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Article PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF EAST LANCASHIRE. ← Page 2 of 2 Article PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF EAST LANCASHIRE. Page 2 of 2 Article GRAND MARK LODGE. Page 1 of 3 →
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Provincial Grand Lodge Of East Lancashire.
J ., . , — ^ , ,, — , ' ^ t tact , and efficiency , and that under your fostering " ate the Craft has not only been , but continues to be , favoured with increasing prosperity . We fervently pray that under Divine Providence you may be long spared to preside over this important and flourishing province , and fiithfully to preserve our landmarks , symbolisms , ceremonies , and privileges , as Ancient , Free , and Accepted
Masons of England . " We are , Right Worshipful Sir and Brother , on behalf of the officers and members of thc lodge , yours fraternally , ' " lames Pilling , W . M . " Henry Taylor , S . W . " John Wilson , J . W . " lames Barker , P . M ., Hon . Sec .
" John Pilling , P . M ., Treas . " Bacup , 2-, th May , 1876 . " He scarcely need say that the expression of feeling in that address was sincerity itself . It was a downright honest and true Masonic feeling , and one that on the part of the R . W . Grand Master was well merited . He had only to hope , and he had no doubt such hope would receive the fullest realisation , that the address would be received in the same kind spisit as that which had dictated
its presentation . The address was beautifully illuminated , and was enclosed in a massive gold frame . The R . W . Prov . G . Master , in acknowledging the comp liment , said it gave him great p leasure to find that his Masonic conduct had so far commended itself to the approval of the brethren of the Samaritan Lodge as to elicit confidence It
from them such a tangible nivk of their . vtai the first testimonial he had received since he entered upon the duties of his present hig h and distinguished position , and he shou'd treasure it as a memento of one of the most pleasant provincial meetings he had ever attended . He should hang it in his home where it could be seen by his friends , and should hand it down as
an heirloom to his children and his children's children . He hoped that as the letters of that address were illuminated in blue and gold that the address itself would ever illuminate his Masonic conduct . Thc Prov . G . Lodge was then closed , after which the oflicers and brethren were , under the direction of Bro . C . M . Jones , Prov . G . Dir . of Cers ., aid his assistant , B > -o .
lames Shillito , marshalled in processional order to the Mechanics' Institution , where the usual banquet was to be held . The brethren wore their badges and jewels of oflice , and were headed by the Wellington brass band . The streets were well lined with spectators , and as the weather was tolerably favourable , the procession , though we are af .-aid it did not meet everybody ' s expectations ,
was a greit success . The arrangements for the banquet at the Mechanics ' Ihstitiition were on a large and costly seal * . The hall had been decorated for the occasion in a most artistic and superb style . The back part of the platform was raised and covered , with carpet , on which was placed a table extending the full width of the platform . There was also
a table on each side of the phtform , each of which was hung round with blue and purple velvet , & c , and overlaid with fine white muslin . The space behind the Grand Master was made to represent a bay window with orange and blue curtains , and red valances trimmed with spangles , & c . The space behind the side tab ' es was made to represent windows , with red and white curtains
and purple ami silk velvet valances , & c , trimmed with gold lace . Over these were shields , banners , Sec ., and from the roof were suspended festoons of green and pink muslin . In front cf the platform there was placed , among a variety of beautiful plants , a statue , representing a female figure with a lig ht iu her hand . The windows were all draped with red and green sateene , trimmed with
gold lace , & c , and overlaid with fine leno muslin , and purple and crimson silk velvet valances trimmed with gold lace . On the walls between the windows there was placed , on a blue ground , a fine landscape scene in Switzerland , and also figures representing different nations . These were placed on a scarlet ground , and uudernuatli were very magnificent mirrors in gilt frames ( kindly
lent for the occasion by Mr . Henry Clough , Messrs . P . and J . Greenwood , and Mr . Wm . Lord ) . These were on a green and gold ground , over which were fuing very massive silver-plated stars , shields , and banners , and other ornaments and Masonic emblems . Under the gallery , at thc back part ofthe hall , was a framework of wrol , ' covered with gold anil green , and in the centre there was
a mirror and other ornaments . The ground work was blue and the centre scarier , and hire the initials H . R . H . in gold . Over these were placed the Prince of Wales ' fealhers in gold , and on each side was a magnificent shield , covered with gold and ornamented with Masonic emblems . The two spaces on each side of the platform were made in the form of panels , on which were figures , on
a blue and white ground , of the Prince of Wales and the Princess of Wales . Various parts of the hall were adorned with shields and banners . The gallery was very neatly adorned with plants , flags , and shields , and the seats were covered with scarlet baize . The staircase and entrance vere also decorated with shields , banners , & c , and the steps and landings were all covered with carpets . There
was a profuse display of plants and flowers , which had been kindly lent for the occasion by Mr . E . 1 loyle , of Moorlands , Mr . H . Maden , of Rockliffe I louse , and Mr . John Hargreaves , of Greensnook . * I he address which had been presented to the Right Worshi pful Provincial Grand Master was exhibited in
front of the platform , and was greatly admired . After the banquet ladies were almitted to the gallery , and they attended in large numbers , and were supplied with dessert , . 'he vocalists were Miss Ho ' t , of Rawtenstall ; Miss J-mith , of Radcliffe ; Mr , Green , of Rochdnle ; and Bro . "umville , of Manchester ; Bro . If . Taylor , S . W ., ably
Provincial Grand Lodge Of East Lancashire.
officiating as accompanyist , and they went through a most appropriate performance in first-class style . After dinner , The Prov . Grand Master gave in succession the toasts of " The Queen , " " The Piince of Wales , M . W . Grand Master . " In proposing the toast of the Prince of Wales , the Grand Master referred to the fact that our future Sovereign had become a member of the Order , aud had
become Worshipful Grand Master of this country and the colonies . The toast was received with " three times nine . " The Prov . Grand Master next proposed " Thc Princess of Wales and the rest of the Royal Family . " Her fame , her goodness , and her beauty went before her before she arrived iu this , country . No princess ever came to this
country who had more identified herself with the people of this country . The rest of the Royal family fulfilled their duty in a manner creditable to themselves and sitisfactory to the country . The Deputy Grand Master , Bro . C-orge Mellor , proposed "The Right Hon . the Earl of Carnarvon , Provincial Grand Master , the Right Hon . Lord Skelmersdale ,
Deputy Grand Master ; " and the Grand Officers Present and Past . " When they saw noblemen like these becoming members of the Craft , and doing thtir best for the good of ihe Order , they ought to be very proud . Bro . fames A . Birch proposed " Col . Le Gendre Starkie , R . W . Provincial Grand Master , " which was received with loud cheers . In another portion of the county the name
of Starkie was reveretl . He ventured to assert that the prestige orthat house had never been more highly sustained than in the person of the Provincial Grand Master . The manner in which he performed suit and service in the Grand Lodge showed how fit he was f . r the position . The piojjress of Freemasonry in the province during his rule had been most rapid . I le referred to the successful
exertions which the Grand Master had made to establish a Masonic charity in East Lancashire , and said he ventured to think that in future days the rule of the Provincial Grand Master would be blesied by the families of indigent Masons . The toast was drunk with much enthusiasm . Thc Prov . Grand Master returned bis heartfelt thanks for
the manner in which Bro . Birch had proposed his health , and said he only wished he was half as good a Mason as their brother had represented him to be . Though he was a strangir in that part of Lancashire , the manner > n which he had been rec-ived would ever remain impressed on his mind . He simply wished as a man and a Mason to do his duty , and he hoped they would excuse his deficiencies .
He had been brought up in the cradle of Freemasonry , and had the example of his father , as a Mason , before him . He sought neither honour nor glory . The true Mason did did not seek honour or glory , but endeavoured to do his duty . They were a body of people who wished to do good . Friendship , love , and truth were the elements they held by . I le loved his province as a father loved his
family , and if he enforced the laws he would endeavour to do so justly , but as leniently as possible . He thanked the brethren of Bacup for the hearty manner in which they had reciived him , and the testimonial which they had presented to him . The Prov . Grand Master , after passing a warm tribute to thc memory of Bro . W . R . Callender , M . P ., proposed
George Mellor , Esq ., W ' -. rslupful Deputy Provincial Grand Master , and the Provincial Grand Officers , Present and Past . " He trusted Bro . Mellor would long have the pleasure of working in harmony and unity with him for thc good of the Order . He trusted Bro . Mellor would have happiness in his new office . Bro . Mellor briefly returned thanks . He said h 2 had
been thirty-five years connected with the Craft , and he had always tried to do his b : st for the interest of the Order . He thanked them for the great honour they had conferred upon him , stating that he would do all in his power for the good of the Craft . The Prov . G . Master gave thc next toast , " The Samaritan Lodge , No . 386 , Bacup . " Me expressed the delight
of himself and the other members on the manner in which they had received the Grand Lodge . He was glad there was a lodge of Freemasons in Bacup . He did not know how they managed their meetings , or whether they got blown up when they went home . lie could assure them he never got blown up when he went home . He wished prosperity to the Bacup Lodge , and he hoped to
meet many of them m future Grand Lodges . Bro . the Rev . A . J . Harrison returned thanks for the W . M . He spoke only the sentiments of the brethren of the lodg when he s iid it was a proud day for the Freemasons of Bicup . The coming among them that day of so many men of high intelligence was a proof that Freemasonry was worthy of respect . Not only would the
seventy or eighty members in Bacup be stimu atcd by the events of the day , but all the brethren of the Craft in Ross ; ndale . The oth * r toasts were "The Masonic Charities , " proposed by Bro . W . Harrison ; "The Visiting Brethren , " proposed by Bro . W . Blackledge , and acknowledged by Bro . llelliwell , of Bury ; ¦• The Ladies , " proposed by Bro .
J . T . Barcroft ; " The Army , Navy , and Volunteers , " proposed by Bro . R . H . llardman j and " All Poor and Distressed Masons . " The appropriate glee of " Good Night to the Day" exhausted the programme , after which the meeting broke up . In the tvening thc front of the Me * hanics'Institution was illuminated , the devices being a star and thc Prince of Wales' feathers .
NAVAL PREPARATIONS . —Preparations have been made for dispatching to Malta medical stores f-r 5 C 00 nun , in addition to the strength of the siuadron at prisen ' . in the Mediterranean .
Grand Mark Lodge.
GRAND MARK LODGE .
The Half-yearly Communication of Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons was held on Tuesday evening , at 33 , Golden-square , thc Hall of the High Degrees of Freemasonry . At the opening of Grand Lodge it was formed a ? follows : —The Earl of Limerick , M . W . G . M . M . M . ; Rev . G . R . Portal , P . G . M . M . M . ; Col . Starkie , as G . S . W . ;
Capt . N . G . Philips , G . J . W . ; Major Geo . Barlow , G . M . O . ; John Chadwick , G . S . O . ; S . Rosenthal , as G . J . O . ; Rev . C . R . Davy , G . Chap . ; Frederic Davison , G . Treas . ; H . C . Levander , G . Reg . ; F . Binckes , G . Sec . ; Samuel lones , G . S . D . ; J . C . Gregg , G . J . D . ; Robert W . Edes , G . Insp . of Wks ; Thomas Trollop ; , M . D ., G . D . of C . ; T . W . Coffin , P . G . S . B ., as G . Swd . Bearer ; T . S . Mortlock ,
G . Std . Bearer ; J . H . Spencer , G . I . G . The following brethren were also present : —F . Richardson , W . Thompson , Sir F . W . Winn , Prov . G . M . ; Rev . W . Langley , P . G . C . ( Leicester ) ; S . Rosenthal , P . G . D . ; Rev . D . Shaboe , P . G . C . ; George Mellor , P . G . M . O . ; Rev . T . F . Ravenshaw , P . G . C . ; Thomas f . Sabine , P . G . A . D . C . ; D . M . Dewar , P . G . S . ; f . H . " Scott ,
P G . S . ; Wm . S . Webster , P . G . S . ; Magnus Ohren , P . G . M . O . ; Thomas Meggy , P . G . M . O . ; A . Great Rex , P . G . S ., and P . G . J . O . ; J . Pringle , P . G . S . ; Stephen Dibdin , P . G . O . ; R . G . Glover , P . G . S . ; W . E . Gumbleton , P . G . W . ; George Neall , P . G . Supt . Wks . ; Thomas Cubitt , P . G . D . C . ; John Read , P . G . Org . ; Wm . Roebuck , P . P . G . J . W ., Middlesex and Su . rey , P . M . Old Kent ; E . J . Harty , Reg . Mks ., Bon
Accord ; R . W . H . Giddy , P . M . Northumberland and Berwick ; P . L . Simmonds , P . M . St . Mark's , No . 1 ; Rev . P . H . E . Brette , VV . M . St . Mark ' s , No . 1 ; J . T . Shapland , W . M . Fortescue , No . 9 ; J . J . Fast , P . M . Howe , No . 21 ; J . C . Mason , J . W . Southwark , No . 22 ; W . F . Cox , S . O . Furness , No . 36 ; J . E . Curteis , P . P . G . W . Devon , P . M . Sincerity , No . 35 ; H . Bagot , W . M . Furness , No . 36 ; S . B .
Ellis , S . O . Britannia , No . 53 ; G . J . McKay , Cumberland , No . 60 ; Rev . K . Miller , P . M . Isaac Newton University , No . 112 ; J . M . P . Montagu , P . M . St . Mary ' s , No . 121 -, J . J . Gibson , S . D . Panmure , No . I-JQ ; G . Martin , W . M . Mallet and Chisel . No . 134 ; T . C . " Pulman , W . M . Panmure , No . 139 ; C . Lacey , W . M . Temple , No . 173 ; H . G . Morse , St . Peter and St . Paul , No . 16 3 ; f . Braithwaite ,
S . W . Southdown , No . 164 ; H . Court , jun ., M . O . Francis Burdett , No . 181 ; H . Court , J . O . Francis Burdett , No . 181 : Col . H . S . Burney ; H . Pullen ; R . W . Bro . J . Elliott , D . P . G . M . M . M . Devon ; W . Bro . J . Gould , P . G . D . Devon ; W . Bro . II . Matthews , P . P . S . G . W . West Yorkshire ; W . Bro . R . Berridge , P . J . G . W . Middlesex and Surrey ; W . Bro . R . Butterworth , P . P . G . D . C . Lancashire ; W . Bro . R . J . Mure , P . G . M . O . Middlesex and Surrey ;
W . Bro . K II . Cozens , P . G . Org . Middlesex and Surrey ; and H . Massey ( " Freemason" ) . Bro . F . Bin-.-kcs , Grand Secretary , having read the minutes of the last half-yearly communication , and of the movable Grand Lodge held at Bristol on the 28 th April last , they were severally put tp Grand Lodge and confirmed . Bro . Binckes then read the following Report of the General Board : —
I he number of certificates issued 111 the six months to 31 st March last is 438 . A During the same period warrants for new lodges have ' been granted : — No . 189 , Scarlett , Burnley . No . 190 , Adoniram , Mussoorie , Bengal . No . 191 , Friendship , Unanimity , and Philanthropy ,
Briil gewater . No . 192 , St . Cuthbert's , Berwick-on-Tweed . The lamented death of Bro . W . Romaine Callender , M . P ., caused , in addition to the loss of his valuable services as R . W . Deputy Grand Mark Master , a vacancy in the government of the province of Lancashire , in connection with which his exertions in behalf of the Order
had b ? cn so successful and so highly appreciated . Fitting aud appropriate notice of this unexpected and regretted event has already been taken , and it now only remains to add that the duties of R . W . Deputy Grand Mark Master , and of R . W . Provincial Grand Mark Master of Lancashire , have devolved upon the Rt . Hon . Lord Skelmersdale , whose appointment , it is confidently believed , will be hailed with satisfaction , not only by the brethren of the
Province of Lancashire , but by the members of the Order at large . Another change in provin-ial rule has been occasioned by the death of R . W . Bro . Sir John Cordy Burrows , whose too brief tenure of oflice as first Provincial Grand Murk Master of Sussex was productive of very considerable benefit to the Order , though the full advantages of his presidency could not be realised , as undoubtedly would have been the case had his valuable life been prolonged .
As successor to Sir Cordy Burrows , the brethren of the Province of Sussex , in Grand Lodge assembled , unanimously recommended Bro . James Maekay Cunningham , M . D ., who so ably assisted his predecessor as Deputy Provincial Grand Mark Master , and the M . W . Grand Mark Master has been pleased to approve such recommendation .
In Madras the board have to report that in succession to R . W . Bro . Arthur Macdonald Ritchie , B . A ., whose term of office had expired , Bro . Aubrey William Ogilvic Saunders has teen recommended and approved as R . W . Provincial Grand Master . A movable Grand Lodge was held by command of the M . W . Grand Mark Master at Bristol on Friday , 28 th
April , for the purpose of cons'ituting a Maik Province of Bristol , and of installing Bro . William Augustus Frederick Powell as first Provincial Grand Master . A very successful meeting was held under the presidency of the W . M . Past Grand Mark Master , the Rev . G . R . Portal , in the unavoidable absence of the W . M . Grand Mark Master , who had fully proposed to be
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Provincial Grand Lodge Of East Lancashire.
J ., . , — ^ , ,, — , ' ^ t tact , and efficiency , and that under your fostering " ate the Craft has not only been , but continues to be , favoured with increasing prosperity . We fervently pray that under Divine Providence you may be long spared to preside over this important and flourishing province , and fiithfully to preserve our landmarks , symbolisms , ceremonies , and privileges , as Ancient , Free , and Accepted
Masons of England . " We are , Right Worshipful Sir and Brother , on behalf of the officers and members of thc lodge , yours fraternally , ' " lames Pilling , W . M . " Henry Taylor , S . W . " John Wilson , J . W . " lames Barker , P . M ., Hon . Sec .
" John Pilling , P . M ., Treas . " Bacup , 2-, th May , 1876 . " He scarcely need say that the expression of feeling in that address was sincerity itself . It was a downright honest and true Masonic feeling , and one that on the part of the R . W . Grand Master was well merited . He had only to hope , and he had no doubt such hope would receive the fullest realisation , that the address would be received in the same kind spisit as that which had dictated
its presentation . The address was beautifully illuminated , and was enclosed in a massive gold frame . The R . W . Prov . G . Master , in acknowledging the comp liment , said it gave him great p leasure to find that his Masonic conduct had so far commended itself to the approval of the brethren of the Samaritan Lodge as to elicit confidence It
from them such a tangible nivk of their . vtai the first testimonial he had received since he entered upon the duties of his present hig h and distinguished position , and he shou'd treasure it as a memento of one of the most pleasant provincial meetings he had ever attended . He should hang it in his home where it could be seen by his friends , and should hand it down as
an heirloom to his children and his children's children . He hoped that as the letters of that address were illuminated in blue and gold that the address itself would ever illuminate his Masonic conduct . Thc Prov . G . Lodge was then closed , after which the oflicers and brethren were , under the direction of Bro . C . M . Jones , Prov . G . Dir . of Cers ., aid his assistant , B > -o .
lames Shillito , marshalled in processional order to the Mechanics' Institution , where the usual banquet was to be held . The brethren wore their badges and jewels of oflice , and were headed by the Wellington brass band . The streets were well lined with spectators , and as the weather was tolerably favourable , the procession , though we are af .-aid it did not meet everybody ' s expectations ,
was a greit success . The arrangements for the banquet at the Mechanics ' Ihstitiition were on a large and costly seal * . The hall had been decorated for the occasion in a most artistic and superb style . The back part of the platform was raised and covered , with carpet , on which was placed a table extending the full width of the platform . There was also
a table on each side of the phtform , each of which was hung round with blue and purple velvet , & c , and overlaid with fine white muslin . The space behind the Grand Master was made to represent a bay window with orange and blue curtains , and red valances trimmed with spangles , & c . The space behind the side tab ' es was made to represent windows , with red and white curtains
and purple ami silk velvet valances , & c , trimmed with gold lace . Over these were shields , banners , Sec ., and from the roof were suspended festoons of green and pink muslin . In front cf the platform there was placed , among a variety of beautiful plants , a statue , representing a female figure with a lig ht iu her hand . The windows were all draped with red and green sateene , trimmed with
gold lace , & c , and overlaid with fine leno muslin , and purple and crimson silk velvet valances trimmed with gold lace . On the walls between the windows there was placed , on a blue ground , a fine landscape scene in Switzerland , and also figures representing different nations . These were placed on a scarlet ground , and uudernuatli were very magnificent mirrors in gilt frames ( kindly
lent for the occasion by Mr . Henry Clough , Messrs . P . and J . Greenwood , and Mr . Wm . Lord ) . These were on a green and gold ground , over which were fuing very massive silver-plated stars , shields , and banners , and other ornaments and Masonic emblems . Under the gallery , at thc back part ofthe hall , was a framework of wrol , ' covered with gold anil green , and in the centre there was
a mirror and other ornaments . The ground work was blue and the centre scarier , and hire the initials H . R . H . in gold . Over these were placed the Prince of Wales ' fealhers in gold , and on each side was a magnificent shield , covered with gold and ornamented with Masonic emblems . The two spaces on each side of the platform were made in the form of panels , on which were figures , on
a blue and white ground , of the Prince of Wales and the Princess of Wales . Various parts of the hall were adorned with shields and banners . The gallery was very neatly adorned with plants , flags , and shields , and the seats were covered with scarlet baize . The staircase and entrance vere also decorated with shields , banners , & c , and the steps and landings were all covered with carpets . There
was a profuse display of plants and flowers , which had been kindly lent for the occasion by Mr . E . 1 loyle , of Moorlands , Mr . H . Maden , of Rockliffe I louse , and Mr . John Hargreaves , of Greensnook . * I he address which had been presented to the Right Worshi pful Provincial Grand Master was exhibited in
front of the platform , and was greatly admired . After the banquet ladies were almitted to the gallery , and they attended in large numbers , and were supplied with dessert , . 'he vocalists were Miss Ho ' t , of Rawtenstall ; Miss J-mith , of Radcliffe ; Mr , Green , of Rochdnle ; and Bro . "umville , of Manchester ; Bro . If . Taylor , S . W ., ably
Provincial Grand Lodge Of East Lancashire.
officiating as accompanyist , and they went through a most appropriate performance in first-class style . After dinner , The Prov . Grand Master gave in succession the toasts of " The Queen , " " The Piince of Wales , M . W . Grand Master . " In proposing the toast of the Prince of Wales , the Grand Master referred to the fact that our future Sovereign had become a member of the Order , aud had
become Worshipful Grand Master of this country and the colonies . The toast was received with " three times nine . " The Prov . Grand Master next proposed " Thc Princess of Wales and the rest of the Royal Family . " Her fame , her goodness , and her beauty went before her before she arrived iu this , country . No princess ever came to this
country who had more identified herself with the people of this country . The rest of the Royal family fulfilled their duty in a manner creditable to themselves and sitisfactory to the country . The Deputy Grand Master , Bro . C-orge Mellor , proposed "The Right Hon . the Earl of Carnarvon , Provincial Grand Master , the Right Hon . Lord Skelmersdale ,
Deputy Grand Master ; " and the Grand Officers Present and Past . " When they saw noblemen like these becoming members of the Craft , and doing thtir best for the good of ihe Order , they ought to be very proud . Bro . fames A . Birch proposed " Col . Le Gendre Starkie , R . W . Provincial Grand Master , " which was received with loud cheers . In another portion of the county the name
of Starkie was reveretl . He ventured to assert that the prestige orthat house had never been more highly sustained than in the person of the Provincial Grand Master . The manner in which he performed suit and service in the Grand Lodge showed how fit he was f . r the position . The piojjress of Freemasonry in the province during his rule had been most rapid . I le referred to the successful
exertions which the Grand Master had made to establish a Masonic charity in East Lancashire , and said he ventured to think that in future days the rule of the Provincial Grand Master would be blesied by the families of indigent Masons . The toast was drunk with much enthusiasm . Thc Prov . Grand Master returned bis heartfelt thanks for
the manner in which Bro . Birch had proposed his health , and said he only wished he was half as good a Mason as their brother had represented him to be . Though he was a strangir in that part of Lancashire , the manner > n which he had been rec-ived would ever remain impressed on his mind . He simply wished as a man and a Mason to do his duty , and he hoped they would excuse his deficiencies .
He had been brought up in the cradle of Freemasonry , and had the example of his father , as a Mason , before him . He sought neither honour nor glory . The true Mason did did not seek honour or glory , but endeavoured to do his duty . They were a body of people who wished to do good . Friendship , love , and truth were the elements they held by . I le loved his province as a father loved his
family , and if he enforced the laws he would endeavour to do so justly , but as leniently as possible . He thanked the brethren of Bacup for the hearty manner in which they had reciived him , and the testimonial which they had presented to him . The Prov . Grand Master , after passing a warm tribute to thc memory of Bro . W . R . Callender , M . P ., proposed
George Mellor , Esq ., W ' -. rslupful Deputy Provincial Grand Master , and the Provincial Grand Officers , Present and Past . " He trusted Bro . Mellor would long have the pleasure of working in harmony and unity with him for thc good of the Order . He trusted Bro . Mellor would have happiness in his new office . Bro . Mellor briefly returned thanks . He said h 2 had
been thirty-five years connected with the Craft , and he had always tried to do his b : st for the interest of the Order . He thanked them for the great honour they had conferred upon him , stating that he would do all in his power for the good of the Craft . The Prov . G . Master gave thc next toast , " The Samaritan Lodge , No . 386 , Bacup . " Me expressed the delight
of himself and the other members on the manner in which they had received the Grand Lodge . He was glad there was a lodge of Freemasons in Bacup . He did not know how they managed their meetings , or whether they got blown up when they went home . lie could assure them he never got blown up when he went home . He wished prosperity to the Bacup Lodge , and he hoped to
meet many of them m future Grand Lodges . Bro . the Rev . A . J . Harrison returned thanks for the W . M . He spoke only the sentiments of the brethren of the lodg when he s iid it was a proud day for the Freemasons of Bicup . The coming among them that day of so many men of high intelligence was a proof that Freemasonry was worthy of respect . Not only would the
seventy or eighty members in Bacup be stimu atcd by the events of the day , but all the brethren of the Craft in Ross ; ndale . The oth * r toasts were "The Masonic Charities , " proposed by Bro . W . Harrison ; "The Visiting Brethren , " proposed by Bro . W . Blackledge , and acknowledged by Bro . llelliwell , of Bury ; ¦• The Ladies , " proposed by Bro .
J . T . Barcroft ; " The Army , Navy , and Volunteers , " proposed by Bro . R . H . llardman j and " All Poor and Distressed Masons . " The appropriate glee of " Good Night to the Day" exhausted the programme , after which the meeting broke up . In the tvening thc front of the Me * hanics'Institution was illuminated , the devices being a star and thc Prince of Wales' feathers .
NAVAL PREPARATIONS . —Preparations have been made for dispatching to Malta medical stores f-r 5 C 00 nun , in addition to the strength of the siuadron at prisen ' . in the Mediterranean .
Grand Mark Lodge.
GRAND MARK LODGE .
The Half-yearly Communication of Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons was held on Tuesday evening , at 33 , Golden-square , thc Hall of the High Degrees of Freemasonry . At the opening of Grand Lodge it was formed a ? follows : —The Earl of Limerick , M . W . G . M . M . M . ; Rev . G . R . Portal , P . G . M . M . M . ; Col . Starkie , as G . S . W . ;
Capt . N . G . Philips , G . J . W . ; Major Geo . Barlow , G . M . O . ; John Chadwick , G . S . O . ; S . Rosenthal , as G . J . O . ; Rev . C . R . Davy , G . Chap . ; Frederic Davison , G . Treas . ; H . C . Levander , G . Reg . ; F . Binckes , G . Sec . ; Samuel lones , G . S . D . ; J . C . Gregg , G . J . D . ; Robert W . Edes , G . Insp . of Wks ; Thomas Trollop ; , M . D ., G . D . of C . ; T . W . Coffin , P . G . S . B ., as G . Swd . Bearer ; T . S . Mortlock ,
G . Std . Bearer ; J . H . Spencer , G . I . G . The following brethren were also present : —F . Richardson , W . Thompson , Sir F . W . Winn , Prov . G . M . ; Rev . W . Langley , P . G . C . ( Leicester ) ; S . Rosenthal , P . G . D . ; Rev . D . Shaboe , P . G . C . ; George Mellor , P . G . M . O . ; Rev . T . F . Ravenshaw , P . G . C . ; Thomas f . Sabine , P . G . A . D . C . ; D . M . Dewar , P . G . S . ; f . H . " Scott ,
P G . S . ; Wm . S . Webster , P . G . S . ; Magnus Ohren , P . G . M . O . ; Thomas Meggy , P . G . M . O . ; A . Great Rex , P . G . S ., and P . G . J . O . ; J . Pringle , P . G . S . ; Stephen Dibdin , P . G . O . ; R . G . Glover , P . G . S . ; W . E . Gumbleton , P . G . W . ; George Neall , P . G . Supt . Wks . ; Thomas Cubitt , P . G . D . C . ; John Read , P . G . Org . ; Wm . Roebuck , P . P . G . J . W ., Middlesex and Su . rey , P . M . Old Kent ; E . J . Harty , Reg . Mks ., Bon
Accord ; R . W . H . Giddy , P . M . Northumberland and Berwick ; P . L . Simmonds , P . M . St . Mark's , No . 1 ; Rev . P . H . E . Brette , VV . M . St . Mark ' s , No . 1 ; J . T . Shapland , W . M . Fortescue , No . 9 ; J . J . Fast , P . M . Howe , No . 21 ; J . C . Mason , J . W . Southwark , No . 22 ; W . F . Cox , S . O . Furness , No . 36 ; J . E . Curteis , P . P . G . W . Devon , P . M . Sincerity , No . 35 ; H . Bagot , W . M . Furness , No . 36 ; S . B .
Ellis , S . O . Britannia , No . 53 ; G . J . McKay , Cumberland , No . 60 ; Rev . K . Miller , P . M . Isaac Newton University , No . 112 ; J . M . P . Montagu , P . M . St . Mary ' s , No . 121 -, J . J . Gibson , S . D . Panmure , No . I-JQ ; G . Martin , W . M . Mallet and Chisel . No . 134 ; T . C . " Pulman , W . M . Panmure , No . 139 ; C . Lacey , W . M . Temple , No . 173 ; H . G . Morse , St . Peter and St . Paul , No . 16 3 ; f . Braithwaite ,
S . W . Southdown , No . 164 ; H . Court , jun ., M . O . Francis Burdett , No . 181 ; H . Court , J . O . Francis Burdett , No . 181 : Col . H . S . Burney ; H . Pullen ; R . W . Bro . J . Elliott , D . P . G . M . M . M . Devon ; W . Bro . J . Gould , P . G . D . Devon ; W . Bro . II . Matthews , P . P . S . G . W . West Yorkshire ; W . Bro . R . Berridge , P . J . G . W . Middlesex and Surrey ; W . Bro . R . Butterworth , P . P . G . D . C . Lancashire ; W . Bro . R . J . Mure , P . G . M . O . Middlesex and Surrey ;
W . Bro . K II . Cozens , P . G . Org . Middlesex and Surrey ; and H . Massey ( " Freemason" ) . Bro . F . Bin-.-kcs , Grand Secretary , having read the minutes of the last half-yearly communication , and of the movable Grand Lodge held at Bristol on the 28 th April last , they were severally put tp Grand Lodge and confirmed . Bro . Binckes then read the following Report of the General Board : —
I he number of certificates issued 111 the six months to 31 st March last is 438 . A During the same period warrants for new lodges have ' been granted : — No . 189 , Scarlett , Burnley . No . 190 , Adoniram , Mussoorie , Bengal . No . 191 , Friendship , Unanimity , and Philanthropy ,
Briil gewater . No . 192 , St . Cuthbert's , Berwick-on-Tweed . The lamented death of Bro . W . Romaine Callender , M . P ., caused , in addition to the loss of his valuable services as R . W . Deputy Grand Mark Master , a vacancy in the government of the province of Lancashire , in connection with which his exertions in behalf of the Order
had b ? cn so successful and so highly appreciated . Fitting aud appropriate notice of this unexpected and regretted event has already been taken , and it now only remains to add that the duties of R . W . Deputy Grand Mark Master , and of R . W . Provincial Grand Mark Master of Lancashire , have devolved upon the Rt . Hon . Lord Skelmersdale , whose appointment , it is confidently believed , will be hailed with satisfaction , not only by the brethren of the
Province of Lancashire , but by the members of the Order at large . Another change in provin-ial rule has been occasioned by the death of R . W . Bro . Sir John Cordy Burrows , whose too brief tenure of oflice as first Provincial Grand Murk Master of Sussex was productive of very considerable benefit to the Order , though the full advantages of his presidency could not be realised , as undoubtedly would have been the case had his valuable life been prolonged .
As successor to Sir Cordy Burrows , the brethren of the Province of Sussex , in Grand Lodge assembled , unanimously recommended Bro . James Maekay Cunningham , M . D ., who so ably assisted his predecessor as Deputy Provincial Grand Mark Master , and the M . W . Grand Mark Master has been pleased to approve such recommendation .
In Madras the board have to report that in succession to R . W . Bro . Arthur Macdonald Ritchie , B . A ., whose term of office had expired , Bro . Aubrey William Ogilvic Saunders has teen recommended and approved as R . W . Provincial Grand Master . A movable Grand Lodge was held by command of the M . W . Grand Mark Master at Bristol on Friday , 28 th
April , for the purpose of cons'ituting a Maik Province of Bristol , and of installing Bro . William Augustus Frederick Powell as first Provincial Grand Master . A very successful meeting was held under the presidency of the W . M . Past Grand Mark Master , the Rev . G . R . Portal , in the unavoidable absence of the W . M . Grand Mark Master , who had fully proposed to be