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Royal Arch.
hear that I am unable , in consequence of illness , to preside as usual in your Prov . G . Chapter . I have suffered much , and am still suffering , bat I have not abandoned all hope , under Providence , of some day being again permitted to be once more amongst my R . A . Companions .
I beg to express my thanks to Principal H . for his consideration and courtesy in arranging that E . C . Dr . Smjtb should take my place on this occasion .
To the Principals and Companions of Sincerity , No . 61 , I tender my hearty acknowledgments for their kind reception of Prov . Grand Chapter , and for the excellent arrangement ! which have been made for its comfort and
. We have visited Halifax already five times , viz .: in I 860 , 1865 , 1871 , 1874 and 1880 , and I do not doubt on this , the sixth occas ' on , the good old town will give us a hearty Yorkshire welcome .
To you all I offer my fraternal regards and tbe expression of my earnest desire for peace and good will , not in the present only , but also in the future . I am extremely gratified to see from the agenda paper that you intend to support the Jubilee Festival of the
Benevolent Institution , by purchasing tbe permanent right to present an old man for its benefits , and I take it as a very high compliment to myself that you wish to associate my name with so excellent and charitable an object . Companions , receive the assurance of warmest esteem ,
and believe me , Faithfully and fraternally yours , THOMAS WILLIAM TEW .
Comp . Henry Smith Prov . G . Scribe . The Acting Grand Superintendent then delivered the following Address : EXCELLENT COMPANIONS , I feel assured that one subject is prominent in the minds of ns all on the present occasion—the protracted and serious indisposition
of our beloved Grand Superintendent ; one sentiment of true and heartfelt sorrow , that the familiar form so seldom absent from Masonio assemblies snch as this , should be with as to-day only in memory , and not in reality . Few of those who hold , or have held , his exalted position in onr venerable Order have devoted themselves so unsparingly to the faithfnl discharge of the onerous dnties whioh
each a position involves ; and few , who have heard his heart-stirring addresses in Provincial Grand Chapter , can have failed to observe how deeply he realised the noble principles of Royal Arch Masonry . When we remember his benevolent spirit , his proverbial liberality , his princely support of onr msgnifient Charities , may we not justly apply to him the beautiful words of the Psalmist of Israel : " Blessed
is he that considereth the poor and needy ; the Lord shall deliver him in the time of tronble . The Lord preserve him , and keep him alive that he may be blessed npon earth . The Lord comfort him when he lieth sick npon his bed ; make Thou all his bed in his sickness . " I cannot do better than repeat his own words , contained in a letter to Comp . Herbert Green , whioh was read to the Prov . Grand Lodge at
Sowerby Bridge , on Wednesday , the 14 th of October last , as expressing his interest in all affecting the welfare of our Order in the Province of West Yorkshire ; words which are equally applicable to Craft and to Royal Aroh Masonry : — " It ia a matter of tbe deepest regret and sorrow to me that I am unable , throngh serious indisposition , to undertake tbe honourable duties pertaining to the chair in Provincial
Grand Lodge on Wednesday . With perfect confidence , however , I leave the conduct of affairs to my faithful friend and Deputy , Bro . Henry Smith , feeling assured that he will extend to all the same measure of eeteem and friendship which he and I have invariably received from the brethren of this Province . Please express to the Provincial Grand Lodge how greatly I appreciate the compliment
whioh it is proposed to offer me , to celebrate tbe Jubilee of the Royal Masonio Benevolent Institution by perpetuating my name through the purchase of a Presentation , to be styled the ' Thomas William Tew Presentation . ' In conclusion , perhaps , I might ask the brethren of the Province , if they have not already done so , to give their attention to some admirable letters whioh have appeared in tbe
Freemason newspaper , touching npon tbe present prospects and futnre position of onr beloved Craft . They are well worthy of the consideration of as all , and have resulted from a communication in the first instance from Bro . T . B . Whytehead , of York . " Added to these word * , 1 would venture also to quote the following portions from the address of the Deputy Provincial Grand Master ,
Bro . Henry Smith , onr esteemed Provincial Grand Scribe E ., on tbe same occasion , as embodying his own and our Grand Superintend , ent ' s sentiments ; and to commend them earnestly to your serious attention : — "Tbe great strides which Masonry has made of late years , its constantly increasing numbers , with the greater publicity consequent thereupon , have led many thoughtful and conscientious brethren to
ask whether we are acting judiciously in this so rapidly enlarging our border ? , whether we are exercising that strict caution in tha selection and admission of new members whioh our society demands from us ? Brethren , this is a vital question . Tbe Marqness of Ripon , when Provincial Grand Master , nsed to say ' the strength of Lodge does not consist iu the number of its members , but in th « quality of the Brethren of which it is composed . ' And what is trne for a Lodge js true for the whole Craft , which it simply an aggregate of the
Royal Arch.
Lodges . Lower the tone of your Lodge , by the introduction of mea who are unfit or unworthy ; admit amongst ns those who cannot appreciate the beauties of Freemasonrr , mid you not only damage that particular Lodge , bat you inflict a sorioiis injury npon oar entire Society . Brethren , let me enjoin yon to rak « to heart this oantion ; let ns not bring discredit upon our noble Indication ; let as advance
certainly , bat let it be warily , judiciously , and gradually . "Again , very frequently I notice men ijoing outside their own towns for admission into Freemawnrv . Now , whilst there is no objection to this , provided that loud fide inquiry has been dnly made and replied to , yet the position of a Brntimr mi initiated is oae of disadvantage , inasmuch as he is necessarily precluded from attending
to his Masonio duties aa regularly as is des . rable ; and being nonresident he cannot fully share that esp-it de corps whioh prevails in every properly conducted Lodge . I should therefore deprecate this practice , unless very strong grounds can be adduced in its favour . And now , one word to Treasurers and Secretaries . The office of Treasurer is a very honourable one , and is often , and to my mind ,
very properly conferred as a mark of distinction ; bnt it is also a very responsible one , and requires an active , firm , aud conciliatory spirit . The collection of subscription ! , and especially of arrears , though in many instances neglected inadvertently , must be made , and though I do not absolutely complain , yet I should be delighted to see the various Treasurers interested in my statements exert themselves strenuously
so that the number of those in arrears , instead of amounting as it did , to 161 , at the end of last year , may , when our next returns are made , be substantially reduced . To out-going Secretaries , I would say , give every possible help and assistance to your successors : —See that the Grand Lodge and Provincial Grand Lodge returns are duly made , signed , and promptly
sent in ; and call particular attention to those Bye-laws of the Province , whioh especially relate to the duties of Secretary . Let not , however , the Worshipful Master forget that the responsibility for the proper and efficient working of his Lodge does not rest upon the Secretary , nor npon any other officer , but upon himself alone . It is to him we look—upon him is the obligation . Let me advise him
personally to see that dnties are performed , frequently to take counsel with his Past Masters , and in case of unforeseen doubt or difficulty apply to the Provincial Grand Secretary , from whom he may at all times look for prompt and valuable assistance . We are met to-day under the banner of the Sincerity Chapter , attached to Lodge Probity , No . 61 , of which our Bro . J . Ramsden
Riley , in his book entitled " The Yorkshire Lodges , " justly writes : — " Whether we regard the Probity Lodge as a model of Masonic loyalty to the ' powers that be , ' or study it from the standpoint of antiquity , we mast place it in the very highest position of honour amongst the Lodges of Yorkshire . It is by a long way the oldest existing Lodge , and standi to-day the finest monument of our
County s Masonry . To belong to such a Lodge is an honour to any Mason ; nor can any member , if he knows its history , look back npon it without pride . " From a Minute book in the possession of the Sincerity Chapter , it appears that a Royal Arch Chapter was opened at Halifax , on the 30 th of January 1765 , and continued for some time in active work . The original charter of the Sincerity
Chapter , No . 73 , bore the date of 22 nd November 1790 . A Charter of Confirmation was obtained 29 th October 1818 , signed by Augustas Frederick Z ., Dundas H ., and William Williams J . Tbe Chapter was worked until 1822 , when it fell into abeyance . A new Cbarter was obtained on the 7 th of August 1850 , and began to work iu 1860 . Sines last we met , this Chapter in particular , and Royal Aroh
Masonry in West Yorkehire generally , has deplored the loss by death of Comp . Isaac Booth , who was exalted in Chapter No . 265 , Keighley , on the 12 th of March 1848 ; joined tbe Sincerity Chapter on 23 rd March 1860 , and passed away on tbe 4 th of August in the present year , universally regretted as a highly esteemed and useful member of our noble Fraternity .
And now , Companions , reverting once more to the mention of him of whom we think so much to-day and who I am convinced , is thinking of us , let us pray that the true and overliving God most high , who has graciously promised strength to His people , and the blessing of peace , may work for him a reward of good , far beyond all that we have tbe power to ask or to think . May the beautiful words of
that Holy Book , whioh WP all revere be verified for him : —When the Lord tnrned again the Captivity of Sion , then were we like unto them that dream . They that sow in tears , shall reap in joy . He that now goeth on his way weeping , and beareth forth good seed , shall doubtless come again with joy , and bring his sheaves with him . Moved b y E . Comp . T . Bateman Fox , J . P ., P . Z . 208
P . P . G . J ., seconded by E . Comp . W . F . Smithson P . Z . 289 P . P . G . Dir . of Cers ., and resolved , " That this Provincial
Grand Chapter of West Yorkshire , wishing to celebrate the Jubilee Festival of the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution , and to perpetuate the name of its illustrious Grand Superintendent , pledges itself to assist in raising a sum sufficient to purchase a Presentation for Men , to be called the " Thomas William Tew Presentation . "
Moved by E . Comp . Smithson ( in the absence of E . Comp . W . C . Lupton ) , seconded b y E . Comp . Pox , and resolved , " That a sum of twenty-five guineas ( £ 26 5 s ) be granted from the funds of this Provincial Grand Chapter to the "Thomas William Tew Presentation Fund , " R . M . I . for Mon .
E . Comp . Wm . Gaukroger gave notice that if the sum required to complete the Presentation be not raised b y tho Annual Convocation of Prov . Grand Chapter , he will move that a further grant of £ 26 5 s be made .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Royal Arch.
hear that I am unable , in consequence of illness , to preside as usual in your Prov . G . Chapter . I have suffered much , and am still suffering , bat I have not abandoned all hope , under Providence , of some day being again permitted to be once more amongst my R . A . Companions .
I beg to express my thanks to Principal H . for his consideration and courtesy in arranging that E . C . Dr . Smjtb should take my place on this occasion .
To the Principals and Companions of Sincerity , No . 61 , I tender my hearty acknowledgments for their kind reception of Prov . Grand Chapter , and for the excellent arrangement ! which have been made for its comfort and
. We have visited Halifax already five times , viz .: in I 860 , 1865 , 1871 , 1874 and 1880 , and I do not doubt on this , the sixth occas ' on , the good old town will give us a hearty Yorkshire welcome .
To you all I offer my fraternal regards and tbe expression of my earnest desire for peace and good will , not in the present only , but also in the future . I am extremely gratified to see from the agenda paper that you intend to support the Jubilee Festival of the
Benevolent Institution , by purchasing tbe permanent right to present an old man for its benefits , and I take it as a very high compliment to myself that you wish to associate my name with so excellent and charitable an object . Companions , receive the assurance of warmest esteem ,
and believe me , Faithfully and fraternally yours , THOMAS WILLIAM TEW .
Comp . Henry Smith Prov . G . Scribe . The Acting Grand Superintendent then delivered the following Address : EXCELLENT COMPANIONS , I feel assured that one subject is prominent in the minds of ns all on the present occasion—the protracted and serious indisposition
of our beloved Grand Superintendent ; one sentiment of true and heartfelt sorrow , that the familiar form so seldom absent from Masonio assemblies snch as this , should be with as to-day only in memory , and not in reality . Few of those who hold , or have held , his exalted position in onr venerable Order have devoted themselves so unsparingly to the faithfnl discharge of the onerous dnties whioh
each a position involves ; and few , who have heard his heart-stirring addresses in Provincial Grand Chapter , can have failed to observe how deeply he realised the noble principles of Royal Arch Masonry . When we remember his benevolent spirit , his proverbial liberality , his princely support of onr msgnifient Charities , may we not justly apply to him the beautiful words of the Psalmist of Israel : " Blessed
is he that considereth the poor and needy ; the Lord shall deliver him in the time of tronble . The Lord preserve him , and keep him alive that he may be blessed npon earth . The Lord comfort him when he lieth sick npon his bed ; make Thou all his bed in his sickness . " I cannot do better than repeat his own words , contained in a letter to Comp . Herbert Green , whioh was read to the Prov . Grand Lodge at
Sowerby Bridge , on Wednesday , the 14 th of October last , as expressing his interest in all affecting the welfare of our Order in the Province of West Yorkshire ; words which are equally applicable to Craft and to Royal Aroh Masonry : — " It ia a matter of tbe deepest regret and sorrow to me that I am unable , throngh serious indisposition , to undertake tbe honourable duties pertaining to the chair in Provincial
Grand Lodge on Wednesday . With perfect confidence , however , I leave the conduct of affairs to my faithful friend and Deputy , Bro . Henry Smith , feeling assured that he will extend to all the same measure of eeteem and friendship which he and I have invariably received from the brethren of this Province . Please express to the Provincial Grand Lodge how greatly I appreciate the compliment
whioh it is proposed to offer me , to celebrate tbe Jubilee of the Royal Masonio Benevolent Institution by perpetuating my name through the purchase of a Presentation , to be styled the ' Thomas William Tew Presentation . ' In conclusion , perhaps , I might ask the brethren of the Province , if they have not already done so , to give their attention to some admirable letters whioh have appeared in tbe
Freemason newspaper , touching npon tbe present prospects and futnre position of onr beloved Craft . They are well worthy of the consideration of as all , and have resulted from a communication in the first instance from Bro . T . B . Whytehead , of York . " Added to these word * , 1 would venture also to quote the following portions from the address of the Deputy Provincial Grand Master ,
Bro . Henry Smith , onr esteemed Provincial Grand Scribe E ., on tbe same occasion , as embodying his own and our Grand Superintend , ent ' s sentiments ; and to commend them earnestly to your serious attention : — "Tbe great strides which Masonry has made of late years , its constantly increasing numbers , with the greater publicity consequent thereupon , have led many thoughtful and conscientious brethren to
ask whether we are acting judiciously in this so rapidly enlarging our border ? , whether we are exercising that strict caution in tha selection and admission of new members whioh our society demands from us ? Brethren , this is a vital question . Tbe Marqness of Ripon , when Provincial Grand Master , nsed to say ' the strength of Lodge does not consist iu the number of its members , but in th « quality of the Brethren of which it is composed . ' And what is trne for a Lodge js true for the whole Craft , which it simply an aggregate of the
Royal Arch.
Lodges . Lower the tone of your Lodge , by the introduction of mea who are unfit or unworthy ; admit amongst ns those who cannot appreciate the beauties of Freemasonrr , mid you not only damage that particular Lodge , bat you inflict a sorioiis injury npon oar entire Society . Brethren , let me enjoin yon to rak « to heart this oantion ; let ns not bring discredit upon our noble Indication ; let as advance
certainly , bat let it be warily , judiciously , and gradually . "Again , very frequently I notice men ijoing outside their own towns for admission into Freemawnrv . Now , whilst there is no objection to this , provided that loud fide inquiry has been dnly made and replied to , yet the position of a Brntimr mi initiated is oae of disadvantage , inasmuch as he is necessarily precluded from attending
to his Masonio duties aa regularly as is des . rable ; and being nonresident he cannot fully share that esp-it de corps whioh prevails in every properly conducted Lodge . I should therefore deprecate this practice , unless very strong grounds can be adduced in its favour . And now , one word to Treasurers and Secretaries . The office of Treasurer is a very honourable one , and is often , and to my mind ,
very properly conferred as a mark of distinction ; bnt it is also a very responsible one , and requires an active , firm , aud conciliatory spirit . The collection of subscription ! , and especially of arrears , though in many instances neglected inadvertently , must be made , and though I do not absolutely complain , yet I should be delighted to see the various Treasurers interested in my statements exert themselves strenuously
so that the number of those in arrears , instead of amounting as it did , to 161 , at the end of last year , may , when our next returns are made , be substantially reduced . To out-going Secretaries , I would say , give every possible help and assistance to your successors : —See that the Grand Lodge and Provincial Grand Lodge returns are duly made , signed , and promptly
sent in ; and call particular attention to those Bye-laws of the Province , whioh especially relate to the duties of Secretary . Let not , however , the Worshipful Master forget that the responsibility for the proper and efficient working of his Lodge does not rest upon the Secretary , nor npon any other officer , but upon himself alone . It is to him we look—upon him is the obligation . Let me advise him
personally to see that dnties are performed , frequently to take counsel with his Past Masters , and in case of unforeseen doubt or difficulty apply to the Provincial Grand Secretary , from whom he may at all times look for prompt and valuable assistance . We are met to-day under the banner of the Sincerity Chapter , attached to Lodge Probity , No . 61 , of which our Bro . J . Ramsden
Riley , in his book entitled " The Yorkshire Lodges , " justly writes : — " Whether we regard the Probity Lodge as a model of Masonic loyalty to the ' powers that be , ' or study it from the standpoint of antiquity , we mast place it in the very highest position of honour amongst the Lodges of Yorkshire . It is by a long way the oldest existing Lodge , and standi to-day the finest monument of our
County s Masonry . To belong to such a Lodge is an honour to any Mason ; nor can any member , if he knows its history , look back npon it without pride . " From a Minute book in the possession of the Sincerity Chapter , it appears that a Royal Arch Chapter was opened at Halifax , on the 30 th of January 1765 , and continued for some time in active work . The original charter of the Sincerity
Chapter , No . 73 , bore the date of 22 nd November 1790 . A Charter of Confirmation was obtained 29 th October 1818 , signed by Augustas Frederick Z ., Dundas H ., and William Williams J . Tbe Chapter was worked until 1822 , when it fell into abeyance . A new Cbarter was obtained on the 7 th of August 1850 , and began to work iu 1860 . Sines last we met , this Chapter in particular , and Royal Aroh
Masonry in West Yorkehire generally , has deplored the loss by death of Comp . Isaac Booth , who was exalted in Chapter No . 265 , Keighley , on the 12 th of March 1848 ; joined tbe Sincerity Chapter on 23 rd March 1860 , and passed away on tbe 4 th of August in the present year , universally regretted as a highly esteemed and useful member of our noble Fraternity .
And now , Companions , reverting once more to the mention of him of whom we think so much to-day and who I am convinced , is thinking of us , let us pray that the true and overliving God most high , who has graciously promised strength to His people , and the blessing of peace , may work for him a reward of good , far beyond all that we have tbe power to ask or to think . May the beautiful words of
that Holy Book , whioh WP all revere be verified for him : —When the Lord tnrned again the Captivity of Sion , then were we like unto them that dream . They that sow in tears , shall reap in joy . He that now goeth on his way weeping , and beareth forth good seed , shall doubtless come again with joy , and bring his sheaves with him . Moved b y E . Comp . T . Bateman Fox , J . P ., P . Z . 208
P . P . G . J ., seconded by E . Comp . W . F . Smithson P . Z . 289 P . P . G . Dir . of Cers ., and resolved , " That this Provincial
Grand Chapter of West Yorkshire , wishing to celebrate the Jubilee Festival of the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution , and to perpetuate the name of its illustrious Grand Superintendent , pledges itself to assist in raising a sum sufficient to purchase a Presentation for Men , to be called the " Thomas William Tew Presentation . "
Moved by E . Comp . Smithson ( in the absence of E . Comp . W . C . Lupton ) , seconded b y E . Comp . Pox , and resolved , " That a sum of twenty-five guineas ( £ 26 5 s ) be granted from the funds of this Provincial Grand Chapter to the "Thomas William Tew Presentation Fund , " R . M . I . for Mon .
E . Comp . Wm . Gaukroger gave notice that if the sum required to complete the Presentation be not raised b y tho Annual Convocation of Prov . Grand Chapter , he will move that a further grant of £ 26 5 s be made .