Provincial Grand Lodge Of West Yorkshire.

the approaching winter , that the subscription lists may be considerably augmented . I should Ifke to see this augmentation in the direction of increasing votes for the Masonic Widows' Annuity Fund . There are 130 candidates who are eligible for the next election of the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution , and for whom , I believe , there is not a single vacancy , and we have four widows left over for 1 SS 7 . It takes , £ 13 , 7 60 to provide the present annuitants a sum to which the Craft in England is pledged this year , and your increasing sympathy towards these fresh applicants is required to secure to them ,

during the residue of their lives , as much brightness and happiness as possible . The manner of marking the Queen ' s Jubilee Year may also be associated with this increase of our charitable resources . By the deaths of the late Prov . Grand Master , Bros Beanland , Andrews , Sharp , F . Booth , and other charitable brethren , the Charity Committee loses some 300 votes , anditappealsto the lodges to recuperate this waste ot voting power in the province by new voters . The Charity Committee and the subcommittee deserve our praise at the election successes in April , May , June , and October . Thirteen

candidates elected assure us of their skilful manipulation of votes . This is evidenced in the election , under discretion delegated to the sub-Committee , of the boy Herbert Aldam Sugden , who was last on the poll with 1342 votes , but the first out of the successful applicants 12 th April this year . This almost forlorn chance has resulted in conferring upon this orphan boy at least six month ' s longer period for his education . The Girls ' School has lost Miss Eliza Warterman Jarwood , who was interred on 2 nd September last at the Battersea Cemetery . Miss A . C Buck has been appointed her successor .

Miss Davis has completed 25 years of honourable service as head mistress of the Girls ' School . It has been considered that the satisfactory position of the School as an educational establishment is mainly due to the personal ability and attainments of this lady , and a Committee has been formed to offer her some suitable acknowledgment of the Craft ' s estimation . of her noble work on behalf of the prosperity of the Royal Masonic Institution for Girls . It was determined that the sum of one guinea should not be exceeded . It is perhaps not too late for this Prov . Grand Lodge to record on its

proceedings its testimony ot approval of the influence she has maintained amongst the scholars placed for a quarter of a century under her vigilant care . On the 15 th July the Freemasons at Kotheiham , under the banner of the Phcenix Lodge , laid a corner stone for a n * . w ward to the Rotherham Hospital , thus completing a work which was begun with a similar ceremony in 1 S 2 S . Prov . Grand Lodge thanks the vicar of Rotherham for the courtesy with which he received the brethren , and placed his magnificent church at their disposal on tha occasion . You will many of you remember trie appeal made

to this Prov . Grand Lodge in October , 1 S 77 , ' help in a movement for the completion of the donor ' s intentions of Zacharias Jepson ' s Hospital at Ripon . The Ripon Millenary Festival on the 271 I 1 and 2 Sth August last had for its object the completion of the initiative work of the Craft nine years ago , resulting in a surplus of from two to three hundred pounds for this hospital . In the performance of the open air play of " Robin Hood and Ye Curtail Fryer , " in the grounds of Fountains Abbey , lent for the purpose bv the Past Grand Master of this province , the Craft took the deepest interest . The

historical sketch , ecclesiastical and civil , of ancient Ripon , was written by a reverend brother , a Past Grand Chaplain of this Provincial Grand Lodge , and a member of the Society of Antiquaries . We congratulate our learned brother on the compilation of an abstruse history of a thousand years ago . As this sketch is to be reprinted , the library of Prov . Grand Lodge at Wakefield hopes to contain _ pne copy of this history . Bro . Craven , of Prince George ' s Lodge , has compiled also an accuunt of the history of Freemasonry at Bottoms , near Todmorden . I trust the library may be enriched by this work

likewise . As your P . GM . 1 have given my sanction to the removal of the l ' nendly Lodge from ihe King ' s Head Hotel to more appropriate premises , a Masonic Hall , in Eastgate , Barnsley . We wish this lodge renewed prosperity in its new habitation . It Is a p easure to mention the assiduity of Bro . Lowrey on behalf of that valuable Auxiliary Charity , the L ? eds Masonic Educational and Benevolent Institution . Since 1876 the receipts on capital account have been 1 C 134 S , and on account of annual revenue £ 707 ; 39 children have been educated , the object of the Institution being the formation of a lund

amongst the Leeds lodges for the maintenance and advancement in life of the orphans of deceased brethren , and of the children of brethren who have become incapacitated by sickness or accident from providing for their families , and who may not be quite eligible candidates for the Masonic Charities . We wish the Leeds lodges every success with this Fund . On the 14 th June the Lodge of " Faith" presented Bro . George Marshall with a jewel and a case for his Masonic clothing , and on the 29 th September " Scientific" Lodge , at Bingley , gave Bro . John Craven

Taylor an illuminated address recording his first Mastership of that lodue , 50 years ago . Both of these were compliments on the part of these lodges , to mark the high esteem entertained towards these workers in the Craft . I am glad to mention such recognition of Masonic worth . A word or two of notice is due to the Mayor of Dewsbury for recovering the portrait of Dr . Fearntey , who was the first Mayor of Dewsbury . I venture to believe you will all concur in this suggestion , that his Worship , Bro . Fox , offer this picture of the likeness of one of our late

Deputies to the Corporation of Dewsbury to adorn their Town Hall Borough Court when finished , the foundation-stone of which was laid on 12 th October . I was present at the Dennison Lodge , Scarborough , on the 8 th September , when the Hon . William Francis Dennison was received into Masonry . North and East Yorkshire must feel highly complimented on his accession to Cralt Masonry in that province . There is one sad reflection must tinge with regret our meeting to-day—the death of Worshipful Bro , John Pearson Bell , M . D ., J . P ., Past Senior Grand Deacon of England , Grand Supt .

and Deputy Prov . Grand Master of Noith and East Yorkshire , on 26 th September , at Hull , and in his 78 th year . The Craft has lost an accomplished and learned Freemason . He ever showed the greatest friendship to West Yorkshire , and this Provincial Grand Lodge cannot but mention with gratitude the support and assistance he has accorded to this province , extending over a period of 43 years . In thanking you for listening to this congressional address , let me now ask your consideration to the business on the agenda paper , and to the remarks of one of the most recent initiates into our

Order by a reverend brother whose erudition is well qualified to treat on the subject of " Symbolisms . " A symbol you know is a type , that which comprehends in itself a representation of something else . Many are the symbols of Freemasonry , and most beautiful , effective , and comprehensive are they . In the Eccleshill Lodge there are 4 S of them , such as the Cross , Eagle , Serpent , Zodiac , Circle , Sun , Moon , Seven Stars , & c , all symbols of eternal truths . We must ever remember that the entire system of the Antient Law , and the dispensation under which the Israelites lived , was a system

pervaded by a symbolism the most wonderful that can be conceived , as in its forms of expression it was significant of Him who did come . We Freemasons preserve and study these lessons conveyed by symbolism , and keep the old types in remembrance as the key to a a rrect comprehension of the fulfilments of sacred prophecy of that which is to come . I have now endeavoured to accomplish my duty as President of this Masonic congress to touch upon every point of interest connected with this province , and to give to the merits of every brother full weight and justice in his position in the lodges . I

have endeavoured to elucidate the "Aphorism , " the importance of Masonic congresses in this age of congresses , and to remind you that the system of Freemasonry " though veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols , " is the common ground of harmony between religion and the world . As such I believe our Order , under our Royal Grand Master , is taking its stand in the world as the most compact , most powerful , useful , benevolent , and charitable organization that was ever existent . I believe every lodge in this province is actuated with the highest purpose to maintain the character and dignity of this Provincial Grand Lodee .

"And quenching strife whene ' er it come , That all , of high estate or lowly , May live as brethren true and holy . Made one within their Father ' s home . " The usual honours having been paid to sundry dignitaries , the roll of

lodges and Provincial Grand Officers , present and past , having been called , and letters of regret at unavoidable absence having been read , the minutes of the annual meeting , held in the Cutlers' Hall , Sheffield , on Wednesday , April i 4 'h , 1886 , were taken as read and confirmed . The R . W . P . G . M . having intimated that he was prepared to receive suggestions as to the best method of celebrating the Queen ' s Jubilee by this province in 1887 ,

It was moved by Bro . J . R . DORE , P . M . 750 , seconded by Bro . C . L . MASON , P . M . 304 , P . P . G . Treas ., and resolved , " That it be left in the hands of the Charity Committee to prepare a scheme , to be laid before Provincial Grand Lodge . " Bro . the Rev . A . C . E . BLOMI ' IELU , M . A ., 910 , read a paper on " Symbolism , " and a vote of thanks was accorded to him .

Provincial Grand Lodge Of West Yorkshire.

It was moved by Bro . W . F . SMITHSON , P . P . G . D ., seconded by Bro . J BINNEY , Prov . G . R ., and resolved , " That the sum of five guineas be contributed to the Miss S . L . Davis Testimonial Fund . " There being no application for the reception of Provincial Grand Lodge in April , 1887 , the R . W . P . G . M . said he would shortly fix the time and

place for that—the annual meeting . Provincial Grand Lodge was then closed . A banquet at the Alexandra Hotel followed , at which the R . W . P . G . M presided , some 130 brethren being present .

Provincial Grand Chapter Of Wiltshire.

PROVINCIAL GRAND CHAPTER OF WILTSHIRE .

Ihe annual meeting of the Provincial Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Wiltshire was held at the Masonic Hall , Swindon , on Friday , the 29 th ult ., the receiving chapter being the Wiltshire Chapter , No . 355 , of that town . The Grand Superintendent , Lord H . F . Thynne , occupied the first chair ,

and was supported bv Comps . VV . Nott , P . G . H . ; T . S . Futcher , as P . G . J . ; Henry C . Tombes , P . G . S . E . ; George Pike , P . G . P . Soj . ; A . J . Beaven , P . G . istA . S . ; T . Ringer , P . G . 2 nd A . S . ; John Chandler , P . P . G . H ., P . G . D . C . ; and other companions of the province , as well as by Comp . H . Wilson , P . G . S . E . Worcestershire .

Ihe usual routine of opening the Prov . Grand Chapter , calling the roll , and confirming the minutes , having been finished , the report of the Charity Committee , agreed to at a meeting that morning was read . From this it appeared that Comp . T . S . Futcher , of the Elias de Derham Chapter , No . 5 86 , Salisbury , having offered his services as Steward for the Royal Arch Province of Wiltshire at the Boys' School Festival next year , the Committee

recommended that such offer be accepted , and that a grant of £ 21 be placed on his list . After some observations by Comps . F . H . GOLDNEY and Rev . J . A . LLOYD , as to the desirability of keeping a reserve in hand in view of any extraordinary calls being made on the province next year with reference to her Majesty ' s jubilee , the chapter , on the motion of Comp . NOTT , seconded by Comp . EYRES , unanimously adopted the recommendations of the Committee .

Comp . H . C . TOMBS , P . G . S . E ., on behalf of the Auditors , read their report on the Treasurer ' s accounts , which had been duly audited , and found correct . Comp . H . BEVIR , P . G . Reg ., read his report , recapitulating , as usual , the position as regards numbers and otherwise of the Prov . Grand Chapter and its five subordinate chapters , the number of members in the province was stated as 114 . The report was considered satisfactory , and was approved .

Comp . W . NOTT proposed an addition to the Prov . G . Chapter by-laws of certain fees to be payabie to the Prov . Grand Chapter on registering new chapters or by-laws . This was seconded by Comp . H . C . TOMBS , and carried unanimously , as was also a proposition made by . Comp . T . S . FUTCHER , seconded by Comp . F . H . GOLDNEY , that a Committee , consisting of the P . G . H ., P . G . J ., P . G . S . E ., and P . G . Treas ., be appointed to consider the question of generally revising the Prov . Grand Chapter by-laws , and to report thereon to the next meeting .

Lord H . F . THYNNE , M . E . G . Supt ., addressing the meeting , congratulated the Swindon companions on the appearance of the hall in which they then were , and which had been newly decorated . He alluded in feeling terms to the death of Comp . E . Turner Payne , Prov . G . Treasurer of the neighbouring Province of Wiltshire , whom they had so often welcomed in Wiltshire . In referring to the Registrar ' s report , which was very gratifying ,

he said that he hoped ere long to hear of steps being taken to commence a new chapter at Trowbridge . He thanked Comp . Maclean , on behalf of the province , for his two succeeding Stewardships last year , and congratulated the companions on the fresh Stewardship of Comp . Futcher , who , he trusted , would obtain good support , so that the position of the province at the elections might be further improved , to the delight of the energetic Charity

Secretary , Comp . W . Nott . The PROV . G . SUPT . then declared all offices vacant , and proposed the re-election of Comp . Nott as Treasurer for the ensuing year . ' 1 his being seconded by Comp . CHANDLER , was carried unanimously . The P . G . Supt . then appointed and invested the officers for the ensuing year as follows : — Comp . Thos . H . Futcher , 586 ... ... ... Prov . G . H .

„ Alfred Plummer , 355 ... ... ... Prov . G . J . ,, Henry C . Tombs , 355 ( re-appointed ) ... Prov . G . S . E . „ Edwin Eyres , 355 ... ... ... Prov . G . S . N . „ William Nott , 632 ... ... ... Prov . G . Treas . „ Rev . J . A . Lloyd , 1533 ... ... ... Prov . G . Reg .

„ John N . loone , 1478 ... ... ... Prov . G . P . S . „ Rev . A . Law , 355 ... ... ... Prov . G . 1 st A . S . „ Alfred Parry , 632 ... ... ... Prov . G . 2 nd A . S . „ John Chandler , 355 ( re-appointed ) ... Prov . G . D . C . „ VV . S . Bambridge , 1533 ... ... Prov . G . Org . „ J . Savory , 355 ( re-elected ) ... ... Prov . G . Janitor .

The alms bag was then sent round , the contents being devoted to the Swindon Cottage Hospital . The Provincial Grand Chapter was then closed , and the companions adjourned to the annual banquet at the Goddard Arms Hotel .

Provincial Grand Mark Lodge Of Lancashire.

PROVINCIAL GRAND MARK LODGE OF LANCASHIRE .

The annual meeting took place on Saturday , the 30 th ult ., at the Prince of Wales Theatre , Blackpool , under the auspices of the Fylde Lodge , 296 . The R . W . P . G . M . M ., Bro . the Right Hon . the Earl of Lathom , presided , his lordship being supported by Bros . G . P . Brockbank , Past G . S . W . ; J . D . Murray , Past G . S . B . ; T . Hargreaves , Past G . D . ; W . J . Thomson , Prov . G . S . O . ; G . Galloway , Prov . G . S . W . ; II . Garner , Prov . G . J . W . ; J . C . Atkins , Prov . G . J . W . ; Geo . Morgan , P . P . G . I . G . ; J .

Pemberton , P . P . G . Supenntendent of Works Cheshire ; Hugh Williams , P . P . G . S . D . North Wales and Cheshire ; VV . Nicholl , Past G . D . ; R . Rnshton , P . P . G . Treas . ; W . VV . Cottam , P . P . G . D . C . ; A . Middleton , Past G . Std . Br . ; J . B . Fisher , W . M . 296 ; H . M . Ormsby , I . P . M . 29 G ; J . A . Orr , M . O . 29 G ; ( ohn Winn , S . O . 29 G ; J . Turnbull , J . O . 29 6 ; J . Hesketh , W . M . 298 ; D . Jones , Treas . 359 ; Robt . Foote , J . W . 359 ; Wm . Goodacre , W . M . 359 ; John Molloy , G 5 j J . C . Robinson , l . G . G 5 ; and others .

A Mark Mason's Lodge having been opened by Bro . J . B . Fisher , W . M . 296 , the R . W . P . G . M . entered , attended by his officers . The Provincial Grand Lodge was then opened in due form .