Limerick – St. Mary’s Cathedral in Limerick hosted a Masonic service of remarkable significance and interest on Thursday evening. The event drew a large attendance from members of various lodges in North Munster, who were accorded reserved seating in the transepts and aisles. Additionally, a considerable number of the public were in attendance, filling the available seats before the 8 o’clock commencement of the service.
The Brethren, adorned in their regalia, formed a double line and processed into the church. The order of procession included Craft Masons, Royal Arch Masons, H. Knights Templar, Prince Masons, Provincial Grand Lodge officers, with the Very Worshipful Provincial Deputy Grand Master and the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master bringing up the rear. The Provincial Grand and Deputy Grand Masters passed under an arch of steel formed by the Knights Templar.
Among the clergy present were the Bishop, the Dean, the Precentor, the Chancellor, Canon the Honourable Benjamin J. Plunkett of St. Ann’s, Dublin (the chosen preacher for the occasion), Rev. T. F. Abbott, and H. A. H. Orpen.
The processional hymn, “Onward, Christian Soldiers,” set the tone for the service. The anthem, “Behold how good and joyful a thing it is, brethren, to dwell together in unity,” followed. The hymn before the sermon was “All People That on Earth Do Dwell.” During the offertory, the congregation sang “O God, Our Help in Ages Past.”
The preacher, in his sermon, drew inspiration from Galatians 3:28 – “For ye are all one in Christ Jesus,” and 1 Corinthians 12:27 – “Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.”
The collection, marked by generosity, was dedicated to the Masonic Orphan Schools. The benediction was pronounced by the Lord Bishop, concluding with the singing of the “Threefold Amen” and “God Save the King” by the entire congregation. The unique Masonic service left a lasting impression on those in attendance, fostering unity and shared purpose among the diverse assembly.
Dublin Daily Express – Monday 27 March 1911
