Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Consecration Of The Thornham Lodge, No. 2279.
CONSECRATION OF THE THORNHAM LODGE , No . 2279 .
The consecration of the above lodge took place at St . Paul ' s National Schools , Royton , near Oldham , on Wednesday , the 28 th ult . The ceremony was performed by the Prov . G . M ., Bro . Col . Le Gendre N . Starkie , assisted
by Bros . E . Bigoe Bagot , P . M ., P . G . Chap . East Lanes ., P . P . G . Chap . Cheshire ; Abraham Clegg , acting D . P . G . M . East Lanes . ; James McLaren , P . S . G . W . ; J . J . Meakin , P . J . G . W . ; Jno . Chadwick , P . G . Sec . ; J . H . Sillitoe , P . M ., P . P . J . G . W ., P . G . Std . Br . Eng . ; Pemberton , P . G . D . C . Fast Lanes . ; and other Prov . Grand Officers .
The brethren having assembled in the lodge room , the Consecrating Officer , with his assistant officers , together with such Grand and Prov . Grand Officers as were present , entered into procession , when the Presiding Officer
took the chair . There were present—Bros . lohn E . Harrison , 1011 ; J . W . Riley , 1561 ; T . Sykes , 252 ; J . R . Meucock and R . J . H . Riley , of 277 ; J . Gullaghed , E . F . Wigg , Ambrose G . Howarth , PM ,: B . C . Mattinson , W . M . ; James Mihie , Henry F . Murphy , and Thomas Collins , of 467 ; T . H . Duckworth , P . M ., T . W . T . Cocker , and James McKennell , 277 ; ] ohn Riley , John Heywood , Luke Wield , S . D ., and Joseph Brierley , of 467 ;
William Wilson , ] no . Chadwick , J . W ., and Frank Lawton , of 277 ; A . Lewtas , icSS ; B . Halliwell , 1496 ; Thos . Partington , 1 S 6 S ; Joseph Wardle , S 54 ; lames Wilton and A . Mills , of 1 SS 6 ; F . Kelly , 854 ; S . Dawson , W . M ., Chas . Turner , P . M ., and W . Dumville , P . M . of ion ; VVilliam Fielding , P . M ., 29 S ; Thomas Higson , P . M ., P . G . Tyler ; G . W . Irving , P . M ., P . G . Stwd . ; W . Co ! lins ; e , PM P . P . G . S . B . ; S . W . Richardson . P . M . 1549 ; E . Hui ton , P . M ., P . P . S . G . W . ;
James Cookson , W . M . 10 S 0 , P . G . D . C . ; Abraham Pemberton , P . M . 1030 ; John ' Kenyon , P . M . 348 ; A . E . Campbell , 277 ; Samuel Ayland , W . M . 1134 ; Edward Entwistle , 999 ; Walter Owen Pettitt , I . P . M . 1055 ; Robert G . Bennett , 1534 ; John Salman , P . M . 163 ; James Kershaw , I . P . M . ion ; John Chadwick , I . G . 277 ; John Williams , S . D . IOI 1 ; Henry Jones , ion ; John Crabtree , 1129 ; Geo . Samuel Smith , P . M . 1134 ; J . Bowdon , P . M . 467 ; John Greaves , P . M . 277 ; B . Maifey , P . M . ;
Colonel Le Gendre Starkie , P . G . M . East Lancashire ; J . H . Sillitoe , P . P . J . G . W ., P . G . Std . Br . Eng . ; John Chadwick , P G . Swd . Br ., P . G . Sec . East Lancashire ; James McLaren , acting " Dep . P . S . G VV . East Lancashire ; J . J . Meekin , P . J . G . W . ; Abraham Clegg , acting Dep . P . G . M . East Lancashire ; James Newton , P . A . G . Sec ; Samuel Warburton , P . G . S . B . ; James Wilkinson , P . M . 298 , P . P . G . S . ; William Davies , P . P . A . G . P . ; VV . M . Holt , P . M . 317 , P . P . G . T . ; E . J . Jennings , P . M . 1459 , PPGS . B .: Geo . Board , P . M ., P . J . G . D . ; C . D . Cheetham , P . M ., P . J . G . D . ;
Thos . Woodcock , P . A . G . D . C ; Joseph Mellor , P . M ., P . G . S . B . ; Wm . Bagnall , P . M ., P . S . G . D . ; James Harfind , P . M . 1129 ; J . VV . Kenyon , P . M . 42 and iqi ; John Holroyd , P . M . 1134 , P . G . Supt . of Wks . East Lancashire ; H . L . Hollingworth , P . M . 277 , P . P . G . T . ; Jos . Harling , P . M . 2 S 3 , P . G . D . ; John W . Abbott , P . M . ; N . Nicholson , P . M , P . S . G . D . ; R . Williamson , P . M ., P . S . G . D . ; E . B . Bagot , P . G . Chap . ; and Walter H . Vaughan , P . G . Registrar . The lodge was opened in the Three Degrees . The PRESIDING OFFICER then addressed the brethren on the nature of
the work which had called them together , and requested the Prov . Grand Chaplain to give the opening prayer . The Presiding Officer was then addressed by the acting DEPUTY PROV . GRAND MASTER . The P RESIDING OFFICER then directed the members of the new lodge to be arranged in order , and called upon the Prov . Grand Secretary to read the oetition and produce the warrant , which was read in a distinctive manner
by Bro . W . H . VAUGHAN , P . G . Reg . When it had been approved by the large number of brethren present in the usual Masonic manner , A charming oration was delivered by Bro . the Rev . E . BIGOE BAGOT , P . M ., P . G . Chap . East Lancashire . He said That in the "Arabian Nights " we read of a fairy tent which a young prince brought hidden in a walnut shell to his father . Placed in the Council Chamber it encanopied the
King and his Ministers , taken into the Court Yard it filled the space till all the household stood beneath the shade . Brought into the midst of the great plain outside the city it spread its mighty awning all around until it gave shelter to a host . It had infinite flexibility , infinite expansiveness , and infinite power of development . So it was with Masonry ; it had covered Europe with its shadow , it had found acceptance with east and west , with African and American tribes , and it was slill spreading in the world
and operating unspent by its own divine and earnest vitality . They all rejoiced that the latest development and expansion of the Crait was in their own Province of East Lancashire . When the needy knife grinder in Canning ' s immortal poem was asked for his history , he replied , "Story ! God bless you , I have none to tell Sir ! " The position of a Provincial Grand Chaplain when called upon to deliver an oration upon the principles of the Crait was directly the reverse .
He suffered from an " embarras des tichesses , so wide , so luminous , and so comprehensive was his subject . But among ihe many aspects and varied hues in which Masonry appeared there were three to which a brief reference would be madethe universality of Masonry , its unity , and its large-heartedness . Freemasonry addressed itself to the universal wants , to the great rudimentary , universally diffused characteristics of human nature . It committed itself to no transient human opinions ;
it addressed itself to no sectional divisions of mankind ; it brushed aside the surface distinctions which separated us one from another , and went right down to the depths of the central identities in which we were all alike . The great Poet of ths Lakes said"We have all one human heart ; " and Masonry addressed itself to the common humanity which belonged to all , and to the w ? -nts and sorrows and inward consciousness which were the heritage of man as man . Secondly , there was the unity of Masonry .
We were living in times when all over the world there was a manifest longing for more of visible unity . France and Germany had both given us new words expressive ot this desire for cosmopolitan unity . Conventions , congresses , and assemblies were held , in which representatives from all countries met to exchange ideas and commodities . These were signs which , like the tufts of grass and sprigs of berries which met the eye of Columbus from the masthead of the " Pinta , " betokened the vicinity of land . It had
heen said—whether in poetry or history it matters not—that there was a certain point in the upper atmosphere at which all the discordant sounds of earth , the rattle of wheels , the chime of " bells , the roll of the drum , ihe laugh of the child , and the moan of the beggar all meet and blend together in perfect harmony . Surely if that bright and cultured conception were realised anywhere on earth it would be within the portals of a Masonic lodge . There we meet together in that kindly spirit of friendly intercourse
which does not sanction the intrusion of a single uncharitable thought , or require the compromise of one sincere conviction . We did not set up a tabernacle for sect , for fparty ; but united various grades and sections of mankind , diverse elements of conflicting society , in one reasonable and harmonious whole , and on one broad and comprenensive basis . Thirdly , there was the large-heartedness of Masonry ; we read in the volume of the Sacred Law that the
Great Architect of the Universe gave to our great Grand Master , King Solomon , Wisdom and nnderstanding exceedmg much , and largeness ot heart even as the sand that is on the sea shore . The need of this large heartedness was evident where we observed the hurtful influence of the power of selfishness in the world around ; we almost persuaded ourselves that unselfishness was merely some abstract quality to be found in the dictionary aljne , and that selfishness , like a moral maelstrom , absorbs every nobler
feeling , and then insatiate , turns upon itself and eats its own heart away . Masonry exhibited beautious contrasts by the bestowments of this largeness of heart , it was taught and inculcated by the magnanimity and nobility of our sentiments , and when the mind and heart were exercised to grasp the great and stupendous ideas connected with the attributes of the Great Creator and His work and procedure , strength and power and vi gour were bestowed upon them by the exercise of the thought and grasp of view
Consecration Of The Thornham Lodge, No. 2279.
necessary to understand these great and majestic fields of contemplation . All that was contracted and unworthy was sought to be replaced by all that was noble and sympathising , and brother was taught to grasp the hand of brother in fraternal recognition . All these principles of Masonry gravitated in one direction , to inspire and stimulate the brethren to the active , practical Benevolence and Charity which were the key note and index of the system :
" Heaven does with us as we with torches do Not light them for ourselves ; for if our virtues Did not go forth of us , ' twere all alike As if we had them not . Spirits are not finely touched .
" But to fine issues ! Nor nature never lends The smallest scruple of her excellence ; But , like a thrifty Goddess , she determines Herself the glory of a Creditor—Both thanks and use . "
There was a large field of labour open to their energy ; there are two worlds in which to work—the world of the heart , with its many-phased and wondrous life ; the world around us , with its problems waiting for solution and its contradictions yearning for an harmoniser . Masonry exhorted us , with trumpet-tongued earnestness , not to be enchained in idleness or indolence , enthralled by the blandishments of pleasure , or unmanned by its enervating air . Crude and ignorant objectionsunjust and false
, prejudices against the Craft were often raised . It was often said we were a foolish and silly coterie , clothed in grotesque and unmeaning costume . It was also frequently charged against us that were selfish and self-indulgent ; that our degrees ran parallel with the arrangements of a dinner menu ; and the only working tools with which we were cognizant were the knife , the fork , and the corkscrew . The Craft was becoming ,
day by day , more and more recognised as one of the most important and valuable bodies in the community , embracing a large share of the nobility , rank , intellect , culture , and goodness of the land ; and we could now afford to smile complacently at these criticisms . _ It wasnot worth the trouble to refute them ; and , like the vapid and senseless opposition which every philanthropic and beneficial movement encountered , it would be useless to hope to silence them .
" Destroy his fib and sophistry ! In vain I The creature ' s at his dirty work again ! " In an age when morality was depreciated , and the newspapers day by day contained the unsavoury records of impurity , dishonesty , and vice ; when order was divided , and submission to anything or anybody was coming to be regarded as antagonistic to freedom and intelligence ; when ancient loyalty was rapidly disappearing under the name of
modern independence—it was not a time to ignore , or weaken , or set at naught a great and generous and loyal Society , which for many generations and in many ages had set forth , and still sets forth , the beauty , the power , the liberty , and the blessing of discipline , obedience , honesty , purity , and subordination . He trusted that the principles and practices of Freemasonry might ever find in that lodge their truest expression , and
that from generation to generation the Craft might increase and prosper , placed by the unanimous verdict of society among the salutary and beneficent institutions of the country , enthroned deep in the hearts of its earnest and devoted worshippers , clothed in beauty , health , and vigour ; the bloom of never-decaying beauty upon her cheeks , and the light of an immortal youth upon her brow .
An appropriate hymn was then sung by the musical brethren . Then followed the dedication prayer—first portion—after which the brethren all turned to the East , and the Presiding Officer delivered the " Invocation . ' The Chaplain then read the portion of Scripture appointed for the occasion —II . Chronicles , c 2 , v . 1 to 16 . The Presiding Officer and P . G . Chaplain advanced to the mosiac pavement . The lodge board was then disclosed ,
and the Presiding Officer and his Wardens , bearing the elements of consecration , marched in procession round the lodge three times , halting in the East after each circuit . During this time the choir sang a suitable hymn . The P . G . Chaplain then read Exodus c . xxx ., v . 25 and 26 . Then came the dedication to " Universal Benevolence " by the Presiding Officer . Musical response , " Glory be to God on High . "
The P . G . Chaplain took the censer three times round the lodge slowly , while the choir sang the following hymn : —
" Supreme Grand Master , God of Power , Be with us in this solemn hour , Smile on our work , our plans approve , Fill every heart with joy and love . Let each discordant thought be gone , And love unite our hearts in one , May we in union strong combine , In work and worship so divine . "
And then proceeded with the second part of the Dedication Prayerresponse by brethren "So mote it be . " Whilst the Presiding Officer and Chaplain were resuming their places in the East , solemn strains of music from the organ , rendered by Bro . Walter Pettitt , P . M ., gave great effect to the concluding portion of the
ceremony . The Presiding Officer then proceeded to constitute the new lodge , and the brethren heartily responded with " So mote it be . " The most interesting ceremony was then brought to a close by the final benediction being given by Bro . E . Bigoe Bagot .
1 he lodge was then closed to the Fellow Craft Degree . At this stage the Prov . Grand Master retired , and the chair was filled by the Installing Master , Bro . J . H . Sillitoe . The first VV . M . of the lodge , Bro . Ambrose J . Haworth , P . M . ion , was then presented to the Installing Master b y Bro . Pemberton , P . G . D . C , and , after the customary formula , a Board of Installed Masters was formed , when Bro . Haworth was installed into the chair of K . S . in a most effective manner . On the brethren being re-admitted Bro . Haworth was proclaimed and saluted by them .
Bro . Hollingworth , P . P . G . Treas . East Lanes ., then invested the officers as follows : Bros . Ralph Young , S . W . ; J . E . Harrison , J . W . ; R . Meucock , Treas . ; Whittaker , Sec ; Wigg , Chap . ; J . VV . Riley , S . D . ; Sykes , J . D . ; R . H . Riley , I . G . ; Bernard C . Mattinson , D . C . ; and T . Collins , Tyler .
The address to the W . M . was given by Bro . J . H . SILLITOE ; the address to the Wardens , by Bro . PEMBERTON , P . G . D . C ; and to the brethren , by Bro . HOLLINGWORTH , P . P . G . T . East Lanes . The lodge was closed to the Second Degree , and the W . M . again saluted , and afterwards closed to the First Degree .
At this point the WORSHIPFUL MASTER proposed a vote of thanks to the P . G . M . for his services and presence that day . He felt sure , and indeed knew , Col . Starkie was there at great inconvience to himself , but it onl y showed the brethren , not only of that lodge , but all the brethren of the province , to what a large extent he was interested in the Craft to make such a sacrifice , and assured the P . G . M . that his presence there that day had
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Consecration Of The Thornham Lodge, No. 2279.
CONSECRATION OF THE THORNHAM LODGE , No . 2279 .
The consecration of the above lodge took place at St . Paul ' s National Schools , Royton , near Oldham , on Wednesday , the 28 th ult . The ceremony was performed by the Prov . G . M ., Bro . Col . Le Gendre N . Starkie , assisted
by Bros . E . Bigoe Bagot , P . M ., P . G . Chap . East Lanes ., P . P . G . Chap . Cheshire ; Abraham Clegg , acting D . P . G . M . East Lanes . ; James McLaren , P . S . G . W . ; J . J . Meakin , P . J . G . W . ; Jno . Chadwick , P . G . Sec . ; J . H . Sillitoe , P . M ., P . P . J . G . W ., P . G . Std . Br . Eng . ; Pemberton , P . G . D . C . Fast Lanes . ; and other Prov . Grand Officers .
The brethren having assembled in the lodge room , the Consecrating Officer , with his assistant officers , together with such Grand and Prov . Grand Officers as were present , entered into procession , when the Presiding Officer
took the chair . There were present—Bros . lohn E . Harrison , 1011 ; J . W . Riley , 1561 ; T . Sykes , 252 ; J . R . Meucock and R . J . H . Riley , of 277 ; J . Gullaghed , E . F . Wigg , Ambrose G . Howarth , PM ,: B . C . Mattinson , W . M . ; James Mihie , Henry F . Murphy , and Thomas Collins , of 467 ; T . H . Duckworth , P . M ., T . W . T . Cocker , and James McKennell , 277 ; ] ohn Riley , John Heywood , Luke Wield , S . D ., and Joseph Brierley , of 467 ;
William Wilson , ] no . Chadwick , J . W ., and Frank Lawton , of 277 ; A . Lewtas , icSS ; B . Halliwell , 1496 ; Thos . Partington , 1 S 6 S ; Joseph Wardle , S 54 ; lames Wilton and A . Mills , of 1 SS 6 ; F . Kelly , 854 ; S . Dawson , W . M ., Chas . Turner , P . M ., and W . Dumville , P . M . of ion ; VVilliam Fielding , P . M ., 29 S ; Thomas Higson , P . M ., P . G . Tyler ; G . W . Irving , P . M ., P . G . Stwd . ; W . Co ! lins ; e , PM P . P . G . S . B . ; S . W . Richardson . P . M . 1549 ; E . Hui ton , P . M ., P . P . S . G . W . ;
James Cookson , W . M . 10 S 0 , P . G . D . C . ; Abraham Pemberton , P . M . 1030 ; John ' Kenyon , P . M . 348 ; A . E . Campbell , 277 ; Samuel Ayland , W . M . 1134 ; Edward Entwistle , 999 ; Walter Owen Pettitt , I . P . M . 1055 ; Robert G . Bennett , 1534 ; John Salman , P . M . 163 ; James Kershaw , I . P . M . ion ; John Chadwick , I . G . 277 ; John Williams , S . D . IOI 1 ; Henry Jones , ion ; John Crabtree , 1129 ; Geo . Samuel Smith , P . M . 1134 ; J . Bowdon , P . M . 467 ; John Greaves , P . M . 277 ; B . Maifey , P . M . ;
Colonel Le Gendre Starkie , P . G . M . East Lancashire ; J . H . Sillitoe , P . P . J . G . W ., P . G . Std . Br . Eng . ; John Chadwick , P G . Swd . Br ., P . G . Sec . East Lancashire ; James McLaren , acting " Dep . P . S . G VV . East Lancashire ; J . J . Meekin , P . J . G . W . ; Abraham Clegg , acting Dep . P . G . M . East Lancashire ; James Newton , P . A . G . Sec ; Samuel Warburton , P . G . S . B . ; James Wilkinson , P . M . 298 , P . P . G . S . ; William Davies , P . P . A . G . P . ; VV . M . Holt , P . M . 317 , P . P . G . T . ; E . J . Jennings , P . M . 1459 , PPGS . B .: Geo . Board , P . M ., P . J . G . D . ; C . D . Cheetham , P . M ., P . J . G . D . ;
Thos . Woodcock , P . A . G . D . C ; Joseph Mellor , P . M ., P . G . S . B . ; Wm . Bagnall , P . M ., P . S . G . D . ; James Harfind , P . M . 1129 ; J . VV . Kenyon , P . M . 42 and iqi ; John Holroyd , P . M . 1134 , P . G . Supt . of Wks . East Lancashire ; H . L . Hollingworth , P . M . 277 , P . P . G . T . ; Jos . Harling , P . M . 2 S 3 , P . G . D . ; John W . Abbott , P . M . ; N . Nicholson , P . M , P . S . G . D . ; R . Williamson , P . M ., P . S . G . D . ; E . B . Bagot , P . G . Chap . ; and Walter H . Vaughan , P . G . Registrar . The lodge was opened in the Three Degrees . The PRESIDING OFFICER then addressed the brethren on the nature of
the work which had called them together , and requested the Prov . Grand Chaplain to give the opening prayer . The Presiding Officer was then addressed by the acting DEPUTY PROV . GRAND MASTER . The P RESIDING OFFICER then directed the members of the new lodge to be arranged in order , and called upon the Prov . Grand Secretary to read the oetition and produce the warrant , which was read in a distinctive manner
by Bro . W . H . VAUGHAN , P . G . Reg . When it had been approved by the large number of brethren present in the usual Masonic manner , A charming oration was delivered by Bro . the Rev . E . BIGOE BAGOT , P . M ., P . G . Chap . East Lancashire . He said That in the "Arabian Nights " we read of a fairy tent which a young prince brought hidden in a walnut shell to his father . Placed in the Council Chamber it encanopied the
King and his Ministers , taken into the Court Yard it filled the space till all the household stood beneath the shade . Brought into the midst of the great plain outside the city it spread its mighty awning all around until it gave shelter to a host . It had infinite flexibility , infinite expansiveness , and infinite power of development . So it was with Masonry ; it had covered Europe with its shadow , it had found acceptance with east and west , with African and American tribes , and it was slill spreading in the world
and operating unspent by its own divine and earnest vitality . They all rejoiced that the latest development and expansion of the Crait was in their own Province of East Lancashire . When the needy knife grinder in Canning ' s immortal poem was asked for his history , he replied , "Story ! God bless you , I have none to tell Sir ! " The position of a Provincial Grand Chaplain when called upon to deliver an oration upon the principles of the Crait was directly the reverse .
He suffered from an " embarras des tichesses , so wide , so luminous , and so comprehensive was his subject . But among ihe many aspects and varied hues in which Masonry appeared there were three to which a brief reference would be madethe universality of Masonry , its unity , and its large-heartedness . Freemasonry addressed itself to the universal wants , to the great rudimentary , universally diffused characteristics of human nature . It committed itself to no transient human opinions ;
it addressed itself to no sectional divisions of mankind ; it brushed aside the surface distinctions which separated us one from another , and went right down to the depths of the central identities in which we were all alike . The great Poet of ths Lakes said"We have all one human heart ; " and Masonry addressed itself to the common humanity which belonged to all , and to the w ? -nts and sorrows and inward consciousness which were the heritage of man as man . Secondly , there was the unity of Masonry .
We were living in times when all over the world there was a manifest longing for more of visible unity . France and Germany had both given us new words expressive ot this desire for cosmopolitan unity . Conventions , congresses , and assemblies were held , in which representatives from all countries met to exchange ideas and commodities . These were signs which , like the tufts of grass and sprigs of berries which met the eye of Columbus from the masthead of the " Pinta , " betokened the vicinity of land . It had
heen said—whether in poetry or history it matters not—that there was a certain point in the upper atmosphere at which all the discordant sounds of earth , the rattle of wheels , the chime of " bells , the roll of the drum , ihe laugh of the child , and the moan of the beggar all meet and blend together in perfect harmony . Surely if that bright and cultured conception were realised anywhere on earth it would be within the portals of a Masonic lodge . There we meet together in that kindly spirit of friendly intercourse
which does not sanction the intrusion of a single uncharitable thought , or require the compromise of one sincere conviction . We did not set up a tabernacle for sect , for fparty ; but united various grades and sections of mankind , diverse elements of conflicting society , in one reasonable and harmonious whole , and on one broad and comprenensive basis . Thirdly , there was the large-heartedness of Masonry ; we read in the volume of the Sacred Law that the
Great Architect of the Universe gave to our great Grand Master , King Solomon , Wisdom and nnderstanding exceedmg much , and largeness ot heart even as the sand that is on the sea shore . The need of this large heartedness was evident where we observed the hurtful influence of the power of selfishness in the world around ; we almost persuaded ourselves that unselfishness was merely some abstract quality to be found in the dictionary aljne , and that selfishness , like a moral maelstrom , absorbs every nobler
feeling , and then insatiate , turns upon itself and eats its own heart away . Masonry exhibited beautious contrasts by the bestowments of this largeness of heart , it was taught and inculcated by the magnanimity and nobility of our sentiments , and when the mind and heart were exercised to grasp the great and stupendous ideas connected with the attributes of the Great Creator and His work and procedure , strength and power and vi gour were bestowed upon them by the exercise of the thought and grasp of view
Consecration Of The Thornham Lodge, No. 2279.
necessary to understand these great and majestic fields of contemplation . All that was contracted and unworthy was sought to be replaced by all that was noble and sympathising , and brother was taught to grasp the hand of brother in fraternal recognition . All these principles of Masonry gravitated in one direction , to inspire and stimulate the brethren to the active , practical Benevolence and Charity which were the key note and index of the system :
" Heaven does with us as we with torches do Not light them for ourselves ; for if our virtues Did not go forth of us , ' twere all alike As if we had them not . Spirits are not finely touched .
" But to fine issues ! Nor nature never lends The smallest scruple of her excellence ; But , like a thrifty Goddess , she determines Herself the glory of a Creditor—Both thanks and use . "
There was a large field of labour open to their energy ; there are two worlds in which to work—the world of the heart , with its many-phased and wondrous life ; the world around us , with its problems waiting for solution and its contradictions yearning for an harmoniser . Masonry exhorted us , with trumpet-tongued earnestness , not to be enchained in idleness or indolence , enthralled by the blandishments of pleasure , or unmanned by its enervating air . Crude and ignorant objectionsunjust and false
, prejudices against the Craft were often raised . It was often said we were a foolish and silly coterie , clothed in grotesque and unmeaning costume . It was also frequently charged against us that were selfish and self-indulgent ; that our degrees ran parallel with the arrangements of a dinner menu ; and the only working tools with which we were cognizant were the knife , the fork , and the corkscrew . The Craft was becoming ,
day by day , more and more recognised as one of the most important and valuable bodies in the community , embracing a large share of the nobility , rank , intellect , culture , and goodness of the land ; and we could now afford to smile complacently at these criticisms . _ It wasnot worth the trouble to refute them ; and , like the vapid and senseless opposition which every philanthropic and beneficial movement encountered , it would be useless to hope to silence them .
" Destroy his fib and sophistry ! In vain I The creature ' s at his dirty work again ! " In an age when morality was depreciated , and the newspapers day by day contained the unsavoury records of impurity , dishonesty , and vice ; when order was divided , and submission to anything or anybody was coming to be regarded as antagonistic to freedom and intelligence ; when ancient loyalty was rapidly disappearing under the name of
modern independence—it was not a time to ignore , or weaken , or set at naught a great and generous and loyal Society , which for many generations and in many ages had set forth , and still sets forth , the beauty , the power , the liberty , and the blessing of discipline , obedience , honesty , purity , and subordination . He trusted that the principles and practices of Freemasonry might ever find in that lodge their truest expression , and
that from generation to generation the Craft might increase and prosper , placed by the unanimous verdict of society among the salutary and beneficent institutions of the country , enthroned deep in the hearts of its earnest and devoted worshippers , clothed in beauty , health , and vigour ; the bloom of never-decaying beauty upon her cheeks , and the light of an immortal youth upon her brow .
An appropriate hymn was then sung by the musical brethren . Then followed the dedication prayer—first portion—after which the brethren all turned to the East , and the Presiding Officer delivered the " Invocation . ' The Chaplain then read the portion of Scripture appointed for the occasion —II . Chronicles , c 2 , v . 1 to 16 . The Presiding Officer and P . G . Chaplain advanced to the mosiac pavement . The lodge board was then disclosed ,
and the Presiding Officer and his Wardens , bearing the elements of consecration , marched in procession round the lodge three times , halting in the East after each circuit . During this time the choir sang a suitable hymn . The P . G . Chaplain then read Exodus c . xxx ., v . 25 and 26 . Then came the dedication to " Universal Benevolence " by the Presiding Officer . Musical response , " Glory be to God on High . "
The P . G . Chaplain took the censer three times round the lodge slowly , while the choir sang the following hymn : —
" Supreme Grand Master , God of Power , Be with us in this solemn hour , Smile on our work , our plans approve , Fill every heart with joy and love . Let each discordant thought be gone , And love unite our hearts in one , May we in union strong combine , In work and worship so divine . "
And then proceeded with the second part of the Dedication Prayerresponse by brethren "So mote it be . " Whilst the Presiding Officer and Chaplain were resuming their places in the East , solemn strains of music from the organ , rendered by Bro . Walter Pettitt , P . M ., gave great effect to the concluding portion of the
ceremony . The Presiding Officer then proceeded to constitute the new lodge , and the brethren heartily responded with " So mote it be . " The most interesting ceremony was then brought to a close by the final benediction being given by Bro . E . Bigoe Bagot .
1 he lodge was then closed to the Fellow Craft Degree . At this stage the Prov . Grand Master retired , and the chair was filled by the Installing Master , Bro . J . H . Sillitoe . The first VV . M . of the lodge , Bro . Ambrose J . Haworth , P . M . ion , was then presented to the Installing Master b y Bro . Pemberton , P . G . D . C , and , after the customary formula , a Board of Installed Masters was formed , when Bro . Haworth was installed into the chair of K . S . in a most effective manner . On the brethren being re-admitted Bro . Haworth was proclaimed and saluted by them .
Bro . Hollingworth , P . P . G . Treas . East Lanes ., then invested the officers as follows : Bros . Ralph Young , S . W . ; J . E . Harrison , J . W . ; R . Meucock , Treas . ; Whittaker , Sec ; Wigg , Chap . ; J . VV . Riley , S . D . ; Sykes , J . D . ; R . H . Riley , I . G . ; Bernard C . Mattinson , D . C . ; and T . Collins , Tyler .
The address to the W . M . was given by Bro . J . H . SILLITOE ; the address to the Wardens , by Bro . PEMBERTON , P . G . D . C ; and to the brethren , by Bro . HOLLINGWORTH , P . P . G . T . East Lanes . The lodge was closed to the Second Degree , and the W . M . again saluted , and afterwards closed to the First Degree .
At this point the WORSHIPFUL MASTER proposed a vote of thanks to the P . G . M . for his services and presence that day . He felt sure , and indeed knew , Col . Starkie was there at great inconvience to himself , but it onl y showed the brethren , not only of that lodge , but all the brethren of the province , to what a large extent he was interested in the Craft to make such a sacrifice , and assured the P . G . M . that his presence there that day had