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    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 →
Page 6

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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

“The Freemason: 1899-12-02, Page 6” Masonic Periodicals Online, Library and Museum of Freemasonry, 8 Aug. 2025, django:8000/periodicals/fvl/issues/fvl_02121899/page/6/.
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Title Category Page
CONTENTS. Article 1
APPROACHING FESTIVAL OF THE ROYAL MASONIC BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION. Article 1
THE LODGE ROOM. Article 2
GOULD'S "MILITARY LODGES." Article 2
UNITED GRAND LODGE. Article 3
MARK GRAND LODGE. Article 3
Art and the Drama. Article 4
THE DEGREES OF FREEMASONRY AND THE ROYAL ARCH. Article 4
PROVINCIAL GRAND MARK LODGE OF WEST YORKSHIRE. Article 6
Mark Masonry. Article 7
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Masonic Notes. Article 9
Correspondence. Article 10
PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF CAMBRIDGESHIRE. Article 10
CONSECRATION OF THE ROYAL WARRANT HOLDERS' LODGE, No. 2789. Article 11
LADIES' BANQUET AT THE MOUNT LEBANON LODGE, No. 73. Article 11
Craft Masonry. Article 11
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Instruction. Article 13
Royal Arch. Article 14
Ancient and Accepted Rite. Article 14
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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

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