Provincial Grand Lodge Of Lincolnshire.

The P . G . Treasurer ( VV . Bro . C . M . NESBITT , 712 ) presented his financial statement as made up to 31 st December , 1 SS 0 , showing a balance in hand of ^ , 23 . The P . G . REGISTRAR presented the returns of the several lodges as made up to same date , showing the same number of subscribing brethren as in 1 S 79 , viz ., S 92 .

The P . G . SECRETARY submitted the report of the Committee of the P . G . L . Fund of Benevolence for the past year , and the P . G . TREASURER presented the accounts as made up to the present time , showing a balance in hand of £ 146 7 s . id ., with jf ^ Goo invested on freehold security . The grants made during the past year were : —

£ ** •d . To the widow of a brother of the Olive Union Lodge , No . 1304 1000 To the widow of a brother of the Witham Lodge , No . 297 1000 To a brother of the Franklin Lodge , No . S 3 S ... 10 o o

To the widow of a brother of the St . Hugh Lodge , No . J 3 S 6 ... ... ... ... 10 o o To the widow of a brother of the St . Botolph ' s Lodge , No . 588 10 o o To the widow of a brother of Old St . Matthew ' s Lodge , No . 4 SS 500

Total £ 55 ° o Also the account of the " Oliver Memorial Fund , " upon which there had been no demand since the last P . G . meeting . In tne unavoidable absence of VV . Bro . VV . H . Radley , S 3 S ( P . G . Charity Sec ) , the report of the Prov . Grand Lodge Charity Committee was read by VV . Bro . R .

THORPE , 3 SS , P . P . G . P ., showing that four boys , whose fathers were members of the province—viz ., Philipson Marshall , Class VI . ; William Black , Class V . ; Alfred Cole , Class IV . ; and William Whalley , Class II . —are now enjoying the privileges of education in the Royal Masonic Institution for Boys . The Committee regret fo report the death of Geo . Oliver Whalley . P . Marshall and Alfred

Cole were admitted , in 1 SS 0 , as " Oliver Memorial Scholars . " In the Royal Masonic Institution for Girls the province is at the present time indebted to that Institution for the education and maintenance of eight girls , a very large proportion considering the number of lodges in the province . Their names are Florence Moore , Class II . ( leaves the School this month , being sixteen years of age " );

Sarah Bellamy , Class I . ( " will be entered for next Cambridge Local " ); Effie Bellamy , Class IV . ( " will excel in music" ); Mary Barsby , Class II . ( " improving" ); Kate Parker , Class II . (" gives promise for thirteen years of age " ); M . A . Johnson , Class 11 . ( " particularly clever in music" ); Laura Spring , Class II . ( " very slow , and not sufficiently industrious" ); Caroline Crow , Junior School ;

and Ellen Ashton , Junior School , 'ihe reports of the Matron ( Miss Davis ) , as regards conduct , of all are very satisfactory . No addition has been made to the number of annuitants in the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution since last report , but the Committee hope that Mrs . Wakefield ( havingalready polled over 700 votes ) maybe successful next May . The Committee recret to report , in

connection with the three great Charities , that " while the number of candidates for election increases , and more votes are required to secure an election , every half-year this province keeps stationary as regards its voting powers . " W . Bro . VV . ' H . SISSONS , 1447 , P . P . G . J . W ., and P . G . Charity Steward , read a detailed report of the past year ' s Stewardship of the "Smyth " Scholarship Fund ,

announcing subscriptions to the amount of £ 360 10 s . 2 d . On the suggestion of W . Bro . \ V . II . SISSONS , 1447 , supported by VV . Bro . T . M . WILKINSON , 297 , P . G . S . W ., it was resolved that a sub-Committee be appointed , consisting of the R . W . P . G . M ., the P . G . Treas ., thc P . G . Reg ., VV . Bros . J . Sutclilfc , 1297 , P . P . G . S . D . ; VV . 11 . Sissons , 1447 , P . G . Charity Steward ; and ( ex-oflicio ) the P . G . Sec , to consider the best means of investing the above sum , and

any further sums that may be obtained , on behalf of the " Smyth" Scholarship Fund ; and also to consider the advisability of extending the exercise of its operations beyond the Royal Masonic Institution for Girls . These several reports wcre unanimously adopted , and thc

following grants recommended by the Committee of thc Prov . Grand Lodge Fund of Benevolence duly confirmed . To a brother of the Franklin Lodge , No . 838 £ 10 To thc widow of a brother of the St . Hugh Lodge , 1 No . 13 SG f .. ... j IO To the Smyth Scholarship Fund ... ... ... co

Folal £ 70 VV . Bro . T . H . OLIIMAN , 422 , P . P . G . S . W ., and acting Deputy P . G . M ., then presented the R . W . P . G . M ., with an elaborately chased silver trowel or . behalf of the Building Committee of the new church of St . John the Divine , requesting the honour of his presence with that of his oflicers and the brethren assembled , to officiate at thc approaching

ceremony of laying the foundation stone . The R . W . P . G . M . having been graciously pleased to accede to the request , at noon punctually a procession was formed under the able superintendence of W . Bro . W . H . Roberts , 792 , P . G . D . of C , who was assisted by the Procession Committee , Bros . D . Swanston , I . P-M . ; R . W . Forrest , J . W . ; Andrew Veitch , and VV . H .

Guzman . Bro . A . kirk , P . M ., carried the cornucopia containing the corn , Bro . J . Moxon , P . M .. the ewer with the wine , Bro . D . Mackinder , M . D ., P . M ., theewercontaining the oil . Bro . VV . M . Green , P . M ., carried the salt . The bearers of the elements were preceded by Bro . S . Beauniont , I . G ., with a drawn sword . liro . T . T . Bee , as jnnior of the lodge , bore the Yarborough banner . The

Corinthian , Doric , and Ionic lights were borne by Bros . Hewlett , P . M ., Housham , P . M ., and Goodman , P . M . The level and plumb rule were carried by the Provincial Grand Wardens , nnd the trowel b y Uro . D . Swanston , I . P . M . The Bible , Square , and Compasses were carried on a cushion by Lewises , sons of Bros . Green , Robinson , Liversidge , and H . D . Marshall . The route of the procession was through Lord-street , Market-street ,

Beaumontstreet , and Trinity-street , the Britannia Works being fortunately passed before the dinner hour , as owing lo tlie length of the procession and the immense crowds congregated to witness it , it is questionable whether locomotion would have been possible through this part of the street if the employe ' s had been leaving the works en masse in the usual way . VVe understand that the rules of the firm with regard to leaving the works were suspended throughout

Provincial Grand Lodge Of Lincolnshire.

the day , and foremen were instructed to allow them to leave and enter at pleasure , an act of consideration that would doubtless be appreciated by a large number . The brethren having arranged themselves in due order , the officiating brethren took their places in thc four points of the compass and fhe ceremony commenced , the choir of Holy Trinity and the school children first singing the Old Hundredth Psalm , which was heartily taken up by a vast

concourse of spectators . I he scene was truly picturesque , and we were glad to note that preparations had been made for securing it by the aid of photograph }' . The splendid regalia and jewels of the Provincial Grand Lodge and the less presumptive , but still attractive , badges of the Craft formed an appropriate centre-piece for the many coloured surroundings presented by the spectators . Among the chief of those present we noticed the Lord of

the Manor , Sir Hickman Beckett Bacon , Bart ., Sir Charles Anderson , Bart ., and Miss Anderson , Mrs . Hutton ( Gate Burton ) , Mrs . Hodgkinson and family , Mr . IL Marshall and family , Dr . Duigan , Mrs . Oldman , Mr . F . M . Burton and family , Mrs . F . Gamble , Mrs . G . Gamble , Mr . E . Pearson ( Burgess Constable ) , Mrs . Williams and family , Rev . VV . J . Benson ( VVillingham ) , Rev . J . White ( Grayingham ) , Rev . F . VVestbrooke ( Corringham ) , Mr . J . Dixon

and family , J . E . Sanders , Esq ., J . P ., and family , Mrs . Johnson , Mrs . Mackinder , the Misses Rudsdel ) , and manyothers of note . At the conclusion of the hymn , VV . Bro . T . H . OLDMAN , 422 , acting VV . Dep . Prov . G . M ., delivered the following opening address : Men , women , and children assembled this day to behold this ceremony , know all of you that we be lawful Masons , true and faithful to the laws of our

country , and bound by solemn obligations to erect magnificent buildings to God , the Great Architect of the Universe . The speaker said they had amongst them secrets from thc eyes of all men , secrets which could not bc divulged , and which had not been found out . But these secrets were lawful and honourable , and wcre not antagonistic to the laws of God or man . They were entrusted in peace and honour to Freemasons in ancient days , and had been faithfully transmitted

to them , and they were bound to convey them to posterity . If their Craft were not good and their calling not honourable , their association would not have existed for so many centuries , nor would it have been honoured with the patronage of so many illustrious persons who had joined the Freemasons to their advantage , and to prosper the cause and to defend them against adversaries . Even kings had not thought it derogatory to their dignity to

exchange the sceptre for the trowel , and at the present time they numbered amongst their ranks some of thc Royal princes of this country . They were assembled that day to erect a temple to the Most High . Might He shed His benign influence , so that the worship of Him should be spread through the world until time { should bc no more . Their work would not be half finished if they did not acknowledge with thankf ulncss the zeal which had prompted

thc munificent donor of thc site , and who had given so largely to thc building upon it . Might he continue in the works of charity and goodwill , for which he was famous in the locality . Nor would their work be accomplished if they did nut recognise the humble , yet honourable , part which \ vas being taken that day by the Yarborough Lodge of Freemasons in the town of Gainsburgh . The Yarborough Lodge was entitled to consideration in the province , not

only on account of prominence in works of charity in past limes , but also of the present . He proceeded to refer to the history of Freemasonry in Gainsburgh , and to the illustrious men who had been connected with Lincolnshire Freemasonry , specially mentioning the second Earl of Yarborough , who was Deputy Grand Master of England . He also spoke as to thc objects of Freemasonry , and concluded by hoping that the Great Architect of the Universe ivould

shed His benign influence every day upon that work , and that it would prosper . At thc close of the address Psalm 127 and prayer wcre recited by the P . G . CHAPLAIN ; and thc P . G . 'treasurer and P . G . Registrar deposited the coins , plans , papers , & c , in the cavity prepared in the lower stone . Among the latter was the following list of names of those most directly interested in thc ceremony .

Church of St . John the Divine , Gainsburgh , June 20 th , 1 , S . S 1 , Sir Hickman Beckett Bacon ' . Premier Baronet of England ) , Donor of the Site . Trustees : Sir H . B . Bacon , ' Bart ., Sir . C . H . J . Anderson , Bart ., Lord Hawke , S . F . Hood , Esq ., Ncttleham Hall , Somers Clarke , jun ., Esq ., fi , Delahav-street , Westminster , Rev . G . T . Harvey , Lincoln , Rev . Canon Hodgkinson , Rev . G . VV . Danks , James Marshall , Esq ., II . D . Marshall , Esq ., Thomas

11 . Oldman , Esq ., Hon . C . L . Wood . Architect : Somers Clarice , jun ., 0 , Delahay-street , Westmister . Builder : William . ) ohnson , Doncaster . Yarborough Lodgeof Freemasons , Gainsburgh : Bro . Rev . John Robert Underwood Elliott , M . A ., Worshipful Master ; " W . Bro . D . Swanston , I . P . M . ; Bros . C . 1 ' * . Liversidge , P . G . S ., S . W . ; R . VV . Forrest , I . W . ; W . Bro . A . Kirk , P . M ., P . P . G . Purst ., Treas . ; Bros . T . Ii . ] ohnson , Secretary ; G .

Robinson , P . P . G . O ., Organist ; W . Bro . | . Moxon , P . M ., P . P . G . D . D . C . ; Bros . A . Hewitt , S . D . ; ll . Wright ( M . C . S . E . ) , J . D . ; S . Beaumont , I . G . ; F . Baines , and R . 11 . Paterson , ( M . C . S . E . ) Stewards ; and B . Box , Tyler . The P . G . REG ISTKA R then read aloud asuitable inscription engraved on a brass plate , which was afterwards fixed by an operative Mason over the cavity containing the papers and documents above referred to . The W . M . of the

Yarborough Lodge ( Rev . J . R . U . Elliott , M . A . ) , having presented thc trowel to the R . W . Provincial Grand Master , the latter adjusted the cement on the lower stone , and the upper stone was slowly lowered upon it with three distinct pauses in which the band played solemn music . In obedience to a command from the R . W . P . G . M ., the P . G . W . next proved the position of the stone by the Plumb , and declared that " the Craftsmen had done their

duty . ' Having performed this oflice , the P . G . W . handed the Plumb to the Deputy P . G . M . for similar proof , after which the P . G . S . W . was called upon by the P . G . M . to prove thc correctness of thc stone by the Level , and the W . M . of the Yaiborough Lodge applied the Square . The R . W . P . G . M . then gave thc stone three knocks with the Gavel nnd declared it to be properly laid " according lo the

Antient Rule of Architecture . The Cornucopia containing the corn , and thc Ewers containing the wine , oil , and salt , wcre respectively presented to the R . W . P . G . M . by the P . M . ' s in whose hands they had hitherto remained . The corn ( emblem of plenty ) was then scattered over the stone , which was also sprinkled with the wine ( emblem of joy and gladness ) , laved with the oil ( emblem of peace ) ,

Provincial Grand Lodge Of Lincolnshire.

and strewn with the salt ( emblem of purit y ) , and the P . G . Chaplain offered up the concluding prayer . The plan of the building was finally handed by the Architect to the R . W . P . G . M . for inspection . Bro . VV . H . SMITH , R . W . P . G . M ., then delivered his address , saying it had always been customary among Masons from time immemorial , on occasions of more than ordinary importance , for the Presiding Officer to address a

few words on the usages and history of Freemasonry . This should be so , on the present occasion , knowing especially as he did that the invitation to the Masons of this province to lay that stone , with their ancient Masonic usages , came not only from the Gainsburgh Lodge , but from the whole of this town and neighbourhood . In the first place he would deal with one or two objections that had been raised against Freemasonry . The first was that they were a

secret society , and this had been raised against them especially during the last few years , inasmuch as the Head of the Church at Rome had taken it into his head to put his ban upon Masonry , not only on the Continent , but also in this country : thus he supposed classing them with the secret societies of other nations , which are now doing so much mischief ; with the communities of France , the Carbonari of Italy , the Nihilists of Russia , and the Fenians

and Land Lcaguersof the sister country . The Freemasons had nothing to do with Socialism or they would not be patronised by the Emperor of Germany and his son , both of whom were Masons . The late King of Italy , the King of Sweden , and the King of Belgium ' had all been Freemasons . He was not there to defend foreign Masonry , but for the Masonry of this country he could deny most positively that it had anything of a Socialistic

tendency . They were forbidden to speak on politics and differences in religion when in open lodge , and nothing political was ever carried on under the banners of their brotherhood . Another objection urged was that they were not a Christian society solely , and that they admitted other religions . He confessed that they admitted Jews , Mohammedans , Parsees , Buddhists , and others , who were ranged under thc banners of the Grand Lodge of England , but

notwithstanding that they did this , he affirmed that they were not only a moral but a religious society , and that the doctrines of Freemasonry were eminently Christian in their character . He thought when men of different opinions could meet together and talk in a friendly way no harm could attach to society . A question very often asked was " what is Freemasonry ? Do you recommend us to join it . " It was contrary to their constitution to press anyone to

join , and almost the first question asked of a candidate was whether he joined them freely , and was desirous of being serviceable to his fellow creatures . The definition of Masonry that was given to all neophytes was that it was a system of morality , veiled in allegory , illustrated by symbols , founded on the great principles of brotherl y love , relief , and truth . The persons only acknowledged to be fit and proper to become Freemasons were just and upright

men , free by birth of mature age , sound judgment , and strict morals . Perhaps the best description was that given by Dr . Oliver , who said , "Freemasonry is a society of enlightened men , inculcating pure and active virtue on the sacred principles of gospel truth , and its design is to instil into the minds of its members a series of interesting and useful precepts , and to promote benevolence , philanthropy , and brotherly love . " Their actions were all

symbolical , and they had proved this stone by the square and plumb and the level , and corn , wine , oil , and salt had been scattered upon it , the meaning of which he had explained , the salt being an emblem of purity aud perpetuity . This stone had been proved , and upon it a superstructure would be reared perfect in all its parts by the skill of the architect , and the care of the builders . Might they not see in this , thc symbol of thc Church of their founder , thc

Church of Christ , who was also their foundation stone . He was a perfect , a living stone , and upon Him was built u | i that Church , into which they might enter and fear nothing from enemies without or traitors within . Though infidelity and liberationism attacked Ihctn , they would be firm , for their Church was built on a rock , and the gates of hell could never prevail against it . In conclusion he thanked the members of the Committee for presenting him

with a trowel , which , he said , heshould keep in his family as an heirloom . After thc address , the Masonic National Anthem was sung , and an offertory was collected for the building fund . The Masonic officiating brethren then gave place to the clergy and choir of Holy Trinity Church , and a service of dedication by the clergy was held , the Rev . Canon Hodgkinson officiatin' - * .

I he brethren then returned in reverse order to the Old Hall , where Prov . Grand Lodge being resumed , On the proposition of VV . Bro . A . KIRK , P . P . G . P ., seconded by W . Bro . W . E . HOWLETT , P . P . G . A . D . of C , W . Bro . C . M . Nesbitt , 712 , was , for thc sixteenth time , re-elected Prov . G . Treasurer . A vote of thanks was unanimously accorded to the R . VV . P . G . M . for his kindness in consenting to perform the public

ceremony above noled that day , which having acknowledged , he then proceeded to invest his officers for the ensuing year as follows : — Bro . * Edmund Locock , 712 Prov . D . G . M . „ Alfred Kirk , 422 Prov . G . S . W . „ James Fergusson , S 3 S Prov . G . J . W . „ Rev . T . R . N . Elliott , 422 ... Prov . G . Chap . ,, * Chas . Michell Nesbitt , 712 ... Prov . G . Treas . „* Henry Watson , 297 Prov . G . Reg .

,, * 1-. D . Marsden , 712 Prov . G . Sec „ Fred Higgins , 1600 Prov . G . S . D . ,, John Woodward , 4 G 9 Prov . G . J . D . „ P . Platts Dickenson , 297 ... Prov . G . S . of VV . ,, * W . II . Roberts , 792 Prov . G . D . C . „ William Rainforth , 13 SG ... Prov . G . A . D . C . „ William Henson , 12 SG Prov . G . S . B .

,, * Henry George Porter , 712 ... Prov . G . Org . ,, lohn Mawer , 712 Prov . G . Purst . Bros . VV . R . Fowler , 272 ; G . I Ions- "* ] ham , 422 ; C . R . Farmer , 422 ; | VV . Hipkin , 5 SS ; F . J . Green , S-Prov . G . Stwds . 1232 j and James Casterton , 12 SG J „ | . S . Codd , 297 Prov . G . Std . Br . . » » Hnv . A-.-, IV .... r *_ ' 1-.. 1 .... 1

,, * - " •- " .., •, — — ... ... ... . , KJ „ , VJ . . VLI . On the proposition of W . Bro . II . WATSON , 297 , P . G . Reg ., it was ordered that a suit of P . G . Stewards' clothing be procured , in order to complete the set . * Re-appointed or re-elected .