Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Laying The Foundation Stone Of A New Church At Stockport.
Grand Director of Ceremonies , officiated , assisted by Bro . H . Gordon Small P . G . D . D . C . ( Aldorley ) , and Bro . W . G . Crouan P . G . A . D . C . The vessels containing corn , wine , oil , and salt were borne by four Masters of Lodges , and a Past Mastar bore the plate with tho inserip . tion for the corner stone . The Provincial Graud Treasurer had chargo of tho phial containing the coins , & c , to be deposited in the
stone , aud the sacred law was borue by four Master Masons' sons , Masters J . Bell , H . M . Smith , E . J . Loma " , and J . McGregor , and opened at tho 10 th chapter of Numbers . When the head of the procession arrived ofc tbo sito of the intended buildiug , the brethren divided to the right and left and faced inwards , forming an avenue through which tho rest of the brethren passed , Lord Egerton
being preceded by the Heralds , the Provincial Grand Standard Bearer , and the Provincial Grand Sword Bearer , and followed by a Past Master bearing the Ionio Light ; the Grand Officers of England , the Deputy Provincial Grand Master , and the Provincial Grand Officers and brethren then followed in succession from the rear , so as to invort the order of procession . The arrival of the Provincial Grand Master at tho site was
announced by a flourish of trumpets , and the procession then entered the enclosure . The officiating brethren took the positions assigned to them by tho Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies and his aFsifetanU , and deposited the vessels , & c , borno in tho proc - < iou on pedestals placed for their reception . Prior to the Masons ass mbling in the interior of the church so far as it is constructed , the c ' . ergy ,
trustees , and others , who had preceded them , took up positions in the building . Then the publio were admitted , but only a limited number wero able to get in . Many people obtained points of vantage on tho sides of the building . Tho arrangements at the site wero carried out by Bro . Hindmarch , the clerk of the works at the new ohurob , who had made splendid provision for the officials , members of the Press ,
aud others . When all who could had assembled on tho sito , the service , which was an exceedingly interesting one throughout , was commenced . The Masonic version of the 100 th Psalm having been lung , Mr . Robert Green , on behalf of the trustees of the churob , asked Lord Egerton to lay the north-east corner stone , and observed that
be desired to acknowledge the great honour that Lord Egerton had conferred upon the trustees in coming amoug them to lay the stone . Mr . Arthut Sykes , J . P ., said as one of the trustees of St . George ' s Churoh , ho had the privilege of presenting Lord Egerton with a trowel with which his lordship could lay the stone . They all felt very thankful that Lord Egerton had consented to come and lay the
stone , and they were very grateful to him for it . He ( Mr . Sykes ) did not know any gentleman whom they could have asked to perform tho ceremony would have given as great satisfaction to the town as Lord Egerton would . They recognised in his lordship one of the pillars of the church in the country , and his presence there that day showed the continued interest he took in the work of the church in
Stockport . Lord Egerton observed that he had very great pleasure in accepting the invitation which he had just received to lay the corner-stone of tbo church which they saw rising up around them in magnificent proportions . It gave him much pleasure to take part in that good work , not only as a member of the Church of England , bnt also as a
Mason , and as one who was interested in seeing beantifnl buildings raised up to the honour and glory of tho Great Arohiteot of the Universe . They thanked ilim that He had been pleased to put it into the minds of those who were his humble servants , the promoters aud builders of that church , to raise a beautiful structure to the honour and glory of God ; and tho Masons who were there were glad to be
present en so interesting an occasion . They trusted that the ohurch wonld be the means of benefiting the people of that rising suburb of the great town of Stockport . The town was extending rapidly in every direotion , and they trusted that the building of which they were laying the first corner-stone might bo of inestimable benefit in promoting the religions welfare of tho district . He believed it was
expected that he should say something about the part which they as Masons were called upon to perform in that interesting ceremony . His Lordship then proceeded to say : " Men , women , and children hero assembled to-day to behold this ceremony , know all of you that we be lawful Masons , true and faithful to the laws of our country ; and established of old with peace and honour in most countries , to
do good to our brethren , to erect magnificent structures , and to fear God , the Great Architect of the Universe . We havo amongst us , concealed from the eyes of all men , secrets which cannot be divulged , but these secrets are lawful and hononable , and not repugnant to the laws of God or man . They were entrusted in peace and honour to Masons of anoient times , and have been faithfully transmitted to us ,
and it is our duty to convey them unimpaired to the latest posterity . Unless our craft wero good and our calling honourable , we should not have lasted for so many centuries , nor should we havo been honoured with the patronage of so many illustrious men in all ages , who have ever shown themselves ready to promote our interests , and to defend us against all adversaries . We are assembled here to-day ,
in the presence of you all , to assist in laying in ancient form the corner-stone of this buildiug , which we pray the Groat Architect to prosper , for the promotion of Godliness , harmony , and brotherly love , until time shall be no more . " Prayers were offorcd by tho Ilev . It . Hodgson , P . P . G . Chaplain . The upper stoue was then raised and Bro . K . Newhonee Provincial Grand Secretary announced that tho contents of the phial to be
placed in the cavity of the stono were ns follows : —One sovereign , one half-sovereign , a crown , a half-crown , a florin , a shilling , and a sixpence ; the Stockport Advertiser for 2 nd June and 16 th June , and other local papers for 16 th Jnue ; a list of the first trustees , the names of the architects , clerk of the works , contractor , Masonic reception committee , and plans of the building with the Masonic order of tho ceremony . Tho inscription on the plate which was to be attached to tho stone , read as follows : — " This foundation atone of St . George's Church , Heaviley , Stockport , was luid by the lught Hon . Lord Egerton of Tatton , Right Worship .
Laying The Foundation Stone Of A New Church At Stockport.
ful Grand Master of Cheshire , with full Masonic honours , on 17 th June 1893 . " Tho Provincial Grand Treasurer then placed the phial in the cavity and tho Provincial Grand Superintendent of Works fixed the plate in position . The cement was placed by the workmen on the upper face of the lower stone , and the Provinoial Grand Master spread tho
cement with the trowel , which was handed to him by tbo Provincial Grand Junior Deacon , who said : " Riyht Worshipful Provincial Grand Macter . ^ we pray you to receive the trowel , and spread the cement , that being an emblem of tho bond of union whioh connects Freemasonry with all good works . " By command of the Provinoial Grand Master the upper stone was then lowered with three distinct stops
during which an anthem was sung . The Provincial Grand Master adjusted the stone on it , by striking it on the four earners with the setting maul , which was handed to him by a Provinoial Grand Senior Deacon , the Provincial Grand Master observing "With temperance , fortitude , prudence , and justice let our work be founded . " The Provincial Grand MaBter
then directed the Provincial Grand Junior Warden and the Provinoial Grand Senior Warden to prove the just position and form of the stone by the plumb rule , level , and square . Being satisfied in these particnlars the Provinoial Grand Master gavo the stone three knooka with the mallet , and declared it to bo duly laid , and repeated the words : — " Ask and ye shall have j Seek and ye shall find ; Knook
and it shall be opened . By the powor in me vested , aud in the name of the Great Arohiteot of tho Universr-, ^ 1 declare this stone woll and truly laid , in accordance with the ancient rules of architecture . " The Provincial Grand Superintendent of Works and the arohiteot of the building advanoed to the stone , and the former presented the plans for the inspection of the Provinoial Grand Master ,
who expressed his approval thereof , and delivered them to the Architect for his guidance in carrying out the work , observing : " with the implements of our Craft aud those instructions , may you raise a super structure perfeot in all parts , and honourable to the founders . " The Provincial Grand Chaplain , the Provincial Graud Organist , and the Lewises ( Master Masons' sons )
advanced to the stone , and the Provinoial Grand Master said : " With the gifts of the Great Architect of the Universe let this memorial stone be blessed and consecrated . " Then the Chaplain recited appropriate passnges from soripture , and the Officers appointed made a perambulation ronnd the stone with the elements of consecration . Aftor this the Provinoial Grand Master scattered corn on the Btone ,
the embiem of plenty ; poured wine , the emblem of joy and gladness ; oil , tho emblem of charity ; and sprinkled salt , the emblem of hospitality aud friendship . In doing so his lordship said : I sprinkle sale on this stone , the emblem of hospitality and friendship ; and may the all-bounteous Author of Nature bless this town and district , the country and kingdom at large , with abundanco of
corn , and wine , and oil , and all the necessaries , comforts , and conveniences of life . And may the Almi ghty Architect of the Universe look down with benignity upon our present undertaking , and crown the edifice of which we have now laid the foundation with every success . Thore was then a flourish of trumpats , and a prayer was offored by
tha Provincial Grand Chaplain , with tho customary response by the Craft . Prayers used at the laying of the foundation stone of new churches in the diocese were made , and then some money for tho workmen was placed upon the stone by Bro . Jas . Cookson P . P . G . T ., saying , " Let refreshments sweeten the labour of the Craftsmen ; it is written Thou shalt not muzzle the oz that treadeth out the corn . "
The officiating brethren then left the stone , and the thanks of tho trustees were expressed to the Provincial Grand Master and the Provincial Grand Lodge of Cheshire for thoir attendance . In doing so Mr . Wakefield Chriitie-Miller , J . P ., said on behalf of the trustees of the church he desired to thank Lord Egerton and the Masonic Lodges of Cheshire most sincerely for coming there that day to lay tho
foundation stone of that church , which he hopes would be completed to the satisfaction of the Lodge , and be a blessing and comfort to the people who resided in that populous district . Lord Egerton and his lordship ' s family were ever ready and willing to help in any work likely to promote the welfare of the town , giving up many engagements to do so . Lord Egerton ' s grandfather , Mr . Wilbrabam
Egerton , when representing that division of Cheshire , assisted at the similar ceremony to that whioh Lord Egerton had performed that day , on the occasion of the laying of the foundation stone of St . Mary ' s Church , Stockport , in July 1813 . He ( Mr . Christie-Miller ) wished to thank the Srcretary and brethren for the perfect arrangements of the highly . interesting ceremony , and his lordship again for
his presence there that day . Lord Egerton , in reply , said he thanked Mr . Christie-Miller for the very kind words with which he had welcomed himself and the other Masons there . He could assure them that it had been a great pleasure to himself and the brethren to take part in such an interesting fuuetion as laying the foundation Etone of a church which , from
the plans ho had lately seen , he folt confident would be an ornament to tbo district , and he trusted a lasting monument to the pious intentions of the founders , and their desire to benefit the people of that neighbourhood . He again thanked them for the kind welcome they had given the Masonic body , and assured them that it afforded them great pleasure to take an active pait in all movements which
were iuteuded to promote the real prosperity and happiness of thoir fellow countrymen , whether they were Masons or not . The national anthem was then sung , and this concluded tho ceremony . Tho Masouic body , the procession of which created considerable interest , returned to the Mechanics' Institution , where tho brethren dispersed .
Wc are compelled to hold over an interesting report of the pic-nic of the Architect Lodge , ISo . 1 R 7-5 . It will , however , appear next week .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Laying The Foundation Stone Of A New Church At Stockport.
Grand Director of Ceremonies , officiated , assisted by Bro . H . Gordon Small P . G . D . D . C . ( Aldorley ) , and Bro . W . G . Crouan P . G . A . D . C . The vessels containing corn , wine , oil , and salt were borne by four Masters of Lodges , and a Past Mastar bore the plate with tho inserip . tion for the corner stone . The Provincial Graud Treasurer had chargo of tho phial containing the coins , & c , to be deposited in the
stone , aud the sacred law was borue by four Master Masons' sons , Masters J . Bell , H . M . Smith , E . J . Loma " , and J . McGregor , and opened at tho 10 th chapter of Numbers . When the head of the procession arrived ofc tbo sito of the intended buildiug , the brethren divided to the right and left and faced inwards , forming an avenue through which tho rest of the brethren passed , Lord Egerton
being preceded by the Heralds , the Provincial Grand Standard Bearer , and the Provincial Grand Sword Bearer , and followed by a Past Master bearing the Ionio Light ; the Grand Officers of England , the Deputy Provincial Grand Master , and the Provincial Grand Officers and brethren then followed in succession from the rear , so as to invort the order of procession . The arrival of the Provincial Grand Master at tho site was
announced by a flourish of trumpets , and the procession then entered the enclosure . The officiating brethren took the positions assigned to them by tho Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies and his aFsifetanU , and deposited the vessels , & c , borno in tho proc - < iou on pedestals placed for their reception . Prior to the Masons ass mbling in the interior of the church so far as it is constructed , the c ' . ergy ,
trustees , and others , who had preceded them , took up positions in the building . Then the publio were admitted , but only a limited number wero able to get in . Many people obtained points of vantage on tho sides of the building . Tho arrangements at the site wero carried out by Bro . Hindmarch , the clerk of the works at the new ohurob , who had made splendid provision for the officials , members of the Press ,
aud others . When all who could had assembled on tho sito , the service , which was an exceedingly interesting one throughout , was commenced . The Masonic version of the 100 th Psalm having been lung , Mr . Robert Green , on behalf of the trustees of the churob , asked Lord Egerton to lay the north-east corner stone , and observed that
be desired to acknowledge the great honour that Lord Egerton had conferred upon the trustees in coming amoug them to lay the stone . Mr . Arthut Sykes , J . P ., said as one of the trustees of St . George ' s Churoh , ho had the privilege of presenting Lord Egerton with a trowel with which his lordship could lay the stone . They all felt very thankful that Lord Egerton had consented to come and lay the
stone , and they were very grateful to him for it . He ( Mr . Sykes ) did not know any gentleman whom they could have asked to perform tho ceremony would have given as great satisfaction to the town as Lord Egerton would . They recognised in his lordship one of the pillars of the church in the country , and his presence there that day showed the continued interest he took in the work of the church in
Stockport . Lord Egerton observed that he had very great pleasure in accepting the invitation which he had just received to lay the corner-stone of tbo church which they saw rising up around them in magnificent proportions . It gave him much pleasure to take part in that good work , not only as a member of the Church of England , bnt also as a
Mason , and as one who was interested in seeing beantifnl buildings raised up to the honour and glory of tho Great Arohiteot of the Universe . They thanked ilim that He had been pleased to put it into the minds of those who were his humble servants , the promoters aud builders of that church , to raise a beautiful structure to the honour and glory of God ; and tho Masons who were there were glad to be
present en so interesting an occasion . They trusted that the ohurch wonld be the means of benefiting the people of that rising suburb of the great town of Stockport . The town was extending rapidly in every direotion , and they trusted that the building of which they were laying the first corner-stone might bo of inestimable benefit in promoting the religions welfare of tho district . He believed it was
expected that he should say something about the part which they as Masons were called upon to perform in that interesting ceremony . His Lordship then proceeded to say : " Men , women , and children hero assembled to-day to behold this ceremony , know all of you that we be lawful Masons , true and faithful to the laws of our country ; and established of old with peace and honour in most countries , to
do good to our brethren , to erect magnificent structures , and to fear God , the Great Architect of the Universe . We havo amongst us , concealed from the eyes of all men , secrets which cannot be divulged , but these secrets are lawful and hononable , and not repugnant to the laws of God or man . They were entrusted in peace and honour to Masons of anoient times , and have been faithfully transmitted to us ,
and it is our duty to convey them unimpaired to the latest posterity . Unless our craft wero good and our calling honourable , we should not have lasted for so many centuries , nor should we havo been honoured with the patronage of so many illustrious men in all ages , who have ever shown themselves ready to promote our interests , and to defend us against all adversaries . We are assembled here to-day ,
in the presence of you all , to assist in laying in ancient form the corner-stone of this buildiug , which we pray the Groat Architect to prosper , for the promotion of Godliness , harmony , and brotherly love , until time shall be no more . " Prayers were offorcd by tho Ilev . It . Hodgson , P . P . G . Chaplain . The upper stoue was then raised and Bro . K . Newhonee Provincial Grand Secretary announced that tho contents of the phial to be
placed in the cavity of the stono were ns follows : —One sovereign , one half-sovereign , a crown , a half-crown , a florin , a shilling , and a sixpence ; the Stockport Advertiser for 2 nd June and 16 th June , and other local papers for 16 th Jnue ; a list of the first trustees , the names of the architects , clerk of the works , contractor , Masonic reception committee , and plans of the building with the Masonic order of tho ceremony . Tho inscription on the plate which was to be attached to tho stone , read as follows : — " This foundation atone of St . George's Church , Heaviley , Stockport , was luid by the lught Hon . Lord Egerton of Tatton , Right Worship .
Laying The Foundation Stone Of A New Church At Stockport.
ful Grand Master of Cheshire , with full Masonic honours , on 17 th June 1893 . " Tho Provincial Grand Treasurer then placed the phial in the cavity and tho Provincial Grand Superintendent of Works fixed the plate in position . The cement was placed by the workmen on the upper face of the lower stone , and the Provinoial Grand Master spread tho
cement with the trowel , which was handed to him by tbo Provincial Grand Junior Deacon , who said : " Riyht Worshipful Provincial Grand Macter . ^ we pray you to receive the trowel , and spread the cement , that being an emblem of tho bond of union whioh connects Freemasonry with all good works . " By command of the Provinoial Grand Master the upper stone was then lowered with three distinct stops
during which an anthem was sung . The Provincial Grand Master adjusted the stone on it , by striking it on the four earners with the setting maul , which was handed to him by a Provinoial Grand Senior Deacon , the Provincial Grand Master observing "With temperance , fortitude , prudence , and justice let our work be founded . " The Provincial Grand MaBter
then directed the Provincial Grand Junior Warden and the Provinoial Grand Senior Warden to prove the just position and form of the stone by the plumb rule , level , and square . Being satisfied in these particnlars the Provinoial Grand Master gavo the stone three knooka with the mallet , and declared it to bo duly laid , and repeated the words : — " Ask and ye shall have j Seek and ye shall find ; Knook
and it shall be opened . By the powor in me vested , aud in the name of the Great Arohiteot of tho Universr-, ^ 1 declare this stone woll and truly laid , in accordance with the ancient rules of architecture . " The Provincial Grand Superintendent of Works and the arohiteot of the building advanoed to the stone , and the former presented the plans for the inspection of the Provinoial Grand Master ,
who expressed his approval thereof , and delivered them to the Architect for his guidance in carrying out the work , observing : " with the implements of our Craft aud those instructions , may you raise a super structure perfeot in all parts , and honourable to the founders . " The Provincial Grand Chaplain , the Provincial Graud Organist , and the Lewises ( Master Masons' sons )
advanced to the stone , and the Provinoial Grand Master said : " With the gifts of the Great Architect of the Universe let this memorial stone be blessed and consecrated . " Then the Chaplain recited appropriate passnges from soripture , and the Officers appointed made a perambulation ronnd the stone with the elements of consecration . Aftor this the Provinoial Grand Master scattered corn on the Btone ,
the embiem of plenty ; poured wine , the emblem of joy and gladness ; oil , tho emblem of charity ; and sprinkled salt , the emblem of hospitality aud friendship . In doing so his lordship said : I sprinkle sale on this stone , the emblem of hospitality and friendship ; and may the all-bounteous Author of Nature bless this town and district , the country and kingdom at large , with abundanco of
corn , and wine , and oil , and all the necessaries , comforts , and conveniences of life . And may the Almi ghty Architect of the Universe look down with benignity upon our present undertaking , and crown the edifice of which we have now laid the foundation with every success . Thore was then a flourish of trumpats , and a prayer was offored by
tha Provincial Grand Chaplain , with tho customary response by the Craft . Prayers used at the laying of the foundation stone of new churches in the diocese were made , and then some money for tho workmen was placed upon the stone by Bro . Jas . Cookson P . P . G . T ., saying , " Let refreshments sweeten the labour of the Craftsmen ; it is written Thou shalt not muzzle the oz that treadeth out the corn . "
The officiating brethren then left the stone , and the thanks of tho trustees were expressed to the Provincial Grand Master and the Provincial Grand Lodge of Cheshire for thoir attendance . In doing so Mr . Wakefield Chriitie-Miller , J . P ., said on behalf of the trustees of the church he desired to thank Lord Egerton and the Masonic Lodges of Cheshire most sincerely for coming there that day to lay tho
foundation stone of that church , which he hopes would be completed to the satisfaction of the Lodge , and be a blessing and comfort to the people who resided in that populous district . Lord Egerton and his lordship ' s family were ever ready and willing to help in any work likely to promote the welfare of the town , giving up many engagements to do so . Lord Egerton ' s grandfather , Mr . Wilbrabam
Egerton , when representing that division of Cheshire , assisted at the similar ceremony to that whioh Lord Egerton had performed that day , on the occasion of the laying of the foundation stone of St . Mary ' s Church , Stockport , in July 1813 . He ( Mr . Christie-Miller ) wished to thank the Srcretary and brethren for the perfect arrangements of the highly . interesting ceremony , and his lordship again for
his presence there that day . Lord Egerton , in reply , said he thanked Mr . Christie-Miller for the very kind words with which he had welcomed himself and the other Masons there . He could assure them that it had been a great pleasure to himself and the brethren to take part in such an interesting fuuetion as laying the foundation Etone of a church which , from
the plans ho had lately seen , he folt confident would be an ornament to tbo district , and he trusted a lasting monument to the pious intentions of the founders , and their desire to benefit the people of that neighbourhood . He again thanked them for the kind welcome they had given the Masonic body , and assured them that it afforded them great pleasure to take an active pait in all movements which
were iuteuded to promote the real prosperity and happiness of thoir fellow countrymen , whether they were Masons or not . The national anthem was then sung , and this concluded tho ceremony . Tho Masouic body , the procession of which created considerable interest , returned to the Mechanics' Institution , where tho brethren dispersed .
Wc are compelled to hold over an interesting report of the pic-nic of the Architect Lodge , ISo . 1 R 7-5 . It will , however , appear next week .