[List-Cumbria] Carlisle Patriot, 28 Jun 1823 - Masonic Ceremonial (2)

[Petra Mitchinson]

Saturday 28 Jun 1823   (p. 4, col. 5-6)

 

MASONIC CEREMONIAL. 

 

[continued] 

 

The procession having passed the gate-way, a tremendous rush of the crowd towards it took place, the barriers were partially broken
down, and many persons, including some of the musicians, were thrown upon their backs and faces, and for some moments were in
imminent danger of being trampled to death: but, fortunately, a few bruises only were the extent of the damage sustained. 

 

Galleries had been erected for spectators, who were admitted to them by tickets, at one shilling each. A great many ladies and
gentlemen had taken their seats on them long before the arrival of the procession. A platform was also erected near the scene of the
ceremony, whereon stood a chair for the accommodation of the P. G. M. 

 

The Brethren ranged themselves round the foundation-stone in due order; and the crowd poured in like a torrent, for some minutes,
taking possession of the vacancies on the galleries, clambering the broken face of the old city wall, and perching aloft its frail
summit: a projecting part of it, near the foundation, assumed, from the weight pressing upon it, a particularly dangerous aspect,
and threatened to crush by its fall all who stood beneath it. 

 

It was soon seen that the galleries were inadequate to sustain the immense mass of people which had rushed upon them,
notwithstanding the assurance of a hand-bill that they 'would be inspected by proper workmen, to preclude the possibility of
disaster.' That nearest the chair of the P. G. M. gave timely notice of dissolution by gradually sliding outward from the wall
against which it stood; and many persons took the hint and hastened down even faster than they had ascended. At this moment a crash
was heard, followed by a terrific scream of female voices! All the other galleries had given way, and those upon them were seen
tumbling down, in mass, they hardly knew how, to the utter discomfiture of many a fine frill, flounce, and furbelow, fragments of
which were left hanging to the rugged planks. For some moments the confusion was dreadful: numerous broken limbs, and even death
itself, were at first the predicted result; but, most providentially, a few slight scratches and bruises, and one or two sprains, at
the utmost, were all that we have to deplore-we are sure that many persons present will think their escape a miracle-I was certainly
at first much hurt at the disaster (says one of the superintendents in a note addressed to us), but, on reflection, I must say that
it was fortunate the scaffolding gave way when it did. The crowd, rushing on it from the top of the wall, jumping down a height of
six feet or upwards, naturally, by the continued shock, threw the galleries forward, and caused most of those on them to get down
with precipitation. Had the accident happened a little later, with a still greater weight, the consequences might have been fatal.
As it was, nothing material happened, except the loss raiment." 

 

After such a scene as we have described, it will be anticipated that the subsequent ceremony was deprived of much of its interest,
and was steadily attended to by only a small part of the vast body of people present before the accident. Hundreds at once retired,
particularly females. 

 

The Rev. F. STANLEY, Provincial Grand Chaplain, commenced by offering up a prayer for a blessing on the undertaking, not a word of
which could we hear, though standing at a very short distance from the Rev. Speaker. A bottle containing the silver and copper coins
of the present reign, the Carlisle newspapers for June 21, and an engraved inscription, were then deposited in an excavation of the
stone, the lime was spread, and as soon as the stone had been adjusted, the P. G. M. said-"I declare this stone duly and properly
laid according to the ancient usages and customs of Masonry." A large covering stone, of two or three tons weight, suspended above
the foundation by machinery during the ceremony, was then lowered, and the Rev. Mr. STANLEY immediately ascended it, and spoke at
considerable length, in a very able and impressive manner. His address largely partook of the nature of a sermon. He began with the
creation of the world, and touched, in succession, on the fall of man, the expulsion of our first parents from Eden, the progress of
evil, formation of society and human institution, the captivity and release of Israel, the building of the Temple of Solomon,
Christ's advent, and, chronologically, down to our times; tending to shew that the principles of Masonry were the earliest
recognized by civilized man, and still continue to operate most beneficially among all who profess and properly appreciate them. He
was permitted to say thus much, that the emblems which had been exhibited that day, were symbolical of sacred things, and the most
important obligations. The Society, he observed, could boast of Royal patronage, Royal members, and members distinguished for rank,
talent, influence, and high religious and moral character. It was its proud distinction, that while other associations had been
suspected, and many put down, not a doubt of the loyalty and patriotism of Freemasons was ever even whispered by any one. Firm to
their principles, justly proud of their connection, they were on all occasions found among the faithful; ever forward to support the
honour and dignity of their country, and ready to extend the hand of benevolence to Brothers of whatever nation, tongue, or kindred.
Rank and title gave way to cordial union. Was a brother distressed, his wants were at once relieved as soon as they were known; he
found a home if in a strange land, the grasp of fellowship wherever he met with a mason. Coming more particularly to the business of
day, Mr. STANLEY stated that in erecting the new prison, the magistrates had adopted every practicable plan for the benefit of those
unfortunate persons who may hereafter become its inmates, consistently with their safety. And in reference to the edifice, upon the
corner-stone of which he stood, here it was that the weary and heavy laden must come to find the only true consolation: here might
the criminal repair and pour out his sorrows, and learn how to repent of his offences; here might he receive assurance that if he
would turn from the error of his ways, pardon awaited him-were his sins as scarlet, they should become, by the blood of the Saviour,
white as snow. In conclusion he exhorted those who heard him to cherish good principles and practice good works; for Religion and
Virtue alone conferred durable happiness on earth, and led to that exceedingly great reward in another world which the eye of man
hath not seen, nor the heart of man conceived. 

 

Here the ceremony ended; and the Procession returned to the Coffee-House in the order of its advance. 

 

 

[to be continued] 

 

 

-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <https://list.cumbriafhs.com/mailman/private/list-cumbria/attachments/20230919/557470d0/attachment.htm>