Reopening Of A Masonic Hall At Leeds.

being decorated with devices symbolising water and fire . This dais leads up tothe platform , upon which is placed the Worshipful Master ' s chair , and on each side are ranged the seats of the Past Masters . At the back of these seats , is a high dado , with a shaded chocolate ground , decorated with a brocade pattern in lig hter tint and gold , figurative of the fruitful vine . Upon thc string course is inscribed in golden letters , " Behold how good and how

pleasant it is for brethren lo dwell together in unity . The walls above are painted warm stone colour , and the space up to the corbels which support the arches is marked out with a "brick pattern " of more elaborate design than that upon the other walls . This is bordered with an elaborate band of ornament of varied colours , and above the Worshi pful Master ' s chair is painted thc " All-seeing Eye . " The 10 arches are filled with a diaper , with a circular medallion in the centre of each , enclosing a gold ground

trefoil , on which the principal symbols of the Masonic Order arc illustrated . The spandrels arc ornamented with conventional scroll work in polychrome upon gold coloured ground . The central one , containing a circle , is tinted purple , and filled wilh a double triangle in gold , an emblem which all true Masons are taught to revere . The cove of roof between the ribs is painted to represent the canopy of Heaven , above the cornice the sun is portrayed as rising , and with his " genial rays of light and heat dispersing the clouds of night . "

The decorations have been planned and arranged by Bro . Wm . Pratt , P . M ., P . ,: . G . Supt . of Works , P . G . S . B ., and the work carefully executed in a permanent and thoroughly efficient manner by the firm of Messrs ! Christopher Pratt nnd Sons , upholsterers and decorators , Bradford , under the skilful and artistic directions of Mr . Beaven , their able decorative manager , by whom the various ornaments and devices have been drawn . First-class workmen have been employed , as is evident from the finished characters of all the work .

The lodge was opened at six o ' clock by Bro . James Yates , W . M . ; Bro . E . Woodstock , S . W . ; and Bro . Thos . Myers , J . W . ; and in the presence of a large number of brethren . The minutes of thc last meeting of the lodge having been read and confirmed , the W . D . P . G . M ., Bro . T . XV . Tew , entered the lodge , accompanied by the following members : Bros . John

Wordsworth , P . P . G . W . ; the Rev . Canon Bullock , Prov . G . Chap . ; the Rev . XV . C . Lukis , P . P . G . Chap . ; Wilson , P . P . G . Treas . ; Mason , P . P . G . Treas . ; Alderson , P . P . G . R . ; Craig , P . P . G . D . ; Smithson , P . P . G . D . ; Freeman , P . P . G . D . ; H . Smith , Prov . G . Sec ; Spark , P . P . G . O . ; J . L . Oates , P . P . G . P . ; Winn , P . P . G . S . of W . ; Austin , Prov . G . S . B . ; and H . Green . Prov . G . A . Sec .

The WORSHIPFUL MASTER , in welcoming the W . Deputy Prov . Grand Master , said : I esteem it no light honour that it has fallen to my lot during my year of office to preside at the re-opening of these premises . It had long been contemplated by the more earnest members of the lodge to decorate and embellish this noble hall , and to improve the adjoining rooms ; but these steps had necessarily to be postponed until the complete redemption of

the hail debentures had been accomplished , and the property fully vested in the lodge . This having been done through the untiring exertions of the Hall Committee , we have now to congratulate ourselves on its consummation . I need hardly remark that the undertaking was one requiring considerable courage and hope—courage because the expense involved was considerable , and hope that these rooms might ultimatel y become the centre of

Leeds Masonic lite . Many ot our brethren contend that Leeds possesses advantages of cenlrality and readiness of access second to no town in the province . We , therefore , not only have accommodation for the requirements of the town itself , but also for the provincial gatherings connected with the various degrees of Freemasonry . I think I express a very general opinion when I say that thc contractors to whom we entrusted the decoration and

beautifying of these rooms have carried out our instructions in a painstaking and artistic manner , and I cannot forbear congratulating not onl y ourselves , but also the brethren of other lodges who meet in these premises , and trust they will experience the gratification and comfort which has ever been kept before the minds of the Committee . The outlay involved has somewhat encroached upon our resources , but we indulge in the hope that our income

may be increased so lhat no permanent burden may be felt . I not only very heartily welcome the distinguished brethren of the Philanthropic Lodge who have honoured us with their presence this evening , but also my contemporary Worshipful Masters and their brethren of the other Leeds lodges . The D . P . G . M . was then saluted in ancient form .

In answer to the salutation , the DEPUTY PROV . GRAND MASTER stated the pleasure he had in coming to Leeds on the present occasion . He congratulated the brethren of the Philanthropic Lodge on possessing the very handsome hall in which they were assembled , which he said was one of the most beautiful he had ever seen , and he reiterated the wish of the W . M . that all the lodges would in time assemble within its walls , and so be in reality thc home of Masonry in Leeds .

The Rev . Canon BULLOCK , Prov . Grand Chap ., having read a portion of Scripture , and offered solemn prayer , the W . D . P . G . M . then declared the hall duly open for Masonic purposes . Bro . the Rev . A . F . A . WOODFORD , P . G . C , who was prevented from being present owing to important business in London , sent the following address , which was read by Bro . Mason , P . M . :

" W . M ., Wardens , and Brethren , —It was my great privilege , as some of you will remember , to be permitted to deliver the opening address of this goodly Masonic Hall , now many years ago , and 1 am truly glad to be allowed to say a few more words to day when we are assembled after a renovation and restoration of various kinds , to commemorate alike its original erection and its present reopening . Let me congratulate you all ,

as now the Senior P . M . of the lodge , on the good work so happily accomplished , and so successfully carried out . When first I joined the Philanthropic Lodge , something like 30 years ago , we met in the Harrison Arms , in a lane at the top of Briggate . We then moved to Commercial-street , over Wood ' s , and thence to Bond-street . There it was that the plan of this Masonic Hall was elaborated and carried out by our lamented Bro .

Perkins , and with the services and efficient aid of many good brethren past and gone , and some few * old boys ' who still survive . The Philanthropic Lodge , since it left the Harrison Arms , a great deal at my persuasion , and with the hearty assent of a large majority of brethren , has never had cause to look back , but has always gone forward . I am mvself convinced , after a

Masonic membership of 40 years now , more or less , that lodges always thrive the best when in their own halls , and away from the mere occasional and convenient accommodation of the hotel sytem . Freemasonry is something more and something better than a mere routine of customary ritual and social gatherings , however good in their way ; . and the possession of a hall makes a Masonic Body not only carefully to preserve their valuable

Reopening Of A Masonic Hall At Leeds.

archives , to indulge in the needful appendage to every lodge of a library and museum , but also , from time to time , to encourage and hail the appearance among them of our fair sisters , who not only lend enchantment to the sight , and grace to the scene , but aid in confirming and illustrating the elevating tendencies and ennobling aspirations of all true Freemasonry . Happily associated together to complete the successful labours of those who

have done a good work , may our meeting this evening be a happy omen of the peaceful progress and unchanging harmony of the Philanthropic Lodge . May all good go with it in its Masonic labours and its charitable efforts . May its younger members emulate their older brethren in seeking to uphold and perpetuate the prosperity and welfare of the Philanthropic Lodge . Had I been present I might have said much more , but you will , I think , not find

fault with this short address amid other more agreeable claims and more engrossing occupations , and kindly accept the ' Hearty good wishes ' and the fraternal congratulations of an old Freemason and an old Past Master . " A cordial vote of thanks was passed to the W . D . P . G . M ., Bro . Tew ( who had travelled from Gloucestershire in order to be present ) , and to Bro . Woodford , P . G . C , for his able address .

Bro . 1 K \ V , in responding , stated the regret he felt at the absence of Bro . Woodford . He remembered with pleasure the labours of Bro . Woodford in the province , especially as first chairman of the Charity Committee , and also the kind assistance he had always rendered during his residence in London to all that affected the welfare of the province of West York . The Provincial Grand Lodge having retired , the lodge was duly closed , and the brethren adjourned to the adjoining room , where dinner was served .

Another Old Balloting Paper.

ANOTHER OLD BALLOTING PAPER .

The recent insertion of an old Balloting Paper of the Masonic Institution for Boys , has induced our worth y Bro . J . H . Sillitoe to favour us with a copy of a similar relic in connection with our Institution for Girls for the year 1794 . We have great pleasure in inserting the document , which speaks for itself , and is as follows : —

Royal Cumberland Free-Mason School . February loth , 1794 . A SPECAL GENERAL COURT of the Governors of this Institution , will be held at Freemasons' Hall , Great Queen Street , Lincoln's-Inn Fields , on Thursday , the 27 th Instant , to ballot for the Admission of Two Children into the Society ( conformable to the Regulations ) from among the Candidates in the List subjoined , whose Petitions have been received and approved by the General Committee . The Chair to be taken at Seven o'Clock . C . CUPPAGE , Secretary , Warwick Street , Golden Square .

Ninth and Tenth Rules relative to the Qualification of Governors , vide Page iS , in the Book of Rules for conducting the Charity . " IX . Every Nobleman , Member of Parliament , Lady , Master of a Country Lodge , " and Governor not residing within the Bills of Mortality , shall have a right to vote by " Proxy at all Ballots and Elections . " * ' X . That any Subscriber who may happen to be in Arrears , shall be precluded " voting at any Election , until such Arrears are paid . " First and Third Rules relative to the Qualifications of Children , Sic vide Page 32 .

" I . That the Petitions and Testimonials required of the Candidates for Admission , " shall be examined by the General Committee , who are to report the Merits of each " Candidate to the Quarterly Court ; and if there should be more approved by the Committee than can be received , the Admission shall be determined by Lot . " " III . That no Child shall be admitted under the full Age of Five Years , nor above ' * the Age of Nine Years , nor any Child that is strumous , or afflicted with any Infirmity " or who has not had the Small-Pox . "

LIST OF CANDIDATES .

When presented to thc Committee . 1790 , Nov . 29 , HENRIETTA POPE , gin Nov . next . Father and Mother both living , in Service . and 710 more Family 170 , 1 , April 29 , MARY ANN KELSAL , g in July next . Mother , a Widow . 1791 , Aug . 26 , CHARL . KENDAL ,. S in March next . Father a Serjeant in Militia , Family of Seven Children . 1792 , Jan . 27 , c . GREENWOOD , o in Oct . next . Mother a Widow , with Three

Children . 1792 , May 25 , HARRIET SCOTT , S in Sept . next . Mother a Widow . 1793 , July 26 , c . HOCKSTETTER , C 9 in March next . Mother a Widow , with Five Children . 1 793 , Sept . 27 , LUCY FELSTEAD , C 7 in May next . Family of Five Children , Father a Labourer tn the India

Warehouse . I 793 > Oct . 10 , CHRISN " FELTON , C 9 in Dec . next . Widow with Five Children . 1793 , Nov . 29 , CATHERINE SAUL , C 9 in May next . Widow with Three Children . 793 . Nov . 29 , MARY COOLING si old . Father a Widower , with Three Children .

Ar00403

The Secretary on a former Occasion , took the Opportunity to remind the Governors , that at a Special General Court held on the 24 th of February , 1792 , it was resolved to open a distinct Subscription ior the Purpose of erecting a commodious and substantial School House , sufficiently capacious to receive any Number of Children that the Finances of the Charity might be found competent to support ; and that in consequence thereof , a Building , on a Plan which met with general Approbation , was carrying into Execution in St . George's Fields , under the Inspection of a Special Committee appointed for that Purpose . It is with pleasure that he now has the Honour to inform the Governors , that

a very considerable Progress has been made in the Building , much to the Satisfaction of every Well-wisher to the Charity , and which it is presumed will be completed and ready for the Reception of the Children by Christmas next . The Secretary further begs Leave respectfully to acquaint ^ the Governors , that having received the Directions of the last Quarterly Court , to wait on the several Subscribers to solicit their generous Aid , to carry this benevolent Design into Effect , he will take the earliest Opportunity to wait on them for that Purpose ; or their Donations will be received by

Sir PETER PARKER , Bart . Queen ' s Square , Treasurer ; Messrs . RANSOM , MORLAND , SI HAMMERSLEY , Pall Mall ; Messrs . VERE , LUCADOU , & Co . No . 77 , Lombard Street ; Messrs . DORSET , J OHNSON , & Co . No . GS , New Bond Street ; Messrs . HERCY , BIRCH , CHAMBERS , & HOBBS , NO . 152 , New Bond Street ; and by EDWARD EDMONDS , Ivy Place , Collector to this Institution , who will wait on any Person desirous of becoming Benefactors thereto .

NOACHITE , OR PRUSSIAN KNIGHT . —Thory tells us that in 1756 this grade took its rise in Prussia , and some say was patronised b y Frederick the Great . But both statements are very doubtful . Some contend that a Bro . de Berage or De Berayge translated its ritual in 1758 from the French , and in 1766 it was published . It has no real connection with the Teutonic Knights . It is the 21 st of the A . and A . S . Rite ; 35 th Rite of Misraim ; 20 th of Memphis , and 46 th , Gth series , of the Metropolitan Chapter of France . —Kenning ' s Cyclopaedia of Freemasonry .