History Of Freemasonry In Cornwall.

Masonry , " edited by the lamented Bro . the Rev . Dr . George Oliver . It having transpired that there would be a procession formed , consisting of the Mayor and Corporation of the town of Falmouth , for the

purpose of publicly reading the proclamation of peace on Wednesday , July 6 th , 1814 , the members decided , in open lodge , to join in so laudable an object , in order that the sentiments of joy , so universally felt on the consummation of peace

( for the blessings of Avhich Europe was indebted to the steady perseverance of our country ) , might be more fully acknowledged . The Lodge of Love and Unity was fraternally invited to attend as well . No report , however ,

is given of the proceedings . The festival of St . John the Evangelist was kept up on the proper day , with more than usual spirit . The Secretary states that all the members present endeavoured to outvie each other in promoting that order ,

harmony , and good felloAvship which ought ever to be the characteristic of a lodsre of Freemasons . The thanks of the lodge were given by the R . W . M . to Bro . J . Parnell " for the trouble he had been at

. in setting music to several appropriate songs , and for his excellent performance of them , and several pieces of music on the piano , by which a glow of life , harmony , and animation was diffused throughout the lodge . " A petition was presented by the

R . W . M . from Bro . James Kingston , of the lod ^ e No . 25 , belonging to the Grand Lodge of Ireland , Avhose vessel foundered off the Lands' End in a gale of wind , whereby he was reduced to extreme distress . The lodge , as usual , being attentive to

the cry of the unfortunate , generously helped the poor fellow by granting him a £ 5 note from their funds . The Master , Bro . J . V . Tippet , having retired from the chair at the regular time , having

been re-elected on different occasions to the chair of the lodge , Bro . Ellis was elected in his place . The former , however , before resigning the mallet in the hand of his successor , delivered an address of an admirable character , displaying much interest

in the welfare of the whole Craft , and an acquaintance with the genuine spirit of our mysteries . After thanking the officers and brethren for their kind support , and for the honour they had conferred upon him , the R . W . M . observed that

" It would be arrogance in him , especially at this time , to expatiate on the benefits of Freemasonry , " but as he found in his experience as head of the lodge that " Masonic tramps " were soon alive to

the fact of its charitable nature , he wished to be "permitted to state Masonry had lately been made a vehicle of imposing on our charity , and that some had become Masons merely to raise contributions on the Fraternity , travelling the kingdom

for that purpose from one end to the other . " I expect many Masters of lodges in the present day can bear a similar testimony . This fact suggests that an increased care should be exercised in the admission of members . On

this subject too much caution cannot possibly be exercised , as it must be admitted that unmerited abuse has been heaped on the Fraternity from the misconduct of those who ought ne \ er to have crossed our threshold , and although it may bo

true , that as Freemasons , we do not practise our " distinguishing characteristic" as Ave should for the benefit of our indigent brethren , we are still inclined to think that too large a proportion of such unfortunate persons were not at Ihe first in

such a social position as our constitutions and expediency require . Some lodges , much in debt , and shackled by a barrenness of funds , consider the fact of five guineas entrance fee too powerful a temptation to be even prudently careful as to the character aud position of candidates . We must be excused reiteratins our fears on this

point , as surely the importance of the evil mentioned as affecting the interests . of the Order is a sufficient palliative for repetition . At the lodge held April 2 nd , 1816 , the brethren expressed their approval of the new Book of

Constitutions , but were afraid that two regulations would peculiarly affect the Lodge of Love and Honour from its situation . " By the new laws , no lodge of emergency can be holden AA'ithout a weeks' previous notice having been given by the

Master , nor can the Master confer more than one degree in a month . " This would be extremely detrimental to the Lodge of Love aud Honour by greatly diminishing its funds , and would also be felt by the Grand Lodge , who would thereby be

deprived of the fees due on initiation . A great number of persons were in the h ^ bit of resorting to Falmouth to go abroad by the Packets , and remain in the town only a few days before sailing , and are frequently anxious to take the three

degrees before leaving , as they may not have the opportunity of so doing when abroad . The new laws would entirely prevent such persons from being made Masons , as the members would , of course , obey the Grand Lodge implicitly .