Opening Of The New Masonic Hall At Kidderminster.

OPENING OF THE NEW MASONIC HALL AT KIDDERMINSTER .

The new Masonic Hall and Club was opened on Friday , thc 26 th ult ., under very favourable auspices , by Bro . Sir Edmund Lechmere , Provincial Grand Master of the Order . Thc extensive premises in Mill-street , lately in the occupation of Dr . Jotham , recently purchased by the Masonic

Hall and Club Company ( Limited ) , have been undergoing considerable alterations to adapt them in thc best possible manner to the requirements of a Masonic Hall and Club . The alterations to that portion of the premises which is to be used f ° Masonic purposes consist of the removal of the top floor of a three-storey warehouse , and the formation of a handsome lodge room , c aft by 21 ft ., and 20 ft .

high , with adjoining robing room ( 15 ft . by 15 ft . ) , and ante-room ( 16 ft . by lift . ) , store-room , lavatory , & c . The lodge room is approached by a spacious staircase , is thoroughly warmed by hot water , and effectively ventilated . The alterations to the club portion of the premises consist of the removal of thc division walls of the rooms of the top storey of thc house , the raising of the ceilings ,

and the insertion of a roof and lantern light , the result being a well-lighted and commodious billiard room ( 34 ft . by 17 ft . ) , especial care being bestowed upon the ventilation . The club has a general room ( 18 ft . by 17 ft . ) , dining room , reading room , and card room ( each 17 ft . by 15 ft ) , committee , secretary's , and book rooms , care-taker ' s apartments , and two large kitchens with serving rooms ,

pantries , and extensive cellaring . The dining and billiard rooms will be served by a lift , rising from the kitchen to the top storey . The whole of the alterations have been carried out from the plans and under the superintendence of Mr . J . T . Meredith , architect , in the most satisfactory manner by Mr . E . T . Price , builder , of Kielderminster . The rooms have been elegantly and luxuriously furnished

throughout ; carpets of the newest design and most expensive fabric having been laid down , and the whole of the fittings being of the most complete and convenient description . This part of thc work has been carried out by Mr . E . Stringer in the best possible manner . Beautiful oil paintings and engravings adorn the walls , most of which are the gift of members of the club . Few persons

could have imagined that when the matter was takeri in hand but a shoit time since it would have been possible not only for the company to have been started , but for thc whole of the shares to have been taken up and applications for membership to have been made in excess of the number which it was " originally contemplated to admit , in so short a time . The transformation in the building

has been so rapid and brilliant as almost to eejual the sudden changes that one reads of in fairy talcs , and Mr . Taylor , thc energetic Secretary , must be regarded as a second Aladdin for the celerity and completeness with which , under his directions , the whole of the work has been carried out . It must have been a proud moment for him , on Friday , as he stood in the noble banqueting hall

and saw the distinguished company that was gathered around him to inaugurate the opening of the club , of which he has been thc chief promoter , and we have no doubt that an affair so ably commenced and successfully carried out will continue to be as prosperous in thc future as it has been hitherto , and that there is a great career of usefulness before the Masonic Hall and Club Company .

The following was the order of thc proceedings : —The Provincial Grand Master and visitors were received by the Directors and Committee at three o'clock , and were conducted over the club , and the various departments explained . They then returned to the general news room . Mr . George Taylor , Hon . Sec , then moved that the Mayor , Mr . J . Naylor , take the chair .

Mr . Vyood seconded this , and it was carried . The Mayor then took the chair , and called upon Mr . Taylor to address those present . Mr . Taylor said : Sir E . Lechmere and gentlemen , we are met together to-day to celebrate the accomplishment of a purpose which has for several years past animated the minds of many of the principal inhabitants of

Kidderminster . The formation of a club where those of all shades of thought and opinion may unite for social intercourse and one common object has long been felt desirable . In theory it has assumed many shapes ; but it most appropriately falls to the lot of the Masonic brotherhood to bring these desires to the practical issue of to-day . 1 say " most appropriately , " because that design and all

its features correspond minutely with the principles and teachings of that Craft to which so many belong , and which perhaps is the only body that could by its cohesive tendencies successfully weld together all sections and interests . That the elements of this success are not wanting is proved by the fact that we open with a list of 115 members , and a month ago moie

than the whole of the share capital was applied for . With upwards of four-fiths of that share capital taken by Freemasons , and the greater portion of the members belong . ing to the Craft , and , above all , the whole scheme emanating from and through Freemasons , there cannot be the slightest exception taken to the course of retaining the management of thc company in their hands , and giving

this society thc distinctive , and , I may say , distinguished , title of the Masonic Club . More than these , there are no restrictions beyond those of an ordinary club . All who have visited the building must have been struck with the extreme suitability of the premises for the somewhat peculiar purposes required , viz ., a home for Masonry and a general club

happily , yet distinctively , combined . The hall and anterooms adjoining at the back of the premises are let to Freemasons for their sole use , at what the directors consider a fair and equitable rental , and there the distinction ceases , and the whole of the remainder of thc premises arc for club purposes , with equal rights and privileges for all club members . There in a moveWcnt on for . to nin . kc

Opening Of The New Masonic Hall At Kidderminster.

some use of the large warehouse under the Masonic Hall as an additional hall for public and private use . The directors will endeavour to make the best and most profitable use of this portion of the premises . It is , perhaps , to be regretted that more time was not taken to complete arrangements before opening the building , but several weighty reasons prevailed in deciding that this should

take place before Christmas , and as so much had to be done in a short time , all concerned will no doubt excuse for a little while anything that may be found rough or imperfect . As we have just finished a tour of the building , I will not detain you by particularising again all thc arrangements for the comfort and convenience of the members , and such additions as we hope hereafter to

make , but will at once call upon Sir Edmund Lechmere to declare the club opened , trusting that our efforts will be attended by all the good results the management will endeavour to deserve . Bro . Sir Edmund Lechmere said the statement made by Mr . Taylor must lave given great satisfaction to all who had listened to it , and he heartily congratulated him , and those

gentlemen who acted with him as his colleagues in that undertaking , on the success that had been achieved . Looking at the future of that club , he believed that it would be found to be a great convenience and a means for promoting that social intercourse in the town—which was a most desirable feature—as well as a financial success . They were very much indebted to Mr . Taylor and the gentlemen

who had helped him in carrying out that undertaking to such a successful issue . He could not help looking with special feelings of interest at the great improvements that had been effected of late years in Kidderminster , accompanied , as he believed they were , by the material prosperity of its inhabitants , and their advancement both morally and intellectually . This was evidenced by such

beautiful buildings as their Music Hall and School of Art . It was a very happy thought that those who had thc object of starting thc club ir . view should seize the opportunity of a general movement amongst thc Masons for thc adoption of homes for Masonry apart from the influence and associations of taverns , although there had been no cause of complaint against thc house used

hitherto for thc lodge on any ground whatever . Still it seemed to be fitting that Masons should have a home of their own , where they could meet to conduct their business , with that absence of political and religious differences and that harmonious good feeling which were the principal foundations of Masonry . He believed that the association of the lodge with the club would be

beneficial to all of them , and that the more general knowledge of the principles of the Ortler which will be likely to be diffused from the union he bad mentioned would tend to the advantage of Masonry itself . At the same time it must be thoroughly understood that the club would be opened to all , whethir Masons or not , and he laid stress upon this because an impression to the contrary

appeared to have gone abroad . He should have great satisfaction in declaring that club opened ; but , before doing so , he thought they owed their acknowledgments to Mr . Meredith , and to Mr . E . Price , builder , for the way in which the work had been carried out . On behalf of the latter , he had to make Mr . Taylor , as lion . sec . of the club , a present of a handsome key . ( Applause . ) He then

formally declared the club to be opened . The Mayor said it would be now his very pleasing duty to move a resolution which he was quite sure would tequire no argument or appeal from him to induce them to give a very enthusiastic acceptance . It was " That the thanks of all assembled be given to Sir Edmund Lechmere for his kindness in being present that day and opening the

club . " ( Cheers . ) They were very much indebted to Sir Edmund for services rendered to the town on many occasions . It was only a very few weeks ago that he assisted at the opening of the new School of Art , and on many other occasions he had visited Kidderminster with the object of pciforming some useful duty . They were very pleased to see him —( hear , hear )—at any time , and

he was sure tbey were all pleased to see him on that occasion . He hoped that in the management of that club a high tone would be preserved , and that any attempt to lower it would be quietly but firmly nipped in the bud . He had great pleasure in moving a vote of thanks to Sir Edmund Lechmere for being present that evening . Mr . S . Tovey , J . P ., said he had very great pleasure in

seconding thc vote of thanks to Sir Edmund Lechmere . As Mr . Naylor had well said , when his presence was wanted on similar occasions he was always ready to come , and by his presence show the interest he felt in all that appertained to the social , mora ) , and intellectual well-being of the inhabitants of Kidderminster . The affairs of that club had been so ably and so fully stated by Mr . Taylor

that it would not be necessary for him to enter upon them . The establishment of such a club as that had been a want long felt in thc town , and he quite agreed svith Mr . Taylor that no other body but the Masons could have supplied it . ( Hear , hear . ) He hoped it would prosper

and be a credit to the town as well as a source of very great comfort and convenience to its members . ( Applause . ) Sir E . Lechmere acknowledged thc compliment . Mr . McCandless then proposed a vote of thanks to thc Mayor for presiding . This was seconded by Mr . J . Dix jn , and catricd .

The Provincial Grand Master and visitors were then conducted to the board room , which was used as their robing room . Thc brethren retired to the Masonic Hall ( lodge room ) , and the lodge was opened , when thc following brethren were present : Bros . Sir 15 . A . H . Lechmere ,

Bart , M . P ., R . W . Prov . G . M . ; Wm . Mascheld , P . M . 5 64 , D . P . G . M . ; VV . II . Wcstwood , P . M . 252 , P . S . G . W . ; C . F . Pidcock , P . M . 280 , P . J . G . W . ; W . Bristovf , P . M . 252 , P . G . Secretary ; W . H . Jones , P . M . 5 64 , P . P . S . G . W . ; Thos . Tinman , P . M . 573 , Prov . G . Org . ; . John Bluudell , P . M . 5 60 , P . I ' , 0 , llrj , ; J , H , Buck , P . M . » 8 *» , P . G . S . Wks . 1

Opening Of The New Masonic Hall At Kidderminster.

H . R . Pigot , P . M . 1 ; W . G . Turney , 5 64 ; E . Stringer , 5 64 ; R . Blundell , S . W . 5 60 ; Thos . Vale , I . G . 5 S 0 ; Wm . Mills , sfio ; T . W . Danks , S . D . 5 60 ; Thomas McCandler , VV . M . 377 ; E . Hammond , SW . 377 ; A . Comber , J . W . 377 ; P . Bellitzay , P . M . 377 , P . G . S . 13 . ; G . W . Grosvenor , P . M . ^ 7 , P . P . G . R . ; I . N . Wood , P . M . S 77 , P . P . G . A . D . C . ; J . Fitzgerald , P . M . % 77 , P . P . S . G . D . ;

G . Taylor , P . M . 377 , P . S . G . D . ; Thos . D . B * ker , P . M . 377 ; G . Southall , P . M . 377 ; W . C . Green , S . D . 377 ; E . H . i ' reen , Std . 377 ; D . Mackay , St . S . 377 ; J . Chadwick , I . G . 377 ; G . Holdworth , Org . 377 ; W . AI . Hoden , 37 / ; ] as . Chambers , 377 ; John D ' txon , 377 ; J . T . Meredith , P . M . 5 60 , P . G . A ' . D . C . ; R . J . Thompson , 377 ; VV . Uttley , 377 ; F . Schiippli , 377 ; S . Taylor , Asst . See . 377 ; Chas .

Philips , 377 ; C H . Fryer , 377 ; G . W . Naylor , W . M . 3 60 , P . G . S . ; Jas . Morton , P . M . 3 ( 10 ; I •" . Burcher , 377 ; J . Harper , 377 ; J . H . Stringer , P . Morrison , H . Gibson , 377 ; W . Harvey , 377 ; J . Elgood , 377 ; A . Watkins , A . Dow , G . Lees , 377 ; J . j . Harvey , 377 ; G . Hopkins , 377 ; J . Mark , 750 ; and H . Hill , P . M . _; S .

Thc members of the lodge who are Provincial Grand Officers , with thc Senior and Junior Deacons of the lodge , retired for thc purpose of conducting the Provincial Grand Master and other visitors to the lodge , the usual forms being observed ; on their entrance the Provincial Grand Organist played a grand march . Tile Provincial Grand Master was then invited to take the chair . The Provincial

Grand Director of Ceremonies called on the brethren to salute the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master , who then called on the Secretary to read the summons convening the lodge and the minutes of the last lodge , which were confirmed and signed by the Provincial Grand Master ; the Worshipful Master was then invited to resume his duties , the lodge was then opened to the Third Degree ,

and closed as usual ; when in thc First Degree the Provincial Grand Master was asked to address the brethren . Sir Edmund Lechmere , Bart ., M . P ., said -. Brethren , I find that I am expected to deliver a short address , and I have written down a few thoughts which have occurred to me , and which I venture to offer for your consideration . Had time and my numerous engagements permitted , I

should have been glad to have made them more complete , but , imperfect as they arc , I submit them to you . 1 must congratulate you most sincerely on the event of this day , and I desire to offer on my own behalf , and 1 feel sure I may add in behalf of the whole Masonic body , not only in Kidderminster but in this province , to Bro . George Taylor , to Bro . Fitzgerald , and to those who have worked with

them and shared thc labour and responsibility of tins great undertaking , the expression of our sincere acknowledgment of the value of the work achieved by thsm for tlie good of Freemasonry . Doubtless there were many interesting associations with the old place of meeting and the former lodge room , and there appear to be no grounds of complaint as to the accommodation provided , but there is

and has b-en for some time past a growing feeling that 111 the present position of Freemasonry as a great public and national institution , it should ( where means and opportunities can be provided ) be emancipated as it were from the associations with the tavern , which , however harmless in themselves , and 'convenient for and conducive to social enjoyment , do not eiffer the same resources and facilities

for the due performance and illustration of our beautiful and solemn ceremonies as can be provided in a room specially adapted and entirely reserved for the express purpose of lending a dignity to our Masonic ritual . I am sure that our feelings upon entering this room to-day must be those of gratification and surprise that in so short a time the necessary changes and alterations should have

have been so skilfully and punctually completed , so as to allow thc brethren of the Lodge Hope and Charity to receive myself and the Grand Lodge of the province in this well-proportioned and nandsome room . Let nv . » , on behalf of the P . G . L ., express our gratification at being present on this occasion , and the sincere pleasure with which I and my Deputy give our official sanction to all that

has been done here . Brethren , it must be a subject eif great satisfaction to us that Kidderminster , with all its increase and material prosperity , should have also made great progress in intellectual and artistic development , and tljat contemporaneously with this there has been a corresponding growth in Masonic life and vigour , which is not unlikelv , I am informed , to assume a

practical shape in the formation , at no distant period , of a new lodge . It would , perhaps , be premature on my part to say more upon the subject , which has not as yet come officially before my notice , but I can only hope that it may be in every respect an embodiment of that social and intellectual development in this old town of Kidderminster to which I have alluded , and worthy of the commodious

and beautiful lodge room in which us meetings in common wilh those of Lodge 377 would be held . I am most desirous that in this province wc should try to show Masonry in its true light , as a great neutral ground on which men of all ranks and classes ( provided they have that intellectual and moral status which it demands ) may be associated together in one great

bond of union ; but at the same lime we should aim , as far as possible , in the admission of those who may desire to join us , not so much at great increase in numbers , as at an acquirement of that weight and influence , which is nit so much due to our numerical force as to having a preponderance in our ranks of worthy , good men , and zealous Masons . Brethren , i believe that in this province there has of late been , owing in a great measure to the

active efforts of some of our most active and distinguished brethren , a development of Masonic life and vigourevinced by a greater desire to promote the cause of our great Masonic charities , to make better provision for securing the proper representation of this province in thc elections of candidates for those charities , and to secure foe Masonry every advantage which can raise it in the e . m __ < 3 _ . ot the QnU . in the ptovinco , us well _» in the