FREEMASONRY
Continuation.
316
was properly adjusted, the band playing "God Save the Queen." The Pr. Grand Master then tried the stone with plumb level and square, poured in corn, wine and oil, and declared the building dedicated to Freemasonry. Prayer was again offered to the G.A.U. and grand honours given, and the ceremony was brought to a conclusion by a most interesting address by the Pro. Grand Master. The procession then reformed and returned to the Lodge room where an address was given by the Wor. Master, Wor. Bro. Mercer, and a presentation of a handsome epergne was made to the Pro. Grand Master as a testimonial of the sincere regret of the Lodge at his approaching departure.
The plate let into the foundation stone was subsequently removed to the present lodge room when the building was reconstructed and another storey added. It may now be seen in the N.E. corner.
The first meeting in the new building was held on October 13, 1853. Subsequently disputes arose with the lessor but these were satisfactorily arranged and the ground is now held direct from the Government on a Crown lease at a nominal rental of $1 per annum. In 1856 the Lodge had the pleasure of offering its hospitality to the Royal Sussex Lodge, which was invited to hold its meeting in the Hall, owing to the troublous state of Canton and most of the members being then in Hongkong. As already mentioned the Royal Sussex afterwards removed to Shanghai.
In 1863, a general renumbering of the Lodges working under the English constitution took place, and the number of Zetland Lodge was changed from 768 to 525.
Meanwhile, the membership for the Lodge had largely increased, other Masonic bodies had come into existence and the accommodation afforded by the old bungalow became too limited for the requirements of the Craft. In 1864, therefore, the question of rebuilding was discussed, and a scheme having at length been decided upon, the work was undertaken and the present building was opened in October 1865. No ceremony was observed on this occasion and several brethren in Lodge expressed their disappointment in the omission. To this the answer was made that the building had been opened without ceremony in deference to the wishes of the Right Wor. Pro. Grand Master Bro. Mercer, who desired in no way to derogate from the celebrations of 1853.
Having thus provided itself with handsome and commodious premises, the Lodge's subsequent history offers few events that call for special mention. The working has gone on steadily, smoothly and prosperously, and since the foundation of the Lodge, 1,350 members have joined it, either by initiation or as joining members. The number on the roll at the present time is 117.
The exercise of charity incumbent upon all Masons has been continuously kept in view by Zetland Lodge. Formerly a sum was annually voted to the home charities, but it being considered that the money could be applied to greater advantage locally, the following resolution was passed, on September 3, 1889.
"That a Committee be appointed to consider the advisability of discontinuing the large subscriptions to the Royal Masonic Institution for Girls and to confer with other Lodges on the possibility of raising a local fund, to be administered by the District Grand Lodge for the benefit of necessitous children of Masons deceased in the district."