rituals

MEETING OF THE COMMEMORATION OF THE SIXTY-SEVENTH
ANNIVERSARY OF THE CONSECRATION OF

(AND THE FIFTY-EIGHT YEAR OF ITS OCCUPATION OF THE MASONIC TEMPLE
AT 80, PLEIN STREET, JOHANNESBURG)

Masonic Temple	Tuesday,
80, Plein Street,	19th July, 1955
JOHANNESBURG.	at 7.45 pm

M\ of C\: - The Worshipful Master and his Wardens, being seated in their respective Chairs, are now ready to receive you. The Brethren will process into the Temple,and I shall ask the ladies to wait here with me for a while until we, too, are invited to enter.

The Assistant Master of Ceremonies will now conduct the Brethren into the Temple. Will you kindly form up in twos, with the Brethren of Lodge Star of the Rand heading the column.

Brother Assistant Master of Ceremonies, will you now conduct the Brethren into the Temple.

Ladies, the Temple into which I am about to conduct you, is considered by Freemasons as a holy place which may only be entered with a pure heart and unpolluted thoughts. As a symbol that we are spiritually prepared to enter thus onto this holy ground we clothe ourselves with the apron and white gloves. May I enjoin you to prepare yourselves similarly prior to your entrance into the Temple. Obviously your entry should be as dignified as possible, and you are earnestly requested to observe strict silence throughout the forthcoming ceremony. Will you now follow me in two's.

(On arrival at the Temple door, the Master of Ceremonies gives one knock. The Worshipful Master requests the brethren to rise and sing the “OLD HUNDREDTH” – “All People that on Earth Dwell”. The Assistant Master of Ceremonies takes up his position at the door, at the head of the right-hand column of ladies, the Master of Ceremonies being on the left. The ladies are then conducted into the Temple, The Master of Ceremonies preceding them to the North column, and the Assistant Master of Ceremonies preceding them to the South column).

Wor\Master: - Brethren, we are gathered here this evening to celebrate the 67th anniversary of Lodge Star of the Rand, and the 58th year of its occupation of this Masonic Temple.

The occasion is of such importance that we have seen fit to invite our ladies to join us in our celebrations. It may surprise some of you that we allow ladies into our Temple, but I can assure you that this, on special occasions is no uncommon occurrence in Lodges working under the Grand East of the Netherlands. The ritual we are going to use to-night has the full approval of the Provincial Grand Lodge of the Transvaal. But I do want to impress on you that this is not a lodge meeting in the ordinary sense of those words, and I therefore enjoin you to guard rigorously against giving any Masonic sign.

And now I shall ask the Bro. Assistant Master of Ceremonies to inform the Bro\ Master of Ceremonies that I am prepared to receive the ladies.

During the entrance of the ladies, Brethren, we shall sing the “Old Hundredth”.

I shall now ask the Bro\Master of Ceremonies to conduct Rt\Wor\Bro\Herman Bosman, Deputy Provincial Grand Master, to a seat in the East on my right.

I shall now ask the M\of C\ to conduct Rt\Wor\Bro\Bob Eschur, Assistant Provincial Grand Master, to a seat in the East on the right of Rt\Wor\Bro\Bosman. (Does so)

(The Wor. Master then hands over his gavel to Bro\Conradie and asks him to conduct the meeting Bro\Conradie will henceforth be referred to as Wor\Master).

Wor\Master: - (Thanks the Wor. Master for the honour, assumes the chair of King Solomon, invites Rt. Wor. Bro. Craggs, a joint Trustee of the Temple, to a seat in the East).

Senior Warden:	V\Wor\Bro\J. Reeler.
Junior Warden:	Wor\Bro\S. Fine.
Orator:	V\Wor\Bro\H. du Plessis.
M\of Ceremonies:	Rt\Wor\Bro\S. Zwarenstein.

I would like to add a few words to the welcome already extended to you by the Wor\Master. The fact that almost every invitation sent out by us has been accepted is a measure of your regard for and interest in this Lodge. We trust that your brief sojourn in our midst will be pleasurable and spiritually profitable, that it will give the ladies who have accompanied you a clearer insight into the ideals we are striving after, and that you will look back with happy memories on this evening. Now you may ask why we are tonight celebrating the sixty-seventh anniversary of the consecration of Lodge Star of the Rand. Why did we not wait for instance, until our Lodge was the round figure of seventy years old? I do not intend saying anything about the history of this Lodge. That is a subject, which will be dealt with by my worthy Bro\, Rt\Wor\Bro\Zwarenstein, in a few moments. But I would like to point out that the 67th anniversary of the consecration of this Lodge coincides with the 58th year of our occupation of this Temple, and it is about this building that I would like to say a few words to you.

We who were made masons here in this Temple or regularly foregather here, love this building with an abiding love. Every stone, every window, every door and every room is hallowed by tradition. This is our Masonic home. Here we became Masons and here we would like a memorial Service to be held in our memory when we are one day called to the Grand Lodge above. But whilst we yield to nobody in our love for this building we are also realists, and the fact of the matter is that this old and beloved Temple is almost visibly crumbling. Soon we shall have to find a new Masonic home. How long we shall still be able to stay here, depends on circumstances over which we have no control. It may be a year, or it may be five years. But because we are afraid that the hour of parting may come sooner than we expect, we have thought it fit to arrange this evening meeting so that all of us may pay homage to a dearly beloved building before it is too late.

And now, before I declare this meeting open, I would like to crave your indulgence. An important part of the symbolism of this evening's proceedings is that all present, the brethren as well as the ladies should wear a white rose at the level of their hearts, but as it is winter, and living as we do in the Transvaal we have not been able to obtain white roses for all present. Will you therefore regard the carnation, which will be handed to you within a few moments as symbolically representing a white rose.

Bro\Wardens, will you now proceed along your respective columns and hand to every lady a white rose, requesting them to pin it on their breast, at the level of their heart. You will be assisted by the Assistant Master of Ceremonies who will hand white flowers to the Brethren. (Wardens do so).

From time immemorial the rose, veritably the Queen of Flowers, has played an important part in the symbolism of the ancient peoples. Because the blossom is really the reproductive system of the plant, it is singularly appropriate as a symbol of that purity which was an absolute prerequisite of the ancient mysteries. In olden times the rose signified the ideal of beauty and regeneration which must take the place of lust and degeneracy before man can reach his full spiritual stature.

The rose plays an important part in English heraldry. I need only remind you of the white rose adopted by the House of York, the red rose of the House of Lancaster, and the War of the Roses.

Many years ago some Lodges had a white rose attached to the ceiling of the Lodge Room. Everything which was said in that room was therefore said under the rose, or sub rose, and so the latter words came to mean anything said in confidence or secretly, and not intended for the ears of the uninitiated.

The white rose is also closely connected with St. John the Baptist, one of the patron Saints, and at one time the only patron Saint of the Order of Freemasons.

Today the white rose is essentially a symbol of that purity and perfection which man should strive after, and it is as such that we use it in our Lodges not only on nights like these, but also on other occasions.

Wor\Master: - Will all present rise. Bro\S\W\, why are the Brethren gathered here this evening with the ladies?

S\W\: - To commemorate the 67th anniversary of the Consecration of Lodge Star of the Rand and the 60th year of its occupation of this Masonic Temple.

J\W\: - To assure ourselves that all present are desirous of receiving that Light which, we trust, will shine forth in this Temple tonight.

S\W\: - By satisfying themselves that all present are wearing a white rose, the symbolism of which you have already explained, Wor\Master.

Wor\Master: - Bro\Wardens, will you examine your respective columns, and make me your report.

(The Wardens proceed to the head of the respective columns, and then return to their places keeping their eyes directed on the white flowers).

S\W\: - In the South all are wearing a white rose to signify that they are prepared to receive the Light..

J\W\: - Also in the North all are wearing a white rose to signify their willingness to receive the Light.

(The candles are lit in the customary way). W\Master ”Wisdom in all our undertakings”. S\W\”Strength to support”: J\W\”Beauty to adorn”.

Orator: - (Opens the Bible, with square and compasses, and says) May our labours thus begun in order, be conducted in harmony and closed in peace.

Wor\Master: - Bro. Orator, will you now invoke on this meeting the blessing of the Most High.

Orator: - God our Father let the hush of Thy presence fall upon us now. Thou art always near us, but we are often too dull to sense Thy nearness. Quietly as the evening falls; silently as stars steal into the sky; tenderly as a mother hushes her child, lead us into deeper fellowship with Thyself who art the true home of our spirits. May our minds recover their poise. May our love become more passionately sincere. May our wills become strong to endure. And may this threefold strengthening be to us the sign of Thy presence, that thy glorious life has touched our own. Make this hour be one of the high places of the spirit, where ordinary men and women like ourselves may hear the voice of God, and look upon his face, and grant that this hour may be so radiant with Thy glory that all other hours, because of this one, may shine with new beauty, new purpose and new meaning. Amen.

Wor\Master: - As it is time to commence our labours, and as all present are wearing a white rose to signify that they are prepared to receive of the Light which, we trust, will illumine our minds this evening, I declare these proceedings duly opened.

(Wor\Master gives one knock, followed by the S\W\and J\W\) Ladies and Brethren, let us sing our opening hymn - the “Hail Eternal”.

An address on the history of Star of the Rand Lodge, Number 71 on the Roll of the Grand East of the Netherlands, will now be delivered by Rt\Wor\Bro\S. Zwarenstein.

Rt\Wor\Deputy Provincial Grand Master, Rt\Wor\Assistant Provincial Grand Master, Wor\BB\and BB\or the Star of the Rand Lodge, Ladies & BB\all.

In trying to select a subject for an address on this memorable occasion, no better object lesson could be given than the history of this Lodge with its 67 years of tradition. It's well worth for the Masonic observer and those near and dear to him to regard attentively how this Lodge has carried out it's mission in the past, and what place it must be allowed to occupy in the chain of Masonic agencies of the future. It has promoted Masonic aims from the early days of this city, then under the regime of the S.A. Republic, to the present day.

In those early days only one Masonic Lodge operated on the Rand. The Golden Thistle, working under the banner of the Scottish Constitution, had been in existence for about a year.

Owing to the influx of a number of BB\from the Lodges on the continent of Europe, and the ever growing Afrikaner element it was felt that a Lodge working under a Constitution which, to them, would be their Mother Constitution and the oldest in S.A., would be desirable.

Several BB\met in the office of Wor. Bro. J. Kincaid at the corner of Sauer and Commissioner Streets, and it was there that the beginnings of the 1^st Netherlandic Lodge on the Witwatersrand were discussed. And it was finally resolved to petition the Deputy Grand Master for S.A. (Rt.\Wor\Bro\J.H. Hofmeyer, more familiarly known as “Onze Jan”), for the necessary authority. The result was that the first meeting of members of the proposed Star of the Rand Lodge took place in November, 1888.

Here I would like to turn back the pages of time so that we all could see the dawn of the epoch making goldfields. The small Masonic Temple at the corner of Rissik and Main Streets (where that imposing building Escom House, now stands) was out in the bare veld, but it was crowded with Masons, who had come to witness the birth of the 1^st Netherlandic Lodge on the Rand. One more look at that splendid scene of flashing colours, Netherlandic, English & Scottish & other Masonic regalia intermingled with the sparkling jewels of the officiating BB\.

The BB\wended their wav through the town in procession to the St. Mary's Church, then at the corner of Kerk & Eloff Streets (the same building where Messrs. Wings are to day), where divine service was held before the meeting, the service being conducted by the Rev\J.T. Darragh who afterwards became an initiate of the Lodge. Among the first candidates of the Star of the Rand Lodge were many who were destined to play an important part in the building of Johannesburg and Freemasonry: Brethren Papenfus, Frank de Roos, the Rev\Darragh I. Gundelfinger, Sir Willem Van Huisteyn, S. Harris, and many others. Many Lodges were sponsored by this Lodge

Libertas, in Krugersdorp,	in 1891
Broederband, Pretoria,	in 1891
Prins Frederick, Johannesburg,	in 1893
Kaiser Friedrich, Johannesburg,	in 1897
Eendracht Maakt Macht, in Johannesburg	in 1904
Star of the East, Benoni,	in 1921

It was not very long afterwards that another Lodge, the Johannesburg Lodge, working under the authority of the English Constitution, was consecrated, and this was the beginning of the partnership between the Golden Thistle, Star of the Rand, and the Johannesburg Lodges.

In 1890 the first meeting of the debenture holders of the Temple Building was held, and the Board of Trustees formed.

In August 1892 a proposal that a general Masonic Benevolent Fund be formed was proposed in the Star of the Rand Lodge, and this today is known as the Transvaal Masonic Benevolent Fund. And it is with extreme pride that I say that the Transvaal Masonic Benevolent Fund and the Transvaal Educational Fund were first mooted in this Lodge, and that these are the only Funds in the world that are administered jointly and successfully by the four Masonic Constitutions.

It was about this time that the need for a larger Temple was felt, and after a meeting of the three Lodges, it was decided to purchase ground in Plein Street for the purpose of building a new Temple. A competition was held among the architects of the town, and the prize of £100 was won by Messrs. Goode & Toogau in 1896. Soon afterwards the articles of association between the three Lodges re the ownership of this Building were drawn and signed, and building commenced.

The Consecration of this Temple took place in 1897, the ceremony being conducted by Rt\Wor\Bro\Harrison, District Grand Master of Scottish Freemasonry, assisted by many prominent BB\.

It can be seen that the spirit of Freemasonry in those days was indeed very strong. It was a case of each for all, no matter what the distance or loss. At all times all were ready and willing to help. May that spirit last forever.

The Star of the Rand continued to play an important part in Masonic affairs for many years, sponsoring and helping the formation of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Netherlandic Freemasonry in the Transvaal in 1906, when Rt\Wor\Bro\W.G. Vogts, a Scottish P\M\, was installed as the Provincial Grand Master for the Transvaal.

Many of the BB\have passed to the Grand Lodge Above, but the memory of their deeds and virtues remain with us, and it is our fervent hope that ail those that follow in their footsteps will continue to build the ever glorious temple of Freemasonry.

No doubt the Lodge had many trials and tribulations in its 67 years, but thanks to those who built the edifice and those who have upheld its reputation, pride and traditions, the Star of the Rand Lodge, the second pioneer Lodge on the Witwatersrand, has emerged successfully from all its difficulties, and is looking forward to a bright and useful Masonic existence in the years to come.

In conclusion, ladies and BB\, may the G.A.O.T.U. continue to bestow His blessings on us all. May brotherly love prevail. May peace, harmony, unity and concord ever remain the truly Masonic and happy possession of this, our Lodge Star of the Rand, No. 71 on the register of the Grand East of the Netherlands.

Wor\Master: - When, precisely, mankind,struggling upward out of the mists of darkness and ignorance, realised for the first time that a human being is gifted not only with a physical and perishable body, but also with that indefinable and imperishable quality which we call the Soul, no one can presume to know. But having once realised that, though the body may die, the soul lives on, it is very natural that man came to regard his sojourn on this earth as merely part of a journey to the place of eternal rest. And so, from time immemorial, life has been likened to a journey, which we must all undertake. When that journey willend, and how it will end for us, we do not know, but this assurance we do have - that we are guided by a Wise Providence who, despite all our wayward strayings, will, in the end, surely lead our steps aright.

In Freemasonry, too, life is depicted as a journey, which, despite its dangers and difficulties, has to be undertaken courageously, and persisted in steadfastly.

And so to-night I shall ask one of our Brethren and one of the Ladies to undertake a journey symbolising that journey of life on which we have all embarked.

Bro\M\of C\, will you conduct Bro\Melville Gardner to the West, and place him between the Wardens facing the East. (Does so)

Bro\M\of C\will you now conduct Mrs. Zwarenstein to the West, and place her on the left of Bro\Gardner.

Bro\Gardner you will now take Mrs. Zwarenstein by her right hand, and journey with her through the West to the North, from the North to the East, from the East to the South, and thence back to the West.

S\W\: - (Knock) Wor\Master, the first part of the journey has been performed.

Wor\Master: - Consider, for a moment, how we embark on the journey of life when we are young and full of self-confidence. Never for a moment do we pause to ask what the purpose of life is, and to whom it really belongs. We suppose that it belongs to man, and that its objective is what we call progress. It is not. Life belongs to the Great Architect of the Universe and the purpose of life is to bring all men and all nations into harmony with the mind and the will of God, so that they may live together as brothers, under the fatherhood of God, thereby promoting His Glory and furthering His purposes. And the journey of life remains a struggle until we realise and accept this cardinal fact of our existence here on earth.

Bro. Gardner and Mrs. Zwarenstein, proceed now on the second stage of your journey.

S\W\: - (Knock) Wor. Master, the second part of the journey has been performed.

Wor\Master: - As we proceed on the journey of life, we learn its most important lesson, and that is that the whole trend of the universe, both visible and invisible, is towards goodness. It is built to further the purposes of God, not man. If we fight the universe, we only get broken. If the Great Architect of the Universe cannot use us as agents, willingly and co-operatively, He will use us as instruments, though we get broken in the using. He knows far better than we do that our own highest good is found in harmony with our fellowmen and with Him, and that disaster for ourselves would be inevitable if He let us depart too far from that road which He has planned for us.

Bro\ Gardner and Mrs. Zwarenstein, proceed now as before on the last stage of your journey.

Sunset and evening star,

and one clear call for me

And may there be no moaning at the bar

When I put out to Sea.

But such a tide as moving seems asleep,

Too full for sound and foam,

When that which drew from out the boundless deep,

Turns again home.

Twilight and evening bell,

And after that the dark.

And may there be no sadness of farewell

When I embark.

For though from out our bourne of time and place

The flood may bear me far,

I hope to see my Pilot face to face

When I have crost the bar.

S\W\: - (Knock) Wor\ Master, the last stage of the journey has been performed.

Wor\Master: - And so, having learnt the lessons of life, we pass the crest of the hill, and now our path goes slowly downward. But the Supreme Master ever goes before us with this beckoning finger, saying: “Follow me”. It is at this stage of life’s journey that it is proper and fit sometimes to ponder on Death. But let us not think of it as something dark and gloomy and terrible. If we had the power to think and feel we should have dreaded birth after the warm and undemanding life we had been living for nine months. But when we were born, there were hands to welcome us, eyes that smiled at us arms that held us closely, and loving people who wanted us.

Will He who provided for our entry into this life on earth forget us when we pass from it? Will there not be hands to draw us in, and eyes that smile into ours? Yes, Death will one day assuredly knock on your door and mine, but he will come as a friend, not an enemy, and he will invite us to dwell in better regions.

Bro\ Master of Ceremonies, you will now conduct Bro\Gardner and Mrs. Zwarenstein back to their seats.

I intend talking to you about "Allegory and Symbolism in Masonry" but do not let these words frighten you, because my aim is merely to give you, and especially the ladies in our midst, in as concise a form as I am able, some idea of what Freemasonry purports to be, and what we as Masons are striving after and hoping to attain.

Now, if you consult any Encyclopedia or authoritative Masonic Work you are almost sure to find the following definition of masonry: "Freemasonry is a system of morality, veiled in allegories and illustrated by symbols".

The three operative words in this definition are clearly morality, allegory and symbols, and if we have a clear conception of what these three words mean, we get down to the very heart of Freemasonry.

Let us take first of all the word Morality. Funk and Wagnall define it as “The doctrine of right and wrong in human conduct”, and gives, as a secondary meaning: “A virtuous life”. Freemasonry is, then, firstly a strictly moral or virtuous way of life, and a Mason is obliged to obey the moral laws. He can never be a “stupid atheist nor an irreligious libertine", as an ancient charge puts it. He, of all men, should best understand that God seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh at the outward appearance, but God looketh to the heart.

A Freemason is particularly bound never to act against the dictates of his conscience. Provided a man believes in the Glorious Architect of Heaven and Earth he is not excluded from Freemasonry on the grounds of his religion or mode of worship. A Freemason views the errors of mankind with compassion, and strives, by the purity of his own conduct, to demonstrate the superior excellence of brotherly love, relief and truth. That, then, is what we mean when we say that Freemasonry is a system of morality.

This system, our definition goes on, is veiled in allegory. Let us now get a clear idea of what is meant by the word allegory.

Going back to Funk and Wagnall we find that an allegory is defined as: "The setting forth of a subject under the guise of some other subject or aptly suggestive likeness." An allegory tells its story as if true, leaving the reader or hearer to discover its lesson. An allegory is a moral or religious tale, of which the moral lesson is the substance, and all the descriptions and incidents but accessories

Now in Masonry we use a number of allegories or religious tales to inculcate the lesson and the duty of morality. The most important of these tales is that concerning the building of King Solomon's Temple. In the story of the magnificent Temple built by the wisest of Kings,we find a lesson which can be applied to our everyday lives, that lesson being that it is man's duty to build a spiritual temple in his own heart where God can dwell as He undoubtedly dwelt in the Temple built by King Solomon.

In this sense every Freemason is as much a builder as his operative predecessors. In fact, Freemasons are often called moral builders. In their teachings they declare that theirs is a more noble and glorious purpose than squaring stones and hewing timber. Their task is to fit immortal nature for that spiritual building not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. The builder builds for a century. The Freemason builds for eternity.

Now, how far have we got? We have seen that Freemasonry, as a system, teaches us to lead a moral and virtuous life, and that its lessons are based on the building of King Solomon’s temple, which we interpret as meaning that it behoves every Mason to build within himself a spiritual temple, perfect in all its parts and acceptable to the Great Architect of the Universe.

Obviously the success or failure of that spiritual building will depend on the zeal, the assiduity and the understanding of the builder. It is not enough that he should feel with his emotions how pleasant it is to be in Lodge with those who are engaged in a similar task, and to hear old and familiar truths expressed in beautiful language. He should also understand the significance of what he sees and hears. For he builds, in the spiritual sense, not for himself alone, but for the whole community, the whole country and the whole world. By his precept and example, he can influence his family, his environment and all who come into contact with him, just as a stone thrown into a pond can influence the whole surface of that pond’s water.

Now, how is he to build? Well, obviously he must have tools, and that brings us to the third operative word in our definition of Freemasonry, namely the word symbols. A symbol is an object chosen to typify or represent some idea or quality in something else, on account of a resemblance in one or more of their characteristics.

Thus oak becomes the symbol of strength, the sword the symbol of war, the dove the symbol of peace, and white the symbol of purity.

The symbols of Freemasonry are the implements used by the operative mason or builder. There are literally dozens of these tools, but I need mention only a few of the better known ones, for instance, the square, the compasses, the plumb-line, the ruler, the maul, the level, and so on.

To each of these tools we attach a moral lesson. Thus one is to us a symbol of morality, truthfulness and honesty. We do not merely say to a young Mason that it behoves him to live a moral life, but we hand him an instrument and we say: See to it that all your actions can be measured by this.

Another is used by the operative Mason for the measurement of the architect's plans, and to enable him to give those just proportions, which will ensure beauty as well as stability to his work. So, in speculative Masonry, this important implement is symbolic of that even tenor of deportment that true standard of rectitude, which alone can bestow happiness here on earth, and felicity hereafter.

And, so I can go on explaining the moral lessons attached to the different working symbols. But I think I have said enough to prove that Masons foregather to work. The purpose of a Lodge is not primarily meditation. Nor is it merely a meeting place for the exercise of good fellowship - although both these elements exist in Masonry. But Masons meet to work for their own improvement, and for the improvement of the world.

That service is the more effective when the workers are bound among themselves by sacred obligations and when they labour unobtrusively. The sense of unity becomes far greater among the builders because they are pledged, than would be the case if all mankind were invited to join them. That will happen some day in the future; but just now, since efficiency is more important than numbers or public recognition, Masons succeed best because they work and serve in secret, though there is nothing in their secrets, which may not be openly divulged for the benefit of the world.

They will be so divulged when all men and women are unselfish enough to desire to become builders who ask for no reward but the joy of serving. For he that is greatest, is he that serveth best. When mutual service becomes the recognised law of human life, each man will be a steward, not an owner, and will hold all his possessions, spiritual, intellectual, moral, physical, as the common wealth, which he joyfully administers for the common good. Only when this is reached will the One Will be done below as it is done above, by those who know, (as Freemasons know), that perfect freedom is only found in perfect service.

S\W\: - I understand, Wor\Master, that Mrs. Conradie is desirous or making a presentation to Lodge Star of the Rand on behalf of the ladies who are present this evening.

Wor\Master: - Brother Master of Ceremonies, will you proceed to the place Where Mrs. Conradie is sitting, and conduct her first to the pedestal of the Bro\Orator, and from there to the East, placing her in front of the Altar.

Wor\Master: - To Wor\Bro\Van der Schaaf and V\Wor\Bro\Imke Roos for their advice in arranging tonight’s proceedings.
To Wor\Bro\Botbyl for his assistance in decorating the Temple for this evening's meeting.
To the Members of the Temple Committee who graciously gave us permission to foregather here this evening with our wives and daughters.

To Wor\Bro\Swart, the Worshipful Master of Lodge Star of the Rand, who has kindly allowed me to occupy the Chair of King Solomon at one of the most important meetings ever to be held in this Lodge.
To Wor\Bro\Fred Hemsworth for his beautiful music which has added so greatly to the solemnity of the evening’s proceedings.

To Bro\and Mrs. Enslin who have gone to immense trouble in arranging the catering for this evening. And, last but not least, to the Past Masters of this Lodge who have assisted me in this ceremony.

And now, Brethren,we have arrived at that part of the ceremony where we try to put into practice one of the Masonic ideals so very near and dear to our hearts - the relief of the suffering of those Brethren and their dependants who, through illness or old age or other circumstances over which they have no control, have dropped by the wayside, and are finding that the evening of their lives has become a continuous and bitter struggle. The collection, as usual, will be in aid of the Masonic Benevolent Fund, but before the Master of Ceremonies come round for your gifts, I shall ask the Deputy Provincial Grand Master for Netherlandic Free-masonry in the Transvaal, Rt\Wor\Bro\H. Bosman, to tell our guests, the ladies, something about the work of this wonderful Fund. Rt\Wor\Bro\Herman Bosman.

Wor\Master: - Rt\Wor\Bro\ Bosman may I on behalf of the Wor\Master, the Wor\Brethren and the Brethren of this Lodge present you with this cheque for the Masonic Benevolent Fund.

Wor\Master: - Ladies and BB\ rise and assist me to close this meeting.
(Gives one knock,followed by the S\W\ and J\W\).

S\W\: - In the West, at the foot of the column which extends towards the South.

J\W\: - They are united in the WestW\Master, so that, at the close of our labours, they can testify that the Light shineth ever in our midst.

Wor\Master: - Bro\Wardens, then assist me to extinguish the Lights, the reflection of which we have taken into our hearts. (Lights extinguished in the usual way )

Wor\Master: - Bro\M\of C\you will now conduct the Bro\Orator to the Altar that he may close our proceedings with prayer.

Orator: - O Sovereign and Most Worshipful of all Masters, who, in Thy infinite love and wisdom, hast devised our Order as a means to draw Thy children nearer to Thee, and hast so ordained its Officers that they are emblems to Thy sevenfold power; Be Thou unto us an OUTER GUARD, and defend us from the perils that beset us when we turn from that which is without, to that which is within;

Be Thou as an INNER GUARD, and preserve in our souls that desire to pass within the portal of Thy holy mysteries; Be unto us the YOUNGER GUIDE, and teach our wayward feet the true and certain steps upon the path that leads to Thee; Be Thou also the ELDER GUIDE, and lead us up the steep and winding stairway to Thy throne;

Be unto us the LESSER WARDEN, and in the meridian sunlight of our understanding, speak to us in sacraments that shall declare the splendours of Thy unmanifested light;

Be Thou also unto us the GREATER WARDEN, and in the awful hour of disappearing light, when vision fails and thought has no more strength, be with us still, revealing to us, as we may bear them the hidden mysteries of Thy shadow.

And so, through light and darkness, raise us, GREAT MASTER, till we are made one with Thee, in the unspeakable glory of Thy presence in the East. Amen.

Wor\Master: - It should be Truth to every Mason that when we shut the Book and lay aside the Jewels, in the end, there shall be only God. (Pause). Bro\ Orator, will you now close the Bible. (Done). Bro\Master of Ceremonies, will you conduct the Bro\Orator back to his seat. (Done).

Wor\Master: - And now may the Grace of God abide with us this day and for evermore.

Will the Assistant Masters of Ceremonies now take up their positions at the head of the North and the South columns respectively. (Do so).

Ladies and Brethren, we are about to sing our closing hymn. During the singing of this hymn, the ladies under the guidance of the Assistant Masters of Ceremonies, will process from the Temple, leaving in two columns simultaneously from the North and the South. They will be followed by the Worshipful Brethren in the East, and then by the Brethren in the columns, the double file being at all times maintained.

The music now playing is the Sonata for Piano No. 15 "Sonata Facile" in C Major