Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Provincial Grand Lodge Of Norths And Hunts.
it mio-ht not attract the admiration which men were apt to give to showy work it would gain the approval of the invisible King . Work which appeared in the eyes of men to be a perfect failure might yet he doing real good in the way of preparation . Christ when lie was crucified between two robbers , reviled on earth , and apparently forsaken by Heaven , appeared to be a lamentable failure . But the history of the world since had proved that the judgment which regarded it as a failure was mistaken . He noted that the stones were prepared so that no hammer
or axe was heard in the Temple—the work was carried on in silence . And so it often was with the work of God—it was carried out quietly , silently , slowly . Each stone was carefully prepared and then brought and reverently laid in its appointed place , and the magnificent work in that great building was executed in silence . It was a grand thought this silence and majesty of the great work of God . It had been well said that no great work was ever done in a hurry , and for themselves , if , when their race was run , they
could feel they had been quietly working for God , though silently , they would have reason to be thankful . The silent work , the silent sympathy , the silent alleviation of distress and suffering , the silent helping hand , the silent Charity , never to be added up in this world , and rarely , if ever , seen , were methods by which they strove to do thc work of God . Their silent and unostentatious work—work which the world never sawmade it all the more true . Then he noticed that every part of the buildiug was put
together , all the carving and metal work was done according to a well-ordered planthere was nothing too simple ; the work , even in its most insignificant details , was carefully finished , and they in theirlives should aim at the perfection which was characteristic of the work of the Great Architect of the Universe . Nothing , however insignificant it was . that was worth doing at all , should be slurred over , but all should be carefully done .
Honest and true work rig ht through should be the aim of every true Mason , and their lives as Masons and Christians were utterly useless if they were not true all through . They would all be happy if they could but be true to their work , for what was their life ' s work but to present themselves as well squared stones , with all the imperfections and rough edges turned off by trials , it might be , and then , when they were tried and proved , to be placed in the Heavenly Temple .
The offertory was then made , the hymn "Gracious Spirit , Holy Ghost " being sung meanwhile . The amount collected was £ 8 2 s . 4 d ., part of which goes to the Towcester National Schools and part to the Royal Masonic Institution for Boys . "All people that on earth to dwell " was sung as a recessional . The procession re-formed , and a return was made to the Town Hall , and subsequently a banquet was held at the Pomfret Hotel .
An excellent repast was provided by " mine host of the Pomfret , Mr . Perry . The cloth withdrawn , the DEPUTY PROV . GRAND MASTER , Bro . Butler Wilkins ( who presided ) , gave " The Queen and the Craft , " and also "The M . W . the Grand Master of England , ' H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , K . G , " particularly referring to the admirable manner in which H . R . H . performed not only his Masonic but also his public duties .
The Rev . VV . A . H OWES proposed "The M . W . the Pro Grand Master of England ( the Rig ht Hon the Earl of Carnarvon ) , the D . G . M . ( the Earl of Lathom ) , and the Officers of Grand Lodge . " Bro . BUTLER WILKINS , who is P . G . Standard Bearer England , briefly
replied . The Rev . G . B . HOOPER gave " The R . W . the Prov . G . M ., the Dukeof Manchester , and the VV . the Deputy Prov . G . M ., Bro . Butler Wilkins , " and regretting the frequent absence of the P . G . M ., he spoke highly of the efficiency with which his duties were discharged by the Deputy Prov . G . M . ( Loud cheers ) .
Bro . BUTLER WILKINS , after a brief reference to the absence of the Prov . G . M ., stated that their next meeting was arranged to be held at Thrapston . ( Hear , hear . ) He thanked them for the kind way in which they had received his name . It was twelve years since he had first responded to that toast . Many changes had taken place in the province during that period . Thev had lost many brethren ; nevertheless , they had increased in
numbers . They had increased , too , the number of their lodges , and they might fairly say Masonry had prospered amongst them . ( Hear , hear . ) There had been such an amount of good feeling , brotherly love and harmony amongst them that no province . could excel them ( Cheers ) . He trusted that the harmony which prevailed , and the unity they enjoyed , would continue unbroken in the future . ( Hear , hear . ) When he first responded to this
toast he asked the assistance of the brethren , and he thanked them for the cordial way in which they had rendered it . He referred to improvements he had endeavoured to bring about in the choice of officers for Prov . Grand Lodge , and other steps , and hoped that both the spirit and working of the lodges would be maintained in harmony , and expressed the indebtedness they all felt to Bro . Hooper for the excellent and exceedingly appropriate discourse he had given them that day . ( Loud cheers . )
Bro . CAMPION gave "The Grand Officers of the Province , Present and Past . " He spoke of their indebtedness to the men of the past for the privileges which they of the present enjoyed ; and in connection with the past , remarked on the portrait of the late Bro . Samuel Inns , which hung in that room . Bro . Inns , who for some years filled the office of Deputy Prov . G . M ., now so worthily occupied by Bro . Butler Wilkins , was a sturdy
Englishman , whose memory those who had had the pleasure of hisacquaintance would cherish . His association with the Fidelity Lodge was one of the memories of the past which would naturally spring to their minds in connection with this the fiftieth year of its existence . On behalf of the brethren of other Lodges , he offered their sincere congratulations to the Fidelity Lodge , wilh every good wish for its future prosperity . ( Cheers . )
Touching on the present officers , they would all wish them health in their endeavour to keep up the best traditions of the past , and noting the regrets which were expressed at the too frequent absences of the Prov . G . M ., suggested that if his Grace the Duke of Manchester were unable to attend to the duties of the province , as his absences seemed to denote , and contemplated retirement —( Hear , hear and laughter)—then in case
he should retire , he felt satisfied it would give unbounded satisfaction to the province to see Lord Euston succeed him . ( Loud and enthusiastic cheers . ) They had seen something of the thoroughness and other admirable qualities of Lord Euston in the command of their county regiment of volunteers—( cheers)—and they felt satisfied , from what they had seen and known of him in Freemasonry , that he would not only adorn such a position , but that
he would give a great impetus to the Craft in that province . ( Cheers . ) It was with this conviction and in the belief that if the Duke of Mancherter should feel it desirable to retire , from inability to discharge the duties of his high office , they would have a worthy successor in Lord Euston , that he had great pleasure in coupling the name of Lord Euston with the toast . ( Loud cheers . )
Lord EUSTON , who was enthusiastically received , fully agreed with the previous speaker in his tribute to the services of their past officers , and said he should try to emulate , and if possible excel , those who had gone before . He had found the greatest readiness on the part of past officers to help their younger brethren . He was glad to find that in the Province of Northants and Hunts they worked heart and soul together , and long might it remain so . ( Cheers . ) With regard to a remark that had been
Provincial Grand Lodge Of Norths And Hunts.
made about the future , he would only say wnatever position he mi ght hold or if he should be honoured by being nominated to high office as had been suggested , he should make it his pride , as it would be his privilege , to do all he could to promote the interests of the Craft , and especially in the province of Northants and Hunts . ( Loud cheers . )
Bro . ALFRED COCKERILL felicitously proposed "The Royal Masonic Benevolent Institutions , " to which Bro . GEO . OSBORN , the only survivor of those whose names were contained in the warrant of the Fidelity Lodge < ZQ years ago , briefly , but feelingly responded . Bro . VV . WHITTON , in a spirit of thorough hospitality , gave the " Visiting Brethren , " which Bro . SAUNDERS , 1536 , acknowledged .
Bro . J . J . HART proposed "The VV . M . s and Brethren of the various Lodges , " and Bro . VV . H . SPENCER and Bro . Lord EUSTON replied . Lord Euston referred to the strong and personal interest he felt in Towcester and neighbourhood , as he had been brought up in that part of the country , and expressed his readiness to do anything in his power to promote the interests
of the lodge . ( Cheers . ) He was a very young Mason , and people had asked him what he saw in it , what was the secret . ( Laughter . ) He had told them there was no secret , except Charity , and that was no secret . ( Cheers . ) Those who joined he hoped would get to see that Masonry was no farce , but one of the greatest Charity organisations in the whole world , ( Loud Cheers . )
"The Ladies , " proposed by Bro . A . P . KiNGCOMBE . and acknowled ged by Bro . J . J . HART , and the Tyler ' s toast concluded the list . An excellent programme of music was carried out during the evening , under the direction of Bro . Simmonds , P . M ., P . G . O ., assisted by Bro . J . J . Hart , to which the following brethren contributed : Bros . G . Burford , W . B . Newton , VV . H . Tarry , J . j . Hart , George Butcher , W . H . Linnell , and others .
Later in the evening a Masonic dance took place at the Town Hall , when some 80 or 90 ladies and gentlemen were present . The gathering was a most pleasant one . Bro . VV . H . Spencer officiated as a very efficient M . C , and he had the advantage of the assistance of Bro . VV . H . Linnell .
The proceedings throughout the day were greatly enjoyed , everything passing off most satisfactorily . It should be said that Bro . J . C . Jones , of the Fidelity Lodge , acted as Hon . Sec . lo the local Committee , and the completeness of the arrangements reflected infinite credit on him and all who assisted in them .
There is no doubt the popularity of Freemasonry would increase in Norths and Hunts even more than it has hitherto done if the Prov . Grand Master could attend more frequently than he has during the past 20 years .
Consecration Of The Dorothy Vernon Lodge, No. 2129, Haddon.
CONSECRATION OF THE DOROTHY VERNON LODGE , No . 2129 , HADDON .
On Thursday , the 26 th ult ., there was a great gathering of Freemasons al the baronial Hall of Haddon , where , by kind permission of his Grace the Duke of Rutland , K . G ., the ceremony of consecrating the new lodge for the Bakewell district was performed with full Masonic ritual in the oak ' panelled ball-room so intimately associated with fair Dorothy Vernon . As
the VV . M . elect remarked in the course of the proceedings , this room , which bears the arms of Manvers and Vernon for the first time united , is as nearly as possible three centuries old , and it was , therefore , peculiarly appropriate for a ceremony so ancient as the consecration of a Masonic lodge , more
especially one which has to bear the name of sweet Doroth y Vernon as its distinguishing title . Tiie attendance of Masons from all parts of the province , and from several adjoining provinces , was extremely large , including about one hundred Past Masters and other advanced Masons , and a similar number of Craftsmen .
The Officers of Provincial Grand Lodge mustered in full force , and having been marshalled by the P . G . D . of C , entered the hall in procession , the R . W . Dep . Prov . Grand Master of Derbyshire , Bro . H . C . Okeover ,
P . J . G . W . of England , taking the chief ceremony on behalf of the Marquis of Hartington , Prov . G . Master , who was unable to attend , and who wrote in the kindest manner to Bro . Cokayne expressing his regret at his unavoidable absence .
The lodge having been fully opened , Bro . Percy Wallis , P . S . G . W ., took the S . W . chair , and Bro . Vernon j . Greenhough , P . J . G . W ., that of J . VV . The Prov . G . Secretary announnced that the petition of Bro . Andreas E . Cokayne and others for the formation of the lodge , which was endorsed by the Tyrian Lodge , Derby , had been granted b y the Prince of Wales , Grand
Master of England , and the warrant for its constitution was duly read . At this time the scene was very striking ; the sun was shining brightly into the charming old room , and the rich Masonic costumes worn by a great part of the long lines of brethren had a brilliant effect , to which the music of the-Masonic chants and responses gave an additional power . Bro . S . S . Wad- ' dington , P . G . Org ., presided at the Organ .
The Prov . G . Chaplain , Bro . the Rev . HERBERT PRICE , then delivered an admirable oration . At the conclusion of the consecration ceremonies , Bro . Andreas & Cokayne , P . M ., P . P . G . S . B . Cheshire , was duly installed VV . M . for the
ensuing year , the ceremony being most ably performed b y Bro . W . H > Marsden , P . P . S . G . W . The W . M . appointed as his officers Bros . R- BOrme , S . VV . ; C . H . Glossop , J . W . ; Garner , Sec . ; James Harrison , S . D . * C . J . Millward , J . D . ; and W . S . Frost , I . G .
The VV . M . was made a Freemason in 1864 , and became the W . M . of his lodge in 1 S 68 , and again in 1878 . He has twice received provincial honours in the Royal Arch and Kni ghts Templar Degrees , and in Craft Masonry he is one of the founders of a Royal Arch Chapter , a Trustee of the Masonic
Hall at Congleton , and a Past E . C . of a Kni ghts Templar Preceptory in the Province of Cheshire , and also in the Provinces of Staffordshire and Warwickshire . He holds at present the rank of P . G . H . in Cheshire , the office of P . G . Superintendent being vacant owing to the resignation by illness of Lord De Tabley .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Provincial Grand Lodge Of Norths And Hunts.
it mio-ht not attract the admiration which men were apt to give to showy work it would gain the approval of the invisible King . Work which appeared in the eyes of men to be a perfect failure might yet he doing real good in the way of preparation . Christ when lie was crucified between two robbers , reviled on earth , and apparently forsaken by Heaven , appeared to be a lamentable failure . But the history of the world since had proved that the judgment which regarded it as a failure was mistaken . He noted that the stones were prepared so that no hammer
or axe was heard in the Temple—the work was carried on in silence . And so it often was with the work of God—it was carried out quietly , silently , slowly . Each stone was carefully prepared and then brought and reverently laid in its appointed place , and the magnificent work in that great building was executed in silence . It was a grand thought this silence and majesty of the great work of God . It had been well said that no great work was ever done in a hurry , and for themselves , if , when their race was run , they
could feel they had been quietly working for God , though silently , they would have reason to be thankful . The silent work , the silent sympathy , the silent alleviation of distress and suffering , the silent helping hand , the silent Charity , never to be added up in this world , and rarely , if ever , seen , were methods by which they strove to do thc work of God . Their silent and unostentatious work—work which the world never sawmade it all the more true . Then he noticed that every part of the buildiug was put
together , all the carving and metal work was done according to a well-ordered planthere was nothing too simple ; the work , even in its most insignificant details , was carefully finished , and they in theirlives should aim at the perfection which was characteristic of the work of the Great Architect of the Universe . Nothing , however insignificant it was . that was worth doing at all , should be slurred over , but all should be carefully done .
Honest and true work rig ht through should be the aim of every true Mason , and their lives as Masons and Christians were utterly useless if they were not true all through . They would all be happy if they could but be true to their work , for what was their life ' s work but to present themselves as well squared stones , with all the imperfections and rough edges turned off by trials , it might be , and then , when they were tried and proved , to be placed in the Heavenly Temple .
The offertory was then made , the hymn "Gracious Spirit , Holy Ghost " being sung meanwhile . The amount collected was £ 8 2 s . 4 d ., part of which goes to the Towcester National Schools and part to the Royal Masonic Institution for Boys . "All people that on earth to dwell " was sung as a recessional . The procession re-formed , and a return was made to the Town Hall , and subsequently a banquet was held at the Pomfret Hotel .
An excellent repast was provided by " mine host of the Pomfret , Mr . Perry . The cloth withdrawn , the DEPUTY PROV . GRAND MASTER , Bro . Butler Wilkins ( who presided ) , gave " The Queen and the Craft , " and also "The M . W . the Grand Master of England , ' H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , K . G , " particularly referring to the admirable manner in which H . R . H . performed not only his Masonic but also his public duties .
The Rev . VV . A . H OWES proposed "The M . W . the Pro Grand Master of England ( the Rig ht Hon the Earl of Carnarvon ) , the D . G . M . ( the Earl of Lathom ) , and the Officers of Grand Lodge . " Bro . BUTLER WILKINS , who is P . G . Standard Bearer England , briefly
replied . The Rev . G . B . HOOPER gave " The R . W . the Prov . G . M ., the Dukeof Manchester , and the VV . the Deputy Prov . G . M ., Bro . Butler Wilkins , " and regretting the frequent absence of the P . G . M ., he spoke highly of the efficiency with which his duties were discharged by the Deputy Prov . G . M . ( Loud cheers ) .
Bro . BUTLER WILKINS , after a brief reference to the absence of the Prov . G . M ., stated that their next meeting was arranged to be held at Thrapston . ( Hear , hear . ) He thanked them for the kind way in which they had received his name . It was twelve years since he had first responded to that toast . Many changes had taken place in the province during that period . Thev had lost many brethren ; nevertheless , they had increased in
numbers . They had increased , too , the number of their lodges , and they might fairly say Masonry had prospered amongst them . ( Hear , hear . ) There had been such an amount of good feeling , brotherly love and harmony amongst them that no province . could excel them ( Cheers ) . He trusted that the harmony which prevailed , and the unity they enjoyed , would continue unbroken in the future . ( Hear , hear . ) When he first responded to this
toast he asked the assistance of the brethren , and he thanked them for the cordial way in which they had rendered it . He referred to improvements he had endeavoured to bring about in the choice of officers for Prov . Grand Lodge , and other steps , and hoped that both the spirit and working of the lodges would be maintained in harmony , and expressed the indebtedness they all felt to Bro . Hooper for the excellent and exceedingly appropriate discourse he had given them that day . ( Loud cheers . )
Bro . CAMPION gave "The Grand Officers of the Province , Present and Past . " He spoke of their indebtedness to the men of the past for the privileges which they of the present enjoyed ; and in connection with the past , remarked on the portrait of the late Bro . Samuel Inns , which hung in that room . Bro . Inns , who for some years filled the office of Deputy Prov . G . M ., now so worthily occupied by Bro . Butler Wilkins , was a sturdy
Englishman , whose memory those who had had the pleasure of hisacquaintance would cherish . His association with the Fidelity Lodge was one of the memories of the past which would naturally spring to their minds in connection with this the fiftieth year of its existence . On behalf of the brethren of other Lodges , he offered their sincere congratulations to the Fidelity Lodge , wilh every good wish for its future prosperity . ( Cheers . )
Touching on the present officers , they would all wish them health in their endeavour to keep up the best traditions of the past , and noting the regrets which were expressed at the too frequent absences of the Prov . G . M ., suggested that if his Grace the Duke of Manchester were unable to attend to the duties of the province , as his absences seemed to denote , and contemplated retirement —( Hear , hear and laughter)—then in case
he should retire , he felt satisfied it would give unbounded satisfaction to the province to see Lord Euston succeed him . ( Loud and enthusiastic cheers . ) They had seen something of the thoroughness and other admirable qualities of Lord Euston in the command of their county regiment of volunteers—( cheers)—and they felt satisfied , from what they had seen and known of him in Freemasonry , that he would not only adorn such a position , but that
he would give a great impetus to the Craft in that province . ( Cheers . ) It was with this conviction and in the belief that if the Duke of Mancherter should feel it desirable to retire , from inability to discharge the duties of his high office , they would have a worthy successor in Lord Euston , that he had great pleasure in coupling the name of Lord Euston with the toast . ( Loud cheers . )
Lord EUSTON , who was enthusiastically received , fully agreed with the previous speaker in his tribute to the services of their past officers , and said he should try to emulate , and if possible excel , those who had gone before . He had found the greatest readiness on the part of past officers to help their younger brethren . He was glad to find that in the Province of Northants and Hunts they worked heart and soul together , and long might it remain so . ( Cheers . ) With regard to a remark that had been
Provincial Grand Lodge Of Norths And Hunts.
made about the future , he would only say wnatever position he mi ght hold or if he should be honoured by being nominated to high office as had been suggested , he should make it his pride , as it would be his privilege , to do all he could to promote the interests of the Craft , and especially in the province of Northants and Hunts . ( Loud cheers . )
Bro . ALFRED COCKERILL felicitously proposed "The Royal Masonic Benevolent Institutions , " to which Bro . GEO . OSBORN , the only survivor of those whose names were contained in the warrant of the Fidelity Lodge < ZQ years ago , briefly , but feelingly responded . Bro . VV . WHITTON , in a spirit of thorough hospitality , gave the " Visiting Brethren , " which Bro . SAUNDERS , 1536 , acknowledged .
Bro . J . J . HART proposed "The VV . M . s and Brethren of the various Lodges , " and Bro . VV . H . SPENCER and Bro . Lord EUSTON replied . Lord Euston referred to the strong and personal interest he felt in Towcester and neighbourhood , as he had been brought up in that part of the country , and expressed his readiness to do anything in his power to promote the interests
of the lodge . ( Cheers . ) He was a very young Mason , and people had asked him what he saw in it , what was the secret . ( Laughter . ) He had told them there was no secret , except Charity , and that was no secret . ( Cheers . ) Those who joined he hoped would get to see that Masonry was no farce , but one of the greatest Charity organisations in the whole world , ( Loud Cheers . )
"The Ladies , " proposed by Bro . A . P . KiNGCOMBE . and acknowled ged by Bro . J . J . HART , and the Tyler ' s toast concluded the list . An excellent programme of music was carried out during the evening , under the direction of Bro . Simmonds , P . M ., P . G . O ., assisted by Bro . J . J . Hart , to which the following brethren contributed : Bros . G . Burford , W . B . Newton , VV . H . Tarry , J . j . Hart , George Butcher , W . H . Linnell , and others .
Later in the evening a Masonic dance took place at the Town Hall , when some 80 or 90 ladies and gentlemen were present . The gathering was a most pleasant one . Bro . VV . H . Spencer officiated as a very efficient M . C , and he had the advantage of the assistance of Bro . VV . H . Linnell .
The proceedings throughout the day were greatly enjoyed , everything passing off most satisfactorily . It should be said that Bro . J . C . Jones , of the Fidelity Lodge , acted as Hon . Sec . lo the local Committee , and the completeness of the arrangements reflected infinite credit on him and all who assisted in them .
There is no doubt the popularity of Freemasonry would increase in Norths and Hunts even more than it has hitherto done if the Prov . Grand Master could attend more frequently than he has during the past 20 years .
Consecration Of The Dorothy Vernon Lodge, No. 2129, Haddon.
CONSECRATION OF THE DOROTHY VERNON LODGE , No . 2129 , HADDON .
On Thursday , the 26 th ult ., there was a great gathering of Freemasons al the baronial Hall of Haddon , where , by kind permission of his Grace the Duke of Rutland , K . G ., the ceremony of consecrating the new lodge for the Bakewell district was performed with full Masonic ritual in the oak ' panelled ball-room so intimately associated with fair Dorothy Vernon . As
the VV . M . elect remarked in the course of the proceedings , this room , which bears the arms of Manvers and Vernon for the first time united , is as nearly as possible three centuries old , and it was , therefore , peculiarly appropriate for a ceremony so ancient as the consecration of a Masonic lodge , more
especially one which has to bear the name of sweet Doroth y Vernon as its distinguishing title . Tiie attendance of Masons from all parts of the province , and from several adjoining provinces , was extremely large , including about one hundred Past Masters and other advanced Masons , and a similar number of Craftsmen .
The Officers of Provincial Grand Lodge mustered in full force , and having been marshalled by the P . G . D . of C , entered the hall in procession , the R . W . Dep . Prov . Grand Master of Derbyshire , Bro . H . C . Okeover ,
P . J . G . W . of England , taking the chief ceremony on behalf of the Marquis of Hartington , Prov . G . Master , who was unable to attend , and who wrote in the kindest manner to Bro . Cokayne expressing his regret at his unavoidable absence .
The lodge having been fully opened , Bro . Percy Wallis , P . S . G . W ., took the S . W . chair , and Bro . Vernon j . Greenhough , P . J . G . W ., that of J . VV . The Prov . G . Secretary announnced that the petition of Bro . Andreas E . Cokayne and others for the formation of the lodge , which was endorsed by the Tyrian Lodge , Derby , had been granted b y the Prince of Wales , Grand
Master of England , and the warrant for its constitution was duly read . At this time the scene was very striking ; the sun was shining brightly into the charming old room , and the rich Masonic costumes worn by a great part of the long lines of brethren had a brilliant effect , to which the music of the-Masonic chants and responses gave an additional power . Bro . S . S . Wad- ' dington , P . G . Org ., presided at the Organ .
The Prov . G . Chaplain , Bro . the Rev . HERBERT PRICE , then delivered an admirable oration . At the conclusion of the consecration ceremonies , Bro . Andreas & Cokayne , P . M ., P . P . G . S . B . Cheshire , was duly installed VV . M . for the
ensuing year , the ceremony being most ably performed b y Bro . W . H > Marsden , P . P . S . G . W . The W . M . appointed as his officers Bros . R- BOrme , S . VV . ; C . H . Glossop , J . W . ; Garner , Sec . ; James Harrison , S . D . * C . J . Millward , J . D . ; and W . S . Frost , I . G .
The VV . M . was made a Freemason in 1864 , and became the W . M . of his lodge in 1 S 68 , and again in 1878 . He has twice received provincial honours in the Royal Arch and Kni ghts Templar Degrees , and in Craft Masonry he is one of the founders of a Royal Arch Chapter , a Trustee of the Masonic
Hall at Congleton , and a Past E . C . of a Kni ghts Templar Preceptory in the Province of Cheshire , and also in the Provinces of Staffordshire and Warwickshire . He holds at present the rank of P . G . H . in Cheshire , the office of P . G . Superintendent being vacant owing to the resignation by illness of Lord De Tabley .