Address Of The V. H. And E. Sir Kt. Col. W.J. B. Macleod Moore.

dispersion , had received authorit y to disseminate the order , and had introduced it into Sweden , where it Avas incorporated ivith Freemasonry . * In concluding this subject , I cannot help commenting strongly upon what I consider

a most uncalled for remark , made by some of the objectors to the new Statutes : "That there is neither foundation nor historical legends to support the numerous changes ;" and , " 'That the neAvly-created honours of ' Grand Crosses' and ' Commander' being

only attainable at the pleasure of the Grand Master , will only be an excuse for exclusivenoss and favouritism . " I am afraid the old adage holds good here : " That Ave are apt to despise in others what Ave do not possess ourselves . " This Avas scarcely the return to be expected for the praiseworthy efforts of the framers of the MAV Statutes

to raise the status and dignity of the order . H . R . Highness , being next to the crowned head , is the fountain of honour , and , did he wish to follow the example of the SAvedish branch , could cause "the decoration" to become civil—recognized by the state .

Hailing , as Ave do , from that grandly romantic period of English history , the time of the Crusades , the order cannot be questioned as to its objects and history . I Avill only add here , and that most impressively , that while thus endeavouring

to give you some insi ght into its history and present position , it must not be supposed there is a desire on my part , or that of any true Templar , to ignore tho obligations the order OAVBS to Freemasonry , Avhich has so long fostered it , or weaken a full allegiance to that most honourable and time-honoured institution .

It becomes my painful duty to announce to you , that during the short period that has elapsed since our last annual meeting , the hand of the fell destroyer has again Avei ghed heavily upon us . I respectfull y refer to three of our brethren Avho are now at rest , and have passed from our sight for

Address Of The V. H. And E. Sir Kt. Col. W.J. B. Macleod Moore.

ever . The Grand Master of Canada , Judge William Mercer Wilson , ended his earthly pilgrimage at Simcoe , Out ., on the 16 th January of this year ; and Avill be long mourned and remembered by the Avhole Masonic body in Canada ; feAV have been

more esteemed aud looked up to as a ruler of the craft , or deserved the high reputation he enjoyed as an upright judge , a loyal subject , and a true Mason . He Avas born in Scotland , in 1813 , and settled in Canada in 1832 . He held the rank of colonel in

the militia , and did good service , during the rebellion , in command of a troop of cavalry . In February , 1862 , he Avas installed a Brother Templar in the Richard Cceur de Lion Preceptory of London , Ont ., and Avas subsequently elected E . Commander of the

Godfrey de Bouillon Preceptory , Hamilton ; Avas appointed to the rank of Grand Marichal in the former Grand Conclave of England , and held the office of District Provincial Grand Prior of Western Ontario , at the time of his deatha very few Aveeks

, before Avhich he Avrote to me expressing his anxious Avish to fill satisfactorily his office of Provincial Prior , and advance the prosperity of the order in Canada . ( To be continued . )

Shadows.

SHADOWS .

( Continued from page 183 . ) THAT old church , as I said before , has long supplied me Avith abundant food for fancy , and for thought , Avhen in moralizing mood , or in lonely hours I have sought , and not sought in vainat any rate to my own

, satisfaction , to extract a lesson from every stone , a presence from eA'ery shadow . And as there is no possible appearance , I believe , of its ever fresh yet changing beauty Avith Avhich I am unfamiliar , having looked upon it under every aspect and at every hour ,

I have not , I am apt to flatter myself , been a scholar in that pleasant school altogether in vain . For , in truth , not only Avith the warmth of an enquiring archaeologist , but with the affection of a devoted friend , have I at last accustomed myselfto regard

, that old familiar outline . Just as Eotben , far aAvay on the sacred soil of Galilee , heard , as he fondly fancied , the rejoicing peal of his own Somersetshire