-
Articles/Ads
Article WEST YORKSHIRE. ← Page 2 of 3 Article WEST YORKSHIRE. Page 2 of 3 →
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
West Yorkshire.
* pervaded the Craft . The unity of the Province , the harmony prevailing among the brethren in the 42 towns , in which were 69 Lodges , toid of the efficiency of the influence of the Provincial Grand Lodge . The polioy of the Province in the future , aa in the past , would be to work to still further conclusions this unity of purpose ,
and to cultivate brotherly friendship in every possible direction , to mould the Lodges as component parts of one vast system under one reign of equal law , so that the identical interest of Masonry could be moved by one general impulse throughout the whole body . Suoh were the aspirations whioh aotuated his feelings , and in obedience to
those instincts he acknowledged the salutations of the brethren whioh had been acoorded to his position in the Craft . Might their goodness and cordiality towards the office never be misplaced . Ha could not but express hia regret at vacating the office of Deputy Grand Master , owing to circumstanoea over which he had little control , and to
complying with the pressure of good wishes from many quarters to accept the most honourable position it was in the power of the Grand Master to confer . In 1875 be accepted the Depntyship onlv for three months , and at the request of Sir Henry Edwards , until he could appoint some more appropriate brother . Little did he think
that that probationary term was to extend for ten years , and now perhaps longer , and until that time when all links must be sundered in this world and all engagements terminated . He had tried to win their confidence and merit their esteem . To keep the affection and loyalty of the Province would ever be the work of his proudest
efforts . He accepted this higher trust only at their hands with a sense that a great honour had been oonferred upon him ; yet he must look back upon the Depntyship with lingering regrets of affection for the friendships made and the marvellous forbearance and kindness shown him . Could hia wishes have been regarded , he shonld have
wished that a royal prince or some distinguished nobleman had sueceeded Sir Henry Edwards . To see in their midst Masonry flourish , whether under the Earl of Mexborough , the Marquess of Ripon , Sir Henry Edwards , or any other Provinoial Grand Master whom His Royal Highness the Most Worshipful Grand Master might designate ,
was the only ambition of every one present , who would delight to show zeal and fidelity to whatever head was appointed . A retrospect of the doings of the Craft in that Province would testify to the sincerity of the oharacter of the Order and its determination to make the principles of Masonry applicable to the good of thei" fellow
creatures . On the 28 th of October 1868 , when a convalescent home was founded by Charles Brooke , of Meltham , Lord de Grey and Ripon and the Provincial Grand Lodge of West Yorkshire laid the chief corner stone of that magnificent institution . The foundationstone of East Hardwiok Church was laid by a noble Marquess and
three other Cabinet Ministers , all members of the Craft . The Right Hon . Hugh C . E . Childers , M . P ., then Minister of War , and a brother of the St . Oswald ' s Lodge , laid the first stone of the Pontefract Dispensary . The late Bro . J . C . D . Charlesworth laid the great stone of the Clayton Hospital , and Sir H . Edwards fixed the plinth stone
of Dewsbury Infirmary . The generous -work of restoring Halifax Churoh was fostered by the Provinoial Grand Master Sir Henry Edwards . The principal stone of the Delph Literary Institute was laid by the Provincial Grand Lodge . Did a royal prince visit Sheffield , Leeds , or Huddersfield , to inaugurate a college , to
countenance a musical festival , to open an art exhibition , or what not , the Craft and the Lodges took the most prominant places in the labours of organisation , and were foremost with skilful arrangements to make the visits of royalty successful . In various other ways in this Province Freemasonry was foremost in all that was good and
noble . In conclusion , he said it would be their desire in the future to emulate the good deeds of the past . To be permitted to share in that emulation of generous principles was indeed an honour such as the Sovereign on the throne might think not unworthy of participation . To guide the energies of such a philanthropic Order was an
aspiration of the loftiest kind . Into that position of responsibility the brethren bad that day enthroned him . The chain placed around his neck fettered the links of attachment that had bound him to them for the past 25 years in cordiality and friendship more indissoluble than ever . The collar would be the symbol to remind
him of another's wants , and the apron to labour for the welfare of the Craft without distinction of office , or without asperity of opinion , only to be laid aside when by the mutability of time those things
were cast aside , and when the tomb of transgression was burst at tbe Resurrection dawn , and by the mercies of the Son of Righteousness we were permitted in the Grand Lodge above " to shine as the stars for ever and ever . "
Brother Henry Smith was then duly installed Deputy Provincial Grand Master , amid great cheering . He was then proclaimed as follows : — Brethren , —By command of the Right Worshipful Provinoial Grand Master of West Yorkshire , I now proclaim Brother Henry Smith , of
St . John's , Wakefield , who has been obligated by the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master of East Lancashire , and in the presence of the Right Worshipful Depnty Grand Master of England , and of the Ancient , Free , and Accepted Masons of this Province , to be the Deputy Provin * ial Grand Master of the Province of West Yorkshire ,
in succession tc the late Depnty Provincial Grand Master Brother Thomas WilliarA Tew , exalted to the office of Provincial Grand Master . Furthermore be it known unto all whom it may concern , that Brother Henry Smith vas initiated into Masonry in tho Lodge of Hope , Bradford , No . 3 T 4 , now 302 , on 3 rd May , A . L . 5852 , and raised on tbe 2 nd
day of Augast following , and subscribed 33 years to this date . Joined the Airedale Lodge , Baildon ( now at Shipley ) , No . 543 , now 387 , June A . L . 5854 , Installed Worshipful Master A . L . 5857 , and subscribed 31 years to this date . The Earl of Mexborough , the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master , appointed him Provincial Grand
Deacon , A . L . 5859 ; Brother Dr . Fearnley being then the Oepnt y Provincial Grand Master , Earl de Grey , now Marquess of JMpon , appointed him Provincial Grand Secretary on the death of Brother Nelson , in March , 5870 , and during the succeeding Deputy-Ship of Brother Bentley Shaw , Lieufcenant . Colonel Sir Henry
West Yorkshire.
Edwards , Bart ., C . B . and D . L ., reappointed him in April , A . L . 5875 , under the Depntyship of Brother Thomas William Tew , and he has discharged the duties conscientiously , with zeal and fidelity , and with the esteem and respect of every Lodge and Brother , until thia day , the 24 th day of April 5885 . He was one of the founders of the
West Yorkshire Charity Committee in 5859 , is a Vice-Patron of the Royal Masonic Institution for Boys , to whioh he has served nine times Steward at the Anniversary Festival , contributing £ 127 10 a . He ia a Vice-Patron to the Girls' Institution , to whioh he has served seven times the office of Steward , contributing £ 105 , and he is also
a Vice-Patron of the Royal Masonio Benevolent Institution , to whioh , at the Anniversary Festivals , he has six timea served the office of Steward , contributing £ 102 10 a . For these servioes he deserves well at the hands of the Craft , and I therefore , by virtue of my office aa the Grand Director of Ceremonies of this Provincial Grand Lodge , do
call upon all the brethren present to salute our Worshipful Depnty Provinoial Grand Master five times , according to ancient form and established custom . Bro . Smith having been saluted in due form , expressed his gratification at having been appointed to the high office of D . P . G . M . He
yielded to no one in his desire to help the P . G . M . in all his plans for the promotion of the interests of the Craft in his Province , and to share the burden of his responsibilities as far aa possible . He hoped that the experience he had acquired would inspire confidence in the brethren that the duties attached to the office would be discharged to
their entire satisfaction . If they would forgive him for being slightly egotistical for a moment , he would state that he bad been Provincial Grand Secretary for the last fifteen years , and for several years pre . viously he had assisted the late Bro . Nelson , with whom he was associated in the formation of the Charity Committee , in 1859 . Since
1870 , fifty-eight Provincial Grand Lodge meetings had been held , all of which , with only one exception , he had been able to attend . During the same period the Charity Committee had had forty-five meetings , the whole of whioh he had attended . Of the fifty-nine Eleotiona in London during the same time he had been absent but once , so that
he might fairly say that he did not enter upon his new duties without some little experience , gained in all these years . It would be hia earnest endeavour to maintain thia great Province in its present Btate
of efficiency , and to accomplish this he hoped he might rely npon the sympathy and support of every brother , whioh had hitherto been freely accorded to him . Again he tendered his sincere thanks . The following Officers were then appointed and invested : —
Bro . W . L . Jackson , M . P Prov . G . Senior Warden Lieut .. Col . A . H . Charlesworth ... Prov . G . Junior Warden Rev . John James Needham ... ] Prov > Q < 0 h lain 8 Rev . John A . Naylor J r Thomas Ruddock Prov . G . Treasnrer
A . W . Stansfield Prov . G . Registrar Herbert G . E . Green Prov . G . Secretary Right Hon H C . E . Childers , M . P . ] Proy < Q genior DeM 0 M Robert Schott j W . C . Lupton ] ProvGJunior Deacona
. . James Bedford j J . Shaw Prov . G . Supt . of Works Edward Poppleton Prov . G . Director of Cera . George Sykes Prov . G . Deputy D . of OerB . Thomas Whitaker Prov . G . A . D . of Cers .
T . B . Fox Prov . G . Sword Bearer Joseph Brailsford ] PrQV G Standard Bearera Thomas Tyers j
A . Simonson Prov . Grand Organist W . B . Alderson Prov . G . Assistant See . James Wright Prov . G . Pursuivant R . Ackrill ... Prov . G . Asst . Pursuivant
T . W . Embleton ] Jos . Burney ) T . Woodhead IProv . G . Stewards H . T . Gardiner I
W . T . Sugg |
J . Tinker J Joshua Lee Prov . G . Tyler The brethren were then marshalled in procession , and , headed by the police band , marched to the Leeds Parish Churoh . As might be
expected the whole route was crowded , and the regalia and dress of the brethren attracted great attention and regard . At the Parish Church there was a large gathering of ladies , who had been admitted by ticket , to take part in the service . Special music had been arranged , and this part of the ceremony was most enjoyable .
The Rev . Canon Bullock , Provincial Grand Chaplain , and Vicar of Holy Trinity , Leeds , preached , from the words " Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this , to visit the fatherless and the widow in their affliction , and to keep himself unspotted from the world . " He said that outside the Craft very few would admit the
claims , which Masons made , for an historic past , running back into pre-historic times . The very constitution of Freemasonry , as well as the objects it had in view , forbade the possibility of a military origin . So , too , they would decline to accept tbe position of a secondary order in chivalry . Least of all , could a Free and Accepted Mason
suppose that he would find the source of his Order in an attempt by secret and far-reaching organisation to upset duly-constituted authority , or to destroy those obligations of true religion and morality so essential to our happiness here and hereafter . The science of Masonry could only be second in time to that of agriculture .
Although Hiram was the first Master , it must not be forgotten that he was sent for as one already specially trained . Having pointed out the high moral code inculcated by Masonry , the preacher added that there was some danger of their good fellowship injuring souls for
whom Christ died . The true line of safety lay in the observance of those principles which were at once Masonic and Christian prudence , temperance , and fortitude . Having alluded to the splendid charity whioh was a distinguishing badge of all Masons , the Rev . gentleman
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
West Yorkshire.
* pervaded the Craft . The unity of the Province , the harmony prevailing among the brethren in the 42 towns , in which were 69 Lodges , toid of the efficiency of the influence of the Provincial Grand Lodge . The polioy of the Province in the future , aa in the past , would be to work to still further conclusions this unity of purpose ,
and to cultivate brotherly friendship in every possible direction , to mould the Lodges as component parts of one vast system under one reign of equal law , so that the identical interest of Masonry could be moved by one general impulse throughout the whole body . Suoh were the aspirations whioh aotuated his feelings , and in obedience to
those instincts he acknowledged the salutations of the brethren whioh had been acoorded to his position in the Craft . Might their goodness and cordiality towards the office never be misplaced . Ha could not but express hia regret at vacating the office of Deputy Grand Master , owing to circumstanoea over which he had little control , and to
complying with the pressure of good wishes from many quarters to accept the most honourable position it was in the power of the Grand Master to confer . In 1875 be accepted the Depntyship onlv for three months , and at the request of Sir Henry Edwards , until he could appoint some more appropriate brother . Little did he think
that that probationary term was to extend for ten years , and now perhaps longer , and until that time when all links must be sundered in this world and all engagements terminated . He had tried to win their confidence and merit their esteem . To keep the affection and loyalty of the Province would ever be the work of his proudest
efforts . He accepted this higher trust only at their hands with a sense that a great honour had been oonferred upon him ; yet he must look back upon the Depntyship with lingering regrets of affection for the friendships made and the marvellous forbearance and kindness shown him . Could hia wishes have been regarded , he shonld have
wished that a royal prince or some distinguished nobleman had sueceeded Sir Henry Edwards . To see in their midst Masonry flourish , whether under the Earl of Mexborough , the Marquess of Ripon , Sir Henry Edwards , or any other Provinoial Grand Master whom His Royal Highness the Most Worshipful Grand Master might designate ,
was the only ambition of every one present , who would delight to show zeal and fidelity to whatever head was appointed . A retrospect of the doings of the Craft in that Province would testify to the sincerity of the oharacter of the Order and its determination to make the principles of Masonry applicable to the good of thei" fellow
creatures . On the 28 th of October 1868 , when a convalescent home was founded by Charles Brooke , of Meltham , Lord de Grey and Ripon and the Provincial Grand Lodge of West Yorkshire laid the chief corner stone of that magnificent institution . The foundationstone of East Hardwiok Church was laid by a noble Marquess and
three other Cabinet Ministers , all members of the Craft . The Right Hon . Hugh C . E . Childers , M . P ., then Minister of War , and a brother of the St . Oswald ' s Lodge , laid the first stone of the Pontefract Dispensary . The late Bro . J . C . D . Charlesworth laid the great stone of the Clayton Hospital , and Sir H . Edwards fixed the plinth stone
of Dewsbury Infirmary . The generous -work of restoring Halifax Churoh was fostered by the Provinoial Grand Master Sir Henry Edwards . The principal stone of the Delph Literary Institute was laid by the Provincial Grand Lodge . Did a royal prince visit Sheffield , Leeds , or Huddersfield , to inaugurate a college , to
countenance a musical festival , to open an art exhibition , or what not , the Craft and the Lodges took the most prominant places in the labours of organisation , and were foremost with skilful arrangements to make the visits of royalty successful . In various other ways in this Province Freemasonry was foremost in all that was good and
noble . In conclusion , he said it would be their desire in the future to emulate the good deeds of the past . To be permitted to share in that emulation of generous principles was indeed an honour such as the Sovereign on the throne might think not unworthy of participation . To guide the energies of such a philanthropic Order was an
aspiration of the loftiest kind . Into that position of responsibility the brethren bad that day enthroned him . The chain placed around his neck fettered the links of attachment that had bound him to them for the past 25 years in cordiality and friendship more indissoluble than ever . The collar would be the symbol to remind
him of another's wants , and the apron to labour for the welfare of the Craft without distinction of office , or without asperity of opinion , only to be laid aside when by the mutability of time those things
were cast aside , and when the tomb of transgression was burst at tbe Resurrection dawn , and by the mercies of the Son of Righteousness we were permitted in the Grand Lodge above " to shine as the stars for ever and ever . "
Brother Henry Smith was then duly installed Deputy Provincial Grand Master , amid great cheering . He was then proclaimed as follows : — Brethren , —By command of the Right Worshipful Provinoial Grand Master of West Yorkshire , I now proclaim Brother Henry Smith , of
St . John's , Wakefield , who has been obligated by the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master of East Lancashire , and in the presence of the Right Worshipful Depnty Grand Master of England , and of the Ancient , Free , and Accepted Masons of this Province , to be the Deputy Provin * ial Grand Master of the Province of West Yorkshire ,
in succession tc the late Depnty Provincial Grand Master Brother Thomas WilliarA Tew , exalted to the office of Provincial Grand Master . Furthermore be it known unto all whom it may concern , that Brother Henry Smith vas initiated into Masonry in tho Lodge of Hope , Bradford , No . 3 T 4 , now 302 , on 3 rd May , A . L . 5852 , and raised on tbe 2 nd
day of Augast following , and subscribed 33 years to this date . Joined the Airedale Lodge , Baildon ( now at Shipley ) , No . 543 , now 387 , June A . L . 5854 , Installed Worshipful Master A . L . 5857 , and subscribed 31 years to this date . The Earl of Mexborough , the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master , appointed him Provincial Grand
Deacon , A . L . 5859 ; Brother Dr . Fearnley being then the Oepnt y Provincial Grand Master , Earl de Grey , now Marquess of JMpon , appointed him Provincial Grand Secretary on the death of Brother Nelson , in March , 5870 , and during the succeeding Deputy-Ship of Brother Bentley Shaw , Lieufcenant . Colonel Sir Henry
West Yorkshire.
Edwards , Bart ., C . B . and D . L ., reappointed him in April , A . L . 5875 , under the Depntyship of Brother Thomas William Tew , and he has discharged the duties conscientiously , with zeal and fidelity , and with the esteem and respect of every Lodge and Brother , until thia day , the 24 th day of April 5885 . He was one of the founders of the
West Yorkshire Charity Committee in 5859 , is a Vice-Patron of the Royal Masonic Institution for Boys , to whioh he has served nine times Steward at the Anniversary Festival , contributing £ 127 10 a . He ia a Vice-Patron to the Girls' Institution , to whioh he has served seven times the office of Steward , contributing £ 105 , and he is also
a Vice-Patron of the Royal Masonio Benevolent Institution , to whioh , at the Anniversary Festivals , he has six timea served the office of Steward , contributing £ 102 10 a . For these servioes he deserves well at the hands of the Craft , and I therefore , by virtue of my office aa the Grand Director of Ceremonies of this Provincial Grand Lodge , do
call upon all the brethren present to salute our Worshipful Depnty Provinoial Grand Master five times , according to ancient form and established custom . Bro . Smith having been saluted in due form , expressed his gratification at having been appointed to the high office of D . P . G . M . He
yielded to no one in his desire to help the P . G . M . in all his plans for the promotion of the interests of the Craft in his Province , and to share the burden of his responsibilities as far aa possible . He hoped that the experience he had acquired would inspire confidence in the brethren that the duties attached to the office would be discharged to
their entire satisfaction . If they would forgive him for being slightly egotistical for a moment , he would state that he bad been Provincial Grand Secretary for the last fifteen years , and for several years pre . viously he had assisted the late Bro . Nelson , with whom he was associated in the formation of the Charity Committee , in 1859 . Since
1870 , fifty-eight Provincial Grand Lodge meetings had been held , all of which , with only one exception , he had been able to attend . During the same period the Charity Committee had had forty-five meetings , the whole of whioh he had attended . Of the fifty-nine Eleotiona in London during the same time he had been absent but once , so that
he might fairly say that he did not enter upon his new duties without some little experience , gained in all these years . It would be hia earnest endeavour to maintain thia great Province in its present Btate
of efficiency , and to accomplish this he hoped he might rely npon the sympathy and support of every brother , whioh had hitherto been freely accorded to him . Again he tendered his sincere thanks . The following Officers were then appointed and invested : —
Bro . W . L . Jackson , M . P Prov . G . Senior Warden Lieut .. Col . A . H . Charlesworth ... Prov . G . Junior Warden Rev . John James Needham ... ] Prov > Q < 0 h lain 8 Rev . John A . Naylor J r Thomas Ruddock Prov . G . Treasnrer
A . W . Stansfield Prov . G . Registrar Herbert G . E . Green Prov . G . Secretary Right Hon H C . E . Childers , M . P . ] Proy < Q genior DeM 0 M Robert Schott j W . C . Lupton ] ProvGJunior Deacona
. . James Bedford j J . Shaw Prov . G . Supt . of Works Edward Poppleton Prov . G . Director of Cera . George Sykes Prov . G . Deputy D . of OerB . Thomas Whitaker Prov . G . A . D . of Cers .
T . B . Fox Prov . G . Sword Bearer Joseph Brailsford ] PrQV G Standard Bearera Thomas Tyers j
A . Simonson Prov . Grand Organist W . B . Alderson Prov . G . Assistant See . James Wright Prov . G . Pursuivant R . Ackrill ... Prov . G . Asst . Pursuivant
T . W . Embleton ] Jos . Burney ) T . Woodhead IProv . G . Stewards H . T . Gardiner I
W . T . Sugg |
J . Tinker J Joshua Lee Prov . G . Tyler The brethren were then marshalled in procession , and , headed by the police band , marched to the Leeds Parish Churoh . As might be
expected the whole route was crowded , and the regalia and dress of the brethren attracted great attention and regard . At the Parish Church there was a large gathering of ladies , who had been admitted by ticket , to take part in the service . Special music had been arranged , and this part of the ceremony was most enjoyable .
The Rev . Canon Bullock , Provincial Grand Chaplain , and Vicar of Holy Trinity , Leeds , preached , from the words " Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this , to visit the fatherless and the widow in their affliction , and to keep himself unspotted from the world . " He said that outside the Craft very few would admit the
claims , which Masons made , for an historic past , running back into pre-historic times . The very constitution of Freemasonry , as well as the objects it had in view , forbade the possibility of a military origin . So , too , they would decline to accept tbe position of a secondary order in chivalry . Least of all , could a Free and Accepted Mason
suppose that he would find the source of his Order in an attempt by secret and far-reaching organisation to upset duly-constituted authority , or to destroy those obligations of true religion and morality so essential to our happiness here and hereafter . The science of Masonry could only be second in time to that of agriculture .
Although Hiram was the first Master , it must not be forgotten that he was sent for as one already specially trained . Having pointed out the high moral code inculcated by Masonry , the preacher added that there was some danger of their good fellowship injuring souls for
whom Christ died . The true line of safety lay in the observance of those principles which were at once Masonic and Christian prudence , temperance , and fortitude . Having alluded to the splendid charity whioh was a distinguishing badge of all Masons , the Rev . gentleman