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Lodge Histories.
neighbours this year when Sir Henry Edwards , all being well , has consented to preside at the Festival of the same Charity . It is not surprising , therefore , that when such an opportunity presents itself as the centenary festival of a Yorkshire Lodge , tho brethren of tho County should turn it to account . Sorao three years ago the York Lodge , No . 236 , had a grand gathering in honour of its centenary .
Other Lodges which enjoy the same distinction have done tho same , and now , or rather in October last , tho St . George ' s commemorated the hundredth year of its existence in a manner which redounds to its credit , and of which all who took part in the celebration cannot fail to be proud . There is one feature in connection with the history of this Lodge
which speaks volumes in favour of the zeal and earnest care whioh must have animated its members from the very first day of its existence . It is still in possession of the original Warrant which was granted by Grand Master the Duke of Manchester , and its original furniture and working tools j and it is one of the very few Lodges whioh have enjoyed so long an existence that can boast of having a
complete record of its proceedings . These records , we believe , contain memoranda , whioh would not only interest the Craft generally , but contain references to historical events of the greatest national importance . Thus , in the stirring times during the great war in which this country was engaged , almost without intermission , from
1792 to 1813 , the Doncaster Freemasons gave more than publio evidence of their loyalty to the Crown and Constitution . They bid God-speed to the gallant men who voluntarily placed their services at the disposal of their country , and when the gallant veterans of the Peninsnlar war and the heroes of Waterloo returned home after
their gallant achievements , those who passed through Doncaster met with no heartier welcome from any body of its inhabitants than from the members of the St . George ' s Lodge . Nor has it been behind its sister Lodges in the part it has played in connection with local and general charities . It has done its share towards assisting our In . stitutions , and the claims of Doncaster itself to its support have never
been lost sight of . Indeed , the Lodge would seem to have comported itBelf admirably during the whole period of its existence , and its history doubtless forms one of the brightest among the many bright pages in whioh are written the annals of English Freemasonry . St . George ' s Lodge was constituted in 1780 , tbe original Warrant which , as we have already said , is still religiously preserved , bearing
date the 14 th July of that year . It was granted by the Duke of Man . ohester , who was at the time Grand Master , and was addressed to Bro . William Stephenson , the first W . M . and other brethren . Two years later we find it attending Divine service in the ol J parish church , when a sermon was preached by Bro . the Rev . W . Johnson , of York , Provincial Grand Chaplain . Similar services were regularly given
every year until 1837 . Iu 1784 the then W . M . of the Lodge strenuously advocated the establishment of Sunday Schools in Doncaster , and in 1786 the Lodge unanimously voted the sum of five guineas towards their support . In 1809 a liberal subscription was given towards the enlargemfint of tbe Parish Churchyard , and on the very Bame evening on which this was done , a handsome sum was collected ,
and handed over for the relief of the Doncastrian poor . In 1827 some twenty members of the Lodge , with the W . M ., Sir W . B . Cooke , assisted the Mayor of Doncaster to lay the foundation stone of Christ Church , In 1847 , the brethren adjourned from the Lodge room to the Mansion House , for the purpose of meeting the Mayor and Corporation of Doncaster , after which they went in procession
to lay tbe foundation stone of tho new Market Hall , the ceremony being performed with due Masonio honours by the W . M ., who was the very same Sir W . B . Cooke , who took part , as we have just mentioned , in the ceremonial of 1827 . As regards the members , it appears that no less than twelve of them have served the office of Mayor of Doncaster , while prominent among the local clergy who have belonged
to tbe Lodge must be mentioned the Rev . J . G . Fardell , formerly rector of Sprotbro ' , who was Master for three successive years ; a present made by him to the St . George ' s being still one of its most valued possessions . Sir W . Bryan Cooke , father of tbe presenti baronet , was five times W . M ., and held that position at the time he was appointed the first Muyor of Doncaster under the Municipal Act .
Other of the more distinguished members were Lord Galway , Dr . Chorley , the Hon . W . G . Monckton , and Bro . L . Walbank Childers of Cantley . The centenary celebration was held in the Mansion House , tbe Mayor having very kindly placed tbe building , with its fnrniture and appointments , at the services of the Lodge for the occasion . The
Committee in charge of the arrangements consisted of the W . M . Bro . Delanoy , the P . M . ' s , Wardens , and other Officers of the Lodge ; but the Executive who really did what was necessary , included the W . M . Bro . Rand I . P . M ., and Bros . F . D . Walker P . M ., Bolsover , Verity , Axe , and Henry Fox Hon . Secretary . The Ball Room was fitted up as the Lodge room , and all the other rooms were turned to
account for various purposes . Abont 200 brethren were present from different parts of the Province and Lodge having been opened with the usual formalities , in clue course , Prov . G . Lodge was announced and received with honours , Bro . Delanoy vacating the chair in favour of Sir Henry Edwards P . G . M ., who was supported by Bro . Tew Dep . P . G . M ., Bro . C . L . Mason P . G . Treasurer , and other P . G .
Officers past and present . Prov . G . L . was then opened , and after the reading and confirmation of the minutes , votes of thanks were passed with acclamation , to the Mayor , the Vicar of Doncaster , and the Organist and choir . The Prov . G . Master then rose and addressed those present at some length . " Brethren , " he said , " of the Saint George ' s Lodge , I thankyon , and also the Mayor and Corporation of Doncaster , for this day ' s
invitation , and the admirable arrangements which you have made for the reception of the Provincial Grand Lodge of West Yorkshire in this town . Accept , brethren , the assurance of the gratification it affords me and the Provincial Grand Officers past and present , to see assembled in this Mansion House so numerous a gathering of tho Craft , and our satisfaction that tho roll-call has been so well responded to by the sixfcy . six Lodges in this Province . Most cordiall y
Lodge Histories.
do I reciprocate the kind manner in which you have received your Provincial Grand Master , and tho warmth of your salutation . It affords me tho greatest pleasure at this , our October mooting , in offering to every ono of you my felicitations on tho continued unani . mity of the Craft as a body in my Province , the prosperity of tho different Lodges , and ou the support given to our Charities , and tho
progress of those benevolent works to which the Craft has this year given au impetus and lent its influence . " After referring with muoh satisfaction to tho contributions of West Yorkshire towards tho Central Masonio Institutions and the services it had rendered to the different local Charities , Sir Henry Edwards expressed a hope that on the occasion of his taking the chair at the Anniversary Festival of
tho Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution , he should find his exertions seconded by a numerous array of West Yorkshire Stewards ; and he trusted their efforts might result as favourably as did thoso of the contiguous Province of N . and E . Yorkshire , when its chief , the Earl of Zetland occupied the ohair in bohalfof the same Institution last year . Our R . W . Brother concluded as follows : — " I feel it an honour
and a pleasure , as does also my Depaty , whose native town is Don . caster , that it has happened to be our good fortune and of this Provincial Grand Lodge , to be iuvitod to congratulate St . George ' s Lodge on the completion of its Centenary , on the deeds of generosity which have continually marked its progress , and the list of eminent
and distinguished personages its roll-call records . May St . George ' s Lodge , iu hundreds of years to come , show that its future members are as brilliaut and distinguished as have been those in the past , and animated by the same Masonic zeal as its early founders for its prosperity , and in the promotion of every useful , benevolent , and charitable work . "
On the motion of Bro . Prov . Grand Treasurer , seconded by Bro . Hill , formerly ohairman of the Charity Committee , the sum of one hundred guineas was voted to the Royal Masonio Benevolent Institu . tion , Male Fund , and an equal amount to tbe Widows' Fand of the same Institution . After the despatch of other business , Bro . Tew D . P . G . M . presented , at his own cost , to the Lodge , the Centenary War .
rant , which had been granted by tbe Prince of Wales , G . Master , and to each of the officers a centenary jewel , to be worn with the collar in perpetuity . P . G . Lodge was then adjourned for the purpose of attending divine service in the parish church . The procession , as it wended its way through the streets , made a very effective display , and along the line of route every available spot was crowded with
spectators . Tho Vicar , who was assisted by the Rev . T . R . Wallen Pearson and Rev . C . B . Chalmer , officiated , while the sermon , which was a most eloquent one , was preached by the Rev . Canon Blake , ney , P . G . Chaplain , Vicar of Sheffield . A collection in aid of the Doncaster Infirmary was then made , aud realised the handsome sum of £ 40 , the plates being handed round by the W . M . and other
members of St . George a . Tbe procession then returned in reverse order to tbe Mansion House , where P . G . L . and St . George ' s were successively closed , after which the brethren adjourned to the ban . quetting room , where a sumptuous dinner , provided by Miss Hoskison , the housekeeper , was served . Sir Henry Edwards presided , and was supported by Bros . Tew Deputy Prov . Grand Master ,
Dr . J . Pearson Bell Dep . Prov . Grand Master North and East York . shire , and James Terry , Secretary of the Royal Masonio Bene , volent Institution . After dinner , the usual Loyal and Masonio toasts were drunk with great enthusiasm . Bro . Tew proposed the health of the Prov . G . Master and Bro . Sir Henry Edward 3 having acknowledged the compliment , and proposed tbe toast of his respected
Deputy , vacated the chair in favour of Bro . Tew , he ( Sir Henry ) being under the necessity of leaving early . Bro . Tew , in reply , said—It is somewhat difficult to speak fitly for the offico I have the hononr to occupy in West Yorkshire , and perhaps still more so for those others appertaining to the rest of the present acting as well as past Officers of the Grand Lodge of Freemasons .
All of us , however , desire to express our sense of gratitude for the compliment Sir Henry Edwards has beeu pleased to pay my col . leagues and myself , and to yon , brethren , for the fraternal and hearty manner in which you have responded to this toast of the Prov . Grand Master . We consider it a privilege to serve under the banner of this Lodge , and to have you , Sir Henry Edwards ,
for onr Provincial Grand Master . We oan assure that , though year after year we are permitted to take part in the deliberations or * these Masonic assemblies , and be present at these banquets , the interest we feel in these parliaments of the Craft , and in working to promote the advancement of Freemasonry in this Province , does not in any way diminish by frequency of being called together . On
the contrary , we are conscious of the obligations we are ever under to the numerous Lodges in the cordial support which their Worshipfnl Masters give to the several Officers from year to year . We are thus enabled to promote the cause of many benevolent and charitable objects brought to our notice , and to cultivate amongst the brethren social unity , harmony , and good fellowship . I will go
further , and say , as a body , we look npon wrong and injnry by mankind as an nntoward misfortune to the world , and generosity and mutual fi rbearance as the one abiding , inextinguishable charac . teristic of Freemasonry ; and though many persons and writers outside our circle often disparage our peculiar system , and some , times praise us , yet those who do enter the portals of our Lod ges ,
and therein master the principles of Masonic science , cannot but admire its intellectual freedom , its beauty as a symbolic art , its infinite ramifications and complexity , perfect in its adjustment , by the utility of its different parts or degrees , by which all minds and all people can benefit by its influences . Freemasonry is the most fascinating science of the day . It is most popular , most charitable ,
and it is useful and universal over the globe . The Order enjoys a love for scientific enterprise , a Jove for order , for the ambition and acquisition of knowledge , and to use that knowledge so that we may be more extensively serviceable to our fellow-creatures . Freemasonry is worthy of cultivation , of encouragement , and of onr approbation . The records of St . George ' s Lodge , under whose banner we have been handsomely received to-day , furnish several illua .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Lodge Histories.
neighbours this year when Sir Henry Edwards , all being well , has consented to preside at the Festival of the same Charity . It is not surprising , therefore , that when such an opportunity presents itself as the centenary festival of a Yorkshire Lodge , tho brethren of tho County should turn it to account . Sorao three years ago the York Lodge , No . 236 , had a grand gathering in honour of its centenary .
Other Lodges which enjoy the same distinction have done tho same , and now , or rather in October last , tho St . George ' s commemorated the hundredth year of its existence in a manner which redounds to its credit , and of which all who took part in the celebration cannot fail to be proud . There is one feature in connection with the history of this Lodge
which speaks volumes in favour of the zeal and earnest care whioh must have animated its members from the very first day of its existence . It is still in possession of the original Warrant which was granted by Grand Master the Duke of Manchester , and its original furniture and working tools j and it is one of the very few Lodges whioh have enjoyed so long an existence that can boast of having a
complete record of its proceedings . These records , we believe , contain memoranda , whioh would not only interest the Craft generally , but contain references to historical events of the greatest national importance . Thus , in the stirring times during the great war in which this country was engaged , almost without intermission , from
1792 to 1813 , the Doncaster Freemasons gave more than publio evidence of their loyalty to the Crown and Constitution . They bid God-speed to the gallant men who voluntarily placed their services at the disposal of their country , and when the gallant veterans of the Peninsnlar war and the heroes of Waterloo returned home after
their gallant achievements , those who passed through Doncaster met with no heartier welcome from any body of its inhabitants than from the members of the St . George ' s Lodge . Nor has it been behind its sister Lodges in the part it has played in connection with local and general charities . It has done its share towards assisting our In . stitutions , and the claims of Doncaster itself to its support have never
been lost sight of . Indeed , the Lodge would seem to have comported itBelf admirably during the whole period of its existence , and its history doubtless forms one of the brightest among the many bright pages in whioh are written the annals of English Freemasonry . St . George ' s Lodge was constituted in 1780 , tbe original Warrant which , as we have already said , is still religiously preserved , bearing
date the 14 th July of that year . It was granted by the Duke of Man . ohester , who was at the time Grand Master , and was addressed to Bro . William Stephenson , the first W . M . and other brethren . Two years later we find it attending Divine service in the ol J parish church , when a sermon was preached by Bro . the Rev . W . Johnson , of York , Provincial Grand Chaplain . Similar services were regularly given
every year until 1837 . Iu 1784 the then W . M . of the Lodge strenuously advocated the establishment of Sunday Schools in Doncaster , and in 1786 the Lodge unanimously voted the sum of five guineas towards their support . In 1809 a liberal subscription was given towards the enlargemfint of tbe Parish Churchyard , and on the very Bame evening on which this was done , a handsome sum was collected ,
and handed over for the relief of the Doncastrian poor . In 1827 some twenty members of the Lodge , with the W . M ., Sir W . B . Cooke , assisted the Mayor of Doncaster to lay the foundation stone of Christ Church , In 1847 , the brethren adjourned from the Lodge room to the Mansion House , for the purpose of meeting the Mayor and Corporation of Doncaster , after which they went in procession
to lay tbe foundation stone of tho new Market Hall , the ceremony being performed with due Masonio honours by the W . M ., who was the very same Sir W . B . Cooke , who took part , as we have just mentioned , in the ceremonial of 1827 . As regards the members , it appears that no less than twelve of them have served the office of Mayor of Doncaster , while prominent among the local clergy who have belonged
to tbe Lodge must be mentioned the Rev . J . G . Fardell , formerly rector of Sprotbro ' , who was Master for three successive years ; a present made by him to the St . George ' s being still one of its most valued possessions . Sir W . Bryan Cooke , father of tbe presenti baronet , was five times W . M ., and held that position at the time he was appointed the first Muyor of Doncaster under the Municipal Act .
Other of the more distinguished members were Lord Galway , Dr . Chorley , the Hon . W . G . Monckton , and Bro . L . Walbank Childers of Cantley . The centenary celebration was held in the Mansion House , tbe Mayor having very kindly placed tbe building , with its fnrniture and appointments , at the services of the Lodge for the occasion . The
Committee in charge of the arrangements consisted of the W . M . Bro . Delanoy , the P . M . ' s , Wardens , and other Officers of the Lodge ; but the Executive who really did what was necessary , included the W . M . Bro . Rand I . P . M ., and Bros . F . D . Walker P . M ., Bolsover , Verity , Axe , and Henry Fox Hon . Secretary . The Ball Room was fitted up as the Lodge room , and all the other rooms were turned to
account for various purposes . Abont 200 brethren were present from different parts of the Province and Lodge having been opened with the usual formalities , in clue course , Prov . G . Lodge was announced and received with honours , Bro . Delanoy vacating the chair in favour of Sir Henry Edwards P . G . M ., who was supported by Bro . Tew Dep . P . G . M ., Bro . C . L . Mason P . G . Treasurer , and other P . G .
Officers past and present . Prov . G . L . was then opened , and after the reading and confirmation of the minutes , votes of thanks were passed with acclamation , to the Mayor , the Vicar of Doncaster , and the Organist and choir . The Prov . G . Master then rose and addressed those present at some length . " Brethren , " he said , " of the Saint George ' s Lodge , I thankyon , and also the Mayor and Corporation of Doncaster , for this day ' s
invitation , and the admirable arrangements which you have made for the reception of the Provincial Grand Lodge of West Yorkshire in this town . Accept , brethren , the assurance of the gratification it affords me and the Provincial Grand Officers past and present , to see assembled in this Mansion House so numerous a gathering of tho Craft , and our satisfaction that tho roll-call has been so well responded to by the sixfcy . six Lodges in this Province . Most cordiall y
Lodge Histories.
do I reciprocate the kind manner in which you have received your Provincial Grand Master , and tho warmth of your salutation . It affords me tho greatest pleasure at this , our October mooting , in offering to every ono of you my felicitations on tho continued unani . mity of the Craft as a body in my Province , the prosperity of tho different Lodges , and ou the support given to our Charities , and tho
progress of those benevolent works to which the Craft has this year given au impetus and lent its influence . " After referring with muoh satisfaction to tho contributions of West Yorkshire towards tho Central Masonio Institutions and the services it had rendered to the different local Charities , Sir Henry Edwards expressed a hope that on the occasion of his taking the chair at the Anniversary Festival of
tho Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution , he should find his exertions seconded by a numerous array of West Yorkshire Stewards ; and he trusted their efforts might result as favourably as did thoso of the contiguous Province of N . and E . Yorkshire , when its chief , the Earl of Zetland occupied the ohair in bohalfof the same Institution last year . Our R . W . Brother concluded as follows : — " I feel it an honour
and a pleasure , as does also my Depaty , whose native town is Don . caster , that it has happened to be our good fortune and of this Provincial Grand Lodge , to be iuvitod to congratulate St . George ' s Lodge on the completion of its Centenary , on the deeds of generosity which have continually marked its progress , and the list of eminent
and distinguished personages its roll-call records . May St . George ' s Lodge , iu hundreds of years to come , show that its future members are as brilliaut and distinguished as have been those in the past , and animated by the same Masonic zeal as its early founders for its prosperity , and in the promotion of every useful , benevolent , and charitable work . "
On the motion of Bro . Prov . Grand Treasurer , seconded by Bro . Hill , formerly ohairman of the Charity Committee , the sum of one hundred guineas was voted to the Royal Masonio Benevolent Institu . tion , Male Fund , and an equal amount to tbe Widows' Fand of the same Institution . After the despatch of other business , Bro . Tew D . P . G . M . presented , at his own cost , to the Lodge , the Centenary War .
rant , which had been granted by tbe Prince of Wales , G . Master , and to each of the officers a centenary jewel , to be worn with the collar in perpetuity . P . G . Lodge was then adjourned for the purpose of attending divine service in the parish church . The procession , as it wended its way through the streets , made a very effective display , and along the line of route every available spot was crowded with
spectators . Tho Vicar , who was assisted by the Rev . T . R . Wallen Pearson and Rev . C . B . Chalmer , officiated , while the sermon , which was a most eloquent one , was preached by the Rev . Canon Blake , ney , P . G . Chaplain , Vicar of Sheffield . A collection in aid of the Doncaster Infirmary was then made , aud realised the handsome sum of £ 40 , the plates being handed round by the W . M . and other
members of St . George a . Tbe procession then returned in reverse order to tbe Mansion House , where P . G . L . and St . George ' s were successively closed , after which the brethren adjourned to the ban . quetting room , where a sumptuous dinner , provided by Miss Hoskison , the housekeeper , was served . Sir Henry Edwards presided , and was supported by Bros . Tew Deputy Prov . Grand Master ,
Dr . J . Pearson Bell Dep . Prov . Grand Master North and East York . shire , and James Terry , Secretary of the Royal Masonio Bene , volent Institution . After dinner , the usual Loyal and Masonio toasts were drunk with great enthusiasm . Bro . Tew proposed the health of the Prov . G . Master and Bro . Sir Henry Edward 3 having acknowledged the compliment , and proposed tbe toast of his respected
Deputy , vacated the chair in favour of Bro . Tew , he ( Sir Henry ) being under the necessity of leaving early . Bro . Tew , in reply , said—It is somewhat difficult to speak fitly for the offico I have the hononr to occupy in West Yorkshire , and perhaps still more so for those others appertaining to the rest of the present acting as well as past Officers of the Grand Lodge of Freemasons .
All of us , however , desire to express our sense of gratitude for the compliment Sir Henry Edwards has beeu pleased to pay my col . leagues and myself , and to yon , brethren , for the fraternal and hearty manner in which you have responded to this toast of the Prov . Grand Master . We consider it a privilege to serve under the banner of this Lodge , and to have you , Sir Henry Edwards ,
for onr Provincial Grand Master . We oan assure that , though year after year we are permitted to take part in the deliberations or * these Masonic assemblies , and be present at these banquets , the interest we feel in these parliaments of the Craft , and in working to promote the advancement of Freemasonry in this Province , does not in any way diminish by frequency of being called together . On
the contrary , we are conscious of the obligations we are ever under to the numerous Lodges in the cordial support which their Worshipfnl Masters give to the several Officers from year to year . We are thus enabled to promote the cause of many benevolent and charitable objects brought to our notice , and to cultivate amongst the brethren social unity , harmony , and good fellowship . I will go
further , and say , as a body , we look npon wrong and injnry by mankind as an nntoward misfortune to the world , and generosity and mutual fi rbearance as the one abiding , inextinguishable charac . teristic of Freemasonry ; and though many persons and writers outside our circle often disparage our peculiar system , and some , times praise us , yet those who do enter the portals of our Lod ges ,
and therein master the principles of Masonic science , cannot but admire its intellectual freedom , its beauty as a symbolic art , its infinite ramifications and complexity , perfect in its adjustment , by the utility of its different parts or degrees , by which all minds and all people can benefit by its influences . Freemasonry is the most fascinating science of the day . It is most popular , most charitable ,
and it is useful and universal over the globe . The Order enjoys a love for scientific enterprise , a Jove for order , for the ambition and acquisition of knowledge , and to use that knowledge so that we may be more extensively serviceable to our fellow-creatures . Freemasonry is worthy of cultivation , of encouragement , and of onr approbation . The records of St . George ' s Lodge , under whose banner we have been handsomely received to-day , furnish several illua .