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Article PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF WEST YORKSHIRE. ← Page 2 of 3 Article PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF WEST YORKSHIRE. Page 2 of 3 →
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Provincial Grand Lodge Of West Yorkshire.
Watson ( Librarian *) and John Gerraid , P . G . Superintendents of Works ; W . D . Qu- < rmby . W . D . Hollis , ' L . Eisrnann , Thos . Norfolk , Thos . Uttley , W . J . Beck , A . Stephenson , A . Roberts , f . W . Monckman , John Dixon , and S . J . Steele , P . G . Directors of Ceremonies ; Caleb England , E . Fairburn , W . W . Mncvav , Colonel Wemyss , and J . E . Darling , P . G . Sword Bearers ; Wm . Haigh , John Constable , T . M . " Holmes , W . Laycock , Robt . Riley , Robt .
Thompson , and R . Fisher , P . G . Standard Bearers ; W . Cockerlyne , J . W . Holmes , Wm . Ash , Geo . Carbert , and Samuel facob , P . G Organists ; Jos . Matthewman , P . G Assistant Secretary ; Edwd . Billin ' gton , G , H . Holroyd , John Marshall , Geo . Althorp , James Wrieht , J . P ., John Shoesmith , Henry Morton , Chas . Shaw , and B . F . Glover , P . G . Pursuivants ; T . Proctor , E . J . Massie , John Dawson , Thos . Brayshaw , W . E . Smithies , and Howgate Holroyd , P . G . Stewards ; Thos ,
Leighton , P . G . Tyler ; and Thos . Chester , P . A . G . Tyler . Amongst the visitors were Bros , the Right . Hon . the Earl of Lathom . G . C . B ., Pro G . M . and Prov . G . M . West Lanes . ; Col . Le Gendre N . Starkie , P . G . W ., P . G . M . East Lanes . ; Thos . F . Halsey , M . P ., P . G . M . Herts . ; Rev . C . W . Spencer Stanhope , P . G . Chap . ; Samuel Cochrane , G . Treas . ; George Everett , P . G . Treas . ; Capt . *| . D . Murray , P . G . Treas . ; E . Letchworth , G . Sec ; Robt . Grey , Pres . Bd . of Ben . ; R . V .
Vassar Smith , G . D . ; Chas . E . Keyser , J . E . Le Feuvre , D . P . G . M . Hants , A . F . Godson , O . C , M . P ., D . P . G . M . Worcestershire , R . Loveland Loveland , and Frank Richardson , P . G . Deacons ; W . H . Sissons . ( . P ., D . P . G . M . Lincolnshire ; John Chadwick , P . G . Sec . East Lanes ., Wm . Goodacre , Robert Hudson , T . B . Whytehead , fames Terry , Sec . R . M . B . I ., F . R . W . Hedges , Sec . R . M . I . G ., P . G . S . Bs . ; A . C . Spaull , Robt . Willoughby , M . C . Peck , P . G . See . North and
East Yorks , J . H . Sillitoe , C . F . Matier , Geo . J . McKay , D . P . G . M . Cumberland and Westmorland , P . G . Std . Brs . ; Wm . Masters , P . G . Stwd . ; and Henry Sadler , G . Tyler ; J . M . McLeod , Sec . R . M . I . B . ; Geo . E . Fairchild , P . M . 1319 ; Thos . Robb , 160 ; J . H . Marsh , W . M . 1730 ; Geo . Leigh , 2134 ; W . H . Garside , 2355 ; W . E . Tindall , 1248 ; Harold Bowser , 460 ; C . Turner , 1715 ; T . D . and C . L .
Ruddock , 357 ; G . W . Alcock , 2078 ; John Leigh , 2 S 7 ; W . H . Porntt , 1040 ; G . W . Hudson , 566 ; John Richardson , 406 ; Frank Wright , W . M . 2128 ; Henry Foster , 236 ; j . Chadderton , 2216 ; J . E . Pattison , 97 ; Joseph Todd , 236 ; W . H . Cowper , 602 ; Benj . Vickers , 297 , P . G . Sec . Lincolnshire ; T . E . Rigby , P . M . 2 S 7 ; Geo . Wild , 344 ; XV . S . Passmore , P . M . 444 , and many others .
After the usual salutes to the Pro Grand Master and officers of Grand Lodge , to the Prov . Grand Masters and Deputies of other provinces , and to the Deputy and officers of the Province of West Yorkshire , Bro . HENRY SMITH rose and said : Brethren , —Aftei the remarks which I made to you at the annual meeting of Provincial Grand Lodge in the Town Hall , Wakefield , on the loth of April last , I can readily imagine that
some of you may be surprised to see me again presiding at our half-yearl y assembly . I said then , and I repeat now , that I am anxious to retire from the office which I have held . for over eight years , and it is only in consequence of the urgent wish of our Provincial Grand Master designate , as I believe he will explain , that I still retain the post of Deputy of this important province . So long , however , as I do hold that office , so long will it be my
aim , honourably and diligently , to discharge the duties which attach to it . And the first of those duties devolving upon me , is to offer to you my warmest congratulations in that you have secured , on this most solemn and important occasion , the presence of the Most Worshipful the Pro Grand Master of England , the Rig ht Hon . the Earl of Lathom , G . C . B ., as well as other distinguished Present and Past Grand Officers of Grand Lodge ,
besides many valued friends from various provinces who have come to do honour lo one who has not been thought unworthy by our Most Worshi pful Grand Master , H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , to succeed to the honours and undertake the duties so eminently appreciated and so fully and faithfully carried out by our retiring Provincial Grand Master , Bro . Thomas William Tew . Lord Lathom , you will rcmemb--r , was prevented by illness from
fulfilling his engagement with us at Halifax on the 17 th of June last , when the foundation-stone of the new infirmary was laid . You will , I am sure , rejoice to see that his health is restored , and I think that we ought also to congratulate him on being able to provide so efficient and courteous a substitute in the person of the Deputy Grand Master , the Right Hon . the Earl of Mount Edgcumbe , who proved himself a most excellent master builder ,
and won golden opinions from the large body of brethren who assembled on that memorable occasion . It will not be forgotten that Lord Lathom was present in this hall on the 24 th of April , 1885 , for the purpose of installing Bro . Thomas William Tew , and we owe to him and the officers of Grand Lodge who accompany him , our hearty thanks for their attendance and valued services again here to-day ,
Your presence also , brethren of West Yorkshire , in such large numbers is proof to me that your interest in Freemasonry is unabated , and that you are especially desirous to offer to Bro . Jackson your heartiest welcome and most loyal allegiance . Bro . Tew , as has been frequently pointed out , always strove to lift Freemasonry to a higher level ; he set up in his own Masonic life a standard by which to measure ourselves , and 1 am thoroughly
convinced that Bro . Jackson will steadily maintain that high Masonic standard , and in all respects follow in the footsteps of the worthy brother it is his privilege to succeed . And how can we mark our respect and esteem for our retiring Provincial Grand Master' ! By carrying out the precepts which he has invariably taught us ; by practising the virtues of loyalty to Grand Lodge , and obedience to the Book of Constitutions , which he not
only preached , but which he also in his own conduct illustrated ; by showing mutual forbearance and brotherly consideration amongst ourselves ; by exercising that Charity which thinketh no evil , and by proving to our new Provincial Grand Master that we are faithful and true , and that we will maintain and support him in his , as yet untried position , with all the energy and devotion wc possess . Bro . Jackson is a distinguished gentleman , a
man of exceptional business capacity , a highly esteemed member of the Craft ; in fact , one in whose hands we may safely and confidently place the interesls , the well-being , and the regulation of all mailers connected with Freemasonry in West Yorkshire . But , brethren , whilst honouring our new chief , let us not forget him wbo for nearly 20 years , has " borne the burden and heat of the day , " and who , as he states in his letter , which will shortly
be read to you , is ready and anxious to continue his help in every possible way to promote the interests of Fieemasonry . Join then with me in thc hope and prayer that Bro . Tew may be spared to witness and to appreciate the skilful and judicious rule of Bro . William I . awies Jackson . Owing to the many demands upon our time to-day , I shall deviate from my usual custom and omit any reference to official details in relation to the organisation of the Craft in this province . Accept my thanks for your very cordial
reception and salutation . An address of welcome to the Pro Grand Master was then read by Bro . W . J . WAUGH , Prov . G . Reg ., and afterwards duly presented . Lord LATHOM made thc following reply : I thank you heartily for the most kind address of welcome with which you have greeted me . The events of eight-and-a-half years ago have not passed from my memory
Provincial Grand Lodge Of West Yorkshire.
and I can assure you that it was a great disappointment to me when in the summer of this year I was unable to again come into this province . I am glad , however , that the services of Lord Mount Edgcumbe met with your approval . He gave me a most glowing * account of the reception you had accorded to him , and of the way in which everything was carried out on that occasion . My coming here to-day is to me an occasion of both
ioyfulness and sorrow . It is an occasion of joyfulness because I am to have the honour of placing in the Provincial Grand Master ' s chair in this great province a man thoroughly worthy to occupy that chair , one who I am sure will do great credit to it . On the other hand a feeling of sorrow comes oyer me to think he is replacing so good and worthy a Mason as Bro . Tew . I feel that I shall be echoed , not only by all the Masons of West Yorkshire , but b y Masons throughout England when I say , no better Mason than Bro ,
Tew exists in this land . You know better than I do how much he has done for Masonry , especially for this province , and how hard he has worked for the Charities in London . You all owe him a debt of gratitude for all that he has done for you . I thoroughly re-echo the words of the Deputy Provincial Grand Master in hoping that Bro . Tew may be preserved for many years amongst us , and , though he is unable to take an active part , I am sure his heart will be thoroughly with his brethren when they meet and in their work .
The usual routine business of the province succeeded , and Bro . H . G . E . GREEN , the Prov . G . Sec , announced receipt of apologies and regrets for absence from Bros , the Marquess of Zetland , P . G . M . N . and E . Yorks . ; Eari Amherst , P . G . M . Kent ; Major W . H . Smyth , D . L ., P . G . M . Lincolnshire ; Lord Euston , P . G . M . Norths and Hunts ; W . W . B . Beach , M . P ., P . G . M . Hants ; Sir Matthew White Ridley , M . P ., P . G . M .
Northumberland ; Sir J . R . Bailey , Bart ., M . P . * , P . G . M . Herefordshire ; Sir H . Williamson , Bart . ; Col . the Hon . W . T . Orde-Powlett ; Sir W . T . Marriott , Q . C , M . P . ; the Very Rev . the Dean of York ; Sir John B . Monckton ; Sir Albert VV . Woods ; Sir G . D . Harris ; Thomas Fenn ; the Earl of Yarborough ; Earl Percy ; Sir F . Milner , M . P . ; and a large number of Past Prov . Grand Officers and invited guests * , after which Bro . Tom Garnett , P . M . 401 , was appointed and invested Prov . J . G . W ., in the room of
the late distinguished Bro . J . W . Davis ( Mayor of Halifax ) , to whose abilities and virtues , in a few touching words , Bro . HENRY SMITH paid a fitting tribute . Bro . JOSEPH MATTHEWMAN , Prov . A . G . Sec , was then called upon to read the valedictory address of the retiring P . G . M ., Bro . Tew . This was listened to with profound attention , and evoked many expressions of sympathy from the assembled brethren . The address was as follows :
Gentlemen and Brethren , The M . W , the Grand Master of England , H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , has been graciously pleased to release me from the onerous duties of the chair of this province . My health , which broke down in the summer of 1891 , has entirely incapacitated me from visiting the numerous lodges and otherwise discharging my Masonic duties , and I have , therefore , been most reluctanly compelled to resign a
post , the occupation of which has ever been to me both a pride and a pleasure . From 1875 to 1885 , as many of vou will doubtless remember , I acted as Deputy to our late lamented friend and gallant chief , Sir Henry Edwards , and from the latter date to the present time I have had the privilege of presiding over a province whicb has been distinguished by its Charity , its loyalty , and its patriotism ; and I look back upon the past eight years as the happiest era in my Masonic life .
During the period in which I have passed in and out amongst you , many important events have occurred in the Masonic world . Of these , the installation of our Most Worshi pful Grand Master , the Jubilee Masonic Celebration , the reformation and re-organisation of the Royal Masonic Institution for Boys , tbe suitable observance of the Centenary of the Girls' School , and the Revision of the Book of Constitutions may be counted as some of the most important . In all
these West Yorkshire has borne its part , and I have always considered that representing my province in Grand Lodge was by no means the least important portion of the duties which attached to the office I held . This I have steadily and consistentl y done , and , supported as I have been by my Deputy and by the Advice and Charity Committees of the province , I venture to hope that West Yorkshire has attained an influence in that assembly which it has never previously possessed , and which , I trust , it may not be allowed to lose .
Throughout my Masonic career , commencing in Scarsdale Lodge , No . 681 , in the Province of Derb y . in the year 1856 , and , officially speaking , terminating in the City of Leeds to-day , I have seen that Freemasonry , as an institution for good , in order to do its work thoroughly , must adapt itself to the progress of the times , and must endeavour to meet the requirements of the vast social , religious , and political changes which mark the latter days of this expiring tgth century .
Without sacrificing one iota of its immortal principles , in the strength of the grand and noble truths which are its everlasting heritagen , Freemasonry , deaf to the cries of party , regardless of sectarian differences , can pursue its beneficent work of elevating , purifying , restraining , and enlightening humanity , and , above all , teaching that great doctrine of Christian Charity which , in the crowd of conflicting interests , seems sometimes in danger of being thrust aside .
After the pattern of the " Holy Men ol old , " exampled for our guidance in their lives as set forth in the Volume of the Sacred Law , let us continue to cultivate that purity of spirit , that unselfishness of mind , and that consideration for others which has distinguished so many of our brethren in West Yorkshire , and which , through their moral and social discipline , may be considered essential qualifications for the attainment of human happiness .
We have drawbacks , hindrances outside our mystic circle , intellectual perhaps , incomprehensible may be , and inseparable from our surroundings ; but let us not in fear of possible difficulties , fail to maintain those bonds of amity and brotherhood , those pleasant social relationships which characterise our Fraternity and sweeten the intercourse of our daily life .
And , as you have effectively striven under my jurisdiction in past years , to help me to illustrate the principles of Freemasonry , so , I know , you will endeavour in the future , under the presidency of your new Provincial Grand Master ( whom may the G . A . O . T . U . long preserve ) , to maintain our ancient landmarks , and abide by the laws and customs of our noble Order .
It is not without emotion , brethren , that I resign the sceptre , and terminate my connection with the chair of this province . The office is endeared to me by the pleasant memories of many happy hours . By its means I have contracted many agreeable friendships , and formed
numberless delightful acquaintances , and in passing on the gavel to my successor , I have the consolation of recollecting that , though I cease to fulfil the duties of the position , I shall still have the happiness of living in your midst , and I shall ever esteem it a privilege to be of service to you in advocating your interests , advancing your influence , and promoting in every possible way your lasting welfare and
prosperity . Whilst bidding you all an affectionate adieu , I am , your obliged and ever faithful servant and brother , THOMAS WILLIAM TE" ' .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Provincial Grand Lodge Of West Yorkshire.
Watson ( Librarian *) and John Gerraid , P . G . Superintendents of Works ; W . D . Qu- < rmby . W . D . Hollis , ' L . Eisrnann , Thos . Norfolk , Thos . Uttley , W . J . Beck , A . Stephenson , A . Roberts , f . W . Monckman , John Dixon , and S . J . Steele , P . G . Directors of Ceremonies ; Caleb England , E . Fairburn , W . W . Mncvav , Colonel Wemyss , and J . E . Darling , P . G . Sword Bearers ; Wm . Haigh , John Constable , T . M . " Holmes , W . Laycock , Robt . Riley , Robt .
Thompson , and R . Fisher , P . G . Standard Bearers ; W . Cockerlyne , J . W . Holmes , Wm . Ash , Geo . Carbert , and Samuel facob , P . G Organists ; Jos . Matthewman , P . G Assistant Secretary ; Edwd . Billin ' gton , G , H . Holroyd , John Marshall , Geo . Althorp , James Wrieht , J . P ., John Shoesmith , Henry Morton , Chas . Shaw , and B . F . Glover , P . G . Pursuivants ; T . Proctor , E . J . Massie , John Dawson , Thos . Brayshaw , W . E . Smithies , and Howgate Holroyd , P . G . Stewards ; Thos ,
Leighton , P . G . Tyler ; and Thos . Chester , P . A . G . Tyler . Amongst the visitors were Bros , the Right . Hon . the Earl of Lathom . G . C . B ., Pro G . M . and Prov . G . M . West Lanes . ; Col . Le Gendre N . Starkie , P . G . W ., P . G . M . East Lanes . ; Thos . F . Halsey , M . P ., P . G . M . Herts . ; Rev . C . W . Spencer Stanhope , P . G . Chap . ; Samuel Cochrane , G . Treas . ; George Everett , P . G . Treas . ; Capt . *| . D . Murray , P . G . Treas . ; E . Letchworth , G . Sec ; Robt . Grey , Pres . Bd . of Ben . ; R . V .
Vassar Smith , G . D . ; Chas . E . Keyser , J . E . Le Feuvre , D . P . G . M . Hants , A . F . Godson , O . C , M . P ., D . P . G . M . Worcestershire , R . Loveland Loveland , and Frank Richardson , P . G . Deacons ; W . H . Sissons . ( . P ., D . P . G . M . Lincolnshire ; John Chadwick , P . G . Sec . East Lanes ., Wm . Goodacre , Robert Hudson , T . B . Whytehead , fames Terry , Sec . R . M . B . I ., F . R . W . Hedges , Sec . R . M . I . G ., P . G . S . Bs . ; A . C . Spaull , Robt . Willoughby , M . C . Peck , P . G . See . North and
East Yorks , J . H . Sillitoe , C . F . Matier , Geo . J . McKay , D . P . G . M . Cumberland and Westmorland , P . G . Std . Brs . ; Wm . Masters , P . G . Stwd . ; and Henry Sadler , G . Tyler ; J . M . McLeod , Sec . R . M . I . B . ; Geo . E . Fairchild , P . M . 1319 ; Thos . Robb , 160 ; J . H . Marsh , W . M . 1730 ; Geo . Leigh , 2134 ; W . H . Garside , 2355 ; W . E . Tindall , 1248 ; Harold Bowser , 460 ; C . Turner , 1715 ; T . D . and C . L .
Ruddock , 357 ; G . W . Alcock , 2078 ; John Leigh , 2 S 7 ; W . H . Porntt , 1040 ; G . W . Hudson , 566 ; John Richardson , 406 ; Frank Wright , W . M . 2128 ; Henry Foster , 236 ; j . Chadderton , 2216 ; J . E . Pattison , 97 ; Joseph Todd , 236 ; W . H . Cowper , 602 ; Benj . Vickers , 297 , P . G . Sec . Lincolnshire ; T . E . Rigby , P . M . 2 S 7 ; Geo . Wild , 344 ; XV . S . Passmore , P . M . 444 , and many others .
After the usual salutes to the Pro Grand Master and officers of Grand Lodge , to the Prov . Grand Masters and Deputies of other provinces , and to the Deputy and officers of the Province of West Yorkshire , Bro . HENRY SMITH rose and said : Brethren , —Aftei the remarks which I made to you at the annual meeting of Provincial Grand Lodge in the Town Hall , Wakefield , on the loth of April last , I can readily imagine that
some of you may be surprised to see me again presiding at our half-yearl y assembly . I said then , and I repeat now , that I am anxious to retire from the office which I have held . for over eight years , and it is only in consequence of the urgent wish of our Provincial Grand Master designate , as I believe he will explain , that I still retain the post of Deputy of this important province . So long , however , as I do hold that office , so long will it be my
aim , honourably and diligently , to discharge the duties which attach to it . And the first of those duties devolving upon me , is to offer to you my warmest congratulations in that you have secured , on this most solemn and important occasion , the presence of the Most Worshipful the Pro Grand Master of England , the Rig ht Hon . the Earl of Lathom , G . C . B ., as well as other distinguished Present and Past Grand Officers of Grand Lodge ,
besides many valued friends from various provinces who have come to do honour lo one who has not been thought unworthy by our Most Worshi pful Grand Master , H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , to succeed to the honours and undertake the duties so eminently appreciated and so fully and faithfully carried out by our retiring Provincial Grand Master , Bro . Thomas William Tew . Lord Lathom , you will rcmemb--r , was prevented by illness from
fulfilling his engagement with us at Halifax on the 17 th of June last , when the foundation-stone of the new infirmary was laid . You will , I am sure , rejoice to see that his health is restored , and I think that we ought also to congratulate him on being able to provide so efficient and courteous a substitute in the person of the Deputy Grand Master , the Right Hon . the Earl of Mount Edgcumbe , who proved himself a most excellent master builder ,
and won golden opinions from the large body of brethren who assembled on that memorable occasion . It will not be forgotten that Lord Lathom was present in this hall on the 24 th of April , 1885 , for the purpose of installing Bro . Thomas William Tew , and we owe to him and the officers of Grand Lodge who accompany him , our hearty thanks for their attendance and valued services again here to-day ,
Your presence also , brethren of West Yorkshire , in such large numbers is proof to me that your interest in Freemasonry is unabated , and that you are especially desirous to offer to Bro . Jackson your heartiest welcome and most loyal allegiance . Bro . Tew , as has been frequently pointed out , always strove to lift Freemasonry to a higher level ; he set up in his own Masonic life a standard by which to measure ourselves , and 1 am thoroughly
convinced that Bro . Jackson will steadily maintain that high Masonic standard , and in all respects follow in the footsteps of the worthy brother it is his privilege to succeed . And how can we mark our respect and esteem for our retiring Provincial Grand Master' ! By carrying out the precepts which he has invariably taught us ; by practising the virtues of loyalty to Grand Lodge , and obedience to the Book of Constitutions , which he not
only preached , but which he also in his own conduct illustrated ; by showing mutual forbearance and brotherly consideration amongst ourselves ; by exercising that Charity which thinketh no evil , and by proving to our new Provincial Grand Master that we are faithful and true , and that we will maintain and support him in his , as yet untried position , with all the energy and devotion wc possess . Bro . Jackson is a distinguished gentleman , a
man of exceptional business capacity , a highly esteemed member of the Craft ; in fact , one in whose hands we may safely and confidently place the interesls , the well-being , and the regulation of all mailers connected with Freemasonry in West Yorkshire . But , brethren , whilst honouring our new chief , let us not forget him wbo for nearly 20 years , has " borne the burden and heat of the day , " and who , as he states in his letter , which will shortly
be read to you , is ready and anxious to continue his help in every possible way to promote the interests of Fieemasonry . Join then with me in thc hope and prayer that Bro . Tew may be spared to witness and to appreciate the skilful and judicious rule of Bro . William I . awies Jackson . Owing to the many demands upon our time to-day , I shall deviate from my usual custom and omit any reference to official details in relation to the organisation of the Craft in this province . Accept my thanks for your very cordial
reception and salutation . An address of welcome to the Pro Grand Master was then read by Bro . W . J . WAUGH , Prov . G . Reg ., and afterwards duly presented . Lord LATHOM made thc following reply : I thank you heartily for the most kind address of welcome with which you have greeted me . The events of eight-and-a-half years ago have not passed from my memory
Provincial Grand Lodge Of West Yorkshire.
and I can assure you that it was a great disappointment to me when in the summer of this year I was unable to again come into this province . I am glad , however , that the services of Lord Mount Edgcumbe met with your approval . He gave me a most glowing * account of the reception you had accorded to him , and of the way in which everything was carried out on that occasion . My coming here to-day is to me an occasion of both
ioyfulness and sorrow . It is an occasion of joyfulness because I am to have the honour of placing in the Provincial Grand Master ' s chair in this great province a man thoroughly worthy to occupy that chair , one who I am sure will do great credit to it . On the other hand a feeling of sorrow comes oyer me to think he is replacing so good and worthy a Mason as Bro . Tew . I feel that I shall be echoed , not only by all the Masons of West Yorkshire , but b y Masons throughout England when I say , no better Mason than Bro ,
Tew exists in this land . You know better than I do how much he has done for Masonry , especially for this province , and how hard he has worked for the Charities in London . You all owe him a debt of gratitude for all that he has done for you . I thoroughly re-echo the words of the Deputy Provincial Grand Master in hoping that Bro . Tew may be preserved for many years amongst us , and , though he is unable to take an active part , I am sure his heart will be thoroughly with his brethren when they meet and in their work .
The usual routine business of the province succeeded , and Bro . H . G . E . GREEN , the Prov . G . Sec , announced receipt of apologies and regrets for absence from Bros , the Marquess of Zetland , P . G . M . N . and E . Yorks . ; Eari Amherst , P . G . M . Kent ; Major W . H . Smyth , D . L ., P . G . M . Lincolnshire ; Lord Euston , P . G . M . Norths and Hunts ; W . W . B . Beach , M . P ., P . G . M . Hants ; Sir Matthew White Ridley , M . P ., P . G . M .
Northumberland ; Sir J . R . Bailey , Bart ., M . P . * , P . G . M . Herefordshire ; Sir H . Williamson , Bart . ; Col . the Hon . W . T . Orde-Powlett ; Sir W . T . Marriott , Q . C , M . P . ; the Very Rev . the Dean of York ; Sir John B . Monckton ; Sir Albert VV . Woods ; Sir G . D . Harris ; Thomas Fenn ; the Earl of Yarborough ; Earl Percy ; Sir F . Milner , M . P . ; and a large number of Past Prov . Grand Officers and invited guests * , after which Bro . Tom Garnett , P . M . 401 , was appointed and invested Prov . J . G . W ., in the room of
the late distinguished Bro . J . W . Davis ( Mayor of Halifax ) , to whose abilities and virtues , in a few touching words , Bro . HENRY SMITH paid a fitting tribute . Bro . JOSEPH MATTHEWMAN , Prov . A . G . Sec , was then called upon to read the valedictory address of the retiring P . G . M ., Bro . Tew . This was listened to with profound attention , and evoked many expressions of sympathy from the assembled brethren . The address was as follows :
Gentlemen and Brethren , The M . W , the Grand Master of England , H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , has been graciously pleased to release me from the onerous duties of the chair of this province . My health , which broke down in the summer of 1891 , has entirely incapacitated me from visiting the numerous lodges and otherwise discharging my Masonic duties , and I have , therefore , been most reluctanly compelled to resign a
post , the occupation of which has ever been to me both a pride and a pleasure . From 1875 to 1885 , as many of vou will doubtless remember , I acted as Deputy to our late lamented friend and gallant chief , Sir Henry Edwards , and from the latter date to the present time I have had the privilege of presiding over a province whicb has been distinguished by its Charity , its loyalty , and its patriotism ; and I look back upon the past eight years as the happiest era in my Masonic life .
During the period in which I have passed in and out amongst you , many important events have occurred in the Masonic world . Of these , the installation of our Most Worshi pful Grand Master , the Jubilee Masonic Celebration , the reformation and re-organisation of the Royal Masonic Institution for Boys , tbe suitable observance of the Centenary of the Girls' School , and the Revision of the Book of Constitutions may be counted as some of the most important . In all
these West Yorkshire has borne its part , and I have always considered that representing my province in Grand Lodge was by no means the least important portion of the duties which attached to the office I held . This I have steadily and consistentl y done , and , supported as I have been by my Deputy and by the Advice and Charity Committees of the province , I venture to hope that West Yorkshire has attained an influence in that assembly which it has never previously possessed , and which , I trust , it may not be allowed to lose .
Throughout my Masonic career , commencing in Scarsdale Lodge , No . 681 , in the Province of Derb y . in the year 1856 , and , officially speaking , terminating in the City of Leeds to-day , I have seen that Freemasonry , as an institution for good , in order to do its work thoroughly , must adapt itself to the progress of the times , and must endeavour to meet the requirements of the vast social , religious , and political changes which mark the latter days of this expiring tgth century .
Without sacrificing one iota of its immortal principles , in the strength of the grand and noble truths which are its everlasting heritagen , Freemasonry , deaf to the cries of party , regardless of sectarian differences , can pursue its beneficent work of elevating , purifying , restraining , and enlightening humanity , and , above all , teaching that great doctrine of Christian Charity which , in the crowd of conflicting interests , seems sometimes in danger of being thrust aside .
After the pattern of the " Holy Men ol old , " exampled for our guidance in their lives as set forth in the Volume of the Sacred Law , let us continue to cultivate that purity of spirit , that unselfishness of mind , and that consideration for others which has distinguished so many of our brethren in West Yorkshire , and which , through their moral and social discipline , may be considered essential qualifications for the attainment of human happiness .
We have drawbacks , hindrances outside our mystic circle , intellectual perhaps , incomprehensible may be , and inseparable from our surroundings ; but let us not in fear of possible difficulties , fail to maintain those bonds of amity and brotherhood , those pleasant social relationships which characterise our Fraternity and sweeten the intercourse of our daily life .
And , as you have effectively striven under my jurisdiction in past years , to help me to illustrate the principles of Freemasonry , so , I know , you will endeavour in the future , under the presidency of your new Provincial Grand Master ( whom may the G . A . O . T . U . long preserve ) , to maintain our ancient landmarks , and abide by the laws and customs of our noble Order .
It is not without emotion , brethren , that I resign the sceptre , and terminate my connection with the chair of this province . The office is endeared to me by the pleasant memories of many happy hours . By its means I have contracted many agreeable friendships , and formed
numberless delightful acquaintances , and in passing on the gavel to my successor , I have the consolation of recollecting that , though I cease to fulfil the duties of the position , I shall still have the happiness of living in your midst , and I shall ever esteem it a privilege to be of service to you in advocating your interests , advancing your influence , and promoting in every possible way your lasting welfare and
prosperity . Whilst bidding you all an affectionate adieu , I am , your obliged and ever faithful servant and brother , THOMAS WILLIAM TE" ' .