Delivered at the Dedication of Long Eaton Masonic Hall by the
Provincial Grand Chaplin, Wor. Bro. H. C. Snowden.
Masonry has flourished in this town since 1887, the
Jubilee of the great Queen Victoria, when it was felt that the Brethren ought to
be able to practice the Masonic Art in their own locality, while at the same
time strengthening the Masonic life in the neighbouring districts. This period
has also been a time of sturdy growth and independence which sees its
culmination today.
No longer are the brethren dependent upon the
sufferance of others, but they set themselves the task to provide a place which
should be their Masonic home in a very real sense.
It might be worth while to review the significance of
our proceedings.
Brethren from all parts of the Province have assembled
to share in your pride and joy. More than that is required. The R.W.Prov.G.M. in
worthy Masonic language has stated the reason for this function. As chief of the
Province the plans have been submitted for his approval, after which the
ceremony, proceeds with most of the symbolism of the consecration of a Lodge.
After the P.G.M. has dedicated it, it is followed by
the Chaplain dispensing incense, and especially towards the dedication stone.
This seems to be the climax of a very impressive ceremony. Is there any
significance in this? Whatever our private views may be, incense has scriptural
authority. In Christ's time there was the Altar of Incense; incense is symbolical
of prayer and through its offering God has been known to speak to the hearts of
men.
This ceremony also symbolises something in the
evolution of man's growth.
Obviously the operative Masons originally held their
assemblies in the open air and as their activities were turned to the erection
of stately and superb edifices, their deliberations would take place in temples
worthy of the ceremonies which occurred when masonry became symbolical or
speculative.
This was seen in religious matters. The G.A.O.T.U. was
formerly worshipped amid all the glories of nature, where His handiwork was so
apparent. As man began to live a more settled life, and Kings dwelt in palaces,
it was natural they should think of erecting buildings comparable with the
dignity then associated with the Deity. Like David the father of King Solomon,
men have said " Lo I dwell in a house of cedars, but the ark of the Lord
remaineth under curtains."
After much thought, anxiety and self sacrifice, you
have provided yourselves with a Masonic home.
"Home", that is the operative word, a place
which radiates charm and happiness.
"Home" centres round a head, in this case
Masonry, which in turn finds its mainspring in God.
"Home" inspires loyalty among the members of
a family - how the family rallies to the assistance of one of their number who
may be unjustly accused - may that same spirit inspire the minds of the
brethren.
"Home" is where one has the right of entry
and where one readily accepts the responsibility which service to the family
entails.
"Home" is one of earth's greatest treasures
which in time of danger, a man will protect with his life. He will permit
nothing to enter which will shatter its serenity, but will welcome all to whom
it may bring joy and gladness.
May such sentiments rule your hearts. May you enjoy
every satisfaction and delight which disinterested friendship can give within
these sacred walls.
In a short time this Temple will be your dedicated
Masonic "home". May the recollection of this dedication be so
indelibly fixed in your minds that nothing unworthy of our ideals may ever find
a place here. May there be no loose talking or questionable behaviour to form a
contradictory background to the seriousness of our ceremonies.
Masonry stands or falls by the example of each
individual brother. In a community such as Long Eaton a greater personal
responsibility exists than in a larger town where people can spend their lives,
if they so wish, in a sense of isolation. Here that cannot be. For some, their
lives are almost as an open book, little can be hidden and any departure from
the path of rectitude may result in untold harm to the good name of the Craft.
May the "Spirit of Masonry" planted and
nourished within these walls, be taken into every aspect of human endeavour
until the whole character is affected by it. May it be so appealing to the best
instincts of your neighbours that they too may yearn to share in your happiness.
May the ideals which moved the minds of our elder
brethren, relive in this year of the reign of a radiant young queen, Kinswoman
of Victoria the Good at whose jubilee Fairfield
Lodge came into being.
Today we commence to enjoy the fruits of our labours
and your presence here has made us very happy.
Amidst our rejoicing may we always strive to remember
the words of the Psalmist, "Except the Lord build the house their labour is
but lost that build it", and resolve to dedicate ourselves anew to the
observance of the Principles and Tenets of the Craft.
The beauty and solemnity of this ceremony will live
long in our memories and we will endeavour to evince our gratitude to you by our
zeal and fidelity."
F. E. STEVENS
