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  • Nov. 5, 1870
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  • PROV. GRAND LODGE OF WEST YORKSHIRE.
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Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.

The Masonic Student.

shipper can , and no doubt does , mentally add , whatever mediator between himself and the Deity he may deem it his duty or privilege to include . Can anything be more sublime than this combination of sects , into which our race is divided , and into which no other institution on God's earth can

universally combine ? We will not stop to argue with the opponents of our noble and universal Order , about the name of Jesus Christ not being used , further than to say , if not audibly , ( which , however we have frequently heard , ) it is used mentally by the evangelical ( so called ) members of the United

Brotherhood . The use of the Trowel , especially alloted to the Master Mason , is another symbol of deep significance . To " spread the cement of brotherly love and affection , " is no easy task . It would not be difficult , indeed , if all were alike morally worthy ,

but we find by sad experience , that so much imperfection exists in us , and about us , that it is very difficult to overlook the faults or foibles , in many that at first we had deemed almost perfect , and also in our experience of our own shortcomings This , however , is not confined to Masonry , we see

it in professors of religion , and needs therefore that we should to a large extent bear and forbear in our own transactions with all men , but especially with those to whom we are thus united , and it is in this particular that we must use the cement , to unite broken promises , or to bind up and sustain

the broken wall of the social fabric when we see it in any manner bent or broken . True fellowship will at least try to do this , and not desist until it is seen to be impossible or improbable . This symbol , then , has a marked significance , and when we look upon it , let us mentally at least , think of the Cement

its quality of receiving impressions , its gradual hardening into form , and its durability . If we can shape our thoughts to this mould , it may be possible to elevate the objects of our brotherly solicitude , even when they are wearing out of proper shape . So mote it be !

But we must not overlook the scriptural lesson of this degree , " Remember now thy Creator , & c . " Solomon ' s admonition is a wonderful and beautiful metaphor of our progress from the cradle to thegrave . The illustration of descent to the tombs is so ancient in its symbols , and yet so truthful , that although the

grinding of the daily meal , performed by the daughters of the families of ancient times , shall be low , and all the daughters of music be brought low , is in these modern times so entirely changed , that there is no analogy now between them ; yet the symbols are imperishable , and more expressive than any

language of the present times , and so is adopted by expounders or teachers of the " great light of Masonry , " the Holy Scriptures , whenever they deem it necessary to advert to the uncertainty of human life , and the certainty of death . Can anything be more descriptive or sublime : " The silver

cord be loosed , or the golden bowl be broken , or the wheel broken at the cistern ? " Such language is grand , sublime , and the final result most beautiful , " The spirit shall return unto God , who gave it . " In all this there is nothing but the most sublime thought of the grandeur of the symbols , and the

nobility of their objects , which , if we can embody them in our action and experience , we rise in their attainment to a higher plane in the moral attributes we shall then enjoy . There are many other symbols yet untouched , to which we may hereafter advert , or we may deem

what we have said sufficient ; our object being less to multiply words , than to induce the Masonic Student to magnify his Order , by studying its symbolical precepts , and squaring his conduct by the square of virtue and the restraints of prudence , that are so clearly taught in our Masonic Symbols .

In all this is there anything saddening ? Far otherwise . It is the privilege of all men to be as joyous as the birds of thc air , whose notes of song are as glorious as theyarefree . Sadness , comes from wrongdoing , not from disobedience to the more moral virtues taught by Masonry ; or by the divine principles

inculcated by the Book upon thc altar . Cheerfulness and joyousness come from the temperate enjoyment of everything in nature , and thc still higher aspirations of the intellectual and spiritual being which dwells within . To such no day is too long , but in the language of thc spiritual aspirations of

the poet , when defining the experience of devout worshippers , " The day is too short , but let us borrow the night . " Brethren , let us then combine to promote the increased excellence of our Order , and while we def y our slanderers , whose opposition to Masonry

arises chiefly from ignorance , show by our boldness > n claiming the highest standard for our institution , carefully avoid all cause of our enemies to speak evil of our Order , which in its principles of action and its mental and moral attributes is less only by

degree to our individual religious professions , whatever they may be , and which , if wc do not live u p to them in either case , does not lesson their claims upon us , whether as Freemasons , as Jews , Mahommedans , or Christians , —Voice of Masonry

Provincial Grand Lodge Of Durham.

PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF DURHAM .

On the 25 th ult ., the Provincial Grand Lod ge of Durham held its annual meeting at Bishop Auckland , under the presidency of Bro . John Fawcett , Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master , and Sir H . Williamson , M . P ., Deputy P . G . M . This being the first time the Grand

Lodge has met at Bishop Auckland , the brethren of the Wear Valley Lodge did their utmost to give a hearty welcome to the members of the Craft . The weather being fine induced a larger number than usual of the brethren to avail

themselves of the opportunity of attending the Provincial Grand Lodge . Some who had the time to spare reached Bishop Auckland by an early train , and enjoyed the pleasure of a stroll through the charming park of Auckland Castle .

The Finance Committee met at one o ' clock , under the presidency of Bro . Sir H . Williamson , Bart ., M . P , D . P . G . M . Grants to the extent of ^ 25 were made to the widows of deceased Masons who were in necessitous circumstances . The Committee also voted a donation of fifty guineas

to the Freemasons' Girls' School , ten guineas to the Royal Masonic Institution for Boys , ten guineas to the Asylum for Aged Freemasons , and ten guineas to the Widows' Asylum , subject tothe approval of the Prov . Grand Lodge . The brethren assembled at the Barrington

School-rooms at half-past two o ' clock , and took up their positions to receive the members of the Provincial Grand Lodge , who entered in procession , amongst whom were the following Past Provincial Grand Officers : —Bros . Joseph Dodds , M . P ., Wm . Best , E . Davis , G . J .

Wilson , James Groves , John Stokoe , J . G . Thompson , Rev . J . Cudhill , Rev . G . R . Bulman , also F . Binckes , Secretary to the Masonic Royal Institution for Boys . Among the visitors was Bro . George Wischaewsky , from Kosakoff-Gubonin , Russia .

The lodge having been opened in due and ancient form , the minutes of the last Provincial Grand Lodge , at Gateshead , were read by the Secretary and confirmed . The minutes of the Finance Committee were also read and confirmed ; and the petition of one applicant , which

had been received too late , was left in the hands of the Provincial Grand Master to relieve in his discretion . The Treasurer ' s accounts were read , and , after payment of the above grants , a sum of one hundred pounds was added to the funded property of the Provincial Grand Lodge . The

roll of lodges was called , when all appeared by their representatives , and very flattering reports were given of the great increase of Masons in the province , the building of several Masonic halls , and the general prosperity of the Craft . The Provincial Grand Master congratulated the brethren on the state of Masonry in his province ,

and cautioned the brethren not to receive among their ranks any but those who would reflect honour upon their choice . It was not a benefit society , and candidates should not be permitted to enter with any such expectations ; but rather with the view of doing good to others , by extending relief and assistance to them in their need .

The Provincial Grand Master then appointed and invested the following officers , with the exception of the Provincial Grand Treasurer , who was elected by the Provincial Grand Lodge : — Sir H . Williamson , Bart ., M . P . ... D . P . G . M . Rev . G . P . Wilkinson S . G . W .

James Groves J . G . W . Rev . G . R . Bulman P . G . Chaplain Rev . John Cundhill P . G . Treasurer John Geo . Thompson P . G . Registrar W . H . Crookes P . G . Secretary Miles Cadle P . S . G . D .

G . White P . J . G . D . AVm . Nelson P . G . S . of W . R . M . Hudson P . G . D . of C . J . AV . Cameron P . G . S . B . D . Lambert P . G . Organist P . Hoistendahl P . G . Purst .

Jos . John Walton , 48 W . Brignall , jun ., 124 J . S . Denham , 240 Utewird- * C . Coulson , 531 fbtewards W . F . R . Hutton , 1121 W . C . Blackett , 1274 J W . M . Laws ... P . G . Tyler .

Provincial Grand Lodge Of Durham.

The members adjourned to a banquet in the Town Hall , with the R . W . Prov . G . M . in the chair , and the Masonic and loyal toasts were duly honoured •the evening's enjoyment being enhanced by the vocal music of some brethren ofthe Durham Cathedral Choir .

Prov. Grand Lodge Of West Yorkshire.

PROV . GRAND LODGE OF WEST YORKSHIRE .

LAYING OF THE MEMORIAL STONE OF THORNTON NEAV CHURCH . The laying of the memorial stone of the new church at St . James , at Thornton , with due Masonic honours , recalls some incidents in connection with the old building that will form an interesting prefix

to our report . Freemasonry seems never so fitly fulfilling office as in assisting in the erection of churches ; and Thornton owed its first church to a Freemason , who left a record of the fact in a tablet still existent , which has been put in the south-west corner ofthe chapel , and reads as follows : —

THIS CHAPPELL WAS BUILDED BY IIII ( E FREEMASON IN THE YEA RE OF OUR

LORDE I 1612 Whether the erasure of the name of the pious builder be the result of posterior malignity , or ofthe eating tooth of time , its obliteration is a theme for the novelist . If the former be the cause , we may venture a guess that the chisel may have also been

at work in defacing the letters which now seem to be four successive I ' s with a slightly curved portion of a letter , another letter being wholly erased before the final E . There is a rude stone built in the wall above this tablet bearing the figures " 1587 , " which James , in his " History of Bradford , " took to be a

remnant of a former church , but it bears no such appearance ; and if there had been a former chapel , surely the tablet would have stated that it was " rebuilded . " The position of the chapel and the graveyard ( so far from Thornton village and so close adjoining Thornton Hall ) points to the Lord

ofthe Manor as the builder ; and if the downstrokes stillleft have been tampered with , they may have once formed O U and part of G , and thus would indicate a WATMOUGHE , with space for a Christian name of four letters . The original mesne lords of Thornton ( who bore that name ) ended in an heiress ,

by whom the manor passed to the Boilings , from which family it passed by another heiress to the Tempests , a family remarkable for their religious zeal against the coming Reformation . Mr . James ( p . 337 ) says rather vaguely that Sir Richard Tempest sold the manor about 1620 to — Watmough ,

and that in 1630 John AVatmough , then a minor , was Lord of the Manor , but adds nothing of the family . He overlooked the fact that the pannelling of thc Thornton HaU pew ( on the south side of the altar ) preserves the record of the Watmoughs , with the initials " I . W ., 1634 . "

Happily the weather on AVednesday was fine throughout the proceedings . The Congregationalists of Kipping kindly lent their school for the holding of a Provincial Grand Lodge of the AVest Yorkshire Freemasons , which was opened at 11 . 45 . Earl de Grey and Ripon opened the lodge as P . G . M ., and no less than fifty out of

fiftyfive lodges in the province were represented . The Building Committee ( with Mr . Powell at its head ) assembled with the clergy , wardens , and Sunday scholars , at the National Schools , and preceded by the Black Dyke Mills Band , marched along the main street and down to precede the Masons . By a little oversight this part of the procession preceded the latter too much ; but from

the elevation of the new building the sight was most impressive , the Masonic procession , gorgeous in coloured and jewelled dignitaries , and resplendent with banners , as it came on slowly and solemnly , needing for its effect no distracting sound of drum or trumpet . The procession embraced the most interesting ornaments of the Craft .

There came successive officers bearing the Corinthian , the Doric , and the Ionic Lights , and between them the plumb rule , the level , the Sacred Law , and the mallet ; and the rare honour was conferred upon Thornton that the golden vessels and the mallet which was used by King Charles II . to lay the foundation stone of St . Paul ' s Cathedral , and

which was presented by Sir Christopher AVren to the Lodge of Antiquity , were brought down by the Grand Tyler of the Grand Lodge of England to be employed in laying the memorial stone of Thornton church . The church has been already built on the east and north sides to a height of twelve feet , and as the memorial

stone is at the south-west corner of the chancel , a convenient platform in the chancel enabled the ladies present to be near witnesses , whilst the body of the church was filled by the procession . The officials having taken their DLvLCCS Bro ! AV . FOSTER , Acting-Deputy P . G . M ., addressing

Earl de Grey , said : My Lord , I have now the honour to present you with this trowel for the purpose of laying the memorial stone of the church of St . James , Thornton , and at the same time to express to you our sincere and heartfelt thanks that , in the midst of your public duties as a Minister of the Crown , and the claims

“The Freemason: 1870-11-05, Page 3” Masonic Periodicals Online, Library and Museum of Freemasonry, 17 July 2025, django:8000/periodicals/fvl/issues/fvl_05111870/page/3/.
  • List
  • Grid
Title Category Page
TABLE OF CONTENTS. Article 1
FREEMASONRY IN ENGLAND. Article 1
THE MARK DEGREE. Article 1
The BASIS of MASONIC SCIENCE. Article 2
THE MASONIC STUDENT. Article 2
PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF DURHAM. Article 3
PROV. GRAND LODGE OF WEST YORKSHIRE. Article 3
THE CRAFT. Article 5
ROYAL ARCH. Article 5
ROYAL ARK: MASONRY. Article 5
Answers to Correspondents. Article 6
Untitled Article 6
Untitled Article 6
POLITICAL MASONRY. Article 6
Reviews. Article 6
Multum in Parbo, or Masonic Notes and Queries. Article 7
Original Correspondence. Article 8
Untitled Article 8
MARK MASONRY. Article 9
INITIATION OF THE CROWN PRINCE OF DENMARK. Article 10
GRAND CHAPTER OF ENGLAND. Article 10
NON-ATTENDANCE AND CONSEQUENT LOSS OF PROXIES. Article 10
PRESENTATION TO BRO. LUTY. Article 10
FREEMASONRY'S WELCOME TO H.R.H. THE .PRINCE OF WALES, Article 11
PRESENTATIONS to LADY BEACONSFIELD and the LORD CHANCELLOR of IRELAND. Article 11
METROPOLITAN MASONIC MEETINGS Article 11
Untitled Ad 11
Untitled Ad 12
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7 Articles
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4 Articles
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Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.

The Masonic Student.

shipper can , and no doubt does , mentally add , whatever mediator between himself and the Deity he may deem it his duty or privilege to include . Can anything be more sublime than this combination of sects , into which our race is divided , and into which no other institution on God's earth can

universally combine ? We will not stop to argue with the opponents of our noble and universal Order , about the name of Jesus Christ not being used , further than to say , if not audibly , ( which , however we have frequently heard , ) it is used mentally by the evangelical ( so called ) members of the United

Brotherhood . The use of the Trowel , especially alloted to the Master Mason , is another symbol of deep significance . To " spread the cement of brotherly love and affection , " is no easy task . It would not be difficult , indeed , if all were alike morally worthy ,

but we find by sad experience , that so much imperfection exists in us , and about us , that it is very difficult to overlook the faults or foibles , in many that at first we had deemed almost perfect , and also in our experience of our own shortcomings This , however , is not confined to Masonry , we see

it in professors of religion , and needs therefore that we should to a large extent bear and forbear in our own transactions with all men , but especially with those to whom we are thus united , and it is in this particular that we must use the cement , to unite broken promises , or to bind up and sustain

the broken wall of the social fabric when we see it in any manner bent or broken . True fellowship will at least try to do this , and not desist until it is seen to be impossible or improbable . This symbol , then , has a marked significance , and when we look upon it , let us mentally at least , think of the Cement

its quality of receiving impressions , its gradual hardening into form , and its durability . If we can shape our thoughts to this mould , it may be possible to elevate the objects of our brotherly solicitude , even when they are wearing out of proper shape . So mote it be !

But we must not overlook the scriptural lesson of this degree , " Remember now thy Creator , & c . " Solomon ' s admonition is a wonderful and beautiful metaphor of our progress from the cradle to thegrave . The illustration of descent to the tombs is so ancient in its symbols , and yet so truthful , that although the

grinding of the daily meal , performed by the daughters of the families of ancient times , shall be low , and all the daughters of music be brought low , is in these modern times so entirely changed , that there is no analogy now between them ; yet the symbols are imperishable , and more expressive than any

language of the present times , and so is adopted by expounders or teachers of the " great light of Masonry , " the Holy Scriptures , whenever they deem it necessary to advert to the uncertainty of human life , and the certainty of death . Can anything be more descriptive or sublime : " The silver

cord be loosed , or the golden bowl be broken , or the wheel broken at the cistern ? " Such language is grand , sublime , and the final result most beautiful , " The spirit shall return unto God , who gave it . " In all this there is nothing but the most sublime thought of the grandeur of the symbols , and the

nobility of their objects , which , if we can embody them in our action and experience , we rise in their attainment to a higher plane in the moral attributes we shall then enjoy . There are many other symbols yet untouched , to which we may hereafter advert , or we may deem

what we have said sufficient ; our object being less to multiply words , than to induce the Masonic Student to magnify his Order , by studying its symbolical precepts , and squaring his conduct by the square of virtue and the restraints of prudence , that are so clearly taught in our Masonic Symbols .

In all this is there anything saddening ? Far otherwise . It is the privilege of all men to be as joyous as the birds of thc air , whose notes of song are as glorious as theyarefree . Sadness , comes from wrongdoing , not from disobedience to the more moral virtues taught by Masonry ; or by the divine principles

inculcated by the Book upon thc altar . Cheerfulness and joyousness come from the temperate enjoyment of everything in nature , and thc still higher aspirations of the intellectual and spiritual being which dwells within . To such no day is too long , but in the language of thc spiritual aspirations of

the poet , when defining the experience of devout worshippers , " The day is too short , but let us borrow the night . " Brethren , let us then combine to promote the increased excellence of our Order , and while we def y our slanderers , whose opposition to Masonry

arises chiefly from ignorance , show by our boldness > n claiming the highest standard for our institution , carefully avoid all cause of our enemies to speak evil of our Order , which in its principles of action and its mental and moral attributes is less only by

degree to our individual religious professions , whatever they may be , and which , if wc do not live u p to them in either case , does not lesson their claims upon us , whether as Freemasons , as Jews , Mahommedans , or Christians , —Voice of Masonry

Provincial Grand Lodge Of Durham.

PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF DURHAM .

On the 25 th ult ., the Provincial Grand Lod ge of Durham held its annual meeting at Bishop Auckland , under the presidency of Bro . John Fawcett , Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master , and Sir H . Williamson , M . P ., Deputy P . G . M . This being the first time the Grand

Lodge has met at Bishop Auckland , the brethren of the Wear Valley Lodge did their utmost to give a hearty welcome to the members of the Craft . The weather being fine induced a larger number than usual of the brethren to avail

themselves of the opportunity of attending the Provincial Grand Lodge . Some who had the time to spare reached Bishop Auckland by an early train , and enjoyed the pleasure of a stroll through the charming park of Auckland Castle .

The Finance Committee met at one o ' clock , under the presidency of Bro . Sir H . Williamson , Bart ., M . P , D . P . G . M . Grants to the extent of ^ 25 were made to the widows of deceased Masons who were in necessitous circumstances . The Committee also voted a donation of fifty guineas

to the Freemasons' Girls' School , ten guineas to the Royal Masonic Institution for Boys , ten guineas to the Asylum for Aged Freemasons , and ten guineas to the Widows' Asylum , subject tothe approval of the Prov . Grand Lodge . The brethren assembled at the Barrington

School-rooms at half-past two o ' clock , and took up their positions to receive the members of the Provincial Grand Lodge , who entered in procession , amongst whom were the following Past Provincial Grand Officers : —Bros . Joseph Dodds , M . P ., Wm . Best , E . Davis , G . J .

Wilson , James Groves , John Stokoe , J . G . Thompson , Rev . J . Cudhill , Rev . G . R . Bulman , also F . Binckes , Secretary to the Masonic Royal Institution for Boys . Among the visitors was Bro . George Wischaewsky , from Kosakoff-Gubonin , Russia .

The lodge having been opened in due and ancient form , the minutes of the last Provincial Grand Lodge , at Gateshead , were read by the Secretary and confirmed . The minutes of the Finance Committee were also read and confirmed ; and the petition of one applicant , which

had been received too late , was left in the hands of the Provincial Grand Master to relieve in his discretion . The Treasurer ' s accounts were read , and , after payment of the above grants , a sum of one hundred pounds was added to the funded property of the Provincial Grand Lodge . The

roll of lodges was called , when all appeared by their representatives , and very flattering reports were given of the great increase of Masons in the province , the building of several Masonic halls , and the general prosperity of the Craft . The Provincial Grand Master congratulated the brethren on the state of Masonry in his province ,

and cautioned the brethren not to receive among their ranks any but those who would reflect honour upon their choice . It was not a benefit society , and candidates should not be permitted to enter with any such expectations ; but rather with the view of doing good to others , by extending relief and assistance to them in their need .

The Provincial Grand Master then appointed and invested the following officers , with the exception of the Provincial Grand Treasurer , who was elected by the Provincial Grand Lodge : — Sir H . Williamson , Bart ., M . P . ... D . P . G . M . Rev . G . P . Wilkinson S . G . W .

James Groves J . G . W . Rev . G . R . Bulman P . G . Chaplain Rev . John Cundhill P . G . Treasurer John Geo . Thompson P . G . Registrar W . H . Crookes P . G . Secretary Miles Cadle P . S . G . D .

G . White P . J . G . D . AVm . Nelson P . G . S . of W . R . M . Hudson P . G . D . of C . J . AV . Cameron P . G . S . B . D . Lambert P . G . Organist P . Hoistendahl P . G . Purst .

Jos . John Walton , 48 W . Brignall , jun ., 124 J . S . Denham , 240 Utewird- * C . Coulson , 531 fbtewards W . F . R . Hutton , 1121 W . C . Blackett , 1274 J W . M . Laws ... P . G . Tyler .

Provincial Grand Lodge Of Durham.

The members adjourned to a banquet in the Town Hall , with the R . W . Prov . G . M . in the chair , and the Masonic and loyal toasts were duly honoured •the evening's enjoyment being enhanced by the vocal music of some brethren ofthe Durham Cathedral Choir .

Prov. Grand Lodge Of West Yorkshire.

PROV . GRAND LODGE OF WEST YORKSHIRE .

LAYING OF THE MEMORIAL STONE OF THORNTON NEAV CHURCH . The laying of the memorial stone of the new church at St . James , at Thornton , with due Masonic honours , recalls some incidents in connection with the old building that will form an interesting prefix

to our report . Freemasonry seems never so fitly fulfilling office as in assisting in the erection of churches ; and Thornton owed its first church to a Freemason , who left a record of the fact in a tablet still existent , which has been put in the south-west corner ofthe chapel , and reads as follows : —

THIS CHAPPELL WAS BUILDED BY IIII ( E FREEMASON IN THE YEA RE OF OUR

LORDE I 1612 Whether the erasure of the name of the pious builder be the result of posterior malignity , or ofthe eating tooth of time , its obliteration is a theme for the novelist . If the former be the cause , we may venture a guess that the chisel may have also been

at work in defacing the letters which now seem to be four successive I ' s with a slightly curved portion of a letter , another letter being wholly erased before the final E . There is a rude stone built in the wall above this tablet bearing the figures " 1587 , " which James , in his " History of Bradford , " took to be a

remnant of a former church , but it bears no such appearance ; and if there had been a former chapel , surely the tablet would have stated that it was " rebuilded . " The position of the chapel and the graveyard ( so far from Thornton village and so close adjoining Thornton Hall ) points to the Lord

ofthe Manor as the builder ; and if the downstrokes stillleft have been tampered with , they may have once formed O U and part of G , and thus would indicate a WATMOUGHE , with space for a Christian name of four letters . The original mesne lords of Thornton ( who bore that name ) ended in an heiress ,

by whom the manor passed to the Boilings , from which family it passed by another heiress to the Tempests , a family remarkable for their religious zeal against the coming Reformation . Mr . James ( p . 337 ) says rather vaguely that Sir Richard Tempest sold the manor about 1620 to — Watmough ,

and that in 1630 John AVatmough , then a minor , was Lord of the Manor , but adds nothing of the family . He overlooked the fact that the pannelling of thc Thornton HaU pew ( on the south side of the altar ) preserves the record of the Watmoughs , with the initials " I . W ., 1634 . "

Happily the weather on AVednesday was fine throughout the proceedings . The Congregationalists of Kipping kindly lent their school for the holding of a Provincial Grand Lodge of the AVest Yorkshire Freemasons , which was opened at 11 . 45 . Earl de Grey and Ripon opened the lodge as P . G . M ., and no less than fifty out of

fiftyfive lodges in the province were represented . The Building Committee ( with Mr . Powell at its head ) assembled with the clergy , wardens , and Sunday scholars , at the National Schools , and preceded by the Black Dyke Mills Band , marched along the main street and down to precede the Masons . By a little oversight this part of the procession preceded the latter too much ; but from

the elevation of the new building the sight was most impressive , the Masonic procession , gorgeous in coloured and jewelled dignitaries , and resplendent with banners , as it came on slowly and solemnly , needing for its effect no distracting sound of drum or trumpet . The procession embraced the most interesting ornaments of the Craft .

There came successive officers bearing the Corinthian , the Doric , and the Ionic Lights , and between them the plumb rule , the level , the Sacred Law , and the mallet ; and the rare honour was conferred upon Thornton that the golden vessels and the mallet which was used by King Charles II . to lay the foundation stone of St . Paul ' s Cathedral , and

which was presented by Sir Christopher AVren to the Lodge of Antiquity , were brought down by the Grand Tyler of the Grand Lodge of England to be employed in laying the memorial stone of Thornton church . The church has been already built on the east and north sides to a height of twelve feet , and as the memorial

stone is at the south-west corner of the chancel , a convenient platform in the chancel enabled the ladies present to be near witnesses , whilst the body of the church was filled by the procession . The officials having taken their DLvLCCS Bro ! AV . FOSTER , Acting-Deputy P . G . M ., addressing

Earl de Grey , said : My Lord , I have now the honour to present you with this trowel for the purpose of laying the memorial stone of the church of St . James , Thornton , and at the same time to express to you our sincere and heartfelt thanks that , in the midst of your public duties as a Minister of the Crown , and the claims

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