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Article PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF STAFFORDSHIRE. Page 1 of 2 Article PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF STAFFORDSHIRE. Page 1 of 2 →
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Provincial Grand Lodge Of Staffordshire.
PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF STAFFORDSHIRE .
i'mm I he ST . UTOUUSIUUK AUYKU ' I ' ISKU . THE annual meeting of this Provincial Grand Lodge was held at the Shire Hall , ^ Stafford , on 17 th May . The Staffordshire Knot Lodge , 72 G , was opened in due form by Bro . T . Chalmers , tho W . M . Tho W . D . P . G . M ., Bro F . James , and the other Provincial Grand Officers , past and present , were then admitted , and thoD . P . G . M .
having taken the chair , was fraternally greeted . The following brethren signed the Tyler ' s book : —G . S . Tudor P . D . P . G . M ., S . J . Walker P . G . S . W ., Charles Hickson 460 P . G . J . W ., Chas . Lee 520 P . G . Chaplain , John Steen 526 P . G . Eegistrar , J . Bodenham 726 P . G .
Treasurer , T . Cooke jun . 1 , 060 P . G . S . D ., T . Bedsmore 1 , 039 P . O . O ., T . M . Humphries 539 P . G . Supt . of Works , Jos . Rowlands 482 P . G . P ., T . E . Fowke , T . H . Grylls , J . Motfcram , S . Scott , and H . B . Livingston 726 P . G . Stewards , W . H . Hales 418 P . P . G . S . W ., A . G . Prince 546
P . P . G . J . D ., J . Webberly 546 P . P . G . P ., T . Hall 253 P . G .. T . W . ( Derbyshire ) , G . Spilsbnry 726 P . P . G . S . W ., C . Newman 41 D P . P . S . G . W ., T . Taylor 418 P . P . S . G . W ., J . Jacobs 482 P . P . G . Eeg ., J . Watkin 419 P . P . G . D ., W . J . Whittaker 482 P . P . G . R ., F . Derry 482 P . P . G . W ., S . T . Tosser 347 P . P . G . C , C . Matthews 526 P . P . G . J . W ., J . Swinford 503 P . P . G . J . D ., G . Higham 526 P . P . G . Snpt . of Works , F . N . Seyde 419 P . P . G . A . D . C ., J . Rogers 418 P . P . G . J . D ., W . Randall 482 P . P . G . C ,
J . Newman 539 P . P . G . J . W .. W . J . Gothard 624 P . P . G . S . W ., J . P . Hall 546 P . P . G . A . D . C , B . Lowe 539 P . P . A . D . C , A .. Caddick 662 P . P . G . Snpt . of Works , J . L . Gibbons P . P . Snpt . of Works , F . Arkinstall P . M . 6 G 2 , W . E . Parkes WM . 482 , . 7 . Wain P . M . 418 , J . Storer P . M . 726 , S . Collis W . M . 1 , 587 , J . W . Thomas P . M . 637 , S . Briergs P . M . 624 , W . Vernon W . M . 456 , C Graham P . M . 624 , F . A . Huet P . M . 418 , B . G . Hall W . M . 539 , T . D . Miller P . M . 482 , C B . W .
Graham W . M . 696 , J . Bryan S . W . 696 , J . Rowley P . M . 539 , A . W . Whitehonse J . W . 696 , T . Parton W . M . 662 , A . E . Greenway P . M . 526 , G . S . Guy P . M . 696 , J . Thorburn W . M . 98 , T . Tnrner W . M . 460 , J . Ingammells P . M . 460 , C . Alerton W . M . 546 , J . G . Bakewell P . M . 546 , B . H . Brough P . M . 546 , E . H . Thome S . D . 526 , S . Clapp J . W . 662 , T . Stamford P . M . 347 , J . Montford P . M . 418 , W . T . Copcland W . M .
637 , H . Faram P . M . 637 , W . T . Beetenson Sec . 637 , D . Smith I . G . 637 , E . Price J . D . 526 , E . C . Berry P . M . 726 , Herbert C Owen 526 , F . Walton Seo . 526 , W . Savage P . M . 451 , Chas . Brady J . W . 98 , R . Hilditch S . D . 98 , the Rev . T . Lloyd 418 , — Emberton J . D . 98 , James Powell J . W . 347 , F . Payne Sec . 98 , G . Skirving I . G . 696 , J . H . Hawley 98 , Chas . Ronnd 347 , F . B . Higginson P . M . 419 , C E . Smith
P . M . 317 , W . L . Armstrong 539 , J . P . Ward P . M . 482 , W . Tartoo S . W . 419 and 662 , John Henry Lowe P . M . 526 , J . Charlesworth P . M . 98 , Geo . Baker 526 , Joseph Round P . M . 317 , W . F . Smailman I . G . 662 , W . Brown 347 , S . J . Hamson 419 , J . B . Morgan 526 . A . Hickman 317 , T . James 526 , J . Williams 539 , D . Taylor W . M . 1 , 520 , J . 11 . Row . bottom 539 , J . H . G . Wrighton Sec . 1 , 520 , T . J . Barnett S . W . 526
AV . Parker 539 , W . Fieldhouse J . D . 696 , J . Briscoo S . D . 539 , E . Oerton S . W . 539 , F . Greatrex 726 , J . Baker I . G . 726 , J . L . White 1 , 573 , J . W . Duffill , 101 , R . Tomlinson 726 , W . Jackson 637 , A . F . Whittome 726 , W . Ormson I . G . 1 , 520 , W . Cooper 516 . The Provincial Graud Lodge having been opened , shortly before one o ' clock , Bro . Cartwright P . G . S . read the minutes of the last
meeting held at Stafford in October 1876 , and of the Lodge of Emergency held at Newcastle in January 1877 , which were confirmed . The W . D . P . G . M . observed that about twelve months ago , as they were aware , a quarterly meeting of the P . G . Lodge was to have been held at Burton-on-Trenfc , but fche unfortunate death of the E . W . P . G . M . a fewdays before necessitated theabandonment of that meeting , the P . G .
Lodge , in point of fact ceasing to exist when their lamented P . G . M . died . It wonld be remembered that in the end of the month of May a meeting of tho brethren of the Province was held at Stafford , aud a resolution was passed that a letter should be addressed to the Countess of Shrewsbury expressing their condolence with her ladyship on her sad bereavement . That not having been a meeting as a Provin cial
Grand Lodge , no entry had been made on the minutes ; but he thought some record should be made of their expression of feeling on the subject , and he therefore proposed that tho letter forwarded last May to the Countess and the reply thereto be entered on the minutes of tho present proceedings . Freemasonry in Staffordshire had before now passed under clouds which had been dissipated , but as time passed
on the cloud in this instance seemed to get darker . The memory of their late P . G . M . would for a long timo be vividly before them , and they would long feel the severe loss which they had sustained—Bro . Tudor seconded the resolution , which was passed unanimously . Bro . Bodenham read the Auditors' report and the Treasurer ' s statement of accounts , showing thafc afc the end of 1877 the available funds
amounted to £ 129 lis 8 d . The subject of the purchase of the right to send a scholar to the Masonic School for Boys was introduced . It was stated that the sum required ( £ 525 ) had been raised within a few pounds , and the life of the Duke of Connaught had been insured as a means of rendering the right permanent . It was proposed by the W . D . P . G . M . that the Shrewsbury fund should be closed , and the
balnnce ( £ 31 3 s 9 d ) handed over to the general fund of the P . G . Lodge , and this was seconded by Bro . Bodenham . Bro . Jacobs suggested that ifc should be allowed to remain as the nucleus of a fund which would probably be raised for providing some permanent memorial of the late Earl of Shrewsbury . After a short conversation the further consideration of tho subject was deferred . The D . P . G . M . rose and expressed a hope thafc the motion he was about
to make would meet with the unanimous consent of the P . G . Lodge , inasmuch as tho appointment was ono which rested entirely with the brethren . He hoped that not only would it be accepted unanimously but that it might take the form of a vote of thauks to their esteemed P . G . Treasurer Bro . Bodenham . This was seconded by Bro . Tudor P . P . D . G . M ., and carried with applause . Bro . Bodenham briefly expressed his thanks , after which the P . G . Sec . was called upon to read
Provincial Grand Lodge Of Staffordshire.
tho warrant from the Acting P . G . M ., Bro . Mclntyro ( Grand Registrar of England ) appointing tho W . Bro . G . Singleton Tudor D . P . G . M . feline province . The seat of the D . P . G . M . was then occupied by Bro . Tudor , who expressed the hope that ho might meet with the hearty support accorded to him when ho was first appointed ten years ago . Tho following appointments were thou made : —S . G . W . Bro . O .
Graham Burton , J . G . W . Bro . Georgo 11 . Hawley 516 Longton , P . G . Chaplains Bros , tho Revs . W . Randall aud H . Von Stiaubenzeo 526 , Registrar Bro . G . S . Guy 696 Wednesbury , Treasurer Bro . J . Bodenham 726 Stafford , Secretary , Bro . W . Cartwright 460 Newcastle , S . D . Bro . T . Standford 317 Tipton , J . D . Bro . J . Ingammels 460 Newcastle , Sup . of Works Bro . W . Ncedham 966 Leek , D . C . Bro . A . Ellis 451
Burs ' uni , A . D . C . Bro . J . Smith , S . B . Bro . W . Vernon 1 . 5 S 7 Cheadle , Organist , Bro . Bedsmore 1 , 039 Lichfield , G . P . Bro . F . Huet 418 Hanley , Standard Bearer Bro . J . L . Gibbons 1 , 520 Cannock , Stewards Bros . Fowke , Wood , Scott , Livingstone , Mottram , and Grylls , all of 726 . The brethren adjourned from Grand Lodge to attend Divine service at St . Mary ' s Church , walking iu procession aud wearing the craft ;
clothing and tho insignia of the respective offices held by tho members . The sermon was full choral , the rector intoning the prayers , and the Rev . C . Lee , P . P . G . Chaplain , tho Rev . A . J . V . Stranbenzee and the Rev . W . Randall , P-G . Chaplains , taking part . Bro . the Rev . C Lee , vicar of St . Leonard ' s , Bilsron , preached a most able , learned , and eloquent sermon from Matthew xxiii . 8 , " For one is your Master ,
even Christ , and all ye aro brethren . " The preacher sketched in a masterly manner the early history of Freemasonry , and showed strong reasons for believing that its princip les wero derived from Egypt , by Pythagoras , and by him introduced into Italy when he retired to Cretona , and thence was conveyed by the Romans to this country . Ho eloquently recalled its loading principles , and enforced on the
brethren the duties which those principles involve , strengthening the appeal by a touching reference to the lato Provincial Grand Master tho Earl of Shrewsbury , whoso devotion to Masonry , and especially to its charitable institutions , he invited all the brethren to emulate . At tho close of the sermon £ 16 2 s 8 d was collected . When business was resumed in the P . G . Lodge , Bro . James
proposed a vote of thanks to the P . G . Chaplain ( Bro . Lee ) for his elo . qnenfc , historical , and Masonic sermon . This was seconded by Bro . Rowlands , who added to the resolution that tho sermon be printed ; and a suggestion was made by one of the brethren that the sermon should bcfpoblished by subscription , and sold at a reasonable price , and tho profits devoted to the funds of one of the Masonic Charities .
The proposition of Bro . James was carried unanimously ; and Bro . Lee , in acknowledging tho compliment , intimated thafc he should bo glad to add , in the form of notes , facts which would bo instructive and might bo interesting to many of the brethren . Of fche amount which had been collected at tho church , £ 3 3 s was voted to the rector of St . Mary ' s towards fche funds of his schools , £ 5 5 s to tho Chaplain
for his schools at Bilston , and the remainder to tho sum required for making up the £ 525 for the purchase of aright to send a boy to the Masonic School for Boys . The discussion on tho subject of the disposal of fcho balance in hand on account of fcho Shrewsbury fund was resumed , and eventually it was decided to add ifc to the Benevolent Fund of tho Staffordshire Masonic Charitable Institution . A
committe was appointed to consider and report as to tho best means of providing a memorial of the late Earl of Shrewsbury . Lodgo having been closed , the brethren adjourned to tho Assembly-Room , where a sumptons banquet was provided by the Misses Pontin of the Vine Hotel . Tho gallery at either end of the room was occupied by ladies . During and after dinner tho band of tho 2 nd
Regiment of the Staffordshire Militia played merrily . At the conelusion of the repast tho W . D . P . G . M . ( Bro . Tudor ) gave the toasts of "The Queen , " "The M . W . H . R . H . the Prince of Wales Grand Master of England , the Princess of Wales , aud the rest of the Royal Family , " and " Tho M . W . the Pro Grand Master fche Earl of Car . narvon , the V . W . the D . G . M . the Earl of Skolsmerdale , and the
Officers of Grand Lodge present and past . " Bro . Lee , in an eloquent speech , which was heartily applauded , proposed the health of the R . W . iEaeas J . Mclntyro , Grand Registrar , P . G . M . Staffordshire , and tho W . D . P . G . M . Bro . Tudor . The W . D . P . G . M ., in responding , alluded to his long absence from office in the province , the kindness he received from the brethren when he
formerly hold the position he again occupied , and said now that he had undertaken important duties at the urgent request of many brethren he should strive to perform those duties without fear or favour , relying upon receiving in the future as ho had clone in the past the support and assistance of Officers of the P . G . Lodgo and the brethren generally . ( Applause . )
Bro . Randall , P . P . G . C , proposed " Tho W . P . P . D . G . M . ancl the Officers of P . G . Lodge past and present . " He was especially complimentary to Bro . James , who , he said , was reallv master of the duties which ho discharged as depnty , and always manifested a kindly feel , ing and tho courtesy of a gentleman . Bro . James made a long speech in response to the toast . He observed that there was no one
present who had occasion to regret the death of their lato P . G . M . more than ho ( Bro . James . ) Ho had for years enjoyed the confidence of the lato Earl , ancl he could honestly say that a moro honest , minded , generous man never existed in Staffordshire than his lordship . ( Applause . ) By his death fche P . G . Lodge also ceased to exist as a Lodge , audit was a long time before fche authorities in high places
resuscitated ifc and placed the Grand Registrar in tho position of Acting Grand Master of the Province . Tho reason P . G . Lodgo had not been convened earlier was that ifc was necessary to apply to fche Quarter Sessions ( which thoy were unable to do till April ) for permission to meet iu that hall . He hoped Bio . Tudor would make up for lost timo by calling another P . G . Lodge in tho autumn of this year . Ho
went on to explain why ho had retired from tho position of D . P . G . M ., and said that although he had not done all that he intended while in thafc office , ho hoped to visit the three Lodges in the Province which he had nofc yet attended . Though he was no longer an Officer of the P . G . Lodge , he should retain a fraternal feeling towards all the brethren , and should continue to render to the craft such support as
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Provincial Grand Lodge Of Staffordshire.
PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF STAFFORDSHIRE .
i'mm I he ST . UTOUUSIUUK AUYKU ' I ' ISKU . THE annual meeting of this Provincial Grand Lodge was held at the Shire Hall , ^ Stafford , on 17 th May . The Staffordshire Knot Lodge , 72 G , was opened in due form by Bro . T . Chalmers , tho W . M . Tho W . D . P . G . M ., Bro F . James , and the other Provincial Grand Officers , past and present , were then admitted , and thoD . P . G . M .
having taken the chair , was fraternally greeted . The following brethren signed the Tyler ' s book : —G . S . Tudor P . D . P . G . M ., S . J . Walker P . G . S . W ., Charles Hickson 460 P . G . J . W ., Chas . Lee 520 P . G . Chaplain , John Steen 526 P . G . Eegistrar , J . Bodenham 726 P . G .
Treasurer , T . Cooke jun . 1 , 060 P . G . S . D ., T . Bedsmore 1 , 039 P . O . O ., T . M . Humphries 539 P . G . Supt . of Works , Jos . Rowlands 482 P . G . P ., T . E . Fowke , T . H . Grylls , J . Motfcram , S . Scott , and H . B . Livingston 726 P . G . Stewards , W . H . Hales 418 P . P . G . S . W ., A . G . Prince 546
P . P . G . J . D ., J . Webberly 546 P . P . G . P ., T . Hall 253 P . G .. T . W . ( Derbyshire ) , G . Spilsbnry 726 P . P . G . S . W ., C . Newman 41 D P . P . S . G . W ., T . Taylor 418 P . P . S . G . W ., J . Jacobs 482 P . P . G . Eeg ., J . Watkin 419 P . P . G . D ., W . J . Whittaker 482 P . P . G . R ., F . Derry 482 P . P . G . W ., S . T . Tosser 347 P . P . G . C , C . Matthews 526 P . P . G . J . W ., J . Swinford 503 P . P . G . J . D ., G . Higham 526 P . P . G . Snpt . of Works , F . N . Seyde 419 P . P . G . A . D . C ., J . Rogers 418 P . P . G . J . D ., W . Randall 482 P . P . G . C ,
J . Newman 539 P . P . G . J . W .. W . J . Gothard 624 P . P . G . S . W ., J . P . Hall 546 P . P . G . A . D . C , B . Lowe 539 P . P . A . D . C , A .. Caddick 662 P . P . G . Snpt . of Works , J . L . Gibbons P . P . Snpt . of Works , F . Arkinstall P . M . 6 G 2 , W . E . Parkes WM . 482 , . 7 . Wain P . M . 418 , J . Storer P . M . 726 , S . Collis W . M . 1 , 587 , J . W . Thomas P . M . 637 , S . Briergs P . M . 624 , W . Vernon W . M . 456 , C Graham P . M . 624 , F . A . Huet P . M . 418 , B . G . Hall W . M . 539 , T . D . Miller P . M . 482 , C B . W .
Graham W . M . 696 , J . Bryan S . W . 696 , J . Rowley P . M . 539 , A . W . Whitehonse J . W . 696 , T . Parton W . M . 662 , A . E . Greenway P . M . 526 , G . S . Guy P . M . 696 , J . Thorburn W . M . 98 , T . Tnrner W . M . 460 , J . Ingammells P . M . 460 , C . Alerton W . M . 546 , J . G . Bakewell P . M . 546 , B . H . Brough P . M . 546 , E . H . Thome S . D . 526 , S . Clapp J . W . 662 , T . Stamford P . M . 347 , J . Montford P . M . 418 , W . T . Copcland W . M .
637 , H . Faram P . M . 637 , W . T . Beetenson Sec . 637 , D . Smith I . G . 637 , E . Price J . D . 526 , E . C . Berry P . M . 726 , Herbert C Owen 526 , F . Walton Seo . 526 , W . Savage P . M . 451 , Chas . Brady J . W . 98 , R . Hilditch S . D . 98 , the Rev . T . Lloyd 418 , — Emberton J . D . 98 , James Powell J . W . 347 , F . Payne Sec . 98 , G . Skirving I . G . 696 , J . H . Hawley 98 , Chas . Ronnd 347 , F . B . Higginson P . M . 419 , C E . Smith
P . M . 317 , W . L . Armstrong 539 , J . P . Ward P . M . 482 , W . Tartoo S . W . 419 and 662 , John Henry Lowe P . M . 526 , J . Charlesworth P . M . 98 , Geo . Baker 526 , Joseph Round P . M . 317 , W . F . Smailman I . G . 662 , W . Brown 347 , S . J . Hamson 419 , J . B . Morgan 526 . A . Hickman 317 , T . James 526 , J . Williams 539 , D . Taylor W . M . 1 , 520 , J . 11 . Row . bottom 539 , J . H . G . Wrighton Sec . 1 , 520 , T . J . Barnett S . W . 526
AV . Parker 539 , W . Fieldhouse J . D . 696 , J . Briscoo S . D . 539 , E . Oerton S . W . 539 , F . Greatrex 726 , J . Baker I . G . 726 , J . L . White 1 , 573 , J . W . Duffill , 101 , R . Tomlinson 726 , W . Jackson 637 , A . F . Whittome 726 , W . Ormson I . G . 1 , 520 , W . Cooper 516 . The Provincial Graud Lodge having been opened , shortly before one o ' clock , Bro . Cartwright P . G . S . read the minutes of the last
meeting held at Stafford in October 1876 , and of the Lodge of Emergency held at Newcastle in January 1877 , which were confirmed . The W . D . P . G . M . observed that about twelve months ago , as they were aware , a quarterly meeting of the P . G . Lodge was to have been held at Burton-on-Trenfc , but fche unfortunate death of the E . W . P . G . M . a fewdays before necessitated theabandonment of that meeting , the P . G .
Lodge , in point of fact ceasing to exist when their lamented P . G . M . died . It wonld be remembered that in the end of the month of May a meeting of tho brethren of the Province was held at Stafford , aud a resolution was passed that a letter should be addressed to the Countess of Shrewsbury expressing their condolence with her ladyship on her sad bereavement . That not having been a meeting as a Provin cial
Grand Lodge , no entry had been made on the minutes ; but he thought some record should be made of their expression of feeling on the subject , and he therefore proposed that tho letter forwarded last May to the Countess and the reply thereto be entered on the minutes of tho present proceedings . Freemasonry in Staffordshire had before now passed under clouds which had been dissipated , but as time passed
on the cloud in this instance seemed to get darker . The memory of their late P . G . M . would for a long timo be vividly before them , and they would long feel the severe loss which they had sustained—Bro . Tudor seconded the resolution , which was passed unanimously . Bro . Bodenham read the Auditors' report and the Treasurer ' s statement of accounts , showing thafc afc the end of 1877 the available funds
amounted to £ 129 lis 8 d . The subject of the purchase of the right to send a scholar to the Masonic School for Boys was introduced . It was stated that the sum required ( £ 525 ) had been raised within a few pounds , and the life of the Duke of Connaught had been insured as a means of rendering the right permanent . It was proposed by the W . D . P . G . M . that the Shrewsbury fund should be closed , and the
balnnce ( £ 31 3 s 9 d ) handed over to the general fund of the P . G . Lodge , and this was seconded by Bro . Bodenham . Bro . Jacobs suggested that ifc should be allowed to remain as the nucleus of a fund which would probably be raised for providing some permanent memorial of the late Earl of Shrewsbury . After a short conversation the further consideration of tho subject was deferred . The D . P . G . M . rose and expressed a hope thafc the motion he was about
to make would meet with the unanimous consent of the P . G . Lodge , inasmuch as tho appointment was ono which rested entirely with the brethren . He hoped that not only would it be accepted unanimously but that it might take the form of a vote of thauks to their esteemed P . G . Treasurer Bro . Bodenham . This was seconded by Bro . Tudor P . P . D . G . M ., and carried with applause . Bro . Bodenham briefly expressed his thanks , after which the P . G . Sec . was called upon to read
Provincial Grand Lodge Of Staffordshire.
tho warrant from the Acting P . G . M ., Bro . Mclntyro ( Grand Registrar of England ) appointing tho W . Bro . G . Singleton Tudor D . P . G . M . feline province . The seat of the D . P . G . M . was then occupied by Bro . Tudor , who expressed the hope that ho might meet with the hearty support accorded to him when ho was first appointed ten years ago . Tho following appointments were thou made : —S . G . W . Bro . O .
Graham Burton , J . G . W . Bro . Georgo 11 . Hawley 516 Longton , P . G . Chaplains Bros , tho Revs . W . Randall aud H . Von Stiaubenzeo 526 , Registrar Bro . G . S . Guy 696 Wednesbury , Treasurer Bro . J . Bodenham 726 Stafford , Secretary , Bro . W . Cartwright 460 Newcastle , S . D . Bro . T . Standford 317 Tipton , J . D . Bro . J . Ingammels 460 Newcastle , Sup . of Works Bro . W . Ncedham 966 Leek , D . C . Bro . A . Ellis 451
Burs ' uni , A . D . C . Bro . J . Smith , S . B . Bro . W . Vernon 1 . 5 S 7 Cheadle , Organist , Bro . Bedsmore 1 , 039 Lichfield , G . P . Bro . F . Huet 418 Hanley , Standard Bearer Bro . J . L . Gibbons 1 , 520 Cannock , Stewards Bros . Fowke , Wood , Scott , Livingstone , Mottram , and Grylls , all of 726 . The brethren adjourned from Grand Lodge to attend Divine service at St . Mary ' s Church , walking iu procession aud wearing the craft ;
clothing and tho insignia of the respective offices held by tho members . The sermon was full choral , the rector intoning the prayers , and the Rev . C . Lee , P . P . G . Chaplain , tho Rev . A . J . V . Stranbenzee and the Rev . W . Randall , P-G . Chaplains , taking part . Bro . the Rev . C Lee , vicar of St . Leonard ' s , Bilsron , preached a most able , learned , and eloquent sermon from Matthew xxiii . 8 , " For one is your Master ,
even Christ , and all ye aro brethren . " The preacher sketched in a masterly manner the early history of Freemasonry , and showed strong reasons for believing that its princip les wero derived from Egypt , by Pythagoras , and by him introduced into Italy when he retired to Cretona , and thence was conveyed by the Romans to this country . Ho eloquently recalled its loading principles , and enforced on the
brethren the duties which those principles involve , strengthening the appeal by a touching reference to the lato Provincial Grand Master tho Earl of Shrewsbury , whoso devotion to Masonry , and especially to its charitable institutions , he invited all the brethren to emulate . At tho close of the sermon £ 16 2 s 8 d was collected . When business was resumed in the P . G . Lodge , Bro . James
proposed a vote of thanks to the P . G . Chaplain ( Bro . Lee ) for his elo . qnenfc , historical , and Masonic sermon . This was seconded by Bro . Rowlands , who added to the resolution that tho sermon be printed ; and a suggestion was made by one of the brethren that the sermon should bcfpoblished by subscription , and sold at a reasonable price , and tho profits devoted to the funds of one of the Masonic Charities .
The proposition of Bro . James was carried unanimously ; and Bro . Lee , in acknowledging tho compliment , intimated thafc he should bo glad to add , in the form of notes , facts which would bo instructive and might bo interesting to many of the brethren . Of fche amount which had been collected at tho church , £ 3 3 s was voted to the rector of St . Mary ' s towards fche funds of his schools , £ 5 5 s to tho Chaplain
for his schools at Bilston , and the remainder to tho sum required for making up the £ 525 for the purchase of aright to send a boy to the Masonic School for Boys . The discussion on tho subject of the disposal of fcho balance in hand on account of fcho Shrewsbury fund was resumed , and eventually it was decided to add ifc to the Benevolent Fund of tho Staffordshire Masonic Charitable Institution . A
committe was appointed to consider and report as to tho best means of providing a memorial of the late Earl of Shrewsbury . Lodgo having been closed , the brethren adjourned to tho Assembly-Room , where a sumptons banquet was provided by the Misses Pontin of the Vine Hotel . Tho gallery at either end of the room was occupied by ladies . During and after dinner tho band of tho 2 nd
Regiment of the Staffordshire Militia played merrily . At the conelusion of the repast tho W . D . P . G . M . ( Bro . Tudor ) gave the toasts of "The Queen , " "The M . W . H . R . H . the Prince of Wales Grand Master of England , the Princess of Wales , aud the rest of the Royal Family , " and " Tho M . W . the Pro Grand Master fche Earl of Car . narvon , the V . W . the D . G . M . the Earl of Skolsmerdale , and the
Officers of Grand Lodge present and past . " Bro . Lee , in an eloquent speech , which was heartily applauded , proposed the health of the R . W . iEaeas J . Mclntyro , Grand Registrar , P . G . M . Staffordshire , and tho W . D . P . G . M . Bro . Tudor . The W . D . P . G . M ., in responding , alluded to his long absence from office in the province , the kindness he received from the brethren when he
formerly hold the position he again occupied , and said now that he had undertaken important duties at the urgent request of many brethren he should strive to perform those duties without fear or favour , relying upon receiving in the future as ho had clone in the past the support and assistance of Officers of the P . G . Lodgo and the brethren generally . ( Applause . )
Bro . Randall , P . P . G . C , proposed " Tho W . P . P . D . G . M . ancl the Officers of P . G . Lodge past and present . " He was especially complimentary to Bro . James , who , he said , was reallv master of the duties which ho discharged as depnty , and always manifested a kindly feel , ing and tho courtesy of a gentleman . Bro . James made a long speech in response to the toast . He observed that there was no one
present who had occasion to regret the death of their lato P . G . M . more than ho ( Bro . James . ) Ho had for years enjoyed the confidence of the lato Earl , ancl he could honestly say that a moro honest , minded , generous man never existed in Staffordshire than his lordship . ( Applause . ) By his death fche P . G . Lodge also ceased to exist as a Lodge , audit was a long time before fche authorities in high places
resuscitated ifc and placed the Grand Registrar in tho position of Acting Grand Master of the Province . Tho reason P . G . Lodgo had not been convened earlier was that ifc was necessary to apply to fche Quarter Sessions ( which thoy were unable to do till April ) for permission to meet iu that hall . He hoped Bio . Tudor would make up for lost timo by calling another P . G . Lodge in tho autumn of this year . Ho
went on to explain why ho had retired from tho position of D . P . G . M ., and said that although he had not done all that he intended while in thafc office , ho hoped to visit the three Lodges in the Province which he had nofc yet attended . Though he was no longer an Officer of the P . G . Lodge , he should retain a fraternal feeling towards all the brethren , and should continue to render to the craft such support as