United Grand Lodge Of Victoria.

UNITED GRAND LODGE OF VICTORIA .

In accordance _ with the arrangements which have been lesciibed from time to time in these columns , the United grand Lodge of Victoria was formally constituted at Melbourne on Wednesday , the 20 th March last , the chair at the inaugural proceedings being taken by Bro . John James ,

p , D . S . G . W ., President ot the United Executive Committee . On this occasion , the Articles of Union , asjagreed to , were read , and Bro . Sir W . J . Clarke , Bart ., was proposed an d elected M . W . G . M . Grand Lodge shortly afterwards au'journed , to meet again the day following in the Melbourne Town Hall , for the purpose of completing the work thus begun by formally installing in office their Grand

Master elect and appointing and investing the officers of the new Grand Lodge . At 11 a . m ., when Bro . James , Chairman of tho Executive Committee , entered and took his seat forthe purpose of opening Grand Lodge , the large Hall was crowded in every part , it being estimated that quite 3000 brethren were present to witness the important ceremony of the day . Lodge having

been opened , and representatives from the District and Provincial Grand Lodges of New Zealand and Tasmania having entered and been greeted , Lord Carrington , M . W . G . M . of the United Grand Lodge of New South Wales , accompanied by his Deputy , Bro . Col . Stokes , and other Grand Officers , and the Hon . the Chief Justice Way , M . W . G . M ., with his Grand Officers , entered in succession , and having been conducted to their seats amid loud cheers ,

were saluted in accordance with ancient custom . His lordship , on the invitation of Bro . James , then took the chair , and the certificate of Bro . Sir VV . J . Clarke ' s election as M . W . G . M . having been read , a deputation of eight P . M . ' s was appointed to introduce the G . M . elect . A procession was formed , and entered in the following order , preceded by trumpeters , and to the accompaniment of a grand march finely played on the organ by Bro . G . Peake , acting G . Organist :

Two Stewards . Two Masters of Lodges . The gauntlets and apron of the Grand Master , on a cushion , borne by the Master of a Lodge . The collar and jewel of the Grand Master , on a cushion , borne by the Master of a Lodge . Deacon . Deacon . Two Masters of Lodges .

THE GRAND MASTER ELEC 1 * . Two Masters of Lodges . The acting D . C , Bro . VV . B . Edwards , having presented the G . M . elect to the Installing G . M ., a hymn , to the tune of " Moscow , " was sung , followed by an appropriate prayer by Bro . the Rev . W . W . Mantel ! , acting Grand Chaplain .

Lord CARRINGTON next called upon Sir William Clarke to take the obligation of office , at the conclusion of which the Grand Master was invested with his insignia , and placed on the throne , amid great cheering . Lord CARRINGTON then said : I now hail you , Bro . Sir William Clarke , Baronet , Most Worshipful Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of Victoria . Brethrenbehold

, your Grand Master . The proclamations and salutations , preceded by sound of trumpet , were respectively given in the east , west , and south , interspersed with verses of a suitable hymn sung by all present . Chief Justice WAY , the G . M . of South Australia , then addressed the newly-installed Grand Master . He said :

Most Worshipful Grand Master , —It is impossible to witness this great spectacle unmoved . This noble hall transformed into _ a Masonic Iodge—floor and galleries occupied by serried ranks of Masons , in their distinctive dress , who have come from all parts of Victoria and of Australia , and from distant countries of the world—is in itself a striking sight . With all its imposing surroundings this impressive

ceremonial can never be forgotten by any one of us . But it is only when we penetrate behind these externals , to the meaning which they embody , that we appreciate the real significance of this great gathering . At the moment , Most VVorshipful Grand Master , when you were installed in that chair , the United Grand Lodge of Victoria became a complete and perfect

organisation , bearing rule over the whole of the Masonic fraternity m Victoria . It became a fully constituted Grand Lodge , one of the supreme ruling Grand Lodges of the world , with co-equal rights and authority within its own jurisdiction to the most venerable of them all . And , at the same instant , the four Constitutions into which Masonry has long been divided in this colony were united into one common

Brotherhood . If the hearts of all who participate in this ceremonial are stirred within us , how profound , Most Worshipful Grand Master , must your emotions be when you reject upon the change that has now taken place in your relations with the Craft on both sides of the world . You had tne honour to be the depository , in this colony , of the authority of three Grand Lodees . Your exnerienrp . is . sn

far as I am aware , unique in Masonic annals—to have been the District , or Prov . Grand Master of the English , Irish , and Scotch Constitutions , at the same time , and in the same territory . Those high offices were a sacred trust , ajtrust which you were incapable of betraying , a trust which you nave worthily fulfilled . It was a remarkable distinction to en ) oy the confidence and to be the representative in this

great colony of H . R . H . the Grand Master of England , and of the noble and distinguished Grand Masters of . "eland and of Scotland . But to-day you are not the sublet , you are not the representative—you are the Masonic Pter , the fellow ruler , of those illustrious Grand Masters , tneir equal in Masonic power and in Masonic rank . Hither-° yours has been a subordinate authority , conferred upon Jou fro afar by leaders of the Craft acquainted with you j j good repute , or as a passing visitor . To-day your asonic authority in this land is supreme ; it proceeds £ •- "ML- 'u-iLy 111 una laiiu is supiciut * , IL piuueeub

ha " r ampler knowledge of those amongst whom you j ^ j lived ; and it is based ( as the sovereign authority in ¦ you ° K a " over ¦ "J 16 wor'd ' based ) upon the suffrages of ti , ' ' . brethren . It is an established custom amongst Masons J . 'immediatel y upon his installation—at the moment when |) let ° SSeSS ' ° ^ tlle h'gl * ' dignity in Masonry is combe r e a ? d fu ! -y acknowledged—every Grand Master shall the p m , nded ( as 1 remind you ) that he is the servant of tl , V reat Architect ofthe Universe , and the brother of reliev est menr | ber of the Craft . Your experience Will frt ""!^ " ^ dressing y ° u as to y r duties , which solemn , ° ui . not ' discharged in accordance with the c |] a " obligation into which you have entered . If , with j "eristic diffidence , you hesitate to undertake , your

United Grand Lodge Of Victoria.

brethren will not hesitate to urge you to accept , the responsibilities of your high office . They have seen the manner in which you have administered your District and Provincial Grand Masterships—how faithful . how conscientious , how considerate your rule has been . They remember your other great services to the Craft . They know also that the active philanthropy which is the practical outcome of the

teachings of Masonry has been signally illustrated in your career , and that with you the liberal hand has ever been ready to give effect to the impulses of the generous heart . Many of the brethren who have now come under your authority as Grand Master have been members of the local Constitution which has for years looked forward to that complete union amongst Masons in Victoria which has

to-day been happily attained . They are entitled to , and will receive from you , the same fraternal consideration as thc brethren with whom you have been longer associated , and on their part they will as loyally support your government of the Craft . It is a satisfaction to us all that the work in which we are engaged is not only in accordance with Masonic law , but has the sympathy and approval of

the Grand Lodges in the mother country , from which Australian Masonry has sprung . They have rightly insisted that Masonic union and Masonic independence ( which are the manifest destiny of the Craft in all these great southern colonies ) are not in the gift of any external authority , and must , in each case , be wrought out on the spot . When , howcver , the task has been completely achieved they give ready recognition to its accomplishment , and

cheerfully substitute the new bond of alliance for the old tie of protection . Former associations must make it peculiarly gratifying to you , M . W . G . M ., to have had the honour of being installed by the noble and distinguished brother who , as G " . M . of New South Wales and P . G . W . of England , is ( as we all hope he will continue to be ) a living link between English and Australian Masonry . We may also be assured that the most eminent Mason of our time—H . R . H . the

G . M . of England—who has graciously granted his patronage to the Grand Lodges of Scotland , of Ireland , of New South Wales , and of South Australia , will not deny the same boon to his loyal brethren of the Craft in Victoria . Any natural regret at the changes which the inevitable law of development forces upon us should cease , when we remember that Masons all over the world , though arrayed

under different Constitutions , are members of the same brotherhood . As Australian Masons we will never separate ourselves from the great traditions of English Masonry . It will be our endeavour to repioduce in Australia the splendid Charities which are the glory of the Craft in the dear old country . Here , as well as there , Masonry will continue to be a social , as distinguished from a political , organisation ,

but we , like our brothers across the sea , shall always be found on the side of law and order ; and we will not yield to them in loyalty to the Crown , or in devotion to the person of our Queen . The Craft Masons of the Middle Ages , whose secret mysteries we have inherited and tiansmuted into a system of speculative and practical morality , often worked for successive generations , century after

century , in the erection of some cathedral pile , the finished plan of which only became apparent as the structure approached its full proportions . From base to summit , from crypt to heavenward-pointing spire , their task was faithfully done . Every stone was perfectly wrought , whether it was to be buried in the earth or carved into the tracery of an eastern window . The builders '

names are forgotten ; but their work remains —beautiful , imperishable , compelling wonder and reverence for all time . Does not the work of these old buildings prefigure the history , past and future , of the Craft in Victoria ? It is less than 50 years ago that the first Masonic lodge was opened in Melbourne . The early workers in the English , Scotch , and Irish Constitutions did not foresee the

development which Masonry vvould attain from its small beginnings in this southern land , or its happy comprehension under one local United Grand Lodge , any more than they foresaw the amazing growth of this great colony and of this magnificent city . They worked , nevertheless , with the same faithfulness , and with the same dependence on the Divine Architect , as animated the old Craftsmen . And

if you , the Masons of Victoria , still standing by the ancient landmarks and true to your obligations , continue a united Brotherhood , this land shall be inter-penetrated with the piety , the benevolence , and the loyalty which are the lessons of Freemasonry to mankind , and your work , like that of the medixval builders , though it may have its foundations on earth , will rise to Heaven . And now ,

Most Worshipful Grand Master , I congratulate you and the United Grand Lodge of Victoria , and all the brethren of the Victorian Constitution , on your being completely installed in the Grand Master ' s chair , which I trust you will long occupy vvith distinction to yourself and for the lasting benefit of the Craft . Sir WILLIAM CLARKE , in reply , said : Most

Worshipful Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of South Australia , and Most VVorshipful Grand Master of New South Wales , and brethren , —The brilliant address delivered by the Grand Master of South Australia has pointed out to me what my duties are , and I will do my very best to perform what lies in my power . I have no fear that in the future , with such true and intelligent

officers as 1 have had in the past , 1 shall make any mistakes . When the question ot forming a United Grand Lodge of Victoria came up I sent a circular round amongst the Fraternity asking that brothers should no ; exert pressure on each other , or that the District Grand Lodges should not bring pressure to bear on the lodges . The opinion on the subject was so unanimous that when I vvas asked

whether I would accept the position of first Grand Master I was perfectly satisfied in acceding to their wishes . I feel it a great honour , and I have great pleasure in appointing one of my Provincial Grand Lodge Officers to be my Deputy . The United Grand Lodge of Victoria now numbers 140 lodges , containing about 7000 Masons , whilst there are also 10 , 000 Masons in Victoria who are not

affiliated . The immense progress the lodges have made in the past four years leads me to believe that it will be even greater in the future . I am sorry to say that two lodges have not come our banner , but I hope that before very long they will see the wisdom of joining our ranks . We will be able to visit them ; so I trust if they do not join

there vvill be brotherly love between us . The Provincial and District Grand Lndges of this colony have from time to time expended some £ 20 , 000 in Charity among distressed brethren from all over the world , and have erected almshouses vvhich , by the wisdom of the founders of the Craft in Victoria , were built on a piece of land liberally

United Grand Lodge Of Victoria.

granted by the Government , I have again to thank you for the spontaneous manner in vvhich you have attended from all parts cf the colony to do me honour . The M . W . GRAND MASTER then appointed Bro . George Baker as his Deputy Grand Master , and in doing so spoke in cordial acknowledgment of the valuable services contributed by that brother as Deputy Prov . Grand Master

of the Irish Constitution . Bro . Baker vvas duly obligated and invested with the insignia of his office by the Grand Master of South Australia , after vvhich he was placed in the chair to the right of the Grand Master , proclaimed , and saluted . After an anthem the Grand Master announced his intention to confer Past Grand Rank on the following

brethren , in recognition of their Masonic services : Bros . H . St . John Clark , George Baker , and Major C . R . Martin , Past Grand Masters ; John James , Joseph Cahill , VV . Scott , H . W . Lowry , Angell Ellis , and T . JH . Lempriere , Past Deputy Grand Masters ; E . Edwards , jun ., C . B . Finlayson , T . H . Henderson , W . Elms , and J . A . Cantor , Past Grand Senior Wardens .

The following brethren , who , according to the basis of Union , had been elected by the Executive Committee for confirmation by the Grand Lodge , and appointment by the M . W . G . M ., were then invested as Grand Officers for the year : Bro . Archibald Aitken S . G . W . ,, Paul Josko J . G . W .

„ Rev . C . J . Godby ... . ••" )/ - / -1 . 1 „ Rev . Henry J . Wilkinson ... j G . Chaplains . „ Angell Ellis ... ... ... G . Treasurer . „ I . A . Isaacs ... ... ... G . Registrar . „ J . S . Butters , M . L . C . ... G . Pres . B . of G . P . „ T . H . Lempriere ... ... G . Secretary . „ Rev . D . Meadowcroft ( G . Sec . forFor . Cor . ( . and Librarian . „ P . Blashki G . Pres . B . of B . „ Louis Horwitz ... ... S . G . D . „ W . D . Wright S . G D . „ C . S . Mason j . G . D . „ W . H . Batten f . G . D . „ T . J . Tyler G . Supt . of Wks . „ W . B . Edwards G . D . C . „ W . Ferguson D . G . D . C . „ A . Miller A . G . D . C . „ H . Rowley G . Swd . Br . „ John Hill G . Std . Br . „ A . G . S . Williams ... G . Std . Br . „ G . Peake ... ... ... G . Organist . „ P . Gosling ... ... ... A . G . Secretary . „ W . G . Pizzry G . Purst . „ David Crawcour ... ... A . G . Purst . „ J . A . Clark G . Tyler . 3 , j . Paul A . G . Tyler . The following vvere invested as Stewards : !*! ros . C . J . Davies , A . Clack , G . R . Reeves , C . MD . nva'i , W . N . Hall , W . T . Simpson , R . Bissetl * , M . Phillips , C . C .

Simpson , P . J . Kitz , H . A . Derham , and M . Terry . An interesting feature of the ceremonies vvas here interpolated , namely , the presentation of a life-size portrait of Sir William Clarke , in full regalia , by the artist . Bro . Jas . C . Waite , Lodge of Perseverance , No . 371 ( E . C ) , member of the Royal Society of British Artists , to the United Grand Lodge of Victoria . The unveiling of the canvas

brought forth loud applause , at the conclusion of which Bro . J J AJIES , P . D . G . M ., formally made the presentation , on behalf of the donor , stating that many years hence it vvould be a historical memento of the opening of the United Grand Lodije of Victoria . He moved the thanks of the Grand Lodge to Bro . Waite for his graceful liberality , and the motion being seconded by Bro . P .

BLASHKI , vvas put , and carried wilh acclamation . The picture is to be reproduced in lithograph , so that lodges and members of lodges will be enabled to secure a portrait of the first Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of Victoria . Bro . VV . F . LAMONBY , P . S . G . W ., moved , and Bro . C . H . BAYLEY , P . P . B . G . P ., seconded the following motion :

"That their Excellencies Lord Carrington and Chief Justice Way , Mo * it Worshipful Grand Masters of New South Wales and South Australia , be hereby elected honorary members of the United Grand Lodgeof Victoria , in recognition of their invaluable services . " The motion , on being put by the GRAND MASTER , vvas carried with much cheering , after which the two GRAND

MASTERS acknowledged the compliment . A number of representatives from sister Grand Lodges vvere then presented to Sir William Clarke , congratulating him on his assuming the reins of office as the Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of Victoria . The representatives vvere headed by Bro . Geo . Coppin , P . G . M . for the Grand Lodge of Columbia , that brother being

greeted with rounds of applause on his advancing to the throne . The proceedings , which had necessarily been prolonged , came to a close shortly after 2 o ' clock , when the Grand Lodge was closed in ample form , the whole of the assemblage finally singing the National Anthem with great spirit and effect .

The musical arrangements vvere under the direction of Bro . George Peake , Grand Org . ; the Clarke Lodge choir giving their services . Bro . W . B . Edwards , the G . D . of C ., deserves every credit for the perfect and complete manner in vvhich he went through the details of an exceedingly arduous and responsible ceremony . The Mayor , it may be mentioned , courteously granted

the use of his rooms and the council chamber during the proceedings . The scene in the grand hall vvas successfully photographed by Messrs . Barker and Farquhar , Austral Works . In the evening a grand banquet vvas held in the Town Hall , in order that the successful proceedings of the day might be appropriately celebrated . About 500 brethren

vvere present , and Bro . Sir VV . J . Clarke , Bart , M . W . G . M ., presided , Bros . Lord Carrington , M . W . G . M . New South Wales ; G . S . Coppin , P . G . M . Victoria ; G . Baker , D . G . M . Victoria ; and Major Martin , P . G . M . Victoria , supporting him on the right ; and Bros . Chief justice Way , M . W . G . M . South Australia ; D . Munro , P . G . M . Victoria ; and the Revs . C . J . Goddy and H . j .

Wilkinson , G . Chaps ., on the left . After dinner thc usual toasts were drunk with the utmost enthusiasm , the G . Master and the visiting G . Masters each of them receiving an ovation . And so this eventful day in the history of Victorian Freemasonry vvas brought to a most satisfactory conclusion , the brethren separating at a late hour , in perfect peace and harmony .