Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Ar00600
CONSECRATION OF THE UNITED NORTHERN COUNTIES LODGE , No . 2123 .
OUR readers will no doubt remember that during tbe past summer efforts were made to secure the establishment of a Lodge in London for the benefit of those who , by family ties or in other ways , are associated with the Northern Counties of England . This desire was brought to a successful issue on Monday , when a Lod gp , under
the title of the United Northern Counties , and numbered 2128 on the Register of the Grand Lodge of England , was formally consecrated by Bro . Col . Shadwell H . Clerke Grand Seoretary , at the Masonio Hall , 8 A Red Lion Square . The founders are to be congratulated on the success which haB thus far attended their efforts , and on the
brilliant prospect which presents itself for the future . They have secured a warrant for their Lodge at a time when there is a very strong feeling against the extension of the number of Lodges in the metropolis , and they have received the heartiest of good wishes from brethren from all parts of the district from which they derive their
name . Moreover , they have secured a good working set of Officers , who may be said to possess all the qualifications that a Lodge could desire in its earliest days . Bro . Clerke was assisted in his work of consecration by Bros . T . Fenn P . G . D ., President of the Board of General Purposes , as S . W ., Edward Letchworth P . G . D . as J . W ., Rev .
J . Studholme Brownrigg P . G . C . as Chaplain , while the genial and ever courteous Frank Richardson again fulfilled the duties of Director of Ceremonies . Bro . Edgar Bowyer P . G . Standard Bearer officiated as Inner Guard . On the opening of tho Lodge the consecrating Officer made the customary address to the brethren on the motive of
the meeting , pointing out that application for the present addition to the roll of Metropolitan Lodges was one peculiarly fitted for the special consideration of the Grand Master , inasmuch as the Lodge was promoted , not so much for the convenience of Londoners , as for that of many earnest and distinguished brethren who had received the light
of Masonry in Lodges in the Northern Counties of England , and who , on account of business or other considerations , had made their home in the metropolis , who would thus have an opportunity of joining a Lodge which should act as a kind of rendezvous for them , enabling brethren who had worked together informer days in the North to meet
again at a borne in London . In due course the Chaplain was called npon , and ho delivered an Oration on tho nature and principles of the Institution . The rapid increase of the Order rendered necessary such LodgeB as tbe one they were then consecrating . They welcomed it as evidence of the identity of feeling in all matters of importance
existing between the Great City and the Provinces , and as proving that the most distant Provinces desired to strengthen the bonds of affection which bound them to tho headquarters of the Order . Our reverend brother emphasized the expression , " in all matters of importance , " because he felt it well to remember that iu the Craft , as in
all other human institutions , there must be differences of opinion . Each Lodge differed from its neighbour , and so the harmony of the Craft was not hindered because tho voices of the Lodges wero not identical . Freemasonry gained , rather than lost , by freedom of opinion and debate , so long as that freedom was kept within due
bouuds . It was the stagnant water of the pool which was unwholesome , not the fresh trickle of the mountain stream , and so he rejoiced as , year by year , the country Lodges made themselves more and more heard in Grand Lodge . London Masons desired to learn what the country brethren thought , and what they felt on all
matters , and recognised that the wants and interests of country Lodges were worthy of equal consideration with those of town ones . It was , however very easy to impart bitterness into niattors upon which one felt strongly , the line sepirating legitimate discussion from angry recrimination being a very narrow one .
and easily overstepped . There was nothing so hard as defending one ' s own opinion without attacking that of others , the temptation to strengthen arguments by unfair and ungenerous imputatio : s being nn ever present and dangerous evil , and one which at times even fonnd its way into Masonio Lodges . Let the brethren take a lesson
from the operative Masons of old , who fashioned their work surrounded with the din and turmoil of a busy workshop , not on their own , but on the architect ' s plans . When each Mason had done his work it was brought to be put silently in the place for which the Architect had designed it . So let them labour at the present time .
There trust , as of old , be some din and clamour in the work , but that would not mar its excellence if all worked iu accordance with the plans of the Heavenly Arohitect , who had given to each an especial task , to bo performed with energy and humility . In duo course tho W . M . Designate ( Bro . J . S . Cumberland ) was installed in the chair of
the Lodgo , and he invested tho following brethren as the Officers : — T . W . Tew Provincial Grand Master West Yorkshire actin" - Past Mastrr , W . F . Smithson P . M . 1001 S . W ., William Masters P . M . 428 J . W ., Fitzherbert Wright Treasurer , J . L . Cooke Secretary , W . 11 . Bullock S . D ., H . J . Almond J . D ., J . L . Potts I . G ., S . Lamb P . M .
D . C , Atkinson and J . Clayton Stewards , and Edward Mills Tyler . The addresses to the Officers and brethren were then delivered in the usual way , after which Bro . Cumberland proposed a vote of thanks to the consecrating Officers for their assistance during tho day , and moved that they bo elected honorary members of the Lod ^ e ' .
fheso propositions , seconded by Bro . Tew , were carried unanimousl y , and acknowledged by the Grand Secretary . Tho Worshipful Master announced that the Officers , of the Lodgo had presented their respective collars and jewels ; the Earl of Zetland a set of working tools ; Bro . Woodall a banner for the Lodge ; Bro . Tow the columns
for tin- princi pal Officers and a box to hold the Ledge furniture . A Committee was appointed to frame the bye law * . Several letters of apology for non-attendance were received , among them being comlnunichtioiia from the Grand Registrar of England , the Lord " Mayor of York
, the Dean of York , Bro . W . J . Hughan , & c . A telegram from the Eborocutu Lodge , at York , was also received , conuatulatinf the Lodge on its conseoration . As an earnest of the charitable pro " cliyitiesof the members , a intu of ten guineas waa voted tj the li .. yal
Ar00601
Masonic Benevolent Institution , and a wish expressed that ome brother would offer himself as a Steward for the next Festival ou behalf of the new Lodge . Tbe vote was acknowledged by Brother James Terry ( Secretary R . M . B . I . ) who availed himself of the opportunity , and offered the members a black-letter bible , whioh
he stated was 250 years old , and whioh had come into his hands bat a week since . This bible had been in the possession of the Deringer Royal Arch Chapter , Newcastle-upon-Tyne , whioh became extinct in the year 1814 . Bro . Terry thought no better home in London could be found for this curious volume than in a Lodge composed of
brethren from the Northern counties . A vote of thanks to Brother Terry was passed for his interesting gift . Shortly afterwards Lodge was closed , and the brethren adjourned to the Holborn Restaurant , where banquet was served in the excellent manner for whioh this popular establishment has made itself famous . At the conclusion of
the banquet the toasts were submitted . The Master , in proposing the Queen , referred to the womanly sympathies eviuoed by Her Majesty towards all classes of the community , and made special allusion to her message of sympathy to the widow of the late King of Spain . In speaking to the second toast , the health of the M . W .
Grand Master , Bro . Cumberland said 600 Lodges had been consecrated since His Royal Highness had been installed ; this showed the immense amount of life there was in the Craft , as he hoped there waa in the Lodges , because , as was said by the late Lord Zetland , Freemasonry did not consist so much in tbe number as in the quality of
the brethren who entered it . If they took the 600 Lodges as a basis for calculating the number of new members of the Order since the Prince was installed , he thought they might reckon at least 20 , 000 brethren had been added . At any rate , the prosperity of the Craft was most marked under His Royal Highness's auspices . The next
toast was the Pro Grand Master , the Deputy Grand Master , and the rest of the Grand Officers . The brethren knew a great part of the work of Grand Lodge devolved upon the Grand Officers , he thought thero was due to them a debt of gratitude for giving so much time to the interests of Masonry . That the Pro G . M . and the D . G . M . took
suoh a deep interest in it was a singularly fortunate circamstance ; it augured well for its stability , and put to shame those who railed against the Order , and fulminated anathemas upon it . While clergy men of the Chnroh of England , as well as of other denominations , were members , it gave the Order some standing ; it proved the only
object they had , as far as Masonry was concerned , and tbe teachings it gave , was that they should be faithful to God , their couutry , and its laws . The Rev . J . Studholme Brownrigg replied . Under ordinary circumstances he believed tho proper thing for him to say wap , that ho regretted it had not fallon to others to respond ; however , he
was not going to say anything of the kind , because , although it might seem to be somewhat egotistical , it was not on account of his eloquence , bnt on account of the position he occupied , that there was no one else to whom it could have better fallen ; he was distinctly a London Mason and a Provincial Mason . As a London Mason he waa
glad to soe a new country Lodge in Loudon . He was not saying anything in irony , because it would bring up , especially considering the day on which the brethren would meet , a largo number of Provincial Masons . He was sure London brethren would welcome thorn most heartily to their legislative assembly . As a Provincial brother he
could say that " Northern" was only a relative term . He hailed from the Northern counties , because he happened to be a member of the Province of Berks and Bucks , which was distinctly north of London . He was united iu Berks aud Bucks by a very distinct tie , and was a United Northern country brother , because he voted for
Bro . Woodall , as Grand Troasnrer , who was proposed by Bro . McDowell , a Berks and Bucks Mason , who was present that night The brethren of the United Northern Counties carried their man , and they wore , from the position they then took , distinctly United Northern counties brethren . Col . Clerke proposed the health of the
W . M . of the United Northern Counties Lodge ( Bro . J . S . Cumberland ) , and prosperity to the new Lodge . It was a great honour and com . pliment to be selected as first W . M . of a now Lodge . The position of the Lodge was exceptional ; he was sure all London Masons heartily welcomed this friendly invasion from the North , and hoped that the
brethren would settle among them . Tho Lodge had a great future before it . It might draw into its fold at the proper time all those good brethren who came from the North on busines « , and took up their abode in London . The members of the Lodge must only be careful to bide their time , and not fill their ranks with anybody
who wished to join . If they would be content to wait , they might become one of the greatest Lodges in London . The W . M . was a brother who had been many years a Mason , and had gone through the chair of a distinguished Lodge in the North , and the members of the new Lodge had exercised prudence and wisdom in selecting him .
In acknowledging the toast , Bro . Cumberland , said the brethren were not anxious to build their Lodge except with proper material . Tho chain of Masonry should be strengthened , and it mu 3 t always be borne in mind the strongest part of a chain was the capacity of its weakest link . They wonld try that every link added to their Masonic
brotherhood should not be weak . He was certain he should have the support of the brethren , as well as of the Officers . It had been a source of pleasure to him to see so many old Wends present . Oa the other hand , he was very pleased to find so many brethren there who until that night had been strangers to him . All were heartily
welcome ; their presence was a great gratification to the brethren formingthe Lodge . Bro . Tew Prov . G . M . for West Yorkshire , in proposing the Sister Lodges , Metropolitan and Provincial , said that although the Lodges were so many , they were but one in sentiment , aud in ambition to do their best . It gave the Northern counties men
great satisfaction to find a home in the Metropolis , and he could not but think that this Lodge would meet a want long felt outside the metropolitan area . To Northern couuties men , like himself , it was
very gratifying to note the kind and friendly sympathy they had met with iu the establishment of their Lodge . The members would do their be 3 t to maintain its integrity , and he believed that iu time to come it would be an oruameut to Loudon . They would probably meet
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Ar00600
CONSECRATION OF THE UNITED NORTHERN COUNTIES LODGE , No . 2123 .
OUR readers will no doubt remember that during tbe past summer efforts were made to secure the establishment of a Lodge in London for the benefit of those who , by family ties or in other ways , are associated with the Northern Counties of England . This desire was brought to a successful issue on Monday , when a Lod gp , under
the title of the United Northern Counties , and numbered 2128 on the Register of the Grand Lodge of England , was formally consecrated by Bro . Col . Shadwell H . Clerke Grand Seoretary , at the Masonio Hall , 8 A Red Lion Square . The founders are to be congratulated on the success which haB thus far attended their efforts , and on the
brilliant prospect which presents itself for the future . They have secured a warrant for their Lodge at a time when there is a very strong feeling against the extension of the number of Lodges in the metropolis , and they have received the heartiest of good wishes from brethren from all parts of the district from which they derive their
name . Moreover , they have secured a good working set of Officers , who may be said to possess all the qualifications that a Lodge could desire in its earliest days . Bro . Clerke was assisted in his work of consecration by Bros . T . Fenn P . G . D ., President of the Board of General Purposes , as S . W ., Edward Letchworth P . G . D . as J . W ., Rev .
J . Studholme Brownrigg P . G . C . as Chaplain , while the genial and ever courteous Frank Richardson again fulfilled the duties of Director of Ceremonies . Bro . Edgar Bowyer P . G . Standard Bearer officiated as Inner Guard . On the opening of tho Lodge the consecrating Officer made the customary address to the brethren on the motive of
the meeting , pointing out that application for the present addition to the roll of Metropolitan Lodges was one peculiarly fitted for the special consideration of the Grand Master , inasmuch as the Lodge was promoted , not so much for the convenience of Londoners , as for that of many earnest and distinguished brethren who had received the light
of Masonry in Lodges in the Northern Counties of England , and who , on account of business or other considerations , had made their home in the metropolis , who would thus have an opportunity of joining a Lodge which should act as a kind of rendezvous for them , enabling brethren who had worked together informer days in the North to meet
again at a borne in London . In due course the Chaplain was called npon , and ho delivered an Oration on tho nature and principles of the Institution . The rapid increase of the Order rendered necessary such LodgeB as tbe one they were then consecrating . They welcomed it as evidence of the identity of feeling in all matters of importance
existing between the Great City and the Provinces , and as proving that the most distant Provinces desired to strengthen the bonds of affection which bound them to tho headquarters of the Order . Our reverend brother emphasized the expression , " in all matters of importance , " because he felt it well to remember that iu the Craft , as in
all other human institutions , there must be differences of opinion . Each Lodge differed from its neighbour , and so the harmony of the Craft was not hindered because tho voices of the Lodges wero not identical . Freemasonry gained , rather than lost , by freedom of opinion and debate , so long as that freedom was kept within due
bouuds . It was the stagnant water of the pool which was unwholesome , not the fresh trickle of the mountain stream , and so he rejoiced as , year by year , the country Lodges made themselves more and more heard in Grand Lodge . London Masons desired to learn what the country brethren thought , and what they felt on all
matters , and recognised that the wants and interests of country Lodges were worthy of equal consideration with those of town ones . It was , however very easy to impart bitterness into niattors upon which one felt strongly , the line sepirating legitimate discussion from angry recrimination being a very narrow one .
and easily overstepped . There was nothing so hard as defending one ' s own opinion without attacking that of others , the temptation to strengthen arguments by unfair and ungenerous imputatio : s being nn ever present and dangerous evil , and one which at times even fonnd its way into Masonio Lodges . Let the brethren take a lesson
from the operative Masons of old , who fashioned their work surrounded with the din and turmoil of a busy workshop , not on their own , but on the architect ' s plans . When each Mason had done his work it was brought to be put silently in the place for which the Architect had designed it . So let them labour at the present time .
There trust , as of old , be some din and clamour in the work , but that would not mar its excellence if all worked iu accordance with the plans of the Heavenly Arohitect , who had given to each an especial task , to bo performed with energy and humility . In duo course tho W . M . Designate ( Bro . J . S . Cumberland ) was installed in the chair of
the Lodgo , and he invested tho following brethren as the Officers : — T . W . Tew Provincial Grand Master West Yorkshire actin" - Past Mastrr , W . F . Smithson P . M . 1001 S . W ., William Masters P . M . 428 J . W ., Fitzherbert Wright Treasurer , J . L . Cooke Secretary , W . 11 . Bullock S . D ., H . J . Almond J . D ., J . L . Potts I . G ., S . Lamb P . M .
D . C , Atkinson and J . Clayton Stewards , and Edward Mills Tyler . The addresses to the Officers and brethren were then delivered in the usual way , after which Bro . Cumberland proposed a vote of thanks to the consecrating Officers for their assistance during tho day , and moved that they bo elected honorary members of the Lod ^ e ' .
fheso propositions , seconded by Bro . Tew , were carried unanimousl y , and acknowledged by the Grand Secretary . Tho Worshipful Master announced that the Officers , of the Lodgo had presented their respective collars and jewels ; the Earl of Zetland a set of working tools ; Bro . Woodall a banner for the Lodge ; Bro . Tow the columns
for tin- princi pal Officers and a box to hold the Ledge furniture . A Committee was appointed to frame the bye law * . Several letters of apology for non-attendance were received , among them being comlnunichtioiia from the Grand Registrar of England , the Lord " Mayor of York
, the Dean of York , Bro . W . J . Hughan , & c . A telegram from the Eborocutu Lodge , at York , was also received , conuatulatinf the Lodge on its conseoration . As an earnest of the charitable pro " cliyitiesof the members , a intu of ten guineas waa voted tj the li .. yal
Ar00601
Masonic Benevolent Institution , and a wish expressed that ome brother would offer himself as a Steward for the next Festival ou behalf of the new Lodge . Tbe vote was acknowledged by Brother James Terry ( Secretary R . M . B . I . ) who availed himself of the opportunity , and offered the members a black-letter bible , whioh
he stated was 250 years old , and whioh had come into his hands bat a week since . This bible had been in the possession of the Deringer Royal Arch Chapter , Newcastle-upon-Tyne , whioh became extinct in the year 1814 . Bro . Terry thought no better home in London could be found for this curious volume than in a Lodge composed of
brethren from the Northern counties . A vote of thanks to Brother Terry was passed for his interesting gift . Shortly afterwards Lodge was closed , and the brethren adjourned to the Holborn Restaurant , where banquet was served in the excellent manner for whioh this popular establishment has made itself famous . At the conclusion of
the banquet the toasts were submitted . The Master , in proposing the Queen , referred to the womanly sympathies eviuoed by Her Majesty towards all classes of the community , and made special allusion to her message of sympathy to the widow of the late King of Spain . In speaking to the second toast , the health of the M . W .
Grand Master , Bro . Cumberland said 600 Lodges had been consecrated since His Royal Highness had been installed ; this showed the immense amount of life there was in the Craft , as he hoped there waa in the Lodges , because , as was said by the late Lord Zetland , Freemasonry did not consist so much in tbe number as in the quality of
the brethren who entered it . If they took the 600 Lodges as a basis for calculating the number of new members of the Order since the Prince was installed , he thought they might reckon at least 20 , 000 brethren had been added . At any rate , the prosperity of the Craft was most marked under His Royal Highness's auspices . The next
toast was the Pro Grand Master , the Deputy Grand Master , and the rest of the Grand Officers . The brethren knew a great part of the work of Grand Lodge devolved upon the Grand Officers , he thought thero was due to them a debt of gratitude for giving so much time to the interests of Masonry . That the Pro G . M . and the D . G . M . took
suoh a deep interest in it was a singularly fortunate circamstance ; it augured well for its stability , and put to shame those who railed against the Order , and fulminated anathemas upon it . While clergy men of the Chnroh of England , as well as of other denominations , were members , it gave the Order some standing ; it proved the only
object they had , as far as Masonry was concerned , and tbe teachings it gave , was that they should be faithful to God , their couutry , and its laws . The Rev . J . Studholme Brownrigg replied . Under ordinary circumstances he believed tho proper thing for him to say wap , that ho regretted it had not fallon to others to respond ; however , he
was not going to say anything of the kind , because , although it might seem to be somewhat egotistical , it was not on account of his eloquence , bnt on account of the position he occupied , that there was no one else to whom it could have better fallen ; he was distinctly a London Mason and a Provincial Mason . As a London Mason he waa
glad to soe a new country Lodge in Loudon . He was not saying anything in irony , because it would bring up , especially considering the day on which the brethren would meet , a largo number of Provincial Masons . He was sure London brethren would welcome thorn most heartily to their legislative assembly . As a Provincial brother he
could say that " Northern" was only a relative term . He hailed from the Northern counties , because he happened to be a member of the Province of Berks and Bucks , which was distinctly north of London . He was united iu Berks aud Bucks by a very distinct tie , and was a United Northern country brother , because he voted for
Bro . Woodall , as Grand Troasnrer , who was proposed by Bro . McDowell , a Berks and Bucks Mason , who was present that night The brethren of the United Northern Counties carried their man , and they wore , from the position they then took , distinctly United Northern counties brethren . Col . Clerke proposed the health of the
W . M . of the United Northern Counties Lodge ( Bro . J . S . Cumberland ) , and prosperity to the new Lodge . It was a great honour and com . pliment to be selected as first W . M . of a now Lodge . The position of the Lodge was exceptional ; he was sure all London Masons heartily welcomed this friendly invasion from the North , and hoped that the
brethren would settle among them . Tho Lodge had a great future before it . It might draw into its fold at the proper time all those good brethren who came from the North on busines « , and took up their abode in London . The members of the Lodge must only be careful to bide their time , and not fill their ranks with anybody
who wished to join . If they would be content to wait , they might become one of the greatest Lodges in London . The W . M . was a brother who had been many years a Mason , and had gone through the chair of a distinguished Lodge in the North , and the members of the new Lodge had exercised prudence and wisdom in selecting him .
In acknowledging the toast , Bro . Cumberland , said the brethren were not anxious to build their Lodge except with proper material . Tho chain of Masonry should be strengthened , and it mu 3 t always be borne in mind the strongest part of a chain was the capacity of its weakest link . They wonld try that every link added to their Masonic
brotherhood should not be weak . He was certain he should have the support of the brethren , as well as of the Officers . It had been a source of pleasure to him to see so many old Wends present . Oa the other hand , he was very pleased to find so many brethren there who until that night had been strangers to him . All were heartily
welcome ; their presence was a great gratification to the brethren formingthe Lodge . Bro . Tew Prov . G . M . for West Yorkshire , in proposing the Sister Lodges , Metropolitan and Provincial , said that although the Lodges were so many , they were but one in sentiment , aud in ambition to do their best . It gave the Northern counties men
great satisfaction to find a home in the Metropolis , and he could not but think that this Lodge would meet a want long felt outside the metropolitan area . To Northern couuties men , like himself , it was
very gratifying to note the kind and friendly sympathy they had met with iu the establishment of their Lodge . The members would do their be 3 t to maintain its integrity , and he believed that iu time to come it would be an oruameut to Loudon . They would probably meet