thos. Clarke, of Waterfonl, a man
who for over half a century has been a member of the
The
and who many a time has heard the
tale repeated
Morris Sovereign, while that brother was in the
Bro. Clarke resides on Lot 8, Con.
prime of manhood.
v Twnship of Townsend. Other inhabitants confirm
:t,
bv
l>ro.
the truth of the story, and to the Craftsmen of this day

it will be an instance of the power of fraternal love in
the olden time.
mounted force of Americans, under Capt. DunMcCarthy, had marched from Detroit to Niagara,
burning the flour mills, which in those early days had
been built on the rivers and creeks of the country where
i
mil
Morris Sovereign's mill

water power could be obtained.
stood on the north side of the creek or river, which ran
it does now, through \Vat-rford, and on the site
The
old
man knowing
that the Ameriwere on the march, frit that his only earthly possession was in imminent ]>cnl, tor word had coin,- that
of
mill
.s
"yiiig all th<in
UV.t.-rn
-1'iini; da;
It
vraslate
flour mills situated
in the
afh-rn..
.n
of a
132
advance guard were heard at the mill. The miller and

men had for hours been carrying to places of safety
The old mill, with its two run of stone,
sacks of flour.
was complete in every respect, and some hundreds of
It was
pounds currency had been spent in its erection.
the mill of the countryside, for even in those days the
farmers brought in their grain, and either had it ground
into flour or received the market price from the old miller,
whose favorite spot and seat were just within the large
doorway that looked down the broad country road
which swept past the west side of the mill. Fond of
his old Dutch bowl pipe with its long china stem,
the old miller sat chatting with some neighbors who
his
had been west thirty miles to find out what the

Americans were doing.
They brought word from
that
fire and desolation had marked
Indian
sources
loyal
the march of the eneni}^ on their way to Niagara River.
The story of the scouts was hardly finished when a sweatcovered steed, ridden by a messenger of a friend of
Sovereign, from near what is now known as Tilsonburg, arrived, and his rider gave the warning that the
Americans were coming east. The little settlement
was startled, and yet not surprised at the news. The

men, too few to make defence, scattered to their farms,
trusting to the fortunes of war their fields of wheat,
nursed by the rays of an April sun that was fast changing the bleak landscape into smiling acres of green and
growing grain. The old man, quick of ear, heard a bugle
call and the clatter of horses' hoofs, and with a shout of
warning to his men, he glanced up the road, and saw the

advance of the blue-coated invaders, mounted on steeds,
133
which a few hours before were the property of

McCarthy was on a black horse and
many
of
loyal
Canadians.
As the troops reached the creek they

well mounted.
halted and half a dozen, dismounting, dashed into the
mill, tired it and crossed the creek, expecting to see Bro.
property ascend to heaven in smoke. The
the watch at the back of the build-
gn's
miller's
men wen- on
and when they saw the Americans ford the water,

thought they had gone for good, and with a few pails of
water and a couple of leathern buckets, which had been
left
behind by a military company on
cxt:
the tlames.
way
to Detroit,
in the
meantime
its
The Americans
had halted on the other side of the creek, and seeing that
the mill did not burn, a young officer, with six men, was
ba-k witli instructions to again fire the building,
and threatened that if another attempt were made to
would hang to the nearest tree.
it. those conc'-m-d
In a few minutes the flames were lieking the limbers- on
the north side
of tin-
building, but by the time the invadthe fire was again ex-
i-aek to tln-ir position

">
Sovereign saw
across the stream on their
-Mired
tre-
much
for
McCarthy, and in a
men dragged
A rope had
death.
his three faithful
way
to
and thrown over the branch of a massive

the hill at \Vaterfoid, on a spot that 18
>!i
it
followed
without
aii':
avail.
rope
llapti-t
<
'hurch.
and
tor their lives
The
old
man
for his property,
Ordered hy the horsemen to go back, he

the neck of a faithful neighbor,
around
and wi'
juickly giving him
iashed
in front
a si^ni of
of M<-< 'arthy
out:
di-tre--, called
134
"
lives, and burn all I have."

McCarthy
an instant the miller's action, and to the
great .delight of the captives, all of whom were Craftsmen,
and to the astonishment of the troops, shouted to his men:
"
Let him down, boys, and don't burn the old man's mill."
The invaders went their way, and for years afterward old
Masons who lived at Waterford used to tell the story of
an event that occurred in the lifetime of some of them,
and of the day of rejoicing in the old settlement, when
Spare their
recognized in
a Mason's sign saved, possibly,

and the old mill at Waterford.
much
WITH THE SCOTTISH

The reunion
of the
members
valuable property
RITE.
of the
Ancient and Ac-
cepted Scottish Kite in the Valley of Hamilton for the

year 1890, closed on Friday the 24th January. After
the standard toasts had been honored Illustrious Brother
Hugh Murray,
a model chairman in
all regards,
announced
the toast, as the Toronto Freemason of January, 1890,

reports, "to the three first degrees of Blue Masonry."
The
toast
was the Grand Lodge
the names of
111.
of Canada, coupled with
Bro. J. Ross Robertson, D. G. M. of the
Grand Lodge of Canada, and 111. Bros. Mitchell and Mason, the Grand Treasurer and Secretary, respectively.
The assembly sang " For he's a Jolly Good Fellow," and
"
greeted the Deputy Grand Master as he arose with He's
a Daisy."
In his reply
and Brethren
111,
Bro. Robertson said
Illustrious Sir
After the galaxy of rhetoric with which
135
we have been favoured thi> evening, I think I may be

pardoned for feeling somewhat diffident, standing as I do
assembly so highly representative in its Masonic character, and by its very nature eminently critical.
admit and that is something for a newspaper man to
do in these days of libels and libel trials I admit dirfi-
before an
it may be difficult to justify the claim, yet

down along the long line of those who have
though
when
look
me
I naturally have some hesitathe

responsibility of framing a reply. I
assuming
thank you for the generous manner in which this toast
1
in this office
tion in
proposed, honoured and received by the brethren

In the position which I occupy in the Craft I
l>een
am
men
eminence and renown some of the

have ever glistened in the Masonic
firmament men who have illumined the pages of periodical literature with its choicest contributions, men who
have attained the most exalted political andjudicial posifollowing
of
are that
tions within the gift of

I
this
young
nation.
Yet while
my own
admit
inferiority in these respects, I neither

it
ii"i yield to
anyone in love for, and fealty to, that
therhood which has been said to be the benefactor of
l>orn in the cradle of
the race.
(Hear, hoar.)
has had deeper cause for gratification and
gratitude than I have, for on two different occasions I
have been called to fill the second position in the governId.
bher
body
of
the Craft, and
lie the honour which

M]
on
m.-.
Hear, hear.)
have shown that
my
I
deeply
brethren have conferred
trust I err not in saying that
two years
throughout the
j"-rformel during the past

I
hi
of
my
brethren
130
Dominion.
(Applause.)
perplexity
and
on
Still I
have not moved without
occasions
many
felt
very
much as I did when I first ventured " on the platform."

When, with a trembling heart in my bosom, a change of
clothing and a return ticket in my grip, I started out and
threw myself on the mercy of brethren in the towns and
townships, then I felt as if I would dearly love to ex-
change
all
my
claims to greatness as a lecturer for the
certainty of getting back with

mind reverted to an enthusiastic,
my life.
unfortunate, lecturer
who on
(Laughter.)
My
though importunate and
his first visit to a certain vil-
was rousingly received at the station by the omnibus

driver, and a few hours later was escorted back to the
station by an excited and enraged committee of about
four hundred citizens.
(Laughter and applause.) However I am well pleased to meet my brethren of Hamilton
lage
to-night, as I have so
many
friends here, arid above all I
recognize the Chief Magistrate of the city as one of our

own. I can only assure you that, notwithstanding the
petty carpings of those who, while looking at his glossy

"
"
silken tile, sing Where did you get that hat ? (laughter)
since the day of his inauguration he has filled his civic
in an eminently acceptable manner, and has
the representatives of the city with charover
presided
acteristic and dignified ability. (Hear, hear.) As regards
the Grand Master of Grand Lodge, he has filled the duties
position
pertaining
to his office in a
satisfaction to the Craft,
manner that
and
gives unqualified
that I do not
I feel sure
eminent brother when
I claim that his dignity

are
characteristic
of the man, an exempand deportment
For all the other lar for every brother in the jurisdiction.
flatter the
137
Gram! Lodge I can only reiterate the encomhave passed upon them before, that they are faithtln-ir trust, ami their attachment to Craft work is
officers of
iums
ful to
Craft
bearing fruit in every part of the jurisdiction.
and
benefiis
as
a
fraternal
nerally
prospering;
cial
institution
we
think
require no congratulations.
the universe more harmonious
There is no
and prosperous than ours, and I need go no further than
this city of Hamilton in search of a place where the tenets
and priiH'ipI
eemasonry are carried out, not only
jurisdiction in
We stand
hut in the very letter.
(Applause.)
Rite
and I say this with the greatest
amount of respect and love for Craft lodges on the upin spirit,
in this Scottish
per floor of Masonry, and, as in the physical universe, the

higher we get the purer the atmosphere, the brethren of
thi> Kit.- -hould be able to see, as one of the brethren re-
marked
aims and objects of Masonry,

who climb the summits
to-night, the great
with the dearer vision of those
We
life is
of the Alpine ranges.
are all hill-climbing
full of hills to be surmounted.
The valleys where sorrow
are too
D
many, yet
and ha^
1
let
it is
a comfort to
know that Masmany a sadmany a widowed
a Hood of sunshine into
cheered and brightened
rt.
While it is pleasant
>till
thank lod that
I
<
it
to
in
is
contemplate past achievements,

Masonry the forward look is the
to
think of the time
when
the
lasonic excellence will he realized in every-day

wh.-n men will he men, and it is yet more pleasant to
think that the humblest of
us, l.y
faithfulness to his ob-
iiing of that
l.ettrr
day.
TALKS WITH CHAFTSMJSN.
138
When
me and see so many brethren who

Murton remarked, patriarchs in the Craft, I
a young Mason, one who has had but twenty-
look around
are, as Bro.
feel that as
five years' experience in Craft
work, I
am
possibly in-
truding thoughts which would come better from older

Heads, and yet, my brethren and believe ine, I am
earnest and sincere should we not always remember that
we are each an individual link in the golden chain of Masonic endeavor, and that the sum of good accomplished
by the Craft
is
increased or decreased by our faithfulness
or unfaithfulness to the obligations we assumed when we

came from the winter of the world into the summer of
our Masonic brotherhood
(Applause.)
ELECTION OF GRAND MASTER.

At the annual communication of the Grand Lodge held
at Kingston in July, 1890, R. W. Bro. J. Ross Robertson was elected Grand Master, and in acknowledging the
honor said
:
MOST WORSHIPFUL SIR AND BRETHREN,
There are
feelings, as you all know, strong enough to defy speech.

Standfeeling of that kind almost silences me now.
ing as
my
you,
do amongst so
many
personal friends and with

may I not be pardoned
brethren of Grand Lodge,
honor
unanimously conferred upon me ? The vote declared a moment ago crowns the many kindnesses it has
been my happiness to receive at the hands of my brethI can assure you that I do not take refuge in hackren.
if I
it
find
so
it difficult
to express
my gratitude
for the
TALKS \VtTH CRAFTSMEN.

when
139
words to exI
honor
owe
to you and
press my
I would rather let deeds speak.
the lodges you represent.
The office to which I have attained would be a lofty
I stand to-day
ûiniiiit for the most soaring ambition.
<1
phrase*
state I cannot find
appreciation for the
upon the threshold

ally pleased with
of
new
my
and while
duties,
my joy
am
natur-
tempered by
the solemn sense of the responsibilities that accompany
elevation,
is
the honor.
The
result of the election
another token of confidence
is
reward for the

and achievements that may have marked my record
If an
in the various positions I have held in the Craft.
honest desire to fulfil my new duties in the most acceptable manner as your Grand Master, will in a measure
which
always prize as a princely
I shall
efforts
qualify
me
for
end of
my
official
n.lship
and esteem of
sions.
thanking you.
(Loud
my
my
If
UK
brethren amongst my most

lips fail, my heart keeps on
IN
GAY ATTIKK.
'ii:\KK sro.NK <r

S<
THK
was
1,-iid
NK\V
Oct.
l.y
6 (if
tin-
M W.
llr...
I'UU.ir
BOOL.
(/',
fnrd
consider the
cheers.)
BRANTFORD
I.AYIN'.
then at the
their performance, I shall

term still be able to
in-w
.1.
puMic
ivio.)
scho.il
at
K..SS i;..l.,-i-t^.n, tin-
nada,
>n
th.>
I'.r.mt<
i:.th
iran-l
<
>ct..
140
1890, some 6,000 persons being present to witness the
ceremony.
As Chairman Grant handed

address of welcome, a
little girl,
to the
Grand Master the
Miss Leone Park, daugh-
H. Park, of Brantford, dressed in approved

grandmother style, came forward to the dais and was
ter of Bro.
lifted up beside the speakers.

In her hand she carried
a gigantic bouquet of white and red roses, bordered by
ferns, which she presented to the Grand Master, accom-
panying the presentation with a graceful salutation, and

as she stepped back daintily threw a kiss to the
assembled Grand Lodge officers.
In replying to these dual honors the Grand Master
"
I can only remark on behalf of the Masonic frasaid,
ternity, whom I have the honor to represent as their
Grand Master, that I thank you cordially for such an
I assure you that
enthusiastic and graceful reception.
the compliments are entirely appreciated, and the demonstration of to-day shows to all visitors conclusively that
the cause of education
ford.
is
a dear one to the people of Brantexcellent record in
The phenomenal progress and
such matters that Brantford has
won during
the past
years will not only be maintained but decidedly increased.

It makes
heart leap with joy to see before me the
my
assembled boys and
girls,
of this fair
womanhood,
pend upon it that
many
just climbing into manhood and

of ours.
You may de-
Canada
their record in future
achievements in
art, literature
and
show
and rest
years will
science,
assured, gentlemen and brethren, your visitors will retain

many pleasant recollections of this day's visit to Brant-
141
If the young lady who presented me

(Applause.)
with the bouquet is a fair representative of the femininity of Brantford, the girls of the other great cities of
ula must look to their laurels or they will be com-
ford.
pletely outstripped in the race for beauty

irman Grant then called upon the
and grace."
Grand Master
Miv>> the assembly, which he did as follows

IKNTU MKX, Perhaps there is no invitation that could have been offered me to which I would
:
LADIKS AND
<
more willingly respond than that which calls me here towith my brethren of the Craft in Grand Lodge as<1, to perform at the request of your Public School
Board, the pleasing duty of laying the corner stone of a
structure to be reared in the interests of true education,
>!
and which
feel
assured, from a
knowledge of your
prove a stronghold of intelligence in this
people, will
important and enterprising city.

nry the public schools of any country have a
In
relationship, sentimental, perhaps, but still genuine.
a tree nation the public school is the earliest, almost the
tin
her of equality.
It levels all ranks, and
tin
..op
aimed
the children of the rich and poor

life, and gather the knotv-
for the battle of
will fit them for their places in the daily

that engages the energies of all of us
in this
that owns no idlers.
Thus
(Applause.;
early
iiat
in
life
sov
l-am that merit
they
M<!
Canada of ours ithem to become examples
in
this lesson helps
this
at Province of Ontario can

I
truth
that in
tin-
t* illustrate in
then
do
in
the
iav lives
way
tj,,.
imparting of practical knowledge the
142
moral training has not been overlooked. It is rather a

coincidence in connection with this ceremony that during
my
recent visit to Europe
hours
since I
reached
indeed, it is only forty-eight

in Toronto
I had occa-
my home
along with some friends, to make an examination

some of the systems of minor education, both on the
continent and in England. From a practical knowledge
previously obtained by actual presence at school examin-
sion,
of
ations in Canada, I
am
satisfied that in respect to schools
which stand on the same plane as our public

in
we
Canada have reason to be proud, and can
schools,
ourselves
on the success we have attained.
congratulate
I
and
I say this with all due deferfeel
assured
Indeed,
ence to our English and continental cousins that the
in England,
youth trained in our public schools are in general proficiency and intelligence far in advance of those turned
out of what are known as the Board schools of England.
(Cheers.)
Ontario and I am glad to see on this platform to-day,

in Craft clothing, a Minister of the Crown and a man of
advanced thought, in the person of Bro. A. S. HardyOntario, I say, has not been slow to act upon a belief
that intelligence is the secret of a nation's greatness, and
statistics prove that no people have spent or sacrificed
more
to give their children the schooling that means

opportunity to them. Statistics as a general rule are dry
and uninteresting, but on this subject they are really
Since 1855 the total receipts

palatable and instructive.
for public school purposes have increased from $944,000
and the sum paid for teachers' salaries has

from $680,000 to the large sum of $2,251,000. Dur-
to $4,456,000,
risen
143
the
ing the same period the number of pupils attending
to
from
227,000
464,000,
public schools has increased
nearly double, and the number of school "buildings from
.0.
Further, since 1860, five years later, the
number of brick school houses has increased from 368 to
while the old log school house the typical old

building where so many of our ancestors became
2<>M),
with the rudiments of education, and were

has deto the use of the birch
introduced
perhaps
('!>!>
a
decrease.
to
401
most
1
creased from
satisfactory
In this connection let me say that a few weeks ago I
had the pleasure of meeting at Kingston Bro. Robert

a man
the oldest Freemason in Canada
trs, then
in
who if death had not called him home yes7'
hi istmas morning Jiave passed his
tenlav would ne\
>.
one hundredth
<
milestone in
life's
As
journey.
talked
to this veteran of a century and heard his story of early

in the first log school in the old city of King.
my
could
tell
heart went out for the venerable pioneer who

me of the years of 1799-1800, when the good
'han.
<>f
whose memory
will be forever
the Canadian people,

in
their
visited the
green in the
school and
primitive lessons,
with a
kindly look for those who did well and a word of advice
for those who perhaps had nt^leeted their home studies.
Wli'-n
our old brother, Cellars, I was shown

a young lady of about 7">
lii--'
his
his daughter,
l,y
garden
years of age, who pointed to her father, hale and hearty,
r
the native snil a* he had
spad'- in hand, tin;
the
N-UII.'
ârdrn
was a
plot
nearly a
man taught
in
century agothe
old
!>-
144
school, one
who
in the
dark days of 1812-15 shouldered
musket
in defence of his native Canada, and who as

a pioneer of Masonry for he was made a Craftsman in
1820 had carried the banner and worked for Masonry
his
in its early struggles in the days
and weary.
Grateful indeed did
when
the
I feel to
way was long

Providence for
allowing me the privilege of shaking the hand of this

veteran whom I did hope might be spared to see many
Christmas morns. 1 am digressing, however. In 1875
there were 10,000 children between the ages of seven and
who did not attend any school and I am glad to
twelve
learn that in 1888 this
number was reduced
to 5,744 and,
by
probably under 5,000. In your own
of
in
1849 you had only two teachers
Brantford
city
and 268 pupils, while to-day you have 30 teachers and
this time, it
2,443 scholars.
is
The
teachers' salaries
then aggregated
Am
I not right when

$500, to-day they total $10,000.
I claim that we have reason to be proud of our progress ?
(Cheers.)
The curious among you are doubtless anxious to know

why this ceremony should be entrusted to the Craft. I
can only say that from time immemorial, long before
practical
Masonry gave way
to speculative,
away back
in
olden days, when the colleges of Roman Builders

founded the great edifices, many of which lie in ruins in
the
continental Europe, it was the peculiar charge of these

handicraftsmen to lay the corner-stones and foundations
of public buildings.
In justice to these honest workers
me say that the weakest of their structures lasted
let
many
centuries
triumphs.
beyond the
life of
I say this with all
modem
architectural
due respect to the master
145
Our Craft has

builders of Brantforcl.
(Hear, hear.)
ever been foremost in aiding the cause of education, and
when we look across the sea and see such magnificent
Royal Masonic Institution for Boys
and the Royal Masonic Institution for Girls, supported
by the -teat and generous Grand Lodge of England, and
with tli.- records of the centuries behind us, Canadian
institution- as the
Masons may well undertake the responsibility of placing

this stone, as I have placed it, in the north-east corner of
this building, between the north, the place of darkness,
and the east, the place of li^ht, symbolizing the progress
not only of Masonry, but of education, art and science
from darkness to light. I need hardly tell you that
speaking for Grand Lodge and all its officers, we are glad
We might recognize this new building as a new proof of Brantford's enterprise, but the character of your city is already established.
(Hear, hear.)
The scenic beauty of its surroundings is matched by the
to be in Brantford.
and we can only hope that in prospopulation it may go on from strength to

Speaking for Grand Lodge, I can cordially
strength.
thank the School Board tor the opportunity of officiating,
and for myself I must say that I thank you all for your
attention which I count a rich reward for the labours
Loud cheers.)
of the day.
from the audience and especially addres-im:
'iir
of
its
people,
perity and
himself to the assembled Craftsmen,

said
the
<
Irand
Ma
i.
satisfaction
!!!
must
in
representative
also express
my
unqualified
.-mony attended by such a

You
gathering of the <Yafi.
i
1.46
know
better than anyone the import of the ceremony

which has just been enacted, and you can appreciate the
symbolism with the keen minds of Craftsmen. To the
outside world our ceremonials may be meaningless, and
yet I believe that as the cause of education progresses, the

intelligent men and women of the country will willingly
admit that Masonry

that our mission
the
is
the unvarying friend of man, and

the cultivation and improvement of
is
human mind and the promotion
the daily walks of
life,
and in
and good-
at our fireside
of fraternity, fellowship
will.
My travels during the past quarter of a century
have been extensive, and my experience in meeting the
intelligent men of this Continent and of Europe has been
that our fraternity is a grand one commanding the respect and admiration of the world and without a peer in
the realm of fraternal organizations.

It warms my heart as I see you, strong in numbers
and, I am sure, zealous in the work, aiding me by your
presence in the impressive ceremonial which has just
To have you here to-day is most encouragplace.

I feel more than ever a realization of the great
and
ing,
honor the Craft conferred on me when it selected me for
taken
the highest position in
its gift.
The welcome to-day has been a happy
one.
Our
Brantford brethren have given us a reception just such

an one as I would expect from the brethren of the 8th
Masonic
District.
work, and
These brethren are doing excellent
in their lodges
represent the intelligence of
this beautiful city.

I again
thank you for your attendance, and trust that

to meet one another in social and
we may long be spared
147
other gathering, and that ceremonies such as those of today may inspire you with renewed energy on behalf of
tin-
you belong to an honorable indoing a good work, and that your

other officer* and your Grand Master are
that
Craft. >atistied
one that
iti'n
nd
is
doing their dutv.
To the
(Cheers.)
bright faces
laddens
my
and welcome
is
of
as
Toronto,
shall
girls
in their
the thoughts
want
whose
to say
never be forgotten,
who
heart to see those
manhood and womanhood

mind
the
see in thousands before me, I
chf
that their
boys and
the
children
are climbing into
thousands to-day, and
that
passed through my
on my way home from the railway station at
saw the flag of our country floating from the
tops of the school-houses, in commemoration of a day

and gone, but a great day in Canadian history. Surely
j
was right when
I said
and
ever to repeat itself

that
on our
if
niggle for victory ever took place

at Queenston Heights or anywhere else, we
another
soil,
to myself that if his'ory had

I
hoped to God it never would
>t
look to the boys brought up in the public schoolhouses of the Dominion, to defend, as citizen soldiers,
ild
To
our firesides and our homes. (Cheers.)
day's proceed-
have given me an enormous amount of pleasmv, this

have undertaken
my of the kind
I
i.
will repeat the gift
tford that I
for
by
made
to
the
to the Central
Hi^h school
at
by donate four prizes to be competed

public M-hool M-hulars. the siiliji-ri. being
ficiency in
Canadian
returi;
hi<?
ry.
(Applause.)
to
tli>-
-in
a vote
148
was tendered to the Grand Master and officers

Grand Lodge.
In response, the Grand Master said
Votes of thanks
for discharging
a
Grand
Master
and
Grand
Officers
to
of thanks
of
while gratifying, are nevertheless out of

fact that no man ought to be
their duties,
place,
the simple
for
thanked for discharging his duty. In the present case,

however, I think it might be admissible. No meeting
of the Craft that I have ever attended perhaps has given
me more personal satisfaction than the gathering that
has taken place to-day. I feel assured it is similarly regarded by the other members and officers of Grand
Lodge, who have been present. In expressing this gratification I
am
concerned.
sure
I voice the
sentiments of everyone
It is particularly pleasing to
this the first occasion that I
me
Grand
have had the
as
Master, on
honour of presiding at a ceremony of this nature, to see
so many prominent brethren present, and the attendance
of such a large and influential assemblage of my brethren
will be cherished amongst my most delightful recollections. It adds zest to my cherished hope and well defined
conclusion
that
in the cause
of
Masonry the
interest
taken by the world at large is rapidly on the increase,

and it strengthens the view that I have held for many
years
that
in the realm of
fraternal organizations the
Masonic body stands without a peer.

The Committee of Arrangement has certainly performed
its duty in an exceptional manner, and although the time
for preparation on my part was rather short, having just
left
the deck of an Atlantic flyer racing across the ocean

its attendant excitement, it is surely sufficient to
with
149
justify even a Grand Master to plead that he is hardly

in condition to discharge the important duty which the
kindness of the brethren had imposed upon him. It was
particularly pleasant to meet as we have in Brantford,

an the speeches which were delivered to-day justify the
1
county were being
belief that the natives of this old
Brantford is situated in
red in a nursery of oratory.
a district that lives in the annals of parliamentary elonce in the speeches of Hon. A. S.
Hardy, Mr. Wood,
M. P.P., and Mr. Paterson, M. P.

The city of Brantford
not only noted for being the home of masters in the
is
art of
in that
oratory, but it is also rich in Masonic memories*

it was identified with the name of the first native
Canadian Craftsman, Bro. Joseph Brant, whose monuornaments your public square. Here also lived the
first Grand Master of the Order, in the person of William
t
Mercer Wilson.
will <lo
good-will,
I feel that a meeting such as that of toan incalculable amount of good in promoting
fellowship and kindness between meTi and
-
monial.
My
-milled to take part in so important a cereexperience in all parts of Craft work, cov-
quarter of a century,
iira
belief that the tenets

Miiiiand the
Each wa-
could desire.
.
>inreiv
It
in the
Lo<l-e officers on the occasion
is
of
duty faithfully and well.

and energetic as any Grand Master
ha- performed
a>
me
admiration of the world.

ml
;'
has confirmed
and principles of the Craft aie such
his
particularly pleasant to be with the
"f Uraiitford.
best of good fellow-
They were
There
ftT
all
ii"
we have warmer heart-
brethren and the
Draftsmen
for
in
the
than those of
150
the 8th Masonic District, and the welcome was such
would be expected from those brethren who work so

of their Masonic obligation.
All over
Canada we look on Brantford as an example of integrity
and enterprise, and its successes are as pleasurable to
us as if they w>re bestowed upon the city from which
we individually hail. Permit me to assure you that I
am one with you all, and if in any possible way, either
as an individual or as a member of the Craft, whether in
Grand Lodo-e or in subordinate lodges or in the everyday
walk of life, it will be the greatest pleasure to assist if
I can, any one and all of you
from the youngest apprenas
close to the lines
Deputy Grand Master. If the brethren could

have
witnessed the reception tendered me in the
only
Mother Grand Lodge of the world, in the Grand Lodge of
England, before an audience of five hundred Masons
men of the brightest minds and intelligence they would
have been overjoyed at th3 hearty welcome extended to
Our
the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Canada.
brethren in Old England are monarchs in kindness. And
their wealth of welcome was as generous as the sunlight.
Brethren like Col. Clarke, the Grand Secretary of England, Robert Freke Gould, the eminent historian, and W.
tice to the
Hughan, one of nature's noblemen, the greatest living authority on Craft matters, gave me a welcome that
showed the kindliest thought for the phalanx of Craftsmen who guard the banner in this jurisdiction, proud to
claim descent from the Mother Grand Lodge of the
J.
world.
did indeed spend happy hours with my brethI turned over the leaves of the
ren in England, and as

old
records
away back
in
the early days of the seven-
151
scanned the writings of the Grand
teenth century, and
Lodges of later date, I felt that if the Masons of these

days had ever dreamed that a Canadian Grand Master
manuscripts, they would perhaps have
n u- better records of the doings of the early Crafts-
handk-
ild
man
of
'anada.
that
find
hem
during
absence the kindest words
my
me
meetings presided over by

M. Gibson, the Deputy Grand Master,
on account of public business could not be with us
have
the K
who
tlu-ir
\V.
terest
spoken
I'.ro.
>t'
at
.1.
hope to be able to show the Craft that my inno means of a flagging character. My aim
is l.\-
promote in every way the harmony existing in the

:i\
election
the best of fellowship and
concord have prevailed, and I trust that during my term

of office nothing will occur to mar the satisfaction in preMich
siding over
ige of
Canada.
m
v
a distinguished body as the Grand

I feel most thankful towards the
distance for their presence
with
us.
have added materially to the success of the cere-
mony
.f
It
thousands
was likewise pleasant
to see
the
people of this good city, with

reputation and standing as Bro., the Hon. A. S.
n, judges and other prominent Can-
assembled
iin-n ot
to-day.
with
adi
i-annot fail
,>f
the Craft.
any man might well be

The go,,.! tli.it
Cheers.J
i>
and while
inc;ileiilal'le,
doing
we have an institution
a member ot.
tid is
that
v.
i
The presence of such

mind of the world
to impn--> the
the heart of the
ii
amODgBl our own ranks,

and that
('rait is nil right
TALKS Wl'lH CRAFTSMEN.
152
ninety-nine per cent, of the rank and file are thoroughly

I am afraid that some of those who criticise are
loyal.
actuated by motives that might be more generous if they

had an appreciation of the great responsibility entailed
upon the guiding hand of an organization that is looked

up to and respected by every jurisdiction in the world.
The Grand Master thanked the brethren and the trustees
who
ings,
assisted in adding pleasure to the day's proceedand the meeting closed with cheers.
BRETHREN OF HIGH DEGREE.

ANNUAL MEETING OF THE SUPREME COUNCIL OF THE
SCOT-
TISH KITE AT HAMILTON.
The annual meeting of the Supreme Council of the

Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite for 1890 was held at
Hamilton, and terminated on October the 24th. At the
"
M. W. the Grand Master
banquet, when the toast of the
of the Grand Lodge of Canada" was proposed, the choir
deemed
it
appropriate, as M.
W.
Bro. Robertson had just
returned from Europe, to enliven the board with
Jack
's
Come Home
The M. W.
To-day."
"
Bro. said
Our
:
and Brethren I recognize the courtesy

of the singers and the appropriateness of the song
with which they greeted my rising. I can assure them
that I am indeed happy to be home once more, and no
Illustrious Sir
place better than with my brethren of Hamilton, who

have always had such a wealth of welcome for me, and
At the same
truly indeed did their song touch my heart.

time
am
free to confess that diffidence
is
153
not a prevail-
ing characteristic with newspaper men, and yet I feel

on the present occasion some hesitancy in rising to respond to the toast which you have so generously pro-
and
which has
been
so enthusiastically welof
a
Rite that pre-eminently
by my companions
of
the
ideal
it-presents
perfection, the universal harmony
that should pervade our Masonic organizations.
posed,
<1
committee who have had the

banquet in hand have performed
confident that the
arrangements for this

their work in an exceptional manner, save, perhaps in
one particular, and for future guidance, I would fraternally remind them that there are only two classes of men
in the community who can afford to address an audience
unprepared, namely, men who are inspired, and those

who are mentally out of gear, and, as I do not belong to
the
former
and trust that
class,
do not hail from the
latter, a kindly word as to what was to be expected of

me would have been received with gratitude by one who,
inpiiiir
the deck of ait*-Atlantic liner, should nat-
urally like a tew
day^
rest
lef ore appearing at so impor-
tant a reunion
To
truth, during my tour in Europe I

and
varied stock of foreign remarks
large
with which
would have gladdened your ears had it not
homeward by way of New York,
the McKinlev bill at the Inman pier. The duty
under the new tariff was not perhaps beyond my tinanMu'th, hut the United States Customs inspectors'
my modest .M imate of the value
DgSOfiu
tell
collected
you the
'1
of
my
import.',! r.-marks. that
iratl
Gripped
of
154
thing except the few words I was able to smuggle into

my address at the Brantford stone-laying, and one speech
in a
month is a reaper that leaves me mentally, of

I mean
as bare as an autumn field, and without
course,
being born eloquent, a visitor I will not say a stranger

I can hardly hope to compete with the natives of this
progressive and intellectual city, which in all circles, both
Masonic and
civil- -yes,
and
in the pulpit, too
adepts in speech far in advance of
my
possesses
strongest powers.
(Applause.)
Yet,
when
was informed
b}-
Bros.
Murton and Mason
this afternoon that I should be expected to reply to the
toast of
"The Grand Lodge
of Canada," I offered
up a
mental prayer that the genius of inspiration might lend

language to express the thoughts of my heart as I stood
my friends and companion^, who represent the

mental power, the energy of the Ancient and Accepted
Scottish Rite, in the Supreme Council of the Dominion
before
of Canada.
Masonry and its kindred" Orders teach men to be companionable, and representing, as I do, the great body that
first
gave Masonic
life
to those
who
sit
in council in the
that the connecting ties which bind

higher plane,
us serve a double purpose, in that we, having seen the
I feel
take advantage of our knowledge and

up as a stronghold of intelligence the
primal degrees from which we draw our power, and in
this line of thought I am deeply impressed with the
influences for good which can be exerted by our memberbrighter light,
help to build
ship over
The
all
peril
may
branches of the Craft work.

of
Masonry
is
at
the
(Applause.)
and as we
door,
TALKS WITH CRAFTSM
155
endeavor to be careful in the selection of those we admit

to our higher communion, should we not guard, with even
greater care, the portals which are open to the broader
brotherhood, the Masonry of the multitude?
I
feel at ease in addressing you
members of the
as the representative of
Supreme Council,
that
is
an organization
every one of you. The Craft lodge is

Masonic life. It was your birthplace
dear to
:h>t source of
;ind
is
still
home
the
which the hearts
to
of true
Masons
turn with unfaltering and undying loyalty.

We are all aware that the increased interest in the
higher work
Craft d
rites,
and
minimize the importance of the
liable to
This fact should not apply in the higher

know it lias no application to you, brethren
of the Scottish Rite, for I see

table, the faces of
.so
many
around me, seated at
this
veterans in the field of Mas-
onic endeavor.
The
greatest good to the greatest number must always

\
and the valley where the many
be the aim of Ma-oiu
just as noble a spot, in the fraternal

tinas
hill-tops which the soaring few attain,
landscape,
in pursuit of that further radiance which shines
through
enter into light
is
the degree of the Scottish Rite.

(Applause.)
With regard to our Craft work,
can truly say that
1
:'.!
tin-
dav-at
tin:
>f
lvr
).~>.
when the
within si^ht <f

iom in Masonic
Masonic thought, and

'i
been phenomenal,
hand of faithful
where
now stand, and
past thirty years has
little
I
life
and inlepen<lenre
in
corner stone of a great

that ha- not only an honored name the
laid the
hildn-n ;iroimd her
who can
look up
156
and speak the loving word
"
Mother." It is pleasant to
look over the records of those years and know that, in
many ways, social and otherwise, we are doing a work
that commends itself to the well-thinking men and
women
of every land.
The Grand
officers
energetic in the
when
of the
work, and
Craft are men, sincere and

I
have no desire
assumed
I say that their support, since I
to flatter
office,
has
been most encouraging. The seventeen District Deputy

Grand Masters of the jurisdiction are energetic and
faithful officers, and I am sure will do their best to aid me
in
my work.
My visit to
Great Britain and the Continent, during

was not only pleasurable from a
the past six months,

tourist,
but also from a Masonic, standpoint, and the wel-
come extended me by the Grand Lodge of England the

mother Grand Lodge of the world as well as by the
members of the Scottish Rite whom I had the pleasure
of meeting, was one that warmed my heart, and one that
from my memory.
had the eloquence of many of those I see before
me, I might frame a more fitting tribute to the good the
We are, I ain satisfied,
Craft has done and is doing.
in
the
a
work
promotion of fellowship and
great
doing
Life
and
the
world
are what we make them,
fraternity.
as
we
climb
into
and,
higher thoughts, so much more
Good works are seeds that>
can
we
accomplish.
good
after sowing, return a continual harvest, and the memory
of noble actions is more enduring than monuments of
Our work of benevolence is well known to you
marble.
all, but to say more would not harmonize with our teach..
will never be effaced
If I
1177
//
(7.M/TN.VA\y.
157
would rather let deeds speak for the homes

and
the hearts gladdened by the good work
Jitened,
in
that
Holy Writ is spoken of'as puiv religion and nnthat
deHled."
(Loud
cheers.)
WESTPORT EX FETE.
RBAT DAY
IN
THK LITTLE EASTERN
VM.I.AiJK.
Brockville Evening Recorder of the 2J)th
<
>ct.,
the following extended and interesting account of

the corner stone laying at Westport by Grand Master
Robertson
erday was indeed a red-letter day in the history of

the thriving little village of Westport, the occasion being
the presence of the Masonic fraternity, and the laying by
the Craft of the corner stone of St. George's Church.
The weather was enjoyable and the ceremony was atled by a large gathering of people from Westport and
ounding country, while the Craft was well repreted by delegates from all the lodges in the Fourteenth
and Fifteenth Masonic Districts, as well as by brethren
fi<>m a di>tince.
M. \V.
tin-
Hi.,.
Koss Robertson, stepping to the front of

amid cheer- from the assembl.-!
.1
raided
platform,
spoke as follows
:
LADi
within
\,
is
[(
sive ceremonies
whieli
may
not
<
1..-
called
ujx.n
rait
in
The
\
Masonic
fraternity
exemplify the imp
that
pn-ti,,n
viewed ly the OUtei world.
..f
it-
work
158
These ceremonies convey to us great truths teach us

important lessons, which ought to so impress the minds
of brethren that both at home and abroad, in the lodgeroom, or as they struggle in the ranks of business life,
they may remember the words spoken, knowing that the
;
principles we endeavor to inculcate are those which help

to clothe the young Mason with all the attributes of per-
manhood.
While it is pleasant to know and to feel that we are
thus trying to act on a high level with the best thoughts
fect
of mankind, we are glad that those without the purview

of our altars recognize the good work that we are en
gaged
in,
by inviting us to take part

which we have performed
in ceremonies simi-
lar to that
to-day.
greater testimony does a fraternity require of the
soundness of the principles and tenets on which its insti-
What
tution
is built,
than the requests to take part in ceremon-
connected with the cause of religion and education ?

This week as it is to-day to lay the foundation stone
ies
of a
Temple
to be reared to the worship of the
Grand
Architect of the universe, the Divine Being, the Infinite

Spirit, without belief in whom the future would be a
mist
and
at another time
as last
week
to place in posi-
where the hope of our

favored country, the boys and girls, who in a few years
tion the corner stone of
an
edifice
will take our places in the business of every-day life, in

the forum, in the pulpit, or as mothers of the future, will
gather that knowledge which will strengthen the mind,

tone the morals, and confirm the belief in all that is
written within the Holy Book that for centuries has
been read to us by our mothers, and lies ever open on the

altar of all
l.V.i
Masons hailing from the noble ancestry of
British fat li-
that I acceded to
lt was, therefore, with
gratification
the request made by the incumbent of this parish through
our H. W. Bro. Dargavel, the District Deputy Grand
Master of the Fourteenth
Masonic District, to add the
iity of our Graft ceremonies to the intense solemnity

<>f tl
ion.
.:
On
behalf of Grand Lodge,
its
officers
and members,
and for myself as Grand Master,

we are delighted to have the opportunity of taking part
in what must be an
important event in the religious life
of this section of country
a district, let me remind you
I
can assure you that
that ought to be sweet to the memory of our Craft, for,

1'iit a few miles from here, some of our first altars were
reared in the early davs of this century, where the sturdy
pioneers, many of whom were Craftsmen, hewed into
s<juans the monarchs of the forest and built the primilog cabin, that has given way to the comfortable
home, with its modern improvements, and guided the

plough through the stump-dotted fields, to be hidden at
harvt vt time with the golden grain that to-day is the
staple production of this garden of the world, our native
provi;
ii
look at the faces of
have no doubt,
know
to
iild
In-
tin-
many
before me, anxious,
secrets of the Mason's art.
an injustice
them why we
if
did not
sati-i'y
Masons relegate
their cu
nd
to
duty of to-day's ceremonial.

the must important part of
01.
structure,
t-ll
as
and those of you who have either
of
\om
tin-
>\vn
160
and accord, or at the suggestion please mark

word of your school teachers, delved into the
fathoms of ancient history, will remember that at the rebuilding of the capital at Rome, amid impressive cerefree will
the
monies, accompanied by solemn prayer, the magistrates)

the priests, senators and citizens, with general demonstrations of joy dragged the ponderous load, the corner
stone, to its destined spot.
This stone, which must be square, speaks to us as an

emblem of morality. In its solid contents it must be a
cube which to us
is
a symbol of truth.
Its position is
important, and exemplifies to us the progress of Masonry

from darkness to light, from ignorance to knowledge, for
between the north, the

of
and
the
the
darkness,
east,
place
place of light, and to
the Freemason this signifies and is typical of the corner
stone of immortality.
it is
laid in the north-east corner,
We
fitting
use the square, the level, and the
emblems
plumb rule as
The square teaches morand the plumb rule justness and
of our calling.
the level equality,

uprightness of life and action.
ality,
From the gavel we learn

that perseverance is necessary to establish perfection, so
that the mind may be enlightened and the soul rendered
pure.
The
corn, wine,
and
oil are,
as
you may have observed*
also symbolical, as emblems of plenty, cheerfulness and

happiness, for with bread we feed the hungry, with wine
we
cheer the sorrowful, and with oil we pour consolation

on those sickened in body or sorrowed in heart.
Reverend Sir, our Masonic ancestors reared the greatest
temples of your
faith,
and, while in England, as I gazed
161
on the massive minster at York, the noble front of Lin-
mighty cathedral, or the turreted roof of grand
coln's
old Peterborough, and knew that the hands of the operative Masons of long ago had placed these stones in posi-
indeed felt that the speculative Masonry of to-day

with
all its energies, enable each individual Mason
mi^ht
to become a stone of that living temple, in which shines
a light to pilot those who worship at our altars through
tion, I
the rocks and breakers which
mark
the ocean of unbelief,
that haven of quiet waters where the signals

of Faith, Hope, and Charity are forever flying.
Masonry, rightly understood, is the ally of the church,
in safety to
the friend of the school-house.
It is the glory of the

has
\n_;iM
always stood like
of
the
assaults
unbelief, and in a crisis
granite against
of Craft history, when at least one great jurisdiction
1
--;
..
-aking Masons that
it
was carried away by a flood of agnosticism, the British

ft formed a gigantic square around our first
great
landmark and declared that without the belief in the
cardinal truth that there was a Supreme Being, that He
had revealed His will to man, and that He would punish
vice and reward virtue, the entire fabric of Masonry
nimble to dust.
As a benevolent
institution,
foreground, and
kind
it is
we do not
claim to be in
well that on an occasion of this
should define the position of the Craft with regard

It is true that we have accumucharity.
1
lated fun-Is with which
of our
wi<l<>
are leagued
in
we endeavor
to brighten the lives
but while other associations of
brotherhood fur mutual

'
art
aid, the matt-rial

,f
grace, not the
162
fulfilment of a legal or moral obligation.

Far be it from
me to institute comparisons that would minimize the in-
amount of good that the leading benevolent

and friendly societies have accomplished for Englishspeaking humanity. Masonry stands alone and must be
judged by its own laws. Our endeavor is to do good by
stealth, and I am thankful to state that all over this jurisdiction, in the great cities and around the little hamlets
where our Craft fires burn, we have through the goodness of the twenty thousand Craftsmen of this Province
been enabled to send streaks of sunshine into many a
saddened home, with comfort for the widowed heart and
calculable
cheer for the orphan child.
thank you heartily for your kindly presence here today, and trust that you may carry away pleasant recol
lections of the Craft ceremonies which are now concluded.
I
AN EVENING
IN NEWBORO'.
THE BRETHREN OF SIMPSON LODGE CAPTURE THE GRAND

MASTER.
When
the Grand Master visited the eastern section of
the province last month for the purpose of laying the corner stone of the Westport Anglican church, the brethren
seized the opportunity, and
requested the distinguished brother to spend an evening
with them. The cordiality of the invitation was only
of
Simpson Lodge, Newboro',
equalled by the kindness with which it was accepted, and

the brethren by the strength of their numbers showed
TALKS
II
CRAFT8MJS2T.
'IT 11
163
that they appreciated the Grand Master's willingness to

The Brockville
inconvenience.
4-6 even at personal
of the occasion
room was
filled to its utmost

8 o'clock the large
capW. Bro. Gorrell, the
ihe members of the Craft.
\Y.
id
kin<i
"
Grand Master with
presided, and received the
The Grand Master,
honours.
t'
M.
\V.
th<-
It is a pleasure for
raft,
s:iid
me
in response
to the
meet
breth-
at all times to
my
but on occasions like the present, the in-
nsitifd
by
tlie
generous and hearty welcome
that lias not only been extended me in this lodge room

but also by the cordial greeting of the many
tin-
bbren
noon.
\vli<>
It
i-
-ing
w.-n- present at the
gratify ing indeed to
ceremonies of the after-
me
to find that
the time I have held office in
been appreciated, and
my
ef-
Grand Lodge
do not intend to
flatter the
was delighted with the reof

to-day and the success with
gathering
which the entire ceremonies were crowned. The people,
<m miifht see, were delighted, that is, if applause is an
brethren
when
say that I
indication of their ferlings, and the Craft certainly did

to make the event one long to be remembered
in
Masonic
Tin: courtesy and

fraternity
the world over, and believe me,
district.
-ay that
when
look at the faces of
tubers of the Craft at nur great gatherings,

the bivthn-n as I
M.-arty v.
n thi-ir
i
iiH-inb.-r^hip
own
that
when
meet
lodge rooms,
stands tO-dft]
pie of
every
my
164
I find an
tion of the country.
inspiring welcome everywhere, and it is indeed my sincere desire that our great
cause may go on to further prosperity that we may
practise the principles upon which the institution is
founded, yet while we may strengthen our fold in

bers, we shall be careful to exercise due care
num-
that
seek our communion are up to the standard.
While it is a good thing to be strong numerically, we
all
who
must remember that we must not fall into the grave error
Better that our
of making members and not Masons,
ranks should remain stationary forever, than that we, by
a sacrifice of principle, or by over-eagerness to gain
strength, should admit those who are unworthy to sit in
our lodge rooms. I have promised to tell you something
about Craft history to-night, but before doing so I may
say that I am just back from the old land, the dear old
spot that gave us our first Craft light, and that as I was
received in the Grand Lodge of England with a royal
welcome, I felt that indeed we ought well to be proud

that we were the children of that grand old jurisdiction,
which has done so much to spread the principles of Masonry in every part of the world. As I spent hours in the
Grand Secretary's office in London searching the records

of over a hundred years ago, and read the minutes of the
Grand Lodges
of
England from 1725-1800, and more parGrand Lodge, I felt as if I
ticularly those of the Athol
were having a ramble with the brethren of long ago,

many of whose names are familiar to me. These matters
at greater length in my lecture.
The
in
at
was
had
time
limited, but
my disposal
England
I
a
had
went
Masonic
welcome."
wherever I
truly
I shall refer to
I
TALK*
CRAFTSM
\\'ITR
The Grand Master th-n gave an address of over an

hour on Craft history in 'anada for the past century,
which \va^ listened to with close attention by the large
(
aiidi.
IT
RECEPTION TO THK <;UANH MAs'mi.
TOI
WAS A GREAT NIGHT.
T<>,<nito
Freemason,
The Masonic Temple on Toronto-street has been the

Brethren of disthe years gone by been honored and
tinction have
within the historic walls, but never did it witn. -ig
MO of
many
notable demonstrations.
in
tative and M> enthusiastic a gathering

which on Hallowe'en assembled to welcome and
congratulate the M. \V. the Grand Master of the (I rand
Lodge of 'anada, Bro. J. Ross Robertson. It was aspongreetingfrom the brethren of his native city, and
so
1;
<
the kindness which prompted the action was only equalled

the energy and unanimity with which the prelimins
were carried forward, and the single-hearted cordial-
A-hich characterized the culmination.
of last ni;;ht added a brilliant
The
to the
pair'-
proceed:
record of an
Masonic year, and furnished to the fraternity

d over conclusive evidenc-of tin- sterling loyalty
'he Craft in I. ion to.
Nor was the assembla
itful
tin-d to tin-
<
Mir-
London, Kingston,
Irani fm-d, St.

D
in^-nts from Hamilton,
Catharines,
the
]
I'.i-amp
roviiKv, swelK'd
the
166
when the hour for opening arrived fully

hundred Craftsmen in evening dress, and clothed in
W. Bro. H. J.
regalia, responded to the W. M's gavel.
Craig, and the officers of Zetland Lodge, No. 326, conducted the opening ceremony, after which the chair was
taken by the chairman of the Reception Committee, and
the other positions were filled by the Masters of the city
gathering until
six
W. Bros. A. R. McDonald, of St.

Andrew's Lodge, S.W.; W. Cook of King Solomon's, J.
W. Dr. Ryerson, of Ionic, S.D. W. G. Graham, of Rehoboam, J.D. R. B. Harcourt, of St. John's, S.S. R. W.
lodges as follows
Hull, of York, J.S.
W.
McCartney, of Doric, Treas.
E.
Geo. Clark, of Wilson, Sec.
E. Sanderson, of
Orient, D.
of C.; W. C. Beddome, of Alpha, Chap.; J. G. Dixon, of

Zeta, Organist R. Charlton, of Occident, Asst. Sec.; W.
Riddle, of St. George, I.G.
;
The brethren from Hamilton, headed by R. W. Bros. E.

Mitchell, Grand Treasurer C. W. Mulligan, D.D.G.M., and
Mayor David McLellan, P.G.S.W., received an ovation on
entering which was repeated when the veteran Craftsman, R. W. Bro. Kivas Tully, representative of the Grand
;
Lodge
of Ireland,
newcomers.
Long
was observed among another batch of

after the opening, brethren continued
and standing room was at a premium. At a

to
nine o'clock the M.W., the Grand Master was
quarter
introduced by Y. W. Bros. Robert Oliver, G.S.D.; Robert
Cuthbert, G.S.B., and A. G. Horwood, Asst. G.D. of C.,
and received with grand honours.
The following letter from Past Grand Master Spry was
read and received with tumultuous applause
to arrive
169
BARRIE, 31st
Geo.
Clarke,
As*/., Sec.
G.
Oct., 1890.
M. Reception Com., Toronto.
AND W. BROTHER, I regret that I am unto be present this evening to assist in doing honour
lost Worshipful Brother J. Ross Robertson, our able
and
efficient
Grand Master.
would have liked to be with you for two good and

sufficient reasons, but my other engagements will not
lit.
Nt. On personal grounds I should be delighted
him
to do
honour, as we have been close friends for many
ud I had the pleasure of initiating him into
Masonry, and have never had occasion to regret it. 2nd.
has been a Mason he has devoted himself heart
and soul to the good of the Craft, and has been liberal
with his means to those who required his assistance
more liberal than others than himself really know and
QQ much to deserve the esteem in which he is
held.
He has been singularly blessed with ample
y
for doing good, and has shared with others the
wealth which he has won for himself. Such men are
ce, and when we find them we should extend to them
that courtesy and hearty support which Most Worshipful
Brother Robertson so eminently deserves.
I
our meeting this

tic as I
may
veiling
be as enthusias-
would wUh, and greater than that
it
could not
am, yours faithfully and fraternally.

DANIKL SPRY, P.G.M.
the letter
re<
had
.....
read
and fvlrd
TALKS WlTR CRAFTSMEN.
168
away, R. W. Bro. E.
T. Malone arose and addressed the

Grand Master, saying
"
The presence of such a large gathering as this
assembled for the one purpose of showing fealty and love
to you must be highly gratifying. Singular it may seem
that right here within the walls of the room where your
Masonic career was inaugurated you are about to receive
the highest tribute of affection and esteem that the
:
Masons of Toronto have within their
gift.
In your sub-
ordinate lodge step by step you worked your way until

your brethren placed you in the chair of King Solomon's
Lodge. The manner in which you undertook the affairs
of that lodge and directed its course stamped you as a
brother fitted for higher and nobler purposes. (Applause.)
In this hall the great lessons of morality, friendship and
benevolence were inculcated in your heart. You made

many warm and lasting friends whose devotion to you
and your cause has ever remained steadfast. We felt
when we received you here as our Worshipful

Again, your welcome was highly tempered
with joy when you returned to us from Grand Lodge
then as District Deputy
its Grand Senior Warden
overjoyed
Master.
Grand Master once more we had the privilege of showing our esteem, and our plaudits again rang when you
were chosen our Deputy Grand Master. Now, on behalf
of all the Toronto lodges here assembled, and representatives
from
orable
Master
far
and near,
elevation to
of the
Your empire
I congratulate
you on your hon-
responsible position of Grand

Lodge of Canada. (Applause.)
the
Grand
a mighty one. Twenty -two thousand

Craftsmen bow to you in fealty andjionour, and listen to
is
/'.I
/.AN
WITH CRAFTSMEN.
109
of wisdom and counsel.

Toronto Craftsmen
a certain amount of pardonable pride in you and
your position, receiving as you did your Masonic baptism
your words
feel
in thi^ city.
am
sure that I do not err
when
say that
every Craftsman in Toronto was joyful upon your elevation to the Grand East. This gathering proves it. Every
joined hands to make this your
The members of the sixteen lodges
of Toronto were joined by York lodge, their little sister
_re
in
the
city has
lt ion a success.
of Eglinton, that I hope soon will be called a city lodge.

H'-re we are all assembled to do you honour and express
our pleasure. We feel that as District Deputy Grand

Master a great deal is due to you. The prosperity and
iency of the lodges within the bounds of the Toronto
Incalculable good was the
are traceable to you.
rrict
result of that truthful, honest and conscientious report

which you sent in to the Grand Lodge. (Applause.) Prior
to your time the lodges in the outskirts of the district
saw little of tin- )istrict Deputy Grand Master, but under
all things were changed, and new life wa>
youi
in
Masonic bodies that were rapidly becoming
infused
I
dormant.
Your careeras a Mason
in the history
<>f
is
without a parallel
Freemasonry. (Applause.) You have

HIM! nor equalled by any Grand Ma
Your project to visit a hundred

the
year is an enormous one, and seems
lodges during
almost beyoii'l the bounds of human power. No doubt
ilt in the resuscitation of the lodir -
or any other
that are
tlia
officer.
now weakenim:, and we may
litable on<-
ti
your ma:/iMrar\
nry
in
<
safely
will
l>e
'anada has ever
conclude
the
170
We join in expressing our gratification on

(Applause.)
account of your royal and enthusiastic welcome in the
Mother Grand Lodge of the world the Grand Lodge of
England.
From you they
learned that in this Canada of
ours there was a grand body of Masons, loyal and true,
marshalling under their banners thousands of Craftsmen

ready to maintain at any cost the British empire and
We
welcome you to
sovereignty.
(Applause.)
and
native city, to the hearts of your brethren,
your home
friends and admirers.
This monster meeting must be a
British
great source of gratification to you.

your good works are appreciated by
"
It
evidences that
all.
on the committee would say I was

my duty if I did not return thanks to W. Bro.
Clarke, who has worked manfully and well to make this
meeting a success. Of course the success of this meeting
is due to the Grand Master, but Bro. Clarke's arrange-
My
brothers
remiss in
ment
behalf of the city

of
worthy of high commendation. On

lodges I present you with this address
of the details
is
welcome:
To Most Worshipful Brother J. Ross Robertson, Esq.,

Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Canada, A. F.
and A. M.
MOST WORSHIPFUL
take this the
SIR,
The Freemasons of Toronto
opportunity of congratulating you

upon your elevation to the most distinguished and important office in the gift of the Craft, and also of expressfirst
ing their high appreciation of your eminent services in

the cause of Freemasonry and of humanity.
Your munificent
gifts to public charitable institutions,

to spread the light of Freemasearnest
endeavors
your
171
onry, and your successful antiquarian researches, have

marked you as a Mason in act as well as in word, and
us to believe that
load
you
will discharge the duties of
no perfunctory manner.
your great
to
congratulate you upon your enthusiasbeg
Your speeches did much to
tic reception in England.
inform our brethren in the motherland of the condition
office in
country, and to cause them to feel

are one with them in the bonds of brotherhood.
v in this
in
that
we
We also
appreciate and cordially agree with your loyal

expressions of attachment to the throne and person of
her Majesty the Queen, and to our grand old dag, that
emblem of civil and religious liberty.

And finally we most heartily congratulate you upon
ife return to your family and to our midst, and
beg to express the hope that you may be long spared to
them and to the Craft which you so ably rule.
have the honour to subscribe ourselves on behalf of
\\
yours obediently and fraternally.

was signed by the following:
ft,
The
A
\\.
addiv-ss
MAcDoNAU),
.
\\
N<>.
Hi.
ll'.
.1.
ir
i|;
M.
\V.
\
K.
ir.
26,
* ruo. No. 218.
>V.
'LA
UK
K.
M. AiMar,
W.M. Mr< 'AKTNKY.
HAM.
W. M. Doric, No.
J. C.
W.
M.
II'.
UKO KYKKSMN,
\V\|
8G.
JAMES BAIRD,
M
W. M. A
GEO. M. CLARKE,
W. M. ll'il,n, No.
CRAIG,
ii
\\
/.
316.
172
E.
W.
SANDERSON,
W. M.
R. CHARLTON,
W. M. Occident, No.
J.
St. George,
Yours
BED DOME,
W. M. Alpha, No.
W. M.
384.
G. DIXON,
346.
WILLIAM RIDDLE,
W. M.
C.
Orient, No. 339.
Zeta, No. 410.
W. HULL,
W. M.
No. 367.
fraternally,
E. T.
York, No. 456.
MALONE,
Chairman.
GEO. M. CLARKE,
Secretary.
In reply to the address of welcome the Grand Master

said
R.
W.
Sir,
are periods
and
my
Brethren of the Craft
There
in the lives of all brethren, not only those
who have occupied the position of Grand Master, but

those who have filled other honoured places in the gift
of the Craft, when the hearty, generous, and wholesouled greetings of their fellow -Craftsmen make it hard
break the silence of gratitude with spoken thanks.
My voice is almost a prisoner to that feeling to-night.
to
Sitting
in
the Craft, with you
this temple of
my
and being
on terms of close and intimate friendship with many of
you, I can indeed feel that your cordial and generous
welcome has not only overpowered me, but left me
your debtor, indeed I might say your bankrupt debtor,
for the wealth of welcome in your address, the kind expressions of esteem for myself as a Craftsman, and your
reference to any little good that I may have, as a citizen,
brethren,
knowing nearly all
of
you
personally,
TALK* WITH CKAFTSMEN.
173
been enabled to do for our common humanity, leave me

poor indeed in words although rich to overflowing in
;
tu<le.
Applause.)
In Masonry, as in private life, those things that are

the h>me are nearest the heart, and after a
lengthened and varied experience, extending over nearly

twenty-rive years, I have yet to find one instance where
my work
and
in
for the Craft
has not been appreciated.
ivt In en, who have rilled positions of responsibilhave more reason to be grateful than I have, and I
ild indeed be ungenerous if I did not admit that I
have been richly rewarded, not for what I have done, but
i
ity,
tor
what
since
with the
tried
to
The welcome which
ternity.
hand
do in the upbuilding of our frathe

I have received and
me
on
met
that
have
every
appreciation
have
have been brought into official relationship

'raft generally, have been pleasurable beyond
1
It is, perhaps, natural that I should prize,

the honours paid me where I am little known,
the greeting which you brethren have reserved for your
e\pivv>i.>n.
above
all
am
here
in
my
Masonic birthplace,
first saw the great
almost within sight of the spot where I
id, surrounded by familiar faces, many who.

lighno doubt, have watched me with fatherly care as I have
laboured in the Craft field; others who have encoura
vith "kindly words, while some in just zeal, may have
as was tlu-ir ri-ht, to differ from me.
pt
ynur a>suranc'- of esteem AS
proof of
loyalty to the Craft, that speaks in prai-' of its head.

to !( ilattTi-d as an Individual ly
am
I
'i
whi'-h
yon have spokm and read, and
174
accept your happy expressions as a sincere tribute to

the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Canada.
tunity
have had the opporrendering some service to the Craft, and,

within twenty-four hours of my return from
when
installation in office I
my
Since
of
Europe I stood surrounded by the officers of Grand

Lodge and half a thousand Craftsmen, in full view of
an immense concourse of citizens in the city of Brantford
I
when
indeed
the corner stone of their public school,

proud of our institution and its intelligent
I laid
felt
and observant membership
while another day had
riot
passed ere I stood in the silent acres near old Kingston,

esteemed M. W. Brothers Walkem and dear old
with
my
Dr. Henderson
offices
mason
whose
God
bless
him
and paid the
last
sad
of respect to our Brother Sellars

the old Freewho was not only a pioneer in Craftwork, but
had grasped nigh a century of time.

And
in
as
Grand
Hamilton,
when,
Friday
your
again,
Master, I received at the'meeting of the Supreme Council
of the Scottish Rite, a flood of welcome from the largelife
last
home of Masonic harmony,

whose beautiful bay was justly described by a brother
"
in his speech that evening as the
key to the saltless
rather
a
happy expression. On Tuesday afterbriny"
noon, with my brethren of the Fourteenth District, I laid
hearted brethren of that
the corner stone of the Anglican church at Westport, and

in the evening lectured to over a hundred Craftsmen, in
Simpson Lodge room at Newboro', an audience that, if
small in numbers, was mighty in- enthusiasm. Aside from
the personal gratification that these meetings afforded me,
I felt that an eulogy of my work was an encomium passed
175
on the Craft, whose representative I am. So that you see

I have not been idle since my return.
(Applause.)
am
home, I cannot forget my

visit to the old land
to the Mother Grand Lodge, the
United Grand Lodge of England the fountain which
has supplied the stream of Canadian Craft work for
Delighted as
y u
to be at
My
c-'iitury.
reception by the English Craft

is characteristic of the
was marked by a sincerity that
home
and when, on the

on Col. ShadLondon,
my
morning
well Clarke, the Grand Secretary of England, I found a
gentlrman, whose greeting was so happy that it made me
His expression of
feel as if I had met an old friend.
pleasure at seeing me, was accompanied by an invitation
t<> meet the Grand Officers at their mess, at five o'clock,
in Freemasons' Tavern, and in the evening to visit the
Grand Lodge in its Quarterly Communication. The reunion at dinner was most enjoyable. Col. Sandiman
<
'raftsmen in the
of
of our fathers,
arrival in
called
presided, with M. W. Bro. Clifford McCalla, of Pennsylvania, as the senior visiting Grand Master, on his right,
and myself, as the representative of Canada, the junior

jurisdiction, on his left. I need not tell you, my brethren,
that it was an English dinner, and as I returned my
the compliments paid our juristhat whatever fault I had to
resolved
mentally
with tlie Craftsmen of the motherland for their
acknowledgments
diction,
tind
for
action in the early days of Masonic government,
were struggling for
life
and freedom,
I,
when we
without a tinge of
reservation, at once and forever granted tin-in full absolu-
nighto they nifty
luiv
u* in
tin- tiiiH-
of
<
;
'h.
-.
i
176
was not an unimpressive sight to look around that

happy company, clothed in the golden regalia of the
I felt that we might indeed be proud of the
Craft.
mother lodge, whose officers were men who stood in the
highest social scale, who had, in mercantile and professional life, on British* battle fields, and on the quarterTt
decks of our
try,
not only done their duty to their counpillars of the Craft in the oldest Masonic
fleets,
but were
jurisdiction in
An
hour
later
the world.
we
stood in the robing room oi the Grand

regalia of the Craft had been
The magnificent
Lodge.
brought from the strong room, the great sword of the
Grand Lodge, a blade presented by the Grand Master of
its velvet casing, was in the hands of the
Grand Sword Bearer; the Grand Kegistrar with his velvet
bag, embroidered with the arms of the Grand Lodge, was
at his station, and every officer, being properly clothed,
at the word from the Grand Director of Ceremonies,
marched through the marble hall, which led to the magnificent lodge room, where five hundred Craftsmen, Past
Grand Officers and Worshipful Masters, clothed in their
regalia, and every brother in full evening dress, rose and
Sweden, rich in
received the procession as it entered through the west

door.
Walking, as I did, with my friend McCalla, in
front of the acting
Grand Master,
was
thrilled
with
parts of the hall, unbounded apLittle did I think when I

our
entrance.
plause greeted
was installed in the East of this room in the very chair
pleasure, as,
in
which
from
now
sit
all
that before
many
years, I
would
sit
on the right of the chair in the Grand Lodge of England,

and, as I viewed the surroundings, the acting Grand
177
Colonel Marmaduke Ramsay,

every inch a
Mason, -itting with gavel in hand, shaded by the banner
of Grand Lodge, the blaze of golden regalia in the East,
Ma-ter.
.1
blue collars and the silver jewels of the huiidn who sat on each side of the hall, I said
to myself that well did the mother lodge earn its royal
le, tor the face of every brother seemed to beam with
and good-will. (Cheers.)

The Communication was the quarterly one of Grand
In Kn-land and Scotland, as you are aware, the
fellowship, friendship
ês meet in Quarterly 'omnmnication, while

United States and Canada we meet yearly, except
(
in the
and Pennsylvania, where the

The apartment in which
id Lodge meets is somewhat
longer than the one in
which we are to-night, and will accommodate, in the
crowded session of Grand Lodge, about seven hundred
members. It is a room well fitted for the purpose, with
the portraits, on panels in the walls, of the Grand Masters
in
the case of Massachusetts
old English custom
is
followed.
who
icd since the union in 1813. The appointha\

ments are elaborate, while the methods of transacting
are much the same as our own Grand Lodge.
The opening of the Grand Lodge being completed, as

a graceful compliment, the grand honours were accorded
mil, my brethren, your kindness to-night
Mit
touch'--
a rep
veiling,
11.
that
shall
never forget
was a genuine Knglish welcome, one that truly

my heart, and as I rose to return thanks, I
with
all
and
my
my
Masonic home across the
faults,
in
you would
which your
feel
sea,
proud to
(Jran.l
Ma
178
was greeted
gave us
in the
life.
Grand East
of the mother lodge that
(Applause.)
It is pleasant for
Grand Lodge
me
to state that the officers of the
England entertained the most friendly

feelings for our jurisdiction, and that they acknowledge
that we in Canada are heirs to the antiquity of our ancestors, the fathers of the Canadian Craft, who, from
1792 until 1855, fought for Masonic freedom, and founded
the extensive jurisdiction, which although not well up in,
years, can look around and see her children growing up
in strength, and in the true spirit which should guide
and govern those who kneel at Craft altars.
My visit to England was rendered more than ordinarily
eventful by the courtesy of the Grand Secretary, who
allowed me to make an accurate examination of all the
old and written records of the Craft, and, as Bro. Henry
Sadler, the Grand Sub-Librarian of the Grand Lodge,
and the author of quite a number of interesting Masonic
books, showed me into the strong room at Freemasons'
Hall, in London, and brought down from the shelves the
original and earliest records of the Grand Lodge, of 1717,
and I opened at the first written page which was dated
of
1723, and turned over the leaves, how I did yearn to

have about twenty-four hours with that old record, that
I might have been able to tell you, my brethren, something about your birthplace. In this old volume I found
that in 1777, the modern Grand Lodge voted one hundred pounds towards the relief of many distressed Masons at
Halifax, N.
S.
(Cheers.)
old book was, of course, of interest, my
thoughts were centered on the Athol records, the Grand
While
this
K6
ll'ITll
RAFTSMEN.
1?9
Lodge which came into existence in 1753. There were

Lodges up to 1790. The senior was the
Grand Lodge ol' 1717 then a Grand Lodge, formed out
of an old lodge at York, in 172-5, which assumed the
of 'The Grand Lodge of all England."
Then we
had the Grand Lodge of the Ancients, established in
1763, and a fourth Grand Lodge, formed in 1779, by a
four Grand
members of the Lodge of Antiquity, in London, under

the egotistical title of "The Grand Lodge of England,
south of the River Trent." After 1790, the two latter
.vent
out of existence, and the two were
left,
one
of which, the Athol, gave you, my brethren, life in 1792.

But it is unfair to weary you with a digression from the
purposes of this meeting. All the Craft and Royal Arch
records are kept in this strong room, piled away in regular order, ready for use at a moment's notice.
The gold
plate of Grand Lodge and the gold vessels used for the
laying of corner stones, and for the consecration of lodge
ins, are kept in this room as well as the Grand Regalia.
There are two suits for the Grand Master, H. R. H. the
kept at Marlborough House and

when he visits Grand
He
once
a
about
Lod'ê.
year, and his platpresides
Pro.
the
is
rand Master or the
taken by
other meetings
ice of
Wales; one
is
the other in the strong room, for use
Grand Masters according to seniority. The

an enthusiastic Mason, and takes a lively inter-aft work, always ready to take part in cvivinon-
Provincial
I
;actical
vho,
work
is
a pleasant welcome to
tor from across the *
in
looked after by the
by the way. has the
<
rand
happy faculty of
everyone, so that even a

t
as
much
at
home
as
if
180
I spent two days in the Grand Lodge library turning

over the records, and brought out with me a couple of
notebooks well filled with information, which I hope some
day
to
Canada.
make
public for the benefit of my brethren in

The references to Canada are few.
(Cheers.)
found the original minutes, containing a copy of the

warrant of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Quebec, under
Prince Edward, afterwards the Duke of Kent, with other
memoranda, referring to Quebec, and also a minute of the
"
appointment of William Jarvys," the name being spelt
with a "y," on the 4th March, 1792, but, much to my disI
appointment, no copy of his warrant of appointment.
I
found that he was a Royal Arch Mason. I had

always been puzzled as to whether "William Jarvis had
also
taken the Royal Arch degree, and, although I knew that

the Ancients included the Royal Arch in their system,
and that he was the Provincial Grand Master, I never
found any record in Canada to connect him with the
Royal Arch, until some years ago, when I learned that

he gave authority to Lodge No. 6 at Kingston, about
1800, to work the Royal Arch, and offered to exchange
the Prince's warrant of Rawdon Lodge for one of his own
with Royal Arch powers.
Looking as
I did at these records,
knowing that a lodge
and at a later date at Detroit,

erected by the Provincial Grand Lodge of Quebec, I
feel sure that this clears up the most of Craft history in
this Province, and convinces me that the old lodge of
1780, at Niagara, known as No. 2, the St. James Lodge,
at Cataraqui, No. 12, and the old lodge at Cornwall, all
derived their authority from the Provincial Grand Lodge
existed in 1787, at Kingston,

of Quel
that the
181
imined the records of Quebec, and found

in
working
first
Royal Arch work was that of

1787, but, save the name,
I'liity Chapter, 'Quebec, in

there is no other record.
On
evening of the 5th September I visited the

No. 2,076, or, as it is better known, the Lodge
onati, the literary lodge of London, where I
the
ge,
my
Lane,
friends, Bros. R. F.
\V.
Gould,
Speth, and a host of
(i.
\V. J.
Hughan, Jno.
others, well
known
to
as students of Craft history.

While it is pleasant, of course, to think of one's journeys
in other lands, and to ramble in thought through the
Kurope, foreign travel serves
purpose when
its
truest
makes the Canadian more contented and

\vith his own great land.
I have
(Cheers.)
11
in
it
the Rhine, or, perhaps,
with our
it
has taken
me
in,
for
it
Lawrence or Ottawa,
with reverence on the stately
St.
Parliament of England, the Reichstag of

and
the
R-eichstrath of Austria, meet in debate,
many
to
have yet
see the Senate House that, for architecI
tural majesty
<>r
scenic
l.eauty, excels
our
own
build:
at Ottawa.
e
home has done me

nerve
me
for the
all
good.
Your presence
to greater zeal in the
<
Vat't
nor reiterate promises, lut

all uiidri stand, and in that
kindness that has crowned

jt'e.
will talk to the l.retlnvii
jurisdiction,
f< 'lie,
182
AN "AT HOME" AT PETERBOROUGH.

On
the evening of December 18th, 1890, the
members
of Peterborough and Corinthian Lodges, Peterborough,

held their annual " At Home." Songs and readings con-
tributed to an interesting programme and, in reply to an

address presented to him during the evening, the Grand
Master M. W. Bro J. Ross Robertson said
:
MY BRETHREN OF PETERBORO' AN D LADIES

I think I can fairly claim on behalf of those who have
preceded me in the honoured office of Grand Master, that
we are not only ornamental but useful members of the
useful in the sense that we not only look after
fraternity
W.
R.
SIR,
the general welfare of the Craft, but are expected at

short notice sometimes to brighten the reunions of the
membership, to rejoice with those who rejoice, as in tonight's very pleasant assembly, and at other times with
our fellow-Craftsmen to speak the kindly words of comfort and consolation to those who are plunged in sorrow
and sadness.
natural or acquired diffidence makes me feel more

more at my ease, in the useful than in the
comfortable
ornamental spheres of activity. I can ride all day and

meditate on the slow trains that crawl all over this proI can
I can get up almost before I go to bed.
vince.
with
in
drives
order
to
midnight sleigh
delight myself
catch the flyers on the main lines, on Saturday mornings,
when my brethren are housed and bedded, and when I
am
anxious to get home.
can gulp moonlit breakfasts
in the hotels at the cross-roads, I can digest bar-iron or
TALKS WITH
'
IIAFTSMEN.
often in
beefsteak
the difference
go to sleep
on sight of a Pullman
is
183
name only
and
sleeper,
can
can keep
temper when the colored porter routs me from my

h an hour before the proper time. But why continue
You will think of me as an
this catalogue of hardships
my
'.
commerce, who
the essence of good nature,

will put up with almost anything, so long as he can
stock up the shelves of his storekeeping friends with the
varied requirements of life, at prices so close to cost that
i
it
how
wonderful
is
Yes. indeed,
live.
e, if it
d,
the seller manages to exist, let aJone

to me would be devoid of land-
life
were not that
changed
that waits for
me everywhere.
deserve.
way
principles
upon which the Craft

nt,
for that alone
n to this
tory of the
the d
hi'ink
the
lore
that
my work
in
me
far
gratify the brethren, and if I am even in

the means of encouraging the interest in the
If n
me
know
to
have had honours showered upon
greater than
to
me
meeting with the approval of the brethren,

labour in the field of Masonic endeavour I can
truly say that
:iall
most shady experiences are

by the warm-hearted welcome
my
to joy,
sant for
as
is
\\\
<
work
founded,
am
ample reward
abun-
for the
To place on
branches has l>een
and although many
of works.
'raft in all its
of
my
from the task

-f
is
is
life,
"t'
throwing into cold
old manuscripts.
feel
n
\
pe
that the ('raft
t
the tablet
rk
nd
mav
t
hus
184
better
mankind and brighten the path
instruct those
who have
of
humanity and
just passed the lintels of Craft
knowledge.
My
desire in life
is
not only to be happy but to try
make others happy. We all owe our duty to humanity

at large, and if we can gladden the heart, lighten the
burden or lessen the tear that creeps down the cheek of
those who are down-hearted, we exemplify the feeling
to
that sympathy
is
the flower that crowns our practical,
Providence has been good to me indeed,

everyday
and if I have been able to open the door of comfort to
those who are weary, or give a helping hand to those
life.
who
body or in heart, I frankly admit that

my connection with the' Craft has led me in the path
which has bettered me as a man and taught me that to
gather and to give are jewels in the crown of the brotherhood of man. But to-night we are met to greet one
another as friends, and enjoy the solid sunshine of life
without which existence would be a dreary journey.
are sick in
Having now, by the forbearance
of the audience, been
spared to reach the last milestone in my address, I may

be permitted to say that in the toils of office 1 feel more
at
home than when
occasion
serving as a decoration for a festive

in confidence I tell you that I am not as deco-
but
rative as wall-paper of the most expensive pattern
I am glad to see so many brethren, and perhaps gladder
still
whom home
Women may feel
to see the fair faces of those without
would be a desert or a boarding house.
kindly to Masonry, for if it once in a while robs the fireside

of its noblest ornament, the footsteps of its mercy sound
on the stairs of their distressed sisters, and the voice of
WITH
r/;.iF7XV
185
charity often bids the widow be of good cheer and

the orphan child that the Craft's protecting hand
will assist him as he climbs into manhood.
its
GATHER ROUND THE BOARD.

I'HKV
ASSKMI'.I.K
A.
&
A.
The Annual Reunion
!!'>'
>NCE A YEAK.
<
'f
net
<>f
//><
Mt
a,
rs
of the
Hamilton.
at
of the Ancient
and Accepted
Rite in the Valley of Hamilton, terminated on

.January -Nrd. 1N91, in the hall of the Rite in that city.
At
net the chairman first called upon M.W. Bro.
t
J.
Ross Robertson to respond to the toast of the

(irand Master said
"The
IlJ.rsTRinrs
Sli;
AND BRETHREN OF THE
It
RlTE,
us
to be accepted as one of the many duties attached

to the office of (hand Master of the Craft that he shall
on behalf of that body appear at the reunions of the

id respond to the kind invitation and to
"
toast of the
M. \V. the Grand Ma^t.-r and the Grand
fortunate fate, and if s< .null ave not had the
privilege of attend
lieen
M
;t
im-inhers of
to invite
:'
my
the Kite,
feel it
would
lie
a good
that they iniidit share the hospia brotherhood e>iiip.-> Ml .t' men who nut only
greet one an
and \vl.
Bthren, but
red
whose hand-cla-p
with
tin-
vital
B]
is
186
that flashes with true Masonic light and reveals us as

men, good to our fellows, true to our country and in sym-
pathy with the best efforts of mankind.

I have no regrets to express or excuses to offer in rising
to thank you for the genial, generous and enthusiastic
welcome you have given to the toast.
T could say a great deal for the Grand Master of the
I have nought but
Craft if I did not know him so well.
words
utter
when
to
honour
the
maternal home
good
you
that sheltered us in our babyhood, that in boyhood opened
to us the pages of the book of knowledge, that in manhood restrains us, and that in old age will not forsake us
the house the door of which is never closed to us the

Grand Craft Lodge, the birthplace of you, my brethren^
and the millions of Craftsmen who in every clime find
a brother and under every sky a home.
(Hear, hear.)
You cannot comprehend, my brethren, how
my every heart throb as
it
quickened
you honoured the toast, and
I feel
that I but re-echo your well-wishes when I say that the

Craft respect the Scottish Rite, as an organization that
showing the world at large that Masonry is not effete,

that the acacia has not withered, and that the Craft is
still marching in the advance guard of all that can better
is
the condition of humanity, make men more fraternal,

brighten the homes and gladden the hearts of those we
love.
(Applause.)
But you have asked me
to
speak for the Craft, and
here I find I have been giving you something serious,

when you want something sentimental, turning an oasis
of pleasure into a desert of sadness, and so parching your
lips
and
chilling
your hearts, that even the loving cup
TALKS Wl'in UtAPTSMKS.

will scarce revive
recollections of
(
)f
my work
you and send you away with pleasant
my
in
presence.
the Craft
spend with
in
my
brethren pleasant and profitable hours.
any Grand Master who desires to be

touch with his membership and strengthen the bond
union that should exist between the head of the Craft
am
of
would rather that others
cannot help stating that I have

my journeying* among the lodges had a reception that
overflown with heartiness and has enabled me to
would speak, and yet

in
187
sensible that
and the rank and
file,
can only do so by personal contact
and contMri.
is
It
for that purpose that I have been for some months

its to the different centres of the jurisdic-
might look in the faces of those who prihave honoured me with their confidence by placing
tion, so that I
ily
in the
important position that I now hold

lie Craft has in its power to bestow
the highthe office
nan ever appreciated the honour more than I do,

an office that has been held by many distini
r^nien,
l.ivthren of
and
can assure you that
the Craft at
their
ivuni
eyes that were strange, light

.rraxp n'\v haipl:iaiice of an honest welcome.it makes me feel
to
an organization that possesses
that
e
loyji
to
the
honour
can rlaim as brothers
and
its
Grand Master, whose

n aii'l
tl.
<
In. -n,
have
in
in heart,
ii"
-uide
188
pursuit of pleasure, and yet I do not feel my journey ings

either as a hardship or even an irksome obligation. Rightly or
wrongly
I consider it as
not only a duty but a
privilege to go abroad amongst the lodges, so that I

be able to speak with authority that alone can
might
come
from personal acquaintance with the Craft in their homes,

in their
While
own lodge rooms.

I am fully impressed with the
responsibility of
my
position, remembering that life's length is not measured

by its hours and days, but for the work we have done
therein, I desire it to be understood not only here, but in

every point of this vast jurisdiction, that I do not look
upon the
office
of
Grand Master
as one of cold
and icy
brethren of this Rite, there is no dignity

Masonry or in any walk of life but the dignity
of usefulness, and the virtues of Masonry are not to be
dignity.
either in
My
its majestic creeds, but in the deeds which are

the ripened fruit of the eternal principles upon which
the institution is founded.
We may do much in a few
found in
years we may do nothing in a lifetime, and I only hope

that the Great Master may spare my life and prosper my
business, so that in all branches I can strengthen the
cause, and whether the appeal comes from my brother in
;
distress,
my
sister in sorrow, or
from the
little
sick ones
who cannot
help themselves, who lie nursed by gentle

hands in the cots of the great hospitals, I may be able at
least to throw a ray of sunlight into their stricken lives,
and in a very humble way
and yet a long way
off
endeavor to follow the teaching of the country boy of

Nazareth, whose words soothed the sorrows of men and
women, whose touch gave health
to sick children,
and

whose memory we, in this Rite, at
Saviour of mankind. (Applause.)
least,
189
revere as the
to the Craft in this jurisdiction, I
\Vit
think
within the bounds of accuracy when I state that I

know of no other jurisdiction where a greater amount of
am
harmony
ship
liv
exists.
tliis
do not desire to
Of
statement.
flatter
our member-
course where
we have
so
large a Craft constituency as 21,000, with 354 lodges,

nearly all in good working order, we need not be surprised
we do
tind a ripple of unrest occasionally;

ustances have been very rare, and I have
if
but
yet
have been called to utter a word

the
W.M's. under our obedience
one
of
to
any
eproof
and a> for the D.D.G.M's. no Grand Master ever had a
mm
energetic, vigorous and aggressive set of
officers
eager to help the cause where it is weak with
to find one case
where
an appi
the W.M's.
n\\ for
who
are in the front
and a determination to give the Craft the

glory, and perfection that, as the grandest of fra-
luty,
>ur,
ternal organizations,
deserves.
it
its portals, and, therefore, the

Masonry's danger
Craft has to be doubly vigilant. You choose your mnn-
at
is
from among men whose goodness is stamped with

trust to the
nail-mark of Masonry membership.
x)d report, and should be careful to see that
toDL
9
We
M tin-
liumMest honours of our great brotherhood annut widely and

If OB
lily worn.
well watche
will sutler in its turn.

i
found
a,s
often
in
with you. Happiness, it

the valleys as on the hill-t
to be
in
this
valley,
tli.v
is
deep
190
it is wide, I can vouch for the truth of the

saying
that happiness does always abide in valleys brightened
by the sun of a true Masonic brotherhood, and warmed
as
by a friendship that never grows
cold.
(Loud Applause.)
MASONIC BALL AT HAMILTON.

The event of the season
Hamilton is the Masonic

Always enjoyable, it was this year (1891) more so
than usual. Not only the Grand Master, but all the other
executive heads of the Craft were present. The ball was
in
Ball.
formally opened by M.
said
W.
Bro. J. Ross Robertson,
who
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN,
sight of this magnificent

to
gathering
enough
strengthen rny ancient belief that
is
the
brevity
greatest of verbal virtues.
powers of
is
My
endurance are such that I could make as long and as tiresome a speech as you ever heard, but we are all here on
pleasure bent.
Craft
work
is
in
times of bereavement
and distress shaded by the sorrows of those near to us and

dependent on us. In this old centre and citadel of Masonry I know that the brethren work well when there is
work to do, so pleasure is sweet to them because it has
been earned. They can afford to come out of the shadow
into the sunshine, and we are all in it to-night.
There is
a time for all things, and we Freemasons feel that it is
in keeping with our principles of fraternity that the social
sire
landscape should not be neglected, and therefore deour friends who are not within the fold to share the
good things we are able to provide,
No part of our work
191
more enjoyable than to welcome you all to this reMay you all have a pleasant time, and depart
with kindly feelings for a Graft that hastes to do good
wealth, and considers it not only a duty but a privilege
ee the fair ones, the wives, the daughters, and the
is
union.
fY'k'ii'ls ol
you
all
its iiR-mlters
welcome.
join in the gentle revelry.
(Applause.)
I bid
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V

TALKS WITH CRAFTSMEN,

PENCILLINGS BY THE WAYSIDE

THE HEARTS OF A GREAT BROTHERHOOD

FELLOWSHIP AND FRATERNITY.

scattered thoughts which, at the request of

old friends in the Craft, are preserved within

the covers of this volume, are garnered from

have been a contributor.

Some were penned while

summer-land of the South, where

sought a vacation in the home of the orange groves

companions of a life-time were talking of Craft work,

in the firelight are

yet in the cir-

others have slipped life's cable, and sailed into the

With these pencilling may be found a few extracts

These marks of esteem

desire to realize the

came from the outer darkness

of the world into the inner

radiance of the Sons of Light.

A poor man is he who journeys through the mazes of

common humanity, and

without peer on earth, cherish the

wholly unfruitful, and that those who come after me may

over the shoals of

These unpretentious jottings, like clearings in the

The stream that

hillside contributes its mite to the size and strength of

seeds of golden grain, have germs of life within.

who never falter

work, who desire to see

in the honest effort to

and avoid the dangers that

progresses on a pathway that leads

await the Craft as

The whole of the proceeds from the sale

book will be devoted

for Little Children, the

Convalescent Branch of the Hospital for Sick Children, on Toronto

TALKS WITH CRAFTSMEN,

Always look with suspicion on the man who mak

bring in Masonic talk in mercantile

MASONRY NEED NOT

many members and

This canvassing for candidates

not enough Masons.

A GIANT AT MEAL TIM!

The knife and fork Mason should be kept out of lodge

n you hold the gavel, govern justly.

TALKS WITH CRAFTSMEN.

THEY ARE FEW, BUT NOT TOO FEW.

BE SURE YOU ARE ALL RIGHT.

Attend your lodge regularly.

the smoking room when the lodge is in session, watch

sample of the same he would be a better

SMOOTH THE WRINKLES OUT OF

the asperities of life might be softened, if we had

word greet the brother with whom we