Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Consecration Of The Beaumont Lodge, No. 2035.
the snn and the dew are bright and fresh npon it ; yon cannot accumulate it , but you can dispense it . It is to do good the bread and staff of a Lodge . And another treasure there is—tho treasure of association . It is a treasure for the living . It is to enjoy tho full and intense vitality of a pure life ; to seek the fullest cultivation of tho powers of mind and body ; to be roused to self-sacrifice and devotion ,
and to think it a duty to aim high , to walk in the footsteps of tho patriarchs and prophets of om . to revere the wisdom of Solomon , to comprehend his character , and to imitate his lofty virtues . Truly believed and sincerely acted on , our traditions and associations would justify the value wo set upon our Lodges . But wero it otherwise that tho four earthly treasures of "knowledge , " of "tradition , " of " opportunity , "
and of " association , " were to bo forgotten and neglected , and Lodges to substitute carelessness , idleness , banquet extravagance , ignorance of ceremonies , and disobedience to the authority of tho chair , then it would be better to return the warrant to the supreme authority , and let yonr Lodge , as greater institntions have done before it , go into grey and honourable oblivion . But , Brethren , I believe your work will bo
wrought with diligence , and rendered with cheerfulness , your faces bright with the oil of gladness , yet bold with the wine of cheerfulness , and that , " breast to breast , knee to knee , foot to foot , " and lot tho grasp of your hands be firm and generous . You will seek " purity of action ; " "truth , "that yonr speech may be simple and clear ; "love , " that your friendship may sound , and that tho brotherhood and the
Craft may be to you no shadow , but a Masonic reality . But that those things may be , place your right hand on the volume of the sacred law , and with tbe compass in the other , fix your eye and heart on its sacred teachings , for there is no treasure like its own treasure , and its mysteries veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols , unravelled and loved , and liked ancl practisedb Brethren , yon havo in your
ancient Church the symbol of the mystery of salvation—an ancient cross . The middle stone lay in the vicarage garden for twenty years before the other two pieces came to light . The middle piece was embedded in the rubble when the east chancel wall was taken down in 1850 and rebuilt . All the pieces belong to rne cross , and the sub . jeefc is "The Crucifixion . " These old walls must have been built
before 1300 . This cross was perhaps set up with prayer in the ninth century , and adorned an older and moro primitive structure . It is a gritty freestone abounding in the neighbourhood of the Farnley or Greenside rock , and easily carved . The figure on the cross has been a body erect , living—the head upright , the arms extended at right angles . It represents the " Son of Righteousness " nailed to the tree .
We shall see this ancient symbol of tho Christian faith shortly . It symbolises the revelation of tho genuine secrets of a Master Mason . To look np to it , to believe in it and the story ifc nnfolds , the story of the Cross is not only true Christianity , but true Masonry . But the lapse of time warns me to cease , and with the expression of fervent gratitude to the G . A . O . T . IL , who hath in the past protected our ancient
and time-honoured fraternity , and tbe sincere prayer that He will continue to watch over the Craft and this new Lodge as a means of doing good in this neighbourhood by brotherly intercourse and affection , with hearty good wishes to all present , I offer my congratulations for the progress and prosperity of the Beaumont Lod ge , No . 2035 , on the roll of the Grand Lodge of England .
Oa the conclusion of the address the anthem " Hail , Masonry sublime , " was sung . The brethren , whose regalia was draped , then formed in procession from the Beaumont Lodge , No . 2035 , to St . John ' s Parish Church , An organ voluntary was played by Bro . J . Marshall as tho brethren passed up tho nave to their seats . Tho service was conducted by the *
Kev . W . T . M . Sylvester , M . A ., Rector of Castlefovd ; the lessons being read by the Rev . Canon Bullock , M . A ., of Holy Trinity , Leeds ; and an appropriate sermon was preached by Bro . the Rev . P . F . j ' Pearce , P . P . G . C , who took for his text 1 St . Peter , ii . 17— " Fear Gtod , " and Job i . 9— "Doth Job fear God for nought ? " Tho rev . gentleman said—In the limited time during which I have any right to attempt to hold your attention , it is quite out of my power to give
with accuracy and clearness even a superficial statement of the character ancl objects , and of the various and valuable principles which constitute tho truth and glory of Freemasonry . It may also be well that I should at once say that to a general assembly like this it is outside my wish and intention to make any distinct references to the secret practices of the Order . I am not placed here in any way to gratif y tho inquisitiveness of those who from more curiosity are desirous to get some insight into what we , as Freemasons , regard as
great and invaluable secrets ? This pulpit is too responsible a position to the preacher and the glorious old Church ancl the Holy worship , in which we have all seemed so heartily to join , are too sacred and solemnjsing to allow of any utterance other than those which have as their distinct motive and object the glory of God and the best welfare of men . And yet with such proper restrictions I am instified in
"" efly answering , and I shall be expected to answer , some of the very tt-auy natural questions which havo already risen to the lips of those who know that to-day a Masonic Lodge has been consecrated in this ancient village , ancl have seen our imposing procession to tho kirk , and joined with us hero in our solemn worship of tho Great Architect and Ruler of the Universe . I hear such ask , W . hat is Freemasonry f
» uo originated ifc , and when ? What does it teach ? Afc what docs tl ! 'S Who Inay bo aml ar 0 Freemasons ? And I briefly answer that Freemasonry is a beautiful system of morality , veiled in allegory , anu illustrated by symbols ; that it had its origin in a far distant age , anlTi | te ! featnres bein e traced back to the earliest clays , and known a followed by the enlightened and religions in every generation - "a teaching is that of the Holy Scriptures , and whilo it eschews all
it & iv , ' * ^ a " P ° **^ * ' controversies in the convocations of s adherents , ifc yet teaches the highest theology , and insists on those V inciples of justice , equity , mercy , and truth , without which humane J wise government would be impossible . It aims at making its folmp Vers Patriots , and to live iu amity with all men , furthering by all virfc t l 1 ' S ° 0 cl ancI ^ usfc li S-- - Ifc inculcates strongly the value aud both " ^ . aternitv 5 demands the possession and exhibition of religion m its god ward and manwaul aspects ; and iusists upon loyalty
Consecration Of The Beaumont Lodge, No. 2035.
ns well as love , submission to the powers that be as well as tlio exercise of charity towards all men . It says with groat meaning and emphasis— " Honour all men ; love tho brotherhood ; fear G- > d ; honour the King . " And it receives into its ranks only those who aro proclaimed to be , and known to bo just and upright freemen , of mature age , sound judgment , and strict morals ; asserting that no
man , whether initiated into the mysteries of the Craft or not , can rightly boar tho titlo of a Freo and Accepted Master Mason who docs not in tho best sonso of tho words exhibit the character of a man wl > o fears God . If this bo considered a very high estimate , I can only say it is that which I havo gathered from the unwritten lectures and the ceremonies of onr splendid ritual , and if it bo
objected that snmo initiates bolio it and give an entirely opposite impression of the teaching and influence of Freemasonry , I am justified in saying that snch men aro not Freemasons at all , never having received or entered into tho true obligations and spirit of its principles and vows . That a terrible responsibility rest npon all such every Freemason knows , nnd by snch reprobated conduct thoy do tho
brotherhood as much harm as the mere professors of Christianity , who deny thoir professions by their lives , do to tho church of God . Now , to somo extent from tho evil lives of such unworthy members of the Order , and to somo extent also from tho ill-conceived and unjust criticisms which have been unsparingly launched against tho Fraternity by its ignorant and prejudice opponents , it has como about
that many persons regard Freemasons' Lodges simply as places for excessive and expensive eating and drinking , and Freemasons themselves as existing for no other or higher end than personal enjoyment . This is utterly untrue of tho brethren as a whole , and if true in any particularinstances , it is because our purposes and principles havo been set afc defiance . Brotherly love , relief aud truth , faith , hope , charity ,
purity , peace , and godliness , these are our watchwords , theso our aims , these onr ambitious . And they mnst be so until the Order dies , and may she die when these cease to be so ! You will see , therefore , that a true Freemason must bo both a godly and unselfish man , unselfish in tho sense in whioh every Christian man is called upon to be so . For a Freemason is a man who " fears God "—that is to say ,
lives a religious life by serving God and man , and while lovo to God is its spring and motive , and His glory its supreme object , yot ho looks for personal advantage . He fears God . He serves God . Ho looks for reward . The criticism of the outside world , like Salan ' s sneer against Job , has much truth in it ; we do not fear God and serve Him for nought . He does nofc expect us to do so . But the criticism ,
like the sneer of our great enemy , has a lurking lie in it , for what it means to say is that we simply and only serve God for what we can get . The rev . gentleman enlarged upon these thoughts , and showed thafc it was Freemasonry and religion , which ho considered to be ono and the same thing nnder different names , secured to its faithful disciples , and he closed his sermon thus : "Let me urge you , my
brethren , to aim more than ever to vindicate your right to yonr name and privileges . Study more closely the principles of the Order , more nearly copy its eminent examples , foster its spirit , develop its intentions . Honour all men . Love the brotherhood . Fear God . Hononr the King . " A collection was made , at the end of the service , in aid of tho Day Schools , which realised £ 1115 s 3 d .
After the service the brethren again formed procession , but in reverse order , the senior Lodges leading back to tho Beanmonb Lodge . On reaching the Lodge room , Bro . W . Schofield was installed as W . M ., and tho Wardens and ofcher Officers invested . The Deputy Provincial Grand Master thon closed the Provincial Lodge , Bro . Miu-shall P . P . G . O ., playing on tbe harmonium appropriate music . A large number of gentlemen were proposed for initiation .
A banquet afterwards took place in the Girls School-room , where upwards of 100 brethren sat down ; and tho usual toasts were given and duly responded to . The School-room had been profusely decorated by Messrs . Senior and Yardley , of John William-street , Huddersfield , and the tables r , nd windows were filled with choice flowering plants , kindly lent by Chas . Hey , Esq ., and others . The
collation , which was a c > Id one , was provided in an excellent style by Mr . David Thornton , of the Royal Hotel . The first meeting for tho formation of the Beaumont Lodge was held on the Sth December 1883 , and the following is a list of the founders : — Bros . John Bnrnicott M . M . 275 , Reuben Senior M . M , 14 G 2 , Benjamin Oxley J . W . 1783 , William Schofield W . M . P . P . G . Par . 290 , George Sykes P ' . M . 290 , Charles Hargreaves M . M . 401 , George
G . Poppleton S . D . 1783 , William Fitton P . M . 1783 , Henry Shaw P . M . 521 , Rev . Percy F . J . Pearce P . M . and P . P . G . Chap . 273 , W . H . Cook M . M . 290 , W . T . Sugg P . M . 149 , Edward Smith J . W . 1462 , Ben Stocks M . M . 290 , Homy Burden J . D , 1462 , J . W . Wordsworth P . M . 1462 , William H . Jessop P . M . 521 , Allen Jackson P . P . G . D . 521 , J . W . Cocking M . M . 275 , J . R . Brook M . M . 290 , Alexander L . Mitchell M . M . 1783 , Hurry Field W . M . 1462 , L . B . Brierly W . M . 290 , and Henry Calverley M . M . 1514 . —Huddersfield Weekly News .
Tlie following Festivnl Meetings have been held at Freemasons' Tavern during the week , ending 17 th May : — Monday , 12 th—Leigh Lodgo , St . George's and Corner Stone Lodge , University College Volunteers ; Wednesday , 14 th—University of Loudon Lodge , Lodge of Fidelity ; Thursday , 15 th—United Pilgrims Chapter ; Friday , 16 th—University Lodge .
Afc the New Cross Lodge of Instruction , Chester Arms , Albany street , N . W ., ou Tuesday evening , tho 27 th May , at seven o ' clock p . m precisely , by fifteen brethren of the Doric Lodge of Instruction Bro . B . " Cundick PM . 1421 wilf preside ; Bros . W . Musto P . M
1349 S . W ., W . U . Myers P . M . 820 J . W ., J . T . K . Job I . P . M . First Lecture : Bros . Smith , Valentine , Hirst , Richardson , W . J . Musto , Friedeberg , Stewart . Second Lecture : Bros . Smith , Moss , Dale , Myers , Stephens . Third Lecture : Bros . Musto , Job , West . Broi Eruest Smith Hon . Secretary .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Consecration Of The Beaumont Lodge, No. 2035.
the snn and the dew are bright and fresh npon it ; yon cannot accumulate it , but you can dispense it . It is to do good the bread and staff of a Lodge . And another treasure there is—tho treasure of association . It is a treasure for the living . It is to enjoy tho full and intense vitality of a pure life ; to seek the fullest cultivation of tho powers of mind and body ; to be roused to self-sacrifice and devotion ,
and to think it a duty to aim high , to walk in the footsteps of tho patriarchs and prophets of om . to revere the wisdom of Solomon , to comprehend his character , and to imitate his lofty virtues . Truly believed and sincerely acted on , our traditions and associations would justify the value wo set upon our Lodges . But wero it otherwise that tho four earthly treasures of "knowledge , " of "tradition , " of " opportunity , "
and of " association , " were to bo forgotten and neglected , and Lodges to substitute carelessness , idleness , banquet extravagance , ignorance of ceremonies , and disobedience to the authority of tho chair , then it would be better to return the warrant to the supreme authority , and let yonr Lodge , as greater institntions have done before it , go into grey and honourable oblivion . But , Brethren , I believe your work will bo
wrought with diligence , and rendered with cheerfulness , your faces bright with the oil of gladness , yet bold with the wine of cheerfulness , and that , " breast to breast , knee to knee , foot to foot , " and lot tho grasp of your hands be firm and generous . You will seek " purity of action ; " "truth , "that yonr speech may be simple and clear ; "love , " that your friendship may sound , and that tho brotherhood and the
Craft may be to you no shadow , but a Masonic reality . But that those things may be , place your right hand on the volume of the sacred law , and with tbe compass in the other , fix your eye and heart on its sacred teachings , for there is no treasure like its own treasure , and its mysteries veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols , unravelled and loved , and liked ancl practisedb Brethren , yon havo in your
ancient Church the symbol of the mystery of salvation—an ancient cross . The middle stone lay in the vicarage garden for twenty years before the other two pieces came to light . The middle piece was embedded in the rubble when the east chancel wall was taken down in 1850 and rebuilt . All the pieces belong to rne cross , and the sub . jeefc is "The Crucifixion . " These old walls must have been built
before 1300 . This cross was perhaps set up with prayer in the ninth century , and adorned an older and moro primitive structure . It is a gritty freestone abounding in the neighbourhood of the Farnley or Greenside rock , and easily carved . The figure on the cross has been a body erect , living—the head upright , the arms extended at right angles . It represents the " Son of Righteousness " nailed to the tree .
We shall see this ancient symbol of tho Christian faith shortly . It symbolises the revelation of tho genuine secrets of a Master Mason . To look np to it , to believe in it and the story ifc nnfolds , the story of the Cross is not only true Christianity , but true Masonry . But the lapse of time warns me to cease , and with the expression of fervent gratitude to the G . A . O . T . IL , who hath in the past protected our ancient
and time-honoured fraternity , and tbe sincere prayer that He will continue to watch over the Craft and this new Lodge as a means of doing good in this neighbourhood by brotherly intercourse and affection , with hearty good wishes to all present , I offer my congratulations for the progress and prosperity of the Beaumont Lod ge , No . 2035 , on the roll of the Grand Lodge of England .
Oa the conclusion of the address the anthem " Hail , Masonry sublime , " was sung . The brethren , whose regalia was draped , then formed in procession from the Beaumont Lodge , No . 2035 , to St . John ' s Parish Church , An organ voluntary was played by Bro . J . Marshall as tho brethren passed up tho nave to their seats . Tho service was conducted by the *
Kev . W . T . M . Sylvester , M . A ., Rector of Castlefovd ; the lessons being read by the Rev . Canon Bullock , M . A ., of Holy Trinity , Leeds ; and an appropriate sermon was preached by Bro . the Rev . P . F . j ' Pearce , P . P . G . C , who took for his text 1 St . Peter , ii . 17— " Fear Gtod , " and Job i . 9— "Doth Job fear God for nought ? " Tho rev . gentleman said—In the limited time during which I have any right to attempt to hold your attention , it is quite out of my power to give
with accuracy and clearness even a superficial statement of the character ancl objects , and of the various and valuable principles which constitute tho truth and glory of Freemasonry . It may also be well that I should at once say that to a general assembly like this it is outside my wish and intention to make any distinct references to the secret practices of the Order . I am not placed here in any way to gratif y tho inquisitiveness of those who from more curiosity are desirous to get some insight into what we , as Freemasons , regard as
great and invaluable secrets ? This pulpit is too responsible a position to the preacher and the glorious old Church ancl the Holy worship , in which we have all seemed so heartily to join , are too sacred and solemnjsing to allow of any utterance other than those which have as their distinct motive and object the glory of God and the best welfare of men . And yet with such proper restrictions I am instified in
"" efly answering , and I shall be expected to answer , some of the very tt-auy natural questions which havo already risen to the lips of those who know that to-day a Masonic Lodge has been consecrated in this ancient village , ancl have seen our imposing procession to tho kirk , and joined with us hero in our solemn worship of tho Great Architect and Ruler of the Universe . I hear such ask , W . hat is Freemasonry f
» uo originated ifc , and when ? What does it teach ? Afc what docs tl ! 'S Who Inay bo aml ar 0 Freemasons ? And I briefly answer that Freemasonry is a beautiful system of morality , veiled in allegory , anu illustrated by symbols ; that it had its origin in a far distant age , anlTi | te ! featnres bein e traced back to the earliest clays , and known a followed by the enlightened and religions in every generation - "a teaching is that of the Holy Scriptures , and whilo it eschews all
it & iv , ' * ^ a " P ° **^ * ' controversies in the convocations of s adherents , ifc yet teaches the highest theology , and insists on those V inciples of justice , equity , mercy , and truth , without which humane J wise government would be impossible . It aims at making its folmp Vers Patriots , and to live iu amity with all men , furthering by all virfc t l 1 ' S ° 0 cl ancI ^ usfc li S-- - Ifc inculcates strongly the value aud both " ^ . aternitv 5 demands the possession and exhibition of religion m its god ward and manwaul aspects ; and iusists upon loyalty
Consecration Of The Beaumont Lodge, No. 2035.
ns well as love , submission to the powers that be as well as tlio exercise of charity towards all men . It says with groat meaning and emphasis— " Honour all men ; love tho brotherhood ; fear G- > d ; honour the King . " And it receives into its ranks only those who aro proclaimed to be , and known to bo just and upright freemen , of mature age , sound judgment , and strict morals ; asserting that no
man , whether initiated into the mysteries of the Craft or not , can rightly boar tho titlo of a Freo and Accepted Master Mason who docs not in tho best sonso of tho words exhibit the character of a man wl > o fears God . If this bo considered a very high estimate , I can only say it is that which I havo gathered from the unwritten lectures and the ceremonies of onr splendid ritual , and if it bo
objected that snmo initiates bolio it and give an entirely opposite impression of the teaching and influence of Freemasonry , I am justified in saying that snch men aro not Freemasons at all , never having received or entered into tho true obligations and spirit of its principles and vows . That a terrible responsibility rest npon all such every Freemason knows , nnd by snch reprobated conduct thoy do tho
brotherhood as much harm as the mere professors of Christianity , who deny thoir professions by their lives , do to tho church of God . Now , to somo extent from tho evil lives of such unworthy members of the Order , and to somo extent also from tho ill-conceived and unjust criticisms which have been unsparingly launched against tho Fraternity by its ignorant and prejudice opponents , it has como about
that many persons regard Freemasons' Lodges simply as places for excessive and expensive eating and drinking , and Freemasons themselves as existing for no other or higher end than personal enjoyment . This is utterly untrue of tho brethren as a whole , and if true in any particularinstances , it is because our purposes and principles havo been set afc defiance . Brotherly love , relief aud truth , faith , hope , charity ,
purity , peace , and godliness , these are our watchwords , theso our aims , these onr ambitious . And they mnst be so until the Order dies , and may she die when these cease to be so ! You will see , therefore , that a true Freemason must bo both a godly and unselfish man , unselfish in tho sense in whioh every Christian man is called upon to be so . For a Freemason is a man who " fears God "—that is to say ,
lives a religious life by serving God and man , and while lovo to God is its spring and motive , and His glory its supreme object , yot ho looks for personal advantage . He fears God . He serves God . Ho looks for reward . The criticism of the outside world , like Salan ' s sneer against Job , has much truth in it ; we do not fear God and serve Him for nought . He does nofc expect us to do so . But the criticism ,
like the sneer of our great enemy , has a lurking lie in it , for what it means to say is that we simply and only serve God for what we can get . The rev . gentleman enlarged upon these thoughts , and showed thafc it was Freemasonry and religion , which ho considered to be ono and the same thing nnder different names , secured to its faithful disciples , and he closed his sermon thus : "Let me urge you , my
brethren , to aim more than ever to vindicate your right to yonr name and privileges . Study more closely the principles of the Order , more nearly copy its eminent examples , foster its spirit , develop its intentions . Honour all men . Love the brotherhood . Fear God . Hononr the King . " A collection was made , at the end of the service , in aid of tho Day Schools , which realised £ 1115 s 3 d .
After the service the brethren again formed procession , but in reverse order , the senior Lodges leading back to tho Beanmonb Lodge . On reaching the Lodge room , Bro . W . Schofield was installed as W . M ., and tho Wardens and ofcher Officers invested . The Deputy Provincial Grand Master thon closed the Provincial Lodge , Bro . Miu-shall P . P . G . O ., playing on tbe harmonium appropriate music . A large number of gentlemen were proposed for initiation .
A banquet afterwards took place in the Girls School-room , where upwards of 100 brethren sat down ; and tho usual toasts were given and duly responded to . The School-room had been profusely decorated by Messrs . Senior and Yardley , of John William-street , Huddersfield , and the tables r , nd windows were filled with choice flowering plants , kindly lent by Chas . Hey , Esq ., and others . The
collation , which was a c > Id one , was provided in an excellent style by Mr . David Thornton , of the Royal Hotel . The first meeting for tho formation of the Beaumont Lodge was held on the Sth December 1883 , and the following is a list of the founders : — Bros . John Bnrnicott M . M . 275 , Reuben Senior M . M , 14 G 2 , Benjamin Oxley J . W . 1783 , William Schofield W . M . P . P . G . Par . 290 , George Sykes P ' . M . 290 , Charles Hargreaves M . M . 401 , George
G . Poppleton S . D . 1783 , William Fitton P . M . 1783 , Henry Shaw P . M . 521 , Rev . Percy F . J . Pearce P . M . and P . P . G . Chap . 273 , W . H . Cook M . M . 290 , W . T . Sugg P . M . 149 , Edward Smith J . W . 1462 , Ben Stocks M . M . 290 , Homy Burden J . D , 1462 , J . W . Wordsworth P . M . 1462 , William H . Jessop P . M . 521 , Allen Jackson P . P . G . D . 521 , J . W . Cocking M . M . 275 , J . R . Brook M . M . 290 , Alexander L . Mitchell M . M . 1783 , Hurry Field W . M . 1462 , L . B . Brierly W . M . 290 , and Henry Calverley M . M . 1514 . —Huddersfield Weekly News .
Tlie following Festivnl Meetings have been held at Freemasons' Tavern during the week , ending 17 th May : — Monday , 12 th—Leigh Lodgo , St . George's and Corner Stone Lodge , University College Volunteers ; Wednesday , 14 th—University of Loudon Lodge , Lodge of Fidelity ; Thursday , 15 th—United Pilgrims Chapter ; Friday , 16 th—University Lodge .
Afc the New Cross Lodge of Instruction , Chester Arms , Albany street , N . W ., ou Tuesday evening , tho 27 th May , at seven o ' clock p . m precisely , by fifteen brethren of the Doric Lodge of Instruction Bro . B . " Cundick PM . 1421 wilf preside ; Bros . W . Musto P . M
1349 S . W ., W . U . Myers P . M . 820 J . W ., J . T . K . Job I . P . M . First Lecture : Bros . Smith , Valentine , Hirst , Richardson , W . J . Musto , Friedeberg , Stewart . Second Lecture : Bros . Smith , Moss , Dale , Myers , Stephens . Third Lecture : Bros . Musto , Job , West . Broi Eruest Smith Hon . Secretary .