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  • June 5, 1880
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  • NEW MASONIC HALL AT WAKEFIELD.
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New Masonic Hall At Wakefield.

NEW MASONIC HALL AT WAKEFIELD .

Vy-EDNKSDAY , 27 th ult ., was a red letter day amongst the » ' members of tho Mason io Craft iu Wakefield , ami throughout the province of West Yorkshire generally ; on that day tho foundation stone of tho new Masonic temple , iu process of erection in Zetlandstreet , ou tho sito of the old building which has for such a length of time been devoted to similar purposes , was laid with all the ceremonial

observances peculiar to the Brotherhood . The old building , as most of onr readers will be aware , formed tho only remaining portion of tho old ltectory , which dated back from a somewhat remote antiquity , being mentioned by Leland as in existence long before ho visited Wakefield in his tour of 1538 . The building being found to suffer somewhat from tho decrepitude and decay incidental to old age , and

being moreover unsnited to tho growing requirements of tho three Masonic Lodges in Wakefield , it was decided , though apparently with some degree of hesitancy , to sacrifice it , and erect upou the site an edifice more commodious , and in point of appearance more in accordance with the times , than the plain and unpretending structure which for a generation or two has sheltered tho mystic celebrations

of tho Craft from the gaze of tho vulgar crowd , and has been tho headquarters of Masonry iu our midst . , Although tho project of a new Masonic temple has been for a long timo under discussion it was not until tho summer of last year that a building committee was appointed to take active steps for the purpose of erecting a new Lodgo , and tho plans and drawings for tho now hall , which were

prepared by Bro . W . Watson P . M . lol , did not finally receive the sanction of tho corporation until March last , tho contracts being let in the beginning of tho following month . When the old building was being pulled dowu , the contract or for the stone work discovered in an old ceiling a piece of plaster work bearing a date , which reads either 1348 or 1548 , tho second figure being indistinct . In case it is tho

former figure , it might point to tho date of tho first erection of the Keotory , but if the latter , wonld probably refer to somo restoration , as seeing that Leland has mentioned tho building as existing some ten years earlier , it could not possibly be the date of its erection . From the plans and drawings of the architect , it appears that the now building will havo a frontage to Zetland-street of 72 ft ., and ,

although outwardly there will not be much expenditure in oramentation or appearance , internally the edifice will be replete with every requirement for the purposes of Masonry . The principal entrance , instruction , waiting-room , and other conveniences will be situated at the west end of tho building , whilo tho centre will bo occupied by two rooms , each 33 ft . by 21 ffc . and 18 ft . high , tho upper of which

will bo used for tho various Lodge meetings , and the lower for the purpose of a banquetting room . Ample provision has been mado for tho care taker of the Lodge , for whom six rooms aro set apart in the eastern end of the building . There will be large cellars underneath tho Lodge , and , in addition , a communication will be mado with tho old arched cellars running across the street and into the old Vicarage

grounds . The materials will be best red pressed bricks , fronted with Huddersfield stone . The two largo rooms will be plastered , and will havo coved ceilings . The old oak staircase , which formed a noticeable feature in the former building , will bo retained , and incorporated in the proposed building as far as possible , the new portion of the staircase being made to harmonise with it . The whole of the Avorks

have been contracted for by local tradesmen , and the cost , exclusive of architect ' s commission , is expected to reach £ 1 , 500 , of which amonnt over £ 600 has already been promised . At a meeting held on the 14 th it was decided to invite Bro . Thomas William Tew , Esq ., J . P ., of Pontefract , P . M . 910 , Deputy Provincial Grand Master of West Yorkshire , to perform the ceremony of laying the foundation stone ,

and that gentleman , with his usual kindness , having accepted the invitation , the event took place in due course on Wednesday afternoon last . The weather during the greater part of the forenoon was very gloomy , threatening , and occasionally light showers fell . Luckily , however , the atmosphere cleared up partly about noon , and the brethren were enabled to go throngh tho whole of their outdoor

observances without inconvenience . A large number of the members of the three Wakefield Lodges , Unanimity 154 , Wakefield 495 , and Sincerity 1 , 019 , assembled to take parfc in the proceedings , and there was a great influx of visitors from the surrounding Lodges and Chapters . The brethren assembled afc the Music Saloon , where at 1 . 15 p . m .

the Lodge was opened in the three degrees by Bro . Jos . Hartley W . M . Lodgo Wakefield , 495 , assisted by the Officers and brethren of the two other Wakefield Lodges . The W . D . P . G . M . having then formally intimated his desire to be present , a deputation conducted him into the Lodge , together with the Officers of the Provincial Grand Lodge present . A procession was afterwards formed ancl the route

taken was down Wood-street , throngh Silver-street , Little Westgate , Kirkgate , and Teall-street , to Zetland-street . On reaching the site of the intended building , tho brethren opened out right ancl left , to allow the Deputy Prov . Grand Master and the Prov . Grancl Officers to pass to the platform , the brethren then closing in and following . The 100 th Psalm having been sung by the choir , which was from

St . Giles' Parish Church , Pontefract , and led by Bro . Gledhill , choirmaster , Bro . the Eev . Canon Blakeney , D . D ., Prov . G . Chaplain , read the 127 th Psalm , after which tho W . Deputy Prov . Grancl Master called upon Bro . Major Freeman Prov . G . Eegistrar , to read tho report , which was as follows : —Worshipful Deputy Provincial Grancl Master , —As the Provincial Grand Eegistrar of the Freemasons of West Yorkshire , I am requested by the Worshipful Masters of the

threo Wakefield Lodges to offer a few remarks by way of report , explanatory of the movement which has brought about tho re-builclin « - of a new Masonic Hall in Wakefield . The erection of a Masonic Temple in the heart of Wakefield is an important event in tho history of West Yorkshire Freemasonry . The new building will be erected on the site of an ancient edifice Avhich , almost from timo immemorial , has been known as the Wakefield Ecctory . The first written mention of the old edifice is by rare old Leland in his tour of 1538 . Dr .

New Masonic Hall At Wakefield.

Sissons , in his "Historical Sketch of Wakefield Parish Church , " in 1 S 2 I , gives an engraving of tho Wakefield ltectory ; and the late Mr . Hanks , in his " Walks abont Wakefield , " says , " that the Hectory House alluded to by Lolattd was pulled down except thafc part of the edifice utilised as 'Freemasons' Hall . '" Before tho property camo into tho possession of the Freemasons , it was for many years tenanted

as a Young Ladies' School . At this period Zetland-street had no existence . The Rectory House was pleasantly situated iu open ground , which was fenced round by palisades ; tho nsual approach to tho house was through " Yicar ' s Croft , " tho carriage entrance * being out of " Doctor-lane . " When tho Wakefield Borough Mai ket Compnnv laid out Zetland-street , tho larger part of tho eld Eeotory ,

which was the only building abutting ou tho then proposed new street , was taken down ; the residue of tho premises in 1853 was purchased at a cost of £ 300 , ancl tho property was vested in tho names of ten Trustees . The " Decem-Viri " were William Staffer , George Hnds . well Westerman , Dr . Senior , Frederick Lumb , William Wood Glover , John Gill , Eowland Childe , Matthew Bussey Hick , Thomas Senior ,

and Georgo Wood Bayldon . Theso " Patres Conseripti of tho Craft were empowered by deed to hold the property for the use of tho Masonic Lodge , No . 495 on the roll of the Grand Lodge of England , and to bo used for snch Masonio purposes as this Lodge might determine . It was necessary , in consequence of the ravages of timo , for the Trustees to spend a further sum of £ 200 in order to

put tho property into good repair and adapt it for the use of Freemasonry . Tho brethren soon discovered that the old Rectory House was ill adapted for tho purpose of a Lodge , and that as the Craft in . creased in number , wealth , and influence , a new Temple was indispensable . From time to time plans of a new Lodge was discussed , and eventually , after much consideration , a Building Committee was

appointed on the 15 th July 1879 for the purpose of taking active steps for erecting a new Locige . The Committee consisted of Bros . John Gill P . M . Chairman , Joseph Hartley W . M . Yice-Chairman , William Statter P . M ., William Wood Glover P . M ., Eowland Childe P . M ., John Craven P . M ., George Hart P . M ., H . M . Edwards P . M ., Thomas Smith , Charles Roberts , W . B . Alderson P . M . Treas ., Henry

Oxley S . D . Sec , and subsequently Bros . J . J . Hnlbert P . M . 154 , and A . Greenside P . M . 1019 , were added to the Committee . The plans ancl working . drawings for a new hall were prepared by Bro . William Watson P . M . 154 , approved by this Committee , ancl received the sanction of the Wakefield Corporation on the 22 nd March last . The building to be erected will be a substantial edifice , replete internally

with every requirement for the purposes of Freemasonry , but owing to the locality it was thought unwise to expend a large sum of money in ornamenting the exterior . The entire cost , exclusive of the architect ' s commission , will not be less than £ 1 , 500 . ' On the 9 th of April last , the Committee accepted the tenders of the following con . tractors , viz .: George Fawcett ( bricklayer ancl mason ) , W . Pycock

and Sons ( slaters ) , Charles Driver ( plasterer ) , Craven and Lloyd ( joiners ) , S . and T . Drake ( plumbers , & c ) , and Charles Turner ( painter ) . The sanction of Sir Henry Edwards , Bart . D . L ., Prov . Grand Master West Yorkshire , having been obtained , to-day the foundation-stone of the new edifice will bo laid with ancient Masonio ceremonial , and the brethren of Lodge 495 appeal to tho Craft in

general to assist them in their undertaking with liberal contributions . Donations amounting to nearly £ 300 havo already been given , and tho Lodge 495 has voted £ 300 towards tho erection . The present Trustees are Past Masters Bros . William Statter , John Gill , William Wood Glover , Eowland Childe , and Dr . Senior . In conclusion , I havo to express tho gratification of the Craft in Wakefield and West

Yorkshire , thafc the Deputy Provincial Grand Master of this Province has accepted the invitation of the threo Lodges to be present here to-day . Bro . T . W . Tew , you and your family havo been connected with Wakefield and the West Biding , as bankers , for upwards of eighty years , and ifc is in our own memory that yonr grandfather was the Deputy Judge of the Honour Court of Pontefract . Wo therefore give

yon a cordial and fraternal welcome . In conclusion , the Committee ancl the Trustees have to express their satisfaction at the hearty manner in which this project of a new Masonic Hall has been taken up by the members of Locige 495 Wakefield , and by tho brethrou of the other two Lodges , Unanimity 151 ancl Sincerity 1019 . Bro . Tew said that on behalf of the " Prov . G . M ., Bro . Sir Henry

Edwards , he accepted the report , and with the permission of tho Worshipful Masters of the three Lodges present suggested that it should be inscribed on the minutes of the Lodges for future reference . Bro . J . Hartley W . M . 495 then , on behalf of tho Craft in Wakefield , asked Bro . Tew to lay the stone , and presented to him for the purpose a silver trowel bearing the following inscription : — " Presented to

Bro . T . W . Tew 910 , J . P ., D . Prov . G . M . of West Yorkshire , on tbe occasion of his laying the foundation stone of the new Masonic Hall at Wakefield , 2 Gth May , A . L . 5880 , A . D . 1880 . " Bro . Tew , in accepting the trowel , said it was indeed a compliment they had conferred npon him personally , as well as to the office he had the honour of occupying , in asking him to lay that stone , and he accepted the

beautiful memorial of tho occasion which they had presented to him as an evidence of their good feeling towards the office he held , aud also towards his family , Avhich had been for such a long time resident in Wakefield . The stone was then raised , ancl the Prov . G . Sec , Bro . H . Smith , read aloud the inscription on the plate to be deposited on it . The inscription was as follows : —This foundation stono was laid by

W . Bro . Thomas William Tew 910 , J . P ., D . P . G . M . of West Yorkshire , on Wednesday , 26 th May , A . L . 5880 , A . D . 1880 , in the presence of tho Prov . Grand Officers and brethren of the three Wakefield Lodges , namely , Unanimity 154 , Wakefield 495 , and Sincerity 1019 . Bros . J . Scott W . M . 154 , Jos . Hartley W . M . 495 , Jesse A . Thornton W . M . 1019 , John Gill P . M . 495 , P . P . G . D . of Ceremonies , Chairman of

Committee , W . B . Alderson P . M . 495 P . P . G . D . Treasurer , H . Oxley S . D . 495 Secretary , W . Watson P . M . 154 Architect . The Provincial Grand Treasurer , Bro . Mason ( Leeds ) , then deposited in the stone a phial , containing a list of Officers and members of the Locige , plans of building , coins , and copies of the threo Wakefield newspapers and the Times . Bro . Gill P . G . S . of Works , having placed the plate in

“The Freemason's Chronicle: 1880-06-05, Page 4” Masonic Periodicals Online, Library and Museum of Freemasonry, 4 July 2025, django:8000/periodicals/fcn/issues/fcn_05061880/page/4/.
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UNITED GRAND LODGE OF ENGLAND. Article 2
CORRESPONDENCE. Article 3
BRO. JACOB NORTON. Article 3
NEW MASONIC HALL AT WAKEFIELD. Article 4
REVIEWS. Article 6
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THE FIFTEEN SECTIONS Article 9
INSTALLATION MEETINGS, &c . Article 10
CRYSTAL PALACE LODGE, No. 742 Article 10
WILLIAM PRESTON CHAPTER, No. 766. Article 11
ROSICRUCIAN SOCIETY OF ENGLAND. Article 11
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Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.

New Masonic Hall At Wakefield.

NEW MASONIC HALL AT WAKEFIELD .

Vy-EDNKSDAY , 27 th ult ., was a red letter day amongst the » ' members of tho Mason io Craft iu Wakefield , ami throughout the province of West Yorkshire generally ; on that day tho foundation stone of tho new Masonic temple , iu process of erection in Zetlandstreet , ou tho sito of the old building which has for such a length of time been devoted to similar purposes , was laid with all the ceremonial

observances peculiar to the Brotherhood . The old building , as most of onr readers will be aware , formed tho only remaining portion of tho old ltectory , which dated back from a somewhat remote antiquity , being mentioned by Leland as in existence long before ho visited Wakefield in his tour of 1538 . The building being found to suffer somewhat from tho decrepitude and decay incidental to old age , and

being moreover unsnited to tho growing requirements of tho three Masonic Lodges in Wakefield , it was decided , though apparently with some degree of hesitancy , to sacrifice it , and erect upou the site an edifice more commodious , and in point of appearance more in accordance with the times , than the plain and unpretending structure which for a generation or two has sheltered tho mystic celebrations

of tho Craft from the gaze of tho vulgar crowd , and has been tho headquarters of Masonry iu our midst . , Although tho project of a new Masonic temple has been for a long timo under discussion it was not until tho summer of last year that a building committee was appointed to take active steps for the purpose of erecting a new Lodgo , and tho plans and drawings for tho now hall , which were

prepared by Bro . W . Watson P . M . lol , did not finally receive the sanction of tho corporation until March last , tho contracts being let in the beginning of tho following month . When the old building was being pulled dowu , the contract or for the stone work discovered in an old ceiling a piece of plaster work bearing a date , which reads either 1348 or 1548 , tho second figure being indistinct . In case it is tho

former figure , it might point to tho date of tho first erection of the Keotory , but if the latter , wonld probably refer to somo restoration , as seeing that Leland has mentioned tho building as existing some ten years earlier , it could not possibly be the date of its erection . From the plans and drawings of the architect , it appears that the now building will havo a frontage to Zetland-street of 72 ft ., and ,

although outwardly there will not be much expenditure in oramentation or appearance , internally the edifice will be replete with every requirement for the purposes of Masonry . The principal entrance , instruction , waiting-room , and other conveniences will be situated at the west end of tho building , whilo tho centre will bo occupied by two rooms , each 33 ft . by 21 ffc . and 18 ft . high , tho upper of which

will bo used for tho various Lodge meetings , and the lower for the purpose of a banquetting room . Ample provision has been mado for tho care taker of the Lodge , for whom six rooms aro set apart in the eastern end of the building . There will be large cellars underneath tho Lodge , and , in addition , a communication will be mado with tho old arched cellars running across the street and into the old Vicarage

grounds . The materials will be best red pressed bricks , fronted with Huddersfield stone . The two largo rooms will be plastered , and will havo coved ceilings . The old oak staircase , which formed a noticeable feature in the former building , will bo retained , and incorporated in the proposed building as far as possible , the new portion of the staircase being made to harmonise with it . The whole of the Avorks

have been contracted for by local tradesmen , and the cost , exclusive of architect ' s commission , is expected to reach £ 1 , 500 , of which amonnt over £ 600 has already been promised . At a meeting held on the 14 th it was decided to invite Bro . Thomas William Tew , Esq ., J . P ., of Pontefract , P . M . 910 , Deputy Provincial Grand Master of West Yorkshire , to perform the ceremony of laying the foundation stone ,

and that gentleman , with his usual kindness , having accepted the invitation , the event took place in due course on Wednesday afternoon last . The weather during the greater part of the forenoon was very gloomy , threatening , and occasionally light showers fell . Luckily , however , the atmosphere cleared up partly about noon , and the brethren were enabled to go throngh tho whole of their outdoor

observances without inconvenience . A large number of the members of the three Wakefield Lodges , Unanimity 154 , Wakefield 495 , and Sincerity 1 , 019 , assembled to take parfc in the proceedings , and there was a great influx of visitors from the surrounding Lodges and Chapters . The brethren assembled afc the Music Saloon , where at 1 . 15 p . m .

the Lodge was opened in the three degrees by Bro . Jos . Hartley W . M . Lodgo Wakefield , 495 , assisted by the Officers and brethren of the two other Wakefield Lodges . The W . D . P . G . M . having then formally intimated his desire to be present , a deputation conducted him into the Lodge , together with the Officers of the Provincial Grand Lodge present . A procession was afterwards formed ancl the route

taken was down Wood-street , throngh Silver-street , Little Westgate , Kirkgate , and Teall-street , to Zetland-street . On reaching the site of the intended building , tho brethren opened out right ancl left , to allow the Deputy Prov . Grand Master and the Prov . Grancl Officers to pass to the platform , the brethren then closing in and following . The 100 th Psalm having been sung by the choir , which was from

St . Giles' Parish Church , Pontefract , and led by Bro . Gledhill , choirmaster , Bro . the Eev . Canon Blakeney , D . D ., Prov . G . Chaplain , read the 127 th Psalm , after which tho W . Deputy Prov . Grancl Master called upon Bro . Major Freeman Prov . G . Eegistrar , to read tho report , which was as follows : —Worshipful Deputy Provincial Grancl Master , —As the Provincial Grand Eegistrar of the Freemasons of West Yorkshire , I am requested by the Worshipful Masters of the

threo Wakefield Lodges to offer a few remarks by way of report , explanatory of the movement which has brought about tho re-builclin « - of a new Masonic Hall in Wakefield . The erection of a Masonic Temple in the heart of Wakefield is an important event in tho history of West Yorkshire Freemasonry . The new building will be erected on the site of an ancient edifice Avhich , almost from timo immemorial , has been known as the Wakefield Ecctory . The first written mention of the old edifice is by rare old Leland in his tour of 1538 . Dr .

New Masonic Hall At Wakefield.

Sissons , in his "Historical Sketch of Wakefield Parish Church , " in 1 S 2 I , gives an engraving of tho Wakefield ltectory ; and the late Mr . Hanks , in his " Walks abont Wakefield , " says , " that the Hectory House alluded to by Lolattd was pulled down except thafc part of the edifice utilised as 'Freemasons' Hall . '" Before tho property camo into tho possession of the Freemasons , it was for many years tenanted

as a Young Ladies' School . At this period Zetland-street had no existence . The Rectory House was pleasantly situated iu open ground , which was fenced round by palisades ; tho nsual approach to tho house was through " Yicar ' s Croft , " tho carriage entrance * being out of " Doctor-lane . " When tho Wakefield Borough Mai ket Compnnv laid out Zetland-street , tho larger part of tho eld Eeotory ,

which was the only building abutting ou tho then proposed new street , was taken down ; the residue of tho premises in 1853 was purchased at a cost of £ 300 , ancl tho property was vested in tho names of ten Trustees . The " Decem-Viri " were William Staffer , George Hnds . well Westerman , Dr . Senior , Frederick Lumb , William Wood Glover , John Gill , Eowland Childe , Matthew Bussey Hick , Thomas Senior ,

and Georgo Wood Bayldon . Theso " Patres Conseripti of tho Craft were empowered by deed to hold the property for the use of tho Masonic Lodge , No . 495 on the roll of the Grand Lodge of England , and to bo used for snch Masonio purposes as this Lodge might determine . It was necessary , in consequence of the ravages of timo , for the Trustees to spend a further sum of £ 200 in order to

put tho property into good repair and adapt it for the use of Freemasonry . Tho brethren soon discovered that the old Rectory House was ill adapted for tho purpose of a Lodge , and that as the Craft in . creased in number , wealth , and influence , a new Temple was indispensable . From time to time plans of a new Lodge was discussed , and eventually , after much consideration , a Building Committee was

appointed on the 15 th July 1879 for the purpose of taking active steps for erecting a new Locige . The Committee consisted of Bros . John Gill P . M . Chairman , Joseph Hartley W . M . Yice-Chairman , William Statter P . M ., William Wood Glover P . M ., Eowland Childe P . M ., John Craven P . M ., George Hart P . M ., H . M . Edwards P . M ., Thomas Smith , Charles Roberts , W . B . Alderson P . M . Treas ., Henry

Oxley S . D . Sec , and subsequently Bros . J . J . Hnlbert P . M . 154 , and A . Greenside P . M . 1019 , were added to the Committee . The plans ancl working . drawings for a new hall were prepared by Bro . William Watson P . M . 154 , approved by this Committee , ancl received the sanction of the Wakefield Corporation on the 22 nd March last . The building to be erected will be a substantial edifice , replete internally

with every requirement for the purposes of Freemasonry , but owing to the locality it was thought unwise to expend a large sum of money in ornamenting the exterior . The entire cost , exclusive of the architect ' s commission , will not be less than £ 1 , 500 . ' On the 9 th of April last , the Committee accepted the tenders of the following con . tractors , viz .: George Fawcett ( bricklayer ancl mason ) , W . Pycock

and Sons ( slaters ) , Charles Driver ( plasterer ) , Craven and Lloyd ( joiners ) , S . and T . Drake ( plumbers , & c ) , and Charles Turner ( painter ) . The sanction of Sir Henry Edwards , Bart . D . L ., Prov . Grand Master West Yorkshire , having been obtained , to-day the foundation-stone of the new edifice will bo laid with ancient Masonio ceremonial , and the brethren of Lodge 495 appeal to tho Craft in

general to assist them in their undertaking with liberal contributions . Donations amounting to nearly £ 300 havo already been given , and tho Lodge 495 has voted £ 300 towards tho erection . The present Trustees are Past Masters Bros . William Statter , John Gill , William Wood Glover , Eowland Childe , and Dr . Senior . In conclusion , I havo to express tho gratification of the Craft in Wakefield and West

Yorkshire , thafc the Deputy Provincial Grand Master of this Province has accepted the invitation of the threo Lodges to be present here to-day . Bro . T . W . Tew , you and your family havo been connected with Wakefield and the West Biding , as bankers , for upwards of eighty years , and ifc is in our own memory that yonr grandfather was the Deputy Judge of the Honour Court of Pontefract . Wo therefore give

yon a cordial and fraternal welcome . In conclusion , the Committee ancl the Trustees have to express their satisfaction at the hearty manner in which this project of a new Masonic Hall has been taken up by the members of Locige 495 Wakefield , and by tho brethrou of the other two Lodges , Unanimity 151 ancl Sincerity 1019 . Bro . Tew said that on behalf of the " Prov . G . M ., Bro . Sir Henry

Edwards , he accepted the report , and with the permission of tho Worshipful Masters of the three Lodges present suggested that it should be inscribed on the minutes of the Lodges for future reference . Bro . J . Hartley W . M . 495 then , on behalf of tho Craft in Wakefield , asked Bro . Tew to lay the stone , and presented to him for the purpose a silver trowel bearing the following inscription : — " Presented to

Bro . T . W . Tew 910 , J . P ., D . Prov . G . M . of West Yorkshire , on tbe occasion of his laying the foundation stone of the new Masonic Hall at Wakefield , 2 Gth May , A . L . 5880 , A . D . 1880 . " Bro . Tew , in accepting the trowel , said it was indeed a compliment they had conferred npon him personally , as well as to the office he had the honour of occupying , in asking him to lay that stone , and he accepted the

beautiful memorial of tho occasion which they had presented to him as an evidence of their good feeling towards the office he held , aud also towards his family , Avhich had been for such a long time resident in Wakefield . The stone was then raised , ancl the Prov . G . Sec , Bro . H . Smith , read aloud the inscription on the plate to be deposited on it . The inscription was as follows : —This foundation stono was laid by

W . Bro . Thomas William Tew 910 , J . P ., D . P . G . M . of West Yorkshire , on Wednesday , 26 th May , A . L . 5880 , A . D . 1880 , in the presence of tho Prov . Grand Officers and brethren of the three Wakefield Lodges , namely , Unanimity 154 , Wakefield 495 , and Sincerity 1019 . Bros . J . Scott W . M . 154 , Jos . Hartley W . M . 495 , Jesse A . Thornton W . M . 1019 , John Gill P . M . 495 , P . P . G . D . of Ceremonies , Chairman of

Committee , W . B . Alderson P . M . 495 P . P . G . D . Treasurer , H . Oxley S . D . 495 Secretary , W . Watson P . M . 154 Architect . The Provincial Grand Treasurer , Bro . Mason ( Leeds ) , then deposited in the stone a phial , containing a list of Officers and members of the Locige , plans of building , coins , and copies of the threo Wakefield newspapers and the Times . Bro . Gill P . G . S . of Works , having placed the plate in

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