New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1896-08-16
or7INGS. BALLS AND RECEPTIONS.


There is no manner of doubt as to the benefit
q, social gatherings among the members Of the
paternity. when conducted in the proper channel
ord in strict accordance with the principles and
ideas prevalent among the great majority of the
members Of the craft, and when the object is
eolslv 10 benefit the members of the lodge and its
,,rrose is 10 bring together the wives daughters
e,d families Of brethren. Nothing can be more
oieas;np 70 the Masonic hus band or Masonic
father than 10 introduce TO his loved ones his
bro,her Mason with whom he IS engaged in the
Good work Of Masonic charity and berevoence
and let them see with whom he spends many
evenings away from them and the family hearth
And this is not only pleasing. but Of real benefit
70 all concerned. the friendships and acquaint-
ances thus formed are not only useful. but often
advantageous to the lodge, its officers and mem
hers Furthermore. these gatherings do good in
bringing the members together. and as It is a
Masonic axiom that every lodge is a Masonic
family by itself, so ii follows that the mngng
together in social intercourse Of this family must
bring them into closer social and Masonic rea-
tons and result in mutual advantage and hap
piness and promote good feeling among the
members, hence prove beneficial to all concerned
But this result can only be attained when the
above lines are adhered TO- and the gathering
Of the question. the bringing together Of the fam
ly with the Masonic family. the lodge. and be-
coming thus closer friends, more cemented in
fraternal and family ties.
But If this is departed from. when the real OBJ
ject is to make money out OF the gathering, 1t
sinks below the leve! Of good Masonic principle
and the higher aim which should prevail at all
Masonic undertakings is lost TO sight. II your
excursion is held under Masonic auspices and in
the name Of your lodge then let il be frst-class,
high-toned and in keeping with the grand idea
Of Masonry. Don't degenerate lower your
good name in conducting excursion the
plan Of a Fourth Ward sGloorkseper. The man
a. the bar should not hererrnsted 10 interfere
with the man al the helm: ticke.s should not be
sold on the dock prOmiscuously 10 anybody who
has fifty cents or a dollar
The Masonic fraternity to-day holds a high
and honorable position. can claim. has right TO
claim. and Is entitled TO the best In the land in
any field and outing or excursion held under
the name OF a Masonic lodge should be first-class
and Of the highest order In everything. and from
the time the boat leaves the dock until the return
the sacred name Of Masonry should be upper
most in the mind of every brother, and more
especially of the Master. the officers and the
copmittee.
And this holds good with equal force during the
season Of balls and receptions. When your lodge
or ccnmandery starts out 10 have ball; nave II
foi your members, their wives. sisters and daugh-
tiers; have it for their amusement fs their en-
.Oyment. and not TO make money out Of the good
name Of your lodge of Masonry; leave that
10 some target company whose sole aim at re-
ccptiOn is to make money at the expense or :isk
Of every other consideration. Masonry has no
need Of this means 70 increase the treasury Of
your lodge
Plant your feet squarely and firmly upon the
Rock Of Masonry and nothing else. You are re-
spOnsihle not only to your own members but 70
the entire Masonic fraternity. and every brother
demands and has right to demand that Wher-
ever and whenever the name Of Masonry is used.
for whatever cause. il must he used with the ut
most care regard and respect. II your object is
10 make money for the treasury o. your lodge
say so: let your members and The Masonic world
and the outside world know that you er$
gaeed in money -making. III a scheme to increase
your revenue and your funds and then drop the
name q yOur lodge and the name Of Masonry;
but II YOUR object is to enjoy the society % your
FAM les within the hallowed circle OF the craft.
and under its auspices. drop the money making
scheme and pay attention only 10 the elevating
Influences Of family gathering. together with
those q your Masonic household. Already com
nittees are appointed to make arrangements for
some Of these receptions 10 be held the coming
fan and winter and the above is urgently
brought 10 the attention Of all such committees.
Masters Commanders, the officers and all the
members Of the craft