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Article MEETING OF LANCASHIRE FREEMASONS. ← Page 2 of 2 Article MEETING OF LANCASHIRE FREEMASONS. Page 2 of 2
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Meeting Of Lancashire Freemasons.
48 t P . G . S . B ., J . Skeaf 216 P . G . O . ( reappointed ) , E . Simpson 2 S 1 P . G . P . ; J . Bell 1609 , Capt , J . Newman 786 , R . 11 . Evans 1393 , II . Williams 12 C 2 , J . Hayes 219 , and Finnic P . G . Stewards . The Provincial Grand Lodge prneo'ded to takc > into consideration a number of applications for v . Mief from the relations of deceased members of tho Order of l'Yeo a : ul Accepted Masons , the sum of £ 00
being voted to meet thorn . The P . G . Secretary ( Bro . Alpass ) thou said : In making the customary anmi'il report of tho Province , it affords mo much pleasure to stato that Masonry continnos to mako very satisfactory progress , both as regards tho number of Lodges and subscribing members . Since our last meeting , Warrants of Constitution havo boon granted
for the Wilbraham Lodge , No . 1713 , Walton ; tho Urmston Lodge , No . 1730 , Urmston ; the Kirkdalo Lodgo , No . 1756 , Kirkdalo ; and the Ashton Lodge , No . 1140 , has been removed from Cheadle , in the Province of Cheshire , to Withington , near Manchester , in this Province . It is gratifying to report that tho Lodges generally aro in
good working order , and , with ono exception , brotherly lovo and harmony prevail amongst them . At the last election of tho Royal Masonio Benovolent Institution , tho widow of a brother , a Past Provincial Grand Officer , was elected to tho benefits of tho Fund . Thero avo three children of widows of Freemasons whoso mothers
are desirous of obtaining their admission into the Masonic Schools in London ; but it will bo very difficult to ensure their election , in conseqnenco of thefow vote 3 hold in tho Province for these Charities . Brethren shonld recollect that where a widow is loft with a largo family dopondent upon her , something more than paying for tho education of her children should bo done for her . She shonld at least bo
relieved of tho clothing , maintenance , and education of ono child , by its being elected into the Schools above referred to . According to tho last report of the boys' school , which has reached me , only twenty-seven Lodges in this Province possess votes for the Sohool . And I am reminded by tho consideration of this fact that it has bocomo an annual custom with somo of the Liverpool Lodges to expeud
so largo a portion of their fnnda on a pic-nic that they are unable to support the Charities with tho liberality wo havo a right to expect from them , and which , from the great number of their subscribing members , they ought to bo able to evince . All tho Lodges iu the Proviuce havo sent in their annual returns aud paid tho foes due from them . During tho past year fifteen dispensations have been issued .
At tho commencement of this year tho Skelmersdale Masonic Hall , Westminster-road , Liverpool , was completed . Tho Princo of Wales and tho Watson Lodges meet thero ; and the Kirkdalo Lodgo , when consecrated , will be held there . The erection of this convenient building is due to tho zeal of tho brethren of tho North-end of this town , and will add to tho prosperity of the Lodges meeting there ,
and the comfort and convenience of their members ; and it has pleased the R . W . P . G . M . to acknowledge tho servico thus rendered to tho Order by appointing Bro . W . Archer , who has been ono of the most active in the cause , P . G . J . D . for tho ensuing year . Tho Provincial Grand Mester said ho hoped in another year to seo a marked improvement in tho direction of larger amounts voted for
the Masonic Chanties , and also that less money was spent in pic-nics by several Lodges , ( Applause ) . Ho considered it to be a disgrace to the Province—the second largest in tho Kingdom—that they should be so poorly represented on tho list of tho Loudon chanties ; aud ho hoped these few words would be taken to heart by tho brethren , aud that there would bo a marked improvement . He hoped that each
individual brother would do something on his own behalf , as far as he could , to further theso excellent institutions . In conclusion , lie intimated that in future he intended to carry out tho plan adopted in several other Provinces—namely , that when a brother served tho office of two stewardships in connection with tho London Charities , he should be entitled to wear a charity jewel . ( Applanse ) .
Bro . R . Wylie , P . P . G . D . C ., moved , and Bro . . 1 . R , Goepel , P . P . G . D . C ., seconded , that tho sum of 100 guineas be voted from the Charity Fund to the Royal Masonic Institution for Girls in tho name of the R . W . P . G . M . A similar sum was voted to the West Lancashire Masonic Institution . —On the motion of Bro . Wylie , seconded by Bro . C . Broadbridge , P . P . G . D . C , it was also rosolved that the sum of £ 25
be voted from the Provincial Grand Lodgo Fund to promote the election of the danghter of tho late Bro . Mott on the foundation of tho Girl ' s Institution . On tho motion of Bro . J . II . Jenkins , P . G . C , seconded by Bro . J . T . Callow , P . G . Treas ., a vote of thanks was passed to Bro . Major Turner for his services as P . G . Treas . Bro . R .
Wylie , Secretary to the Hamer Benevolent Fund , reported that one case had been relieved , and ho appealed for increased support iu the future . The officers aud committee having boon reappointed , tho Provincial Grand Lodge was closed by the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master .
the Annual Court of Governors of tho West Lancashire Masonic Educational Institution was afterwards hold . Lord Skelmersdale presided . Tho business before the meeting was the consideration of the general committee and tho transaction of the general business of the Institution . Brother Richard Brown , P . M . 211 , submitted the twenty-eighth annual report , of which tho following is an extract : —
^ o better estimate of the progress of Masonic charity in the province of West Lancashire can be found than in the printed records of this Institution during the past quarter of a centnry . These records are ample and lasting evidence of the deep interest the brethren take in the welfare of this important Institution ; and it must be a source of the greatest encouragement to all concerned that their cenerons
efforts are , through the blessing of the Great Architect of the Universe , attended with such continued and increasing success . A glance at tho honorary treasurer ' s accounts will show that this prosperity is not alone satisfactory as regards the funds of tho institution , but it will bo seen that the usefulness of tho charity has also been
extended . During the year eighty-eight children havo enjoyed the lasting and valuable benefits of a good education , the sum paid for this purpose being £ 580 17 s 3 d . Notwithstanding this exceptionall y large payment , the invested capital has been increased , the total amount being the handsome sum of £ 13 , 886 12 a 7 d , the interest
Meeting Of Lancashire Freemasons.
arising from this sum being applicable to tho increasing requirements : of the Institution . This satisfactory finaucial position , and the fact in the extended working of the Institution somo changes seem desirable , has indnced the conrt of Governors to appoint a subcommittee to consider such changes in tho bye-laws aud regulations as will tend to enlarge tho sphero of usefulness of the charity . A
report of tho proceeding of this committpe will bo brought before a special court for consideration and approval at an early date . As tho objects of this snb-committee are to widen tho field of operation , tho continued exertions and help of tbo brethren are desirable . The interest felt iu this noblo charity in the past—the fact that it ha 3 proved in every way moro successful than the most
sanguinoexpectations of its generous promoters and supporters could havo hoped for , give cheering hopo for a continuance of that zeal and earnestness which has characterised tho efforts of all . Sixteen children wero afterwards elected on tho foundation of the Institution grants , and grants wero mado to throe children for their advancement in life , and a vote was taken for tho education of eighty .
ono children for the ensuing year . Thero aro now 11 a children receiving the benefits of education at this establishment . Bro . G . Broadbridgo was appointed joint Secretary with Bro . Brown . Tho other Officers having been appointed , the proceedings were closed with tho nsnal ceremony . The banquet was held in the evening at Eberle ' s Restaurant ,
Ebcrle-strcot ; thero were about 300 brethren present . Lord Skelmersdale presided ; lie was supported by P . G . L . officers and tho leading representatives of tho Lodges throughout tho Province . Tho banqnet , was served in good style . After proposing the toast of " Tho Qneon , " Lord Skelmersdale gave tho health of " His Royal Highness the Princo of Wales , M . W . G . M ., tho Princess of Wales , and the othor
Members of tho Royal Family . " His lordship said it was the intention and aim of the Princo of Wales to carry out the main objects and principles of Freemasonry , and his recent enthusiastic reception in Grand Lodgo was an ovidonco of tho appreciation in which ho was held by tho brethren . Speaking of his Royal Highness's efforts in connection with tho Paris Exhibition , his lordship said ho might
safely say that if it had not been for the great zeal and euergy shown by the Prince tho exposition wonld not have had half tho success which it had enjoyed . His lordship , in conclusion , spoke of the Duke of Connaught and Princo Leopold as being both enthusiastic and devoted Masons . The P . G . Chaplain , Bro . tho Rev . J . Rees Jenkins , noxt gavo " The Earl of Carnarvon , M . W . Pro G . M ., and the other
Officers of tho Grand Lodge , " and in doing so spoko in high terms of tho position which the G . L . had taken up with respect to tho Grand Orient of France . Tho toast was acknowledged by Bro . 'Beresford , Past G . S . D . Bro . Alpass noxt proposed "Tho Right Hon . Lord Skelmersdale , M . W . D . G . M . and R . W . P . G . M . West Lancashire , " which was received with applause , continued for a considerable time .
Bro . Alpass spoke of the great amount of time and attention which his lordship devoted to his Masouic duties ; thero were many good and faithful P . G . M . 's throughout the country , but nono who took so much interest in a Province as his lordship . Lord Skelmersdale , in acknowledging the toast , referred to tho pleasure which it had given him to be present that day . Although . Masonry took up a largo amount of his timo , he looked upon tho day spent in connection
with thnt Prov . G . Lodge as one of the most pleasant of tho year . His Lordship again expressed a hope that at tho end of tho year there would bo a great improvement in tho Province as to tho support of the London Charities . Bro . Dr . Smith , P . P . G . R ., gavo "Tho Right Hon . Colonel Frederick Stanley , W . D . P . G . M ., aud the P . G . Wardens , " which was responded to by Bro . Baldwin P . G . S . W . Lord Skelmersdale stated that Bro . Colonel Stanton would have been
present that clay but for the fact that he had received an nrgenfc summons to London to attend certain imperial business , with tho importance of which every ono was conversant . The P . G . M ., in giving "The Provincial Grand Masters of the Adjoining Provinces , " coupled tho toast with the name of Bro . the Rev . 0 . J . Martyn , Past Grand Chaplain of England , and Deputy Grand Master of Suffolk , of
whom he spoke in the highest terms , as a man , Mason , and minister . Bro . Martyn , iu response , thanked the brethren for the hearty reception which as a stranger they had given him that clay , and ho felt bound to say , as an old Mason , that he had never witnessed so enormons a gathering of Masons as tho present . It had been to him a special source of pleasure to see the working of the Lodge ,
and ho would carry with him into his distant Province pleasant recollections of his visit to West Lancashire . Bro . Spence , W . M . 32 , gavo " The P . G . Officers , Past and Present , " which was responded to by Bro . R . Robinson , P . G . Reg . The P . G . Sec . proposed the toast of " The Worshipful Masters of tho Lodges in tho Province , " and spoke inhigh terms of tho excellent working which prevailed in every section
of this Masonic division . Bro . Spence , W . M . 32 , and Bro . Goodacre , W . M . 1730 ( Urmston ) , responded to tho toast , the latter stating that as tho result of the remarks made by Lord Skelmersdale that day , he had pleasure in stating that his Lodge had determined to vote the sum of DO guineas to ono of the Loudon Charities . Bro . R . VVylic , P . P . G . S . D . gave "The Charities of tho Province , " which was responded to by
Bro . R . Brown , the honorary Secretary of tho West Lancashire Masonic Educational Institution . Bro . Robertson , P . G . J . W ., gave " Tho Ladies , " which was responded to by Bro . J . R . Goepel , P . P . G . D . C . A capital mnsical programme was supplied by Bros . Child , Mnir , , T . Hid , and T . J . Hughes , Messrs . Kirkburn , Austin , Kitwood , Robinson , Shimmin , and Lewis . Bra . J . Skcaf , P . G . O ., most efficiently presided at the piano .
Tho enemies of Freemasonry usually owe thoir enmity to ignorance of its principles , or chagrin at having been denied entrance into tho Fraternity . Almost invariably , honest enquiries are happily disappointed and much instructed , on finding that the fundamental principles of morality aud religion are so clearly and strongly enforced by Freemasonry .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Meeting Of Lancashire Freemasons.
48 t P . G . S . B ., J . Skeaf 216 P . G . O . ( reappointed ) , E . Simpson 2 S 1 P . G . P . ; J . Bell 1609 , Capt , J . Newman 786 , R . 11 . Evans 1393 , II . Williams 12 C 2 , J . Hayes 219 , and Finnic P . G . Stewards . The Provincial Grand Lodge prneo'ded to takc > into consideration a number of applications for v . Mief from the relations of deceased members of tho Order of l'Yeo a : ul Accepted Masons , the sum of £ 00
being voted to meet thorn . The P . G . Secretary ( Bro . Alpass ) thou said : In making the customary anmi'il report of tho Province , it affords mo much pleasure to stato that Masonry continnos to mako very satisfactory progress , both as regards tho number of Lodges and subscribing members . Since our last meeting , Warrants of Constitution havo boon granted
for the Wilbraham Lodge , No . 1713 , Walton ; tho Urmston Lodge , No . 1730 , Urmston ; the Kirkdalo Lodgo , No . 1756 , Kirkdalo ; and the Ashton Lodge , No . 1140 , has been removed from Cheadle , in the Province of Cheshire , to Withington , near Manchester , in this Province . It is gratifying to report that tho Lodges generally aro in
good working order , and , with ono exception , brotherly lovo and harmony prevail amongst them . At the last election of tho Royal Masonio Benovolent Institution , tho widow of a brother , a Past Provincial Grand Officer , was elected to tho benefits of tho Fund . Thero avo three children of widows of Freemasons whoso mothers
are desirous of obtaining their admission into the Masonic Schools in London ; but it will bo very difficult to ensure their election , in conseqnenco of thefow vote 3 hold in tho Province for these Charities . Brethren shonld recollect that where a widow is loft with a largo family dopondent upon her , something more than paying for tho education of her children should bo done for her . She shonld at least bo
relieved of tho clothing , maintenance , and education of ono child , by its being elected into the Schools above referred to . According to tho last report of the boys' school , which has reached me , only twenty-seven Lodges in this Province possess votes for the Sohool . And I am reminded by tho consideration of this fact that it has bocomo an annual custom with somo of the Liverpool Lodges to expeud
so largo a portion of their fnnda on a pic-nic that they are unable to support the Charities with tho liberality wo havo a right to expect from them , and which , from the great number of their subscribing members , they ought to bo able to evince . All tho Lodges iu the Proviuce havo sent in their annual returns aud paid tho foes due from them . During tho past year fifteen dispensations have been issued .
At tho commencement of this year tho Skelmersdale Masonic Hall , Westminster-road , Liverpool , was completed . Tho Princo of Wales and tho Watson Lodges meet thero ; and the Kirkdalo Lodgo , when consecrated , will be held there . The erection of this convenient building is due to tho zeal of tho brethren of tho North-end of this town , and will add to tho prosperity of the Lodges meeting there ,
and the comfort and convenience of their members ; and it has pleased the R . W . P . G . M . to acknowledge tho servico thus rendered to tho Order by appointing Bro . W . Archer , who has been ono of the most active in the cause , P . G . J . D . for tho ensuing year . Tho Provincial Grand Mester said ho hoped in another year to seo a marked improvement in tho direction of larger amounts voted for
the Masonic Chanties , and also that less money was spent in pic-nics by several Lodges , ( Applause ) . Ho considered it to be a disgrace to the Province—the second largest in tho Kingdom—that they should be so poorly represented on tho list of tho Loudon chanties ; aud ho hoped these few words would be taken to heart by tho brethren , aud that there would bo a marked improvement . He hoped that each
individual brother would do something on his own behalf , as far as he could , to further theso excellent institutions . In conclusion , lie intimated that in future he intended to carry out tho plan adopted in several other Provinces—namely , that when a brother served tho office of two stewardships in connection with tho London Charities , he should be entitled to wear a charity jewel . ( Applanse ) .
Bro . R . Wylie , P . P . G . D . C ., moved , and Bro . . 1 . R , Goepel , P . P . G . D . C ., seconded , that tho sum of 100 guineas be voted from the Charity Fund to the Royal Masonic Institution for Girls in tho name of the R . W . P . G . M . A similar sum was voted to the West Lancashire Masonic Institution . —On the motion of Bro . Wylie , seconded by Bro . C . Broadbridge , P . P . G . D . C , it was also rosolved that the sum of £ 25
be voted from the Provincial Grand Lodgo Fund to promote the election of the danghter of tho late Bro . Mott on the foundation of tho Girl ' s Institution . On tho motion of Bro . J . II . Jenkins , P . G . C , seconded by Bro . J . T . Callow , P . G . Treas ., a vote of thanks was passed to Bro . Major Turner for his services as P . G . Treas . Bro . R .
Wylie , Secretary to the Hamer Benevolent Fund , reported that one case had been relieved , and ho appealed for increased support iu the future . The officers aud committee having boon reappointed , tho Provincial Grand Lodge was closed by the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master .
the Annual Court of Governors of tho West Lancashire Masonic Educational Institution was afterwards hold . Lord Skelmersdale presided . Tho business before the meeting was the consideration of the general committee and tho transaction of the general business of the Institution . Brother Richard Brown , P . M . 211 , submitted the twenty-eighth annual report , of which tho following is an extract : —
^ o better estimate of the progress of Masonic charity in the province of West Lancashire can be found than in the printed records of this Institution during the past quarter of a centnry . These records are ample and lasting evidence of the deep interest the brethren take in the welfare of this important Institution ; and it must be a source of the greatest encouragement to all concerned that their cenerons
efforts are , through the blessing of the Great Architect of the Universe , attended with such continued and increasing success . A glance at tho honorary treasurer ' s accounts will show that this prosperity is not alone satisfactory as regards the funds of tho institution , but it will bo seen that the usefulness of tho charity has also been
extended . During the year eighty-eight children havo enjoyed the lasting and valuable benefits of a good education , the sum paid for this purpose being £ 580 17 s 3 d . Notwithstanding this exceptionall y large payment , the invested capital has been increased , the total amount being the handsome sum of £ 13 , 886 12 a 7 d , the interest
Meeting Of Lancashire Freemasons.
arising from this sum being applicable to tho increasing requirements : of the Institution . This satisfactory finaucial position , and the fact in the extended working of the Institution somo changes seem desirable , has indnced the conrt of Governors to appoint a subcommittee to consider such changes in tho bye-laws aud regulations as will tend to enlarge tho sphero of usefulness of the charity . A
report of tho proceeding of this committpe will bo brought before a special court for consideration and approval at an early date . As tho objects of this snb-committee are to widen tho field of operation , tho continued exertions and help of tbo brethren are desirable . The interest felt iu this noblo charity in the past—the fact that it ha 3 proved in every way moro successful than the most
sanguinoexpectations of its generous promoters and supporters could havo hoped for , give cheering hopo for a continuance of that zeal and earnestness which has characterised tho efforts of all . Sixteen children wero afterwards elected on tho foundation of the Institution grants , and grants wero mado to throe children for their advancement in life , and a vote was taken for tho education of eighty .
ono children for the ensuing year . Thero aro now 11 a children receiving the benefits of education at this establishment . Bro . G . Broadbridgo was appointed joint Secretary with Bro . Brown . Tho other Officers having been appointed , the proceedings were closed with tho nsnal ceremony . The banquet was held in the evening at Eberle ' s Restaurant ,
Ebcrle-strcot ; thero were about 300 brethren present . Lord Skelmersdale presided ; lie was supported by P . G . L . officers and tho leading representatives of tho Lodges throughout tho Province . Tho banqnet , was served in good style . After proposing the toast of " Tho Qneon , " Lord Skelmersdale gave tho health of " His Royal Highness the Princo of Wales , M . W . G . M ., tho Princess of Wales , and the othor
Members of tho Royal Family . " His lordship said it was the intention and aim of the Princo of Wales to carry out the main objects and principles of Freemasonry , and his recent enthusiastic reception in Grand Lodgo was an ovidonco of tho appreciation in which ho was held by tho brethren . Speaking of his Royal Highness's efforts in connection with tho Paris Exhibition , his lordship said ho might
safely say that if it had not been for the great zeal and euergy shown by the Prince tho exposition wonld not have had half tho success which it had enjoyed . His lordship , in conclusion , spoke of the Duke of Connaught and Princo Leopold as being both enthusiastic and devoted Masons . The P . G . Chaplain , Bro . tho Rev . J . Rees Jenkins , noxt gavo " The Earl of Carnarvon , M . W . Pro G . M ., and the other
Officers of tho Grand Lodge , " and in doing so spoko in high terms of tho position which the G . L . had taken up with respect to tho Grand Orient of France . Tho toast was acknowledged by Bro . 'Beresford , Past G . S . D . Bro . Alpass noxt proposed "Tho Right Hon . Lord Skelmersdale , M . W . D . G . M . and R . W . P . G . M . West Lancashire , " which was received with applause , continued for a considerable time .
Bro . Alpass spoke of the great amount of time and attention which his lordship devoted to his Masouic duties ; thero were many good and faithful P . G . M . 's throughout the country , but nono who took so much interest in a Province as his lordship . Lord Skelmersdale , in acknowledging the toast , referred to tho pleasure which it had given him to be present that day . Although . Masonry took up a largo amount of his timo , he looked upon tho day spent in connection
with thnt Prov . G . Lodge as one of the most pleasant of tho year . His Lordship again expressed a hope that at tho end of tho year there would bo a great improvement in tho Province as to tho support of the London Charities . Bro . Dr . Smith , P . P . G . R ., gavo "Tho Right Hon . Colonel Frederick Stanley , W . D . P . G . M ., aud the P . G . Wardens , " which was responded to by Bro . Baldwin P . G . S . W . Lord Skelmersdale stated that Bro . Colonel Stanton would have been
present that clay but for the fact that he had received an nrgenfc summons to London to attend certain imperial business , with tho importance of which every ono was conversant . The P . G . M ., in giving "The Provincial Grand Masters of the Adjoining Provinces , " coupled tho toast with the name of Bro . the Rev . 0 . J . Martyn , Past Grand Chaplain of England , and Deputy Grand Master of Suffolk , of
whom he spoke in the highest terms , as a man , Mason , and minister . Bro . Martyn , iu response , thanked the brethren for the hearty reception which as a stranger they had given him that clay , and ho felt bound to say , as an old Mason , that he had never witnessed so enormons a gathering of Masons as tho present . It had been to him a special source of pleasure to see the working of the Lodge ,
and ho would carry with him into his distant Province pleasant recollections of his visit to West Lancashire . Bro . Spence , W . M . 32 , gavo " The P . G . Officers , Past and Present , " which was responded to by Bro . R . Robinson , P . G . Reg . The P . G . Sec . proposed the toast of " The Worshipful Masters of tho Lodges in tho Province , " and spoke inhigh terms of tho excellent working which prevailed in every section
of this Masonic division . Bro . Spence , W . M . 32 , and Bro . Goodacre , W . M . 1730 ( Urmston ) , responded to tho toast , the latter stating that as tho result of the remarks made by Lord Skelmersdale that day , he had pleasure in stating that his Lodge had determined to vote the sum of DO guineas to ono of the Loudon Charities . Bro . R . VVylic , P . P . G . S . D . gave "The Charities of tho Province , " which was responded to by
Bro . R . Brown , the honorary Secretary of tho West Lancashire Masonic Educational Institution . Bro . Robertson , P . G . J . W ., gave " Tho Ladies , " which was responded to by Bro . J . R . Goepel , P . P . G . D . C . A capital mnsical programme was supplied by Bros . Child , Mnir , , T . Hid , and T . J . Hughes , Messrs . Kirkburn , Austin , Kitwood , Robinson , Shimmin , and Lewis . Bra . J . Skcaf , P . G . O ., most efficiently presided at the piano .
Tho enemies of Freemasonry usually owe thoir enmity to ignorance of its principles , or chagrin at having been denied entrance into tho Fraternity . Almost invariably , honest enquiries are happily disappointed and much instructed , on finding that the fundamental principles of morality aud religion are so clearly and strongly enforced by Freemasonry .