Consecration Of The Southern Star Chapter, No. 1158.

As a souvenir of the occasion the M . E . Z . asked their kind acceptance of a splendid cigar case mounted , which included compartments for r . otes , diary , stamps , private care's , & c , in fact quite unique in itself . The CONSECRATING OFFICER very gracefully acknowledged the high compliment conferred upon himself and the other Consecrating Officers , and stated the exireme pleasure it had given them all in attending the consecration , and w ' . shed the chapter every prosperity . He 1 kewise thanked the companions for such a handsome and useful souvenir of the occasion .

The names of 14 brethren were handed in and announced by the S . E . for exaltation at the regular convocation on the 13 th inst . The chapter being closed , the companions adjourned to a recherche banquet , which was highly appreciated . The cloth removed , the M . E . Z . most cordially gave the loyal and Royal Arch toasts , which were right royally received .

The toast of " The G . H ., the G . J ., and the rest of the Grand Officers , Present and Past , " followed , the M . E . Z . remarking upon the excellent manner they performed their arduous duties . Comp . J . STUDHOLME BROWNRIGG , G . Supt . Bucks , in reply , said that he was highly pleased to be associated with that august body , and it gave all the Grand Officers present very great pleasure in performing the duties

devolving upon them , and at all times to be of service to the Order . Comp . J . BLOCK , M . E . Z , next proposed the toast of " The Consecrating Officers , " remarking upon their excellent work and the pride felt in being placed in so exalted a position as M . E . Z . by so eminent a Mason as the G S . E . He trusted they mig ht soon again visit the chapter and witness the progress made , and that Comp . E . Letchworth mig ht have many years

of usefulness in performing ' the same splendid ceremony . Comp . E . LETCHWORTH , G . S . E ., in reply , expressed his warmest thanks to the M . E . Z . for such kind words , and his personal thanks to those Grand Officers who had so kindly assisted him in the consecration . Whatever his duties were in the Craft , which were always carried out most cheeifully , yet the pleasure was far greater when he had the honour of starting a new lodge

or chapter . Upon the present occasion that pleasure was greatly increased when the chapter had a bright and happy future before it , and referred to the fact of the large number of candidates , all proposed from the mother lodge , who had expressed their desire for exaltation , which augured well for Ihe success of the chapter . On behalf of the Consecrating Officers , he tendered his best thanks .

Comp . HANDS , H ., next proposed "The Health of the M . E . Z . " in highly complimentary terms , remarking upon his splendid work as W . M ., ' and from the first inefption of the idea to found the chapter , the M . E . Z . had worked most assiduously . He would re-echo the remarks of the Grand Officers , and wish the M . E . Z . a most successful year of 1 ilice . One and all felt there was a splendid future before the chapter , and under the able guidance of such a First Principal it could not but be a success . All wished him health , happiness , and prosperity for many years to come .

In reply , Comp . J . BLOCK , M . EZ ., most cordially thanked the companions for such a reception . He was proud of his honourable position and the confidence reposed in him . He had been connected with the lodge for 20 years , had had a most successful year as Master , and now that he had attached himself to the Royal Arch , the more he saw of the splendid ritual the more he loved it . He felt the Southern Star Chapter would be a success ,

and that the greatest care should be exercised in proposing candidates , so that they mig ht prove a credit . He again thanked the Grand Officers for consecrating the chapter , and trusted at the end of the year one and all would be pleased with the manner he had performed his duties . The toast of " The H . and J . " was next proposed bv the M . E . Z ., who remarked upon their excellence . Comp . Hands , H ., was W . M . of the mother lodge , and was doing splendid work , and Comp . Bunker , J ., an old Pait

Master of the lodge , was aho one that had done good and suitable service . He would ask the companions Io drink to the good health of his colleagues . Comp . HANDS , H ., replied in grateful terms for such a greeting , stating that only a very few months ago it was mentioned as to founding the chapter , and now to see the result was remarkable . For the trust reposed in him he hoped he should merit ( heir entire approbation by faithfully discharging his duties .

Comp . BUNKER , J ., stated he felt it was a very responsible position to be placed in , and should do his utmost for the chapter . He had been connected with the lodge for more than 21 years , and the same affection would be bestowed upon the chapter as he had felt towards the lodge . The toast of " The Visitors " was then honoured . Comps . W . SHURMUR P . Z . ; J LIGHTFOOT , P . Z . 1901 ; RUSDY , GOWER , GRUMMANT , P . Z . 1275 ; CANTLE , and Hy . SADLER , G . Janitor , responded .

The M . E . Z . next gave the ( oast of " Comps . Austin , S . E ., and Wm . Beecroft , Treas ., " remarking his , indebtedness to Comp . Austin for his indefatigable exertions in the formation of the chapter . His kindness and courtesy had been exhibited throughout the whole proceedings . Alihough

so young a Royal Arch Mason , yet he had been most invaluable to him ( the M . E . Z . ) , for which he most heartily thanked him both on his own behalf and also for the founders . Of the Treasurer , Comp . W . Beecroft , he was an esteemed Past Master of the lodge , and one in whom every confidence could be placed .

Comp . AUSTIN , S . E ., in reply , said it afforded him great pleasure in assisting the M . E . Z . in the formation of the chapter , as it was always in furthering the cause of Masonry . What he had done was most readily and cheerfully bestowed , and it would be his utmost endeavour to brirg the

Southern Star Chapter to a most successful issue . The M . E Z . next proposed the toast of " The Officers , " remarking that they were most able . Of the I . P . Z ., Comp . Wright , who was the father of the lodge and Treasurer for more than 23 years , he was pleaded to think he had accepted the position of LP . Z . in the chipter .

Comps . WRIGHT , BLUM , and ATKINSON very suitably responded , pledging themselves to do their very best for the success of the chapter . The Janitor's toast closed a very happy and eventful evening . An excellent programme of music was arranged under the direction of Comp . Frank Swinford , S . E . 2272 , ably assisted by Comps . George May , Vivian Bennetts , Fred H . Cozens , and Swinford , who ably presided at the

piano . THE GRAND DUCHESS OF MECKLENBURG S TRELITZ , with her granddaughter-, the Princesses Marie and Jutta , lunched with the Princess Louiie and the Mirquis of Lome at Kemington Palace on Saturday last and afterwards visited Olympia . On Saturday the Grand Duchess and the voung Princesses lunched with the Duke of Cambridge and afterwards drove to the White Lodge , Richmond , to dine with her sister , the Princess Mary Adelaide , and the Duke of Teck .

Provincial Grand Mark Lodge Of West Yorkshire.

PROVINCIAL GRAND MARK LODGE OF WEST YORKSHIRE .

The annual meeting of tlu above Provincial Grand Lodge was held on Saturday , the 2 nd instant , at the Masonic Hall , Filzwilliam-street , Huddersfield , under the banner of the Lodge of Truth , No . 137 . It was a large and important gathering , and was another and striking illustration of the progress which Mark Masonry is making , and the active interest which it is exciting , in the West Riding of Yorkshire .

Bro . Charles Letch Mascn , the Piovincial Grand Master , entered accompanied by his Deputy , Bro . J-. hn Barker , at four o ' clock . He was supported by , amongst olh : rs , the following officers and brethren : Bros . H . S . Holdsworth , P . M . 58 , P . G . S . B ., as Prov . S . G . W . ; M . J . Dodworth P . M . S 3 , Prov . J . G . W . ; W . E . Smithies , W . M . 493 , P . P . G . W . ; Chas ' . Woollons , P . M . no , P . P . G . W . ; J . W . Monckman , P . M . ( T . I . ) , P . P . G . W

P . G . S . ; Jas . H . Gration , J . P ., P . M . 127 , P . P . G . W ., P . G . S .: R . Williamson ' P . M . 137 , P . P . G . W . ; C . J . Schott , P . M . ( T . I . ) , P . P . G . W . ; Dr . Samuel Jacob ' , P . M . 352 , Prov . G . M . O . ; Thos . Norfolk , P . M . ( T . I . ) , Prov . S . G . O . ; Walter Hanson , P . M . 58 , Prov . J . G . O . ; Thos , Gaukroger , P . M . 14 , P . P . G . O . ; J . J . Green , P . M . 58 , P . P . G . O . ; Richard Hodgson , P . M . 58 , P . P . G . O ., Vice-Chairman of the Charity Committee ; Wm . Flockton , P . M . m , P . P . G . O . ; Edwin

Billington , P . M . 127 , P . P . G . O . ; Richard Nelson , P . M . 14 , P . P . G . O . ; Rev . J . J . L . Brereton , M . A ., Chap . 127 , as Prov . G . Chaplain ; W . W . Clayton , P . M . 374 , Prov . G . Treasurer ; Chas . Middleton , P . M . m , Prov . G . Registrar-A . E . Kirkham , P . M . 53 , P . P . G . Reg . ; Joseph Matthewman , W . M . no , Prov ! G . Sec ; Thos . Uttley , P . M . 14 , Prov . S . G . D . ; Wm . Joseph Morris , P . M . 58 , Prov . J . G . D . ; G . H . Parke , P . M . no , P . P . G . D ., G . Steward , Chairman of the

Charity Committee ; J . J . Martin , P . M . no , P . P . G . D . ; Alfd . Leach , P . M . no Prov . G . D . C ; Thos . Robertshaw , P . M . 58 , P . P . G . D . C ; T . Tomlinson , Prov ! G . S . B . ; J . H . Shaw , P . M . 137 , P . P . G . S . B . ; Chas . Lingard , P . M . 127 , Prov . G . Std . Br . ; William Cockcroft , P . M . 14 , P . P . G . Std . Br . ; George Wragg , P . M . 53 , P . Prov . G . Organist ; John Brook , Secretary i _ 7 , P . Prov . G

Organist ; T . E . Greenhough , Prov . G . I . G . ; George Jackson , P . M . 137 , and G . H . Clemons , P . M . 374 , P . G . Stwds . ; and J . H . Newton , in , Prov . G . T yler ; also Bros . J . T . Last , VV . M . Old York ( T . I . ) ; Gledhill Hallas , W . M . 14 ; H . A . Brook , W . M . 53 ; the Right Hon . W . L . Jackson , M . P ., W . M . in ; T . G . Howell , W . M . 137 ; John Reed , I . P . M . 398 ; and Chas . A . Phillips , W . M . 457 . All the lodges in the province were represented , some very numerously .

After the usual salutations , the calling of the rolls , and the confirm ition of the minu'es , the PROVINCIAL GRAND MASTER thus addressed the Prov . Grand Lodge :

Biethren , —It gives me great pleasure to meet you again . This is my second Masonic visit to Huddersfield this week , for , as many of you are aware , I was present on Wednesday last to assist in the celebration of the jubilee of the Truth Craft Lodge . To-day Provincial Grand Mark Lodge meets for the sixth time under the banner of the Truth Mark Lodge , our former visits being in the years 1874 , 18 7 8 , 18 S 1 , 1888 , and 1893 . We , of couise , brethren , are what is called

Speculative Masons , and the antiquity of Speculative Masonry is an open question . Some look upon it as comparatively modern , others , like myself , regard it as an Institution dating back to remote ages . The Mark must have formed a necessary portionof Operative Masonry as distinction in the work of the various Craftsmen was essential . It would , therefore , pass in the transition with Craft Masonry from Operative to Speculative . The earliest record of the Mark as a Degree , I believe ,

is at Portsmouth , in 1769 . It is mentioned in the books of the Durham Lodge , date , 1773 ; and in the minutes of St . Thomas' Lodge , constituted in 1775 , are many references to the Mark ; for instance , under date 9 th August , 1777 , it is recorded— " The W . M ., with the following brothers ( names appended ) were made Mark Ma : o is , also Mark Masters . " A Fellow Craft only was made a Mark Mason whilst a Master Mason might become a Mark Master . At this period it was

clearly worked in a Craft lodge . This was the case with the Old York Time Immemorial Lodge , at Bradford . Its minutes are all mixed up in the minute books of the Hope Craft Lodge , so also that of Prince Edward , No . 14 , Eastwood . The organisation , as a separate Degree , having lodges to work the Mark only , is comparatively quite mo d ern , but since this arrangement its advance has been rapid . In America it is essential previous to taking the Royal Arch . During

18 95 10 new warrants were issued , two new provinces were formed , and many distinguished Craft Masons took positions in the Mark Degree , amongst whom I may may mention , the Earl of Onslow , Prov . Grand Master for Surrey , and Bro . Woodiwiss , Prov . G . Master for Derbyshire , at whose installation I was present . Coming nearer home , many of us had the pleasure of welcoming the Prov . Grand Master of Craft Masons of this province , the Right Hon . W . L . Jackson , M . P .,

into our Order , and of seeing him installed as W . M . of the Copley Lodge , No . in , Leeds , and I am further gratified to find that he is more fully identifying himself , as one of us , by accepting the ofiice , to-day , of Provincial Senior Grand Warden in our Provincial Grand Lodge . Numerically , West Yorkshire is third on the list of provinces , and we have quite recently added another lodge to our roll , that of Eland , No . 493 , at Elland , with a prospect of possibly two

others in the not distant future . As you will shortly hear from the Registrars report , there has been a large number of resignations during the year ending 31 st December , 18 95 . Most of these I have reasun to believe consist either of those who being members of two lod ge * have confined themselves to one , or else of old members who have long ceased to take an interest , but have yet had their names retained on the roll till last year . There have been 53 new members during 1895 *

Old York , Bradford , and the truth Lodge , Huddersfield , having admitted nine each , Britannia , Sheffield , eight' whilst Portal and Fearnley have each enroled live ; but perhaps the most satisfactory feature of the statement lies in the constant decrease in arrears . 1 here is virtually only one lodge in that condition and that I have reason to believe will be speedily amended . VVe may , therefore , say that the province is in good working form . There is a very great improvement in the in

rendering of the ritual too and in the majority of the lodges , a great increase energy and enthusiasm . Let me impress upon you brethren the old adage , " Firs ' impressions are the most lasting . " Many a brother ' s zeal has been slackened and his interest lost by the slipshod and slovenly way he has been admitted into Masonry . Let your woVking be thorough and your ceremonies conducted with dignity , then our Order will flourish . The distribution of collars is not with us such a difficult task as it is to our R . W . Bro . the Right Hon . W . L . Jackson , work

but it is our constant desire to recognise merit and ability . Some in one way , some in another , and we endeavour as far as we can to acknowledge and to reward ( the services of all who show interest in the Order . Under the peculiar circumstances of the present year it is not my intention to say anything about the Mark Benevolent Festival . We have formed , as you are all well aware , a Charity Committee , the reasons for doing ' which were fully explained at our last meeting , at Barnsley , and I would