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Article PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF NORFOLK. ← Page 2 of 2 Article PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF WEST YORKSHIRE. Page 1 of 2 Article PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF WEST YORKSHIRE. Page 1 of 2 →
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Provincial Grand Lodge Of Norfolk.
The minutes of the Provincial Grand Lodge , held at Great Yarmouth on the 25 th June , 1 S 85 , were then duly read and confirmed . Bro . H . BARWTLL presented the report of the Charities Committee , and ably dealt with the details of the proposed educational scheme for the Province of Norfolk , which was so warmly introduced to the brethren by the Master of all England , H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , at Lynn
in January , 1885 , It was shown that some £ 340 had been paid and promised , but at least a £ 1000 would be required to carry out the scheme in accordance with the wishes of the Grand Master and the Provincial Grand Master ( Lord Suffield ) , the noble lord now expressing his great sympathy with the movement , and at the same time desiring to see the scheme introduced to the lodges separately for their mature consideration , when he hoped
others would see the desirability of its being adopted . The Provincial Grand Master further intimated his willingness , at the wish of the brethren , to issue a circular stating the present condition of the fund , and the reasons which in his judgment should be adduced and laid before the brethren in their various lodges why the fund should commend itself to their hearty approval . The object of the Provincial Grand Master in recommending the
fund is to send to schools in the province the necessitous children of deceased Masons who are candidates for the Masonic Schools until such time as they are elected , and this , we need scarcely say , is another characteristic token of the thoughtfulness of the Prince of Wales , and of the great interest which his Royal Highness takes in the Craft .
The accounts of the province and the recommendation of the Finance Committee were then read . The former showed a balance in hand of £ " 112 16 s . 1 id ., and the Committee recommended that £ 10 10 s . be given to Bro . W . Morse , Tyler , and £ 10 ios . to a brother in needy circumstances and 50 guineas to the Royal Masonic Institution for Boys . The accounts were duly passed , and the recommendation of the Committee adopted .
The PROV . GRAND MASTER then declared all the offices of Provincial Grand Lodge vacant , and appointed and invested the following brethren as Provincial Grand Officers for the ensuing year : —
Bro . Harry Bullard , I . P . M . 52 ... ... ... Prov . G . S . W . „ H . Harvey George , W . M . 313 ... ... Prov ' . G . J . W . „ Rev . Henry Wimble , W . M . 102 ... ... Prov . G . Chap . „ H . C Strange , 32 , 10 and 52 ... ... Prov . G . Treas . „ W . W . Wilkin , W . M . 107 ... ... Prov . G . Reg . „ J . B . Aldis , P . M . 52 ... ... ... Prov . G . Sec . „ T . W . Beeching , W . M . 100 ... ... Prov . G . S . D .
„ CW . Bacon , W . M . 213 ... ... ... Prov . G . J . D . „ W . H . Moss , P . M . 943 ... :.. ... Prov . G . S . of W „ R . F . Ladell , P . M . 93 ... ... ... Prov . G . D . C . „ C E . Stevens , P . M . 1500 ... ... ... Prov . G . A . D . C . „ F . Clowes , P . M . 102 ... ... ... Prov . G . Swd . Br „ D . G . F . Gaul , P . M . 1808 ... ... Prov . G . Std . Br G . Barrett . W . M . ITIt ... ... ... Prnv . G . Std . Rr
„ H . J . Brookes , 93 ... ... ... Prov . G . Org . „ J . W . Cooper , 52 ... ... ... Prov . G . A . Sec . „ J . W . Browne , P . M . 807 ... ... ... Prov . G . Purst . „ William Smith , P . M . 996 ... ... Prov . G . A . Purst „ J . H . Guyton , 807 ... ... ,.. ~ | „ G . S . C Smith , 1500 ;; J : H & ' gS ... ::: ::: ::: p-. G . stwds .
„ T . W . Colman , 1193 „ H . Randall , 1808 ... ... ... „ Robert Gunn , P . M . 93 ... ... ... Prov . G . Tyler . The brethren having salured the newly-appointed brethren , a long dis cussion took place as to the proposed educational scheme ,
Bro . Sir F . G . M . BOILEAU , Bart ., suggesting to the Worshipful Master ' s of the lodges present that they should induce the brethren of the lodges to volunteer a small payment annually to the funds needed . This idea the P . G . Master said had his entire approval , and he urged its adoption .
The DEP . PROV . GRAND MASTER then submitted the revised by-laws of the province , and , after reading through the portion of the old by-laws , said that the copy as revised would shortly be printed and circulated amongst the members ot Prov . Grand Lodge , and after a short interval a lodge of emergency would be held for their confirmation .
The PROV . GRAND MASTER then announced his decision disposing of the collection to be made after the cathedral service in favour of the funds of the St . George ' s Mission , a deserving local charity , in aid of the employment and recreation of young girls .
The DEI * . Prov . GRAND MASTER expressed his regret that more lodges were not in existence in the province , and numerated several towns which were likely to support a lodge , he urged the matter upon the attention of enthusiastic brethren , and promised them his support . The Prov . Grand Lodge was then closed .
A large number of brethren attended Divine service in the cathedral , where Bro . the Rev . Waldo Cholmeley , P . P . G . C , vicar of South Walsham St . Mary , preached a sermon from the text , "The Lord is a God of knowledge , and by Him actions are weighed , " —I Samuel ii , 3 ; and strongly commended to their notice the St . George's Club and Home for Working Girls , a new institution that was doing a large amount of good , but was , unfortunately , heavily in debt . The offertory amounted to £ \ 2 ios . lid .
Provincial Grand Lodge Of West Yorkshire.
PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF WEST YORKSHIRE .
A meeting of the Provincial Grand Lodge was held in the Technical College , Horton-road , Bradford , on Wednesday , the 20 th ult ., under the banner of Eccleshill Lodge , No . 1034 . R . W . Bro . Thomas William Tew , J . P . i P . G . D . England , Provincial Grand Master , occupied the chair , and was supported by Bro . Henry Smith , Deputy Provincial Grand Master , and a large number of Provincial Grand Officers and brethren , as well as by the Masters , Past Masters , acting Wardens , and brethren of the lodges , of which only seven were unrepresented .
The visitors included Bros . Richard Cowper-Coles , 1095 ; S . G . Gilbert , P . M . 47 , Prov . G . Reg . Notts ; W . Young , 1406 ; Tom Young , 1794 ; W . H . Hayward , 569 ; John Stevens , 662 ; J . B . Burnard , 1662 ; and W . Smith , 1563 . The R . W . Bro . Thomas William Tew , J . P ., Provincial Grand Master , Bro . Henry Smith , Deputy Provincial Grand Master , and the Provincial Grand Officers , entered the Lecture Hall at 2 . 30 , and Provincial Grand
Provincial Grand Lodge Of West Yorkshire.
Lodge having been opened , the R . W . Provincial Grand Master and the W . Deputy Provincial Grand Master were saluted according to ancient custom . The R . W . PROVINCIAL GRAND MASTER ( Bro . T . W . Tew ) acknowledged the cordial salutation of the Provincial Grand Lodge , and at once proceeded to deliver the following address—Mr . Mayors , Rev . Sirs , Officers and Brethren—M y first duty this afternoon , as President of this influential assembly of members of the Craftis to offer to all of
, you on behalf of the lodge at Eccleshill , and the lodges at Bradford who have invited the Provincial Grand Lodge of West Yorkshire to hold its autumnal meeting within the walls of this Iechnical College , opened by our Royal Grand Master 25 th | une , 1 SS 2 , a cordial and fraternal welcome . Permit me to convey to the Mayor of Bradford , and to the Worshipful Masters of these lodges , the appreciation ot this Provincial Grand Lodge of the hospitality accorded to it , and the trouble taken for the comfort and convenience of the brethren from all parts of the kingdom , and the excellency of the arrangements for the transaction of the business of this large gathering of Freemasons . May I venture also to express a sentiment on behalf of this Provincial Grand Lndo-p in M , »
presence of the Mayor of Bradford , and of the Mayors of the other towns here present this afternoon , and of our hosts , the lodges in this locality , how sincerely every other lodge on the roll of the Grand Lodgeof England rcpresenled , reciprocates their brotherly kindness and their invitation to be here this afternoon ; and in response to this expression of fraternal feeling , the Prov . Grand Master , the Deputy Prov . Grand Master , and the rest of the Prov . Grand Officers , Past and Present , acknowledge the compliment ol the salutations so enthusiastically offered to our respective offices , which we have the
honour to occupy in this province ; and further , to assure you that we are actuated by a high sense of the responsibilities devolving upon us , and our fervent desire to fulfilto your satisfaction that brotherly trustfulntss you so continuously and generously repose in us . My next duty in connection with this address is to suggest for your consideration , an " Aphorism , " a trite precept , which has become an acknowledged , if not an hackneyed principle , expressing in the few words of a sentence an accepted fact . A Bishop , remarkable for his eloquence , said , not many days ago , " This is an age of congresses . " Men of religion , ot science , and of labour periodicall y assemble together for
the discussion of opinions ; I will add , and why not the Freemasons ? Our Provincial Grand Lodges are older than most of them . We hold points of fellowshi p with all of them , and the closer they are in communion with us , our sympathetic principles will be found to harmonize with theirs to spread the knowledge of the G . A . O . T . U ., and "peace over the earth and goodwill towards all men . " There has been at Birmingham a meeting of men of science and philosophy to acquire a knowledge of the unknowable . The meeting of Parliament has shown us how to deal with the governments of nations and individuals like cards upon the table , their faces
uppermost ; and other outside talkers on the subject "la haute politique" have shown us how voluntarily they have taken themselves so near the rose without succeeding in gathering it . It has been most agreeable to adjourn , therefore , from the Congress at St . Stephen ' s to the religious assembly at Wakefield . A congress of wordhoets not less critical in its criticisms of the questions before it than those preceding it , but in its sympathies and feelings towards all fellow creatures more in unison with the principles of the Craft—to be just to kindness , and kind to justness , and uprightness of life and actions . One illustration let me give with regard to an unavoidable calamity , and of
sympathy for suffering-. No sooner was it known that a deplorable accident had happened to a neighbouring colliery , than the catholicity of Masonic Charity was shown towards the working miners of Altofts by the Congress and members of the Craft joining hand in hand , and , as it were , foot to foot , to assist pecuniarily these sufferers in the hour of their afflictions . The Craft has Charity for its foundation-stone . The Church has Mercy fur its cope-stone ; and the two , abreast of each other , have shown by their convergence of principles , the one that every brother " should render himself more extensively serviceable to his fellow creatures ; " the other , how to walk through this life in
preparation of the life in the Grand Lodge above . There has been also a Festival of Music at Leeds . We have been spell-bound , as the poet-tones of music reverberated from Sullivan ' s " Golden Legend , " which touched and thrilled our souls . Beethoven cried to us of infinity . Schumnan , uttered the joys as of the Advent morning , whilst the mighty Bohemian poured out his ecstasy of "Saint Ludmila . " In these various congresses the Crait has devoted itself with unselfish perseverance to cultivate and disseminate knowledge—the knowledge of science—the knowledge of the G . A . O . T . U ., and the knowledge of one another . These congresses adorn the "Aohorism . " that
" this is an age of congresses . " Thus the Freemasons hold their Provincial Grand Lodges , which are surrounded with that antiquity which perpetuity has given them , and made them model congresses to all others of their class , where loyalty and good sense are brought together under discussion for the examination of ideas affecting the progress and the happiness of our fellow creatures . I hope in these directions that the Freemasonry of the West Riding may ever advance towards an appreciation of its benevolent principles . Its acquirement of organization is much sought after ; its aid is constantly required ; its desire of
cooperation is ever being affiliated by the promoters ot ameliorative societies . Its capacity ol usefulness is felt and acknowledged in every county of England , and its philosophy has now become a real force in modern politics . In the expansion of these aspirations , and to make this ancient Order beloved and popular in this county , is the ever thoughtful study of the officers of this Provincial Grand Lodge . My third duty is to present to your attention a few comments upon the Lodge of Eccleshill , whose banner waves over these proceedings . Bro . Frederick VV . Nicholson has written a sketch of the rise and progress of this lodge . Its warrant is dated the 23 rd September , 18 G 4 . The
first name on the warrant is that of Bro . Christopher Pratt , ihe first Worshipful Master , and a Past Prov . Grand Superintendent of Works . He laid the stone of this lod ge 19 th November , 1 S 64 . The building cost £ 454 . It was consecrated by Bro . Bent ley Shaw 10 th March , 18 G 5 , the late Deputy Prov . Grand Master of this province . The third name on the warrant is that of Bro . Thomas Hill , an honoured name in the West Riding , and who was also one of the lodge's conseciating officers . Another revered name , alas ! removed by death , is that ot Bro . W . Beanland ; he was installed W . M . 22 nd March , 1 S 67 . Yet another name , amongst many others , is that of the learned
Coroner of Bradlord , who was W . M . in 1 SG 9 , and who is a Past Prov . Grand Registrar of this Prov . Grand Lodge . It is noticeable that all the earl y founders of this ledge were Past Masters or officers of , and all emanated from , and continued to be , members of the Lodge of Hope . But the records of Eccleshill benevolence are , I think , worthy of reiteration as an example for all more recent lodges to follow . It has contributed since its formation to the three Masonic Charities , the De Grey and Ripon Scholarships , Bentley bhaw Presentation Fund , Sir Henry Edwards's Fund , and the Royal Albert Asylum , Lancaster , the sum of £ 1143 ; whilst fuither subscriptions of the brethren to private
charity ( in addition to that distributed by the Almoner of the lodge ) have been over £ 200 . I trust these figures may adequately illustrate the generosity of this lodge to alleviate unavoidable misfortune , and it has truly fulfilled that Masonic " Aphorism " of Charity " which , like its sister , Mercy , blesses him that gives as well as him that receives . " A fifth name , and third on this lodge warrant , who for 22 years has excercised a fostering care over its career , and who for 38 years has been a member of the Lodge of Hope , who was Master of it in 185 G and 18 S 3 ; Prov . Grand Deacon , 1 S 63 ; r * rov . Grand Warden in 1 S 70 ; and our Chairman of the Lharity Committee , 3 rd April , 1 S 72 , is
that of Bro . Thomas Hill . He retired from this Chairmanship alter live years , when , to mark our appreciation 01 his eminent services , he was pleased to accept an address of thanks from the Craft . He was also one of the founders of Pentalpha Lodge , as well as of Eccleshill . After nearly 20 years' service in the Corporalion of Bradford , he was elected Mayor of this town 9 th November , 18 S 5 . This Prov . Grand Lodge offers to the Mayor of Bradford , under whose influence this meeting of Prov . Grand Lodge has been brought abaut , its hearty congratulations , The Mayors of the other towns , brother Masons , likewise desire their felicitations to the Chief Magistrate of Bradford . He has
complimented this Prov . Grand Lodge by wearing his chain , the symbol of his olhce ; and the Mayors of other towns compliment the Mayor of Bradford by wearing their symbols of office . This Prov . Grand Lodge acknowledges the dignity conferred upon it by the presence of these dignitaries , the representaiives of the Queen . For one and all of these illustrious citizens this Prov . Grand Lodge prays that the G . A . O . T . U . may shower upon them his choicest blessings . Lastly , brethren , if I be not straining your
attention , let me recall a few incidents , which I think should be mentioned , since the assembling of Prov . Grand Lodge on 14 th April , at Sheffield . The chanty of the lodges for the current year towards the maintenance of the London Masonic Institutions has reached the sum of £ 2034 . Prov . Grand Lodge desires to express to the lodges its thankfulness for this munificent support of the three Institutions . It may , I trust , be no ful ome prognostication , with a revival of our national industries and a mote confident feeling in all departments of trade , in which I hope every class may participate during
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Provincial Grand Lodge Of Norfolk.
The minutes of the Provincial Grand Lodge , held at Great Yarmouth on the 25 th June , 1 S 85 , were then duly read and confirmed . Bro . H . BARWTLL presented the report of the Charities Committee , and ably dealt with the details of the proposed educational scheme for the Province of Norfolk , which was so warmly introduced to the brethren by the Master of all England , H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , at Lynn
in January , 1885 , It was shown that some £ 340 had been paid and promised , but at least a £ 1000 would be required to carry out the scheme in accordance with the wishes of the Grand Master and the Provincial Grand Master ( Lord Suffield ) , the noble lord now expressing his great sympathy with the movement , and at the same time desiring to see the scheme introduced to the lodges separately for their mature consideration , when he hoped
others would see the desirability of its being adopted . The Provincial Grand Master further intimated his willingness , at the wish of the brethren , to issue a circular stating the present condition of the fund , and the reasons which in his judgment should be adduced and laid before the brethren in their various lodges why the fund should commend itself to their hearty approval . The object of the Provincial Grand Master in recommending the
fund is to send to schools in the province the necessitous children of deceased Masons who are candidates for the Masonic Schools until such time as they are elected , and this , we need scarcely say , is another characteristic token of the thoughtfulness of the Prince of Wales , and of the great interest which his Royal Highness takes in the Craft .
The accounts of the province and the recommendation of the Finance Committee were then read . The former showed a balance in hand of £ " 112 16 s . 1 id ., and the Committee recommended that £ 10 10 s . be given to Bro . W . Morse , Tyler , and £ 10 ios . to a brother in needy circumstances and 50 guineas to the Royal Masonic Institution for Boys . The accounts were duly passed , and the recommendation of the Committee adopted .
The PROV . GRAND MASTER then declared all the offices of Provincial Grand Lodge vacant , and appointed and invested the following brethren as Provincial Grand Officers for the ensuing year : —
Bro . Harry Bullard , I . P . M . 52 ... ... ... Prov . G . S . W . „ H . Harvey George , W . M . 313 ... ... Prov ' . G . J . W . „ Rev . Henry Wimble , W . M . 102 ... ... Prov . G . Chap . „ H . C Strange , 32 , 10 and 52 ... ... Prov . G . Treas . „ W . W . Wilkin , W . M . 107 ... ... Prov . G . Reg . „ J . B . Aldis , P . M . 52 ... ... ... Prov . G . Sec . „ T . W . Beeching , W . M . 100 ... ... Prov . G . S . D .
„ CW . Bacon , W . M . 213 ... ... ... Prov . G . J . D . „ W . H . Moss , P . M . 943 ... :.. ... Prov . G . S . of W „ R . F . Ladell , P . M . 93 ... ... ... Prov . G . D . C . „ C E . Stevens , P . M . 1500 ... ... ... Prov . G . A . D . C . „ F . Clowes , P . M . 102 ... ... ... Prov . G . Swd . Br „ D . G . F . Gaul , P . M . 1808 ... ... Prov . G . Std . Br G . Barrett . W . M . ITIt ... ... ... Prnv . G . Std . Rr
„ H . J . Brookes , 93 ... ... ... Prov . G . Org . „ J . W . Cooper , 52 ... ... ... Prov . G . A . Sec . „ J . W . Browne , P . M . 807 ... ... ... Prov . G . Purst . „ William Smith , P . M . 996 ... ... Prov . G . A . Purst „ J . H . Guyton , 807 ... ... ,.. ~ | „ G . S . C Smith , 1500 ;; J : H & ' gS ... ::: ::: ::: p-. G . stwds .
„ T . W . Colman , 1193 „ H . Randall , 1808 ... ... ... „ Robert Gunn , P . M . 93 ... ... ... Prov . G . Tyler . The brethren having salured the newly-appointed brethren , a long dis cussion took place as to the proposed educational scheme ,
Bro . Sir F . G . M . BOILEAU , Bart ., suggesting to the Worshipful Master ' s of the lodges present that they should induce the brethren of the lodges to volunteer a small payment annually to the funds needed . This idea the P . G . Master said had his entire approval , and he urged its adoption .
The DEP . PROV . GRAND MASTER then submitted the revised by-laws of the province , and , after reading through the portion of the old by-laws , said that the copy as revised would shortly be printed and circulated amongst the members ot Prov . Grand Lodge , and after a short interval a lodge of emergency would be held for their confirmation .
The PROV . GRAND MASTER then announced his decision disposing of the collection to be made after the cathedral service in favour of the funds of the St . George ' s Mission , a deserving local charity , in aid of the employment and recreation of young girls .
The DEI * . Prov . GRAND MASTER expressed his regret that more lodges were not in existence in the province , and numerated several towns which were likely to support a lodge , he urged the matter upon the attention of enthusiastic brethren , and promised them his support . The Prov . Grand Lodge was then closed .
A large number of brethren attended Divine service in the cathedral , where Bro . the Rev . Waldo Cholmeley , P . P . G . C , vicar of South Walsham St . Mary , preached a sermon from the text , "The Lord is a God of knowledge , and by Him actions are weighed , " —I Samuel ii , 3 ; and strongly commended to their notice the St . George's Club and Home for Working Girls , a new institution that was doing a large amount of good , but was , unfortunately , heavily in debt . The offertory amounted to £ \ 2 ios . lid .
Provincial Grand Lodge Of West Yorkshire.
PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF WEST YORKSHIRE .
A meeting of the Provincial Grand Lodge was held in the Technical College , Horton-road , Bradford , on Wednesday , the 20 th ult ., under the banner of Eccleshill Lodge , No . 1034 . R . W . Bro . Thomas William Tew , J . P . i P . G . D . England , Provincial Grand Master , occupied the chair , and was supported by Bro . Henry Smith , Deputy Provincial Grand Master , and a large number of Provincial Grand Officers and brethren , as well as by the Masters , Past Masters , acting Wardens , and brethren of the lodges , of which only seven were unrepresented .
The visitors included Bros . Richard Cowper-Coles , 1095 ; S . G . Gilbert , P . M . 47 , Prov . G . Reg . Notts ; W . Young , 1406 ; Tom Young , 1794 ; W . H . Hayward , 569 ; John Stevens , 662 ; J . B . Burnard , 1662 ; and W . Smith , 1563 . The R . W . Bro . Thomas William Tew , J . P ., Provincial Grand Master , Bro . Henry Smith , Deputy Provincial Grand Master , and the Provincial Grand Officers , entered the Lecture Hall at 2 . 30 , and Provincial Grand
Provincial Grand Lodge Of West Yorkshire.
Lodge having been opened , the R . W . Provincial Grand Master and the W . Deputy Provincial Grand Master were saluted according to ancient custom . The R . W . PROVINCIAL GRAND MASTER ( Bro . T . W . Tew ) acknowledged the cordial salutation of the Provincial Grand Lodge , and at once proceeded to deliver the following address—Mr . Mayors , Rev . Sirs , Officers and Brethren—M y first duty this afternoon , as President of this influential assembly of members of the Craftis to offer to all of
, you on behalf of the lodge at Eccleshill , and the lodges at Bradford who have invited the Provincial Grand Lodge of West Yorkshire to hold its autumnal meeting within the walls of this Iechnical College , opened by our Royal Grand Master 25 th | une , 1 SS 2 , a cordial and fraternal welcome . Permit me to convey to the Mayor of Bradford , and to the Worshipful Masters of these lodges , the appreciation ot this Provincial Grand Lodge of the hospitality accorded to it , and the trouble taken for the comfort and convenience of the brethren from all parts of the kingdom , and the excellency of the arrangements for the transaction of the business of this large gathering of Freemasons . May I venture also to express a sentiment on behalf of this Provincial Grand Lndo-p in M , »
presence of the Mayor of Bradford , and of the Mayors of the other towns here present this afternoon , and of our hosts , the lodges in this locality , how sincerely every other lodge on the roll of the Grand Lodgeof England rcpresenled , reciprocates their brotherly kindness and their invitation to be here this afternoon ; and in response to this expression of fraternal feeling , the Prov . Grand Master , the Deputy Prov . Grand Master , and the rest of the Prov . Grand Officers , Past and Present , acknowledge the compliment ol the salutations so enthusiastically offered to our respective offices , which we have the
honour to occupy in this province ; and further , to assure you that we are actuated by a high sense of the responsibilities devolving upon us , and our fervent desire to fulfilto your satisfaction that brotherly trustfulntss you so continuously and generously repose in us . My next duty in connection with this address is to suggest for your consideration , an " Aphorism , " a trite precept , which has become an acknowledged , if not an hackneyed principle , expressing in the few words of a sentence an accepted fact . A Bishop , remarkable for his eloquence , said , not many days ago , " This is an age of congresses . " Men of religion , ot science , and of labour periodicall y assemble together for
the discussion of opinions ; I will add , and why not the Freemasons ? Our Provincial Grand Lodges are older than most of them . We hold points of fellowshi p with all of them , and the closer they are in communion with us , our sympathetic principles will be found to harmonize with theirs to spread the knowledge of the G . A . O . T . U ., and "peace over the earth and goodwill towards all men . " There has been at Birmingham a meeting of men of science and philosophy to acquire a knowledge of the unknowable . The meeting of Parliament has shown us how to deal with the governments of nations and individuals like cards upon the table , their faces
uppermost ; and other outside talkers on the subject "la haute politique" have shown us how voluntarily they have taken themselves so near the rose without succeeding in gathering it . It has been most agreeable to adjourn , therefore , from the Congress at St . Stephen ' s to the religious assembly at Wakefield . A congress of wordhoets not less critical in its criticisms of the questions before it than those preceding it , but in its sympathies and feelings towards all fellow creatures more in unison with the principles of the Craft—to be just to kindness , and kind to justness , and uprightness of life and actions . One illustration let me give with regard to an unavoidable calamity , and of
sympathy for suffering-. No sooner was it known that a deplorable accident had happened to a neighbouring colliery , than the catholicity of Masonic Charity was shown towards the working miners of Altofts by the Congress and members of the Craft joining hand in hand , and , as it were , foot to foot , to assist pecuniarily these sufferers in the hour of their afflictions . The Craft has Charity for its foundation-stone . The Church has Mercy fur its cope-stone ; and the two , abreast of each other , have shown by their convergence of principles , the one that every brother " should render himself more extensively serviceable to his fellow creatures ; " the other , how to walk through this life in
preparation of the life in the Grand Lodge above . There has been also a Festival of Music at Leeds . We have been spell-bound , as the poet-tones of music reverberated from Sullivan ' s " Golden Legend , " which touched and thrilled our souls . Beethoven cried to us of infinity . Schumnan , uttered the joys as of the Advent morning , whilst the mighty Bohemian poured out his ecstasy of "Saint Ludmila . " In these various congresses the Crait has devoted itself with unselfish perseverance to cultivate and disseminate knowledge—the knowledge of science—the knowledge of the G . A . O . T . U ., and the knowledge of one another . These congresses adorn the "Aohorism . " that
" this is an age of congresses . " Thus the Freemasons hold their Provincial Grand Lodges , which are surrounded with that antiquity which perpetuity has given them , and made them model congresses to all others of their class , where loyalty and good sense are brought together under discussion for the examination of ideas affecting the progress and the happiness of our fellow creatures . I hope in these directions that the Freemasonry of the West Riding may ever advance towards an appreciation of its benevolent principles . Its acquirement of organization is much sought after ; its aid is constantly required ; its desire of
cooperation is ever being affiliated by the promoters ot ameliorative societies . Its capacity ol usefulness is felt and acknowledged in every county of England , and its philosophy has now become a real force in modern politics . In the expansion of these aspirations , and to make this ancient Order beloved and popular in this county , is the ever thoughtful study of the officers of this Provincial Grand Lodge . My third duty is to present to your attention a few comments upon the Lodge of Eccleshill , whose banner waves over these proceedings . Bro . Frederick VV . Nicholson has written a sketch of the rise and progress of this lodge . Its warrant is dated the 23 rd September , 18 G 4 . The
first name on the warrant is that of Bro . Christopher Pratt , ihe first Worshipful Master , and a Past Prov . Grand Superintendent of Works . He laid the stone of this lod ge 19 th November , 1 S 64 . The building cost £ 454 . It was consecrated by Bro . Bent ley Shaw 10 th March , 18 G 5 , the late Deputy Prov . Grand Master of this province . The third name on the warrant is that of Bro . Thomas Hill , an honoured name in the West Riding , and who was also one of the lodge's conseciating officers . Another revered name , alas ! removed by death , is that ot Bro . W . Beanland ; he was installed W . M . 22 nd March , 1 S 67 . Yet another name , amongst many others , is that of the learned
Coroner of Bradlord , who was W . M . in 1 SG 9 , and who is a Past Prov . Grand Registrar of this Prov . Grand Lodge . It is noticeable that all the earl y founders of this ledge were Past Masters or officers of , and all emanated from , and continued to be , members of the Lodge of Hope . But the records of Eccleshill benevolence are , I think , worthy of reiteration as an example for all more recent lodges to follow . It has contributed since its formation to the three Masonic Charities , the De Grey and Ripon Scholarships , Bentley bhaw Presentation Fund , Sir Henry Edwards's Fund , and the Royal Albert Asylum , Lancaster , the sum of £ 1143 ; whilst fuither subscriptions of the brethren to private
charity ( in addition to that distributed by the Almoner of the lodge ) have been over £ 200 . I trust these figures may adequately illustrate the generosity of this lodge to alleviate unavoidable misfortune , and it has truly fulfilled that Masonic " Aphorism " of Charity " which , like its sister , Mercy , blesses him that gives as well as him that receives . " A fifth name , and third on this lodge warrant , who for 22 years has excercised a fostering care over its career , and who for 38 years has been a member of the Lodge of Hope , who was Master of it in 185 G and 18 S 3 ; Prov . Grand Deacon , 1 S 63 ; r * rov . Grand Warden in 1 S 70 ; and our Chairman of the Lharity Committee , 3 rd April , 1 S 72 , is
that of Bro . Thomas Hill . He retired from this Chairmanship alter live years , when , to mark our appreciation 01 his eminent services , he was pleased to accept an address of thanks from the Craft . He was also one of the founders of Pentalpha Lodge , as well as of Eccleshill . After nearly 20 years' service in the Corporalion of Bradford , he was elected Mayor of this town 9 th November , 18 S 5 . This Prov . Grand Lodge offers to the Mayor of Bradford , under whose influence this meeting of Prov . Grand Lodge has been brought abaut , its hearty congratulations , The Mayors of the other towns , brother Masons , likewise desire their felicitations to the Chief Magistrate of Bradford . He has
complimented this Prov . Grand Lodge by wearing his chain , the symbol of his olhce ; and the Mayors of other towns compliment the Mayor of Bradford by wearing their symbols of office . This Prov . Grand Lodge acknowledges the dignity conferred upon it by the presence of these dignitaries , the representaiives of the Queen . For one and all of these illustrious citizens this Prov . Grand Lodge prays that the G . A . O . T . U . may shower upon them his choicest blessings . Lastly , brethren , if I be not straining your
attention , let me recall a few incidents , which I think should be mentioned , since the assembling of Prov . Grand Lodge on 14 th April , at Sheffield . The chanty of the lodges for the current year towards the maintenance of the London Masonic Institutions has reached the sum of £ 2034 . Prov . Grand Lodge desires to express to the lodges its thankfulness for this munificent support of the three Institutions . It may , I trust , be no ful ome prognostication , with a revival of our national industries and a mote confident feeling in all departments of trade , in which I hope every class may participate during