Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Restoration Of The Parish Church Of Kidderminster.
RESTORATION OF THE PARISH CHURCH OF KIDDERMINSTER .
IT may well be said tbo active members of onr Order have many parts to play . Last week it was our pleasant duty to chronicle the laying of the Foundation Stone of a new Church at Bagshot , wherein members of the Craft took an active share in ihe labours of the day ; this week we refer to an equally pleasant gathering , but the scene on this occasion lies further away , and we must ask onv
readers to accompany ns , in thought at least , to the Province of Worcestershire . It appears that for a long period the tower of the Parish Church of Kidderminster has been in a dangerous state , and the bell-ringers have from time to time called attention to this . No definite steps , however , were taken until at a vestry meeting , on 2 nd March 1882 , at which the Vicar presided , ifc was resolved to try and
raise £ 1000 for repairing the tower and re-hanging the bells . On the same day the present Mayor—G . W . Grosvenor Esq . —was , at a meeting of Freemasons , elected Worshipful Master of the Lechmere Lodge , No . 1874 . The connection between these events will be more apparent when it is stated that the worthy Mayor has since been the originator of a movement whioh has led to the Freemasons of
the district presenting the church . with a valuable set of chimes . The question having arisen as to whether the pinnacles , whioh are of a modern and very debased style of architecture , should be refixed or a proper restoration made , Mr . Hopkins , diocesan architect , was consulted on this point , and he advised that until a complete restoration of the tower be undertaken , ib would be better to
re-instate the present pinnacles , and this advice has been followed . In addition to the above works , new floors under the bells and for the clock chamber have been inserted , and the stone steps to the turret staircase thoroughly repaired , all of which works have been carried out in a most satisfactory manner . The old peal of eight bells has been re-hung in a strong oak frame , with entirely new
fixings , and three new bells have been added for the chimes . The clock has been repaired and refixed , with new copper dial , on sonth front , and the old wooden one on west front . A set of carrillon ohimes have been presented by the Freemasons of the town , whioh will play at every third hour , and are set upon the eleven bells , having a change of three barrels , two of which contain fourteen
secular tunes and the third seven sacred tunes . The old tmg-tang quarters have been replaced by the Westminster chimes , and there is also a barrel for chiming 182 changes and rounds on the eight old bells . The whole of this work has been satisfactorily carried out . The cost of repairs to the tower and re-hanging the bells and the work to the clock is about £ 960 , and that of the ohimes ( whioh
is borne by the Freemasons ) about £ 250 . Other improvements , ¦ nch as the drainage round the church ( which was in a deplorable condition ) , the gravelling of walks , and the erection of a screen to the south door to chancel have been carried out by the churchwardens at a further cost of about £ 50 . Our esteemed brother the Mayor determined to signalise the occasion by giving a banquet to the members of the Corporation and other public officials , and to the Freemasons , on Wednesday , the 11 th inst . Invitations were sent to 280 guests , and about 260 signified their acceptance of his wicn tnac Kina
Worship ' s hospitality . Whilst doing this the mayor , thoughtfulness which is a marked trait in his character , decided that other officials of perhaps not quite snch hig h social standing should also be provided for , and commissioned Mr . D . Lane to cater for them in the Corn Exchange , at the same time that the banquet proper was in progress in the adjoining hall .
A portion of the Corn Exchange was partitioned off and iurnisbea * as a drawing-room . The room was first covered with a red cloth , and npon this were laid handsome carpets . The walls had their unsightliness disguised by rich tapestry hangings , and chairs , couches , mirrors , & c , helped to furnish the apartment and g ive it a cheertul and bright appearance . The Mayor , wearing his robe and other insignia of office , stood here and received the members of the Corporation and other burgesses in the most frank and cordial manner . Whilst there was no stiffness in the affair , there was just that amount
of ceremony which all Englishmen like on State occasions . When the proper time arrived , a procession was arranged , and started from the Parish Church , and some flags and banners that were suspended from different places assisted in enlivening the scene . Admission to the church could only be obtained by ticket , and it is hardly necessary to say that the whole of the interior of the sacred building , with the
exception of that reserved for those who walked in the procession was filled long before the time announced for the service . On arriving at the gates leading to the churchyard , the procession was met by the Bishop of St . Albans , the Dean of Salisbury , and a large number of the local clergy , and the choristers , who preceded them into the Church . The interior of the building had been beautifully decorated
for the occasion , and presented a mosfc attractive appearance . The prayers were read by the Rev . C . Stockdale ; the first lesson by the Eev . Canon Melville , and the second by tbe Very Rev . the Dean of Salisbury . The singing of the Te Denm , the Anthem , & o ., by the choir was exquisite , and spoke volumes for the careful training they had received from their excellent choir-master , Mr . W . Taylor , Mns .
Bac . Oxon . The sermon was preached by the Lord Bishop of St . Albans , who took for his text the 10 th verse of the 18 th chapter of the Book of Proverbs , " The name of the Lord is a strong tower ; the righteous runneth into it and is safe . " He described in graphic language the ancient use of bells and church towers , and said they were very serviceable in ancient times in calling worshippers to the ohnrohes from a distance , and that even in these modern days ,
amongst the clang of machinery and the discordant noises that arose from our crowded busy cities they performed a similar office and bade men to remember thab there was something beyond this life . Settlers in distant lands like Australia and Africa were said frequently as they were going to worship to fancy they heard the bells of their parish church ring out the summons thafc they had listened to so many times before they left their homos , and the thought brought back to the scenes of their childhood , the
faces of their parents , brethren , and neighbours , or even of those who were no more , and would exercise upon them a peaceful and benign influence . His hearers had been accustomed to hear church bells and to seo church towers from their childhood , and consequently took little notice of them . Some two or three years ago he ( the preacher ) was going to consecrate a church , and as he passed through
the different villages , each with its church peeping out from amidst the surrounding houses , he had one by his side upon whom it made a deep impression . He % vas a Bishop from the wilds of North America , where one might go for miles and miles without seeing a House of God , and he spoke of this land as being blessed beyond measure , and said that the people under such happy influences must be living in
bonds of peace , love , and unity together . Many of those who were lying on their beds of sickness would hear the pleasant chimes ring , ing from the old church tower , and wonld call npon the Lord who was their helper . He assured those present that whatever they did for God ' s honse wonld not return unto them void . The prayers they offered up there would be heard , answered , and the gifts they
gave would find acceptance on God ' s altar . He asked them , as he had aften asked them in times past , and seldom or never in vain , not to let the burden of debt lie on the work they dedicated to God that day . Let them remember as they cast their gifts into the plates in whose name the gifts were asked ; that it was not to exalt or magnify themselves in any way ; not to minister to their own use or
to add to their pride or satisfaction , but simply to repair the breaches whioh time had made in the holy and beautifnl house which their forefatuers built for them . As those present were leaving the church , the National Anthem was played on the bells . Afc two o ' clock the guests assembled in the reception room for the banquet , and the ladies were formally presented to the Mayor . After a time they
marched into the Town Hall , which had been elegantly decorated with plants and evergreens , and which , with the array of tables ornamented with beautiful plants and covered with various coloured glasses , presented a decidedly inviting appearance . Whilst the guests were taking their seats , Mr . Taylor gave an organ solo . The Kidderminster Glee Union then sang " For these and all Thy Mercies . "
The viands were well cooked and served up in the best possible manner , and Mr . D . Lane is to be congratulated on the skill and ability with which he catered for so large a number . After the cloth had been removed , the Mayor said the first toast was one which was always drunk in an assembly of Englishmen . It was that of our Gracious Sovereign . The National Anthem was sung . The Mayor
next gave his Royal Highness the Prince and Princess of Wales and the rest of the Royal Family . They performed the dnties pertaining to their exalted station in a manner which entitled them to the esteem of all Englishmen . This was especially the case with his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales , who on that occasion he must speak of not only as the heir to the throne , bufc as the chief officer of
the Order of Freemasons in the United Kingdom . He had performed most admirably all the social duties involved by his station 5 and he performed the duties of Grand Master of the Freemasons in a way that endeared him to the members of the Craft . He begged to give them the health of the Prince and Princess of Wales and the rest of the Royal Family . Song— " God bless the Prince of Wales . " Mr . J .
Brinton , M . P ., proposed the Lord Bishop and Clergy of the Diocese , and the Rev . D . Robertson Rural Dean and Rector of Hartlebury , returned thanks . The Mayor said he wonld now proceed to the pleasing duty which devolved upon him . Bnt before doing so he wished to mention that he bad received letters of regret from several whom they should have been pleased to see there . The last name
he would mention was that of Sir Edmnnd Lechmere . He ( the Mayor ) hoped that he , as the head of the Masonic Order in Worcestershire , would have made it convenient to be present . He had however , received a letter from him on the previous day saying it wonld be impossible for him to do so . Sir Edmund had been pnt on a Private Bill Committee in the House of Commons , and there was no escape from his duties . He hoped the Mayor would express his
very great regret to the brethren of his Province that he could not assist in the last stage of this work , whioh he felt had reflected so much credit on the Province , and of which he cordially and sincerely approved . The Mayor then went on to say that the formal presentation of the chimes was an illuminated document , which he trusted the Chnroh authorities would kindly hang in their vestry as a memento of that occasion . He then read ib as follows : —
The Freemasons of Kidderminster , as their special contribution to the work of restoring and beautifying the Parish Church of St . Mary and All Saints , have caused the chiming apparatus to be erected in the tower at their sole charge and expense , and with the sinceresfc goodwill they hereby dedicate and give it to the perpetual service and pleasure of their fellow . townsmen , committing it to the care and keeping of the vicar and churchwardens , this eleventh day of April , one thousand eight hundred and eighty-three .
GEORGE W . GROSVENOR , Provincial Grand Warden , and Chairman of the Chimes Committee . The Mayor said in making the presentation he felt he ought to take the liberty of alluding to Freemasonry and the interest taken by Freemasons in ecclesiastical art and architecture . Freemasons did
not often come before the public in their corporate capacity , and the aims and principles of the Order were only bnt imperfectly understood and appreciated by the outside world . He knew the general opinion entertained of Freemasonry , especially by ladies , —he had no reason to think so himself , —they were looked upon as harmless lunatics , who took a delight in ribbons and gems , and in occasionally
meeting together in quiet conviviality . He hoped that when those who took that view thought for a moment of fche considerable work Freemasonry found in acts of charity , their opinion might be modified . Public buildings—Masonic Schools and Institutions—were supported entirely by the voluntary contributions of the members of the Craffc , having a total income of not less than between £ 10 , 000 and £ 50 , 000 per annum . Of that sura no less than £ 2 , 100 had been contributed by
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Restoration Of The Parish Church Of Kidderminster.
RESTORATION OF THE PARISH CHURCH OF KIDDERMINSTER .
IT may well be said tbo active members of onr Order have many parts to play . Last week it was our pleasant duty to chronicle the laying of the Foundation Stone of a new Church at Bagshot , wherein members of the Craft took an active share in ihe labours of the day ; this week we refer to an equally pleasant gathering , but the scene on this occasion lies further away , and we must ask onv
readers to accompany ns , in thought at least , to the Province of Worcestershire . It appears that for a long period the tower of the Parish Church of Kidderminster has been in a dangerous state , and the bell-ringers have from time to time called attention to this . No definite steps , however , were taken until at a vestry meeting , on 2 nd March 1882 , at which the Vicar presided , ifc was resolved to try and
raise £ 1000 for repairing the tower and re-hanging the bells . On the same day the present Mayor—G . W . Grosvenor Esq . —was , at a meeting of Freemasons , elected Worshipful Master of the Lechmere Lodge , No . 1874 . The connection between these events will be more apparent when it is stated that the worthy Mayor has since been the originator of a movement whioh has led to the Freemasons of
the district presenting the church . with a valuable set of chimes . The question having arisen as to whether the pinnacles , whioh are of a modern and very debased style of architecture , should be refixed or a proper restoration made , Mr . Hopkins , diocesan architect , was consulted on this point , and he advised that until a complete restoration of the tower be undertaken , ib would be better to
re-instate the present pinnacles , and this advice has been followed . In addition to the above works , new floors under the bells and for the clock chamber have been inserted , and the stone steps to the turret staircase thoroughly repaired , all of which works have been carried out in a most satisfactory manner . The old peal of eight bells has been re-hung in a strong oak frame , with entirely new
fixings , and three new bells have been added for the chimes . The clock has been repaired and refixed , with new copper dial , on sonth front , and the old wooden one on west front . A set of carrillon ohimes have been presented by the Freemasons of the town , whioh will play at every third hour , and are set upon the eleven bells , having a change of three barrels , two of which contain fourteen
secular tunes and the third seven sacred tunes . The old tmg-tang quarters have been replaced by the Westminster chimes , and there is also a barrel for chiming 182 changes and rounds on the eight old bells . The whole of this work has been satisfactorily carried out . The cost of repairs to the tower and re-hanging the bells and the work to the clock is about £ 960 , and that of the ohimes ( whioh
is borne by the Freemasons ) about £ 250 . Other improvements , ¦ nch as the drainage round the church ( which was in a deplorable condition ) , the gravelling of walks , and the erection of a screen to the south door to chancel have been carried out by the churchwardens at a further cost of about £ 50 . Our esteemed brother the Mayor determined to signalise the occasion by giving a banquet to the members of the Corporation and other public officials , and to the Freemasons , on Wednesday , the 11 th inst . Invitations were sent to 280 guests , and about 260 signified their acceptance of his wicn tnac Kina
Worship ' s hospitality . Whilst doing this the mayor , thoughtfulness which is a marked trait in his character , decided that other officials of perhaps not quite snch hig h social standing should also be provided for , and commissioned Mr . D . Lane to cater for them in the Corn Exchange , at the same time that the banquet proper was in progress in the adjoining hall .
A portion of the Corn Exchange was partitioned off and iurnisbea * as a drawing-room . The room was first covered with a red cloth , and npon this were laid handsome carpets . The walls had their unsightliness disguised by rich tapestry hangings , and chairs , couches , mirrors , & c , helped to furnish the apartment and g ive it a cheertul and bright appearance . The Mayor , wearing his robe and other insignia of office , stood here and received the members of the Corporation and other burgesses in the most frank and cordial manner . Whilst there was no stiffness in the affair , there was just that amount
of ceremony which all Englishmen like on State occasions . When the proper time arrived , a procession was arranged , and started from the Parish Church , and some flags and banners that were suspended from different places assisted in enlivening the scene . Admission to the church could only be obtained by ticket , and it is hardly necessary to say that the whole of the interior of the sacred building , with the
exception of that reserved for those who walked in the procession was filled long before the time announced for the service . On arriving at the gates leading to the churchyard , the procession was met by the Bishop of St . Albans , the Dean of Salisbury , and a large number of the local clergy , and the choristers , who preceded them into the Church . The interior of the building had been beautifully decorated
for the occasion , and presented a mosfc attractive appearance . The prayers were read by the Rev . C . Stockdale ; the first lesson by the Eev . Canon Melville , and the second by tbe Very Rev . the Dean of Salisbury . The singing of the Te Denm , the Anthem , & o ., by the choir was exquisite , and spoke volumes for the careful training they had received from their excellent choir-master , Mr . W . Taylor , Mns .
Bac . Oxon . The sermon was preached by the Lord Bishop of St . Albans , who took for his text the 10 th verse of the 18 th chapter of the Book of Proverbs , " The name of the Lord is a strong tower ; the righteous runneth into it and is safe . " He described in graphic language the ancient use of bells and church towers , and said they were very serviceable in ancient times in calling worshippers to the ohnrohes from a distance , and that even in these modern days ,
amongst the clang of machinery and the discordant noises that arose from our crowded busy cities they performed a similar office and bade men to remember thab there was something beyond this life . Settlers in distant lands like Australia and Africa were said frequently as they were going to worship to fancy they heard the bells of their parish church ring out the summons thafc they had listened to so many times before they left their homos , and the thought brought back to the scenes of their childhood , the
faces of their parents , brethren , and neighbours , or even of those who were no more , and would exercise upon them a peaceful and benign influence . His hearers had been accustomed to hear church bells and to seo church towers from their childhood , and consequently took little notice of them . Some two or three years ago he ( the preacher ) was going to consecrate a church , and as he passed through
the different villages , each with its church peeping out from amidst the surrounding houses , he had one by his side upon whom it made a deep impression . He % vas a Bishop from the wilds of North America , where one might go for miles and miles without seeing a House of God , and he spoke of this land as being blessed beyond measure , and said that the people under such happy influences must be living in
bonds of peace , love , and unity together . Many of those who were lying on their beds of sickness would hear the pleasant chimes ring , ing from the old church tower , and wonld call npon the Lord who was their helper . He assured those present that whatever they did for God ' s honse wonld not return unto them void . The prayers they offered up there would be heard , answered , and the gifts they
gave would find acceptance on God ' s altar . He asked them , as he had aften asked them in times past , and seldom or never in vain , not to let the burden of debt lie on the work they dedicated to God that day . Let them remember as they cast their gifts into the plates in whose name the gifts were asked ; that it was not to exalt or magnify themselves in any way ; not to minister to their own use or
to add to their pride or satisfaction , but simply to repair the breaches whioh time had made in the holy and beautifnl house which their forefatuers built for them . As those present were leaving the church , the National Anthem was played on the bells . Afc two o ' clock the guests assembled in the reception room for the banquet , and the ladies were formally presented to the Mayor . After a time they
marched into the Town Hall , which had been elegantly decorated with plants and evergreens , and which , with the array of tables ornamented with beautiful plants and covered with various coloured glasses , presented a decidedly inviting appearance . Whilst the guests were taking their seats , Mr . Taylor gave an organ solo . The Kidderminster Glee Union then sang " For these and all Thy Mercies . "
The viands were well cooked and served up in the best possible manner , and Mr . D . Lane is to be congratulated on the skill and ability with which he catered for so large a number . After the cloth had been removed , the Mayor said the first toast was one which was always drunk in an assembly of Englishmen . It was that of our Gracious Sovereign . The National Anthem was sung . The Mayor
next gave his Royal Highness the Prince and Princess of Wales and the rest of the Royal Family . They performed the dnties pertaining to their exalted station in a manner which entitled them to the esteem of all Englishmen . This was especially the case with his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales , who on that occasion he must speak of not only as the heir to the throne , bufc as the chief officer of
the Order of Freemasons in the United Kingdom . He had performed most admirably all the social duties involved by his station 5 and he performed the duties of Grand Master of the Freemasons in a way that endeared him to the members of the Craft . He begged to give them the health of the Prince and Princess of Wales and the rest of the Royal Family . Song— " God bless the Prince of Wales . " Mr . J .
Brinton , M . P ., proposed the Lord Bishop and Clergy of the Diocese , and the Rev . D . Robertson Rural Dean and Rector of Hartlebury , returned thanks . The Mayor said he wonld now proceed to the pleasing duty which devolved upon him . Bnt before doing so he wished to mention that he bad received letters of regret from several whom they should have been pleased to see there . The last name
he would mention was that of Sir Edmnnd Lechmere . He ( the Mayor ) hoped that he , as the head of the Masonic Order in Worcestershire , would have made it convenient to be present . He had however , received a letter from him on the previous day saying it wonld be impossible for him to do so . Sir Edmund had been pnt on a Private Bill Committee in the House of Commons , and there was no escape from his duties . He hoped the Mayor would express his
very great regret to the brethren of his Province that he could not assist in the last stage of this work , whioh he felt had reflected so much credit on the Province , and of which he cordially and sincerely approved . The Mayor then went on to say that the formal presentation of the chimes was an illuminated document , which he trusted the Chnroh authorities would kindly hang in their vestry as a memento of that occasion . He then read ib as follows : —
The Freemasons of Kidderminster , as their special contribution to the work of restoring and beautifying the Parish Church of St . Mary and All Saints , have caused the chiming apparatus to be erected in the tower at their sole charge and expense , and with the sinceresfc goodwill they hereby dedicate and give it to the perpetual service and pleasure of their fellow . townsmen , committing it to the care and keeping of the vicar and churchwardens , this eleventh day of April , one thousand eight hundred and eighty-three .
GEORGE W . GROSVENOR , Provincial Grand Warden , and Chairman of the Chimes Committee . The Mayor said in making the presentation he felt he ought to take the liberty of alluding to Freemasonry and the interest taken by Freemasons in ecclesiastical art and architecture . Freemasons did
not often come before the public in their corporate capacity , and the aims and principles of the Order were only bnt imperfectly understood and appreciated by the outside world . He knew the general opinion entertained of Freemasonry , especially by ladies , —he had no reason to think so himself , —they were looked upon as harmless lunatics , who took a delight in ribbons and gems , and in occasionally
meeting together in quiet conviviality . He hoped that when those who took that view thought for a moment of fche considerable work Freemasonry found in acts of charity , their opinion might be modified . Public buildings—Masonic Schools and Institutions—were supported entirely by the voluntary contributions of the members of the Craffc , having a total income of not less than between £ 10 , 000 and £ 50 , 000 per annum . Of that sura no less than £ 2 , 100 had been contributed by