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Article PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF WEST YORKSHIRE. ← Page 2 of 3 Article PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF WEST YORKSHIRE. Page 2 of 3 →
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Provincial Grand Lodge Of West Yorkshire.
Prov . G . Std . lir . ; Wm . Laycock , Robert Fisher , John Watson , and John Constable , P . P . G . Std . Brs . ; Simeon Whiteley , Prov . G . Org . ; William Ash , Geo . Carbert , and Geo . F . Carr , P . P . G . Orgs . ; Joseph Matthewman , Prov . A . G . Sec . ; Thos . Lawrence , Prov . G . Purst . ; Henry Morton , P . P . A . G . Purst , as Prov . A . G . Purst . ; B . P . Parker , John Seed , Wm . Cockcroft , John Shoesmith , George Blackburn , Charles Shaw , Geo . H . Holdroyd , Jas . A . Heastie , and Jas , Oldroyd , P . P . G . Pursts . ; Wm . Richard Bates , Horatio Scott Wood , Wm . Roberts
Hinings , and Wm . Wilson , Prov . G . Stwds . ; Walter Fennell , as Prov . G . Stwd . ; Thomas Leighton , Prov . G . Tyler ; Thomas Chester , Prov . A . G . Tyler ; also a large number of Worshipful Masters , Past Masters , and brethren . The lodges unrepresented were 308 , 3 S 0 , 458 , 810 , 837 , and 2268 . The Prov . Grand Lodge was opened in ample form ; solemn prayer was offered , and a portion of holy scripture read by the PROV . G . CHAP . The Prov . Grand Master and the Deputy Prov . Grand Master were saluted .
The roll of lodges was called . The roll of Present and Past Grand Officers was called . Apologies were announced from Bros . John Joshua Brook , P . M . 290 Prov . J G . W . ; Ven . Archdeacon Donne , 101 9 , Prov . G . Chap . ; Alfred Stephenson , P . M . 2321 , Prov . S . G . D . ; Wm . Watson , P . M . 61 , P . P . G . Supt . of Wks ., Hon . Librarian ; C . Goldthorpe , P . M . 242 , Prov . Asst .
G . D . C . ; VV . M . Tate , P . M . 306 , Prov . G . Std . Br . ; Wm . Bingham , P . M . 1042 . Prov . G . Purst . ; Jas . Sugden , P . M . 1301 , Prov . G . Steward ; and 55 P . P . G . Officers , Worshipful Masters , Past Masters , and others ; as well as from Bros , the Hon . W . T . Orde-Powlett , Past Grand Warden , D . P . G . M . N . and li . Yorks ; James Terry , Sec . R . M . B . Institution ; F . R . VV . Hedges , Sec . R . M . I , for Girls ; and J . M . McLeod , Sec . R . M . I , for Boys .
The minu'es of the annual meeting of Prov . Grand Lodge , held at Halifax , on Wednesday , 3 rd April , were presented . On the proposition of Bro . VV . FISHER TASKER , P . M . 296 , seconded by Bro . J . HY . GRATION , P . M . 1513 , the minutes were taken as read . Bro . C . LETCH MASON , Prov . S . G . W ., proposed— " That the minutes be confirmed . " Seconded by the Deputy , Bro . HENRY SMITH ; this was carried nem con .
The Director of Ceremonies , Bro . G . P . SUNDERLAND , having claimed silence and attention , the PROV . GRAND MASTER thus addressed Prov . Grand Lodge—Brethren , —It is customary on these occasions that a few words should be addressed to you by your Prov . Grand Master . Although there is no special subject at this time which I desire to name , yet I cannot but feel that , meeting as we do to-day , in this Town Hall , and within one of the most active and energetic
of the West Riding towns , our thoughts are quite naturally carped back to that brother who occupied so prominent and distinguished a position in this Borough of Dewsbury . The untimely loss of Bro . T . Bateman Fox every Mason in this province deeply deplores . He was a prominent Mason , large in stature and equally large in heart . In Dewsbury , it would be presumptuous in me to say anything as to the ability Bro . Fox possessed , or the respect in which he was held . He was , as many of you know , closely connected with this place , and with this
building . Three times did the burgesses of Dewsbury raise him to the highest position it is in their power to confer—that of Chief Magistrate of the borough . He was Chairman , I believe , of the Town Hall Committee , not only during the time of its erection , but down to the day of his death , and in that capacity he laid the memorial-stone of this commodious and beautiful hall . Every one who had the advantage of his personal friendship knows that no movement which had for its object the advancement of his native town , or the progress of the Craft to
which he was so devotedly attached , failed to excite his interest , and enlist his support . Thoroughly unselfish , he never spared himself , but devoted his energies to the general good of all . His loss we feel acutely , and mourn most deeply , and we can only hope that those of his own family whose bereavement is so severe may be supported and comforted by T . G . A . O . T . U . in their great affliction . Since our last meeting the hand of death has been very busy , and has fallen very heavily upon the Craft . Bro . Richard Carter , a Past Warden of the province , has passed
away , as also has Bro . A . B . Perkins , P . M . ; and I cannot refrain from mentioning the singular instance of Lodge 910 , Pontefract . No sooner had they lost the founder of St . Oswald and its main supporter , our lamented Bro . Tew , than death in rapid succession took away from them Bro . Isaac ICaberry , Prov . G . Registrar , who did not live to take his collar ; Bro . Samuel Slack , a most active and useful Past Master ; Bro . W . H . B . Atkinson , P . M . -, and hnally , Bro . John Morrell , the W . M . of the year . These , perhaps , are warnings ; yet we must also recognise
that all this notwithstanding , we must face our difficulties manfully , and that it is our bounden duty to walk straightly and uprightly in the steadfast discharge of our duties . During the year it has been a gratifying circumstance jthat I have been called upon to consecrate a new lodge , viz ., Furnival , No . 2558 , Sheffield , Of this new lodge I hear excellent accounts . The success which has attended it , and the harmony which characterises it , whilst highly satisfactory , do not exceed the expectations I formed at its commencement ; and I then said , knowing the
men to whom its destinies were entrusted , that it was with perfect confidence I left the interests of the lodge in their hands . The time when a large number of new VV . Ms . will be chosen is now ni gh at hand . Let me take this opportunity to express the hope that only those brethren will be selected who are in all particulars fully fitted to occupy so important a position . No brother can claim the office by right—it is a privilege which the brethren confer , and it is their duty to see that this most valuable privilege is only granted to those whose Masonic ability and
moral fitness are commensurate with the position . 1 need hardly argue the question of the importance of this matter . The privilege involves serious responsibilities , and the men so chosen should be those who , sensible of their duties , lead daily blameless lives , and are prepared to maintain the traditions in this respect which this province long has cherished . It is my wish and hope , brethren , that the various lodges from time to time will invite Provincial Grand Ofiicers to visit them . Unlortunately it is not in my power to do this as 1 should wish ; the
brethren recognise this and are good enough to excuse it , and 1 consider that the Provincial Grand Ofiicers owe it to me as well as to you to discharge the duty which I am thus unable to fulfil . By doing this they promote good feeling amongst the brethren , harmony in working , and keep all the lodges in touch with the executive , and so bring about that smoothness and sympathy which are so desirable . Bretliren , we sometimes dream dreams . To-day we meet in this handsome building , replete with every convenience , and there arc few places ,
perhaps , where the Cralt can so comfortably assemble , but I sometimes dream that trie time may come when it will be tor us to consider whether Prov . Grand Lodge may not have some central home worthy of the province . lt is , I know , a large question , and the cost will be a heavy item . It , however , the brethren in the distant future ( shall I say r ) should be moved to take a step in this direction , it would , I feel sure , meet with no cold response . I make no proposition—it is a
question of the gravest consequence , and to make the result certain and satisfactory we must be practically unanimous . If it is found that there is a general fueling in favour ot lhis step , it might then be considered , and the suggestion I in . ike would take form and substance . I thank you heartily , brethren , lor your kind salutations , and 1 deeply appreciate your attendance in such large numbers . 1 am a busy man ; 1 have sometimes to be in two or three places in the same d-iy .
Provincial Grand Lodge Of West Yorkshire.
Such is my case this afternoon : to-night I must be in London , and I must therefore shortly leave you . I always endeavour to keep this day sacred , to devote it entirely to you and your interests , that I may appear before you in this chair . I need not say more ; my Deputy has , I believe , a few words to address to you . I will not anticipate whit he is prepared to bring before you ; he always gives us good advice , and I am sure you will afford him your earnest attention . The DEPUTY PROV . G . M . then rose and
said—Brethren , —The statement which in a few words I am about to make to you is one for which you must all more or less be prepared , as I have foreshadowed it at various times in Provincial Grand Lodge and at private lodge meetings When I tell you that , initiated in 1852 , I served the office of W . M . in 1857 ; tnat I was made Prov . S . G . D . by the Earl of Mexborough in 1859 ; that I have worn the badge of our Order with pride and pleasure for over 43 yearj ; that I filled the onerous post of Prov . Grand Secretary for 15 years ; that I have occupied the still
more responsible position of Deputy Grand Master in this province for 10 years ; that I received the collar of Grand Deacon of England in 1888 ; that before I became Prov . Grand Secretary I was present at Prov . Grand Lodge 36 times , and that out of 78 meetingssince that date I have missed only one—when I put my Masonic career thus briefl y before you , I think you cannot fail to agree with me that the time has come when I am entitled to retire from active service amongst you , and to be relieved from the burden and anxiety which the tenure of the office of Deputy
entails—a burden which I must confess begins to feel more than I can , with justice to you and with comfort to myself , continue to endure . A Masonic experience like mine , brethren , is perhaps without a parallel ; and I venture to think that a brief retrospect may not prove uninteresting . At my initiation in the Hope Lodge , Bradford , then 379 , now 302 , on the 3 rd May , 1852 , the entire number of lodges under tie Grand Lodgeof England did not exceed 600 . Only the other day a lodge was consecrated which was numbered 2581 . I don ' t mean to say that there
are actually 25 S 1 lodges on the roll , for some have dropped out , whilst others in the Colonies have withdrawn to form Grand Lodges of their own , but there are certainly over 2000 existing lodges , which , compared with 600 , shows a marvellous increase In West Yorkshire at that period there were 29 lodges only . Every one of these lodges , I rejoice to say , is still on our list , and most of them , I may add , are in a far more flourishing condition than was the case at that time . For instance , one returned a total of only six members ; four had less than 10 on their books , and
six others did not number 20 each : whereas now , there are 77 lodges in the province , and only one of them has less than 20 subscribing members . The total number of Masons in West Yorkshire in 1852 was under 1000 , to-day it is rapidly approaching 4000 . Leeds at that time had three lodges , now it has eight ; Bradford had two , now , counting Eccleshill , it has seven ; Huddersfield had three , it at present has six ; whilst in Sheffield , where Masonic progress is most striking , there were in those days but two lodges , in contrast with the eight it now
possesses . The same thing has occurred more or less throughout the province ; but what is perhaps a more striking feature to notice as illustrating the growth of Freemasonry , is the establishment of lodges in small towns , little more than manufacturing villages , some of them . By the time I became Provincial Grand Secretary in 1870 , in succession to Bro . Richard Reed Nelson , from 29 the lodges had increased to 54 ; so that during the last 25 years we have added 23 lodges to our roll , an average of one a year almost ; and at the consecration of every one
of these I have been present . At that time there were but three lodges in the province which had kept their Centenary—Probity , 61 , Halifax ; Britannia , 139 , Sheffield ; and Unanimity , 154 , Wakefield—now there are 13 , and next year two more will be entitled to this distinction . With respect to Charity matters , I may say that along with others , most of whom have now passed away , in the year 1859 I was one of the promoters of the West Yorkshire Charity Committee , and since its formation I have rarely missed
attendance at its meetings . By means of this organisation we have in this province raised for the benefit of our Masonic Institutions over ^ 6 o , ooo , whilst the total sum subscribed in the whole country during the same period , has reached the enormous sum of three-quarters of a million sterling , averaging , £ 3 0 , 000 a year for 25 years . During those same years there have been 125 elections of candidates for the benefits of these Institutions , and when I tell you , brethren , that of these 125 meetings , held all of them in London , I have been present at
and taken part in 123 , you will agree with me that I have not been unmindful of the Charitable business of the province . My absence in both instances arose from the fact that I was visiting friends in Canada and the United States . With our extraordinary success at these elections you are all well acquainted , and I need scarcely dwell upon it , yet you will Le interested , I am sure , to learn that between the years 1870 and 1895 , by means of these elections , we in We ; t Yorkshire have put 66 boys and 57 girls into the Scliools . besides placing 45 men and 35 widows upon
the Annuity Fund . We have carried all our 203 candidates , in addition to whom we have by means of our presentations added many others . Many more interesting details could I give out of my varied experience , but 1 do not want to weary you . After a service like mine , during which I have seen five Prov . Grand Masters of West Yorkshire , and held office under all of them , you cannot deny that I have a fair claim to be relieved from official cares and responsibilities . That 1 have tried to the utmost of my ability to benefit the province ,
with whose organisation I have been so long and so closely associated , I freely admit , and I have ever been conscious of and grateful for the indulgent spirit in which my poor services have been received , and the recognition which my efforts have ever met with at the hands of you all . At times we may not have looked at matters from the same point of view , and it is possible that what I deemed the conscientious discharge of my duty may have brought me into conflict with some of you . Believing , as I do , most firmly that
only by adhering strictly to certain rules , by adopting , in fact , a thorough and complete system , could the organisation of this province approach anything like what you and 1 would have it , 1 may at times have seemed somewhat of a disciplinarian ; but if slight friction has been set up it has only been temporary . Your forbearance , your moderation , and , above all , " your good sense , have led you to see that no injustice was meant on my part , and that my action was prompted by a desire to benefit your lodges individually , and to strengthen West Yorkshire
in the exercise ot ils power and influence in the Masonic world . Brethren , it is a wrench to sever myself from you , yet it is a duty—a necessity from which I shall not shrink ; but , whilst my official connection thus ceases , yet to my dying day I , shall never lose sight of all that concerns the interests of Freemasonry , and especially shall I continue to be anxious for the success , the welfare , and the progress of the province to which I have been so long and sincerely attached . There is great consolation and unbounded satisfaction to me in the thought that I leave you in strong and efficient hands . Of the energy , the ability , and the intelligent
grasp and comprehension of a large and complicated subject , which has been so eminently shown by your Provincial Grand Master , I shall not in his presence say anything : you have all seen it , you have all appreciated it—you are in good hands , your future is safe . Perhaps , brethren , there is no more suitable place in which to utter my farewell words to you than in this good old town of Dewsbury—a town hallowed by valued friendships , and one which will ever be associated with years of pleasing recollection . I thank you for salutations and for the patient attention you have given to my few disjointed remarks .
The PROV . GRAND MASTER then said : Before I cill upon Bro . Harrop , the Chairman of ths Chirity C unmiuee , 1 cannot allow what has just occuired to pass witho it s , i ) i ig a word . Tins is no : the occasion , you will all feel , to recognise the seiviccs ol the Deputy Piov . Grand Master ; you will take a little time to consider how , in a btcj ; niig manner , this ca *>
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Provincial Grand Lodge Of West Yorkshire.
Prov . G . Std . lir . ; Wm . Laycock , Robert Fisher , John Watson , and John Constable , P . P . G . Std . Brs . ; Simeon Whiteley , Prov . G . Org . ; William Ash , Geo . Carbert , and Geo . F . Carr , P . P . G . Orgs . ; Joseph Matthewman , Prov . A . G . Sec . ; Thos . Lawrence , Prov . G . Purst . ; Henry Morton , P . P . A . G . Purst , as Prov . A . G . Purst . ; B . P . Parker , John Seed , Wm . Cockcroft , John Shoesmith , George Blackburn , Charles Shaw , Geo . H . Holdroyd , Jas . A . Heastie , and Jas , Oldroyd , P . P . G . Pursts . ; Wm . Richard Bates , Horatio Scott Wood , Wm . Roberts
Hinings , and Wm . Wilson , Prov . G . Stwds . ; Walter Fennell , as Prov . G . Stwd . ; Thomas Leighton , Prov . G . Tyler ; Thomas Chester , Prov . A . G . Tyler ; also a large number of Worshipful Masters , Past Masters , and brethren . The lodges unrepresented were 308 , 3 S 0 , 458 , 810 , 837 , and 2268 . The Prov . Grand Lodge was opened in ample form ; solemn prayer was offered , and a portion of holy scripture read by the PROV . G . CHAP . The Prov . Grand Master and the Deputy Prov . Grand Master were saluted .
The roll of lodges was called . The roll of Present and Past Grand Officers was called . Apologies were announced from Bros . John Joshua Brook , P . M . 290 Prov . J G . W . ; Ven . Archdeacon Donne , 101 9 , Prov . G . Chap . ; Alfred Stephenson , P . M . 2321 , Prov . S . G . D . ; Wm . Watson , P . M . 61 , P . P . G . Supt . of Wks ., Hon . Librarian ; C . Goldthorpe , P . M . 242 , Prov . Asst .
G . D . C . ; VV . M . Tate , P . M . 306 , Prov . G . Std . Br . ; Wm . Bingham , P . M . 1042 . Prov . G . Purst . ; Jas . Sugden , P . M . 1301 , Prov . G . Steward ; and 55 P . P . G . Officers , Worshipful Masters , Past Masters , and others ; as well as from Bros , the Hon . W . T . Orde-Powlett , Past Grand Warden , D . P . G . M . N . and li . Yorks ; James Terry , Sec . R . M . B . Institution ; F . R . VV . Hedges , Sec . R . M . I , for Girls ; and J . M . McLeod , Sec . R . M . I , for Boys .
The minu'es of the annual meeting of Prov . Grand Lodge , held at Halifax , on Wednesday , 3 rd April , were presented . On the proposition of Bro . VV . FISHER TASKER , P . M . 296 , seconded by Bro . J . HY . GRATION , P . M . 1513 , the minutes were taken as read . Bro . C . LETCH MASON , Prov . S . G . W ., proposed— " That the minutes be confirmed . " Seconded by the Deputy , Bro . HENRY SMITH ; this was carried nem con .
The Director of Ceremonies , Bro . G . P . SUNDERLAND , having claimed silence and attention , the PROV . GRAND MASTER thus addressed Prov . Grand Lodge—Brethren , —It is customary on these occasions that a few words should be addressed to you by your Prov . Grand Master . Although there is no special subject at this time which I desire to name , yet I cannot but feel that , meeting as we do to-day , in this Town Hall , and within one of the most active and energetic
of the West Riding towns , our thoughts are quite naturally carped back to that brother who occupied so prominent and distinguished a position in this Borough of Dewsbury . The untimely loss of Bro . T . Bateman Fox every Mason in this province deeply deplores . He was a prominent Mason , large in stature and equally large in heart . In Dewsbury , it would be presumptuous in me to say anything as to the ability Bro . Fox possessed , or the respect in which he was held . He was , as many of you know , closely connected with this place , and with this
building . Three times did the burgesses of Dewsbury raise him to the highest position it is in their power to confer—that of Chief Magistrate of the borough . He was Chairman , I believe , of the Town Hall Committee , not only during the time of its erection , but down to the day of his death , and in that capacity he laid the memorial-stone of this commodious and beautiful hall . Every one who had the advantage of his personal friendship knows that no movement which had for its object the advancement of his native town , or the progress of the Craft to
which he was so devotedly attached , failed to excite his interest , and enlist his support . Thoroughly unselfish , he never spared himself , but devoted his energies to the general good of all . His loss we feel acutely , and mourn most deeply , and we can only hope that those of his own family whose bereavement is so severe may be supported and comforted by T . G . A . O . T . U . in their great affliction . Since our last meeting the hand of death has been very busy , and has fallen very heavily upon the Craft . Bro . Richard Carter , a Past Warden of the province , has passed
away , as also has Bro . A . B . Perkins , P . M . ; and I cannot refrain from mentioning the singular instance of Lodge 910 , Pontefract . No sooner had they lost the founder of St . Oswald and its main supporter , our lamented Bro . Tew , than death in rapid succession took away from them Bro . Isaac ICaberry , Prov . G . Registrar , who did not live to take his collar ; Bro . Samuel Slack , a most active and useful Past Master ; Bro . W . H . B . Atkinson , P . M . -, and hnally , Bro . John Morrell , the W . M . of the year . These , perhaps , are warnings ; yet we must also recognise
that all this notwithstanding , we must face our difficulties manfully , and that it is our bounden duty to walk straightly and uprightly in the steadfast discharge of our duties . During the year it has been a gratifying circumstance jthat I have been called upon to consecrate a new lodge , viz ., Furnival , No . 2558 , Sheffield , Of this new lodge I hear excellent accounts . The success which has attended it , and the harmony which characterises it , whilst highly satisfactory , do not exceed the expectations I formed at its commencement ; and I then said , knowing the
men to whom its destinies were entrusted , that it was with perfect confidence I left the interests of the lodge in their hands . The time when a large number of new VV . Ms . will be chosen is now ni gh at hand . Let me take this opportunity to express the hope that only those brethren will be selected who are in all particulars fully fitted to occupy so important a position . No brother can claim the office by right—it is a privilege which the brethren confer , and it is their duty to see that this most valuable privilege is only granted to those whose Masonic ability and
moral fitness are commensurate with the position . 1 need hardly argue the question of the importance of this matter . The privilege involves serious responsibilities , and the men so chosen should be those who , sensible of their duties , lead daily blameless lives , and are prepared to maintain the traditions in this respect which this province long has cherished . It is my wish and hope , brethren , that the various lodges from time to time will invite Provincial Grand Ofiicers to visit them . Unlortunately it is not in my power to do this as 1 should wish ; the
brethren recognise this and are good enough to excuse it , and 1 consider that the Provincial Grand Ofiicers owe it to me as well as to you to discharge the duty which I am thus unable to fulfil . By doing this they promote good feeling amongst the brethren , harmony in working , and keep all the lodges in touch with the executive , and so bring about that smoothness and sympathy which are so desirable . Bretliren , we sometimes dream dreams . To-day we meet in this handsome building , replete with every convenience , and there arc few places ,
perhaps , where the Cralt can so comfortably assemble , but I sometimes dream that trie time may come when it will be tor us to consider whether Prov . Grand Lodge may not have some central home worthy of the province . lt is , I know , a large question , and the cost will be a heavy item . It , however , the brethren in the distant future ( shall I say r ) should be moved to take a step in this direction , it would , I feel sure , meet with no cold response . I make no proposition—it is a
question of the gravest consequence , and to make the result certain and satisfactory we must be practically unanimous . If it is found that there is a general fueling in favour ot lhis step , it might then be considered , and the suggestion I in . ike would take form and substance . I thank you heartily , brethren , lor your kind salutations , and 1 deeply appreciate your attendance in such large numbers . 1 am a busy man ; 1 have sometimes to be in two or three places in the same d-iy .
Provincial Grand Lodge Of West Yorkshire.
Such is my case this afternoon : to-night I must be in London , and I must therefore shortly leave you . I always endeavour to keep this day sacred , to devote it entirely to you and your interests , that I may appear before you in this chair . I need not say more ; my Deputy has , I believe , a few words to address to you . I will not anticipate whit he is prepared to bring before you ; he always gives us good advice , and I am sure you will afford him your earnest attention . The DEPUTY PROV . G . M . then rose and
said—Brethren , —The statement which in a few words I am about to make to you is one for which you must all more or less be prepared , as I have foreshadowed it at various times in Provincial Grand Lodge and at private lodge meetings When I tell you that , initiated in 1852 , I served the office of W . M . in 1857 ; tnat I was made Prov . S . G . D . by the Earl of Mexborough in 1859 ; that I have worn the badge of our Order with pride and pleasure for over 43 yearj ; that I filled the onerous post of Prov . Grand Secretary for 15 years ; that I have occupied the still
more responsible position of Deputy Grand Master in this province for 10 years ; that I received the collar of Grand Deacon of England in 1888 ; that before I became Prov . Grand Secretary I was present at Prov . Grand Lodge 36 times , and that out of 78 meetingssince that date I have missed only one—when I put my Masonic career thus briefl y before you , I think you cannot fail to agree with me that the time has come when I am entitled to retire from active service amongst you , and to be relieved from the burden and anxiety which the tenure of the office of Deputy
entails—a burden which I must confess begins to feel more than I can , with justice to you and with comfort to myself , continue to endure . A Masonic experience like mine , brethren , is perhaps without a parallel ; and I venture to think that a brief retrospect may not prove uninteresting . At my initiation in the Hope Lodge , Bradford , then 379 , now 302 , on the 3 rd May , 1852 , the entire number of lodges under tie Grand Lodgeof England did not exceed 600 . Only the other day a lodge was consecrated which was numbered 2581 . I don ' t mean to say that there
are actually 25 S 1 lodges on the roll , for some have dropped out , whilst others in the Colonies have withdrawn to form Grand Lodges of their own , but there are certainly over 2000 existing lodges , which , compared with 600 , shows a marvellous increase In West Yorkshire at that period there were 29 lodges only . Every one of these lodges , I rejoice to say , is still on our list , and most of them , I may add , are in a far more flourishing condition than was the case at that time . For instance , one returned a total of only six members ; four had less than 10 on their books , and
six others did not number 20 each : whereas now , there are 77 lodges in the province , and only one of them has less than 20 subscribing members . The total number of Masons in West Yorkshire in 1852 was under 1000 , to-day it is rapidly approaching 4000 . Leeds at that time had three lodges , now it has eight ; Bradford had two , now , counting Eccleshill , it has seven ; Huddersfield had three , it at present has six ; whilst in Sheffield , where Masonic progress is most striking , there were in those days but two lodges , in contrast with the eight it now
possesses . The same thing has occurred more or less throughout the province ; but what is perhaps a more striking feature to notice as illustrating the growth of Freemasonry , is the establishment of lodges in small towns , little more than manufacturing villages , some of them . By the time I became Provincial Grand Secretary in 1870 , in succession to Bro . Richard Reed Nelson , from 29 the lodges had increased to 54 ; so that during the last 25 years we have added 23 lodges to our roll , an average of one a year almost ; and at the consecration of every one
of these I have been present . At that time there were but three lodges in the province which had kept their Centenary—Probity , 61 , Halifax ; Britannia , 139 , Sheffield ; and Unanimity , 154 , Wakefield—now there are 13 , and next year two more will be entitled to this distinction . With respect to Charity matters , I may say that along with others , most of whom have now passed away , in the year 1859 I was one of the promoters of the West Yorkshire Charity Committee , and since its formation I have rarely missed
attendance at its meetings . By means of this organisation we have in this province raised for the benefit of our Masonic Institutions over ^ 6 o , ooo , whilst the total sum subscribed in the whole country during the same period , has reached the enormous sum of three-quarters of a million sterling , averaging , £ 3 0 , 000 a year for 25 years . During those same years there have been 125 elections of candidates for the benefits of these Institutions , and when I tell you , brethren , that of these 125 meetings , held all of them in London , I have been present at
and taken part in 123 , you will agree with me that I have not been unmindful of the Charitable business of the province . My absence in both instances arose from the fact that I was visiting friends in Canada and the United States . With our extraordinary success at these elections you are all well acquainted , and I need scarcely dwell upon it , yet you will Le interested , I am sure , to learn that between the years 1870 and 1895 , by means of these elections , we in We ; t Yorkshire have put 66 boys and 57 girls into the Scliools . besides placing 45 men and 35 widows upon
the Annuity Fund . We have carried all our 203 candidates , in addition to whom we have by means of our presentations added many others . Many more interesting details could I give out of my varied experience , but 1 do not want to weary you . After a service like mine , during which I have seen five Prov . Grand Masters of West Yorkshire , and held office under all of them , you cannot deny that I have a fair claim to be relieved from official cares and responsibilities . That 1 have tried to the utmost of my ability to benefit the province ,
with whose organisation I have been so long and so closely associated , I freely admit , and I have ever been conscious of and grateful for the indulgent spirit in which my poor services have been received , and the recognition which my efforts have ever met with at the hands of you all . At times we may not have looked at matters from the same point of view , and it is possible that what I deemed the conscientious discharge of my duty may have brought me into conflict with some of you . Believing , as I do , most firmly that
only by adhering strictly to certain rules , by adopting , in fact , a thorough and complete system , could the organisation of this province approach anything like what you and 1 would have it , 1 may at times have seemed somewhat of a disciplinarian ; but if slight friction has been set up it has only been temporary . Your forbearance , your moderation , and , above all , " your good sense , have led you to see that no injustice was meant on my part , and that my action was prompted by a desire to benefit your lodges individually , and to strengthen West Yorkshire
in the exercise ot ils power and influence in the Masonic world . Brethren , it is a wrench to sever myself from you , yet it is a duty—a necessity from which I shall not shrink ; but , whilst my official connection thus ceases , yet to my dying day I , shall never lose sight of all that concerns the interests of Freemasonry , and especially shall I continue to be anxious for the success , the welfare , and the progress of the province to which I have been so long and sincerely attached . There is great consolation and unbounded satisfaction to me in the thought that I leave you in strong and efficient hands . Of the energy , the ability , and the intelligent
grasp and comprehension of a large and complicated subject , which has been so eminently shown by your Provincial Grand Master , I shall not in his presence say anything : you have all seen it , you have all appreciated it—you are in good hands , your future is safe . Perhaps , brethren , there is no more suitable place in which to utter my farewell words to you than in this good old town of Dewsbury—a town hallowed by valued friendships , and one which will ever be associated with years of pleasing recollection . I thank you for salutations and for the patient attention you have given to my few disjointed remarks .
The PROV . GRAND MASTER then said : Before I cill upon Bro . Harrop , the Chairman of ths Chirity C unmiuee , 1 cannot allow what has just occuired to pass witho it s , i ) i ig a word . Tins is no : the occasion , you will all feel , to recognise the seiviccs ol the Deputy Piov . Grand Master ; you will take a little time to consider how , in a btcj ; niig manner , this ca *>