Proceedings Of The Grand Lodge Of Massachusetts.

PROCEEDINGS OF THE GRAND LODGE OF MASSACHUSETTS .

W . J . HuGHAN . As manj' will be aware , it is the custom in the U . S . A . for Grand Lodges to issue quarterly or annual reports of all their " Proceedings . " Some of these are most valuable publications , and as one of the most interesting as well as valuable class may be mentioned that of

Massachusetts . Some of its volumes rank amongst the best contributions to Masonic history in America , and all of their " Proceedings " are not only most carefully prepared , but also well printed , that for the last quarter of 1 SS 0 being in keeping with the character of its predecessors . The " Proceedings" are adorned with a fine portrait , by the American Bank Note Co ., Boston , of the retiring G . M .,

the M . W . Charles Alfred Welch , who was presented in open lodge with a Past Grand Master ' s jewel , resplendent with gems , and an apron and gauntlets of corresponding elegance , by the members of the Lodge of " Eleusis , " in appreciation of his great services to the Craft . Although no mention is made of the fact , I presume that the Grand Master is a member of the lodge , which so pleasingly

recognised . the zeal and ability of the chief officer of that . A special communication of the Grand Lodge assembled at the Masonic Temple on December 4 th , to attend the funeral of their lamented Senior Past Grand Master , John T . Heard , who died on the 1 st December , 1 SS 0 . The funeral service was read by M . W . Bro . Welch , and after another service was held at the late residence of the

deceased , the cortege proceeded to the cemetery , where the Masonic Burial Service was read by the G . M . The record states that in the presence of brethren whom he had loved in life , the Senior Past G . M ., whose noble presence , active zeal , and wise counsel had so often given wisdom , strength , and beauty to the work of the Grand Lodge , was laid peacefully to rest in the consecrated shades of Mount

Auburn . M . W . Bro . Heard was one of the best informed and most enthusiastic Freemasons in the United States , and , in common with many brethren scattered over the globe , who enjoyed his correspondence and friendship , I much lament his removal from the Craft he so loved . The M . W . Bro . Samuel C . Lawrence , of Medford ,

Mass ., received 46 9 votes at his election for that office out of a possible 470 , and was duly installed . May he have as good a year of office as he will seelc to deserve , and with such a number of active Past Grand | Masters , 1 SS 1 should be especially successful in that jurisdiction . The report of the Committee on Centennial Medals was accepted , but further consideration of the subject was

postponed to March ensuing . The report is signed by Bros . W . T . R . Marvin ( the noted Masonic medallist ) , S . D . Nickerson ( Past G . M . and Hon . Librarian ) , and Edwin L . Haley . " Mention is made of the custom prevailing in England , and it is stated that already several lodges have special medals which it is not intended to interfere with , so long as

the G . M . be applied to within three months of this regulation being passed , for permission . There is no word as to the cost of such warrants . We suggest that warrants of confirmation be charged at least twenty dollars , and regular centenary warrants " fifty dollars , for there is still a heavy debt on the Temple , and aught ornamental should be made to assist in the finances . The suggestions of the

Committee are all very good indeed . The Committee on Change of Seal , to which I alluded some time since , made their final report , and it is now settled by returning to the design originally adopted by the St . John ' s Grand Lodge , adding only the arms of the Commonwealth , and changing the legend to—Grand Lodge of Massachusetts , 1733 .

The Committee of the Library reported a total of some 2150 volumes of Masonic works , and 2000 pamphlets on the same subject , as in their charge . The most valuable addition to the library during the past year was the gift of the entire Masonic library of the R . W . Bro . Sutton of 500 vols ., with 200 still to be received . This collection is

especially rich in rare Masonic periodicals , old addresses and sermons . If any catalogue is published I should much like to have one . The library is in good hands , for the Committee consists of Sereno D . Nickerson , P . G . M . ; Charles L . Woodbury , P . D . G . M . ; and William T . R . Marvin , Senior G . Std . I wish much all Grand Lodges were so ably conducted as that of Massachusetts .

Ball Of The Royal Sussex Mark Lodge, No. 75, Brighton.

BALL OF THE ROYAL SUSSEX MARK LODGE , No . 75 , BRIGHTON .

A strong desire has existed for some time past amongst the brethren in Brighton to make the Mark Degrceprominent with other Degrees in Masonry , and on Thursday evening , the 24 th ult ., the Royal Pavilion was the scene of a most happy gathering , in the form of a ball and supper , given

under the auspices of the Royal Sussex Lodge , No . 75 . This was the first entertainment undertaken by the Mark Degree in Sussex , and judging by the grand success attendant on the Committee , viz .: Bros . H . W . Charrington , W . M . ; T . J . Pulley , W . M . elect ; W . T . Clarke , J . W ,, Sc . ; E . Bridges , and R . Paige , Hon . Secretary , their efforts we predict must receive an " encore , " which we

trust will be heartily responded to , as nothing can equal a Jovial dance to the very charming strains of a full band , such as was supplied by Bro . Devin , whose conducting it is impossible to surpass , or improve his selection of music . He arranged twenty dances , including "The Pirates of Penzance ; " "Olivette ; " "Madame Favart ; " and the new and charming " Unicorn Galop . "

About twelve o'clock the happy party , numbering about 100 , adjourned to the banqueting room , where an excellent repast was spread , in ' every way worthy of the caterers ' ( Bros . Sayers and Marks ) well-known repute , the wines especially evoking the warmest commendation . Bro . Charrington , W . M ., presided , while the vice-chairs were occupied b y Bros . Pulley , W . T . Clarke , and Paige . Full

justice having been done to the good things provided , the W . M . gave very eloquently the toast of " The Oueen , the Royal Family , and Mark Masonry , " after which Bro . Pulley , W . M . elect , proposed , in very flattering terms , " The W . M ., " to which Bro . Charrington ably responded , and thanked the company for their recognition of the efforts of the Committee by their presence . This was supplemented by Bro . A . Burrows , who gave " The Committee and lion . Secretary . " to which Bro . Paige responded , and crave

Ball Of The Royal Sussex Mark Lodge, No. 75, Brighton.

in turn , in a most fluent manner , "The Ladies , " concluding with the words of Byron : — Fill , fill your glasses , gentlemen , And drink the toast I propose : To woman—woman everywhere , Creator ' s sweetest rose . But chiefly those whom we love best ,

Yea , dearer than our lives , Our mothers' , sisters' , sweethearts ' , friends And , gentlemen , our wives . Bro . White of Reading , humorously responded , anl the company returned to the music room , where , again with Byron , "There was a sound of revelry by night , " and until night was long at odds with morning . A more happy , comfortable , and enjoyable assemblage it is impossible to

imagine . Present : Messrs . Abel , Allinson , C . Aldous , C . J . Buckwell , Burrow , Bridges , H . R . Berkley , Buckwell , Blaker , Cresswell , Cheesman , F . Claxton , C . J . Carter , W . T . Clarke , H . E . Cox , H . W . Charrington , Could , Diplock , G . Fieldus , Folkard , Gosling , L . Hart , Hammond , Hatton , Hollis , S . Harper , C . Harper , E . Harper , V . Kendars , Leleu , Mackenzie , F . Napper , R . Needham , Nell , C . Nye , Pedler , Perry , Paige , C . Patching

Paige , M . Phillips , R . Pitt , T . Phillips , Pulley , T . Reeves , Saxby , T . W . Staples , Thacker , Watson , Wells , Wellbye , Warne , and T . Whale . Mesdames : Abel , Allison , Bridges , Creswell , Carter , W . T . Clarke , G . Fieldus , Hatton , Holmyn , S . Harper , Mackenzie , Nell , C . Nye . Pedler , Paige , Pulley , Reynolds , J . W . Staples , Thacker , Wells , and Wellbye . Misses Abel , Berti , Bartlett , Cheesman , L . M . Cheesman , Donna , Fieldus , Hall , Martin , Nell , Rubensad , Watson , A . Watson , Winkle , and Warne .

Consecration Of The Lechmere Lodge, No. 1874, At The Masonic Hall, Kidderminster.

CONSECRATION OF THE LECHMERE LODGE , No . 1874 , AT THE MASONIC HALL , KIDDERMINSTER .

This event took place on Wednesday the 23 rd ult ., and the ceremony wasperformedby Bro . Sir . E . A . H . Lechmere , Bart ., M . P ., R . W . P . G . M . of Worcestershire , assisted by Bros . W . Masefield , Deputy P . G . M . Worcestershire ; W . Bristow , P . P . S . G . W ., and Prov . G . Sec , Worcestershire ; the Rev . J . B . Wilson , P . G . Chap ., Worcestershire ; and

other distinguished brethren . The Craft during the past two or three years , in Kidderminster , has given strong proofs of its vitality , the opening of the Masonic Hall and Club some fifteen months since having given impetus to this growth . This is in fact a reflex of the generally improved tone of Masonic life in Worcestershire we have several times of late had

occasion to refer to , and the thoroughl y efficient manner in which all ceremonies are conducted in its ten lodges , as well as the fact that no less a sum than £ 1150 has been sent by this little province to the Masonic Charities during the past two years , speaks well for the energy and life of the brethren as well as volumes in praise of the Provincial Grand Master whose new rule they acknowledge .

Itwas therefore to be expected that the natural outcome of this revival should be an increase in the number of lodges , and Kidderminster maintaining the leading ^ part it has taken in provincial matters , w-as the first to takejthe initiative , happily conceiving the idea , and succeeding-in obtaining the sanction of the R . VV . Prov . Grand Master to use his name as that of the new lodge , and to adopt the armorial

bearings of the Lechmere family . The petitioners and founders of the lodge are as follows : Bros . George Taylor , P . M . 377 , S . W . 560 , P . G . I . W ., W . M . designate ; G . W . Grosvenor , P . M . 377 and 560 , P . P . G . R ., S . W . designate ; G . W . Naylor , P . M . 560 , J . W . designate ; J . T . Meredith , P . M . 560 , P . P . G . D . C ; A . Cowell , M . Tomkinson , W . M . Roden , F . Burcher , E .

Hammond , P . M . 377 , P . A . G . D . C . ; J . J . Harvey , and H . B . Pigot , P . M . S , P . G . Stewd . England . The brethren assembled at noon in the spacious Club Rooms of the Kidderminster Masonic Hall and Club Company , and partook of light refreshments before proceeding to the more serious business of the day . Amongst those present were many visitors of high

provincial rank , including the following Past and Present officers of the P . G . Lodge of Worcestershire : — The R . W . Prov . Grand Master , Bro . Sir . E . A . II . Lechmere , Bart ., M . P . ; Bros . W . Masefield , 252 , 49 S , Deputy Prov . G . M . ; the Rev . J . B . Wilson , P . M . 280 , P . G . Chap . ; J . R . Jenkins , P . M . 216 , P . P . G . Chap . ; J . Scddon , 526 ; W . H . Jones , 564 , P . P . S . G . W . ; W . H . Westwood , 252 , P . P . S . G . W . ; A . Brown , 529 , 1204 ,

P . P . S . G . W ., and P . G . Treas . ; W . Bristow , 252 , P . P . S . G . W ., and P . G . Sec ; J . Stokes , 252 , P . P . S . G . W . ; H . Cross , 1204 , P . S . G . W . ; J . F . Roberts , 529 , P . J . G . D . ; G . R . Godson , 1097 ; P . P . G . R . ; Blundell , 560 , P . P . G . R . ; R . Broomhall , 564 , P . G . R . ; J . R . Buck , 2 So , P . G . S . Deac ; Fitzgerald , P . P . G . S . D . ; H . Wilson , 1204 , P . P . G . P . ; McCandless . -177 . P . G . P .: I . Westbury , 252 , P . P . G . S . B .

Waring , 252 , P . G . S . B . ; G . K . Patten , 46 S , 49 S , P . G . S . of Works ; C . E . Bloomer , 573 , P . G . D . C . ; Hammond , 377 , P . G . A . D . C . ; F . Troman , 252 , P . G . O . ; Stone , 377 , P . G . S . ; Green , 377 , P . G . S . ; Chadwick , 377 , P . G . S . ; Klgood , 377 , P . G . S . ; Preen , 377 , P . G . S . ; Morrison , 377 , P . G . S . ; F . Whitaker , 1302 , P . P . J . G . W . Yorkshire ; Hartley , W . M . 252 ; Walker , P . M . 252 ;

Wood , W . M . 726 ; Whitefoot , P . M . and Sec . 1621 ; Pratt , W . M . 1621 ; Williamson , P . M . 529 ; Turney , W . M . 564 ; Keen , W . M . 573 ; Smith , P . M . 252 ; Blundell , W . M . 560 ; Lingham , P . M , 280 ; Comber , W . M . 377 ; Senior P . M . 726 ; Wood , VV . M . 726 ; Underwood , S . W . 1204 ; Vale , J . W . 560 ; and other brethren to the number of nearly one hundred .

At half-past twelve the brethren of Lodge 377 , Hope and Charity , entered the hall in procession , accompanied by some of the brethren already mentioned , and Bro . Comber , the W . M ., assisted by his officers , opened a Craft lodge . The P . G . Stewards of Worcestershire , who are brethren of Hope and Charity Lodge , then left the lodge to escort the R . W . P . G . M ., Sir Edmund Lechmere , Bart ., M . P ., and the rest of the Provincial Grand Officers into the lodge .

The procession of Grand Lodge Officers moved round the lodge , Bro . Troman , P . G . D ., playing a march upon the organ , and upon the R . W . P . G . M . taking his seat in the the East , Bro . C . K . Bloomer , P . G . D . of C . ( who through all the proceedings showed himself a most efficient officer ) . , called upon the brethren to salute him with the customary honours . The procession having moved round the lodge a second time , Bro . Masefield , Dep . P . G . M ., then

Consecration Of The Lechmere Lodge, No. 1874, At The Masonic Hall, Kidderminster.

took his seat at the right of the R . W . P . G . M ., and was saluted . The procession again moving round the lodge , still to the accompan ment of music , the P . G . Officers took their seats , and were duly saluted . The brethren of the new lodge having g " en arranged in order , and asked by the R . W . P . G . M . in what particular he could serve them , the W . M . designate , Bro . George Taylor , replied in proper terms . The P . G . M . then called

upon the P . G . Sec . to read the warrant of the new lodge , which he accordingly did , and laid it upon the P . G . Master's pedestal , and the petitioners havingsignified theirapproval of the officers nominated in the warrant , the P . G . M . proceeded to constitute the lodge . The effect of the consecration ceremony was greatly enhanced by the most complete manner in which the musical part of the proceedings had been arranged , and the

ability of those brethren taking part . These included Bros . Fitzgerald , P . P . S . G . D . ; T . McCandless , P . G . P . ; Wareham , 252 ; Mackay , 377 ; S . Taylor , 377 ; R . S . Blundell , W . M . 560 ; and Chas . Blaybrough , of Bradford , whose marvellous voice is well-known to our Yorkshire brethren . The music adopted is the excellent composition of Bro . F . C . Atkinson , P . P . G . O . West Yorks . Bro . T . Troman , Prov . G . Org-., presided at the organ .

The R . W . P . G . M ., Sir EDMUND A . H . LECHMERE , delivered the following oration : — Brethren , it must be a source of the greatest satisfaction to all who are piesent here to-day to have been called together to take part in so solemn and interesting a ceremony as the consecration of a new lodge . We are about to add another stone to the Masonic structure in this province , one which we trust will be well and truly laid , and

which will do credit to the experienced Craftsmen who have so skilfully prepared it . That their work will be carefully examined , and freely criticised , we cannot doubt , and I feel assured that those who have taken upon themselves the responsibility of founding this lodge will use every effort to render it a source of additional strength to the Craft in the province , and a means of still further displaying to this town and district the elevating principles of Freemasonry

in their highest and fullest development . It has given mc great pleasure to consent that this lodge should bear my name , and adopt my armorial bearings , and in allusion to those depicted as you see upon the lodge banner which I have presented you will observe the pelican , a symbol known and recognised by the nations of antiquity as an emblem of charity and benevolence , based upon the traditional idea that the

pelican has been known to feed her young from the blood of her own breast . This symbol , derived from the East , was adopted in the earliest ages by the Christian Church as the fittest type ot the love of our Saviour , and in the ancient motto of my family this idea is , as you see , carved out "Christus Pelicano " — "Christ in the Pelican . " As the pelican sheds her life blood to sustain her young , rather than that they should perish , so Christ gave His blood for

His children throughout the world to save them from eternal death . In this instance there is evident connection between the name and the arms ; the pelican represents maternal affection , and the name Lech , mere is believed to be a version of the Breton "Lech" - " mere" — a mother ' s love . Does it not teach us that as Christ so loved us as to give His life blood for us , we should , as commanded by Him , love one another ? Should not the ancient symbol of a

mother s love also teach us that brotherly love is the copestone , as it is the very foundation , of the Masonic edifice ? I trust , therefore , that this banner may ever remind you of this duty—may it never be unfurled except when the principles of Masonry are carried out to their fullest ex ' tent in lodge amidst the hallowing influence of our ceremonial , based , as it is , upon religion , and inculcating every social and moral virtue , or , at our social gatherings , where the spirit of fraternal unity prevails , and where , whether

we eat or drink , or whatever we do , we should do all to the honour and glory of the G . A . O . T . U . The more immediate lesson which , Masonically speaking , the pelican teaches us is that of charity and benevolence , and these will , I trust , ever be the prevailing characteristics of this , as they should be of every , lodge . Indeed , there is no greater test of the reality of our Alasonic profession , of its exercising a real influence for good on our lives and actions , than the

maintenance between individual brethren and between lodges one with another of a thoroughly cordial and fraternal feeling . Let me urge upon the brethren of this town and district that an opportunity has arisen for the exercise in the greatest degree of these great tests of the sincerity of our profession of unity and brotherly love . We have now two lodges in this town ; the one claiming our interest and regard for its old associations and long succession of good

and skilful Masons , the other aspiring to occupy the position which the rapid growth of commercial prosperity has opened out to it , and which seems to encourage the hope that a new lodge may succeed without encroaching upon the older one . I am glad to see that there are many brethren of the Lodge Hope and Charity here to-day , an earnest we all must feel of the good understanding which should exist between the two lodges ; the senior may

well give its aid and encouragement to the junior , whilst the members of the latter will , I trust , ever snow their regard fcr the source to which they owe their earliest Masonic instruction . The pelican will thus , indeed , be feeding her young in all charity and benevolence , but the tender brood must not allow the maternal life blood to tie injuriously drawn away , and they should loyally support and co-operate with their mother

lodge . If snch a good understanding exists there will be no other than a friendly rivalry between the two lodges as to which of the two shall carry out to the fullest extent the principles of Masonry , more especially by aiding its great Charities , which of the two shall give the greatest dignity to our ceremonies , and secure the best and most worthy men as candidates for admission to our ranks . Brethren , I believe that on the reality of our profession depends the

satisfaction with which we regard our Masonic life ; if it is unreal its sentiments , however noble , its ritual , however beautiful , cannot really satisfy us . To justify the labour , the expense , the time which we bestow upon Masonry , there must be some solid satisfaction besides the acquisition of knowledge , and this is a sense of reality of the Masonic bond of unionBrethren sincerel

. , I thank you y for your attendance to-day , and I pray that the work which we are about to dedicate tn the world s Great Architect may , by His help and guidance , become in due time an edifice worthy of our Craft , and satisfactory to those who have bestowed so much care and labour in its design and execution . So mote it be .