Consecration Of The West Lancashire Century Lodge, No. 2349.

q . arj p . p . G . W . ; Rev . E . T . Reeve , P . P . G . C . East Lancashire ; R . Williamson , P . M , ' P . P . G . D . West Yorkshire ; James Taylor , P . M . 275 ; Samuel Hill , W . M . 703 ; W . j . Read , J . W . 147 6 ; and H . Greenheys , P . P . G D . C . East Lancashire . After the lodge had been opened in the Three Degrees , the PRESIDING OFFICER addressed the brethren , and the P . G . C HAPLAIN delivered an oration .

After the imposing ceremony of consecration , Bro . E . H . Cookson ( ex-Mayor of Liverpool ) installed Bro . the Rev . S . Y . B . Bradshaw , P . P . G . C . of Northumberland and East Lancashire , as the first W . M . of the Century Lodge , and the following were the official appointments : Bros . John Bickerstaffe ( Mayor of Blackpool ) S . W . ; James Fish ( ex-Mayor of Blackpool ) , J . W . ; James Heyes , P . M . 703 , Treas . ; Thos . Forrester , P . G . Std . Br . England , Sec . ; William Hall Hampson , S . D . ; William R . Brandvvood , J . D . ; George Bonny , P . M . 703 , D . C . ; Nathaniel Parkinson , Org . ; William Henry Dean , I . G . ; and James Lord and Henry

Schofield , Stwds . About 60 brethren subsequently dined at the Imperial Hotel , the banquet being served under the superintendence of Bro . Crewe , the manager . After the usual loyal and Masonic toasts had been proposed and responded to , Bro . GOODACRE , Prov . G . Sec , proposed " Success to the West Lancashire Century Lodge" andin doing so , gave a retrospect view of Masonry in West

, , Lancashire , remarking that , although the 101 st lodge in the province had been consecrated on the previous Saturday at Wigan , that was in reality _ the 100 th warrant granted , and in a very few weeks would be the largest province in the kingdom as to lodges , as it was now with regard to its number of subscribing members . When Lord Lathom became Prov . G . Master , there were 60 lodges in the provincethat day there were 101 . Eig hteen years ago there were 41 lodges ,

, five years ago 82 , the increase in the number of lodges in the last five years being 19 ; and he felt justified in saying the position of the province was a most healthy one , and he believed he was quite correct in saying no other province had made such rapid strides . Referring to the new lodge , Bro . Goodacre said he considered the lodge had before it a glorious future , that was if the officers of the lodge were any criterion . In the W . M . they had a P . P . G . Chap , of Northumberland and

also of East Lancashire , a brother who had done good and valued work in both those provinces , and who was not afraid to engage in the laborious work which had been commenced that day . •The WORSHIPFUL MARTER responded in an eloquent speech . Other toasts followed , and a most pleasant evening was spent . The lodge was furnished by Bro . George Kenning .

Consecration Of The Ermine Lodge, No. 2351, At Lincoln.

CONSECRATION OF THE ERMINE LODGE , NO . 2351 , AT LINCOLN .

On Monday , the 21 st ult ., the Ermine Lodge , No . 2351 , was consecrated at the County Assembly Rooms by Bro . Col . Shadwell H . Clerke , Grand Secretary , assisted by Bros . Capt . Nathaniel G . Philips , P . G . D ., as S . W . ; J . H . Matthews , P . G . Std . Br ., as J . W . ; and Frank Richardson , P . G . D ., as D . C . There was a large attendance of brethren from a distance , and the province of Lincolnshire was well represented . Amongst those present

were—Bros . Major W . H . Smyth , Prov . G . M . ; Rev . R . Thomas , P . G . Chap ., Chap . ; W . H . Sissons , P . A . G . D . C , I . G . ; Rev . F . Vernon Bussell , P . G . Chap ., D . P . G . M . Notts ; A . H . Moyes , P . G . S . B ., D . P . G . M . Cambridge ; Major G . Lambert , P . G . S . B . ; M . C . Peck , P . G . S . B ., P . G . Sec . North and East Yorkshire ; H . Sadler , G . Tyler ; James Fowler , D . P . G . M . ; Geo . F . Burrell , P . P . A . G . D . C . ; W . N . Kirby , P . G . S . of Wks . ; W . Watkins , P . P . G . S . of Wks . ; George Masrer , S 3 S . P . G . P . ; Geo . H . Gregory , S 3 S , P . P . G . O . ; W . Challans , S 3 S , P . P . G . S . of Wks . ; H . Shepherd , S 3 S , P . P . J . G . D . ;

J . A . Ferguson , S 3 S , P . P . J . G . W . ; John Allen , S 3 S , P . P . J . G . VV . ; James Eley , 272 , P . P . S . G . W . ; B . Vickers , 297 , P . G . Sec . ; Henry Watson , 297 , P . G . R . ; A . Harrison , 4 69 , P . P . G . S . of W . ; C . I " . Liversidire , 422 , P . P . G . S . B . ; P . P . Dickinson , 297 , P . P . G . S . of W . ; J . T- Allott , 13 S 6 , P . P . ) . G . D . ; E . H . Shepherd , S 3 S , P . G . S . ; Wm . Cocking , 12 S 6 , P . A . G . P . ; C . Reeve , ' i 2 SC , P . P . A . G . P . ; VV . H . Close , 13 S 6 , P . G . S . ; Rev . C . E . Laing , 422 , P . P . G . C . ; F . Cartwright , 1893 , P . P . A . G . P . ; C . E . Ward , P . M . 9 S 5 ; Wm . Gray , 1447 , P . P . S . G . W . ; W . 1 Dormer , 1447 , P . G . T . '; C . T . Wigelsworth , 362 , P . S . G . D . ; C . J . Fox , 13 S 6 , P . P . S . G . W . ; and a large number of brethren from the various lodges in the province .

The most elaborate arrangements had been made for the convenience of the brethren , who , having vested themselves in aprons and regalia—only Craft and Royal Arch jewels being worn—filed into the lodge room , the principal hall of the County Assembly Rooms . This spacious room had been transformed into an elegant boudoir , the decorations of which were undertaken b y Bro . Sims from

special designs , and under the direction of Bro . Mortimer , P . M ., P . P . G . Std . Br . These consisted of clusters of banners arranged in semi-circles , with red and white bannerets above , and coats-of-arms below , with Masonic , loyal , and heraldic emblems interspersed at intervals . Foliage plants relieved the hi ghly coloured scene , and the tout ensemble may be described as a complete and picturesque

success . The brethren having duly assembled , the Consecrating Officer took the chair and appointed his officers . The lodge having been opened in the Three Degrees , the usual opening hymn was sung , and

The CONSECRATING OFFICER then addressed the brethren on the motive of the meeting . He said : We are assembled here to-day in this good old city of Lincoln to perform a most interestingand important Masonic ceremony . We are met on this occasion to give effect to a warrant which has been issued by H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , the M . W . G . M ., establishing a lodge in this city , and placing another name in that honoured roll of the Grand Lodge of England . In this city , perhaps ,

as you are all aware , there already exists two lodges , one of which has almost completed its 100 th year of existence , and -Another which was founded here some 19 years ago . Still , although you have two lodges here , it has been considered desirable that yet a third should be established for the furtherance of Masonry in this ancient city . A petition has been drawn up by certain brethren which had been favourabl y looked upon and recommended by your Provincial Grand Master

and his Royal Highness the M . W . Grand Master has been pleased to receive that request . The lodge had taken that well-known name of that magnificent old road , which , i believe , runs within a few yards of this building . As that road built by Romans in former days , did ] much in bringing about the civilisation of England , so may the establishment of its namesake materiall y promote the welfare and prosperity of Masonry in Lincolnshire . The founders of this lodge have elected its Ma 4 er , an excellent and energetic Mason , who has alread y had much

experience in Masonic ruling , and I feel no doubt whatever that , under his able and judicious sway , this lodge will progress in the manner in which its founders hope it may . I only hope that at this lodge you will weigh and consider the qualities and antecedents of all candidates for membership . In the present day , when Masonry is so well known and widely canvassed and talked about all over England , there are , unfortunately , cases occurring where persons are admitted into the Order , not from good and worth y motives , but from thehope of receiving benefits

Consecration Of The Ermine Lodge, No. 2351, At Lincoln.

in later years . Such is contrary to the tenets and principles of the Order , and I trust that whenever a gentleman is proposed as a candidate for this lodge , the members will investigate his history and antecedents , and that they will be most scrupulous not to admit into that organisation anyone who is not fully deserving of that hig h honour and distinction . If this be not done , you will find that your ranks are filled by brethren who are not truly Masons .

An oration was delivered on the principles and nature of the Institution by the Chaplain . The ceremony of dedication having been completed , Bro . Col . Shadwell H . Clerke duly installed the W . M . designate , Bro . H . E . Cousans , in the chair of K . S . Bro . R . C . Carline was elected Treasurer . The appointment and investiture

of officers followed : Bros . R . C Carline , S . W . ( pro tern . ) for Bro . the Hon . Victor Anderson Pelham , whom the W . M . explained was unavoidably detained by his military duties ; Col . R . G . Ellison , J . W . ; E . Percy Dalton , Sec ; E . A . Cousans , S . D . ; A . Trotter , J . D . ; R . J . Ward , D . C ; R . Whetton , Steward ; and Strangward , Ty ler . The W . M . announced that Bro . T . Wilkinson had kindly consented to act as l . P . M .

The WORSHIPFUL MASTER then rose and said : I beg to propose a very hearty vote of thanks to Bro . Col . Shadwell H . Clerkeand the other officers of Grand Lodge who have been good enough to come down here and consecrate our lodge and assist in the installation and investment of our officers . In proposing this vote of

thanks I cannot but join with my proposal that we ask the Consecrating Officers to become honorary members of this lodge , and if they will honour us to that extent , I would ask the acceptance b y our Grand Secretary and Bro . Richardson of founders' jewels . Bro . WILKINSON had pleasure in seconding .

The GRAND SECRETARY said : W . M . and Brethren , —I do most heartily thank you for the fraternal way in which you have kindly recognised the services we have been able to give . It has been a great pleasure to us to come down here to-day and assist in consecrating this new lodge , and bringing it into existence , and we are exceedingly obliged to you for the kind way in which we have been received . As to Bro . Richardson , I thank you for the additional honour you have conferred on us by presenting us with this jewel .

The WORSHIPFUL MASTER then proposed a vote of thanks to the Provincial Grand Master for his attendance , and also asked him to be an honorary member of the lodge , and to accept a founder ' s jewel . The lodge were under a great obligation to him for his presence there that day . Bro . WILKINSON seconded .

The PROV . GRAND MASTER , in returning thanks , said : I assure you I value the compliment you have paid me very much indeed . You are probably aware that I have been attending a meeting elsewhere to-day , but I did my best to come as quickly as I possibly could . I was glad to be here before the end of the interesting ceremony , and allow me to add one word on behalf of the province to these Grand

Officers who have been good enough to come here . It is a great compliment to the Province of Lincolnshire that Bro . Col . Shadwell H . Clerke should come amongst us , and we feel the compliment very highly . I thank you very much for the kind present you have made me , as well as for being one of your honorary members .

The Worshipful Master , Past Masters , and Wardens of the lodge were elected ; a Committee to frame the by-laws , and several propositions for initiation and joinings having been received , the lodge was closed . The banquet was held at the White Hart Hotel , when about 60 brethren assembled , collars and jewels being worn . An excellent menu had been provided . The toast of " The Queen " having been dul y honoured ,

The W . M . next gave that of " The M . W . Grand Master the Prince of Wales , " followed by that of the " Pro Grand Master and the rest of the Grand Officers , Present and Past , " expressing the pleasure they felt in welcoming so many at their lodge and banquet . After referring to the great services of the Pro Grand Master and others , the W . M . said that , as to the other Officers of Grand Lodge , they had at their table now Captain

Philips , P . G . D ., a brother whom it was not onl y a pleasure to welcome for his own sake , but because he acted as Deacon when Colonel Ellison was initiated into the Craft at the time of the Crimean War . So intimately connected with one of the officers of this lodge was he that it was a great amount of pleasure he was welcomed at their banquet that evening ; then , again , he had sitting next him Bro . Richardson and Bro . Matthews , well known in connection with the Charities and not unknown upon the Board of the Girls' School ; Bro . Bussell , D . P . G . M ., and

a close neighbour of their own ; an old townsman of theirs , Bro . Boyes , D . P . G . M . Cambridge ; Bro . Major Lambert , one of the most active Masons in London ; and Bro . Peck , whom they must all be pleased to see that night , as his was a name so well known b y Lincoln men at Hull . They went to Hull for certain Masonic duties , though that was the first time they had had the pleasure of welcoming him at Lincoln . Bro . Sissons , who was a brother of their own province , and the only Grand Officer in it , with the exception of Bro . Locock . He called upon them to drink the health of those brethren .

Bro . Capt . PHILIPS , in rep ' y , said it had been the greatest pleasure to him to be present there that day and witness the ceremony of consecration of that lodge . He could only say that he hoped on many future occasions to have the opportunity of visiting Lincoln . With regard to their previous Warden , he remembered perfectly well the day of his initiation . For the members of Grand Lodge , he returned them his sincere thanks .

The WORSHIPFUL MASTER then gave " The Prov . Grand Master , the Dep . Prov . Grand Master , and the Prov . Grand Officers , Present and Past , " and said that also was a toast which would be received with a considerable amount of acclamation . That was a toast which was difficult to propose in the presence of the Prov . Grand Master . He need hardly say what a great amount of pleasure it had been to welcome him amongst them , more particularl y so when they knew

what amount of personal inconvenience he had been put to be with them . He had not onl y been to their meeting , but had remained to the banquet . He could only assure him again what a great amount of pleasure it had been to them to see him and welcome him in their midst . They all knew how their Provincial Grand Officers were elected . Every man who worked at all was certain to be enrolled in his turn among the Provincial Grand Officers .

Bro . Major SMYTH , Prov . G . M ., returned thanks , and said that he found himself with no less than seven invitations that day , all of which he should like to have accepted . He should like to say how very much complimented they were by so many Grand Officers being amongst them . He did not remember any occasion , except one , where they had so many Grand Officers with them , and that was when the Prince of Wales , the Duke of Manchester , the Duke of St . Albans , and

Montague Guest came down to a Masonic ball there . They had also been honoured by two Grand Officers being appointed in that province . He had never heard of such a compliment being paid to Lincolnshire before . He thought their province had a good deal to be proud of in connection with their Prov . Grand and Past Prov . Grand Officers . At the time when he became connected with that province there were only 11 lodges , and now there were 24 ; there were then only 300

members , and now there were 1000 . They had then no organisation for Charities , and since that time they had three Charities in their own province of IOOO guineas each in the names of Bros . Oliver , Sutcliffe , and himself , and they also had a Benevolent Fund of ^ 506 or . £ 600 , whilst there was hardly a lodge that had not a Benevolent Fund of its own . He was very much o iliged to them for the kind way in which they had proposed and drunk their health . The WORSHIPFUL MASTER then proposed "The Health of the Consecrating Master , Bro . Colonel Shadwel . l H . Clerke , Grand Secretary . " He said that