Consecration Of The Derby Allcroft Lodge, No. 2168.

CONSECRATION OF THE DERBY ALLCROFT LODGE , No . 2168 .

A new lodge , named after the late Grand Treasurer , Bro . Derby Allcroft , was consecrated on Tuesday last , at the Athenajum , Camden-road , by Col . Shadwell H . Clerke , Grand Secretary . Col Clerke was assisted in his duties by Bro . Thomas Fenn , P . G . D ., President of the Board of General Purposes , as S . W . ; Bro . Edgar Bower , P . G . Std . Br ., as J . W . ; the Rev . R . j . Simpson , P . G . Chap ., as Chaplain ; Bro . Frank Richardson , P . G . D ., D . C . ; and Bro . E . Letchworth , P . G . D ., as l . G .

The musical arrangements were by Bros . Dr . Haskins and James Ivift . who were assisted by Bros . H . Schartau , Arthur Thompson , Arthur Thomas , and Franklin Clive . The other brethren present were :

Bros . James Fitzgerald , P . M . 1364 ; R . D . Cummings , P . M . 1677 ; T . Eccleston Gibb , 34 ; J . Corbett , W . M . 22 ; E . F . Storr , Treas ., P . M . 22 ; Harold Hallidav , J . Smith , John D . Allcroft' VV . J . Wetherhall , E . Y . Jolliffe , W . Cook , P . M . 22 ; John Paul , J . D . 12 S 7 ; A . Prince , l . G . 901 ; G . Lyell Walker , 429 ; VV . Maclin , P . M . 1677 ; W . Brown , 1599 ; J . C . Learn , 1194 ; W . Harding , W . M . 169 ; VV . Kirkland , 1949 ; L . V . Walker , S . VV . 22 ; Joseph Edgar , J . W . 12 S 7 ; Henry Percy , P . M . 22 ; J . VV . Dixon , J . W . 27 ; F . Johnson , J . W . 95 ; E . R . Smith , ir . 44 , A . D . C . ; H . Palmer , 1044 ; A . H . Cornfooih , 1044 , ; S , Johnson . 15 ^; W . j . CVsavlcs , 22 ;

Ernest Wri ;; lev , 13 C 4 ; G . P . Britten , P . M . 1 S 3 ; G . S . Ayres , P . M . 95 ; Thomas Goode , P . M . 1677 ; J . F . Davey , G . E . Fairchild , P . M . 1196 ; W . li . Haycock , P . M . 1196 ; J . B . Reid , 1364 ; James Salmon , P . G . R . Essex ; 'I ' . H . Squire , 1633 ; F . J . Potter , 1321 ; VV . Kent , 1321 ; A . GreatRex , P . M . 22 ; F . Crockford , P . M . 515 , 1657 ; Albert Storr , 2146 ; D . J . Bridgroome , l . G . 1364 ; Louis Bamberger , P . M . 1366 ; 1077 Darter 704 1304 1 otuvens

ueorge urover , ; r . KJ . , ; * . j . rope , ; * . r . , j . vv . 001 ; J . Barber Glenn , 3 ; H . Massey , P . M . 619 . 192 S ; Frederick Binckes , P . M ., P . G . Stwd . ; S . R . Lamble , P . M . 27 ; VV . Jolliffe , 569 ; Alfred Brookman , P . M . 1657 ; Henry Lansdell , D . D .. P . M . 4 ; Rev . C . VV . Suencer Stanhope , P . G . C ; G . C . Garratt , P . M . 136 G ; P . Saillard , W . M . 2020 ; R . Homan , 1602 ; C . W . Brander , J . D . 1563 ; George Kenning , P . M . 192 , 1 G 57 , P . P . G . D . Middx . ; Henry Tinney , W . M . 1395 ; Col . James Peters , P . G . Swd . Br . ; and H . Sadler , Grand Tyler .

After the openingof the lodge in the Three Degrees , Colonel SHADWELL CLERKE addressed a few observations to the brethren , remarking on the importance ot the occasion on which they were assembled , In these days when it was difficult to obtain a warrant for anew lodge the petitioners were fortunate to have been able to lay before the Grand Master good and sufficient reasons for establishing a new lodge , and they were also wise not

only in selecting an honoured Masonic name for the lodge , but in obtaining the services of the good and worthy brother who bore that name as first Master . Everyone who knew Bro . Derby Allcroft must know that his Mastership would be successful . The members should avoid the great error of endeavouring to make this a large lodge , because size was no measure of success , they should look rather to the quality of the members , and select only those who are fit and proper persons to become Masons .

The customary formalities were then observed , and Bro . the Rev . R . J . SIMPSON delivered the oration . In doing so he said : The brethren were met as a peaceful army , free from public outrages to erect a new banner in the Masonic tented field , under the directorship of a great commander , to wage a holy war against all that was disloyal to authority , dishonourable to man , and offensive to God . They were also met in full accord with these antecedents to establish a lodge in the metropolis , bearing the name of one who had been associated with the

great City of London in a variety of ways , honourable to himself and useful to his fellows . It did not need that this additional monument should be raised to keep Bro . Derby Allcroft in remembrance . There were now many monuments besides this to the honour of Bro . Allcroft , and they hoped there would be many future years of happiness and usefulness before him . The lodge would live to recall to the memory of posterity one whose quiet unobtrusive habits , sincere religious principles , fidelity to the great trusts reposed in him , and whose well known benevolence and unbounded liberality

pointed him out as the typical English gentleman and the merchant prince , ltalso pointed him out as a distinguished Mason who was at once beloved by the brethren and noted for his loyalty to the Craft . He congratulated the lodge on the selection it had made . It had nut only done an honour to Kro . Allcroft but an honour to itself . The reverend brother proceeded to dwell on the work of Masonry , and considered that a fit inscription over the porchway of a Masonic lodge was the words of the prophet Micah , " What

doth the Lord require of thee but to do justly , to love mercy , and to walk humbly with thy God . " These principles he held had distinguished the English nation in its dealings with the different portions of the Empire , and also distinguished the different members of the community . Masonry particularly was based on these principles , which were practised by Masons both in and out of lodge . All these principles acted well on society whenever and wherever practised .

The consecration ceremony was afterwards completed , and Bro . John Derby Allcroft , P . G . Treas ., was then installed as Master of the lodge by Bro . Col . Shadwell H . Clerke , and the following brethren , became officers of the lodge for the year ensuing : Bros . E . Y . Jolliffe , as I . P . M . ; Thomas Eccleston Gibb , S . W . ; J . P . Fitzgerald , P . M ., J . W . ; E . F . Storr , P . M ., Treas . , Robert D . Cummings , P . M ., Sec ; the Rev . R . Adams , Chap . ; Harold Halliday , S . D . ; Joseph Corbett , J . D . ; Muir Smith , l . G . ; Huntley , D . C ; Davey , Stwd . ; Haskim , Org . ; and Harrison , Tyler .

On the motion of the W . M ., seconded by the S . W ., the Consecrating Officers were elected honorary members and thanked for their services . Names were afterwards given in of gentlemen desiring to be initiated in Freemasonry in this lodge and of brethren wishing to join . Business being ended the lodge was closed , and the brethren adjourned to banquet , which was splendidly served by Mrs . Beale . After the banquet had been disposed of , and grace sung by the professional brethren above mentioned ,

The WORSHIPI ' UL MASTER proposed the usual toasts . In giving the toast of "The Queen and the Craft , " he said hs saw there was on the programme a reference in one part to her Majesty ' s Jubilee of 50 years' reign . He trusted God might spare her not only lorher jubilee , but for many years beyond it . Great benefits had accrued to the country since her accession , while the example she had set to her subjects , and the constitutional way in which she had managed the affairs of her empire , had won for her

esteem and regard . As an example of her Majesty ' s silent influence , he called to mind the time when he came to London , when it was the custom to enjey a ride on Sundays in the parks . A few years after her Majesty ' s accession this was discontinued . The Queen had no more loyal subjects than Freemasons , and if the relations of her sons towards Freemasonry were considered , it could not but be felt that her Majesty must think the Order had some influence on mankind , and that Freemasonry had been of some use in bringing her subjects to their present position .

The WORSHIPFUL MASTER , in proposing "The Prince of Wales , M . W . G . M ., " said that since he became a Freemason , the Order in this country had very greatly increased , and no doubt it was a source of great comfort and joy to the Prince of Wales . The Rev . R . J . SIMPSON , P . G . C , in responding to the toast of " The Grand Master , the Deputy Grand Master , and the rest of the Grand Officers , " said he ardentl y hoped that the honour conferred by the purple might in future be given to a larger number of brethren than could now possibly

Consecration Of The Derby Allcroft Lodge, No. 2168.

possess it . The number of Grand Officers at the present time he believed was exactly double what it was 40 years ago —( " No " from Bro . Fenn)—but they had been from a long time standing still with regard to the Grand Officers in Grand Lodge , and while Masonic lodges and members had been

nearly doubled , the number of officers in Grand Lodge had not by logical sequence been doubled also . There were a great number of noble and deserving men who would have deemed it an honour to be decorated with the purple . He hoped he might -live to see the number very much increased .

The WORSHIPFUL MASTER , in proposing "The Consecrating Officers , " said that all the brethren who were present at the consecration ceremony must have carried away a very pleasant recollection of the way in which it was conducted . It was a very impressive ceremony , and while they knew that Grand Officers must perform certain official duties , it was not only official duty they undertook . The ardent manner in which Col . Shadwell H . Clerke performed the ceremonies showed that it was not to him a mere form .

Bro . THOMAS FENN , in the absence of Col . Shadwell H . Clerke , said he was commissioned by that very worshipful brother to thank the W . M . and brethren for the compliment which he anticipated would be paid to him . He had also commissioned him to propose "The Health of . the W . M . " This duty he undertook with great diffidence , and yet with great pleasure , though he was hardl y able to do justice to the toast without

preparation . Bro . Simpson had expatiated on the efforts of Bro . Derb y Allcroft , and on his virtues , which had securpd for him the affection and the goodwill of the members of this lodge . He ( Bro . Fenn ) could speak of him as a member of the Prince of Wales Lodge , and ot his great interest in the Cratt . That was further exhibited by his giving his honoured name and his abilities to promote the welfare of this lodge .

The WORSHIPFUL MASTER , responding , said he was a stranger to almost all the brethren of tie lodge , and , therefore , he felt it the kinder that they had taken him on trust . He was going to perform his duties as Master to the best of his ability , though he had so many public duties to attend to in the world that he was not sure his memory would enable him to do it perfectly . He did not approve of a irmn undertaking a duty and failing in

the middle of it . He told them this because he never liked to sail under false pretences . The hearty way in which he had been received showed him that the brethren were determined to take him for better , for worse . He would endeavour to do the best , and avoid doing the worst . A man w ' 10 took a position should not disgrace it , and for himself he would rather give it up . He took it as a distinguished honour that his name should b y given to the lodge .

Bros , the Rev . C . W . SPENCER -STANHOPE , HAYDOCK , F . BINCKES , and GREATREX replied to the toast of "The Visitors ; " and Bros . GIBB and FITZGERALD to the toast of " The Officers . " Bros . E . F . STORR and R . D . CUMMINGS acknowledged the toast of "The Treasurer and Secretary . " Bro . Storr stating that nothing had given him greater pleasure than taking part in the consecration of the Derb y

Allcroft Lodge . He hoped as long as he was connected with it ihe lodge would never be unrepresented at the Charity Festivals . They were going to make this lodge the very best in London . The name of Derby Allcroft would live for ever , and the lodge would not have anyone in it who was not worthy to be a Mason . He was delighted to be ' identified with it as its first Treasurer .

Bro . CUMMINGS reiterated the observations of Bro . Storr . He was delighted to be Secretary . He hoped the lodge had been started with a view to prosperity and success , and the brethren desired that it should have a front rank among the lodges of the Craft . The Tyler ' s toast concluded the proceedings , which throughout the day had been of a most enjoyable character .

Provincial Grand Lodge Of Durham.

PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF DURHAM .

On Tuesday afternoon , the 19 th ult ., the Provincial Grand Lodge of Durham was held under the banner of St . Bede ' s Lodge , No . 1119 , in the Mechanics' Hall , Jarrow-on-Tyne . There was a large assemblage of brethren from the various lodges , and of Provincial Grand Officers , the day being a red letter day in the annals of the brethren of Jarrow , it being the

first time the P . G . Lodge had met in that place . { Not only was the handsome building belonging to the local—St . Bede—lodge placed at their disposal , but the Mechanics' Institute and the Ellison Schools were also secured for the occasion , the former being fitted up as a lodge room , and the latter as a banqueting hall .

The Provincial Grand Master , Bro . Sir Hedworth Williamson , Bart ., presided , and was supported by the officers of the Provincial Grand Lodge , viz .: — Bros , the Rev . Canon Tristram , D . D ., P . G . C , D . P . G . M . ; James Laidler , P . G . S . VV . ; William Thomas Tate , P . G . J . W . ; Rev . Joseph Lawson , P . G . Chap . ; Rev . Richard Coulton , P . G . Chap . ; Robert Hudson , P . G . Secretary ; T . Bradley , P . G . A . Secretary :

G . L . Barnes , P . G . Reg . ; J . D . Smith , P . G . S . D . ; Samuel Wilson , P . G . S . D . ; l . G . Kirtley , P . G . J . D . J D . Armstrong , P . G . J . D . ; Edward Hudson , P . G . D . of C . ; John 1 . Clay , P . G . D . D . of C . ; J . J . Athey , P . G . A . D . of C ; J . Armstrong , P . G . S . of W . ; T . Henderson , P . G . S . B . ; William Crawford , P . G . Organist ; J . M . Pickerintr , P . G . Std . Br . ; A . Macdougall , P . G . Std . Br . ; W . Eckford , P . G . P . ; Joshua Curry , P . G . Tyler ; and a large number of other brethren .

Among the Past Provincial Grand Officers present were : — Bros . E . D . Davis , G . Std . Br . of England , P . P . G . S W . ; Babington Boulton , P . P . G . Treas . ; John Wood , P . P . G . J . W . ; Henry Lawrence , P . P . G . J . VV . ; I . VV . Barnes . P . P . G . S . W . ; C . S . Lane , P . P . G . D . ; M Corbitt , P . P . G . D . j 6 . Porteous P P CO . ; Thomas Coulson , P . P . G . D . ; J . C . Mjor , P . P . G . D . ; W . Coxon PPGP ; G . Hardy , P . P . G . A . D . of C . ; George Greenwell , P . P . G . D . of C . ; H . VV . Emerson , P . P . G . A . S . of VV . ; J . Sinclair , P . P . G . P . ; D . W . James , P . P . G . C . ; W . Forster

P . P . G . S . of VV . ; W . C . Blackett , P . P . G . S . D . ; J . McCulloch , P . P . G . J . W . ; M . Frampton , P . P . G . S . B . ; VV . H . Turner . P . P . G . P . ; John Morrell , P . P . G . D . ; T . G . Mabane , P . P . G . S . D . ; S . Fenny , P . P . G . Std . Br . ; J . Walker , P . P . G . Org . ; VV . C . Harris , P . P . G . C ; Thomas Jopling , P . P . G . J . D . ; G . S . Sims , P . P . G . Tyler Northumberland ; J . T . Dickinson , P . P . G . P . ; VV . A . Malcolm , P . P . G . P . ; F . H . Bennett , P . P . G . J . D . ; A . T . Munro , P . P . G . S . B . ; G . J . Wilson , P . P . G . J . VV . ; T . Elwen , P . P . G . D . ; R . W . Thompson , P . P . G . S . B . Northumberland ; and others . The representatives of the province included the following : —

Bros . W . M . Pybus , W . M . ; A . Rhagg , I . P . M . ; R . F . Cooke , P . P . G . S . D . ; E * Shewbrooke , S . W . ; and W . Datrymple , J . W ., of 48 ; E . Potts , I . P . M ., and R . Wei |> htman , P . M ., of 1 G 76 ; J . J . Wilson , W . M . ; J . Dobson , I . P . M . ; J . E . Nelson , P . M . ; T . Atkinson , S . W . ; T . Burlinson , and P . Stabler , of 80 ; K . Shadforth , W . M . ; G . B . Hall , P . M . ; J . Egglestone , P . M . ; G . VV . Bain , J . VV . ; and H . Horner , P . S . W ., of 949 ; J . R . Pattison , W . M . ; T . M . Watson , P . M . ; Thos . Jopling , P . P . G . J . D . ; W . A . O . Sutcliffe , J . D . ; and W . Tnnkinson , of 97 ; R . T . Benson , W . M . 1379 j J . B . Wilkinson , W . ltl . ; Rev . R . H . Yeld , S . W . ; and W . H . Craven , of 1389 ; R . Foster , W . M . ; T . Coates , P . M . ; and 1 . Robinson , S . W ., of 1 C 50 ; J . F . Hiller , P . M . ; J . Barker , P . M . ; R , Hauxwcll , S . W . ; and G . Shaw ,