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Article PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF WORCESTERSHIRE. Page 1 of 1 Article PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF WORCESTERSHIRE. Page 1 of 1 Article PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF WORCESTERSHIRE. Page 1 of 1 Article Obituary. Page 1 of 1
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Provincial Grand Lodge Of Worcestershire.
PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF WORCESTERSHIRE .
An unusually large number of Freemasons assembled in Worcester on Tuesday , 22 nd ult ., to celebrate , under the aide and genial rule of the Right Worship ful Provincial Grand Master ( Bro . Albert Hudson Royds ) , the annual meeting of the Grand Lodge of the Province of
Worcestershire . The occasion was most auspicious , many circumstances conspiring to add to thc pleasures ot the day . 'I he weather was fine , attendance , as we have said , was numerous , and the reception by the local Freemasons was cordial and hospitable . The members and visitors at Grand Lodge were thc invited guests of Wor . Bro . J . Bourne , W . M . of Semper Fidelis Lodge , No . s ^ 9 , and ofthe
brethren of that lodge , which is held at the Crown Hotel . On this occasion , however , the lodge was formed in the Assembly Room at the Guildhall , which had been placed nt the disposal of the Freemasons by the Mayor ( Mr . J . Longmore ) . Thc Master and Wardens of Semper Fidelis Lodge included the members of thc sister lodge—the Worcester Lodge , No . 280—111 the invitations issued to all
present to partake of aver v admirable luncheon courteously provided by Bro . Bourne ' and thc brethren over whom he presides , and purveyed by Bro . Fuggle , proprietor of the Crown Hotel , in a manner that sustained his established reputation as a skilful and liberal caterer . After the luncheon had been discussed a hearty vote of thanks was , on the motion of the P . G . M ., passed to Bro . Bourne
and the members of his lodge for their hospitality , and the brethren of Semper Fidelis proceeded to the Assembly Room , where a Craft Lodge was opened by the W . M ., Bro . Bourne . The P . G . M . and the officers of the Provincial Grand Lodge then mustered and entered the lodge in procession , the chair being surrendered to the P . G . M ., Bro . Royds , who opened thc Provincial Grand Lodge in due
form . Amongst those present were the following : —Bros . A . H . Royds , P . G . M . ; — Masefield , Deputy P . G . M . ; E . A . N . Royds , P . D . P . G . M . ; John Barber , P . D . P . G . M . ; | . Rutland , P . S . G . W . ; W . Westwood , P . J . G . W . ; W . H . Jones , P . S . G . W . ; Samuel Smith , 152 , P . P . G . W . ; Walter Holland , P . P . G . W . ; Thomas Hobbs , P . P . G . W . ; Albeit Brown ,
P . P . G . W . ; W . R . Cosens , D . D ., P . G . C . ; C . C . Whitney-Griffiths , P . G . T . ; II . G . Goldiugham , P . G . R . ; IL Cross , P . P . G . R . ; W . Bristow , P . M ., 2 ^ 2 , P . P . S . G . W ., P . G . S . ; E . T . Wright , 5 64 , P . J . G . D . ; W . Dyer , P . M ., 529 , P . P . G . D . ; W . Meredith , 280 , P . P . G . D . P . 11 . Bloomer , P . G . S . cf Works ; J . Stokes , W . M ., 252 , P . G . D . of Ceremonies ; A . A . Sylvester , P . P . G . D . of Ceremonies ; W . Healy , 5 64 ,
P . P . G . D . of Ceremonies ; J . Fitzgerald , P . P . G . D . of Ceremonies ; A . F . Godson , 1097 , P . P . G . D . of Ceremonies ; G . T . Bloomer , P . G . Sword Bearer ; T . Brettell , P . M ., 2- * 2 , P . P . G . Sword Bearer ; T . Troman , P . M ., 573 , P . G . Organist ; F . E . Lucy , 529 and 1204 . P . P . G . Pursuivant ; J . Broomhall , P . M ., sfio , P . P . G . Pursuivant ; J . Foley , S . D ., tfi 4 , \\ G . Steward ; J . Bourne , W . M ., -, 2- ); V . Gregg , W . M ., 280 ;
F . Powell , P . M ., 486 ; L . H . Kinnock , P . M ., 573 ; « . Woodward , 377 ; G . R . Godson , P . M ., 1097 ; J . Mc . Kwin , 5 64 ; W . Waring , 252 ; J . P . Bayley , (> 4 ; J . H . L . Jones , 280 ; S . J . Perkes , 11 ( 13 ; J . S . Fisher , 1163 ; R . Lansmere , 1087 ; II . D'Arcy Ellis , 5 64 ; W . Perry , 5 64 ; J . Jordan , 498 ; J . Birch , 5 ( 14 ; J . Ellis , 5 64 ; S . A . Brooks , cfi ± ; R . S . Blundell , itfio ; J . Clements , 49 8 ; J . Bayliss ,
571 ; II . Wilson , P . M ., 1204 ; C . Lloyd Lester , S . D ., 252 ; G . P . Chapman , W . M ., 573 ; J . Bcckley , 573 ; A . Pearson , 57-5 ; R . L . Campbell . ' W . M ., 5 ( 14 ; J . Morcton , W . M ., jfi ' o ; W . Turton , S . W ., 377 ; G . Southall , P . M ., 377 ; G . F . Groves , t ; 7 ^; E . Stringer , Steward , 5 64 ; F . Perkes , S ., 5 64 ; J . F . Bedford , 5 60 ; J . Joselaud , J . W ., r ; 29 ; W . Somers , P . M ., 157 ?; A . Combes , 5 60 ; T . C . W .
Conless , | . D ., 377 ; T . Blaybrough , 377 ; J . V . Stallurd , 280 ; J . Dawes , J . D ., 498 ; D . W . Barker , 280 ; J . B . Pinkett , 280 ; T . Groves , 529 ; T . Bennett , 529 ; G . W . Wcldin , 529 ; J . Still , Sec , 529 ; J . Collins , 252 ; G . F . Thompson , 252 ; B . Wood , 5 64 ; R . Smith , P . M ., 280 , P . G . S . W . ; G . B . Priddcy , t , (>\ \ C . M . Collins , 9 2 o ; E . Williams , 564 ; G . Everton , 529 ;
H . E . Walker , 2 ^ 2 ; J . J . Roberts , S . D ., 529 ; J . Parker , 529 ; R . G . Walker , 252 ; V . R . Petch , 1004 , 1387 , 204 ; S . M . Campbell , 529 ; II . Bagott , 252 ; G . Bagott , J . W ., 252 ; W . M . Smith , S . W . 252 ; J . F . Higgs , 252 ; \ V . II . Wood , P . M ., 280 ; J . Russell , 252 ; , J . l' . ' Nunii , 482 ; W . Bagott , 252 ; S . Bagott , 252 ; C . Hickson , 4 ( 10 ; G . S . Owen , 2 * j 2 ; F . H .
Lingham , | . D ., 280 ; S . Dimbleby , 529 ; I ' . G . Russell , S ., 1204 ; E . I-I . Tilcy , S . W ., 529 ; R . Lloyd , 377 ; J . Dugard , - { 77 ; E . II . Cowen , 529 ; II . Rowe , 280 ; F . Garner , Tyler , 252 ; W . Caldicott , 529 ; W . Mills , Tyler , 560 ; H . Scott , Tyler , 5 64 ; E . Gynn , Tyler , 1 , 204 ; II . Willis , 280 ; II . Madden , J . W ., 1204 ; J . Phillips , ' -: 29 ; J . Carter , J . D ., e 20 ; J . Dixon , J . G ., 377 ;
J . II . Meredith , P . P . G . R ., Staffordshire , 624 . The P . G . M . having been saluted with proper honours , the Prov . Grand Secretary , Wor . Bro . W . Bristow , P . M . 252 , reatl the minutes , which were confirmed . The muster roll was next called , when it was found that the respective lodges in tbe province were represented as under : —Harmonic Lodge No . 2-2 , 20 members ;
Worcester Lodge 280 , 16 ; Hope and Chanty 377 , y ; Royal Standard 498 , 4 ; Semper Fidelis 529 , 25 ; Vernon s fio , 8 ; Stability 5 64 , 20 ; Perseverance 573 , 10 ; St . Michael ' s 1097 , 3 ; Royds 1204 , () . Apologies for non-attendance were read from Bros . C . J . Vigne , Capt . N . G . Phillips , G . W . Grosvenor , R . Woof , F . S . A ., and G . Baldwin .
The accounts of the Prov . Grand Treasurer , Wor . Bro . C . C . Whitney Griffiths , P . P . S . G . W . and P . M . Worcester Lodge No . 280 , were read and unanimously confirmed . The re-election as Treasurer of Wor . Brother Whitney Griffiths was then proposed by Wor . Brother Masefield , the Deputy Prov . Grand Master , seconded by Wor . Bro . It . Smith , P . P . S . G . W ., and carried with acclamation , the .
Provincial Grand Lodge Of Worcestershire.
brethren attesting by their applause their high appreciation of thc long and infinitely varied services of tliis officer . The recipient of the compliment at once acknowledged it . The Prov . Grand Master then appointed and invested tbe following brethren as oflicers for thc ensuing year : — Senior Grand Warden , Wor . Hi other W . II . Jones , P . M ., jfi' ; Junior Grand Warden , Brother T . M . Hopkins , P . M .,
S 29 ; Grand Chaplain , Brother Rev . Dr . Cosens , 252 ; Grand Treasurer , Brother C . C . W . Griffiths , P . M ., 2 S 0 ; Grand Registrar , Brother J . Stokes , W . M ., 252 ; Grand Secretary , Brother W . Bristow , P . M ., 232 ; Senior Grand Deacon , Brother R . Broomhall , P . M ., 5 ( 14 ; Junior Grand Deacon , Brother E . L . Harrison , P . M ., 521 ); Grand Supt . of Works , Brotbei- A . A . Sylvester , P . M ., 280 ; Grand Dir .
of Cer ., Brother T . Brettell , P . M ., 252 ; Assistant Ditto , Brother E . Walton , P . M ., 529 -, Grand Sword Bearer , Bro . J . Bourne , W . M ., S 29 ; Grand Organist , Brother T . Troman , P . M ., s 73 ; Grand Pursuivant , Brother IL Wilson , P . M ., 1204 . The Stewards appointed were Brothers E . Tiley , J . Joselaud , J . F . Roberts , John Carter , C . M . Collins , W . Caldicott , all of Lodge - ; 73- The Tylers , Brothers
J . Stanley ( 573 ) and J . Smith ( 2 S 0 ) , were re-appointed . An invitation was tendered by Wor . Bid . Stokes ( Afayor of Dudley ) that the Grand Lodge of the Province should , in the year 18 7 b , be held at Dudley . Thc Wor . Master of thc Vernon Lodge said he had been desired to invite tbe Provincial Grand Lodge to meet at Stourport . On a division , 20 voted for Dudley and 11 for Stourport , and
consequently Dudley was appointed as thc locale of next vear ' s meeting . On the motion of Wor . Bro . J . Rutland , P . P . S . G . W ., seconded by Wor . Bro . Godson , P . P . G . D . C , it was unanimously resolved lhat as the amount of the offertory at the cathedral would be handed over to thc Masonic body by the Dean of Worcester , thc sum should be forwarded to
the Royal Albert City and County Orphan Asylum . A letter was read from W . Bro . Woof ( F . S . A . ) , indica ting that the restoration of Tewkesbury Abbey was a work in which the Freemasons of Worcestershire might worthily lend their aid . On the motion of W . Bro . Bristow , seconded by Bro . Goldingham , P . P . G . Registrar , it was resolved that the W . M . ' s in the province should
be requested to bring the subject before their respective lodges . The Prov . Grand Master then closed the Grand Lodge in accordance with ancient custom . The brethren were next mustered , and went in procession to the cathedral , the bells of which rang gaily as they passed along High-street and entered tbe edifice . The
volume of the Sacrctl Law was borne in the procession by thc following " Lewises" ( sons of Masons ) : — Masters Eustatius Griffiths , Thomas Meredith Hopkins , John Archer Weldin , and Herbert I laughton Hill . At thc service in the cathedral Canon Wood and Canon Seymour were present . The prayers were intoned by the Rev . T . L . Wheeler , thc Rev . Bro . H . Cattley , and the
Rev . Mr . Tavemer , and the lessons were read by Canon Wood . The Rev . Bro . W . R . Cosens , D . D ., Vicar of Dudley , preached in a singularly eloquent , powerful , and impressive manner , a sermon , the text of which was taken from Galatians v ., fith verse , " Faith which worketh by love . " Thc rev . gentleman said , worshipping that day in that
grand and beautiful temple of God , their thoughts travelled back to far distant centuries . They rested awhile with Oswald in thc tenth century , and with those Masons , operative and free , who laboured around him ; or they wandered back to those more distant days when the monks built their first Cathedral Church of St . Peter on the banks of the Severn , at a period when the Anglo-Saxon Church
was gifted with such good and learned men as Bede and Egbert , and when to that Church was given the missionary zeal to Christianise Germany and the Netherlands . Whilst the very beauty of such a structure as the one in which they were assembled inspired them with heavenly thoughts , they were reminded of the one great principle which had for 4000 years dignified the worship of the
Architect of the Universe by bringing to that worship rich offerings in wood and stone , with gold and silver and jewelled beauties—thus offering to Him , who had freely given to them all things , their own works of art , and the labour of their own hands . They were thus permitted to intensify thc beauties of I lis own creation by the labour of the Craftsman and the Mason , and to glorify Him who
had granted to them earthly things by sanctifying art and labour in dedicating them to 1 lim . Thc great principle which was the ruling power in the older Church—the Church of the tabernacle and the temple—had ever been the very life and centre of religious thought in the Christian Church . That principle was " Faith which worketh by love . " It was true that idolatrous polytheism
had like its gods many altars , but gorgeous as were many of the heathen temples their magnificence paled before the wondrous house of the true God . He dwelt upon the example set to future worshippers of the Almighty by Solomon , who erected the first temple to God , and lavished upon it such a prodigious score of gold , silver , and other riches . They were , in fact , startled by the
amount thus expended , but it should teach them that faith ought not to count the cost that love should sacrifice to its God . In tracing out the histories of ancient dynasties , the lover of art was assured that architecture and civilisation had gone hand-in-hand together . The five orders of architecture , from the simple Tuscan to the elaborate composite , were in themselves a history of the progress of
civilisation , and , clustering around them , painting and sculpture had made the beautiful science of architecture all thc more comely by illuminating it with all the fair graces and virtues which adorned the race of man . But they as Freemasons saw architecture and religion blended together in a wondrous harmony . Freemasonry enjoyed the privilege of retaining and ennobling that harmony of thought . True it was that Freemasonry was speculative ,
Provincial Grand Lodge Of Worcestershire.
rather than operative ; philosophical and metaphysical rather than practical and physical . But they must not forget that to Freemasons had been granted the fame of havinnerected those stately churches and noble cathedrals which . abounded on the Continent , while nearer home they coubl not disassociate their ancient Order from such works as Austin ' s Abbey of Canterbury ; the island Church at Limbs .
fame ; Wearmouth , Ripon , and Glastonbury . It niio- | lt indeed be said with truth that one of the greatest evi . deuces of vitality in a Church was the effort to erect , to restore , or to beautify tbe houses of God in the laud , and even now , amid sounds of variance , which probably were rather more wordy than real , they beheld cathedrals upon which peers and high ecclesiastical dignitaries had recently
—and even now—bestowed of the wealth with which God had blessed them . Their large towns showed what com . mercial prosperity , actuated by a loving faith , would do for God ; and thc squires , the farmers , and the peasantry loved and sought to beautify the village church where their forefathers knelt . There could thus be no doubt that faith , working by love , was never content to dwell in luxuriant
houses whilst the temple of God lay waste . In their own day , and in that very province , Freemasons had not been found wanting in aiding to beautify their church with stained glass . They had further given their presence and their alms at thc re-opening of their cathedral , and more recently stillj had participated in laying the [ corner-stone of a new church in the Black Conntry . Surely faith
working by love had thus been exercising its influences . Adverting to the recent denunciation of Freemasonry by the Pope , the preacher said it mattered not to them in England what an aged prelate in Italy might write of their body . Thank God , honest and true men believed intensely in thc principles and the work of their Order . The highest and noblest gentleman of their kingdom had not
thought it otherwise than an honour to be called on to rule over their whole body , lie asked if there was in Freema . sonry any practice or theory derogatory to that purer form of faith which the great mass of them professed as Christians . There was , he believed , great truth in the words "Reduce Freemasonry to the limits of any particular religious institution , and j'ou de facto annihilate its usefulness as a com .
mon bond of humanity . Declare it to be in its maxims , rites , and ceremonies exclusive in its character , and you u priori debase it to that anti-social position wherein thc most rancorous passions of the human heart have raged to enkindle wrath , envy , hatred , and discord among mankind . " For what was that faith which worketh by love ? Was it not that which moistened the dry soil of their hardened
hearts ; fed and cleansed their dark habitations ; turned the vast wheels of their complex social system , and so deepened their shallow thoughts , widened their narrow sympathies , sweetened their bitter controversies , and freshened their stagnant indolence ? Faith was defined among Masons to be " the foundation of justice , the bond of amity , and the chief support of civil society ; we live and
walk by faith ; by it we have a hope and acknowledgment in thc existence of a Supreme Being , and are justified , accepted , and finally received . While charity or love is one of the brightest gems that can adorn our Masonic profession , it is the best test and surest proof of the sincerity of our religion . " The rev . gentleman proceeded to impress upon them the necessity of cultivating more and more
that " faith which worketh by love . " What their ancestors had done in works of architecture and beauty to thc glory of God , let them imitate . Let each of them be careful to perform their allotted task while it was day , inspired with a holy confidence that the Lord of Life would enable them to trample the King of Terrors under their feet ; and let them lift their eyes to that bright morning star , whose
rising would bring true fruition of that "faith which worketh by love" to the faithful and obedient of the human race . Thc offertory amounted to £ 22 17 s . After the service the procession was re-formed , and the brethren went to the Crown Hotel , where a superb banquel , prepared by Brother Fuggle , was in readiness . The
Prov . Grand Master presided , and a very gratifying evening was spent . The " Lewises" were each presented with a copy of the volume of the Sacred Law , and a motion was passed with enthusiasm conveying to thc Rev . Dr . Cosens very special thanks for the sermon preached in the cathedral .
Obituary.
Obituary .
THE LATE BRO . WILLIAM BULLEY . The luneral of Bro . William Bulley , one of the oldest Freemasons in Birkenhead and neighbourhood , who at the time of his death was P . G . Warden of the Province of Cheshire , and who had formerly held many high offices , took place on Saturday , the 19 th ult ., at Flaybrick-hill Cemetery , near Birkenhead , and was attended by a very
large number of the Masonic brethren . Bro . Bulley was greatly esteemed by all who knew him , both in Masonry and the outside world , and he has left a blank which will not be easily filled up . The funeral cortege left the late residence of the deceased in Clifton-park shortly before two o ' clock , thc chief mourners being the deceased ' s two sons , his brother , Bro . JHenryBullcy ( chairman of the
Oxton Local Board , and a well known Freemason ) , Mr-Hoffman , & c . Amongst the Freemasons present were Bros , J . M . Radcliffe , P . M . ( fios ) , T . E . Hignett , P . M . ( 537 ) , . /¦ ! '• Piatt , P . P . G . W . ( 5 * 7 ) ' , Thomas Piatt , P . P . G . D ., Dr . Spratley , P . P . G . D . ( 537 ) , ' Dr . Wilson , P . M . ( 537 ) , E . J . Haddon , W . M . ( 60 *;) , Matthew M'Nerney , S . W . ( fios ) , T . Leighton , P . M ., Sec * . ( 60-, ) , Robert Grade , P . M . ( 477 ) -
Donald Fraser , W . M . ( 477 ) , F . K . Stevenson , P . M . ( 537 )' Ellis Davis , P . M . ( 60 s ) , Samuel Jones , P . M . ( 477 ) . Thomas V . Evans ( 292 ) , William Clements ( fios ) , T . C . Thorburn , of the Joppa Mark Lodge ( 11 ); L . Ellis , W . M ., and A . Lowe , of Rock Ferry ; Edward Parsons ( 5 * 7 ) , N . Hall ( 537 ) i W . Worrall and Griffiths , Chester ; F . Sanderson , John Lamb , & C ,
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Provincial Grand Lodge Of Worcestershire.
PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF WORCESTERSHIRE .
An unusually large number of Freemasons assembled in Worcester on Tuesday , 22 nd ult ., to celebrate , under the aide and genial rule of the Right Worship ful Provincial Grand Master ( Bro . Albert Hudson Royds ) , the annual meeting of the Grand Lodge of the Province of
Worcestershire . The occasion was most auspicious , many circumstances conspiring to add to thc pleasures ot the day . 'I he weather was fine , attendance , as we have said , was numerous , and the reception by the local Freemasons was cordial and hospitable . The members and visitors at Grand Lodge were thc invited guests of Wor . Bro . J . Bourne , W . M . of Semper Fidelis Lodge , No . s ^ 9 , and ofthe
brethren of that lodge , which is held at the Crown Hotel . On this occasion , however , the lodge was formed in the Assembly Room at the Guildhall , which had been placed nt the disposal of the Freemasons by the Mayor ( Mr . J . Longmore ) . Thc Master and Wardens of Semper Fidelis Lodge included the members of thc sister lodge—the Worcester Lodge , No . 280—111 the invitations issued to all
present to partake of aver v admirable luncheon courteously provided by Bro . Bourne ' and thc brethren over whom he presides , and purveyed by Bro . Fuggle , proprietor of the Crown Hotel , in a manner that sustained his established reputation as a skilful and liberal caterer . After the luncheon had been discussed a hearty vote of thanks was , on the motion of the P . G . M ., passed to Bro . Bourne
and the members of his lodge for their hospitality , and the brethren of Semper Fidelis proceeded to the Assembly Room , where a Craft Lodge was opened by the W . M ., Bro . Bourne . The P . G . M . and the officers of the Provincial Grand Lodge then mustered and entered the lodge in procession , the chair being surrendered to the P . G . M ., Bro . Royds , who opened thc Provincial Grand Lodge in due
form . Amongst those present were the following : —Bros . A . H . Royds , P . G . M . ; — Masefield , Deputy P . G . M . ; E . A . N . Royds , P . D . P . G . M . ; John Barber , P . D . P . G . M . ; | . Rutland , P . S . G . W . ; W . Westwood , P . J . G . W . ; W . H . Jones , P . S . G . W . ; Samuel Smith , 152 , P . P . G . W . ; Walter Holland , P . P . G . W . ; Thomas Hobbs , P . P . G . W . ; Albeit Brown ,
P . P . G . W . ; W . R . Cosens , D . D ., P . G . C . ; C . C . Whitney-Griffiths , P . G . T . ; II . G . Goldiugham , P . G . R . ; IL Cross , P . P . G . R . ; W . Bristow , P . M ., 2 ^ 2 , P . P . S . G . W ., P . G . S . ; E . T . Wright , 5 64 , P . J . G . D . ; W . Dyer , P . M ., 529 , P . P . G . D . ; W . Meredith , 280 , P . P . G . D . P . 11 . Bloomer , P . G . S . cf Works ; J . Stokes , W . M ., 252 , P . G . D . of Ceremonies ; A . A . Sylvester , P . P . G . D . of Ceremonies ; W . Healy , 5 64 ,
P . P . G . D . of Ceremonies ; J . Fitzgerald , P . P . G . D . of Ceremonies ; A . F . Godson , 1097 , P . P . G . D . of Ceremonies ; G . T . Bloomer , P . G . Sword Bearer ; T . Brettell , P . M ., 2- * 2 , P . P . G . Sword Bearer ; T . Troman , P . M ., 573 , P . G . Organist ; F . E . Lucy , 529 and 1204 . P . P . G . Pursuivant ; J . Broomhall , P . M ., sfio , P . P . G . Pursuivant ; J . Foley , S . D ., tfi 4 , \\ G . Steward ; J . Bourne , W . M ., -, 2- ); V . Gregg , W . M ., 280 ;
F . Powell , P . M ., 486 ; L . H . Kinnock , P . M ., 573 ; « . Woodward , 377 ; G . R . Godson , P . M ., 1097 ; J . Mc . Kwin , 5 64 ; W . Waring , 252 ; J . P . Bayley , (> 4 ; J . H . L . Jones , 280 ; S . J . Perkes , 11 ( 13 ; J . S . Fisher , 1163 ; R . Lansmere , 1087 ; II . D'Arcy Ellis , 5 64 ; W . Perry , 5 64 ; J . Jordan , 498 ; J . Birch , 5 ( 14 ; J . Ellis , 5 64 ; S . A . Brooks , cfi ± ; R . S . Blundell , itfio ; J . Clements , 49 8 ; J . Bayliss ,
571 ; II . Wilson , P . M ., 1204 ; C . Lloyd Lester , S . D ., 252 ; G . P . Chapman , W . M ., 573 ; J . Bcckley , 573 ; A . Pearson , 57-5 ; R . L . Campbell . ' W . M ., 5 ( 14 ; J . Morcton , W . M ., jfi ' o ; W . Turton , S . W ., 377 ; G . Southall , P . M ., 377 ; G . F . Groves , t ; 7 ^; E . Stringer , Steward , 5 64 ; F . Perkes , S ., 5 64 ; J . F . Bedford , 5 60 ; J . Joselaud , J . W ., r ; 29 ; W . Somers , P . M ., 157 ?; A . Combes , 5 60 ; T . C . W .
Conless , | . D ., 377 ; T . Blaybrough , 377 ; J . V . Stallurd , 280 ; J . Dawes , J . D ., 498 ; D . W . Barker , 280 ; J . B . Pinkett , 280 ; T . Groves , 529 ; T . Bennett , 529 ; G . W . Wcldin , 529 ; J . Still , Sec , 529 ; J . Collins , 252 ; G . F . Thompson , 252 ; B . Wood , 5 64 ; R . Smith , P . M ., 280 , P . G . S . W . ; G . B . Priddcy , t , (>\ \ C . M . Collins , 9 2 o ; E . Williams , 564 ; G . Everton , 529 ;
H . E . Walker , 2 ^ 2 ; J . J . Roberts , S . D ., 529 ; J . Parker , 529 ; R . G . Walker , 252 ; V . R . Petch , 1004 , 1387 , 204 ; S . M . Campbell , 529 ; II . Bagott , 252 ; G . Bagott , J . W ., 252 ; W . M . Smith , S . W . 252 ; J . F . Higgs , 252 ; \ V . II . Wood , P . M ., 280 ; J . Russell , 252 ; , J . l' . ' Nunii , 482 ; W . Bagott , 252 ; S . Bagott , 252 ; C . Hickson , 4 ( 10 ; G . S . Owen , 2 * j 2 ; F . H .
Lingham , | . D ., 280 ; S . Dimbleby , 529 ; I ' . G . Russell , S ., 1204 ; E . I-I . Tilcy , S . W ., 529 ; R . Lloyd , 377 ; J . Dugard , - { 77 ; E . II . Cowen , 529 ; II . Rowe , 280 ; F . Garner , Tyler , 252 ; W . Caldicott , 529 ; W . Mills , Tyler , 560 ; H . Scott , Tyler , 5 64 ; E . Gynn , Tyler , 1 , 204 ; II . Willis , 280 ; II . Madden , J . W ., 1204 ; J . Phillips , ' -: 29 ; J . Carter , J . D ., e 20 ; J . Dixon , J . G ., 377 ;
J . II . Meredith , P . P . G . R ., Staffordshire , 624 . The P . G . M . having been saluted with proper honours , the Prov . Grand Secretary , Wor . Bro . W . Bristow , P . M . 252 , reatl the minutes , which were confirmed . The muster roll was next called , when it was found that the respective lodges in tbe province were represented as under : —Harmonic Lodge No . 2-2 , 20 members ;
Worcester Lodge 280 , 16 ; Hope and Chanty 377 , y ; Royal Standard 498 , 4 ; Semper Fidelis 529 , 25 ; Vernon s fio , 8 ; Stability 5 64 , 20 ; Perseverance 573 , 10 ; St . Michael ' s 1097 , 3 ; Royds 1204 , () . Apologies for non-attendance were read from Bros . C . J . Vigne , Capt . N . G . Phillips , G . W . Grosvenor , R . Woof , F . S . A ., and G . Baldwin .
The accounts of the Prov . Grand Treasurer , Wor . Bro . C . C . Whitney Griffiths , P . P . S . G . W . and P . M . Worcester Lodge No . 280 , were read and unanimously confirmed . The re-election as Treasurer of Wor . Brother Whitney Griffiths was then proposed by Wor . Brother Masefield , the Deputy Prov . Grand Master , seconded by Wor . Bro . It . Smith , P . P . S . G . W ., and carried with acclamation , the .
Provincial Grand Lodge Of Worcestershire.
brethren attesting by their applause their high appreciation of thc long and infinitely varied services of tliis officer . The recipient of the compliment at once acknowledged it . The Prov . Grand Master then appointed and invested tbe following brethren as oflicers for thc ensuing year : — Senior Grand Warden , Wor . Hi other W . II . Jones , P . M ., jfi' ; Junior Grand Warden , Brother T . M . Hopkins , P . M .,
S 29 ; Grand Chaplain , Brother Rev . Dr . Cosens , 252 ; Grand Treasurer , Brother C . C . W . Griffiths , P . M ., 2 S 0 ; Grand Registrar , Brother J . Stokes , W . M ., 252 ; Grand Secretary , Brother W . Bristow , P . M ., 232 ; Senior Grand Deacon , Brother R . Broomhall , P . M ., 5 ( 14 ; Junior Grand Deacon , Brother E . L . Harrison , P . M ., 521 ); Grand Supt . of Works , Brotbei- A . A . Sylvester , P . M ., 280 ; Grand Dir .
of Cer ., Brother T . Brettell , P . M ., 252 ; Assistant Ditto , Brother E . Walton , P . M ., 529 -, Grand Sword Bearer , Bro . J . Bourne , W . M ., S 29 ; Grand Organist , Brother T . Troman , P . M ., s 73 ; Grand Pursuivant , Brother IL Wilson , P . M ., 1204 . The Stewards appointed were Brothers E . Tiley , J . Joselaud , J . F . Roberts , John Carter , C . M . Collins , W . Caldicott , all of Lodge - ; 73- The Tylers , Brothers
J . Stanley ( 573 ) and J . Smith ( 2 S 0 ) , were re-appointed . An invitation was tendered by Wor . Bid . Stokes ( Afayor of Dudley ) that the Grand Lodge of the Province should , in the year 18 7 b , be held at Dudley . Thc Wor . Master of thc Vernon Lodge said he had been desired to invite tbe Provincial Grand Lodge to meet at Stourport . On a division , 20 voted for Dudley and 11 for Stourport , and
consequently Dudley was appointed as thc locale of next vear ' s meeting . On the motion of Wor . Bro . J . Rutland , P . P . S . G . W ., seconded by Wor . Bro . Godson , P . P . G . D . C , it was unanimously resolved lhat as the amount of the offertory at the cathedral would be handed over to thc Masonic body by the Dean of Worcester , thc sum should be forwarded to
the Royal Albert City and County Orphan Asylum . A letter was read from W . Bro . Woof ( F . S . A . ) , indica ting that the restoration of Tewkesbury Abbey was a work in which the Freemasons of Worcestershire might worthily lend their aid . On the motion of W . Bro . Bristow , seconded by Bro . Goldingham , P . P . G . Registrar , it was resolved that the W . M . ' s in the province should
be requested to bring the subject before their respective lodges . The Prov . Grand Master then closed the Grand Lodge in accordance with ancient custom . The brethren were next mustered , and went in procession to the cathedral , the bells of which rang gaily as they passed along High-street and entered tbe edifice . The
volume of the Sacrctl Law was borne in the procession by thc following " Lewises" ( sons of Masons ) : — Masters Eustatius Griffiths , Thomas Meredith Hopkins , John Archer Weldin , and Herbert I laughton Hill . At thc service in the cathedral Canon Wood and Canon Seymour were present . The prayers were intoned by the Rev . T . L . Wheeler , thc Rev . Bro . H . Cattley , and the
Rev . Mr . Tavemer , and the lessons were read by Canon Wood . The Rev . Bro . W . R . Cosens , D . D ., Vicar of Dudley , preached in a singularly eloquent , powerful , and impressive manner , a sermon , the text of which was taken from Galatians v ., fith verse , " Faith which worketh by love . " Thc rev . gentleman said , worshipping that day in that
grand and beautiful temple of God , their thoughts travelled back to far distant centuries . They rested awhile with Oswald in thc tenth century , and with those Masons , operative and free , who laboured around him ; or they wandered back to those more distant days when the monks built their first Cathedral Church of St . Peter on the banks of the Severn , at a period when the Anglo-Saxon Church
was gifted with such good and learned men as Bede and Egbert , and when to that Church was given the missionary zeal to Christianise Germany and the Netherlands . Whilst the very beauty of such a structure as the one in which they were assembled inspired them with heavenly thoughts , they were reminded of the one great principle which had for 4000 years dignified the worship of the
Architect of the Universe by bringing to that worship rich offerings in wood and stone , with gold and silver and jewelled beauties—thus offering to Him , who had freely given to them all things , their own works of art , and the labour of their own hands . They were thus permitted to intensify thc beauties of I lis own creation by the labour of the Craftsman and the Mason , and to glorify Him who
had granted to them earthly things by sanctifying art and labour in dedicating them to 1 lim . Thc great principle which was the ruling power in the older Church—the Church of the tabernacle and the temple—had ever been the very life and centre of religious thought in the Christian Church . That principle was " Faith which worketh by love . " It was true that idolatrous polytheism
had like its gods many altars , but gorgeous as were many of the heathen temples their magnificence paled before the wondrous house of the true God . He dwelt upon the example set to future worshippers of the Almighty by Solomon , who erected the first temple to God , and lavished upon it such a prodigious score of gold , silver , and other riches . They were , in fact , startled by the
amount thus expended , but it should teach them that faith ought not to count the cost that love should sacrifice to its God . In tracing out the histories of ancient dynasties , the lover of art was assured that architecture and civilisation had gone hand-in-hand together . The five orders of architecture , from the simple Tuscan to the elaborate composite , were in themselves a history of the progress of
civilisation , and , clustering around them , painting and sculpture had made the beautiful science of architecture all thc more comely by illuminating it with all the fair graces and virtues which adorned the race of man . But they as Freemasons saw architecture and religion blended together in a wondrous harmony . Freemasonry enjoyed the privilege of retaining and ennobling that harmony of thought . True it was that Freemasonry was speculative ,
Provincial Grand Lodge Of Worcestershire.
rather than operative ; philosophical and metaphysical rather than practical and physical . But they must not forget that to Freemasons had been granted the fame of havinnerected those stately churches and noble cathedrals which . abounded on the Continent , while nearer home they coubl not disassociate their ancient Order from such works as Austin ' s Abbey of Canterbury ; the island Church at Limbs .
fame ; Wearmouth , Ripon , and Glastonbury . It niio- | lt indeed be said with truth that one of the greatest evi . deuces of vitality in a Church was the effort to erect , to restore , or to beautify tbe houses of God in the laud , and even now , amid sounds of variance , which probably were rather more wordy than real , they beheld cathedrals upon which peers and high ecclesiastical dignitaries had recently
—and even now—bestowed of the wealth with which God had blessed them . Their large towns showed what com . mercial prosperity , actuated by a loving faith , would do for God ; and thc squires , the farmers , and the peasantry loved and sought to beautify the village church where their forefathers knelt . There could thus be no doubt that faith , working by love , was never content to dwell in luxuriant
houses whilst the temple of God lay waste . In their own day , and in that very province , Freemasons had not been found wanting in aiding to beautify their church with stained glass . They had further given their presence and their alms at thc re-opening of their cathedral , and more recently stillj had participated in laying the [ corner-stone of a new church in the Black Conntry . Surely faith
working by love had thus been exercising its influences . Adverting to the recent denunciation of Freemasonry by the Pope , the preacher said it mattered not to them in England what an aged prelate in Italy might write of their body . Thank God , honest and true men believed intensely in thc principles and the work of their Order . The highest and noblest gentleman of their kingdom had not
thought it otherwise than an honour to be called on to rule over their whole body , lie asked if there was in Freema . sonry any practice or theory derogatory to that purer form of faith which the great mass of them professed as Christians . There was , he believed , great truth in the words "Reduce Freemasonry to the limits of any particular religious institution , and j'ou de facto annihilate its usefulness as a com .
mon bond of humanity . Declare it to be in its maxims , rites , and ceremonies exclusive in its character , and you u priori debase it to that anti-social position wherein thc most rancorous passions of the human heart have raged to enkindle wrath , envy , hatred , and discord among mankind . " For what was that faith which worketh by love ? Was it not that which moistened the dry soil of their hardened
hearts ; fed and cleansed their dark habitations ; turned the vast wheels of their complex social system , and so deepened their shallow thoughts , widened their narrow sympathies , sweetened their bitter controversies , and freshened their stagnant indolence ? Faith was defined among Masons to be " the foundation of justice , the bond of amity , and the chief support of civil society ; we live and
walk by faith ; by it we have a hope and acknowledgment in thc existence of a Supreme Being , and are justified , accepted , and finally received . While charity or love is one of the brightest gems that can adorn our Masonic profession , it is the best test and surest proof of the sincerity of our religion . " The rev . gentleman proceeded to impress upon them the necessity of cultivating more and more
that " faith which worketh by love . " What their ancestors had done in works of architecture and beauty to thc glory of God , let them imitate . Let each of them be careful to perform their allotted task while it was day , inspired with a holy confidence that the Lord of Life would enable them to trample the King of Terrors under their feet ; and let them lift their eyes to that bright morning star , whose
rising would bring true fruition of that "faith which worketh by love" to the faithful and obedient of the human race . Thc offertory amounted to £ 22 17 s . After the service the procession was re-formed , and the brethren went to the Crown Hotel , where a superb banquel , prepared by Brother Fuggle , was in readiness . The
Prov . Grand Master presided , and a very gratifying evening was spent . The " Lewises" were each presented with a copy of the volume of the Sacred Law , and a motion was passed with enthusiasm conveying to thc Rev . Dr . Cosens very special thanks for the sermon preached in the cathedral .
Obituary.
Obituary .
THE LATE BRO . WILLIAM BULLEY . The luneral of Bro . William Bulley , one of the oldest Freemasons in Birkenhead and neighbourhood , who at the time of his death was P . G . Warden of the Province of Cheshire , and who had formerly held many high offices , took place on Saturday , the 19 th ult ., at Flaybrick-hill Cemetery , near Birkenhead , and was attended by a very
large number of the Masonic brethren . Bro . Bulley was greatly esteemed by all who knew him , both in Masonry and the outside world , and he has left a blank which will not be easily filled up . The funeral cortege left the late residence of the deceased in Clifton-park shortly before two o ' clock , thc chief mourners being the deceased ' s two sons , his brother , Bro . JHenryBullcy ( chairman of the
Oxton Local Board , and a well known Freemason ) , Mr-Hoffman , & c . Amongst the Freemasons present were Bros , J . M . Radcliffe , P . M . ( fios ) , T . E . Hignett , P . M . ( 537 ) , . /¦ ! '• Piatt , P . P . G . W . ( 5 * 7 ) ' , Thomas Piatt , P . P . G . D ., Dr . Spratley , P . P . G . D . ( 537 ) , ' Dr . Wilson , P . M . ( 537 ) , E . J . Haddon , W . M . ( 60 *;) , Matthew M'Nerney , S . W . ( fios ) , T . Leighton , P . M ., Sec * . ( 60-, ) , Robert Grade , P . M . ( 477 ) -
Donald Fraser , W . M . ( 477 ) , F . K . Stevenson , P . M . ( 537 )' Ellis Davis , P . M . ( 60 s ) , Samuel Jones , P . M . ( 477 ) . Thomas V . Evans ( 292 ) , William Clements ( fios ) , T . C . Thorburn , of the Joppa Mark Lodge ( 11 ); L . Ellis , W . M ., and A . Lowe , of Rock Ferry ; Edward Parsons ( 5 * 7 ) , N . Hall ( 537 ) i W . Worrall and Griffiths , Chester ; F . Sanderson , John Lamb , & C ,