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Article THE ROYAL MASONIC BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION. ← Page 2 of 2 Article PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF DURHAM. Page 1 of 2 →
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The Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution.
guests , who were members of the Craft , proposed to appear in Masonic clothing—all this seems to have been received with disfavour by His Royal Hig hness , and it is not surprising in these circumstances that , what between this no doubt unintentional , yet assuredly indiscreet , presumption on the part of some among the leading promoters anel the Grand Master's sensitiveness as to what was due to himself , not so much as a Prince of the Blood Royal , but head of the Mason Craft in England , the early p rogress of the scheme
for founding an Asylum was a somewhat troubled one . Then again his Royal Hig hness expressed a wish to be furnished with information so that he might be in a position to judge of the merits and future prospects of the proposal , but only very imperfect information was vouchsafed to him in the first instance , and this omission no doubt had the effect of increasing the disfavour with which , as Grand Master , he had come to regard the idea . At
all events , it is impossible for anyone to read the letters which are incorporated in the earlier minutes without arriving at the conclusion that , from the very beginning , the relations between the promoters of the Asylum and the chiefs of Grand Lodge were the reverse of cordial . Let us take for instance the letter addressed by Bro . J . C . Bell , under date " Austinfriars , 20 th April , 1835 , " in which the subject of erecting an Asylum is first prominently brought under the notice of the M . W . thc Grand Master . It reads thus :
Sir , —I have the honour of addressing your Royal Highness at the request of several of my Masonic brethren to solicit that patronage of our proceedings which , as dutiful Masons , we are most anxious to obtain . Our object is to establish an Asylum for Aged and Decayed Freemasons , and although our proceedings are in their infancy , yet the truly Masonic feelings in which they originated have been so nobly responded to by those brethren whom we have had an opportunity of consulting that I have great satisfaction in being able to state to your Royal Highness that the certainty of means to establish an Asylum without interfering with the two excellent Charities is placed beyond doubt .
This being ascertained , we have considered it our duty without loss of time to solicit that patronage and countenance which the cause of Charity in general and the welfare of the Craft in particular have never failed to receive from your Koyal Highness . We do not presume to lay before your Royal Highness any settled or detailed p lan for the establishment of the intended Asylum . In fact the only point at present decided is the certainty ot means to carry the intended object into effect , and as regards the future details , we venture to hope the Charity will be favoured with that advice which your
Royal Highness ' s judgment is so well calculated to afford . I am also desired on behalf of those with whom I have the great pleasure of being associated on the present occasion to add that with a view to assist our friends , " two of them with myself "—in the margin are written thc names of " Bell , Crucefix , Rowe , "—have on our own responsibility engaged the English Opera House , to which we beg most dutifully also to solicit the sanction of your Royal Highness's name and patronage . In doinir this we shall benefit our funds without interfering with the established
Masonic Charities , of which we are most of us Life Governors and zealous supporters . I beg leave most respectfully to state that we are desirous to submit to your Royal Highness our contemplated means for the proposed theatrical benefit , and to solicit your Royal Highness ' s advice and approbation prior to taking any public step , and with that view , to ask whether it will be your Royal Highness ' s pleasure to allow a deputation to wait upon you . I hope I may be pardoned for soliciting the favour of your Royal Highness ' s early
consideration , as it is a most important object to avail ourselves of the present Masonic session , and as the lodges will generally conclude their meetings in a very short period , there is no time to be lost , and , although it may appear pressing too earnestly on your Royal Highness ' s attention , yet we fondly hope the cause in which we are engaged will sufficiently excuse us . I have thc honour to be , & c , ( Signed ) J . C . BELL .
The reply to this , dated " Kensington Palace , 25 th April , 1835 , " was most gracious : Sir and Brother , —I am commanded by the M . W . Grand Master , the Dukeof Sussex , to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 20 th inst ., and to say that his Royal Highness feels great satisfaction at all times in promoting any measure for furthering the interest and honour of the Craft , and will therefore have much pleasure in fixing a day for receiving the deputation referred to in your letter ; but his Royal Highness is desirous , before he does so , to be informed of the outline of the plan for the proposed
Asylum , that is , the immediate objects of the institution and the supposed or expected means for carrying the measure into effect , as well for the erection of the structure as for its permanent support . His Royal Highness wishes for this information prior to seeing the deputation , that he may give the subject such consideration as will better enable him to enter into detail with the brethren . I have the honour to bc , with every sentiment of fraternal regard , Your most obedient servant and brother , ( Signed ) WILLIAM H . WHITE , G . S . To Bro . Joseph C . Bell , Esq .
Bro . Bell was very prompt in furnishing the information requested , his repiy , to the following effect , bearing nearly the same date as that of Grand Secretary : Sir , —I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Royal Highness's answer to my application for your Royal Highness ' s patronage of the intended Asylum for Aged and Decayed Masons . 1 he plan and details best adapted for the formation and government of the intended Institution , and the precise qualification of the objects to be entitled to its benefits , and
whether or not it should extend in the first instance to the deserving widows of worthy Masons are points which have not been arranged , as it was considered much more dutiful and respectful to your Royal Highness not to enter into these matters prior to applying for your Royal Highness ' s patronage and approbation , but rather to leave them open in order to obtain the benefit of your Royal Highness ' s advice and judgment . I think , however , I may say it is not intended to allow the benefit of the proposed institution to persons who have been merely for a short time subscribing members to a lodge . It is not
intended to form a retreat foe those who may become Masons merely for its benefits , but on the contrary , for providing for those who have long been contributors , to endeavour to raise the character of the Craft , and to benefit its other Institutions . The means by which we propose to accomplish our object , under your Royal Highness ' s sanction , are at present confined solely to voluntary donations and contributions , and without repudiating any of those aids of which we may hereafter be thought worthy , we don't wish 1 to do anything which can interfere with the resources and means of the
already established Charities . So far from wishing to establish a rival , we only desire to render the circle of our Masonic Charities more complete . It is now only iG days since I first saw my Masonic brethren on this subject , and in that short time amongst a small number several hundred pounds have been subscribed , and if we are favoured with your Royal Highness ' s sanction to our scheme in a few days , so as to avail ourselves of the close of the present season , we shall have a fund of £ 1000 to commence with . Our next object is a theatrical benefit which will be a certain source of profit , as no
funds contributed towards the charity will be hazarded by this benefit , two of my brethren with myself having personally guaranteed the whole expenses at our own risk , and we feel sure your Royal Highness ' s name will be a tower of strength . The annual subscriptions will be more than ample to repair and keep in order any Asylum which may be built , and also to provide coals , and some weekly and monthly allowance to the inmates ; and although we contemplate only at first erecting and providing for a limited number , yet year by year the institution when once founded will increase in extent and be confirmed in stability .
Some of my fair friends suggest a bazaar to which they will contribute ornamental works . This , however , 1 hope will be adopted in behalf oS the Female School , and shall for that charity have my humble aid and the contributions of my fair friends' ingenuity . I have the honour to be , & c , ( Signed ) J OSEPH C . BELL . ( To be continued ) .
Provincial Grand Lodge Of Durham.
PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF DURHAM .
On Tuesday , the 23 rd ult ., a Provincial Grand Lodge of the Province of Durham was held in the Victoria Hall , Sunderland , under the presidency of the R . W . P . G . M ., the Marquis of Londonderry , K . P . The hall was specially decorated for the occasion , and the appearance of the dais covered with scarlet cloth , the newly-upholstered chairs , and the banners of the various lodges , was very beautiful . A number of plants were also suitably placed on the dais , the foliage plants having been brought by the direction
of the P . G . M . from Seaham Hall grounds . The local committee in Sunderland , together with Bro . Hudson , P . G . S ., had spared neither efforts nor expense to give a magnificent reception to the head of the province on the occasion of his visit to Sunderland . Meetings of the Charities' and Fund Committees were held at the Masonic Hall , in Park-terrace , at noon and one o ' clock respectively . The brethren attending Provincial Grand Lodge gathered in very large numbers from all the lodges in the province at the
Victoria Hall . Punctually at a quarter-past two the brethren , being all in their places , received the P . G . M . in due form , and the Provincial Grand Lodge was opened by the Marquis of Londonderry , who was supported by the following officers : Bros . Sir Hedworth Williamson , Bart ., Dep . Prov . G . M . ; J . W . Cameron , acting Prov . G . S . W . ; C . R . Fry , Prov . G . J . W . ; the Rev . R . H . Yeld , Prov . G . Chap . ; B . Boulton , Prov . G . Treas . ; R . Luck , Prov . G . Reg . ; R . Hudson , Prov . G . Sec . ; T . Bradley , Asst . Prov . G . Sec . ; T . Bell , Prov . G . S . D . ; T . Coulson , Prov . G . J . D . ; T . Tillman
Prov . G . Supt . of Wks . ; G . Greenwell , Prov . G . Dir . of Cers . ; D . Sinclair , Prov . G . Asst . Dir . of Cers . ; G . Lord , acting Prov . G . Std . Br . ; G . Porteous , Prov . G . Org . ; J . Wyld , Prov . G . Purst . ; J . Curry , Prov . G . Tyler ; C . McNamara , J . C . Martin , W . B . Elsdon , W . Davidson , J . Burn , and W . H . Turner , Prov . G . Stwds . The following Past Provincial officers were present : Bros . F . Maddison , P . P . G . S . D . ; J . J . Clay , P . P . G . S . of W . ; W . Brignal , P . P . G . Reg . ; W . Liddell , P . P . G . J . D . ; T . G . Mabane , P . P . G . S . D . ; A . S . Fowler , P . P . G . S . D . ; M . Knowles , P . P . G . S . D . ; J . Hunton , P . P . G . S . D . ; J . Spearman
P . P . G . J . W . Northumberland ; C . E . Lane , P . P . G . D . ; E . D . Davis , P . P . G . J . W ., & c ; A . T . Munro , P . P . G . S . B . ; J . Sinclair , P . P . G . P . ; M . Watson , P . P . G . J . D . ; W . B . McLearon , P . G . S . B . Northumberland ; Thos . Jobling , P . P . G . J . D . ; James McCulloch , P . P . G . J . W . ; S . P . Austin , P . P . G . J . W . ; J . Montgomery , P . P . G . S . of W . ; W . Bell , P . P . G . A . D . of C . Northumberland ; S . Wilson , P . M . 124 ; S . Fenney , P . M . 124 ; T . G . Smith , I . P . M . ; J . Wood , I . P . M . 48 ; J . Horsley , P . M . ; T . J . Johnson , P . M . 531 ; H . Tonkinson , P . M . ; W . Beattie , P . M . ; G . C . Watson , P . M .: J . H . Leech , I . P . M . 07 ; J . Stonehouse ,
W . M . 764 ; M . Frampton , P . M . 94 ; H . J . Turnbull , P . M . 80 ; J . T . Wilson , P . M . ; W . Gray , I . P . M . ; D . Finlay , W . M . 1230 ; H . W . Emerson , P . M . 661 ; J . Moult , W . M . ; M . Corbett , P . M . 48 j E . Hudson , P . M . ; H . Colder , I . P . M . ; T . Renton , W . M . 1119 ; Thomas Potter , P . M . ; G . N . Watson , W . M . 1370 ; J . Potts , P . P . J . D . ; C . J . Drury , P . M . ; W . Simpson , W . M . 940 ; W . H . Turner , W . M . 1932 ; J . Mitchell , W . M . ; R . W . Young , Newcastle ; J . Probert , P . M . ; A . Allen , P . M . ; John Cavannah , P . P . G . D . C . Cheshire ; J . Morrell , P . P . G . S . D . ; J . Usher , P . P . G . P . Northumberland ; C .
B . Pord , P . G . J . D . Northumberland ; R . Singleton , Sec . 97 ; Thomas Willis , P . M . 1418 ; G . Lawson , P . M . 240 ; I . H . Thompson , W . M . ; R . Cummins , P . M . ; J . Hudson , W . M . 94 ; R . de Clare Yeld , W . M . 80 ; Dr . Murphy , W . M . 1389 ; C . McNamara , W . M . 97 ; C . Cobham , W . M . 949 ; J . Egglestone , P . M . ; R . Kinmond , I . P . M . 89 ; R . W . Halfknight , P . M . ; S . Cockburn , H . Craven , J . Whitter , P . M . mo ; Rev . J . J . n _ -n < i _ n PPG . rtian ¦ W . HarhnU- S . W . AX •W . Atkinson Tvlpr •W . ftrranra R . W . W ^ - » W . . . . . . . . . , -J . , . . . £
_ ....., . . . . _ .. t . . , . . . — . . , . - - - ^ , . _ ... _ . _ . . J , W . . . 764 ; W . Marley . J . W . 7 64 ; W . M . Pybus , Sec . 48 ; E . Shewbrooks , S . D . 48 ; J . R . Pattison , J . W . ; C . M . Wake , J . D . ; J . Sedcole , S . W . 1119 ; J . G . Nasbet , I . G . 97 ; J . Armstrong , J . W . 97 ; E . W . Richardson , Sec . 124 ; W . Logan , S . D . 124 ; R . Ashton , S . W . 940 ; G . Hardy , W . M . 1643 ; S . Chadwick . S . W . 1643 ; W . Atkinson , S . D . 1643 ; J . Heslop , Ji . W . 1032 ; T . M . Barron , J . W . 1379 ; John Reed , S . W . 1121 ; T . Brown , P . P . G . S . W . ; G . C . Lee , I . P . M . 1230 ; J . G . Hall , S . W . 1230 ; J . C . Moor , S . W . 07 ( Freemason ); and others .
The lodge was opened in due form . The minutes of the last and a special Grand Lodge were read and confirmed . The Prov . Grand Treasurer , Bro . B . BOULTON , read his accounts , with a balance of £ 292 Ss . 4 d . from the preceding year ; the total receipts amounted to . £ 615 gs . 6 d . ; the expenditure amounted to £ 352 is . iod ., leaving a balance in hand of £ 263 7 s . 8 d . The report was approved . The Secretary of the Fund Committee , Bro . T . BRADLEY , read its report .
It showed the capital account to be £ 2393 6 s . 5 d . The Committee recommended that the following sums be granted : Masonic Boys' School Preparatory Fund , £ 52 ios . ; Girls' School , £$ 2 ios . ; Institution for Aged Freemasons , £ 2 % 5 s . ; Institution for Widows , £ 26 5 s . ; the Durham Masonic Education Fund , £ 2 $ . This left ^ 65 17 s . 8 d . in the hands of the Treasurer . The Deputy P . G . M ., Bro . Sir HEDWORTH WILLIAMSON , Bart ., proposed lhat the report be received and adopted , which was seconded by the Prov . G . Sec , Bro . R . HUDSON , and agreed to .
The PROV . GRAND SECRETARY said that in accordance with the resolution of last Grand Lodge , he communicated to the late Prov . Grand Treasurer the resolution of thanks passed thereat , and he read a letter irom the Rev . Canon Cundill acknowledging with grateful feelings the receipt of their communication . The Prov . G . A . Secretary , Bro . T . BRADLEY , read the sixth annual report of the Charities' Committee , which was duly received .
The Prov . G . Registrar , Bro . LUCK , read the report of the sub-committee appointed to consider the amendments to the Book of Constitutions . The principal and material alterations affecting Prov . Grand Lodge and private lodges were clearly set forth . With respect to the clauses bearing upon the status of Past Masters , the Committee were of opinion , after the discussion that had taken place , that the interests of the Craft would not be advanced by confirming it .
The DEPUTY PROV . GRAND MASTER formerly moved " That the Committee be reappointed , and be requested to continue their labours . " Bro . E . D . DAVIS seconded , and the motion was agreed to . The roll of the various lodges in the province was then called , and the reports were of a satisfactory character . Bro . E . D . DAVIS proposed the re-election of Bro . Babington Boulton as Prov . G . Treasurer for the ensuing year , which was seconded b y Bro . B . LEVY , P . P . G . J . W ., and carried unanimously . The Prov . Grand Master then appointed and invested the following
officers for the ensuing year : Bro . Sir Hedworth Williamson , Bart . ... ... Prov . D . G . M . „ John Horsley , 531 ... ... ... ... Prov . G . S . W . „ John Wood , 48 Prov . G . J . W . „ Rev . E . Coltier Biggs , 138 9 ... ... ... Prov . G . Chap . „ Rev . W . C . Harris , 1974 ... ... ... Prov . G . Chap . „ B . Boulton ... ... ... ... ... Prov . G . Treas .
„ H . Maddison , in ... ... ... ... Prov . G . Reg . „ R . Hudson , 1389 ... ... ... ... Prov . G . Sec . „ T . Bradley , 940 ... ... ... ... Prov . G . A . Sec . „ R . S . Hopper , 940 ... ... ,.. ... Prov . G . S . D . „ G . C . Watson , 97 ... ... ... ... Prov . G . J . D . „ C . Cobham , 949 ... ... ... ... Prov . G . S . of W „ E . Hudson , 76 4 ... ... ... ... Prov . G . D . of C . ,, G . Hardy , 1 643 ... ... ... ... Prov . G . A . D . ofC „ M . Frampton , 94 ... . „ , „ ... Prov . G . S . B .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution.
guests , who were members of the Craft , proposed to appear in Masonic clothing—all this seems to have been received with disfavour by His Royal Hig hness , and it is not surprising in these circumstances that , what between this no doubt unintentional , yet assuredly indiscreet , presumption on the part of some among the leading promoters anel the Grand Master's sensitiveness as to what was due to himself , not so much as a Prince of the Blood Royal , but head of the Mason Craft in England , the early p rogress of the scheme
for founding an Asylum was a somewhat troubled one . Then again his Royal Hig hness expressed a wish to be furnished with information so that he might be in a position to judge of the merits and future prospects of the proposal , but only very imperfect information was vouchsafed to him in the first instance , and this omission no doubt had the effect of increasing the disfavour with which , as Grand Master , he had come to regard the idea . At
all events , it is impossible for anyone to read the letters which are incorporated in the earlier minutes without arriving at the conclusion that , from the very beginning , the relations between the promoters of the Asylum and the chiefs of Grand Lodge were the reverse of cordial . Let us take for instance the letter addressed by Bro . J . C . Bell , under date " Austinfriars , 20 th April , 1835 , " in which the subject of erecting an Asylum is first prominently brought under the notice of the M . W . thc Grand Master . It reads thus :
Sir , —I have the honour of addressing your Royal Highness at the request of several of my Masonic brethren to solicit that patronage of our proceedings which , as dutiful Masons , we are most anxious to obtain . Our object is to establish an Asylum for Aged and Decayed Freemasons , and although our proceedings are in their infancy , yet the truly Masonic feelings in which they originated have been so nobly responded to by those brethren whom we have had an opportunity of consulting that I have great satisfaction in being able to state to your Royal Highness that the certainty of means to establish an Asylum without interfering with the two excellent Charities is placed beyond doubt .
This being ascertained , we have considered it our duty without loss of time to solicit that patronage and countenance which the cause of Charity in general and the welfare of the Craft in particular have never failed to receive from your Koyal Highness . We do not presume to lay before your Royal Highness any settled or detailed p lan for the establishment of the intended Asylum . In fact the only point at present decided is the certainty ot means to carry the intended object into effect , and as regards the future details , we venture to hope the Charity will be favoured with that advice which your
Royal Highness ' s judgment is so well calculated to afford . I am also desired on behalf of those with whom I have the great pleasure of being associated on the present occasion to add that with a view to assist our friends , " two of them with myself "—in the margin are written thc names of " Bell , Crucefix , Rowe , "—have on our own responsibility engaged the English Opera House , to which we beg most dutifully also to solicit the sanction of your Royal Highness's name and patronage . In doinir this we shall benefit our funds without interfering with the established
Masonic Charities , of which we are most of us Life Governors and zealous supporters . I beg leave most respectfully to state that we are desirous to submit to your Royal Highness our contemplated means for the proposed theatrical benefit , and to solicit your Royal Highness ' s advice and approbation prior to taking any public step , and with that view , to ask whether it will be your Royal Highness ' s pleasure to allow a deputation to wait upon you . I hope I may be pardoned for soliciting the favour of your Royal Highness ' s early
consideration , as it is a most important object to avail ourselves of the present Masonic session , and as the lodges will generally conclude their meetings in a very short period , there is no time to be lost , and , although it may appear pressing too earnestly on your Royal Highness ' s attention , yet we fondly hope the cause in which we are engaged will sufficiently excuse us . I have thc honour to be , & c , ( Signed ) J . C . BELL .
The reply to this , dated " Kensington Palace , 25 th April , 1835 , " was most gracious : Sir and Brother , —I am commanded by the M . W . Grand Master , the Dukeof Sussex , to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 20 th inst ., and to say that his Royal Highness feels great satisfaction at all times in promoting any measure for furthering the interest and honour of the Craft , and will therefore have much pleasure in fixing a day for receiving the deputation referred to in your letter ; but his Royal Highness is desirous , before he does so , to be informed of the outline of the plan for the proposed
Asylum , that is , the immediate objects of the institution and the supposed or expected means for carrying the measure into effect , as well for the erection of the structure as for its permanent support . His Royal Highness wishes for this information prior to seeing the deputation , that he may give the subject such consideration as will better enable him to enter into detail with the brethren . I have the honour to bc , with every sentiment of fraternal regard , Your most obedient servant and brother , ( Signed ) WILLIAM H . WHITE , G . S . To Bro . Joseph C . Bell , Esq .
Bro . Bell was very prompt in furnishing the information requested , his repiy , to the following effect , bearing nearly the same date as that of Grand Secretary : Sir , —I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Royal Highness's answer to my application for your Royal Highness ' s patronage of the intended Asylum for Aged and Decayed Masons . 1 he plan and details best adapted for the formation and government of the intended Institution , and the precise qualification of the objects to be entitled to its benefits , and
whether or not it should extend in the first instance to the deserving widows of worthy Masons are points which have not been arranged , as it was considered much more dutiful and respectful to your Royal Highness not to enter into these matters prior to applying for your Royal Highness ' s patronage and approbation , but rather to leave them open in order to obtain the benefit of your Royal Highness ' s advice and judgment . I think , however , I may say it is not intended to allow the benefit of the proposed institution to persons who have been merely for a short time subscribing members to a lodge . It is not
intended to form a retreat foe those who may become Masons merely for its benefits , but on the contrary , for providing for those who have long been contributors , to endeavour to raise the character of the Craft , and to benefit its other Institutions . The means by which we propose to accomplish our object , under your Royal Highness ' s sanction , are at present confined solely to voluntary donations and contributions , and without repudiating any of those aids of which we may hereafter be thought worthy , we don't wish 1 to do anything which can interfere with the resources and means of the
already established Charities . So far from wishing to establish a rival , we only desire to render the circle of our Masonic Charities more complete . It is now only iG days since I first saw my Masonic brethren on this subject , and in that short time amongst a small number several hundred pounds have been subscribed , and if we are favoured with your Royal Highness ' s sanction to our scheme in a few days , so as to avail ourselves of the close of the present season , we shall have a fund of £ 1000 to commence with . Our next object is a theatrical benefit which will be a certain source of profit , as no
funds contributed towards the charity will be hazarded by this benefit , two of my brethren with myself having personally guaranteed the whole expenses at our own risk , and we feel sure your Royal Highness ' s name will be a tower of strength . The annual subscriptions will be more than ample to repair and keep in order any Asylum which may be built , and also to provide coals , and some weekly and monthly allowance to the inmates ; and although we contemplate only at first erecting and providing for a limited number , yet year by year the institution when once founded will increase in extent and be confirmed in stability .
Some of my fair friends suggest a bazaar to which they will contribute ornamental works . This , however , 1 hope will be adopted in behalf oS the Female School , and shall for that charity have my humble aid and the contributions of my fair friends' ingenuity . I have the honour to be , & c , ( Signed ) J OSEPH C . BELL . ( To be continued ) .
Provincial Grand Lodge Of Durham.
PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF DURHAM .
On Tuesday , the 23 rd ult ., a Provincial Grand Lodge of the Province of Durham was held in the Victoria Hall , Sunderland , under the presidency of the R . W . P . G . M ., the Marquis of Londonderry , K . P . The hall was specially decorated for the occasion , and the appearance of the dais covered with scarlet cloth , the newly-upholstered chairs , and the banners of the various lodges , was very beautiful . A number of plants were also suitably placed on the dais , the foliage plants having been brought by the direction
of the P . G . M . from Seaham Hall grounds . The local committee in Sunderland , together with Bro . Hudson , P . G . S ., had spared neither efforts nor expense to give a magnificent reception to the head of the province on the occasion of his visit to Sunderland . Meetings of the Charities' and Fund Committees were held at the Masonic Hall , in Park-terrace , at noon and one o ' clock respectively . The brethren attending Provincial Grand Lodge gathered in very large numbers from all the lodges in the province at the
Victoria Hall . Punctually at a quarter-past two the brethren , being all in their places , received the P . G . M . in due form , and the Provincial Grand Lodge was opened by the Marquis of Londonderry , who was supported by the following officers : Bros . Sir Hedworth Williamson , Bart ., Dep . Prov . G . M . ; J . W . Cameron , acting Prov . G . S . W . ; C . R . Fry , Prov . G . J . W . ; the Rev . R . H . Yeld , Prov . G . Chap . ; B . Boulton , Prov . G . Treas . ; R . Luck , Prov . G . Reg . ; R . Hudson , Prov . G . Sec . ; T . Bradley , Asst . Prov . G . Sec . ; T . Bell , Prov . G . S . D . ; T . Coulson , Prov . G . J . D . ; T . Tillman
Prov . G . Supt . of Wks . ; G . Greenwell , Prov . G . Dir . of Cers . ; D . Sinclair , Prov . G . Asst . Dir . of Cers . ; G . Lord , acting Prov . G . Std . Br . ; G . Porteous , Prov . G . Org . ; J . Wyld , Prov . G . Purst . ; J . Curry , Prov . G . Tyler ; C . McNamara , J . C . Martin , W . B . Elsdon , W . Davidson , J . Burn , and W . H . Turner , Prov . G . Stwds . The following Past Provincial officers were present : Bros . F . Maddison , P . P . G . S . D . ; J . J . Clay , P . P . G . S . of W . ; W . Brignal , P . P . G . Reg . ; W . Liddell , P . P . G . J . D . ; T . G . Mabane , P . P . G . S . D . ; A . S . Fowler , P . P . G . S . D . ; M . Knowles , P . P . G . S . D . ; J . Hunton , P . P . G . S . D . ; J . Spearman
P . P . G . J . W . Northumberland ; C . E . Lane , P . P . G . D . ; E . D . Davis , P . P . G . J . W ., & c ; A . T . Munro , P . P . G . S . B . ; J . Sinclair , P . P . G . P . ; M . Watson , P . P . G . J . D . ; W . B . McLearon , P . G . S . B . Northumberland ; Thos . Jobling , P . P . G . J . D . ; James McCulloch , P . P . G . J . W . ; S . P . Austin , P . P . G . J . W . ; J . Montgomery , P . P . G . S . of W . ; W . Bell , P . P . G . A . D . of C . Northumberland ; S . Wilson , P . M . 124 ; S . Fenney , P . M . 124 ; T . G . Smith , I . P . M . ; J . Wood , I . P . M . 48 ; J . Horsley , P . M . ; T . J . Johnson , P . M . 531 ; H . Tonkinson , P . M . ; W . Beattie , P . M . ; G . C . Watson , P . M .: J . H . Leech , I . P . M . 07 ; J . Stonehouse ,
W . M . 764 ; M . Frampton , P . M . 94 ; H . J . Turnbull , P . M . 80 ; J . T . Wilson , P . M . ; W . Gray , I . P . M . ; D . Finlay , W . M . 1230 ; H . W . Emerson , P . M . 661 ; J . Moult , W . M . ; M . Corbett , P . M . 48 j E . Hudson , P . M . ; H . Colder , I . P . M . ; T . Renton , W . M . 1119 ; Thomas Potter , P . M . ; G . N . Watson , W . M . 1370 ; J . Potts , P . P . J . D . ; C . J . Drury , P . M . ; W . Simpson , W . M . 940 ; W . H . Turner , W . M . 1932 ; J . Mitchell , W . M . ; R . W . Young , Newcastle ; J . Probert , P . M . ; A . Allen , P . M . ; John Cavannah , P . P . G . D . C . Cheshire ; J . Morrell , P . P . G . S . D . ; J . Usher , P . P . G . P . Northumberland ; C .
B . Pord , P . G . J . D . Northumberland ; R . Singleton , Sec . 97 ; Thomas Willis , P . M . 1418 ; G . Lawson , P . M . 240 ; I . H . Thompson , W . M . ; R . Cummins , P . M . ; J . Hudson , W . M . 94 ; R . de Clare Yeld , W . M . 80 ; Dr . Murphy , W . M . 1389 ; C . McNamara , W . M . 97 ; C . Cobham , W . M . 949 ; J . Egglestone , P . M . ; R . Kinmond , I . P . M . 89 ; R . W . Halfknight , P . M . ; S . Cockburn , H . Craven , J . Whitter , P . M . mo ; Rev . J . J . n _ -n < i _ n PPG . rtian ¦ W . HarhnU- S . W . AX •W . Atkinson Tvlpr •W . ftrranra R . W . W ^ - » W . . . . . . . . . , -J . , . . . £
_ ....., . . . . _ .. t . . , . . . — . . , . - - - ^ , . _ ... _ . _ . . J , W . . . 764 ; W . Marley . J . W . 7 64 ; W . M . Pybus , Sec . 48 ; E . Shewbrooks , S . D . 48 ; J . R . Pattison , J . W . ; C . M . Wake , J . D . ; J . Sedcole , S . W . 1119 ; J . G . Nasbet , I . G . 97 ; J . Armstrong , J . W . 97 ; E . W . Richardson , Sec . 124 ; W . Logan , S . D . 124 ; R . Ashton , S . W . 940 ; G . Hardy , W . M . 1643 ; S . Chadwick . S . W . 1643 ; W . Atkinson , S . D . 1643 ; J . Heslop , Ji . W . 1032 ; T . M . Barron , J . W . 1379 ; John Reed , S . W . 1121 ; T . Brown , P . P . G . S . W . ; G . C . Lee , I . P . M . 1230 ; J . G . Hall , S . W . 1230 ; J . C . Moor , S . W . 07 ( Freemason ); and others .
The lodge was opened in due form . The minutes of the last and a special Grand Lodge were read and confirmed . The Prov . Grand Treasurer , Bro . B . BOULTON , read his accounts , with a balance of £ 292 Ss . 4 d . from the preceding year ; the total receipts amounted to . £ 615 gs . 6 d . ; the expenditure amounted to £ 352 is . iod ., leaving a balance in hand of £ 263 7 s . 8 d . The report was approved . The Secretary of the Fund Committee , Bro . T . BRADLEY , read its report .
It showed the capital account to be £ 2393 6 s . 5 d . The Committee recommended that the following sums be granted : Masonic Boys' School Preparatory Fund , £ 52 ios . ; Girls' School , £$ 2 ios . ; Institution for Aged Freemasons , £ 2 % 5 s . ; Institution for Widows , £ 26 5 s . ; the Durham Masonic Education Fund , £ 2 $ . This left ^ 65 17 s . 8 d . in the hands of the Treasurer . The Deputy P . G . M ., Bro . Sir HEDWORTH WILLIAMSON , Bart ., proposed lhat the report be received and adopted , which was seconded by the Prov . G . Sec , Bro . R . HUDSON , and agreed to .
The PROV . GRAND SECRETARY said that in accordance with the resolution of last Grand Lodge , he communicated to the late Prov . Grand Treasurer the resolution of thanks passed thereat , and he read a letter irom the Rev . Canon Cundill acknowledging with grateful feelings the receipt of their communication . The Prov . G . A . Secretary , Bro . T . BRADLEY , read the sixth annual report of the Charities' Committee , which was duly received .
The Prov . G . Registrar , Bro . LUCK , read the report of the sub-committee appointed to consider the amendments to the Book of Constitutions . The principal and material alterations affecting Prov . Grand Lodge and private lodges were clearly set forth . With respect to the clauses bearing upon the status of Past Masters , the Committee were of opinion , after the discussion that had taken place , that the interests of the Craft would not be advanced by confirming it .
The DEPUTY PROV . GRAND MASTER formerly moved " That the Committee be reappointed , and be requested to continue their labours . " Bro . E . D . DAVIS seconded , and the motion was agreed to . The roll of the various lodges in the province was then called , and the reports were of a satisfactory character . Bro . E . D . DAVIS proposed the re-election of Bro . Babington Boulton as Prov . G . Treasurer for the ensuing year , which was seconded b y Bro . B . LEVY , P . P . G . J . W ., and carried unanimously . The Prov . Grand Master then appointed and invested the following
officers for the ensuing year : Bro . Sir Hedworth Williamson , Bart . ... ... Prov . D . G . M . „ John Horsley , 531 ... ... ... ... Prov . G . S . W . „ John Wood , 48 Prov . G . J . W . „ Rev . E . Coltier Biggs , 138 9 ... ... ... Prov . G . Chap . „ Rev . W . C . Harris , 1974 ... ... ... Prov . G . Chap . „ B . Boulton ... ... ... ... ... Prov . G . Treas .
„ H . Maddison , in ... ... ... ... Prov . G . Reg . „ R . Hudson , 1389 ... ... ... ... Prov . G . Sec . „ T . Bradley , 940 ... ... ... ... Prov . G . A . Sec . „ R . S . Hopper , 940 ... ... ,.. ... Prov . G . S . D . „ G . C . Watson , 97 ... ... ... ... Prov . G . J . D . „ C . Cobham , 949 ... ... ... ... Prov . G . S . of W „ E . Hudson , 76 4 ... ... ... ... Prov . G . D . of C . ,, G . Hardy , 1 643 ... ... ... ... Prov . G . A . D . ofC „ M . Frampton , 94 ... . „ , „ ... Prov . G . S . B .