-
Articles/Ads
Article THE OSWESTRY MASONIC HALL. ← Page 2 of 2 Article THE OSWESTRY MASONIC HALL. Page 2 of 2 Ad Untitled Page 1 of 1
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The Oswestry Masonic Hall.
Bro . Lord HARIECH , having received from Bro . Dr . O'Conor , the Vice-Chairman of the Masonic Hall Company , a trowel , bearing the following inscription : " Presented to Sir Oflley Wakeman , Bart ., R . W . P . G . M . for Shropshire ,,
by the Oswestry Freemasons Hall Co ., Ltd ., on the occasion of his L ; ying of the Poundation Stone of the Freemasons' Hall , Oct . 17 , 1901 . The Right Hon . Lord Harlech , Chairman . " handed it to the Prov . Grand Master , and said , as Chairman of the Masonic Hall Company , it afforded him very great pleasure to offer the Prov . Grand Master of Shropshire a trowel , and to request him to favour them by laying the found ition
stone . He was sure it must be a matter of great gratification to the Prov . Grand Master to see such an amount of activity and enterprise in his province as was evidenced by the assembly they saw there that day . He might say that through out the whole of England and Wales the spirit of Freemasonry was extending its auspicious sway , and he looked forward to a great increase in that county in consequence of all the ceremonies which took place from time to time . Charity wis their motive power , and peace , love , and harmony were their watchwords ; if they were faithful to the everlasting bonds of Charity they would be loyal to their God , loyal to their King loyal to that Order , and loyal one man to another .
The PROV . GRAND MASTER said he was much obliged" for the handsome trowel which the Masonic Hall Company had presented to him , and he would gladly comply with the request to lay the foundation stone of their building . The stone having been raised and the lower one adjusted , the P . G . M . said : Men and brethren here assembled ; Be it known unto you that we be lawful Masons , true and faithful to the laws of our country , and established of old , with peace and honour , in most countries , to do good to our brethren , to erect
magnificent edifices to be serviceable to the brethren and all mankind , and to fear God , the Great Architect of the Universe . We have among us , concealed from the eyes of all men , secrets which cannot be divulged ; but these secrets are lawful and honourable , and not repugnant to the laws of God or man . They were entrusted , in peace and honour , to the Masons of ancient times , and having been faithfully transmitted to us , it is our duty to convey them unimpaired to the latest posterity . Unless our Craft were good and our calling honourable , we should not have lasted so many centuries , nor should we have had so many
illustrious brethren in our Order in all ages , who have ever shown themselves ready to promote our interests and defend us from all adversaries . We are assembled here to-day , in the face of you all , to erect a house in which we can meet to perform our ceremonies in conformity with the ancient landmarks of our Order , which we pray God may prosper as it seems good to Him ; and as the first duty of Masons in any undertaking is to invoke the blessing of the Great Architect of the Universe on their work , I call upon you to unite with our Chaplain in an address to the Throne of Grace .
The senior P . G . C , Bro . the Rev . REGINALD W . W ILLIAMS , P . M ., then said the following prayer : Almighty God , Great Architect of the Universe , send Thy blessing , we pray Thee , on this our present convention ; and as Thou didst fulfil the devotion of David by the work of his son our Grand Master , King Solomon , so vouchsafe to accomplish our desires , that as we hope to raise on this Corner Stone a Temple in which the great mysteries of our Sacred Order may be duly performed , we may be ever more established in Thy strength , and be found more worthy hereafter to enter into Thy Temple , not made with hands , eternal in the Heavens . "
The choir responded by chanting " So mote it be . " At the reqnest of the P . G . M ., the P . G . REGISTRAR then read the scroll to be placed in the cavity as follows : " Antient Free and Accepted Masons under the United Grand Lodge of England , Province of Shropshire . St . Oswald ' s Lodge , 1134 , Bro . Dr . C . W . O'Conor , W . M ., P . G . Steward ; Fitzalan Lodge , 143 2 , Bro . A . C . Minshall , W . M . P . G . S . D . The Oswestry Freemasons' Hall Company , Limited , was founded by
the exertion of the Worshipful Masters of the two Lodges named above , assisted by Bro . W . Martin , P . P . G . S . D ., P . M . 1423 , acting as honorary secretary , for the purpose of providing lodge room accommodation for the Freemasons of Oswestry and neighbourhood . The first directors and officials of the Company were 1 The Right Honourable Lord Harlech ( Second Baron ) , R . W . P . G . M . North Wales , and R . W . P . G . M . North Connaught , Chairman ; Bro . C W . O'Conor , P . G . Steward , Vice-Chairman ; Bro . W . Martin , P . P . G . S . D ., P . M .
1432 , Honorary Secretary ; Bro . Rev . T . Redfern , P . G . Chiplain , J . W . 1124 ; Bro . A . C Minshall , P . G . S . D . ; Bro . R . J . Roberts , P . P . G . A . Sec , P . M . 1432 , directors . Bro . ( . ' . E . Williams , 143 2 , and Bro . A . C . Nicholson , P . P . G . P ., auditors ; Bro . W . H . Spaull , F . R . I . B . A ., Past A . G . D . of C . England , P . G . Secretary , architect ; Bro . R . O . Perrott , J . D . 1124 , solicitor ; Messrs . W . Griffiths and Son , Ellesmere , contractors . On Thursday , the 17 th day of October , 1901 , the Provincial Grand Lodge met at the Victoria Rooms , Oswestry . The
Provincial Grand Lodge having been opened , a procession was formed , which proceeded to the site of the Hall , and the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master of Shropshire , Sir ( Jflley Wakeman , third Baronet , of Perdiswell , at present residing at Yeaton Pevery , laid the foundation stone of the Hall with full Masonic ceremonies , after which the procession returned to the Victoria Rooms , and the Provincial Grand Lodge was closed . The St . Oswald Lodge , 1124 , and the Fitzalan Lodge , 1432 , previous to the building of this Hall , had met at the Wynnstay Arms Hotel in Church-street , known many years ago as the Bowling Green Inn . "
The PROV . G . MASTER then requested tie Prov . G . Secretaiy to read the inscription on the plate to be placed over the cavity in the lower stone as follows : ' . ' " *" . foundation . stone of this Hall was laid by the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master for Shropshire of Antient , Free , and Accepted Masons , Bro . Sir Offley Wakeman , third Baronet of Perdiswell , at present residing at Yeaton Peverey , on October 17 th , 1901 ; the building being erected for the purposes of Freemasonry by the Oswestrv Freemasons' Hall Company , Limited .
11 Chairman , "TheRt . Hon . Lord HAKLECH , R . W . P . G . M . North Wales . "Vice-Chairman , " Bro . Dr . C W . O'CONOR , P . G . Stwd ., W . M . St . Oswald Lodge , 1124 . " Directors— Bros . Rev . T . Redfern , P . G . Chap ., J . W . 1124 ; W . Martin , P . P . G . S . D ., P . M . 1432 , Hon . Sec . ; A . C Minshall , P . G . S . D ., W . M . 1432 ; R . I . Roberts , P . P . G . A . Sec , P . M . 1432 . "Architect . —Bro . W . H . Spaull , F . R . I . B . A ., Past A . G . D . of C . Eng ., P . G . Sec .
Builders . —Messrs . Griffiths and Son , Ellesmere . " The Prov . G . Treasurer having placed the vase in the cavity , the Prov . G . secretary closed it by placing the engraved plate over it . With the assistance of an entered apprentice ( Bro . Arthur Uough ) the Prov . G . Master spread the cement upon the lower stone , and the upper stone was lowered with three distinct stoppages . Meantime . the choir chanted the psalm "Except the Lord build the Jiouse : their labour is but lost that build it . " The bearers of the plumb rule , evel , and square then came forward , and their instruments were handed to the
The Oswestry Masonic Hall.
Prov . G . Master in turn by the P . J . G . W ., the P . S . G . W ., and the D . P . G . M ., and having with their aid proved the just position and form of the stone , the Prov . G Master declared " It is a well wrought stone , square , level , perpendicular , and fitted to form the foundation of the intended work . " The P . J . G . D . then handed him the mallet , with which li 2 struck the stone three timjs , and the choir chinted
"So mote it be . " The corn , wine , oil , and salt were next presented to the PROV . G . MASTER , who , in turn , scattered or sprinkled them on the stone , and in doing so said : I scatter corn upon this stone as an emblem of abundance and plenty . May the good seed of His word sink into the hearts of men , take root , and bring forth fruit a hundredfold to their benefit and His glory . I pour wine upon the stonea symbol of strength and gladness . May those who work upon this building and
those who shall hereafter meet within its walls ever perform their allotted parts in the service of the Great Architect with cheerfulness and singleness of heart . I sprinkle this stone with oil—the emblem of peace and harmony . May good will and brotherly love prevail amongst those who shall labour in this house to the glory of the Most High , until time shall be no more . I sprinkle this salt as an
emblem of wisdom , fidelity , and perpetuity ; and may the all-bounteous . Author of Nature bless this town , this district , this country , and the kingdom at large , with abundance of corn , wine , and oil , and all the necessary comforts and conveniences of life . And may the same Almighty power preserve the inhabitants in peace and unity and brotherly love . The choir again chanted " So mote it be . "
The plans were next handed by the Prov . G . Supt . of Works to the Prov . G . Master , and he having examined them , handed them to the architect ( the Prov . G . S . ) , and charged him to proceed without loss of time to the completion of the work in conformity with the plans and designs . The vase , which was deposited in the cavity , contained copies of the Border Counties Advertiser for Wednesday and of the Liverpool Courier and The Times for Thursday , as well as coins for the current year . The foundation-stone , which is a block of Treflach stoneweighing 12 hundredweightis inscribed :
, , ' * This stone was laid with Masonic Ceremonies by Sir Offley Wakeman , Baronet , of Perdiswell , Rig ht Worshipful Provincial Grand Master for Shropshire of Antient , Free , and Accepted Masons , on October 17 th , 1901 . W . H . Spaull , F . R . l . B . A „ architect . W . Griffiths and Son , builders . " The ode , " Prosper the Art , " was next sung by the choir , Bro . J . S . Knight , of Ellesmere , taking the solo , and the following prayer was said by Bro . T .
Redfern , P . G . Chap .: " May the Omnipotent and merciful Father of all make us humble and grateful for all His mercies ; may He look down with benignity upon our present undertaking , and crown the edifice of which we have now laid the foundation stone with every success . So mote it be . " Bro . Redfern also said the benediction , and the proceedings closed with the Masonic version of the National Anthem , the last quatrain of which
reads" Long may King Edward reign , King of the azure main , Masons resound the strain , God save the King . " The procession , in inverted order , then returned to the Victoria Rooms , where the business of the Provincial Grand Lodge was continued . After the Prov . Grand Master had invested several officers , who wera unable to attend Prov . Grand Lodge at Wellington , the lodge WAS closed .
Subsequently luncheon was served at the Wynnstay Hotel , and after lunch the R . W . P . G . M . proposed " The Health of his Majesty the King , the Protector of the Order . " The toast of "The M . W . G . M ., H . R . H . the Duke of Connaught , " was sub . m ' ttted by Bro . GRAHAM . "The R . W . Prov . G . M . " was proposed by Bro . A . GRAHAM , and responded toby Sir O FFLEV WAKEMAN .
" Success to the Oswestry Freemasons' Hall" was proposed by the P . G . M ., who referred to the desirableness of lodges having halls of their own , used only for Masonic purposes , in which to meet , and which should be unconnected with licensed premises , at the same time having accommodation for providing necessary refreshment after labour . Bro . C W . O'CONOR , W . M . 1124 , Vice-Chairraan of the Hall Company , responded .
The toast of" The Visiting Brethren " was proposed by Bro . Capt . WILLIAMSFREEMAN . Bro . Lieut .-Col . G EORGE W . WALKER , P . G . Std . Br ,, D . P . G . M . Staffordshire , responded . 0 jam
THE GRAND MASTER MASON . —Grand Committee unanimously recommndjd to Grand Lodge that Bro . the Hon . Jam : s Hizier , M . P ., bj re-electedG . "in 1 Mister Mason of Scotland , and at their meeting on the 24 th ult . it wis announced thit he hil intimated his readiness to accept office .
Ad00902
V . J ^ X . OBTAINABLE tt / " ! Jf V " QfJ ... . . . » \<$>X«
ties N ^ O ^ f \ ^ WELL-KNOWN PLAN OP i^o^KS.20MONTHLY Cases'«
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The Oswestry Masonic Hall.
Bro . Lord HARIECH , having received from Bro . Dr . O'Conor , the Vice-Chairman of the Masonic Hall Company , a trowel , bearing the following inscription : " Presented to Sir Oflley Wakeman , Bart ., R . W . P . G . M . for Shropshire ,,
by the Oswestry Freemasons Hall Co ., Ltd ., on the occasion of his L ; ying of the Poundation Stone of the Freemasons' Hall , Oct . 17 , 1901 . The Right Hon . Lord Harlech , Chairman . " handed it to the Prov . Grand Master , and said , as Chairman of the Masonic Hall Company , it afforded him very great pleasure to offer the Prov . Grand Master of Shropshire a trowel , and to request him to favour them by laying the found ition
stone . He was sure it must be a matter of great gratification to the Prov . Grand Master to see such an amount of activity and enterprise in his province as was evidenced by the assembly they saw there that day . He might say that through out the whole of England and Wales the spirit of Freemasonry was extending its auspicious sway , and he looked forward to a great increase in that county in consequence of all the ceremonies which took place from time to time . Charity wis their motive power , and peace , love , and harmony were their watchwords ; if they were faithful to the everlasting bonds of Charity they would be loyal to their God , loyal to their King loyal to that Order , and loyal one man to another .
The PROV . GRAND MASTER said he was much obliged" for the handsome trowel which the Masonic Hall Company had presented to him , and he would gladly comply with the request to lay the foundation stone of their building . The stone having been raised and the lower one adjusted , the P . G . M . said : Men and brethren here assembled ; Be it known unto you that we be lawful Masons , true and faithful to the laws of our country , and established of old , with peace and honour , in most countries , to do good to our brethren , to erect
magnificent edifices to be serviceable to the brethren and all mankind , and to fear God , the Great Architect of the Universe . We have among us , concealed from the eyes of all men , secrets which cannot be divulged ; but these secrets are lawful and honourable , and not repugnant to the laws of God or man . They were entrusted , in peace and honour , to the Masons of ancient times , and having been faithfully transmitted to us , it is our duty to convey them unimpaired to the latest posterity . Unless our Craft were good and our calling honourable , we should not have lasted so many centuries , nor should we have had so many
illustrious brethren in our Order in all ages , who have ever shown themselves ready to promote our interests and defend us from all adversaries . We are assembled here to-day , in the face of you all , to erect a house in which we can meet to perform our ceremonies in conformity with the ancient landmarks of our Order , which we pray God may prosper as it seems good to Him ; and as the first duty of Masons in any undertaking is to invoke the blessing of the Great Architect of the Universe on their work , I call upon you to unite with our Chaplain in an address to the Throne of Grace .
The senior P . G . C , Bro . the Rev . REGINALD W . W ILLIAMS , P . M ., then said the following prayer : Almighty God , Great Architect of the Universe , send Thy blessing , we pray Thee , on this our present convention ; and as Thou didst fulfil the devotion of David by the work of his son our Grand Master , King Solomon , so vouchsafe to accomplish our desires , that as we hope to raise on this Corner Stone a Temple in which the great mysteries of our Sacred Order may be duly performed , we may be ever more established in Thy strength , and be found more worthy hereafter to enter into Thy Temple , not made with hands , eternal in the Heavens . "
The choir responded by chanting " So mote it be . " At the reqnest of the P . G . M ., the P . G . REGISTRAR then read the scroll to be placed in the cavity as follows : " Antient Free and Accepted Masons under the United Grand Lodge of England , Province of Shropshire . St . Oswald ' s Lodge , 1134 , Bro . Dr . C . W . O'Conor , W . M ., P . G . Steward ; Fitzalan Lodge , 143 2 , Bro . A . C . Minshall , W . M . P . G . S . D . The Oswestry Freemasons' Hall Company , Limited , was founded by
the exertion of the Worshipful Masters of the two Lodges named above , assisted by Bro . W . Martin , P . P . G . S . D ., P . M . 1423 , acting as honorary secretary , for the purpose of providing lodge room accommodation for the Freemasons of Oswestry and neighbourhood . The first directors and officials of the Company were 1 The Right Honourable Lord Harlech ( Second Baron ) , R . W . P . G . M . North Wales , and R . W . P . G . M . North Connaught , Chairman ; Bro . C W . O'Conor , P . G . Steward , Vice-Chairman ; Bro . W . Martin , P . P . G . S . D ., P . M .
1432 , Honorary Secretary ; Bro . Rev . T . Redfern , P . G . Chiplain , J . W . 1124 ; Bro . A . C Minshall , P . G . S . D . ; Bro . R . J . Roberts , P . P . G . A . Sec , P . M . 1432 , directors . Bro . ( . ' . E . Williams , 143 2 , and Bro . A . C . Nicholson , P . P . G . P ., auditors ; Bro . W . H . Spaull , F . R . I . B . A ., Past A . G . D . of C . England , P . G . Secretary , architect ; Bro . R . O . Perrott , J . D . 1124 , solicitor ; Messrs . W . Griffiths and Son , Ellesmere , contractors . On Thursday , the 17 th day of October , 1901 , the Provincial Grand Lodge met at the Victoria Rooms , Oswestry . The
Provincial Grand Lodge having been opened , a procession was formed , which proceeded to the site of the Hall , and the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master of Shropshire , Sir ( Jflley Wakeman , third Baronet , of Perdiswell , at present residing at Yeaton Pevery , laid the foundation stone of the Hall with full Masonic ceremonies , after which the procession returned to the Victoria Rooms , and the Provincial Grand Lodge was closed . The St . Oswald Lodge , 1124 , and the Fitzalan Lodge , 1432 , previous to the building of this Hall , had met at the Wynnstay Arms Hotel in Church-street , known many years ago as the Bowling Green Inn . "
The PROV . G . MASTER then requested tie Prov . G . Secretaiy to read the inscription on the plate to be placed over the cavity in the lower stone as follows : ' . ' " *" . foundation . stone of this Hall was laid by the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master for Shropshire of Antient , Free , and Accepted Masons , Bro . Sir Offley Wakeman , third Baronet of Perdiswell , at present residing at Yeaton Peverey , on October 17 th , 1901 ; the building being erected for the purposes of Freemasonry by the Oswestrv Freemasons' Hall Company , Limited .
11 Chairman , "TheRt . Hon . Lord HAKLECH , R . W . P . G . M . North Wales . "Vice-Chairman , " Bro . Dr . C W . O'CONOR , P . G . Stwd ., W . M . St . Oswald Lodge , 1124 . " Directors— Bros . Rev . T . Redfern , P . G . Chap ., J . W . 1124 ; W . Martin , P . P . G . S . D ., P . M . 1432 , Hon . Sec . ; A . C Minshall , P . G . S . D ., W . M . 1432 ; R . I . Roberts , P . P . G . A . Sec , P . M . 1432 . "Architect . —Bro . W . H . Spaull , F . R . I . B . A ., Past A . G . D . of C . Eng ., P . G . Sec .
Builders . —Messrs . Griffiths and Son , Ellesmere . " The Prov . G . Treasurer having placed the vase in the cavity , the Prov . G . secretary closed it by placing the engraved plate over it . With the assistance of an entered apprentice ( Bro . Arthur Uough ) the Prov . G . Master spread the cement upon the lower stone , and the upper stone was lowered with three distinct stoppages . Meantime . the choir chanted the psalm "Except the Lord build the Jiouse : their labour is but lost that build it . " The bearers of the plumb rule , evel , and square then came forward , and their instruments were handed to the
The Oswestry Masonic Hall.
Prov . G . Master in turn by the P . J . G . W ., the P . S . G . W ., and the D . P . G . M ., and having with their aid proved the just position and form of the stone , the Prov . G Master declared " It is a well wrought stone , square , level , perpendicular , and fitted to form the foundation of the intended work . " The P . J . G . D . then handed him the mallet , with which li 2 struck the stone three timjs , and the choir chinted
"So mote it be . " The corn , wine , oil , and salt were next presented to the PROV . G . MASTER , who , in turn , scattered or sprinkled them on the stone , and in doing so said : I scatter corn upon this stone as an emblem of abundance and plenty . May the good seed of His word sink into the hearts of men , take root , and bring forth fruit a hundredfold to their benefit and His glory . I pour wine upon the stonea symbol of strength and gladness . May those who work upon this building and
those who shall hereafter meet within its walls ever perform their allotted parts in the service of the Great Architect with cheerfulness and singleness of heart . I sprinkle this stone with oil—the emblem of peace and harmony . May good will and brotherly love prevail amongst those who shall labour in this house to the glory of the Most High , until time shall be no more . I sprinkle this salt as an
emblem of wisdom , fidelity , and perpetuity ; and may the all-bounteous . Author of Nature bless this town , this district , this country , and the kingdom at large , with abundance of corn , wine , and oil , and all the necessary comforts and conveniences of life . And may the same Almighty power preserve the inhabitants in peace and unity and brotherly love . The choir again chanted " So mote it be . "
The plans were next handed by the Prov . G . Supt . of Works to the Prov . G . Master , and he having examined them , handed them to the architect ( the Prov . G . S . ) , and charged him to proceed without loss of time to the completion of the work in conformity with the plans and designs . The vase , which was deposited in the cavity , contained copies of the Border Counties Advertiser for Wednesday and of the Liverpool Courier and The Times for Thursday , as well as coins for the current year . The foundation-stone , which is a block of Treflach stoneweighing 12 hundredweightis inscribed :
, , ' * This stone was laid with Masonic Ceremonies by Sir Offley Wakeman , Baronet , of Perdiswell , Rig ht Worshipful Provincial Grand Master for Shropshire of Antient , Free , and Accepted Masons , on October 17 th , 1901 . W . H . Spaull , F . R . l . B . A „ architect . W . Griffiths and Son , builders . " The ode , " Prosper the Art , " was next sung by the choir , Bro . J . S . Knight , of Ellesmere , taking the solo , and the following prayer was said by Bro . T .
Redfern , P . G . Chap .: " May the Omnipotent and merciful Father of all make us humble and grateful for all His mercies ; may He look down with benignity upon our present undertaking , and crown the edifice of which we have now laid the foundation stone with every success . So mote it be . " Bro . Redfern also said the benediction , and the proceedings closed with the Masonic version of the National Anthem , the last quatrain of which
reads" Long may King Edward reign , King of the azure main , Masons resound the strain , God save the King . " The procession , in inverted order , then returned to the Victoria Rooms , where the business of the Provincial Grand Lodge was continued . After the Prov . Grand Master had invested several officers , who wera unable to attend Prov . Grand Lodge at Wellington , the lodge WAS closed .
Subsequently luncheon was served at the Wynnstay Hotel , and after lunch the R . W . P . G . M . proposed " The Health of his Majesty the King , the Protector of the Order . " The toast of "The M . W . G . M ., H . R . H . the Duke of Connaught , " was sub . m ' ttted by Bro . GRAHAM . "The R . W . Prov . G . M . " was proposed by Bro . A . GRAHAM , and responded toby Sir O FFLEV WAKEMAN .
" Success to the Oswestry Freemasons' Hall" was proposed by the P . G . M ., who referred to the desirableness of lodges having halls of their own , used only for Masonic purposes , in which to meet , and which should be unconnected with licensed premises , at the same time having accommodation for providing necessary refreshment after labour . Bro . C W . O'CONOR , W . M . 1124 , Vice-Chairraan of the Hall Company , responded .
The toast of" The Visiting Brethren " was proposed by Bro . Capt . WILLIAMSFREEMAN . Bro . Lieut .-Col . G EORGE W . WALKER , P . G . Std . Br ,, D . P . G . M . Staffordshire , responded . 0 jam
THE GRAND MASTER MASON . —Grand Committee unanimously recommndjd to Grand Lodge that Bro . the Hon . Jam : s Hizier , M . P ., bj re-electedG . "in 1 Mister Mason of Scotland , and at their meeting on the 24 th ult . it wis announced thit he hil intimated his readiness to accept office .
Ad00902
V . J ^ X . OBTAINABLE tt / " ! Jf V " QfJ ... . . . » \<$>X«
ties N ^ O ^ f \ ^ WELL-KNOWN PLAN OP i^o^KS.20MONTHLY Cases'«