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Consecration.
CONSECRATION .
FOSTER GOUGH LODGE . ; THE formation of a Masonic Lodge as a memorial of the late Col . Foster Gough—whose services to the Province of Staffordshire both as D . P . G . M . from 1885 , arid as Prov . G . M . from April 1889 , to the time of his death in February 1892 , and to the Craft in general for many years , are held in grateful remembrance—is a notable event in the-annals of
Freemasonry in Staffordshire . The new Lodge , which enjoys this honourable distinction , was consecrated at Stafford on Friday , 25 th ult ., in the presence of a large and influential body of Freemasons , who had come together from all parts of the Province to do honour to the occasion . The Lodge
ranks as No . 2706 on the roll of Grand Lodge . Its membership will be confined to Installed Masters , and it is in this respect unique so far as the Province of Staffordshire is concerned . In point of fact , there are only two other such Lodges in England—viz ., at Hull , and Newcastle-on-Tyne ,
and the Staffordshire Lodge will form a record as to number , there being no less than 102 Founders . It will be remembered by Masonic readers that at the last meeting of Provincial Grand Lodge , at Lichfield , an informal meeting was held , and a small Committee appointed
to convene a meeting of Installed Masters , with a view to consider the proposal which has now been carried to a successful issue . It was thought that considerable advantage to the best interests of Freemasonry in Staffordshire would follow from a periodical meeting of the Installed Masters ,
giving opportunities for a free interchange of opinion on all points of Masonic ritual and practice , which was supplied by no existing organisation . The proposal was further considered at a specially-convened meeting held at Stafford , in October , when it was unanimously decided that a Lodge
should be formed under the title of "The Foster Gough Lodge . " It was known to those who were more closely associated with Col . Gough in his Masonic work that , had he lived , a Lodge of this kind would have been established some years ago , and therefore it may well be supposed that no memorial would have been more after his own heart than
this . The desire of the Founders was that if possible the Lodge should meet alternately at Stafford , Stoke , and Wolverhampton . It appears , however , that a movable
Lodge does not come within the scheme of the Book of Constitutions , and the venue will therefore be Stafford . Special dispensation will , it is hoped , enable meetings to be held in the other centres .
The principal officers designated in the . Warrant are the Earl of Dartmouth Provincial Grand Master Worshipful Master , Lieut .-Col . Bindley P . G . Deacon England Deputy Provincial Grand Master Acting Immediate Past Master , J . Bodenham P . A . G . D . C . England P . P . S . G . W . S . W ., J . F .
Pepper P . P . S . G . W . J . W . The other first Officers are : — Lieut .-Col . G . Walton Walker P . M . 526 P . G . Swd . Bearer Eng . P . P . S . G . W . Chaplain , Dr . C . A . Newnham P . M . 526 P . P . S . G . W . Prov . G . Treasurer Treas ., James T . Marson I . P . M . 726 Prov . G . Steward Sec , Geo . C . Kent P . M . 54 6 Assist . G . D . C . Eng . P . P . G . Assist . Sec . S . D ., M . Barker
P . M . 1792 P . P . S . G . W . J . D ., E . V . Greatbatch P . M . 414 P . P . S . G . W . D . C ., Thos . Taylor P . M . 2149 P . P . S . G . W . Organist , Geo . Vaughan P . M . 419 P . P . J . G . W . I . G ., J .
B . Ashwell P . M . 637 P . P . S . G . W ., Thos . E . Lowe I . P . M . 419 , Jos . Newman P . M . 539 P . P . J . G . W . Stewards , G . Hebbert , " Staffordshire Knot , " Tyler . The ceremony of Consecration was conducted by Bro . Edward Letchworth , F . S . A ., Grand Secretary , who was
assisted by the following Grand Lodge Officers : — Sir John B . Monckton P . G . W . as S . W ., J . H . Matthews President of the Board of Benevolence as J . W ., the Ven Archdeacon Stevens P . G . C . as Chaplain , Frank Richardson P . G . D . as D . C ., R . Clay Sudlow P . G . Std . Bearer as I . G .
The Consecration took place in the large Assembly-room of the Borough Hall , which is well adapted to the purposes of a large gathering . Excellent arrangements had been made by Bros . J . T . Marson Secretary , Thos . E . Lowe and . J . - Newman Stewards of the new Lodge , and the Brethren of ¦
the Staffordshire Knot Lodge , who gave their services in carrying out the local arrangements . The tasteful decorations of the room gave every satisfaction , and the handsome old furniture of the Staffordshire Knot was admired by the
Visiting Brethren . About 200 Brethren attended the Lodge . The Founders who were unable to be present and sent apologies were Bros . G . S . Tudor P . P . G . M ., J . L . Gibbons , M . P ., J . B . Ashwell , Dr . A . T . Holdsworth , D . Chapman ,
Consecration.
E . V . Greatbatch , W . A . Wood , A . Mear , S . Mear , and H . Percy-Smith . ; . , In addition to the principal Officers mentioned as being
present , Bros . Beach D . P . G . M . Warwickshire P . G . S . B ., Speth P . GI . D . Secretary of the yuatuor Cbronati Lodge , and Wv H . . Spaull Prov . G . Sec . Shropshire were among the Visitors .. ., . .-.- :.... ......... . ¦ .
. ,- The Consecrating Officer , in addressing the Brethren on the : motive of the meeting , said the Lodge would bear an honoured name , 'and would be composed of the flower of Staffordshire Masonry , while it would enjoy the distinction of being presided over by the Provincial Grand Master . He
sincerely trusted that it might have a career of great distinction and usefulness , and that it might accomplish all the objects which the Founders had especially in view .
The opening prayer by the Grand Chaplain followed , after which the Brethren of the new Lodge were arranged in order , while Lieut .-Col . Walker read the Warrant from the Grand Master H . R . H . the Prince of Wales .
The Brethren having formally approved of the Officers named in the Warrant , the Chaplain delivered an oration on the nature and principles of Masonry . The Ven . Archdeacon expressed a fervent hope that the Lodge would form a new centre from which would radiate light arid knowledge to the
outside world , and especially promulgate those grand principles on which their Order was based—viz ., brotherly love , relief , and truth . That was an extraordinary , he might almost say a unique occasion . They were there in a very special way as Masons and as builders—for unless a Mason was a builder he was no true Mason . They were building
that afternoon a memorial to a Brother who had gone before ¦ —a Brother whom everyone in that Province venerated for the way in which he threw himself into the work of the Order . In raising a memorial to him they were not building in marble , in brick , or in metal , but something that was
more imperishable , and they believed that by connecting his name with that Lodge they were doing that which everyone such as ¦ he would , desire as a memorial—sornething which would carry on the work to which he devoted himself up to the last hour of his life . So it was as builders of a memorial
to a Brother who had gone before them , they were met that afternoon to dedicate and consecrate a Lodge which would bear his name . Their meeting , as he had said , was one df exceptional interest . One had only to cast his eye over the list of Founders to feel that in a special degree . Their first
Master was the Right Worshipful Brother whom the Most Worshipful Grand Master had chosen to preside over the Province . He would be assisted in the work of the Lodge by a body of Masons who by their services had taken high positions in the Order . The members of this Lodge , as well as its Founders , were all Brothers who by their work for the
Craft had gained for themselves the confidence of the Brethren of the different Lodges to which they belonged to such a degree that they had been chosen to preside over those Lodges . It seemed to him that that fact , besides being interesting had its instructive side . In days like the present ,
if there was one thing that perhaps was more wanted than another in society , it was the due recognition of order and discipline . He need hardly say how that was impressed upon them in their Lodges , in which there were some who ruled and governed , and some who served and obeyed . There
were workmen who took a very humble share in building , and there were varying degrees of skill and labour , but all worked together in carrying out the one grand design of the architect who drew the plans . A true worker would do his work in the particular position assigned to him .
So in Masonry they had their individual parts , some humble , some exalted , and it was just as they recognised that they were carrying out a great plan under those who were set over them , however humble their part might be , were it only laying one brick , that their work was of
value . '' Every one should see that the brick , so far as he was concerned , should be well and truly laid . He ventured to say that rib one could govern who had not learnt to serve . ' The Lodge would' bean example to the Lodges around ' in-the absolute recognition of the principle that those
who served and obeyed were in their respective Lodges in a position to rule . He would just bring the further thought before . them that as that Brother whose name this Lodge would bear did his work so well and truly to the end of his
life , so mi g ht each one of them perform the task allotted to him while it was day , that when their time should come they would all find their place in the Grand Lodge above , where the world's-Great' Architect rules and reigns supreme in that great temple not made with hands , eternal in the heavens .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Consecration.
CONSECRATION .
FOSTER GOUGH LODGE . ; THE formation of a Masonic Lodge as a memorial of the late Col . Foster Gough—whose services to the Province of Staffordshire both as D . P . G . M . from 1885 , arid as Prov . G . M . from April 1889 , to the time of his death in February 1892 , and to the Craft in general for many years , are held in grateful remembrance—is a notable event in the-annals of
Freemasonry in Staffordshire . The new Lodge , which enjoys this honourable distinction , was consecrated at Stafford on Friday , 25 th ult ., in the presence of a large and influential body of Freemasons , who had come together from all parts of the Province to do honour to the occasion . The Lodge
ranks as No . 2706 on the roll of Grand Lodge . Its membership will be confined to Installed Masters , and it is in this respect unique so far as the Province of Staffordshire is concerned . In point of fact , there are only two other such Lodges in England—viz ., at Hull , and Newcastle-on-Tyne ,
and the Staffordshire Lodge will form a record as to number , there being no less than 102 Founders . It will be remembered by Masonic readers that at the last meeting of Provincial Grand Lodge , at Lichfield , an informal meeting was held , and a small Committee appointed
to convene a meeting of Installed Masters , with a view to consider the proposal which has now been carried to a successful issue . It was thought that considerable advantage to the best interests of Freemasonry in Staffordshire would follow from a periodical meeting of the Installed Masters ,
giving opportunities for a free interchange of opinion on all points of Masonic ritual and practice , which was supplied by no existing organisation . The proposal was further considered at a specially-convened meeting held at Stafford , in October , when it was unanimously decided that a Lodge
should be formed under the title of "The Foster Gough Lodge . " It was known to those who were more closely associated with Col . Gough in his Masonic work that , had he lived , a Lodge of this kind would have been established some years ago , and therefore it may well be supposed that no memorial would have been more after his own heart than
this . The desire of the Founders was that if possible the Lodge should meet alternately at Stafford , Stoke , and Wolverhampton . It appears , however , that a movable
Lodge does not come within the scheme of the Book of Constitutions , and the venue will therefore be Stafford . Special dispensation will , it is hoped , enable meetings to be held in the other centres .
The principal officers designated in the . Warrant are the Earl of Dartmouth Provincial Grand Master Worshipful Master , Lieut .-Col . Bindley P . G . Deacon England Deputy Provincial Grand Master Acting Immediate Past Master , J . Bodenham P . A . G . D . C . England P . P . S . G . W . S . W ., J . F .
Pepper P . P . S . G . W . J . W . The other first Officers are : — Lieut .-Col . G . Walton Walker P . M . 526 P . G . Swd . Bearer Eng . P . P . S . G . W . Chaplain , Dr . C . A . Newnham P . M . 526 P . P . S . G . W . Prov . G . Treasurer Treas ., James T . Marson I . P . M . 726 Prov . G . Steward Sec , Geo . C . Kent P . M . 54 6 Assist . G . D . C . Eng . P . P . G . Assist . Sec . S . D ., M . Barker
P . M . 1792 P . P . S . G . W . J . D ., E . V . Greatbatch P . M . 414 P . P . S . G . W . D . C ., Thos . Taylor P . M . 2149 P . P . S . G . W . Organist , Geo . Vaughan P . M . 419 P . P . J . G . W . I . G ., J .
B . Ashwell P . M . 637 P . P . S . G . W ., Thos . E . Lowe I . P . M . 419 , Jos . Newman P . M . 539 P . P . J . G . W . Stewards , G . Hebbert , " Staffordshire Knot , " Tyler . The ceremony of Consecration was conducted by Bro . Edward Letchworth , F . S . A ., Grand Secretary , who was
assisted by the following Grand Lodge Officers : — Sir John B . Monckton P . G . W . as S . W ., J . H . Matthews President of the Board of Benevolence as J . W ., the Ven Archdeacon Stevens P . G . C . as Chaplain , Frank Richardson P . G . D . as D . C ., R . Clay Sudlow P . G . Std . Bearer as I . G .
The Consecration took place in the large Assembly-room of the Borough Hall , which is well adapted to the purposes of a large gathering . Excellent arrangements had been made by Bros . J . T . Marson Secretary , Thos . E . Lowe and . J . - Newman Stewards of the new Lodge , and the Brethren of ¦
the Staffordshire Knot Lodge , who gave their services in carrying out the local arrangements . The tasteful decorations of the room gave every satisfaction , and the handsome old furniture of the Staffordshire Knot was admired by the
Visiting Brethren . About 200 Brethren attended the Lodge . The Founders who were unable to be present and sent apologies were Bros . G . S . Tudor P . P . G . M ., J . L . Gibbons , M . P ., J . B . Ashwell , Dr . A . T . Holdsworth , D . Chapman ,
Consecration.
E . V . Greatbatch , W . A . Wood , A . Mear , S . Mear , and H . Percy-Smith . ; . , In addition to the principal Officers mentioned as being
present , Bros . Beach D . P . G . M . Warwickshire P . G . S . B ., Speth P . GI . D . Secretary of the yuatuor Cbronati Lodge , and Wv H . . Spaull Prov . G . Sec . Shropshire were among the Visitors .. ., . .-.- :.... ......... . ¦ .
. ,- The Consecrating Officer , in addressing the Brethren on the : motive of the meeting , said the Lodge would bear an honoured name , 'and would be composed of the flower of Staffordshire Masonry , while it would enjoy the distinction of being presided over by the Provincial Grand Master . He
sincerely trusted that it might have a career of great distinction and usefulness , and that it might accomplish all the objects which the Founders had especially in view .
The opening prayer by the Grand Chaplain followed , after which the Brethren of the new Lodge were arranged in order , while Lieut .-Col . Walker read the Warrant from the Grand Master H . R . H . the Prince of Wales .
The Brethren having formally approved of the Officers named in the Warrant , the Chaplain delivered an oration on the nature and principles of Masonry . The Ven . Archdeacon expressed a fervent hope that the Lodge would form a new centre from which would radiate light arid knowledge to the
outside world , and especially promulgate those grand principles on which their Order was based—viz ., brotherly love , relief , and truth . That was an extraordinary , he might almost say a unique occasion . They were there in a very special way as Masons and as builders—for unless a Mason was a builder he was no true Mason . They were building
that afternoon a memorial to a Brother who had gone before ¦ —a Brother whom everyone in that Province venerated for the way in which he threw himself into the work of the Order . In raising a memorial to him they were not building in marble , in brick , or in metal , but something that was
more imperishable , and they believed that by connecting his name with that Lodge they were doing that which everyone such as ¦ he would , desire as a memorial—sornething which would carry on the work to which he devoted himself up to the last hour of his life . So it was as builders of a memorial
to a Brother who had gone before them , they were met that afternoon to dedicate and consecrate a Lodge which would bear his name . Their meeting , as he had said , was one df exceptional interest . One had only to cast his eye over the list of Founders to feel that in a special degree . Their first
Master was the Right Worshipful Brother whom the Most Worshipful Grand Master had chosen to preside over the Province . He would be assisted in the work of the Lodge by a body of Masons who by their services had taken high positions in the Order . The members of this Lodge , as well as its Founders , were all Brothers who by their work for the
Craft had gained for themselves the confidence of the Brethren of the different Lodges to which they belonged to such a degree that they had been chosen to preside over those Lodges . It seemed to him that that fact , besides being interesting had its instructive side . In days like the present ,
if there was one thing that perhaps was more wanted than another in society , it was the due recognition of order and discipline . He need hardly say how that was impressed upon them in their Lodges , in which there were some who ruled and governed , and some who served and obeyed . There
were workmen who took a very humble share in building , and there were varying degrees of skill and labour , but all worked together in carrying out the one grand design of the architect who drew the plans . A true worker would do his work in the particular position assigned to him .
So in Masonry they had their individual parts , some humble , some exalted , and it was just as they recognised that they were carrying out a great plan under those who were set over them , however humble their part might be , were it only laying one brick , that their work was of
value . '' Every one should see that the brick , so far as he was concerned , should be well and truly laid . He ventured to say that rib one could govern who had not learnt to serve . ' The Lodge would' bean example to the Lodges around ' in-the absolute recognition of the principle that those
who served and obeyed were in their respective Lodges in a position to rule . He would just bring the further thought before . them that as that Brother whose name this Lodge would bear did his work so well and truly to the end of his
life , so mi g ht each one of them perform the task allotted to him while it was day , that when their time should come they would all find their place in the Grand Lodge above , where the world's-Great' Architect rules and reigns supreme in that great temple not made with hands , eternal in the heavens .