Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Laying The Foundation Stone Of St. Agnes' Church, Moseley.
strangely figurative in their combination . And who is better able to comprehend and to establish this fact than we Freemasons , who , drawing our traditions and imagery from the crowning honour of symbolic worship , the'unrivalled splendour of the Temple of Solomon , reduce that magnificence to the elements of moral simplicity ; see in the embroidery and the sculpture the rich dyes of Tyre ,
and the gold of Ophir , only tho embodiment of the lessons of natural equality aud mutual dependence , as children of one Father , whom the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain ; who makes Himself an abode in tho faithful hearts of thoso who recognise tho threefold command , " What does thy Lord require of thee , bufc to do justly , and to love mercy , and to walk humbly with thy God . " Yes ,
brethren , I may humbly hope that , as the Old Testament is not contrarytothe New , but , in f . act , the very mountain itself from which the stone was cut , which overthrew the godless fabric of heathen imperialism , so we may see , in onr symbolic traditions , a testimony to the truth of the Christian Church , of which we are not , indeed , an incorporated part , but still a vestibule , or outwork ; that the
preservation in our Brotherhood of the main verities of religion may tend to support that recognition of the Fatherhood of God , whioh is equally the constituent of natural , revealed , and spiritual devotion . For if there is woe to the Church , which divorces herself from , the free atmosphere of rational belief , there is triple woe to the philosophic
contemner of revelation . Noble as our breadth of Masonio brother , hood may ho , we must beware that our foundation stone be one without hands , lest we fall into a philosophy which is stony and dead —a liberality most illiberal—an inhuman humanitavianism , which masquerades most sadly in the rags of bygone
fallacies" That last drear mood Of envious sloth and proud decrepitude—No faith , no art , no king , no priest , no God , " from which only the great corner stone , Emmanuel , can deliver us May He do so for His mercies sake . Amen .
At the conclusion of the Service a procession was formed , and proceeded to the site of the new church , Mr . Beech , the Organist of the temporary church , accompanied by the choir , and the choir of St . Mary's , leading , followed by the members of the Masonic body . The latter included the following members of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Worcestershire : —Sir Edmund A . H . Lechmere , Bart ., M . P .,
Prov . Grand Master , J . R . Buck 280 G . S . W ., R . Broomhall 564 G . J . W ., Rev . C . Black , M . A ., 1204 G . Chaplain , E . Turner 252 G . Eegistrar , George Taylor P . P . G . S . W . 377 560 1874 G . Secretary , W . Barkley 280 G . S . D ., A . Comber 377 G . Dir . of Cera ., A . Green 498 G . Assist . Dir . of Cers ., R . S . Blundell 460 G . Sword Bearer , W . Haynes 1204 G . Organist , W . C . Green 377 G . Pursuivant , E . H .
Metcalf 1204 G . Assist Pursuivant , W . Ottley and A . C . Wightman 529 Prov . G . Stewards , J . Stanley and J . Smith 280 Prov . G . Tylers . There were also present among the brethren from Worcestershire H . Wilson P . P . G . T . as Prov . G . Treasurer , F . H . Lingham P . P . G . D . as Prov . G . Junior Deacon , G . H . Williamson as Prov . G . Superintendent of Works , J . Elgood and J . W . Chadwick as Prov . G . Stewards ,
J . Aston and John Blundell as P . P . G . Registrars , E . R . Hartley P . P . G . D ., G . K . Pntten P . P . G . Supt . of Works , T . F . Higgs P . P . G . D . of C , 0 . Williams P . P . G . P ., ancl a large number of the Officers and members of the Lod ges of the Province . Of the Grand Lodge of Warwickshire we noticed W . Bro . Colonel John Mnchen Deputy Provincial Grand Master , George Beech Provincial Grand Secretary ,
R . H . Vertegans P . M ., J . T . Collins P . M ., J . Cuff P . M ., 0 . Lee P . P . G . W ., Joseph Rowlands , H . Myers , J . B . Martin , J . Green , W . McEntee P . P . G . S . W ., T . H . Smith P . P . G . S . W ., Jas . Moffatt P . G . R ., J . Loxdah Warrea P . P . G . S . W ., T . M . Humphries P . P . G . S . W . Staffordshire , Rev . J . Seddon P . G . C . Stafford shire , and others . The local clergy present wero the Revs . W . H . Colmore , W . B . Benison ,
J . Williamson , 0 . A . Dickens , R . A . Deakin , W . K . Smart , G . H . Slmms , and H . J . Coachafer . The laity wore represented by Messrs . T . C . S . Kynnersley , C . Williams , E . Bottridge , W . H . Davis , W . Dyke Wilkinson , T . Hadley , F . Barlow , and others . On arriving at the site , a hymn was sung , after which tho Rev . H . J . Coachafer P . P . G . Chaplain offered up prayer . The Rev . W . TI . Colmore , M . A .,
tbe chairman of the Building Committee , then addressed the Prov . Grand Master , saying—I am requested by the Committee that has been formed for the erection of this new church to ask you to be kind enough to lay tho foundation stone for it . It is with great respect that I make this request , seconded as I am on behalf of the Committee , and I now ask you to proceed to lay the stone . The
Provincial Grand Master then addressed the assembly in the following terms : — Men and brethren here assembled to behold the ceremony , be it known nnto you that we , lawful Masons , true and faithfal to the laws of our country , and engaged b y solemn obligations to erect handsome buildings to be serviceable to the biathren , and to fear God the Great Architect of the TJtiirerse . * Ve havo amongst us , concealed from the eyes of all man , score ' s
v .-nich may not bo revealed , and which r , o man una ui-oovcred ; but theso secrets aro lawful and honourable , .-aid not repugnant to the k . ws of God and man . Thoy " . 7 Ci ' ° . cnti'rrsfced is ; p-.-noc and honour to Masons of ancient times , and having boor , faithfn'i y ' . ini ^ mifc ' ocl to l _ * s > it i- ; onr duty to convey tiicn luiiir . p'jiro :. ! to lhe kibe . ;' , posterity . Unless our craft wero good , and out oo !' : i ; -. ; hc'iioiit'abkv v . 'fi ahould not have lasted for so many cenr-nric . 7 , nor should ~ < e havo had so many illna ' rinn : ; brel . horf' in onr Order , roadv to I'i'omo ' o ou ? " av . ' ^ i
: ' 'd further oar ii . iteres ' . c . We are rix . vrnbled hero to-day , in the i- ' TSBJieo of yea r .. "l , to erect- a ' ' . on " - ' - ;? to ; ; ho ' '" ord ! : ;) , honour : jl 'd ; , Iory cc tho Most II ';;; h , whie .-i wc . v \\ : y <;•>>! ; -. iay pvr , L " -por ~ = it soeina j ^ ouu to Tlhn ; end aj i ' : o . ti . v & i cUd . y of Ilaacn .-i , in •""" ' undct'ia ' rir ! ' :, ' a ' - - invoke the biwsing of l " ,: > Gi ' -eai , / b'chiUioi ¦ : ;; the Universe oa i . ho ' v v ; er ! c . I uali u ;> on v \ :: < i . \> uuire with oiir
^ '"C'vuioiai C ' .:.. ind Chf . uhi . iu h \ v . v uddtes . ; Lo the Throve of Gr-u :- ; . j ' * " f ' .- ; : v . YL J . CoaCiUiCcr i . e-vlu ;; oKcrod u-i pnivrv , i ! i : > H ^ " ¦¦ Wu ; r fiiiid : I now dvduiu it la bo my - , s * ill : avf ni-rnnic :. !>; , ( , tin ; ^' " cr r-: to : ; o cf t-hk c ' ir . irch be iaid . : io thti-i c . vlud npon th" i ' l-ovi ,. ' - ~ "ui uraud Secretary co icdu UiO HiSCi'ioUon upon ~ chu uru . is plcito ,
Laying The Foundation Stone Of St. Agnes' Church, Moseley.
which was placed over tho cavity in tho stone , in which woro dopo . « ited copies of tho Times , Daily Post , and Gazette , a list of Prov , Grand Officers , a programme of tho day ' s proceedings , and a number of coins . At this stage of tho proceedings Mrs . C . Williams came forward , and presented to Sir Edmund Lechmere a silver trowel , bearing tho following inscription . — " Presented by Mrs . C . Williams
of Moseley Lodge , to the Right Worshipful Brother Sic Edmund A . H . Lechmere , Bart ., M . P ., Provincial Grand Master , on his living the foundation stone of St . Agnes Church , Moseley , Oct . 3 , 1883 . " Sho said she had pleasure in presenting tho trowel , and sho hoped the church would bo a great blessing to the neighbourhood . Sir Edmund Lechmere , on receiving tho trowel , said ho need scarcely
remind Mrs . Williams how cordially ho received tho presentation , which would prove a happy memento of the day ' s proceedings . Tho Provincial Grand Secretary , having adjusted tho plate on tho lower stone , and while tho top stono was being lowered , the Grand Master dexterously spread the cement . While this was going on , tho local choir , nnder tho direction of Mr . Beech , sang
Dr . Clarke Win field ' s anthem , "In Jewry is God known . " The Junior Warden then presented the Grand Master with tho plnmb rule , and the Grand Master having applied the same to tho stone , said . " I find this stone to bo plumb , and that the Craftsmen havo prepared it true and trusty . " The level was then handed to him by the Senior Warden , and after applying it to tho atone , ho said : "I
find this stone to be level , and that the Craftsmen have laboured skilfully . " Tho square was then handed to him by the Deputy Provincial Grand Master , and on applying it to the stono , he said : "I find this stono to be plumb , level , and square , and that it has been truly prepared and truly laid , and that the Craftsmen have worked well . " He then gave three knocks with a mallet ou the stone . A
Past Master then presented a cornucopia filled with corn , and the Grand Master , scattering a portion over the stone , said : " I scatter corn on this stone as tho emblem of plenty and abundance . May the blessings of morality and virtue flourish within this bnilding and produce fruit a hundredfold . " A Master Mason then presented a ewer of wine , which the Grand Master poured upon the stone , at the
same time saying , "I pour wine upon this stone as tho emblem of joy and gladness . " Oil was then handed to the Grand Master , who sprinkled it npon the stone , and said at the same time , " I sprinkle oil upon this stone as the emblem of peace and unanimity . " He added , " May prosperity , happiness , and goodwill ever prevail amongst those who will minister within this honse , to the glory of
the Most High , until timo shall be no more . " Tho Prov . G . Supt . of Works then handed the plans of the bnilding to tho Prov . G . M ., and also presented to him the architect . After having examinod tho plans , the Grand Master returned them to the architect , saying , " I now place in yonr hands tho plans of this intended building , together with the necessary tools , not doubting your skill and ability as a Craftsman .
I desire thafc yon will proceed without loss of timo to the completion of the work , in conformity with the plans and designs now entrusted to you . A number of ladies then came forward , and deposited purses of money upon the stone , after which a hymn was sung , and the benediction given . Before leaving the site , tho gi * oup round tho stone was photographed , and also a photograph taken of the whole
gathering and surroundings . The emblems and requisites used in tho procession , and at the ceremony wero kindly placed at the disposal of tho Province of Worcestershire by Bro . II . T . Lamb , of 5 St . John ' ssquare , Clerkenwell . The procession was then formed , and the Masonic body returned to the National School , when the Lodgo was closed .
The company afterwards assembled for luncheon at tho Skating Rink , Trafalgar-road , Moseley . Sir Edmund E . H . Lechmere , But ., M . P ., presided , and thero were also present most of I hose who had taken part iu the previous proceedings of the day . Tho tables were laid out with great taste , and a capital menu was provided . The health of the Queen having barn given from the chair , and duly
honoured , tho Chairman proposed , the Prince and Princess of Wales , and the rest of tbe Royal Family . Ho said thoy , as members of the Masonio Craft , knew how hard the Princo of Wales worked . They knew that he was ready at all times to give his services whenever they were required , and the admirable manner in which he discharged his public duties . Mr . Kynnersley proposed , tho Bishop and Clergy
of the Diocese . The Rev . W . K . R . Bedford thanked Mr . Kynnersiey for his kind expressions . He felt sure that tho Bishop deserved all the eulogium that had been said . The Rev . W . H . Colmore then rose to propose what he thonsht should be considered the toast of the evening , the health of Sir Edward Lechmere , M . P ., Provincial Grand Master of Worcestershire , and the Freemasons of the Province . He
said those who were not Freemasons always thought , and rightly to , that Freemasonry was surrounded by very great and deep seorets ; and some of them , especially the ladies , were anxious to know what those secrets were . But in spite of all the care that Frceuiii / jcm'i exercised , tho secret had oozed nut that Freemasons wore : banded and knit together l > v a solemn obligation to do all they poasildy wold
For tbe welfare of their friends . They all heartily thannocl Sir Edmund Lechmere for caking pari in . tho religious ceremony of tho day , and makinp if so very ovuato , so very impvussivo , and so ynry imposing . The Froomnsoos hud given a-. i impetns le thoir wor > , and this thoy all fully acknowledged . They could not look afc the brotherly lovo which existed amongst Frcenia'ioni * , at the wonderful r / ork of charity ri which thoy w- ? ro c-igagod , without ndahiiicr them
[ rneeesH , Ho most covdially wi-hed then- , suecos ?* . , and trusted , that Feaouiasonry would o : cb ' .- an loep * os ' itve shenl- ' 1 ? . ?'; . Tie trusted e . i . vc that fchey wonld continue to !> : > ; p ; dcd be tho-. ? two pri'ieiples '""• . ¦ e . h HT . fi said oil ' . hev . i ir : the past—the . priucvrVio . s of ! o ? s to Gnd und love , to rrui' -T Tho Ch . iir . ' i ' . an , ir . re-uwud ';!? , said bo thanked them ¦ . ' , ) it ccrrliail / for the ro ^ el ' -neef i . ber h . vt paid hire , n . nd ¦ he
' - . - . Cok . iore for iV ^ i [ My : \ -q vrorde Iie . d nhtoved . He ( the C " hr :. . i- !> if ; . u ) vna . - , t--s : d he -ihovdrl di ^ ippoiet eonte of tho eudienee if he e''d :: e ; ooTiiMunie . it' .:. ' e ; eo of ! , ho ' vo . - * ie ! . n d tin Odor , ::: " ' ho i : ; rn' D- 'I 'horn Li-a' 11 : MO : ; : " . 'r : '' . ' v .-ere e ' v ^ Cdly jjn . ivli .-r ! . T r T . rt ' iliO t-litil OU Ci ' . Q OC 0 "UiGU £ . ' . ' Z *' J W ; . 3 ul 3 JG 7 C ; ' 0 ' -i ill tl LuL ' . ^ - ; VCGUl , Uu ^ i
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Laying The Foundation Stone Of St. Agnes' Church, Moseley.
strangely figurative in their combination . And who is better able to comprehend and to establish this fact than we Freemasons , who , drawing our traditions and imagery from the crowning honour of symbolic worship , the'unrivalled splendour of the Temple of Solomon , reduce that magnificence to the elements of moral simplicity ; see in the embroidery and the sculpture the rich dyes of Tyre ,
and the gold of Ophir , only tho embodiment of the lessons of natural equality aud mutual dependence , as children of one Father , whom the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain ; who makes Himself an abode in tho faithful hearts of thoso who recognise tho threefold command , " What does thy Lord require of thee , bufc to do justly , and to love mercy , and to walk humbly with thy God . " Yes ,
brethren , I may humbly hope that , as the Old Testament is not contrarytothe New , but , in f . act , the very mountain itself from which the stone was cut , which overthrew the godless fabric of heathen imperialism , so we may see , in onr symbolic traditions , a testimony to the truth of the Christian Church , of which we are not , indeed , an incorporated part , but still a vestibule , or outwork ; that the
preservation in our Brotherhood of the main verities of religion may tend to support that recognition of the Fatherhood of God , whioh is equally the constituent of natural , revealed , and spiritual devotion . For if there is woe to the Church , which divorces herself from , the free atmosphere of rational belief , there is triple woe to the philosophic
contemner of revelation . Noble as our breadth of Masonio brother , hood may ho , we must beware that our foundation stone be one without hands , lest we fall into a philosophy which is stony and dead —a liberality most illiberal—an inhuman humanitavianism , which masquerades most sadly in the rags of bygone
fallacies" That last drear mood Of envious sloth and proud decrepitude—No faith , no art , no king , no priest , no God , " from which only the great corner stone , Emmanuel , can deliver us May He do so for His mercies sake . Amen .
At the conclusion of the Service a procession was formed , and proceeded to the site of the new church , Mr . Beech , the Organist of the temporary church , accompanied by the choir , and the choir of St . Mary's , leading , followed by the members of the Masonic body . The latter included the following members of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Worcestershire : —Sir Edmund A . H . Lechmere , Bart ., M . P .,
Prov . Grand Master , J . R . Buck 280 G . S . W ., R . Broomhall 564 G . J . W ., Rev . C . Black , M . A ., 1204 G . Chaplain , E . Turner 252 G . Eegistrar , George Taylor P . P . G . S . W . 377 560 1874 G . Secretary , W . Barkley 280 G . S . D ., A . Comber 377 G . Dir . of Cera ., A . Green 498 G . Assist . Dir . of Cers ., R . S . Blundell 460 G . Sword Bearer , W . Haynes 1204 G . Organist , W . C . Green 377 G . Pursuivant , E . H .
Metcalf 1204 G . Assist Pursuivant , W . Ottley and A . C . Wightman 529 Prov . G . Stewards , J . Stanley and J . Smith 280 Prov . G . Tylers . There were also present among the brethren from Worcestershire H . Wilson P . P . G . T . as Prov . G . Treasurer , F . H . Lingham P . P . G . D . as Prov . G . Junior Deacon , G . H . Williamson as Prov . G . Superintendent of Works , J . Elgood and J . W . Chadwick as Prov . G . Stewards ,
J . Aston and John Blundell as P . P . G . Registrars , E . R . Hartley P . P . G . D ., G . K . Pntten P . P . G . Supt . of Works , T . F . Higgs P . P . G . D . of C , 0 . Williams P . P . G . P ., ancl a large number of the Officers and members of the Lod ges of the Province . Of the Grand Lodge of Warwickshire we noticed W . Bro . Colonel John Mnchen Deputy Provincial Grand Master , George Beech Provincial Grand Secretary ,
R . H . Vertegans P . M ., J . T . Collins P . M ., J . Cuff P . M ., 0 . Lee P . P . G . W ., Joseph Rowlands , H . Myers , J . B . Martin , J . Green , W . McEntee P . P . G . S . W ., T . H . Smith P . P . G . S . W ., Jas . Moffatt P . G . R ., J . Loxdah Warrea P . P . G . S . W ., T . M . Humphries P . P . G . S . W . Staffordshire , Rev . J . Seddon P . G . C . Stafford shire , and others . The local clergy present wero the Revs . W . H . Colmore , W . B . Benison ,
J . Williamson , 0 . A . Dickens , R . A . Deakin , W . K . Smart , G . H . Slmms , and H . J . Coachafer . The laity wore represented by Messrs . T . C . S . Kynnersley , C . Williams , E . Bottridge , W . H . Davis , W . Dyke Wilkinson , T . Hadley , F . Barlow , and others . On arriving at the site , a hymn was sung , after which tho Rev . H . J . Coachafer P . P . G . Chaplain offered up prayer . The Rev . W . TI . Colmore , M . A .,
tbe chairman of the Building Committee , then addressed the Prov . Grand Master , saying—I am requested by the Committee that has been formed for the erection of this new church to ask you to be kind enough to lay tho foundation stone for it . It is with great respect that I make this request , seconded as I am on behalf of the Committee , and I now ask you to proceed to lay the stone . The
Provincial Grand Master then addressed the assembly in the following terms : — Men and brethren here assembled to behold the ceremony , be it known nnto you that we , lawful Masons , true and faithfal to the laws of our country , and engaged b y solemn obligations to erect handsome buildings to be serviceable to the biathren , and to fear God the Great Architect of the TJtiirerse . * Ve havo amongst us , concealed from the eyes of all man , score ' s
v .-nich may not bo revealed , and which r , o man una ui-oovcred ; but theso secrets aro lawful and honourable , .-aid not repugnant to the k . ws of God and man . Thoy " . 7 Ci ' ° . cnti'rrsfced is ; p-.-noc and honour to Masons of ancient times , and having boor , faithfn'i y ' . ini ^ mifc ' ocl to l _ * s > it i- ; onr duty to convey tiicn luiiir . p'jiro :. ! to lhe kibe . ;' , posterity . Unless our craft wero good , and out oo !' : i ; -. ; hc'iioiit'abkv v . 'fi ahould not have lasted for so many cenr-nric . 7 , nor should ~ < e havo had so many illna ' rinn : ; brel . horf' in onr Order , roadv to I'i'omo ' o ou ? " av . ' ^ i
: ' 'd further oar ii . iteres ' . c . We are rix . vrnbled hero to-day , in the i- ' TSBJieo of yea r .. "l , to erect- a ' ' . on " - ' - ;? to ; ; ho ' '" ord ! : ;) , honour : jl 'd ; , Iory cc tho Most II ';;; h , whie .-i wc . v \\ : y <;•>>! ; -. iay pvr , L " -por ~ = it soeina j ^ ouu to Tlhn ; end aj i ' : o . ti . v & i cUd . y of Ilaacn .-i , in •""" ' undct'ia ' rir ! ' :, ' a ' - - invoke the biwsing of l " ,: > Gi ' -eai , / b'chiUioi ¦ : ;; the Universe oa i . ho ' v v ; er ! c . I uali u ;> on v \ :: < i . \> uuire with oiir
^ '"C'vuioiai C ' .:.. ind Chf . uhi . iu h \ v . v uddtes . ; Lo the Throve of Gr-u :- ; . j ' * " f ' .- ; : v . YL J . CoaCiUiCcr i . e-vlu ;; oKcrod u-i pnivrv , i ! i : > H ^ " ¦¦ Wu ; r fiiiid : I now dvduiu it la bo my - , s * ill : avf ni-rnnic :. !>; , ( , tin ; ^' " cr r-: to : ; o cf t-hk c ' ir . irch be iaid . : io thti-i c . vlud npon th" i ' l-ovi ,. ' - ~ "ui uraud Secretary co icdu UiO HiSCi'ioUon upon ~ chu uru . is plcito ,
Laying The Foundation Stone Of St. Agnes' Church, Moseley.
which was placed over tho cavity in tho stone , in which woro dopo . « ited copies of tho Times , Daily Post , and Gazette , a list of Prov , Grand Officers , a programme of tho day ' s proceedings , and a number of coins . At this stage of tho proceedings Mrs . C . Williams came forward , and presented to Sir Edmund Lechmere a silver trowel , bearing tho following inscription . — " Presented by Mrs . C . Williams
of Moseley Lodge , to the Right Worshipful Brother Sic Edmund A . H . Lechmere , Bart ., M . P ., Provincial Grand Master , on his living the foundation stone of St . Agnes Church , Moseley , Oct . 3 , 1883 . " Sho said she had pleasure in presenting tho trowel , and sho hoped the church would bo a great blessing to the neighbourhood . Sir Edmund Lechmere , on receiving tho trowel , said ho need scarcely
remind Mrs . Williams how cordially ho received tho presentation , which would prove a happy memento of the day ' s proceedings . Tho Provincial Grand Secretary , having adjusted tho plate on tho lower stone , and while tho top stono was being lowered , the Grand Master dexterously spread the cement . While this was going on , tho local choir , nnder tho direction of Mr . Beech , sang
Dr . Clarke Win field ' s anthem , "In Jewry is God known . " The Junior Warden then presented the Grand Master with tho plnmb rule , and the Grand Master having applied the same to tho stone , said . " I find this stone to bo plumb , and that the Craftsmen havo prepared it true and trusty . " The level was then handed to him by the Senior Warden , and after applying it to tho atone , ho said : "I
find this stone to be level , and that the Craftsmen have laboured skilfully . " Tho square was then handed to him by the Deputy Provincial Grand Master , and on applying it to the stono , he said : "I find this stono to be plumb , level , and square , and that it has been truly prepared and truly laid , and that the Craftsmen have worked well . " He then gave three knocks with a mallet ou the stone . A
Past Master then presented a cornucopia filled with corn , and the Grand Master , scattering a portion over the stone , said : " I scatter corn on this stone as tho emblem of plenty and abundance . May the blessings of morality and virtue flourish within this bnilding and produce fruit a hundredfold . " A Master Mason then presented a ewer of wine , which the Grand Master poured upon the stone , at the
same time saying , "I pour wine upon this stone as tho emblem of joy and gladness . " Oil was then handed to the Grand Master , who sprinkled it npon the stone , and said at the same time , " I sprinkle oil upon this stone as the emblem of peace and unanimity . " He added , " May prosperity , happiness , and goodwill ever prevail amongst those who will minister within this honse , to the glory of
the Most High , until timo shall be no more . " Tho Prov . G . Supt . of Works then handed the plans of the bnilding to tho Prov . G . M ., and also presented to him the architect . After having examinod tho plans , the Grand Master returned them to the architect , saying , " I now place in yonr hands tho plans of this intended building , together with the necessary tools , not doubting your skill and ability as a Craftsman .
I desire thafc yon will proceed without loss of timo to the completion of the work , in conformity with the plans and designs now entrusted to you . A number of ladies then came forward , and deposited purses of money upon the stone , after which a hymn was sung , and the benediction given . Before leaving the site , tho gi * oup round tho stone was photographed , and also a photograph taken of the whole
gathering and surroundings . The emblems and requisites used in tho procession , and at the ceremony wero kindly placed at the disposal of tho Province of Worcestershire by Bro . II . T . Lamb , of 5 St . John ' ssquare , Clerkenwell . The procession was then formed , and the Masonic body returned to the National School , when the Lodgo was closed .
The company afterwards assembled for luncheon at tho Skating Rink , Trafalgar-road , Moseley . Sir Edmund E . H . Lechmere , But ., M . P ., presided , and thero were also present most of I hose who had taken part iu the previous proceedings of the day . Tho tables were laid out with great taste , and a capital menu was provided . The health of the Queen having barn given from the chair , and duly
honoured , tho Chairman proposed , the Prince and Princess of Wales , and the rest of tbe Royal Family . Ho said thoy , as members of the Masonio Craft , knew how hard the Princo of Wales worked . They knew that he was ready at all times to give his services whenever they were required , and the admirable manner in which he discharged his public duties . Mr . Kynnersley proposed , tho Bishop and Clergy
of the Diocese . The Rev . W . K . R . Bedford thanked Mr . Kynnersiey for his kind expressions . He felt sure that tho Bishop deserved all the eulogium that had been said . The Rev . W . H . Colmore then rose to propose what he thonsht should be considered the toast of the evening , the health of Sir Edward Lechmere , M . P ., Provincial Grand Master of Worcestershire , and the Freemasons of the Province . He
said those who were not Freemasons always thought , and rightly to , that Freemasonry was surrounded by very great and deep seorets ; and some of them , especially the ladies , were anxious to know what those secrets were . But in spite of all the care that Frceuiii / jcm'i exercised , tho secret had oozed nut that Freemasons wore : banded and knit together l > v a solemn obligation to do all they poasildy wold
For tbe welfare of their friends . They all heartily thannocl Sir Edmund Lechmere for caking pari in . tho religious ceremony of tho day , and makinp if so very ovuato , so very impvussivo , and so ynry imposing . The Froomnsoos hud given a-. i impetns le thoir wor > , and this thoy all fully acknowledged . They could not look afc the brotherly lovo which existed amongst Frcenia'ioni * , at the wonderful r / ork of charity ri which thoy w- ? ro c-igagod , without ndahiiicr them
[ rneeesH , Ho most covdially wi-hed then- , suecos ?* . , and trusted , that Feaouiasonry would o : cb ' .- an loep * os ' itve shenl- ' 1 ? . ?'; . Tie trusted e . i . vc that fchey wonld continue to !> : > ; p ; dcd be tho-. ? two pri'ieiples '""• . ¦ e . h HT . fi said oil ' . hev . i ir : the past—the . priucvrVio . s of ! o ? s to Gnd und love , to rrui' -T Tho Ch . iir . ' i ' . an , ir . re-uwud ';!? , said bo thanked them ¦ . ' , ) it ccrrliail / for the ro ^ el ' -neef i . ber h . vt paid hire , n . nd ¦ he
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