Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Reception Of American Visitors At The Quatuor Coronati Lodge.
in reply for the toast of " The Grand Lodge of Canada , " you will all agree that the good of Masonry is not seen to its best advantage in days of prosperity , but the darker adversity lowers , the better and brighter shines the light of Freemasonry . On my return in a few days I shall commence a series of too visits , 50 of which must be paid before the last day of this year , so you will see that the duties of the Grand Master of a jurisdiction like Canada are not of a light character . In our work vve are endeavouring to follow closely the
footsteps of the Mother Grand Lodge of England , and I can assure you my communications with this lodge have given me ^ new impetus , and inspired me with a longing to undertake work , and carry it on so that I may do good to my brethren in Canada , the greatest good to the greatest number . Washington—a city close to the jurisdiction of which my friend and brother on my right is connected —is a city of magnificent proportions , and mine is the jurisdiction of magnificent distances . The work that vve have in Canada is different to a certain extent to
that which you have in England . We are young in Masonry , and cannot claim the antiquity you can , or that Pennsylvania claims , but we celebrate our centennial next year . We trust that when we celebrate our centennial we shall go further , and endeavour in every manner possible to follow the example of our brother Masons , and , in remembering the kindly feelings you have for us , remember that if we are not the oldest son of England , we are at least one of your sons . We shall endeavour to carry out the principles of the Order , and continue to work in a cause which we all love so well .
The WORSHIPFUL MASTER next proposed "The Correspondence Circle of the Quatuor Coronati Lod ge , " and , in doing so , said : This toast is always g iven , and in somewhat different ways . The list of toasts presents some difficulties , and these are not lessened by the fact that Bro . Hughan , who had undertaken , at my request , to propose the present toast , has been obliged , owing to delicate health , to leave . I therefore regret , not only that heis not here , but that lam standing
here as his substitute . I find it difficult to give it in the way generally given , as the Circle suggests the name of Bro . Speth , and I should go on , I think , in a mighty digression , for perhaps the greatest thing he has done for us is the creation of this Correspondence Circle . However , his time will come at a later period . What it has done I need hardly tell you . We thought that vve might perhaps reach three figures . The idea of Bro . Speth was to create a society that
would enable us to print our proceedings . What it has ripened into I need hardly tell you . We find that the proceedings of our lodge are well and ably edited , and yet this is hardly a proper expression , because the editor contributes perhaps more literary matter than any other member . We have a large circle of subscribers and a large circle of regular attendants , and we have also a large number who attend when they can . If I mi ght name one who comes frequently it would be Bro .
Bodenham , who never misses an opportunity when he can make an excuse to come to town . Bro . Robertson has found two occasions to come here . On the first occasion he put off his visit to Paris to be with us , and I am glad vve received him in a way to induce him to repeat his visit . I hope he will so time his movements as to come here again when we are in session . Bro . MacCalla said he believed he was one of the earliest members of the Correspondence Circle , and I think he joined the moment it was brought to his notice .
The brother vvith whose name I will couple the toast is the third of the Grand Masters present . I allude to Bro . Horner , who occupied the distinguished position of Grand Master of Louisiana , and occupies the second chair of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of the United States . The Correspondence Circlets going on increasing , and I am sure the three distinguished brethren present will speak of it in the kindly terms it deserves to our brethren in the West . I give you "The Correspondence Circle , " coupling the name of Bro . Horner .
Bro . J . P . HORNER , P . G . M . Louisiana : To be called upon to respond to the toast of the Correspondence Circle is a hi gh honour , and one I fully appreciate , and I am going to give you an example of the influence of this Circle . Bro . MacCalla , my worthy brother from Pennsylvania , and myself you would imagine to be old friends . We are old friends , but it is scarcely two weeks since we first met . We live 1200 to 1500 miles apart , and when he knew I had some idea of
visiting Europe this summer he wrote to me of his projected visit to the Masonic bodies , and said he would like me to accompany him . That is the reason I am here , and he urged why I should come , that I was a member of this Circle , and that concluded me . I do not know that I can say more than has been said by my brother of the pleasure we have received from our visit to the various Masonic bodies here . The principal city of Louisiana is New Orleans , which is in close
connection with England—principally in cotton . It is a large jurisdiction numerically speaking . Our Grand Lodge is now some 90 years old , as Masonry was established in Louisiana in 1793 , and the Grand Lodge formed in 1812 , which has been in constant operation since . We have 200 odd lodges and 10 , 000 to 12 , 000 Masons . We have lodges working in at least five different languages and working favourably and well , and doing their best to spread the principles of Masonry .
A remark vvas made by your Worshipful Master in lodge with reference to a subject on vvhich I mi ght perhaps , in a few words , give you some little li ght—the question of unaffiliated Masons . That has been a subject of great trouble in America , and perhaps a brief history would not onl y be interesting but of advantage in showing vvhat trouble we have had , and which some day may be yours . When I first became a member of the Grand Lodge of Louisiana in i 860 , a lodge
was then allowed under our laws , in case a brother did not ' pay his dues , to strike him from the roll . It was a remedy rarely pursued and not favourabl y looked upon . The actual framing of the rule was that if a brother was not satisfactory and neglected his duties , his name was to be struck off . The result vvas to deprive him of membership of his lodge , and that only , and it did not affect his Masonic standing in any way . Masonically it deprived him of his membership that he
could not vote . He could attend and was entitled to Masonic burial and relief , but he vvas not a member of any lodge . A few years alter that it began to be mooted that there should be a remedy for stated delinquencies , and various measures were proposed , and finally it was thought to be best to create a new Masonic offence . The Masonic punishments which were then in vogue were four . First , expulsion •second , suspension ; third , suspension for a definite period ; and fourth ,
reprimand . Suspension for non-payment of fees was then proposed , and no brother could have the ri ghts of membership or vote , and was not to be entitled to Masonic relief or burial . It was decided it should be inflicted at any meeting . The suspension at that time could not be effected without due trial—a real formal trial . It worked badly , as it was not generally understood how it should be carried out . There was great opposition taken to it , and was opposed by all the
prominent Masons , and to this day the discussion now goes on although the question is settled . Finally , more severe measures were decided upon , and now a brother who does not pay his dues can be suspended and placed in the position of one expelled from the ri ghts and privileges of the Order . That is the result _ of the legislation , and such is the law to-day , and the further result is that we have in America a list of members suspended for
non-payment of dues that is terrific to contemplate . That is why Masons in the United States become non-affiliates , and in my own Grand Lodge the law now stands that a non-affiliated Mason , whether by his own free vvill or not , ceasing to contribute , forfeits all ri ghts . I think I have answered the question of the Worshi pful Master . In my own Grand Lodge we are composed of Masons from
every part of the known world , and not only that , but Masons of every Rite—the Scotch , York , French , and others . I could take you round and show you different working every evening for a week , and perhaps for weeks . We had a system in 18 48 , by dispensation , and the power that may shock you , and that was the power of the Past Masters . The Past Masters had the equal right to vote , and they governed , as there vvere so many , and the actual representatives were in a
Reception Of American Visitors At The Quatuor Coronati Lodge.
minority , and as the French language vvas the predominant language in Grand Lodge we worked in that . My lodge , formed in 1793 , was in the French language until 1886 , when it was re-organised , and we changed everything except the namelanguage , work , and time of meeting and fixed it up , and so it vvill be in days to come . The speaker then gave many amusing particulars of different forms of working , which we are naturally precluded from orinting , and which
greatly interested his hearers . Bro . Horner , continuing , said , I hope I have not been too long in detaining you with little ; reminiscences , but I have tried to give you an idea of what Masonry is in the far Southern States , and how vve hope to progress in the future . In 1793 we vvere the Spanish Dominion , and my lodges vvere held in the utmost privacy , as it would be a heavy penalty to be caught , but we have gone on and prospered . Some words have been
dropped in a good many speeches , not only here , but at your lodge meetings , as to Charity . I have not said anything about that in connection with my jurisdiction . For 30 years I have been a member of my own lodge , and most of the time have held office . I must say to you that we have a lodge in Louisiana , organised some 40 years , which we call the Louisiana Relief Lodge . It was founded in New Orleans when brethren were continually applying for relief from other
Masonic jurisdictions . There wanderers from all nations congregate , and it was the custom for them to apply to the lodges in session for relief , until the tax became very heavy . It was thought the correct thing to sanction the Grand Lodge to organise a Grand Lodge of Relief . A good deal of money is spent , and a great deal of good done , and an attempt made to clothe the needy and feed the hungry . The WORSHIPFUL MASTER then said he wished to propose the health of the
brethren who had come from a considerable distance to attend this meeting . They were Bro . John Lane , the author of " Masonic Records , " who had travelled a long way , and there vvas Bro . Baxter , a Grand Officer of the Grand Lodge of Scotland , and several others . He should not speak at great length , but among the satisfaction which had been afforded the visitors , one of the most pleasant recollections was that brethren had heen present who had put themselves to considerable
inconvenience to attend . Bro . Lane they did not see as often as they should like , but he had come although living at a considerable distance , and was one of the first to announce his intention of being present . Bro . Lane vvas one of those modest men who did good by stealth and blushed to find it fame , and his work was one of those books which would be much missed . It gave them the key to the English ancestry of all lodges under the Grand Lodge of England , and was a grand work vvhich they as members of their lodge vvere proud to know had been
compiled by a member . Although Bro . Lane had not attended so regularly as they could wish , he had contributed one of the most valuable papers that had ever been read there . The paper was a little dry , but to the student who looked into it they found a useful contribution to their Masonic knowledge . He ( the W . M . ) did not hesitate to say that that paper was one of the very best essays they had had for three or four years . With regard to Bro . Baxter they took no little pride to themselves that brethren should travel so far as from Edinburgh to be present .
Bro . J LANE said he had risen in response to the too flattering observations made by the W . M . vvith regard to the little services he had rendered . As Bro . Gould had told them , it had been his pride and desire to advance anything he could . He appreciated the great honour conferred on him in giving him the J . W . ' s chair that evening , ft had been a great treat to meet the brethren from
across the water , whose books he had read , and to see them in the flesh , although they had known them for some time . He regretted more than he could tell them the absence of Bro . Hughan , who was responsible to a large extent for anything he had done in Masonry . When he first saw Masonic lig ht the student ' s lig ht vvas not developed until he came into contact vvith Bro . Hughan . He would convey the W . M . 's kind expressions and kind regards to him .
Bro . BAXTER said that though he had been a paying member of the Correspondence Circle , he had not yet visited them , but having been with Bro . Speth in Edinburgh he thought it incumbent upon him to see them . He had special license from the Grand Lodge of Scotland to appear in Grand Lodge clothing as their representative . The Quatuor Coronati Lodge was held in high esteem in the Grand Lodge of Scotland , vvhich fully appreciated the good work being done . He would add , if he was not held to be presumptuous , that there seemed to be a
" boom in Americans " that evening . He had some claims to be included in that , for he represented the Grand Lodge of New York at the Grand Lodgeof Scotland . Bro . MACCALLA : I have been honoured with the privilege of proposing a toast which I know all visitors will join . It is the lodge whose guests we are to-night , and prosperity to it , and in that connection I desire to make honourable mention of the W . M ., the S . W ., Bro . Bywater ; the J . W ., Bro . Lane ; and the Secretary , Bro . Speth ; four brethren who deserved to be , and will be , crowned—although I hope not crowned martyrs . I desire to couple the name of Bro . Speth .
Bro . SPETH : In returning thanks for the good wishes expressed for the prosperit y of the Quatuor Coronati Lodge , I feel somewhat over-burdened , inasmuch as my special ~ work in the lodge is scarcely that of orator , but rather that of the business man , who sees to your correspondence and gets in the cash when he can , and duns you when he cannot , and generally tries to keep the course clear . Gratified as we must all feel that such eminent judges of what is bright and glorious
in this world as are the brethren from across the Atlantic , should speak so hi ghly of this lodge , I think perhaps the lodge has this day proved its raison d ' etre in rather a novel manner by affording our guests an opportunity of entertaining us in the admirable way they have . To parody the epitaph on Sir Christopher Wren—if you require a monument look around you—I would merely say with respect to this lodge that if you require a warranty for its existence look
around you . The mere fact that this lodge is able to assemble such an intellectual assembly—the cream of Masons—as we have this night , putting aside all other objects , warrants our existence . We have not attained the heig ht of our ambition , therefore there is every room for the good wishes expressed . We have not yet gathered into our net every reading Mason . We shall get a large proportion in time , and when that time arrives 1 hope we . shall make one great advance , and
that is to be able to open a home of commun ' cation for brethren from all parts of theworld—a local habitation , where they can meet throughout every day in the year , and where we can place our library , which is already large , and in a fair way growing . When that day arrives we shall then be the central point for every English Mason . It can arrive next year if every brother would do one thing—i . e ., if every member of the Correspondence Circle would bring one member we could
open our premises . The Tyler ' s toast followed ; but even then the brethren seemed reluctant to part , and little knots remained chatting for some considerable time afterwards .
All orig ins are apt to be mysterious . The persons who originate any movement of a public or quasi-public character , rarely comprehend its real importance or are far-sighted enough to discern its future development . The orig in of cities ' of states , of nations , of man , of the earth , of life itself , are all mysteries , and we can at best but approximate to the truth concerning their orig in . The same is true of Freemasonry . Who can surely define its origin , either in the Orient or
the Occident ? Who can say that at a certain date , by certain brethren , it was first organised in Germany , France , England , or Scotland ? The facts are interred vvith the years , in the grave of the past . This is especially true concerning the origin of a secret fraternal organisation like that of Freemasonry , which naturally conceals itself from the public gaze , and even enters upon its own minutes of lodge action only an outline of such of its transactions as are proper to be committed to writing . —From Bro . MacCalla's address to the Quatuor Coronati Lodge .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Reception Of American Visitors At The Quatuor Coronati Lodge.
in reply for the toast of " The Grand Lodge of Canada , " you will all agree that the good of Masonry is not seen to its best advantage in days of prosperity , but the darker adversity lowers , the better and brighter shines the light of Freemasonry . On my return in a few days I shall commence a series of too visits , 50 of which must be paid before the last day of this year , so you will see that the duties of the Grand Master of a jurisdiction like Canada are not of a light character . In our work vve are endeavouring to follow closely the
footsteps of the Mother Grand Lodge of England , and I can assure you my communications with this lodge have given me ^ new impetus , and inspired me with a longing to undertake work , and carry it on so that I may do good to my brethren in Canada , the greatest good to the greatest number . Washington—a city close to the jurisdiction of which my friend and brother on my right is connected —is a city of magnificent proportions , and mine is the jurisdiction of magnificent distances . The work that vve have in Canada is different to a certain extent to
that which you have in England . We are young in Masonry , and cannot claim the antiquity you can , or that Pennsylvania claims , but we celebrate our centennial next year . We trust that when we celebrate our centennial we shall go further , and endeavour in every manner possible to follow the example of our brother Masons , and , in remembering the kindly feelings you have for us , remember that if we are not the oldest son of England , we are at least one of your sons . We shall endeavour to carry out the principles of the Order , and continue to work in a cause which we all love so well .
The WORSHIPFUL MASTER next proposed "The Correspondence Circle of the Quatuor Coronati Lod ge , " and , in doing so , said : This toast is always g iven , and in somewhat different ways . The list of toasts presents some difficulties , and these are not lessened by the fact that Bro . Hughan , who had undertaken , at my request , to propose the present toast , has been obliged , owing to delicate health , to leave . I therefore regret , not only that heis not here , but that lam standing
here as his substitute . I find it difficult to give it in the way generally given , as the Circle suggests the name of Bro . Speth , and I should go on , I think , in a mighty digression , for perhaps the greatest thing he has done for us is the creation of this Correspondence Circle . However , his time will come at a later period . What it has done I need hardly tell you . We thought that vve might perhaps reach three figures . The idea of Bro . Speth was to create a society that
would enable us to print our proceedings . What it has ripened into I need hardly tell you . We find that the proceedings of our lodge are well and ably edited , and yet this is hardly a proper expression , because the editor contributes perhaps more literary matter than any other member . We have a large circle of subscribers and a large circle of regular attendants , and we have also a large number who attend when they can . If I mi ght name one who comes frequently it would be Bro .
Bodenham , who never misses an opportunity when he can make an excuse to come to town . Bro . Robertson has found two occasions to come here . On the first occasion he put off his visit to Paris to be with us , and I am glad vve received him in a way to induce him to repeat his visit . I hope he will so time his movements as to come here again when we are in session . Bro . MacCalla said he believed he was one of the earliest members of the Correspondence Circle , and I think he joined the moment it was brought to his notice .
The brother vvith whose name I will couple the toast is the third of the Grand Masters present . I allude to Bro . Horner , who occupied the distinguished position of Grand Master of Louisiana , and occupies the second chair of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of the United States . The Correspondence Circlets going on increasing , and I am sure the three distinguished brethren present will speak of it in the kindly terms it deserves to our brethren in the West . I give you "The Correspondence Circle , " coupling the name of Bro . Horner .
Bro . J . P . HORNER , P . G . M . Louisiana : To be called upon to respond to the toast of the Correspondence Circle is a hi gh honour , and one I fully appreciate , and I am going to give you an example of the influence of this Circle . Bro . MacCalla , my worthy brother from Pennsylvania , and myself you would imagine to be old friends . We are old friends , but it is scarcely two weeks since we first met . We live 1200 to 1500 miles apart , and when he knew I had some idea of
visiting Europe this summer he wrote to me of his projected visit to the Masonic bodies , and said he would like me to accompany him . That is the reason I am here , and he urged why I should come , that I was a member of this Circle , and that concluded me . I do not know that I can say more than has been said by my brother of the pleasure we have received from our visit to the various Masonic bodies here . The principal city of Louisiana is New Orleans , which is in close
connection with England—principally in cotton . It is a large jurisdiction numerically speaking . Our Grand Lodge is now some 90 years old , as Masonry was established in Louisiana in 1793 , and the Grand Lodge formed in 1812 , which has been in constant operation since . We have 200 odd lodges and 10 , 000 to 12 , 000 Masons . We have lodges working in at least five different languages and working favourably and well , and doing their best to spread the principles of Masonry .
A remark vvas made by your Worshipful Master in lodge with reference to a subject on vvhich I mi ght perhaps , in a few words , give you some little li ght—the question of unaffiliated Masons . That has been a subject of great trouble in America , and perhaps a brief history would not onl y be interesting but of advantage in showing vvhat trouble we have had , and which some day may be yours . When I first became a member of the Grand Lodge of Louisiana in i 860 , a lodge
was then allowed under our laws , in case a brother did not ' pay his dues , to strike him from the roll . It was a remedy rarely pursued and not favourabl y looked upon . The actual framing of the rule was that if a brother was not satisfactory and neglected his duties , his name was to be struck off . The result vvas to deprive him of membership of his lodge , and that only , and it did not affect his Masonic standing in any way . Masonically it deprived him of his membership that he
could not vote . He could attend and was entitled to Masonic burial and relief , but he vvas not a member of any lodge . A few years alter that it began to be mooted that there should be a remedy for stated delinquencies , and various measures were proposed , and finally it was thought to be best to create a new Masonic offence . The Masonic punishments which were then in vogue were four . First , expulsion •second , suspension ; third , suspension for a definite period ; and fourth ,
reprimand . Suspension for non-payment of fees was then proposed , and no brother could have the ri ghts of membership or vote , and was not to be entitled to Masonic relief or burial . It was decided it should be inflicted at any meeting . The suspension at that time could not be effected without due trial—a real formal trial . It worked badly , as it was not generally understood how it should be carried out . There was great opposition taken to it , and was opposed by all the
prominent Masons , and to this day the discussion now goes on although the question is settled . Finally , more severe measures were decided upon , and now a brother who does not pay his dues can be suspended and placed in the position of one expelled from the ri ghts and privileges of the Order . That is the result _ of the legislation , and such is the law to-day , and the further result is that we have in America a list of members suspended for
non-payment of dues that is terrific to contemplate . That is why Masons in the United States become non-affiliates , and in my own Grand Lodge the law now stands that a non-affiliated Mason , whether by his own free vvill or not , ceasing to contribute , forfeits all ri ghts . I think I have answered the question of the Worshi pful Master . In my own Grand Lodge we are composed of Masons from
every part of the known world , and not only that , but Masons of every Rite—the Scotch , York , French , and others . I could take you round and show you different working every evening for a week , and perhaps for weeks . We had a system in 18 48 , by dispensation , and the power that may shock you , and that was the power of the Past Masters . The Past Masters had the equal right to vote , and they governed , as there vvere so many , and the actual representatives were in a
Reception Of American Visitors At The Quatuor Coronati Lodge.
minority , and as the French language vvas the predominant language in Grand Lodge we worked in that . My lodge , formed in 1793 , was in the French language until 1886 , when it was re-organised , and we changed everything except the namelanguage , work , and time of meeting and fixed it up , and so it vvill be in days to come . The speaker then gave many amusing particulars of different forms of working , which we are naturally precluded from orinting , and which
greatly interested his hearers . Bro . Horner , continuing , said , I hope I have not been too long in detaining you with little ; reminiscences , but I have tried to give you an idea of what Masonry is in the far Southern States , and how vve hope to progress in the future . In 1793 we vvere the Spanish Dominion , and my lodges vvere held in the utmost privacy , as it would be a heavy penalty to be caught , but we have gone on and prospered . Some words have been
dropped in a good many speeches , not only here , but at your lodge meetings , as to Charity . I have not said anything about that in connection with my jurisdiction . For 30 years I have been a member of my own lodge , and most of the time have held office . I must say to you that we have a lodge in Louisiana , organised some 40 years , which we call the Louisiana Relief Lodge . It was founded in New Orleans when brethren were continually applying for relief from other
Masonic jurisdictions . There wanderers from all nations congregate , and it was the custom for them to apply to the lodges in session for relief , until the tax became very heavy . It was thought the correct thing to sanction the Grand Lodge to organise a Grand Lodge of Relief . A good deal of money is spent , and a great deal of good done , and an attempt made to clothe the needy and feed the hungry . The WORSHIPFUL MASTER then said he wished to propose the health of the
brethren who had come from a considerable distance to attend this meeting . They were Bro . John Lane , the author of " Masonic Records , " who had travelled a long way , and there vvas Bro . Baxter , a Grand Officer of the Grand Lodge of Scotland , and several others . He should not speak at great length , but among the satisfaction which had been afforded the visitors , one of the most pleasant recollections was that brethren had heen present who had put themselves to considerable
inconvenience to attend . Bro . Lane they did not see as often as they should like , but he had come although living at a considerable distance , and was one of the first to announce his intention of being present . Bro . Lane vvas one of those modest men who did good by stealth and blushed to find it fame , and his work was one of those books which would be much missed . It gave them the key to the English ancestry of all lodges under the Grand Lodge of England , and was a grand work vvhich they as members of their lodge vvere proud to know had been
compiled by a member . Although Bro . Lane had not attended so regularly as they could wish , he had contributed one of the most valuable papers that had ever been read there . The paper was a little dry , but to the student who looked into it they found a useful contribution to their Masonic knowledge . He ( the W . M . ) did not hesitate to say that that paper was one of the very best essays they had had for three or four years . With regard to Bro . Baxter they took no little pride to themselves that brethren should travel so far as from Edinburgh to be present .
Bro . J LANE said he had risen in response to the too flattering observations made by the W . M . vvith regard to the little services he had rendered . As Bro . Gould had told them , it had been his pride and desire to advance anything he could . He appreciated the great honour conferred on him in giving him the J . W . ' s chair that evening , ft had been a great treat to meet the brethren from
across the water , whose books he had read , and to see them in the flesh , although they had known them for some time . He regretted more than he could tell them the absence of Bro . Hughan , who was responsible to a large extent for anything he had done in Masonry . When he first saw Masonic lig ht the student ' s lig ht vvas not developed until he came into contact vvith Bro . Hughan . He would convey the W . M . 's kind expressions and kind regards to him .
Bro . BAXTER said that though he had been a paying member of the Correspondence Circle , he had not yet visited them , but having been with Bro . Speth in Edinburgh he thought it incumbent upon him to see them . He had special license from the Grand Lodge of Scotland to appear in Grand Lodge clothing as their representative . The Quatuor Coronati Lodge was held in high esteem in the Grand Lodge of Scotland , vvhich fully appreciated the good work being done . He would add , if he was not held to be presumptuous , that there seemed to be a
" boom in Americans " that evening . He had some claims to be included in that , for he represented the Grand Lodge of New York at the Grand Lodgeof Scotland . Bro . MACCALLA : I have been honoured with the privilege of proposing a toast which I know all visitors will join . It is the lodge whose guests we are to-night , and prosperity to it , and in that connection I desire to make honourable mention of the W . M ., the S . W ., Bro . Bywater ; the J . W ., Bro . Lane ; and the Secretary , Bro . Speth ; four brethren who deserved to be , and will be , crowned—although I hope not crowned martyrs . I desire to couple the name of Bro . Speth .
Bro . SPETH : In returning thanks for the good wishes expressed for the prosperit y of the Quatuor Coronati Lodge , I feel somewhat over-burdened , inasmuch as my special ~ work in the lodge is scarcely that of orator , but rather that of the business man , who sees to your correspondence and gets in the cash when he can , and duns you when he cannot , and generally tries to keep the course clear . Gratified as we must all feel that such eminent judges of what is bright and glorious
in this world as are the brethren from across the Atlantic , should speak so hi ghly of this lodge , I think perhaps the lodge has this day proved its raison d ' etre in rather a novel manner by affording our guests an opportunity of entertaining us in the admirable way they have . To parody the epitaph on Sir Christopher Wren—if you require a monument look around you—I would merely say with respect to this lodge that if you require a warranty for its existence look
around you . The mere fact that this lodge is able to assemble such an intellectual assembly—the cream of Masons—as we have this night , putting aside all other objects , warrants our existence . We have not attained the heig ht of our ambition , therefore there is every room for the good wishes expressed . We have not yet gathered into our net every reading Mason . We shall get a large proportion in time , and when that time arrives 1 hope we . shall make one great advance , and
that is to be able to open a home of commun ' cation for brethren from all parts of theworld—a local habitation , where they can meet throughout every day in the year , and where we can place our library , which is already large , and in a fair way growing . When that day arrives we shall then be the central point for every English Mason . It can arrive next year if every brother would do one thing—i . e ., if every member of the Correspondence Circle would bring one member we could
open our premises . The Tyler ' s toast followed ; but even then the brethren seemed reluctant to part , and little knots remained chatting for some considerable time afterwards .
All orig ins are apt to be mysterious . The persons who originate any movement of a public or quasi-public character , rarely comprehend its real importance or are far-sighted enough to discern its future development . The orig in of cities ' of states , of nations , of man , of the earth , of life itself , are all mysteries , and we can at best but approximate to the truth concerning their orig in . The same is true of Freemasonry . Who can surely define its origin , either in the Orient or
the Occident ? Who can say that at a certain date , by certain brethren , it was first organised in Germany , France , England , or Scotland ? The facts are interred vvith the years , in the grave of the past . This is especially true concerning the origin of a secret fraternal organisation like that of Freemasonry , which naturally conceals itself from the public gaze , and even enters upon its own minutes of lodge action only an outline of such of its transactions as are proper to be committed to writing . —From Bro . MacCalla's address to the Quatuor Coronati Lodge .