The Hawaiian gazette. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1865-1918, 1893-01-03

! ItlE IGE14tAS VI tlllS lDG-E GaIG Jul hSAA
of the evidence Of the good done by it
and its situation upon the confines OF the
world OF our European and American
brethren has given additional value anC
weight to all the charitable acts per
formed by this lodge and its individual
members.
In former days when the communica'
ton between these Islands and Europe
and America was scant and irregular, il
must have been a great comfort for the
stranger brother landing upon these
shores to find lodge OF brothers of the
mystic tie to welcome him.
To find men with whom he could fra
| ternize. and who in a measure lessened,
under the shelter OF the lodge, that sense
OF loneliness and detection OF spirit which
is so often caused by the absence OF rela-
tives and friends. It is one OF the boons
which masonry grants, that wherever
we go, even in the furthest regions OF the
world. where all whom We meet are
strangers, there is usually some one
found who is attached to US the by bonds OF
masonry; with whom we can find a
home; whose presence gives Us feeling
OF security and lifts the weight OF lonell-
ness which would otherwise depress US.
We as Masons do not ask charity. There
is no grinding obligation on the part OF a
brother mason to assist us by diminish
ing his own means. Masons do not trade
or speculate upon those obligations which
We assume so freely and willingly.
Doubtless there are men who have
joined our order for purely selfish ends
Doubtless there are men utterly worth
| less who have gained admission to our
house, who have by their subsequent
conduct laid bare their worthlesSness to
the masonic and to the outside world.
1t is a consoling fact that they are not
many in number and it is a consoling
fact that they do not stay with us alter
they are found out.
Such mistakes as the admission of
persons of that class are sometimes una
voidable. Let US be warned to exercise
the utmost caution in the selection of
those who seek admission, and let US
hope that when we are installed in this
new house no cowans will gain access to
our family; that none but those who are
found worthy and well qualified will be
permitted to join us.
Before the institution OF our lodge the
Order was represented here by our sister
lodge lie Progres de POceanie, under the
jurisdiction OF the Grand Orient OF France.
If information is correct, this lodge was
opened in 1912, ten years before the
birthday OF Hawaiian Lodge. In those
days | am told, they had no lodge room
on shore, and the earliest meetings OF
this venerable lodge were held on board
of the ship OF Captain Letellier, who was
authorized to institute the lodge. From
that time on many OF our best appreci-
ated fellow citizens became members OF
LIE Progress. Some have joined the silent
majority, a goodly number remain and
sustain our ocean-born sister. We well
come them to-day in the true masonic
spirit, to join with us in this important
celebration and hope to see them share
in whatever good may be the outcome OF
our present undertaking.
This day, my brethren, is a day OF JUS
tiiable pride to US. On this, our masonic
holiday, is laid the corner stone for the
new temple of our lodge.
This building which is to adorn cur
town by its outward beauty.
This building wherein the social and
moral virtues inculcated by masonry are
to be, and will be praCticed and main
tanned.
This Building, from whose portals will
deeds OF charity, and assurances of low
ing consideration, to the members of the
craft and assurances of good will toward
all men.
To those OF our guests who are not con-
nected with the order, few historic
facts relating to our order may prove
interesting. Our association of so called
speculative masons is comparatively
young in date, in so far as regards its
direct influence upon civilization, educa-
ton and sociality. 1t is known to have
exercised such influence at the beginning
of the 18th century or about four hundred
years ago.
Free masonry existed centuries before
that time. 1t originated by the forma-
ton Of guild of builders and institution
of lodges, among whose members were
apprentices, fellows of the craft and mas
tiers. 1t had its rules OF government, its
instructions and its signs and passwords,
just as We have now.
The grand architectural monuments of
Che Llluule ayes duu VI Tue Ulun6 OI Tue
renaissance cathedrals, churches, pal
aces, bridges and other ornamental and
useful structures were built by the most
skillful workmen. Those who followed
the vocation of masons and attained
travelled from one place to
many other places where their skill and
were needed and priced.
As d passport recommending them for
possessing the requisite skill and a STAIN
less character, certain words and signs
were impaired to them, by means of
which they were sure of being accepted,
though they came from foreign lands.
These were the operative masons, and
their art is called by US operative ma
sorry in contradistinction from specula-
tive masonry, to which we devote our
selves.
From the intermingling of operative
with men, who though not of the
craft, were imbued with the love and APP
probation Of the arts and sciences, and
of architecture, our modern or
speculative masonry took its rise. This
latter art and science did not aid in the
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