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Article Untitled Page 1 of 1 Article CONSECRATION OF THE RAVENSCROFT LODGE, No. 2331. Page 1 of 2 Article CONSECRATION OF THE RAVENSCROFT LODGE, No. 2331. Page 1 of 2 →
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Ar00902
E ^^^^^^^^ SATURDAY , 21 ST DECEMBER 1889 .
Consecration Of The Ravenscroft Lodge, No. 2331.
CONSECRATION OF THE RAVENSCROFT LODGE , No . 2331 .
LITTLE HERTS" ia expanding ; that is to say , Masonically speaking . When its present R . W . Provincial Grand Master , Bro . T . F . Halsey , M . P ., took over tho reins of management , in the year 1873 , the number of Lodges was eight , or thereabouts ; the Lodge consecrated on Tuesday , which will make High Barnot its headquarter * ., brings up the muster roll to nineteen . At the present
time , when so much diversity of opinion exists as to whether or no it is desirable to multiply our Lodges , wo do not care to question the wisdom of granting a second warrant for so limited a sphere of operations as is embraced in this suburban locality . If we attempt to draw , comparison with similar districts , we candidly confess
we do not fear that any clashing of interests is likely to arise . There are—and we are inclined to think there ever will be—Lodges and Lodges ; and while the " class " interest prevails , and is imported BO largely into our assemblies , we need scarcely look with a jealous eye if strangers invade what we may hitherto have
looked upon as especially our own hunting grounds . However , let us quit the field of speculation , and proceed to our record . A strong band of founders applied for the warrant for the proposed new Lodge ; these comprised Bros . James Thorn , Henry Edwin Fraser , John Hudson , George Arnold , David Baker , T . W . BintolifFe ,
J . H . Gunn , H . Oronin , S . H . Wright , Mansell Powell , J . H . Catchpole , E . Rawlinson , W . Williams , J . Hume , 0 . Gammon , 0 . F . Roworth . In due course the prayer of the petitioners was granted , and on Tuesday , the 17 th instant , the brethren assembled at the Red Lion Hotel , HighBarnec , afc 3 * 30 p . m . The R . W . the Provincial Graud
Master , Bro . T . F . Halsey , M . P ., had undertaken the duties of Consecrating Officer , and he appointed as his Wardens Bro . T . S . Carter and Bro . M . Slaughter , two of the most popular of the Provincial Grand Officers . The Rev . H . F . Oliver acted as Prov . G . Chaplain , and the other Provincial Grand Officers who assisted were
Bros . G . E . Lake Deputy Provincial Grand Master , Charles Bullock Prov . G . Secretary , James Terry ( P . G . Sword Bearer ) Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies , and Harry Tipper who acted as Inner Guard . Amongst the brethren who signed the attendance book were : —Bros . A . Phillips Hills , W . M . 2054 R . Burgin
S . W . 2136 , M . G . Laughlin , 404 P . G . J . W ., J . H . Miller W . M . 228 , R . Middlehurst J . W . 1327 , J . Robins P . M . 1327 P . P . G . J . W ., Thomas Wigginton 40-4 P . P . G . S . W ., John Goodohild W . M . 2202 , S . R . Timson W . M . elect 504 , W . Lovell 504 , J . W . Duvall 404 , II . Trask 1327 , C . J . Grove I . P . M . 742 , W . Ball P . M . and Secretary 2278 , S . S . Scott I . P . M . 226 , A . F . Scholding J . W . 1512 , J . Simpson 957 , Dr . J . Powdrell W . M . 2271 , J . Tydeman P . M . 1327 P . P . G . P . Essex , G .
Holdsworth P . M . 1327 P . P . G . R ., J . Thomson 2319 , G . Cronin 9 , J . T . Davies 1348 , H . Massey P . M . 619 1923 , J . Hemming W . M . 1237 , F . W . Hcarn Organist 2206 , N . llnffen 2060 , 0 . J . Fox S . W . 1743 , W . W . Langley J . D . 2206 , A . A . Nottingham S . D . 2206 , 0 . Poston 134 , G . J . Holdsworth 1327 , E . Heathcote 1563 , J . Dix 209 , Henry
Lindfiold W . M . 211 , W . W . Morgan P . M . 211 , T . B . Smith 1743 , H . A . Wheelden 2206 , J . H . Dobbs 2206 , J . Mason 2206 , G . Ransford W . M . 1512 , F . Hill I . P . M . 1563 , & c . The Provincial Grand Master having assumed the chair , and opened the Lodge in the three degrees , the usual preliminaries were observed , and then the following oration was delivered by Bro . the Rev . H . F . Oliver : —
R . W . PROVINCIAL GRAND MASTER AND BRETHREN , —Allow me to ask your kind attention and indulgence while I endeavour shortly to allude to some of the purposes for which this Institution , ancient in its foundation , and venerable by many associations , is founded , and to mention some of the characteristics which should mark its
members . I presume thafc the universal cry of our present existenco is a desire for light and information about truth , infinity abovo aud beyond us ; and the greater the advance we make in material , philosophical , or religious knowledge , the greater the longing .
Masonry , while at the outset sho acknowledges that desire , strives , while wo follow her guidance , to foster its growth and to lead us over higher and upward , from material to natural , from natural to spiritual light , till she finally bids us look upward to that bright morning star whose rising brings peace and salvation to tho faithful
and obedient of the human race . Aud where is true light to bo found on earth but in fche volume of the Sacred Word which is given to lead us from this sublunary abode even to tho Throno of God Himself ? Masonry may well be considered ono of the greatest help :, in tho development of a religious life , while tho leaching she bids us
follow appeals to the bettor side of our humanity , and urges us to apply the implements of manual labour aud handicraft to fche perfection of our moral nature and tho building up of ourselves in the knowledge and fear of God .
For Masonry reminds us of fcho two groat fundamental truth ; , of religion . Faith in aud obedience to a Being infinitely higher and more perfect than ourselves , who deigns to draw im to Himself by processes of gradual development aud revelatiou .
Consecration Of The Ravenscroft Lodge, No. 2331.
But there ia a danger which besets us as we advance in Freemasonry , just as it besets all advances in any direction nearer tho truth , and that is the danger of familiarity , whioh , wo aro told , breeds o mtempt . Let us guard ever against allowing familiarity with Masonic ritual and instruction to lead us to ev ' -rlook the genuine
u-i oepts and tenets of the Craft ; if wo aro to persevere in prosecuting tho objects of our institntion we shall not rest content with outwardly conforming to its ritual in Lodge , but will ever strive , while following its guidance , to learn and practise the lessons ifc has for us—Brotherly Love , Relief , and Truth .
, Thus we may feel thafc the purposes whioh underly fche foundation of this Institntion are calculated to advance each individual to a state of greater peifection , by making him feel a sincere sympathy with others , and leading him to see in them the means of practising virtues which he professes to admire .
And with theso thoughts before us permit me briefly to mention what ought to be some of the characteristics of its members—whioh they should display to the outer world . I . Veneration for what in our best selves we confess to be infinitely above and beyond onr present state of existence , and a genuine
respect for spiritual revelation , whioh , in these days of free thought and ( as we are pleased to think ) great mental attainments , is a virtue wo need to cultivate . II . Perseverance to use the light offered to us to overcome our present difficulties and to follow , tho steps of those of whom it is
written in thafc most mystical Volume of Spiritual Revelation—¦ " Theso havo passed through much tribulation . " If we set before ourselves , as we ought , a high standard to attain to , let ua not be discouraged if we need many attempts , and even failures , to reach it . Persevere , and we shall succeed .
III . Obedience , ^ virtue the keeping of whioh is needful to fche hap . piness of the community , and the practice of whioh by the individual , ho may not like it , yet is decidedly a help in deepening tho genuine character of the individual by teaching him the need of self thought , control and self sacrifice , whioh are helpful for any real strength of moral worth and excellence .
And finally , Brethren , as the consecration of a new Lodge marks the starting of a fresh centre of Masonio life , let it remind us who take part in it thafc in this state of existence wo aro all of us serving our apprenticeship . The Grand Architect of the Universe placea
us iu the varied positions of life , where we are all to work for Him . If we are working honestly we may leave the result with Him , in a firm and confident hope that when this life here is ended we may ascend to fche ( Jrand Lodge above , whore the World's Great Architect reigns supreme for ever .
The ceremony of consecration was then completed , and by fche direction of fche Provincial Grand Master his Deputy Bro . G . E . Lake installed Bro . James Thorn I . P . M . 2206 as Worshipful Master . Bro .
George Arnold P . M . P . P . G . Supt . of Works Norths and Hunts waa appointed to act as I . P . M ., Bros . H . E . Fraser WM . 2206 was invested as S . W ., J . Hudson J . W ., D . Baker Treasurer , G . Arnold I . P . M . Secretary , T . W . BintolifFe S . D ., J . H . Gunn J . D ., H . Cronin
D . C , S . H . Wright I . G ., M . Powell A . D . C , J . H . Catohpole Steward , E . Rawlinson Assistant Steward , and R . H . Goddard Tyler . After the delivery of the addresses the W . M . proposed a vote of thanka and the honorary membership of the Lodge to Bro . Halsey , accompanying the compliment with the presentation of a Founder ' s jewel . Bro . Fraser S . W . seconded the motion , which , being
carried unanimously , was replied to by Col . Halsey , who said that in the honour that had been done him the W . M . had alludod to great services which he ( Col . Halsey ) had performed in consecrating the Lodge , but ho was afraid he must disclaim some of the work , as his Deputy performed fche installation ceremony , and
dnring the negotiations and arrangements for the Lodge took a most important portion of the work , in his ( Col . Halsey ' s ) absence on a tour in America . Afc the fame time it had given him the greatest pleasure to como and consecrate the Lodge , and to seo so large a number of founders and such a good prospect of success .
He hoped the new Lodgo would uphold the character of Masonry in tho Province . With regard to the honorary membership of the Lodgo , he accepted ifc with the greatest pride , aud hoped to como frequently among tho brethren and witness the long course of usefulness and prosperity it would have . The founder's jewel ha also
accepted with pleasure , and should wear it in the spirit ; in whioh it was given , as a memento of the occasion when a good flourishing Lodge commenced its career . A vote of thanks , with the honorary membership of the Lodgo , was also passed to the Deputy Provincial Grand Master and the Provincial Grand Secretary , on the motion of tho
W . M , seconded by the J . W . Bro . G . E . Lake and Bro . Bullock both acknowledged tho compliment . The Provincial Grand Chaplain and Bro . Terry Provincial Grand D . C also received votes of thanks , aud returned their thanks . Tho names of several candidates for initiation were proposed and secondo ' , and tho L . dge was closed
with tho usual formalities . A banquet , which cannot be too highly praiyed , was subsequently parfciken of , aud fche customary toasts followed . Bro . James Terry , as Past Grand Sword Bearer , was called upon to reply for tho toast which includes the Grand Officers , and ho said that in the presence of his Provincial Grand Master ho
felt a great amount of diffidence in doing so , because Colonel Halsey , as a Provincial Grand Master , took precedence of the Grand Wardens of England . But it was said that modesty did sometimes como to tho front , aud in that respect an opportunity waa now .. ffordod modesty lo speak . He thanked fche brethren for
drinkjug this most comprehensive toast , which embraced the names of noblemen and gentlemen iu high position all over tho country , who were honoured with tho confidence of Her Majesty , and of Hor Majesty ' s subjects ; men who were dovofcort iu their loyalty fco their
chiefs . As ono who was devoted in hia loyalfcy to his chiof , ho ! hanked tho brethren . Ho trusted in tho absence of other ( j . a : i'l Officers , the remarks ho had made might bo ac 3 epfcab ! o . Though thcro waa t ; uch a titter round the room when he spoko of modesty , ho uaaurod tho brethren there way uo moro modest man than
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Ar00902
E ^^^^^^^^ SATURDAY , 21 ST DECEMBER 1889 .
Consecration Of The Ravenscroft Lodge, No. 2331.
CONSECRATION OF THE RAVENSCROFT LODGE , No . 2331 .
LITTLE HERTS" ia expanding ; that is to say , Masonically speaking . When its present R . W . Provincial Grand Master , Bro . T . F . Halsey , M . P ., took over tho reins of management , in the year 1873 , the number of Lodges was eight , or thereabouts ; the Lodge consecrated on Tuesday , which will make High Barnot its headquarter * ., brings up the muster roll to nineteen . At the present
time , when so much diversity of opinion exists as to whether or no it is desirable to multiply our Lodges , wo do not care to question the wisdom of granting a second warrant for so limited a sphere of operations as is embraced in this suburban locality . If we attempt to draw , comparison with similar districts , we candidly confess
we do not fear that any clashing of interests is likely to arise . There are—and we are inclined to think there ever will be—Lodges and Lodges ; and while the " class " interest prevails , and is imported BO largely into our assemblies , we need scarcely look with a jealous eye if strangers invade what we may hitherto have
looked upon as especially our own hunting grounds . However , let us quit the field of speculation , and proceed to our record . A strong band of founders applied for the warrant for the proposed new Lodge ; these comprised Bros . James Thorn , Henry Edwin Fraser , John Hudson , George Arnold , David Baker , T . W . BintolifFe ,
J . H . Gunn , H . Oronin , S . H . Wright , Mansell Powell , J . H . Catchpole , E . Rawlinson , W . Williams , J . Hume , 0 . Gammon , 0 . F . Roworth . In due course the prayer of the petitioners was granted , and on Tuesday , the 17 th instant , the brethren assembled at the Red Lion Hotel , HighBarnec , afc 3 * 30 p . m . The R . W . the Provincial Graud
Master , Bro . T . F . Halsey , M . P ., had undertaken the duties of Consecrating Officer , and he appointed as his Wardens Bro . T . S . Carter and Bro . M . Slaughter , two of the most popular of the Provincial Grand Officers . The Rev . H . F . Oliver acted as Prov . G . Chaplain , and the other Provincial Grand Officers who assisted were
Bros . G . E . Lake Deputy Provincial Grand Master , Charles Bullock Prov . G . Secretary , James Terry ( P . G . Sword Bearer ) Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies , and Harry Tipper who acted as Inner Guard . Amongst the brethren who signed the attendance book were : —Bros . A . Phillips Hills , W . M . 2054 R . Burgin
S . W . 2136 , M . G . Laughlin , 404 P . G . J . W ., J . H . Miller W . M . 228 , R . Middlehurst J . W . 1327 , J . Robins P . M . 1327 P . P . G . J . W ., Thomas Wigginton 40-4 P . P . G . S . W ., John Goodohild W . M . 2202 , S . R . Timson W . M . elect 504 , W . Lovell 504 , J . W . Duvall 404 , II . Trask 1327 , C . J . Grove I . P . M . 742 , W . Ball P . M . and Secretary 2278 , S . S . Scott I . P . M . 226 , A . F . Scholding J . W . 1512 , J . Simpson 957 , Dr . J . Powdrell W . M . 2271 , J . Tydeman P . M . 1327 P . P . G . P . Essex , G .
Holdsworth P . M . 1327 P . P . G . R ., J . Thomson 2319 , G . Cronin 9 , J . T . Davies 1348 , H . Massey P . M . 619 1923 , J . Hemming W . M . 1237 , F . W . Hcarn Organist 2206 , N . llnffen 2060 , 0 . J . Fox S . W . 1743 , W . W . Langley J . D . 2206 , A . A . Nottingham S . D . 2206 , 0 . Poston 134 , G . J . Holdsworth 1327 , E . Heathcote 1563 , J . Dix 209 , Henry
Lindfiold W . M . 211 , W . W . Morgan P . M . 211 , T . B . Smith 1743 , H . A . Wheelden 2206 , J . H . Dobbs 2206 , J . Mason 2206 , G . Ransford W . M . 1512 , F . Hill I . P . M . 1563 , & c . The Provincial Grand Master having assumed the chair , and opened the Lodge in the three degrees , the usual preliminaries were observed , and then the following oration was delivered by Bro . the Rev . H . F . Oliver : —
R . W . PROVINCIAL GRAND MASTER AND BRETHREN , —Allow me to ask your kind attention and indulgence while I endeavour shortly to allude to some of the purposes for which this Institution , ancient in its foundation , and venerable by many associations , is founded , and to mention some of the characteristics which should mark its
members . I presume thafc the universal cry of our present existenco is a desire for light and information about truth , infinity abovo aud beyond us ; and the greater the advance we make in material , philosophical , or religious knowledge , the greater the longing .
Masonry , while at the outset sho acknowledges that desire , strives , while wo follow her guidance , to foster its growth and to lead us over higher and upward , from material to natural , from natural to spiritual light , till she finally bids us look upward to that bright morning star whose rising brings peace and salvation to tho faithful
and obedient of the human race . Aud where is true light to bo found on earth but in fche volume of the Sacred Word which is given to lead us from this sublunary abode even to tho Throno of God Himself ? Masonry may well be considered ono of the greatest help :, in tho development of a religious life , while tho leaching she bids us
follow appeals to the bettor side of our humanity , and urges us to apply the implements of manual labour aud handicraft to fche perfection of our moral nature and tho building up of ourselves in the knowledge and fear of God .
For Masonry reminds us of fcho two groat fundamental truth ; , of religion . Faith in aud obedience to a Being infinitely higher and more perfect than ourselves , who deigns to draw im to Himself by processes of gradual development aud revelatiou .
Consecration Of The Ravenscroft Lodge, No. 2331.
But there ia a danger which besets us as we advance in Freemasonry , just as it besets all advances in any direction nearer tho truth , and that is the danger of familiarity , whioh , wo aro told , breeds o mtempt . Let us guard ever against allowing familiarity with Masonic ritual and instruction to lead us to ev ' -rlook the genuine
u-i oepts and tenets of the Craft ; if wo aro to persevere in prosecuting tho objects of our institntion we shall not rest content with outwardly conforming to its ritual in Lodge , but will ever strive , while following its guidance , to learn and practise the lessons ifc has for us—Brotherly Love , Relief , and Truth .
, Thus we may feel thafc the purposes whioh underly fche foundation of this Institntion are calculated to advance each individual to a state of greater peifection , by making him feel a sincere sympathy with others , and leading him to see in them the means of practising virtues which he professes to admire .
And with theso thoughts before us permit me briefly to mention what ought to be some of the characteristics of its members—whioh they should display to the outer world . I . Veneration for what in our best selves we confess to be infinitely above and beyond onr present state of existence , and a genuine
respect for spiritual revelation , whioh , in these days of free thought and ( as we are pleased to think ) great mental attainments , is a virtue wo need to cultivate . II . Perseverance to use the light offered to us to overcome our present difficulties and to follow , tho steps of those of whom it is
written in thafc most mystical Volume of Spiritual Revelation—¦ " Theso havo passed through much tribulation . " If we set before ourselves , as we ought , a high standard to attain to , let ua not be discouraged if we need many attempts , and even failures , to reach it . Persevere , and we shall succeed .
III . Obedience , ^ virtue the keeping of whioh is needful to fche hap . piness of the community , and the practice of whioh by the individual , ho may not like it , yet is decidedly a help in deepening tho genuine character of the individual by teaching him the need of self thought , control and self sacrifice , whioh are helpful for any real strength of moral worth and excellence .
And finally , Brethren , as the consecration of a new Lodge marks the starting of a fresh centre of Masonio life , let it remind us who take part in it thafc in this state of existence wo aro all of us serving our apprenticeship . The Grand Architect of the Universe placea
us iu the varied positions of life , where we are all to work for Him . If we are working honestly we may leave the result with Him , in a firm and confident hope that when this life here is ended we may ascend to fche ( Jrand Lodge above , whore the World's Great Architect reigns supreme for ever .
The ceremony of consecration was then completed , and by fche direction of fche Provincial Grand Master his Deputy Bro . G . E . Lake installed Bro . James Thorn I . P . M . 2206 as Worshipful Master . Bro .
George Arnold P . M . P . P . G . Supt . of Works Norths and Hunts waa appointed to act as I . P . M ., Bros . H . E . Fraser WM . 2206 was invested as S . W ., J . Hudson J . W ., D . Baker Treasurer , G . Arnold I . P . M . Secretary , T . W . BintolifFe S . D ., J . H . Gunn J . D ., H . Cronin
D . C , S . H . Wright I . G ., M . Powell A . D . C , J . H . Catohpole Steward , E . Rawlinson Assistant Steward , and R . H . Goddard Tyler . After the delivery of the addresses the W . M . proposed a vote of thanka and the honorary membership of the Lodge to Bro . Halsey , accompanying the compliment with the presentation of a Founder ' s jewel . Bro . Fraser S . W . seconded the motion , which , being
carried unanimously , was replied to by Col . Halsey , who said that in the honour that had been done him the W . M . had alludod to great services which he ( Col . Halsey ) had performed in consecrating the Lodge , but ho was afraid he must disclaim some of the work , as his Deputy performed fche installation ceremony , and
dnring the negotiations and arrangements for the Lodge took a most important portion of the work , in his ( Col . Halsey ' s ) absence on a tour in America . Afc the fame time it had given him the greatest pleasure to como and consecrate the Lodge , and to seo so large a number of founders and such a good prospect of success .
He hoped the new Lodgo would uphold the character of Masonry in tho Province . With regard to the honorary membership of the Lodgo , he accepted ifc with the greatest pride , aud hoped to como frequently among tho brethren and witness the long course of usefulness and prosperity it would have . The founder's jewel ha also
accepted with pleasure , and should wear it in the spirit ; in whioh it was given , as a memento of the occasion when a good flourishing Lodge commenced its career . A vote of thanks , with the honorary membership of the Lodgo , was also passed to the Deputy Provincial Grand Master and the Provincial Grand Secretary , on the motion of tho
W . M , seconded by the J . W . Bro . G . E . Lake and Bro . Bullock both acknowledged tho compliment . The Provincial Grand Chaplain and Bro . Terry Provincial Grand D . C also received votes of thanks , aud returned their thanks . Tho names of several candidates for initiation were proposed and secondo ' , and tho L . dge was closed
with tho usual formalities . A banquet , which cannot be too highly praiyed , was subsequently parfciken of , aud fche customary toasts followed . Bro . James Terry , as Past Grand Sword Bearer , was called upon to reply for tho toast which includes the Grand Officers , and ho said that in the presence of his Provincial Grand Master ho
felt a great amount of diffidence in doing so , because Colonel Halsey , as a Provincial Grand Master , took precedence of the Grand Wardens of England . But it was said that modesty did sometimes como to tho front , aud in that respect an opportunity waa now .. ffordod modesty lo speak . He thanked fche brethren for
drinkjug this most comprehensive toast , which embraced the names of noblemen and gentlemen iu high position all over tho country , who were honoured with tho confidence of Her Majesty , and of Hor Majesty ' s subjects ; men who were dovofcort iu their loyalty fco their
chiefs . As ono who was devoted in hia loyalfcy to his chiof , ho ! hanked tho brethren . Ho trusted in tho absence of other ( j . a : i'l Officers , the remarks ho had made might bo ac 3 epfcab ! o . Though thcro waa t ; uch a titter round the room when he spoko of modesty , ho uaaurod tho brethren there way uo moro modest man than