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Report from the Forbes Times
REPORT FROM THE
FORBES TIMES
23 DECEMBER 1899
OPENING OF ROSE CROIX CHAPTER IN FORBES
An important event of the history in Forbes took place on
Monday night when the Lachlan Sovereign Chapter of Princes Rose-Croix was opened in the Lodge Room at the Town Hall,
by Ill. Bro.R.A.Withers 32nd Degree (representative of the Supreme Council for Scotland for Ancient and Accepted Rite) assisted by
Ill.Bro.E.W.T.Dunn 30th Degree (Secretary Sedgwick Sovereign Chapter No 15, Sydney hitherto the only body working the 18th degree
in New South Wales.)
The metropolitan visitors arrived by midday train on Monday and were met
at the station by several of the candidates who drove them to Hutchinson's
Australia Hotel, where they made their home during their stay in Forbes.
Indications of a hospitable welcome were tendered by a gathering of
friends. His Worship the Mayor on behalf of the town and Mr S.L.Peyton on
behalf of the Masons of the more advanced grades, formally welcomed them to
the district.
The evenings ceremonies began soon after 7-30pm, when all the preliminaries
having been certified to as correct. Ill. Bro. Withers conferred the
Eighteenth degree on ten candidates and admitted them to Perfect Masonry and the rank
of Knights of the Eagle and Pelican. A petition was then presented
preying for the erection of a Chapter of the 18th Degree, and Bro.Withers
proceeded to consecrate and inaugurate with full ceremonial observances the Lachlan Chapter of Princes Rose Croix.
He then by request of the new body installed the following as the
first Officers; M.W.S. S.L.Peyton, H.P. G.Golding, S.W. M.J.O'Brien,
J.W. G.F.Hutchisson, Treasurer T.W.Ward, Secretariat M.J.Jones,
Chancellor M.C.T.Farnsworth, S.B. Wallace Hunter, I.G. G.Alexander Drummond,
Equerry A.Hyde. The Scripture readings and prayers were given by
Bro.Dunn.
After the ceremonies were over some instructions in the workings of the
degree were given by Bro.Withers after which all adjourned to the
Australia. The Banquet was spread in the large balcony room and did
credit to the resources for the establishment. The Chair was
occupied by Ill.Bro.S.L.Peyton, the new M.W.S., supported on either hand
by the Sydney visitors.
In responding to the Toast of Supreme Council of Scotland Ill.Bro.Withers
32nd Degree as its representative in N.S.W. spoke highly of the interest
taken by the development of the Rite in Australia by the Council, notably
by Earl Kintore, the Sov.Grand Commander, and Bro.Mackersy the Secretary
General. He also pointed out that while all Supreme Councils of the World
worked in the fullest harmony, and with less differences of Ritual and
teaching than any other Masonic Governing Bodies, there were minor
differences of internal management in connection with which he held that
the system adopted by Scotland was preferable to the others, being based
on a medium view of the accessibility of the more advanced grades.
In connection with this he touched on the jeers of the ill-informed with
regard to the So called higher degrees and pointed out that
they were only so called by those opposed to them either from
misconception based on ignorance or prejudice re resulting from inability
to attain them. They were "Advanced" Degrees and by
persistent endeavor towards the advanced grades masons
were only continuing the pursuit of Masonic knowledge inculcated on every initiate. Lachlan Chapter must at first expect some
lack of consideration, all Chapters meet with it.
As soon however as masons found that instead of the imputed sectional
feeling the Rite taught the fullest toleration, and that in a way and to
an extent never dreamed of elsewhere, and that the advanced degrees led
to humility in place of pride, they would recognised their worth and the
glorious mission of the A.and A. Rite. Ill.Bro.Dunn proposed the
health of the M.W.S. and pointed out how in Royal Arch Masonry he had
been known and respected by many in Sydney who had met him personally.
No better man could be found for his new position, and he
congratulated Chapter Lachlan on its first Sovereign, the toast being
honoured, others followed including "Success to Lachlan Chapter of
Rose Croix" proposed by Bro.Withers, who tendered fraternal
Greetings from N.S.W. Consistory of Knights K-H (30th Degree) of which
he was Grand Commander, and "Our Visitors" proposed by Ill.Bro.
G.F.Hutchinson. A very appropriate Recitation was given by Ill.Bro.
W.M.Jones, and the proceedings were continued till the "key-stone of
nights black arch".
On Tuesday Mr Wallace Hunter drove in with his Carry-all and pair
and took the visitors and a few Masonic friends around the district to
see the lions. The various points of interest were shown, and calling at
S.L.Peytons residence on the bank of the river, all were hospitably
entertained by that gentleman and Mrs Peyton. A return was made to town
to permit of a few farewells being said and then a large number of the
newly-made knights saw the visitors off by the afternoon train. The
departing Brethren expressed deep regret that they could not prolong
their stay in the hospitable Forbes district but promised to repeat the
visit as soon as possible, and when ever the progress of the Rite in the
West required it.
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