-
Articles/Ads
Article THE DEGREES OF FREEMASONRY AND THE ROYAL ARCH. ← Page 3 of 3 Article THE DEGREES OF FREEMASONRY AND THE ROYAL ARCH. Page 3 of 3 Article PROVINCIAL GRAND MARK LODGE OF WEST YORKSHIRE. Page 1 of 2 →
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The Degrees Of Freemasonry And The Royal Arch.
contemplate the closing hour of his existence , and finally taught " how to die . " In the Royal Arch Degree he is instructed to look beyond the grave , and to contemplate the beauties of eternity . In all the ancient mysteries we find , under different names , the same central figures—birth , life , death , resurrection , and regeneration are symbolically depicted to us , and as in these religious cults of old , great and glorious truths were unfolded to the aspirant , so in our system of Masonry hig h and sublime mysteries are disclosed , and a perfect system of morality is laid down for our guidance .
If , then , in the Holy Royal Arch is the full completion of Masonic teaching and symbolism , why do we find so little interest displayed in the Order ? It was thought at one time that the interval of 12 months between Master Mason and Royal Arch was prejudicial to the success of the Degree , and , therefore , in Grand Chapter on 1 st November , 18 93 , after due notice , it was moved by Comp . Robert Grey , President of the Committee of General Purposes , that " that interval be reduced to four weeks . " He and others assured Grand Chapter that a
probation so long " had been productive of great harm to Royal Arch Masonry , " and that expressions of opinion from all parts of England had been unanimous in favour of the change . In support of the motion , Comp . the Rev . J . Studholme Brownrigg said he was " quite certain there would be a great revival of the Order if the time were shortened to four weeks , " and Comp . W . A . Scurrah said that he was " convinced if the alteration is made , we should have a large number of candidates for Royal Arch Masonry , and the Royal Arch would then be what it should be . "
Well , companions , that alteration was agreed to , and at a subsequent meeting of Grand Chapter in February , 1894 , notwithstanding a motion of Comp . Le Feuvre to the contrary , the minutes were confirmed in an assembly of 150 members by a majority of 18 . The numbers were 8 3 for the confirmation and 65 against . Now , I am not to-day going to argue either for or against the change . I only ask , has it been justified ? Let me give you a few fignres .
1 tried to get statistics from all the provinces , and , through the courtesy of the respective Secretaries , I have obtained complete returns from 27 . These include all the large ones , but not London . In these 27 provinces in 1 S 90 there
were 908 Lodges with 45 , 243 Members ; 356 Chapters with 10 , 279 Members . This works out to 22 } per cent , of Royal Arch Masons to Craft Masons . Eight years afterwards ( that is in 18 9 8 ) the same 27 provinces had 1008 Lodges with 55 , 413 Members ;
407 Chapters with 12 , 770 Members ; or 23 per cent . Between 1890 and 1898 , therefore , the percentage of increase was hardly appreciable . Let us look at the facts from another point of view . The change in the term of probation from 12 months to four weeks took place in 18 93 . I will take five years before that date and compare it with five years after it . From 1888 to 1892 the total of Grand Lodge certificates issued to
Lodges under its jurisdiction numbered 41 , 168 Grand Chapter Certificates 9 > 3 84 From 18 94 to 1898 the numbers were Grand Lodge Certificates 45 i 052 Grand Chapter Certificates 10 , 025 The percentage of Royal Arch to Craft certificates issued since the change , therefore , is actually less than before , it being 22 J in the first instance and 22 . ' , in the second ,
This is remarkable , and disposes somewhat summarily of the arguments of our excellent Comps . Robert Grey , Rev . J . Studholme Brownrigg , and W . A . Scurrah . Figures for London I have not been able to get , so that I am not in a position to say how they stand , but it must be very gratifying to you Most
Excellent , as Grand Superintendent of West Yorkshire , to know that this province , although it has fewer chapters than some , has above 100 more Royal Arch Masons on its roll than any one of the 27 provinces I have referred to , ind that the percentage of Royal Arch Masons to Craft Masons with us is 37 . V , whereas in some very large provinces I could name the proportion is down to 15 per cent ,, and even as low as 13 per cent .
It has also been urged that the working of the other Degrees , called according to the disposition of those who speak of them " side " Degrees or " higher " Degrees , acts detrimentally towards the Royal Arch . This is entirely erroneous , for it must be borne in mind that in most , if not all , these cases , admission is granted only to those who are already Chapter Masons . It is true , under the English Constitution , this is not so with regard to the Mark , it being one of the
few exceptions . In Scotland , Ireland , Canada , and in the United States it is only after taking the Mark * that a brother can join a Royal Arch chapter at all , and with regard to Mark Masons , under the English Constitution , I don't know how it may be in other provinces , but in West Yorkshire I find , after careful inquiry , that in one Mark lodge 95 per cent , of the members are Royal Arch Masons , in another 94 , and that the average for all the 15 lodges in the province is as high as 67 per cent ,
We may , therefore , dismiss this contention as groundless , and look elsewhere for explanation . I was very much struck with an editorial paragraph which appeared in the Freemason newspaper of 5 th August last . Speaking of the previous meeting of Grand Chapter the writer said : " There was no great attendance of the
companions , while the business was of the usual routine character . The proceedings , therefore , were very speedily at an end . It is just possible that if there were more to do at these quarterly meetings , greater energy might be shown by the private chapters , and greater interest taken generally in the work of the Royal Arch . But how can we expect greater activity and zeal in the inferior bodies when there is none exhibited by the superior ' i "
In some cases , doubtless , indifference , or shall I say ignorance , is the explanation . I myself was told more than 30 years ago , when seeking to enter the Degree , that until I had passed the chair in my lodge it was useless joining the Royal Arch . Another instance , I may mention , has come under my notice . In this case a brother entered a lodge , passed through the various offices , served W . M ., and continued an active and useful P . M ., and during Ihe whole of those 20 years of regular attendance , although there was a chapter attached to his lodge , it was not even suggested to him that he ought to take the Royal Arch Degree .
Qnly the other day I was talking to a young Mason of 12 months' standing , who , in reply to my inquiry about the chapter , said lie Ind been told he could not take the Degree until he was an Installed Master . From this we see how the " old rules" or " old ideas " linger . Formerly , no one could take the Royal Arch till he li id been " passed " through the chair of a Ciaft ludge . hence we find in some old minute books of 100 years ago such oniric-- s hs " tf-tli-r Williams ' passed ' ill . ; chair to enable him to take the
Ro .-. l -w h " ' 1 h n then : is ih > - action of Grand Chapter itself . ^ brother who is selected ., ri ' . np | j .. iii . eU an 1 liic-r in the Grand Lodge of England ( if a koyal Arch Mason ) 11 . 1 utiie-- or is made also an ollh-er of Grand Chapter . Cases are known of 1 , it-ib in xhii hav nut entert-d a chapter for years , who , inough they hive noiniii . li ) , as-eu ihruugh the Principals' chairs , couM not even open a chapter , still kss LO through a ceremony ; and yet to these brethren are awarded high honours
The Degrees Of Freemasonry And The Royal Arch.
in Grand Chapter 1 Can we be surprised at the little interest taken in the Degree , and is this likely to stimulate enthusiasm ? How must it affect those who have spent , and are willing to spend , their time and their energies in diffusing the knowledge they have carefully gathered in regard to Royal Arch Masonry ? Of course it is easy to say that work so performed should be disinterested , and that
virtue is its own reward , but you and I , companions , know better . We know tint human nature revolts when it sees honour bestowed where it is neither sought nor deserved , whilst at the same time the labourer , let him be never so worthy , does not even obtain his well-earned hire . Conducted on lines like these , how can we expect the Royal Arch to be popular ?
And what is the remedy ? Many suggestions have been offered . One is that Grand Chapter should go back to what it was originally , and sever its connection as an organisation with Grand Lodge altogether . If this is not considered practicable , then , at least , Grand Chapter should take care that office in that body should be conferred not on nominal , but upon real Royal Arch Masons :
not upon the indifferent drones , but upon the working bees of the chapters . Let those in authority remove this injustice—for such it is—let them offer some encouragement to the band of deserving enthusiasts , without whose steadfast application and devotion Royal Arch Masonry would speedily die of inanition , and there may then he some hope of an improved condition of matters .
I fear , companions , I have tried your patience , have perhaps wearied you . Let me , however , briefly sum up . I have pointed out the time and circumstances under which our Three Degrees probably originated . I have sketched , so far as it is known , the rise of the Royal Arch Degree as a Degree . I have looked at our great Masonic system from a philosophic point of view , as well as from its practical side . I have touched upon the lack of interest in the Royal Arch , discussed
the supposed causes , and even put forth suggested remedies . And now , so far as this province is concerned , the conduct and progress of Royal Arch Masonry is in your own hands . If it is worthy of support , which I honestly believe , then let us use our utmost endeavours to place it in the position of power and dignity , which the beauties of its ceremonial and the excellence of its teaching so eminently fit it to assume , and let West Yorkshire , at least , no longer lie under the stigma of indifference to this , the most sublime and impressive of our Masonic Degrees .
Provincial Grand Mark Lodge Of West Yorkshire.
PROVINCIAL GRAND MARK LODGE OF WEST YORKSHIRE .
The half-yearly meeting of the West Yorkshire Mark Masons took place at the Central Hall , Elland , on Wednesday , the 15 th ult ., and was very well attended . A new Mark lodge was consecrated at Elland , as reported in our columns , in April , 1896 , and it shows considerable enterprise on the part of its members to venture , being so young a lodge , to invite and entertain the province . This , however , they did , and very well too .
The Prov . Grand Master , Bro . Charles Letch Mason , entered at 4 . 30 p . m . He was supported by the Deputy , Bro . John Barker , and by the following officers , Present and Past :
Bros . W . W . Clayton , P . M . 374 , S . G . W . ; G . H . Parke , J . P ., W . M . no , P . P . G . W ., P . G . Treas ., as J . G . W . ; J . W . Monckman , J . P ., P . M . ( T . I . ) , P . G . D . Eng . ; Austin Roberts . P . M . 58 , W . E . Smithies , P . M . 493 , G . Stwd , Eng ., and H . S . Holdsworth , P . M . 58 , P . G . Std . Br . Eng ., P . P . G . Wardens ; G . Martin , P . M . ( T . I . ) , Prov . G . M . O . ; Wm . Flockton , W . M . in , P . P . G . O ., as Prov . S . G . O . ; T . Robertshaw , P . M . 58 , as Prov . j . G . O . ; S . Jacob , P . M . 352 , W . H . Kingswell ,
P . M . no , Wm . Haigh , P . M . 14 , and W . Cockcroft , P . M . 501 , P . P . G . Overseers ; Rev . J . W . Clough , Chap . ( T . I . ) , Prov . G . Chap . ; Rev . J . Maxon Walton , M . A ., S . W . 501 , P . P . G . Chap . ; Henry Beaumont , P . M . 14 , P . P . G . Treas ., as Prov . G . Treas . ; A . J . Forsdike , P . M . 53 , Prov . G . Reg . ; Joseph Matthewman , P . M . no , P . G . Sec . ; T . G . Howell , P . M . 137 and 493 , P . P . G . D ., as Prov . S . G . D . ; M . A . Brigg , P . M . 374 , Prov . J . G . D . ; G . H . Scholield , P . M . 457 , Prov . G . L of Wks . j A . E . Dalzell , P . M . 58 , and Wm . Senior , P . M . 127 , P . P . G . Ins . of Works : Jas .
Simpson , P . M . 14 and 501 , Prov . Asst . G . D . ot C . ; A , Leach , P . M no , and G . Patchett , P . M . 58 , P . P . G . Ds . of Cs . ; J . W . Blackburn , P . M . in , Prov . G . S . B . ; A . Armitage , P . M . 137 , P . P . G . S . B . ; G . Cliff Gamble , P . M . ( T . I . ) , Prov . G . Std . Br . ; T . H . Pattinson , P . M . ( T . I . ) , P . P . G . O ., as Prov . G . Org . ; Joe Naylor , P . M . 137 , Prov . G . I . G . ; C . E . Rose , P . M . 58 , A . G . Mabin , P . M . 457 , A . Rowe , P . M . 493 , and W . Chambers , P . M . 501 , Prov . G . Stwds . ; and T . H . Wheeler , Tyler 111 , Prov . G . Tyler .
Amongst other brethren present there were Bros . Joshua Hill , W . M ., Jos . Smith , and W . Wagstaffe , all of Old York ( T . I . ) ; Tom Ashworth , W . M ., and G . Pickles , S . O . 14 ; A . J . Forsdike , P . M . 53 ; Jas . Milligan , S . W ,, S . Thompson , A . Worsnop , j . Whitley , J . Douglas , George Whitley , Sec , I . T . Wood , W . Fielding , and T . Buckland . I . G . ? 8 : Robt . I .
Smith , I . P . M . 111 ; C . H . Hutchinson , 127 ; J . H . Dyson , S . W ., W . M . elect , and Joe Sykes , Sec . 137 ; F . Long , M . O . 374 ; J . E . Mann , S . W ., and T . Beevers , 457 ; A . Maude , S . W ., Geo . Hoyle , M . D ., J . W ., R . E . Heaton , M . O ., A . E . Mitchell , S . O ., A . \ V . Law , J . O ., A . Fielding , D . C , J . W . Beauland , S . D ., H . Littlewood , J . D ., J . Carter , and S . Hoyle , 493 .
Bro . J . W . Monckman kindly undertook the duties of D . of C , and discharged those duties admirably . The W . M . of the Eland Lodge , Bro . John Brook , P . P . G . Org ., was , unfortunately , too unwell to be present . The roll of lodges was called by the Prov . G . Registrar . AH were represented but one . 'the Prov . G . Officers were most of them in attendance , and the Past Provincial members numbered upwards of 50 . There were many apologies announced by the Prov . G . Secretary .
The minutes of the annual meeting , held at IIuddersfieldon Wednesday , April 5 th , 1 S 99 , were submitted , taken as read , and confirmed , having been previously circulated in a printed form . The PROV . G . MUSTEK then gave the following address : Brethren , my first duty , after acknowledging your kind salutations , is to congratulate the Eland Lodge , No . 493 , under whose banner we meet , upon the progress
it has made during the short period which has elapsed since its formation . It was my privilege to consecrate this lodge on the 14 th April , 18 9 6—say three and a half years ago . It commenced its career with 15 members , and now it numbers 37 . Its condition is , I am told , financially and Masonically , sound and satisfactory , and it must be a matter of great gratification to its founders to see how thoroughly jusuiieil their action has bsen . It shows alike the wonderful energy of its
individual members and the intense Masonic vitality in this Calder valley . Since Eland was iormed , two other Mark lodges have sprung into existence—Caldi .-ne , No . 501 , at Hebden Bridge , and Haywra , No . 525 , at Hirrogate . The former was conaecrate . 1 in irfyfi , but the Harrogate ons only during tne present year . Caldene , I hear , is djing well , and as to Hayivra , when I say that its first W . M . is my excellent Deputy , Bro . John Barker , and thit his Wardens are the first and second W . Ms , of the newest Craft lodge in this province , I think you
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The Degrees Of Freemasonry And The Royal Arch.
contemplate the closing hour of his existence , and finally taught " how to die . " In the Royal Arch Degree he is instructed to look beyond the grave , and to contemplate the beauties of eternity . In all the ancient mysteries we find , under different names , the same central figures—birth , life , death , resurrection , and regeneration are symbolically depicted to us , and as in these religious cults of old , great and glorious truths were unfolded to the aspirant , so in our system of Masonry hig h and sublime mysteries are disclosed , and a perfect system of morality is laid down for our guidance .
If , then , in the Holy Royal Arch is the full completion of Masonic teaching and symbolism , why do we find so little interest displayed in the Order ? It was thought at one time that the interval of 12 months between Master Mason and Royal Arch was prejudicial to the success of the Degree , and , therefore , in Grand Chapter on 1 st November , 18 93 , after due notice , it was moved by Comp . Robert Grey , President of the Committee of General Purposes , that " that interval be reduced to four weeks . " He and others assured Grand Chapter that a
probation so long " had been productive of great harm to Royal Arch Masonry , " and that expressions of opinion from all parts of England had been unanimous in favour of the change . In support of the motion , Comp . the Rev . J . Studholme Brownrigg said he was " quite certain there would be a great revival of the Order if the time were shortened to four weeks , " and Comp . W . A . Scurrah said that he was " convinced if the alteration is made , we should have a large number of candidates for Royal Arch Masonry , and the Royal Arch would then be what it should be . "
Well , companions , that alteration was agreed to , and at a subsequent meeting of Grand Chapter in February , 1894 , notwithstanding a motion of Comp . Le Feuvre to the contrary , the minutes were confirmed in an assembly of 150 members by a majority of 18 . The numbers were 8 3 for the confirmation and 65 against . Now , I am not to-day going to argue either for or against the change . I only ask , has it been justified ? Let me give you a few fignres .
1 tried to get statistics from all the provinces , and , through the courtesy of the respective Secretaries , I have obtained complete returns from 27 . These include all the large ones , but not London . In these 27 provinces in 1 S 90 there
were 908 Lodges with 45 , 243 Members ; 356 Chapters with 10 , 279 Members . This works out to 22 } per cent , of Royal Arch Masons to Craft Masons . Eight years afterwards ( that is in 18 9 8 ) the same 27 provinces had 1008 Lodges with 55 , 413 Members ;
407 Chapters with 12 , 770 Members ; or 23 per cent . Between 1890 and 1898 , therefore , the percentage of increase was hardly appreciable . Let us look at the facts from another point of view . The change in the term of probation from 12 months to four weeks took place in 18 93 . I will take five years before that date and compare it with five years after it . From 1888 to 1892 the total of Grand Lodge certificates issued to
Lodges under its jurisdiction numbered 41 , 168 Grand Chapter Certificates 9 > 3 84 From 18 94 to 1898 the numbers were Grand Lodge Certificates 45 i 052 Grand Chapter Certificates 10 , 025 The percentage of Royal Arch to Craft certificates issued since the change , therefore , is actually less than before , it being 22 J in the first instance and 22 . ' , in the second ,
This is remarkable , and disposes somewhat summarily of the arguments of our excellent Comps . Robert Grey , Rev . J . Studholme Brownrigg , and W . A . Scurrah . Figures for London I have not been able to get , so that I am not in a position to say how they stand , but it must be very gratifying to you Most
Excellent , as Grand Superintendent of West Yorkshire , to know that this province , although it has fewer chapters than some , has above 100 more Royal Arch Masons on its roll than any one of the 27 provinces I have referred to , ind that the percentage of Royal Arch Masons to Craft Masons with us is 37 . V , whereas in some very large provinces I could name the proportion is down to 15 per cent ,, and even as low as 13 per cent .
It has also been urged that the working of the other Degrees , called according to the disposition of those who speak of them " side " Degrees or " higher " Degrees , acts detrimentally towards the Royal Arch . This is entirely erroneous , for it must be borne in mind that in most , if not all , these cases , admission is granted only to those who are already Chapter Masons . It is true , under the English Constitution , this is not so with regard to the Mark , it being one of the
few exceptions . In Scotland , Ireland , Canada , and in the United States it is only after taking the Mark * that a brother can join a Royal Arch chapter at all , and with regard to Mark Masons , under the English Constitution , I don't know how it may be in other provinces , but in West Yorkshire I find , after careful inquiry , that in one Mark lodge 95 per cent , of the members are Royal Arch Masons , in another 94 , and that the average for all the 15 lodges in the province is as high as 67 per cent ,
We may , therefore , dismiss this contention as groundless , and look elsewhere for explanation . I was very much struck with an editorial paragraph which appeared in the Freemason newspaper of 5 th August last . Speaking of the previous meeting of Grand Chapter the writer said : " There was no great attendance of the
companions , while the business was of the usual routine character . The proceedings , therefore , were very speedily at an end . It is just possible that if there were more to do at these quarterly meetings , greater energy might be shown by the private chapters , and greater interest taken generally in the work of the Royal Arch . But how can we expect greater activity and zeal in the inferior bodies when there is none exhibited by the superior ' i "
In some cases , doubtless , indifference , or shall I say ignorance , is the explanation . I myself was told more than 30 years ago , when seeking to enter the Degree , that until I had passed the chair in my lodge it was useless joining the Royal Arch . Another instance , I may mention , has come under my notice . In this case a brother entered a lodge , passed through the various offices , served W . M ., and continued an active and useful P . M ., and during Ihe whole of those 20 years of regular attendance , although there was a chapter attached to his lodge , it was not even suggested to him that he ought to take the Royal Arch Degree .
Qnly the other day I was talking to a young Mason of 12 months' standing , who , in reply to my inquiry about the chapter , said lie Ind been told he could not take the Degree until he was an Installed Master . From this we see how the " old rules" or " old ideas " linger . Formerly , no one could take the Royal Arch till he li id been " passed " through the chair of a Ciaft ludge . hence we find in some old minute books of 100 years ago such oniric-- s hs " tf-tli-r Williams ' passed ' ill . ; chair to enable him to take the
Ro .-. l -w h " ' 1 h n then : is ih > - action of Grand Chapter itself . ^ brother who is selected ., ri ' . np | j .. iii . eU an 1 liic-r in the Grand Lodge of England ( if a koyal Arch Mason ) 11 . 1 utiie-- or is made also an ollh-er of Grand Chapter . Cases are known of 1 , it-ib in xhii hav nut entert-d a chapter for years , who , inough they hive noiniii . li ) , as-eu ihruugh the Principals' chairs , couM not even open a chapter , still kss LO through a ceremony ; and yet to these brethren are awarded high honours
The Degrees Of Freemasonry And The Royal Arch.
in Grand Chapter 1 Can we be surprised at the little interest taken in the Degree , and is this likely to stimulate enthusiasm ? How must it affect those who have spent , and are willing to spend , their time and their energies in diffusing the knowledge they have carefully gathered in regard to Royal Arch Masonry ? Of course it is easy to say that work so performed should be disinterested , and that
virtue is its own reward , but you and I , companions , know better . We know tint human nature revolts when it sees honour bestowed where it is neither sought nor deserved , whilst at the same time the labourer , let him be never so worthy , does not even obtain his well-earned hire . Conducted on lines like these , how can we expect the Royal Arch to be popular ?
And what is the remedy ? Many suggestions have been offered . One is that Grand Chapter should go back to what it was originally , and sever its connection as an organisation with Grand Lodge altogether . If this is not considered practicable , then , at least , Grand Chapter should take care that office in that body should be conferred not on nominal , but upon real Royal Arch Masons :
not upon the indifferent drones , but upon the working bees of the chapters . Let those in authority remove this injustice—for such it is—let them offer some encouragement to the band of deserving enthusiasts , without whose steadfast application and devotion Royal Arch Masonry would speedily die of inanition , and there may then he some hope of an improved condition of matters .
I fear , companions , I have tried your patience , have perhaps wearied you . Let me , however , briefly sum up . I have pointed out the time and circumstances under which our Three Degrees probably originated . I have sketched , so far as it is known , the rise of the Royal Arch Degree as a Degree . I have looked at our great Masonic system from a philosophic point of view , as well as from its practical side . I have touched upon the lack of interest in the Royal Arch , discussed
the supposed causes , and even put forth suggested remedies . And now , so far as this province is concerned , the conduct and progress of Royal Arch Masonry is in your own hands . If it is worthy of support , which I honestly believe , then let us use our utmost endeavours to place it in the position of power and dignity , which the beauties of its ceremonial and the excellence of its teaching so eminently fit it to assume , and let West Yorkshire , at least , no longer lie under the stigma of indifference to this , the most sublime and impressive of our Masonic Degrees .
Provincial Grand Mark Lodge Of West Yorkshire.
PROVINCIAL GRAND MARK LODGE OF WEST YORKSHIRE .
The half-yearly meeting of the West Yorkshire Mark Masons took place at the Central Hall , Elland , on Wednesday , the 15 th ult ., and was very well attended . A new Mark lodge was consecrated at Elland , as reported in our columns , in April , 1896 , and it shows considerable enterprise on the part of its members to venture , being so young a lodge , to invite and entertain the province . This , however , they did , and very well too .
The Prov . Grand Master , Bro . Charles Letch Mason , entered at 4 . 30 p . m . He was supported by the Deputy , Bro . John Barker , and by the following officers , Present and Past :
Bros . W . W . Clayton , P . M . 374 , S . G . W . ; G . H . Parke , J . P ., W . M . no , P . P . G . W ., P . G . Treas ., as J . G . W . ; J . W . Monckman , J . P ., P . M . ( T . I . ) , P . G . D . Eng . ; Austin Roberts . P . M . 58 , W . E . Smithies , P . M . 493 , G . Stwd , Eng ., and H . S . Holdsworth , P . M . 58 , P . G . Std . Br . Eng ., P . P . G . Wardens ; G . Martin , P . M . ( T . I . ) , Prov . G . M . O . ; Wm . Flockton , W . M . in , P . P . G . O ., as Prov . S . G . O . ; T . Robertshaw , P . M . 58 , as Prov . j . G . O . ; S . Jacob , P . M . 352 , W . H . Kingswell ,
P . M . no , Wm . Haigh , P . M . 14 , and W . Cockcroft , P . M . 501 , P . P . G . Overseers ; Rev . J . W . Clough , Chap . ( T . I . ) , Prov . G . Chap . ; Rev . J . Maxon Walton , M . A ., S . W . 501 , P . P . G . Chap . ; Henry Beaumont , P . M . 14 , P . P . G . Treas ., as Prov . G . Treas . ; A . J . Forsdike , P . M . 53 , Prov . G . Reg . ; Joseph Matthewman , P . M . no , P . G . Sec . ; T . G . Howell , P . M . 137 and 493 , P . P . G . D ., as Prov . S . G . D . ; M . A . Brigg , P . M . 374 , Prov . J . G . D . ; G . H . Scholield , P . M . 457 , Prov . G . L of Wks . j A . E . Dalzell , P . M . 58 , and Wm . Senior , P . M . 127 , P . P . G . Ins . of Works : Jas .
Simpson , P . M . 14 and 501 , Prov . Asst . G . D . ot C . ; A , Leach , P . M no , and G . Patchett , P . M . 58 , P . P . G . Ds . of Cs . ; J . W . Blackburn , P . M . in , Prov . G . S . B . ; A . Armitage , P . M . 137 , P . P . G . S . B . ; G . Cliff Gamble , P . M . ( T . I . ) , Prov . G . Std . Br . ; T . H . Pattinson , P . M . ( T . I . ) , P . P . G . O ., as Prov . G . Org . ; Joe Naylor , P . M . 137 , Prov . G . I . G . ; C . E . Rose , P . M . 58 , A . G . Mabin , P . M . 457 , A . Rowe , P . M . 493 , and W . Chambers , P . M . 501 , Prov . G . Stwds . ; and T . H . Wheeler , Tyler 111 , Prov . G . Tyler .
Amongst other brethren present there were Bros . Joshua Hill , W . M ., Jos . Smith , and W . Wagstaffe , all of Old York ( T . I . ) ; Tom Ashworth , W . M ., and G . Pickles , S . O . 14 ; A . J . Forsdike , P . M . 53 ; Jas . Milligan , S . W ,, S . Thompson , A . Worsnop , j . Whitley , J . Douglas , George Whitley , Sec , I . T . Wood , W . Fielding , and T . Buckland . I . G . ? 8 : Robt . I .
Smith , I . P . M . 111 ; C . H . Hutchinson , 127 ; J . H . Dyson , S . W ., W . M . elect , and Joe Sykes , Sec . 137 ; F . Long , M . O . 374 ; J . E . Mann , S . W ., and T . Beevers , 457 ; A . Maude , S . W ., Geo . Hoyle , M . D ., J . W ., R . E . Heaton , M . O ., A . E . Mitchell , S . O ., A . \ V . Law , J . O ., A . Fielding , D . C , J . W . Beauland , S . D ., H . Littlewood , J . D ., J . Carter , and S . Hoyle , 493 .
Bro . J . W . Monckman kindly undertook the duties of D . of C , and discharged those duties admirably . The W . M . of the Eland Lodge , Bro . John Brook , P . P . G . Org ., was , unfortunately , too unwell to be present . The roll of lodges was called by the Prov . G . Registrar . AH were represented but one . 'the Prov . G . Officers were most of them in attendance , and the Past Provincial members numbered upwards of 50 . There were many apologies announced by the Prov . G . Secretary .
The minutes of the annual meeting , held at IIuddersfieldon Wednesday , April 5 th , 1 S 99 , were submitted , taken as read , and confirmed , having been previously circulated in a printed form . The PROV . G . MUSTEK then gave the following address : Brethren , my first duty , after acknowledging your kind salutations , is to congratulate the Eland Lodge , No . 493 , under whose banner we meet , upon the progress
it has made during the short period which has elapsed since its formation . It was my privilege to consecrate this lodge on the 14 th April , 18 9 6—say three and a half years ago . It commenced its career with 15 members , and now it numbers 37 . Its condition is , I am told , financially and Masonically , sound and satisfactory , and it must be a matter of great gratification to its founders to see how thoroughly jusuiieil their action has bsen . It shows alike the wonderful energy of its
individual members and the intense Masonic vitality in this Calder valley . Since Eland was iormed , two other Mark lodges have sprung into existence—Caldi .-ne , No . 501 , at Hebden Bridge , and Haywra , No . 525 , at Hirrogate . The former was conaecrate . 1 in irfyfi , but the Harrogate ons only during tne present year . Caldene , I hear , is djing well , and as to Hayivra , when I say that its first W . M . is my excellent Deputy , Bro . John Barker , and thit his Wardens are the first and second W . Ms , of the newest Craft lodge in this province , I think you