Consecration Of The Joshua Nunn Lodge, No. 2154, At Halstead.

There could be no doubt that Freemosonry was growing in popularity in England ; but this circumstance was not without its dangers . It was a pleasant thing to belong to a popular institution ; but they must not foYp-et that Freemasonry had its duties as well as its privileges . Freemasonry was a system of morality , and from each lodge , new or old , as from a centre , should radiate the beams of brotherly love , relief , and truth . The outward signs and symbols of the Craft were nothing in themselves , unless they led the mind and heart to the things which they signified and symbolised . Those symbols ,

many and various as they were , had all one great aim and object , which all might and should recognise—the fear of God , the Great Architect and Geometrician of the Universe—and next to this , blending with this , the good of their fellow-men , especially their brethren in Masonry . The practical duties of Masonry were bound up with and set forth continually in its ritual . They might , too , on a day like that , recall with advantage the fact that they were not only Freemasons , but English Freemasons . The wide , broad principles of the Craft were not of one country more than another , but for every

time and for every place . They were as catholic as they were immutable ; they had been handed down to the Freemasons of the present day from the remotest antiquity , and they had been upheld by men of every race , colour , and tongue . But , granting this , they knew that the development of those principles might be hindered or advanced by surrounding conditions — the moral , or social , cr religious atmosphere under which they existed . In some respects they in England might congratulate themselves upon the conditions by which they found themselves surrounded , especially

perhaps in two important particulars , viz ., their relation to religion as professed by the great mass of their countrymen , aud their relation to the State . All must regret that by one great section of the Christian Church Freemasonry was excommunicated . There was no reason why this should be . Here in England Freemasonry asserted in the most emphatic manner its sacred character—there was nothing required of them as Masons in the slightest degree at variance with their duty as Christians . The Institution was founded on the solemn sanction of the sacred law , and , without formulating any definite

statements of doctrine or belief , maintained zealously those good works which were enjoined on all , and was a ready helper in all godly and philanthropic undertakings . As to their relations with the State , as Freemasons they had no politics . The established and constituted order of Government in this country had no more loyal supporters than among Masons , and it was inconceivable that any danger should arise to the State from

a body of men of the character of English Freemasons . 1 n conclusion the Chaplain expressed the hope that the blessings of the Most High would rest upon the new lodge at Halstead , and that its members might be distinguished , not alone by the excellence of their working , but by their fidelity to the grand principles of the Order , so as to be a source of strength to the Province of Essex , and a means of furthering the great aims and objects of their ancient and honoured Brotherheod .

The customary ceremony of consecration was then proceeded with , and was impressively performed by the Deputy Provincial Grand Master . The music was excellently rendered , under the direction of Bro . Chas . Osmond , P . M . 51 , P . P . G . O ., who was assisted by Bros . John J . C . Turner , P . M . 51 , P . P . G . O . ; E . Gowers , P . M . 1024 , P . P . G . O . ; and A . S . B . Sparling , W . M . 51 ; Bro . J . Adams presiding at the organ .

The lodge having been dedicated and constituted , the Deputy Provincial Grand Master installed Bro . Joshua Nunn as first Worshipful Master . Bro . Nunn then invested his officers as under : Bros . Vero \ V . Taylor , S . VV . ; J . J . Cavill , J . W . ; M . Gentry , S . D . ; T . Adams , J . D . ; E . H . Inman , Sec ; R . G . Kellelt , D . of C . ; and G . J . Copus , i . G . The election of Treasurer and Tyler was postponed . On the motion of Bro . KELLETT , seconded by Bro M . GF . NTRY , Bro . Cavill was elected to represent the lodge on the Essex Provincial Charity Committee .

The WORSHIPFUL MASTER , having expressed his regret at the absence of Lord Brooke , proposed a vote of thanks to the V . W . the Deputy Provincial Grand Master and the rest of the Provincial Grand Officers for their kind assistance in the consecration of the lodge . Although they all deplored the absence of the Provincial Grand Master , they would agree with him that the ceremonies had lost none of their impressiveness through being performed by the esteemed Deputy Provincial Grand Master . ( Applause . )

Bro . VERO W . TAYLOR seconded the proposition , which was carried unanimously . On the motion of the W . M ., seconded by Bro . CAVILL , Bros . F . A . Philbrick , the Rev . T . Stevens , T . J . Railing , and A . Lucking were elected Honorary Members of the lodge . Bro . PHILBRICK briefly thanked the lodge for this mark of esteem to himself and the other P . G . Officers , and expressed the hope that the new lodge would have a very successful career .

Between 40 and 50 brethren afterwards dined together at the George Hotel , under the presidency of the W . M . It may be interesting to mention that the lodge furniture has been all presented by the founders . Bro . Joshua Nunn gave a handsome bible , with silver square and compasses , and a set of solid silver officers' jewels and Tyler ' s sword ; Bro . Vero W . Taylor , the officers' collars ; Bro . J . J . Cavill stool and

, kneeling cushion ; Bro . R . G . Kellett , tracing boards ; Bro . Gentry , oak candlesticks ; Bro . Copus , oak pedestals ; and Bro . Inman , dirk for I . G . and box . The lodge that formerly met at Halstead was called the " Lodge of Confidence , No . 662 . " The warrant was granted in 183 S for the lodge to meet at the Angel Inn , but it was subsequently removed to Castle Hedingham , and , altera somewhat chequered career , lapsed in 1 S 5 S-

The brethren who attended the meeting on Saturday besides those above mentioned

included—Bros , the Rev . Dr . Sedgwick , P . G . Chap . Eng . ; Andrew Durrant , P . M . 276 , P , G- 2 r , ^ - „ - Cl Veley , P . M . 376 , P . P . G . J . W . ; George Corblt , P . M . and Sec . 4 S 3 ' o r ; 9 , J- o J - L - Tandy , I . P . M . 12 S 0 , P . P . G . S . W . ; C . H . Vincent , P . M . 1823 , P . P . G . R . Suffolk : Frank Whitmore , P . M . 276 , P . P . G . S . D . ; John Corbie , ' P ; M 453 , P . G . A . D . C . ; J . T . Bailey , I . P . M . 6 97 , P . G . P . ; J . P . Lewin , W . M . 1543 P . P . G . S . of W . ; Rev . W . Morgan Jones , W . M . 697 , P . P . G . C . ; John Noyes , PiM . Grand Stewards Lodge ; Joseph Grimes , I . P . M . 51 , P . G . S . of W . ; J . F . Hills , P . M 1224 , P . P . G . J . W . Suffolk ; F . W . JenningsP . M . 1224 P . G . S . of W . Suffolk James

, , ; E . Wiseman , P . M . 433 , P . P . G . A . D . C . ; S . H . Ellis , W . M . 1977 , P . G . Std . Br . ; L , Loyd , P . M . 1201 ; C . W . Grimwood , P . M . 1224 ; George Hollington , P . M . 033 ; W , Strutt . Treas . 1977 ; Rev . J . P . Britton , 433 , P . P . G . C ; Fred Horsman , J . D . 51 ; A . J . Dixie , J . W . 453 ; M . W . Meade , S . D . 1977 ; II . J . Skingley , J . W . G 97 ; F . C . Atkinson , J . D . 376 ; F . W . Frigout , S . D . 171 ; T . \ Vinniatt Smith , Org . 276 , P . G . Org . ; M . Read , D . C . 1224 ; J . M . Turner , Stwd . 1977 ; W . Sargent , 1332 ; W . I ,. Barrett , 1319 ; F . A . Renshawe , 453 ; J . George , Stwd . 1224 ; Herbert Roberts , 811 ; George Metson , Tyler 1312 ; and others .

Provincial Grand Lodge Of Essex.

PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF ESSEX .

LAYING FOUNDATION STONE OF ALL SAINTS' CHURCH

On Saturday , the 31 st ult ., the Right Hon . the Lord Brooke , R . W . P . G . M . Essex , held a special Provincial Grand Lodge at Southend , for the purpose of laying with Masonic ceremonial the foundation stone of the Church of All Saints , which is to take the place of the temporary iron structure now in use . The proceedings commenced at the Public Hall , where a large number of brethren assembled , and on his lordshi p entering with his officers he was received with much applause .

Provincial Grand Lodge Of Essex.

The R . W . P . G . M ., in explaining the object of the meeting , said their gathering was somewhat of a unique character , for , as far as could be gathered from the records of the Provincial Grand Lodge , only on two previous occasions had the Freemasons of Essex assembled for a similar purpose . The first of these was at Colchester on the Sth August , 18 ^ 3 , when

the foundation stone of the Church of St . Mary Magdalen was laid ; and the other was at Southend on the 21 st May , 1872 , when the corner stone of the new chancel of the Church of St . John was laid with Masonic ceremonial . His lordship added that he felt sure that they , as Masons , could not be better occupied than in promoting the erection of a building to the honour of the Great Architect of the Universe .

On the motion of the P . G . TREASURER , seconded by Bro . J OSHUA NUNN , P . G . S . B . Eng . ( acting as D . P . G . M ., in the unavoidable absence of Bro . Fred . A . Philbrick , CJ . C , G . Reg . ) , the sum of 10 guineas was voted to the Building Fund ; and it was also agreed that the sum of two guineas should be left on the stone for the benefit of the workmen .

A procession was then formed in Masonic order , and marched to the site , a distance of about a mile , where the stone was laid according to ancient Masonic form , the acting officers being Lord Brooke , R . W . P . G . M . ; Bros . B . L . Tandy , G . S . W . ; F . R . Hales , G . J . VV . ; the Rev . Henry Hayes , P . P . G . C , as G . Chap . ; Andrew Durrant , G . Treas . ; Thomas j . Railing , G . Sec ; John Glass , G . S . of W . : and A . Lucking , G . D . C . The silver trowel , suitably inscribed , was presented to his lordshi p by Mrs . Burnett , wife of the vicar .

A religious service was conducted by the vicar , the Rev . BURNETT , the Archdeacon of Essex , the Rev . H . F . J OHNSON , Rector of Chelmsford , reading the lesson—Ezra iii ., 10-11 . The Archdeacon also delivered a short address , in the course of which , after thanking his lordship and the Masonic body for their attendance , which had added brilliancy and dignity to the proceedings , he congratulated the Vicar and congregation of All Saints ' upon this happy commencement of a much-needed work . The district had

been increasing rapidly , and a more permanent Church was required than the temporary one in which they at present worshipped . He thought that those who had charge of the work were wise in commencing with a beautiful chancel , because his experience was that where this was the case a nave was sure to follow . In conclusion the Ven . Archdeacon expressed a hope that those engaged in the work would be free from accident , and that all might be spared to attend the consecration of the new church .

During the singing of the " Old Hundredth , " purses were deposited on the stone , many of them by little girls , and as the procession passed out of the enclosure an offertory was made at the gates . A phial containing current coin of the realm , and a copy of the Times , was deposited under the stone .

A luncheon afterwards took place at the Institute , the vicar presiding , supported by Lord Brooke and the Archdeacon of Essex . There were also present a large number of ladies and gentlemen . In the course of the proceedings , the Vicar stated that the financial result of the day ' s proceedings , was upwards of £ 130 . The brethren present during the day included—Bros . Lord Brooke , P . G . M . ; Joshua Nunn , P . G . S . B . En ? ., acting as D . P . G . M . ; B .

L . Tandy , I . P . M . 1280 , P . G . S . W . ; F . R . Hates , I . P . M . 650 , P . G . J . W . j Andrew Durrant , P . M . 276 , P . G . Treasurer ; Thomas J . Railing , P . M . and Sec . 51 , P . G . Sec ; F . P . Suthevby , P . M . 276 , P . G . S . D . ; F . Dorrell Grayson , I . P . M . 1000 , P . G . J . D . ; John Glass , P . M . 453 , P . G . S . W . ; Albert Lucking , P . G . P . Eng ., P . M . and Sec . tooo , P . G . D . C ; Charles Beaumont , I . P . M . 1343 , P . G . A . D . C . ; W . J . Thompson , 1457 , P . G . Org . ; John Hutley , I . P . M . 1024 , and John Taylor , jun ., I . P . M . 1817 , P . G . Std . Brs . ; and T . S . Sarel , P . G . Tyler . ' Most of the lodges in the province werejjalso represented .

ANNUAL MEETING .

On Thursday , the 5 th inst ., the annual Provincial Grand Lodge of the Province of Essex was held at Chelmsford , under the presidency of the R . W . Prov . Grand Master , Lord Brooke . His lordship arrived from Easton Lodge , Dunmow , at 12 . 45 , a"d was met at Chelmsford Station by W . Bro . Andrew C . Durrant , W . M . of the Lodge of Good Fellowship , No . 276 , and was driven at once to the Saracen ' s Head Hotel for luncheon .

Grand Lodge was opened at two o ' clock at the Shire Hall , his lordship being assisted by the D . P . G . M ., V . W . Bro . Fred . A . Philbrick , Q . C ., G . Reg ., and the other P . G . Officers . The minutes of the Prov . G . Lodge last year at Saffron Waldon , and those of the Especial Prov . G . Lodge at Southend , on the previous Saturday .

having been read and confirmed , letters , expressing their inability to attend , were read from V . W . Bro . Rev . C . J . Martyn , D . P . G . M . Suffolk ; V . W . Bro . Col . Shadwell H . Clerke , Grand Secretary ; W . Bro . B . L . Tandy , P . G . S . W . ; W . Bro . Richard Clowes , P . M . and Sec . 650 , P . P . G . S . W . ; and others .

The roll of lodges was then called over , and it was found that all the twenty-four lodges comprising the province were duly represented . The Provincial Grand Secretary then read an abstract of the lodge returns for 18 S 6 , which showed that there were 1139 subscribing members , as

against 1109 last year , an increase of 30 . The contributions from the lodges showed a falling off , but this was accounted for by the fact that in the previous year there were some exceptional sources of income . The report of the Auditors showed a balance in the hands of the Prov . Grand Treasurer of over / 03 .

The report of the Provincial Charity Committee was read by Bro . F . WOOD , P . M . and Treas . looo , P . P . G . S . W ., and was of a very satisfactory character . The candidates supported by the province had been carried ; and the votes owing by the Committee had been very much reduced .

The Calendar Committee ' s report was to the effect that , after paying for the cost of production , there was a small balance in hand . It was decided to continue the publication another year , several brethren speaking in high terms of the usefulness of the book . Both reports were adopted .

The R . W . P . G . M . then addressed the brethren . His lordship expressed his great pleasure in once more meeting the brethren of the province , and thanked them for the cordial support they had always accorded to him . The returns showed an increase in their roll of members , and though there was a falling off in the contributions , that was fully accounted for . The province , he was glad to sa \ ' , had , as usual , liberally supported the three

central Charities of the Order , the aggregate contributions of the year amounting to £ 593 . ( Applause . ) During the last four years Essex had contributed to these Charities the handsome sum of £ 3425 . ( Applause . ) While on this subject , his lordship said he should ever remember with gratitude the handsome support the province accorded to him when he presided at the Girls' Festival , The report of the Charity Committee was very grati-