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Article THE ROYAL ARCH AT YORK. ← Page 2 of 2 Article THE ROYAL ARCH AT YORK. Page 2 of 2 Article THE PRO GRAND MASTER AT READING. Page 1 of 1 Article THE PRO GRAND MASTER AT READING. Page 1 of 1 Article Untitled Page 1 of 1 Article Obituary. Page 1 of 1
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The Royal Arch At York.
year ( 1762 ) " excluded" for neglecting to pay their quarterages , and apparently there was a general laxity of interest , for on the iOth May , 1762 , the "lodge was closed till the most convenient opportunity by order of the Masters in the chairs . " No meeting was held until January 16 th , 1763 , and on February 6 th , at a lodge of emergency , Bros . Palmes , Agar , and Tasker were elected to the
chairs . Again on the 3 rd April of that year the loelge was closed " to a convenient opportunity , " and no meeting was held until January 22 nd , 1764 , when it was resolved " lhat this lodge should be continued by subscription for 4 nights . " Meetings were held accordingly on March 4 th , April ist , and May 6 th , 1764 , but then there was a cessation of work until 16 th February , 1766 , and
then an adjournment sine die . These few last named meetings were very thinly attended , and there were no candidates . It was probably about this time that Lodge 259 ceased to exist . I have shown that in that year it appears on a list of lodges , although in December , 1767 , the Grand Lodge at York informed the Grand Lodge in London that
Lodge 259 hael been " for some years discontinued . " The next meeting of the Royal Arch Masons was held on the 29 th April , 1768 , and it is noteworthy lhat this is the first minute in which the body is entitled a " chapter , " previously it having been always denominated a "lodge . " The same Principals occupied the chairs as on the last occasion , and six brethren " petitioned to become Sublime
or Royal Arch Masons ; they were admitted and accordingly made . " Thice new Principals were also appointed , and a new Secretary . The fee for exaltation was at this time six shillings . At a chapter held on May the ist , 1768 , a Sword Bearer ( Janitor ) was appointed , and it was agreed that the regular meetings should be held on liie 1 st Sunday in every calendar month . It was also
agieed that eve y member should pay a quaiferage of two shillings , and " he shall be allow'd lo have every regular chapter sixpenny woith of any suit of liquor lie chouses . " The fees were also fixed at 3 s . and is . le ) Ihc Sword Bearer for each member admitted of the Grand Lodge in York , and 10 s . 6 d . and is . to the Swe , rd Bearer for every other candidate . Every visitor was also t-. i pay a shilling
each time he attended , but had the same claim on the Punch Bowl tap as a member . At this time candidates were proposed , balloted lor , and made on the same evening . On the 3 th June , 176 S , a Bro . Bumand was refused on the ballot , and a Bro . Thorp , " of the loelge at Hull , " was maele a Royal Arch Mason . On the 17 th August , at an emergency meeting , the day
of meeting was alterrcd from Sunday to the first Wednesday in each month . On the 2 nd November of that year Bro . Bussey , afterwards Grand Secretary at York , was admitted , and I find Bro . Lakeland's name also prominent al the meltings . Nothing specially remarkable occurs from this date until October 18 th , 1769 , when Bros . Meek and Atkinson , of
Ripon , were admitted , and at an emergency meeting ( 28 th December ) Bros . King and Campey , of Ripon , were also made . " At this chapter Bros . Atkinson , King , and Campey , of Ripon , petitioned to have a constitution granted to hold a Royal Arch chapter at Ripon , the consideration of which is rcfer'd to the next lodge night , anel notice thereof
is lo be given in the summonses . " On the 7 U 1 February , 1770 , " Bro . R . Consilt , " who would appear to have acted as counsel for the above-named petitioners , " petitioned for to have a constitution granted to open a Royal Arch chapter at Ripon for the use of the brethren , the which was balloted for and pas'd N . C
Bro . Atkinson to be P . M . „ King „ Z . L . „ Campey „ J . A . " and at the March meeting "The constitution for opening and holding a Royal Arch chapter at Ripon was granted and sincd in ample form ; it was agreed to make them a
present of it , only they paying the Secretary his fee . " At the same chapter Bro . Kcdar , of Knaresborough , was admitted , anel at the April meeting Bros . Baleson , Ackroyd , and Taj lor , from Knaresborough , were made , and " the brethren from Knaresborough petitioned to have a constitution granted , to be openeel and held at the sign of the Crown , in Knaresborough , which was agreed to .
Bro . Bateson to be P . H . „ Cowling Ackroyd Z . L . . „ Hen . Taylor ... J . A . " At the next meeting in June , 1770 , this Knaresborough constitution " was seal'd and sign'd . " In October , 1770 , I find the following visiting brethren were present : —Bros . Proudfoot , O'Brien , Cannon , and
Burke . These probablybelonged to the regiment then lying in York Barracks , for it was ' agreed to grant a constitution for the opening and holding a most Sublime Royal Arch chapter in the Inniskilling Regimen : of Dragoons at all seasonable times , and when duly congregated to make Royal Arch Masons . " On the ist March , 1771 , the days of meeting were again
altered to " the first Wednesday after Lady Day , Midsummer , Michaelmas , and Christmas , old stile . " A candidate from Leeds was made in April , 1771 , and the same year Bro . Kitson , a very prominent member of the Grand Lodge , Was receive J . On the 3 rd June , 1772 , the titles of the presieling officers seem to have been altered , and instead of P . M ., Z . L .,
and J . A ., 1 find them given as S ., H . I ., and H . A . After this minute occur a number of blank pages , as if rough minutes of meetings had been kept and not been entered up , and then comes an entry made 6 th January , 177 6 , of the holding of a chapter on that elay , when three
candidates were " raised . " This is the last minute in the book , and I find nothing between that and the entry in the later minute book , commencing 8 lh February , 1778 , when Sunday was again adopted as the Jay of meeting at the Grub Tavern , York . In this later minute book the titles <» £ the chairs remain S ., H . T ., aud H . A . throughout .
The Royal Arch At York.
Not the least interesting of the contents of this old relic are the " Rules and Orders of the Granel Chapter of All England , " which are inserted at the end of the book in the neat handwriting of Bro . Lakeland , who acted as Secretary about 1776 . They chiefly refer to fees , times of meeting , & c , and that in all cases the ballot must be unanimous . The last of the rules is as follows : —
" I he fees charged in any Constitutions granted by this Grand Chapter are usually paid on delivery of the warrant , and are in future to be always so paid . " And then follow " The Piincipia to be observed by all Regular Constituted Chapters of the' Degree of Royal Arch . " These provide for annual returns of members to be made to the Grand Chapter at York , for all bye-laws
to be subject to the approval of Grand Chapter , for the " Jewels and Ornaments " to be worn and used , and then the following , which I think worth giving in full : — " That they make no innovation in the business of the chapter , and if any doubts should arise they must always be referr'd to the Grand Chapter for decision . "That they shall contribute annually to the Grand
Chapter at York so much as they reasonably can towards the fund to be employed to benevolent and advantageous purposes . " That no man of bad or immoral character be admitted a companion , * nor any one until he hath passed the several ^ probationary Degrees of Craft Masonry , and thereby obtained the necessary passport as a reward for
his services . And no man may be admitted for an unworthy consideration . " That they take every method to forward the true purpose of our Order , to promote all the useful arts and sciences , and create universal peace and harmony , and that every companion do consider it as his eluty lo lay before the chapter whatever may tend lo such salutory purposes .
" That any new discovery or other matter thought woithy of observation be communicated to the Graud Chapter at York , who will always be ready to support and forward whatever may be found useful to the fraternity in general or that chapter in particular , not repugnant to the common welfare . " On a subsequent occasion I miy continue some notes on the later minutes .
T . B . WHYTEHEAD . P . S . —I do not know if the initials P . H ., Z . L ., and J . A . have been anywhere interpreted , but I imagine them to have stood for Prophcta , Haggai . Zerubbabel , Legislator . Ji-shua , Armigcr . T . B . W .
The Pro Grand Master At Reading.
THE PRO GRAND MASTER AT READING .
The most numerous body of Masons ever brought together in the Royal county of Berks assembled at Reading on Monday to assist and support the popular Pro Grand Master ( the Right Hon . the Earl of Carnarvon ) in setting , with Masonic rites , the memorial stone of the
new Public Buildings in that rapidly increasing and prosperous borough . The ceremony had been arranged for the middle of last month , but as Lord Carnarvon was seized with a severe attack of gout , the event was postponed until Monday last . We regret , however , to state that our worthy Pro Grand Master appeared to be still suffering rather acutely , and moved with difficulty , even with
the assistance of his valet and a walking stick . From the same cause his lordship was preventeel honouring the Provincial Grand Lodge , held in the Corn Exchange , with his presence , or of joining in the procession from thence to the silc of the new buildings , as the noble Earl hail proposcel doing ( anel as some of our elaily contemporaries stated he did , falling into the error through taking it for
granted that the printed programme was carried out in its entirety ) . Another matter which elicited the sympathy and regret of the brethren was the unfortunate coincidence that both the Provincial Grand Master ( Sir Daniel Gooch , Bart ., M . P . ) and also the Deputy Prov . G . Master ( the Rev . A . P . Purey-Cust , Archdeacon of Bucks ) , were
precluded from attending through illness . In the absence of these much esteemed brethren , the Provincial Grand Lodge was close tyleel in the Corn Exchange at half-past 11 o ' clock , under the presidency of Bro , the Rev . Sir John Warren Hayes , Bart ., who for many years so worthily filled the position of Deputy Grand Master of the Province of Berks and Bucks .
In opening the lodge , Sir John expressed the regret that all would feel that the P . G . M . and D . P . G . M . were prevented by illness from being present . A procession was then formed , passing from the Corn Exchange through the Market Place to the site of the new building in Blagrave-street . When the head of the procession arrived at the
buildings the brethren divided right and left , facing inwards , forming an avenue for the Provincial Grand Officers ; o pass through . The brethren bearing the vessels containing the corn , wine , and oil , together wilh the mallet , having deposited the same on a pedestal placed for that purpose , Silence was proclaimed by the Provincial Grand Director
of Ceremonies , and the Mayor presented a handsome trowel to the M . W . the Pro Grand Master on behalf of the Building Committee , asking him to set the stone . The architect presented te > the Pro Grand Master the plans . The Provincial Grand Chaplain , Bro . C . R . Honey , offered a prayer .
The Pro Grand Master At Reading.
The Provincial Grand Secretary , Bro . Robert Bradley , read the inscription on the stone . The Provincial Grand Treasurer , Bro . Charles Stephens , then deposited the vessel containing the coins and also the records .
An Entered Apprentice , Bro . Cundcll , 574 , then presented the cement to set the stone . ' A hymn was then sung by the choir , under the direction of Bro . W . H . Strickland , P . Pro . G . O ., during which the stone was lowered with three distinct stops . The Pro Grand Master having proved by the mallet , square , level , and plumb , that the stone was well laid ,
received the cornucopia , and strewed some of Bro . Deller ' s Royal Masonic Pedigree Wheat , after which the Grand Wardens presented the ewers containing the wine and oil , which were poured out conformably to ancient custom . Bro . the Rev . Sir . T . W . Hayes then offered a prayer anel pronounced the Benediction . The Earl of Carnarvon said : Mr . Mayor , ladies , and
gentlemen , —I must say two or three words , and they shall be but two or three . I must thank you , sir , for the handsome trowel which you have been pleased to give me ; I shall long retain it , I trust , and not only I , but my family , as an heirloom in memory of the work which you have entrusted to mc to-day , and which I so deeply appreciate . I Applause . ) I desire also to thank my Masonic
brethren for being present on this occasion , and to assure you how much they likewise feel it to be an honour and a privilege to take part in this work of great public usefulness . ( Applause ) . Lastly , let me offer my hearty good wishes for the important group of buildings of which wc are to-day laying the foundation stone . May the school of science and art spread far and wide in this town and
neighbourhood a useful education ( hear , hear ); may the museum , already enriched by a precious gift , receive many more beejuesls , and iiavc a crowd of students to study the winks of nature which Ihose specimens within its walls will reveal ( hear , hear ); may the library be a source of instruction and of happiness to young and to old , to rich and to poor alike ( hear , hear ) ; may the Town Hall carry
out the best and finest traditions of self-government , the traditions of free speech , the traditions of law and of liberty . ( Applause . ) Mr . Mayor , I thank you deeply for having allowed mc this important part and privilege today . ( Applause . ) The Masons then returned to the Corn Exchange , and the lodge was closed in due form , the acting Provincial
Grand Master thanking Bro . Biggs for his admirable management of the procession , and Bro . Bradley , the P . G Sec , for his excellent arrangements . The brethren then adjourned for luncheon , which was served by Bro . Watts , and presided over by Bro . W . W . Moxhay , P . P . G . S . W . The usual Masonic toasts were given , and an admirable
selection of music was performed uneler the direction of Bro . Strickland , P . G . O ., who also presided at the harmonium during the ceremony at the site . The musical arrangements at the public luncheon in the Town Hall were ably carried out by Bros . Marriott , Hunt , Dyson , and Briggs , of St . George ' s Chapel , Windsor . The Masons present at the ceremony included Bros , the
Rev . Sir J . W . Hayes , Bart ., acting as Prov . Grand Master ; E . J . Trendell , P . P . S . G . W ., acting as D . P . G . M . ; J . Blandy Jenkins , S . G . W . ; J . McGubbin , J . G . W . ; Revs . C . R . Honey , N . T . Garry , E . De Ewer , G . Chaplains ; C . Stephens , G . Treas . ; R . Bradley , G . S : c . ; Jabcz Adams , S . G . D . ; Robt . Roberts , J . G . D . ; Edward Baker , G . S . W . ; R . Ravenor , G . D . C ; Joseph Elmes , A . G . D . C ; Jas .
Rutland , G . Org . ; W . G . Flanagan , G . Purst . ; C . Nowell , A . G . P . ; C . W . Cox , C . A . Vardy , Ephraim Davey , E . J . Shrewsbury , Dick Radclyffe , G . Stewards , and forty-one P . G . Officers ; also Bros . W . W . B . Beach , M . P ., Prov . G . M . Hants and Isle of Wight ; Reginald Bird , P . G . D ., Deputy Prov . G . M . Oxon ; T . H . Chandler , P . P . S . G . W . Wilts : W . B . Farr , P . S . G . W . Bengal ; W . R . Wood ,
P . G . Steward , Eng ., P . P . G . S . W . Sussex ; Lamson , P . P . G . S . W . Sussex ; J . M . Reid , P . Prov . G . S . W . Sussex ; Darrell W . H . Horlock , P . Provincial Grand S . W . Cornwall ; S . G . Kirchhoffer , P . G . S . W . Cambs . ; E . J . Bruton , P . Provincial Grand S . W . Oxon ; f . M . Dormer , S . W . ; J . W . Terry , P . G . Reg . Herts ; W . Weare , P . P . G . D . Leicester ; H . Sadler , G . Tyler ; J . M . Studwell ,
P . G . S . ; Jos . Tomlinson , P . P . G . S . D . Norfolk ; Christopher Park , P . l ' . G . R . Oxon ; Wm . Park , P . P . G . S . D . Oxon ; John Dew , P . P . G . Reg . Hants ; Geo . Lear , P . P . G . D . Hants ; Wm . Wells , P . P . G . D . Surrey ; jno . Bond , P . G . P . Surrey ; H . M . Powell , P . G . O . Hants ; Fredk . Binckes , P . G . Steward ; W . F . Freeman , P . G . Sec . Sussex ; A . Poitsmouth , P . P . G . D . C . Hants ; and about two hundred members of lodges in the province and visitors .
Ar00505
* 'Phis is the only occasion in the book where the term " companion" is used .
Obituary.
Obituary .
BRO . THOMAS WHITE . We regret to announce , the death of Bro . Thos . White , which occurred at his residence Moxted-road , Peckham , on the 4 U 1 inst . Bro . White was initiated in the Neplune Lodge , No . 22 , was a P . M ., and served as Stewarel of the " Girls " anel " Boys , " of both of which he was a Life
Governor . In the year 1864 , he was exalted to the Royal Arch Degree in Mount Zion Chapter , No . 22 . A severe fall during the frost of last winter seriously affected him , and he had not been well from that time to his death . Bro . White was a good working Mason , and earned the esteem and respect of all who came in contact with him .
Bro . C J . Trendell ' s connection with the management of the Alexandra Palace being on the eve of severance , a movement has been set on foot to present him with a suitable testimonial .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The Royal Arch At York.
year ( 1762 ) " excluded" for neglecting to pay their quarterages , and apparently there was a general laxity of interest , for on the iOth May , 1762 , the "lodge was closed till the most convenient opportunity by order of the Masters in the chairs . " No meeting was held until January 16 th , 1763 , and on February 6 th , at a lodge of emergency , Bros . Palmes , Agar , and Tasker were elected to the
chairs . Again on the 3 rd April of that year the loelge was closed " to a convenient opportunity , " and no meeting was held until January 22 nd , 1764 , when it was resolved " lhat this lodge should be continued by subscription for 4 nights . " Meetings were held accordingly on March 4 th , April ist , and May 6 th , 1764 , but then there was a cessation of work until 16 th February , 1766 , and
then an adjournment sine die . These few last named meetings were very thinly attended , and there were no candidates . It was probably about this time that Lodge 259 ceased to exist . I have shown that in that year it appears on a list of lodges , although in December , 1767 , the Grand Lodge at York informed the Grand Lodge in London that
Lodge 259 hael been " for some years discontinued . " The next meeting of the Royal Arch Masons was held on the 29 th April , 1768 , and it is noteworthy lhat this is the first minute in which the body is entitled a " chapter , " previously it having been always denominated a "lodge . " The same Principals occupied the chairs as on the last occasion , and six brethren " petitioned to become Sublime
or Royal Arch Masons ; they were admitted and accordingly made . " Thice new Principals were also appointed , and a new Secretary . The fee for exaltation was at this time six shillings . At a chapter held on May the ist , 1768 , a Sword Bearer ( Janitor ) was appointed , and it was agreed that the regular meetings should be held on liie 1 st Sunday in every calendar month . It was also
agieed that eve y member should pay a quaiferage of two shillings , and " he shall be allow'd lo have every regular chapter sixpenny woith of any suit of liquor lie chouses . " The fees were also fixed at 3 s . and is . le ) Ihc Sword Bearer for each member admitted of the Grand Lodge in York , and 10 s . 6 d . and is . to the Swe , rd Bearer for every other candidate . Every visitor was also t-. i pay a shilling
each time he attended , but had the same claim on the Punch Bowl tap as a member . At this time candidates were proposed , balloted lor , and made on the same evening . On the 3 th June , 176 S , a Bro . Bumand was refused on the ballot , and a Bro . Thorp , " of the loelge at Hull , " was maele a Royal Arch Mason . On the 17 th August , at an emergency meeting , the day
of meeting was alterrcd from Sunday to the first Wednesday in each month . On the 2 nd November of that year Bro . Bussey , afterwards Grand Secretary at York , was admitted , and I find Bro . Lakeland's name also prominent al the meltings . Nothing specially remarkable occurs from this date until October 18 th , 1769 , when Bros . Meek and Atkinson , of
Ripon , were admitted , and at an emergency meeting ( 28 th December ) Bros . King and Campey , of Ripon , were also made . " At this chapter Bros . Atkinson , King , and Campey , of Ripon , petitioned to have a constitution granted to hold a Royal Arch chapter at Ripon , the consideration of which is rcfer'd to the next lodge night , anel notice thereof
is lo be given in the summonses . " On the 7 U 1 February , 1770 , " Bro . R . Consilt , " who would appear to have acted as counsel for the above-named petitioners , " petitioned for to have a constitution granted to open a Royal Arch chapter at Ripon for the use of the brethren , the which was balloted for and pas'd N . C
Bro . Atkinson to be P . M . „ King „ Z . L . „ Campey „ J . A . " and at the March meeting "The constitution for opening and holding a Royal Arch chapter at Ripon was granted and sincd in ample form ; it was agreed to make them a
present of it , only they paying the Secretary his fee . " At the same chapter Bro . Kcdar , of Knaresborough , was admitted , anel at the April meeting Bros . Baleson , Ackroyd , and Taj lor , from Knaresborough , were made , and " the brethren from Knaresborough petitioned to have a constitution granted , to be openeel and held at the sign of the Crown , in Knaresborough , which was agreed to .
Bro . Bateson to be P . H . „ Cowling Ackroyd Z . L . . „ Hen . Taylor ... J . A . " At the next meeting in June , 1770 , this Knaresborough constitution " was seal'd and sign'd . " In October , 1770 , I find the following visiting brethren were present : —Bros . Proudfoot , O'Brien , Cannon , and
Burke . These probablybelonged to the regiment then lying in York Barracks , for it was ' agreed to grant a constitution for the opening and holding a most Sublime Royal Arch chapter in the Inniskilling Regimen : of Dragoons at all seasonable times , and when duly congregated to make Royal Arch Masons . " On the ist March , 1771 , the days of meeting were again
altered to " the first Wednesday after Lady Day , Midsummer , Michaelmas , and Christmas , old stile . " A candidate from Leeds was made in April , 1771 , and the same year Bro . Kitson , a very prominent member of the Grand Lodge , Was receive J . On the 3 rd June , 1772 , the titles of the presieling officers seem to have been altered , and instead of P . M ., Z . L .,
and J . A ., 1 find them given as S ., H . I ., and H . A . After this minute occur a number of blank pages , as if rough minutes of meetings had been kept and not been entered up , and then comes an entry made 6 th January , 177 6 , of the holding of a chapter on that elay , when three
candidates were " raised . " This is the last minute in the book , and I find nothing between that and the entry in the later minute book , commencing 8 lh February , 1778 , when Sunday was again adopted as the Jay of meeting at the Grub Tavern , York . In this later minute book the titles <» £ the chairs remain S ., H . T ., aud H . A . throughout .
The Royal Arch At York.
Not the least interesting of the contents of this old relic are the " Rules and Orders of the Granel Chapter of All England , " which are inserted at the end of the book in the neat handwriting of Bro . Lakeland , who acted as Secretary about 1776 . They chiefly refer to fees , times of meeting , & c , and that in all cases the ballot must be unanimous . The last of the rules is as follows : —
" I he fees charged in any Constitutions granted by this Grand Chapter are usually paid on delivery of the warrant , and are in future to be always so paid . " And then follow " The Piincipia to be observed by all Regular Constituted Chapters of the' Degree of Royal Arch . " These provide for annual returns of members to be made to the Grand Chapter at York , for all bye-laws
to be subject to the approval of Grand Chapter , for the " Jewels and Ornaments " to be worn and used , and then the following , which I think worth giving in full : — " That they make no innovation in the business of the chapter , and if any doubts should arise they must always be referr'd to the Grand Chapter for decision . "That they shall contribute annually to the Grand
Chapter at York so much as they reasonably can towards the fund to be employed to benevolent and advantageous purposes . " That no man of bad or immoral character be admitted a companion , * nor any one until he hath passed the several ^ probationary Degrees of Craft Masonry , and thereby obtained the necessary passport as a reward for
his services . And no man may be admitted for an unworthy consideration . " That they take every method to forward the true purpose of our Order , to promote all the useful arts and sciences , and create universal peace and harmony , and that every companion do consider it as his eluty lo lay before the chapter whatever may tend lo such salutory purposes .
" That any new discovery or other matter thought woithy of observation be communicated to the Graud Chapter at York , who will always be ready to support and forward whatever may be found useful to the fraternity in general or that chapter in particular , not repugnant to the common welfare . " On a subsequent occasion I miy continue some notes on the later minutes .
T . B . WHYTEHEAD . P . S . —I do not know if the initials P . H ., Z . L ., and J . A . have been anywhere interpreted , but I imagine them to have stood for Prophcta , Haggai . Zerubbabel , Legislator . Ji-shua , Armigcr . T . B . W .
The Pro Grand Master At Reading.
THE PRO GRAND MASTER AT READING .
The most numerous body of Masons ever brought together in the Royal county of Berks assembled at Reading on Monday to assist and support the popular Pro Grand Master ( the Right Hon . the Earl of Carnarvon ) in setting , with Masonic rites , the memorial stone of the
new Public Buildings in that rapidly increasing and prosperous borough . The ceremony had been arranged for the middle of last month , but as Lord Carnarvon was seized with a severe attack of gout , the event was postponed until Monday last . We regret , however , to state that our worthy Pro Grand Master appeared to be still suffering rather acutely , and moved with difficulty , even with
the assistance of his valet and a walking stick . From the same cause his lordship was preventeel honouring the Provincial Grand Lodge , held in the Corn Exchange , with his presence , or of joining in the procession from thence to the silc of the new buildings , as the noble Earl hail proposcel doing ( anel as some of our elaily contemporaries stated he did , falling into the error through taking it for
granted that the printed programme was carried out in its entirety ) . Another matter which elicited the sympathy and regret of the brethren was the unfortunate coincidence that both the Provincial Grand Master ( Sir Daniel Gooch , Bart ., M . P . ) and also the Deputy Prov . G . Master ( the Rev . A . P . Purey-Cust , Archdeacon of Bucks ) , were
precluded from attending through illness . In the absence of these much esteemed brethren , the Provincial Grand Lodge was close tyleel in the Corn Exchange at half-past 11 o ' clock , under the presidency of Bro , the Rev . Sir John Warren Hayes , Bart ., who for many years so worthily filled the position of Deputy Grand Master of the Province of Berks and Bucks .
In opening the lodge , Sir John expressed the regret that all would feel that the P . G . M . and D . P . G . M . were prevented by illness from being present . A procession was then formed , passing from the Corn Exchange through the Market Place to the site of the new building in Blagrave-street . When the head of the procession arrived at the
buildings the brethren divided right and left , facing inwards , forming an avenue for the Provincial Grand Officers ; o pass through . The brethren bearing the vessels containing the corn , wine , and oil , together wilh the mallet , having deposited the same on a pedestal placed for that purpose , Silence was proclaimed by the Provincial Grand Director
of Ceremonies , and the Mayor presented a handsome trowel to the M . W . the Pro Grand Master on behalf of the Building Committee , asking him to set the stone . The architect presented te > the Pro Grand Master the plans . The Provincial Grand Chaplain , Bro . C . R . Honey , offered a prayer .
The Pro Grand Master At Reading.
The Provincial Grand Secretary , Bro . Robert Bradley , read the inscription on the stone . The Provincial Grand Treasurer , Bro . Charles Stephens , then deposited the vessel containing the coins and also the records .
An Entered Apprentice , Bro . Cundcll , 574 , then presented the cement to set the stone . ' A hymn was then sung by the choir , under the direction of Bro . W . H . Strickland , P . Pro . G . O ., during which the stone was lowered with three distinct stops . The Pro Grand Master having proved by the mallet , square , level , and plumb , that the stone was well laid ,
received the cornucopia , and strewed some of Bro . Deller ' s Royal Masonic Pedigree Wheat , after which the Grand Wardens presented the ewers containing the wine and oil , which were poured out conformably to ancient custom . Bro . the Rev . Sir . T . W . Hayes then offered a prayer anel pronounced the Benediction . The Earl of Carnarvon said : Mr . Mayor , ladies , and
gentlemen , —I must say two or three words , and they shall be but two or three . I must thank you , sir , for the handsome trowel which you have been pleased to give me ; I shall long retain it , I trust , and not only I , but my family , as an heirloom in memory of the work which you have entrusted to mc to-day , and which I so deeply appreciate . I Applause . ) I desire also to thank my Masonic
brethren for being present on this occasion , and to assure you how much they likewise feel it to be an honour and a privilege to take part in this work of great public usefulness . ( Applause ) . Lastly , let me offer my hearty good wishes for the important group of buildings of which wc are to-day laying the foundation stone . May the school of science and art spread far and wide in this town and
neighbourhood a useful education ( hear , hear ); may the museum , already enriched by a precious gift , receive many more beejuesls , and iiavc a crowd of students to study the winks of nature which Ihose specimens within its walls will reveal ( hear , hear ); may the library be a source of instruction and of happiness to young and to old , to rich and to poor alike ( hear , hear ) ; may the Town Hall carry
out the best and finest traditions of self-government , the traditions of free speech , the traditions of law and of liberty . ( Applause . ) Mr . Mayor , I thank you deeply for having allowed mc this important part and privilege today . ( Applause . ) The Masons then returned to the Corn Exchange , and the lodge was closed in due form , the acting Provincial
Grand Master thanking Bro . Biggs for his admirable management of the procession , and Bro . Bradley , the P . G Sec , for his excellent arrangements . The brethren then adjourned for luncheon , which was served by Bro . Watts , and presided over by Bro . W . W . Moxhay , P . P . G . S . W . The usual Masonic toasts were given , and an admirable
selection of music was performed uneler the direction of Bro . Strickland , P . G . O ., who also presided at the harmonium during the ceremony at the site . The musical arrangements at the public luncheon in the Town Hall were ably carried out by Bros . Marriott , Hunt , Dyson , and Briggs , of St . George ' s Chapel , Windsor . The Masons present at the ceremony included Bros , the
Rev . Sir J . W . Hayes , Bart ., acting as Prov . Grand Master ; E . J . Trendell , P . P . S . G . W ., acting as D . P . G . M . ; J . Blandy Jenkins , S . G . W . ; J . McGubbin , J . G . W . ; Revs . C . R . Honey , N . T . Garry , E . De Ewer , G . Chaplains ; C . Stephens , G . Treas . ; R . Bradley , G . S : c . ; Jabcz Adams , S . G . D . ; Robt . Roberts , J . G . D . ; Edward Baker , G . S . W . ; R . Ravenor , G . D . C ; Joseph Elmes , A . G . D . C ; Jas .
Rutland , G . Org . ; W . G . Flanagan , G . Purst . ; C . Nowell , A . G . P . ; C . W . Cox , C . A . Vardy , Ephraim Davey , E . J . Shrewsbury , Dick Radclyffe , G . Stewards , and forty-one P . G . Officers ; also Bros . W . W . B . Beach , M . P ., Prov . G . M . Hants and Isle of Wight ; Reginald Bird , P . G . D ., Deputy Prov . G . M . Oxon ; T . H . Chandler , P . P . S . G . W . Wilts : W . B . Farr , P . S . G . W . Bengal ; W . R . Wood ,
P . G . Steward , Eng ., P . P . G . S . W . Sussex ; Lamson , P . P . G . S . W . Sussex ; J . M . Reid , P . Prov . G . S . W . Sussex ; Darrell W . H . Horlock , P . Provincial Grand S . W . Cornwall ; S . G . Kirchhoffer , P . G . S . W . Cambs . ; E . J . Bruton , P . Provincial Grand S . W . Oxon ; f . M . Dormer , S . W . ; J . W . Terry , P . G . Reg . Herts ; W . Weare , P . P . G . D . Leicester ; H . Sadler , G . Tyler ; J . M . Studwell ,
P . G . S . ; Jos . Tomlinson , P . P . G . S . D . Norfolk ; Christopher Park , P . l ' . G . R . Oxon ; Wm . Park , P . P . G . S . D . Oxon ; John Dew , P . P . G . Reg . Hants ; Geo . Lear , P . P . G . D . Hants ; Wm . Wells , P . P . G . D . Surrey ; jno . Bond , P . G . P . Surrey ; H . M . Powell , P . G . O . Hants ; Fredk . Binckes , P . G . Steward ; W . F . Freeman , P . G . Sec . Sussex ; A . Poitsmouth , P . P . G . D . C . Hants ; and about two hundred members of lodges in the province and visitors .
Ar00505
* 'Phis is the only occasion in the book where the term " companion" is used .
Obituary.
Obituary .
BRO . THOMAS WHITE . We regret to announce , the death of Bro . Thos . White , which occurred at his residence Moxted-road , Peckham , on the 4 U 1 inst . Bro . White was initiated in the Neplune Lodge , No . 22 , was a P . M ., and served as Stewarel of the " Girls " anel " Boys , " of both of which he was a Life
Governor . In the year 1864 , he was exalted to the Royal Arch Degree in Mount Zion Chapter , No . 22 . A severe fall during the frost of last winter seriously affected him , and he had not been well from that time to his death . Bro . White was a good working Mason , and earned the esteem and respect of all who came in contact with him .
Bro . C J . Trendell ' s connection with the management of the Alexandra Palace being on the eve of severance , a movement has been set on foot to present him with a suitable testimonial .