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Article PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF STAFFORDSHIRE. ← Page 3 of 3 Article PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF STAFFORDSHIRE. Page 3 of 3 Article PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF STAFFORDSHIRE. Page 3 of 3 Article Poetry. Page 1 of 2 →
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Provincial Grand Lodge Of Staffordshire.
The R . W . P . G . M ., the Earl of Shrewsbury , again rose and proposed " The health of P . G . M . his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales , the Princess of Wales , and the rest of the Royal Family . " As regarded the Prince of Wales , his Royal Highness , he said , had proved himself a
good Mason , while the Princess had endeared herself to every English heart . ( The toast was very warmly received . ) The R . W . P . G . M ., in proposing " The health of the M . W . G . M ., the Marquis of Ripon , " said he need hardly remind them as Masons that
obedience and loyalty were due to the head of the Craft . They must all deeply regret the absence of the most noble . and most worshipful Marquis , but knowing that a period of rest was necessary for him , as a member of the Government , after the long and arduous labours of the
past Session , they would cordially excuse him . He had known the Marquis from childhood , and formed a cordial friendship with him , and the noble Marquis's nomination of him as their P . G-M . had caused him the greatest gratification . He believed that the M . W . G . M . was thoroughly
permeated with the principles of Masonryfriendship , obedience , and fidelity—and the Crafc ought to be indeed proud of having so eminent a man at their head . With the toast he would couple the name of the M . W . D . G . M . the Earl of Carnarvon , and the officers of Grand
Lodge , including their respected brother , the R . W . P . P . G . M . Col . Vernon . ( Loud applause . ) The noble earl , he might say , was also a valued friend of his , and one of the proudest moments of his life was when he saw his patent bearing the signatures of his lordship and the Marquis
of Ripon . The toast was warmly drunk , and the R . W . P . P . G . M ., Col . Vernon , on rising to respond , was received with enthusiastic cheering . He said the names of the M . W . G . M . and his Deputy were sacred , and no one could respond for them .
On behalf of the officers of the Grand Lodge , he might say that no body of men were more anxious to perform their duties . Col . Vernon then proceeded , amid loud cheering , to propose "The health of the R . W . P . G . M ., the Earl of Shrewsbury . " They had all , he observed , seen
how the P . G . M . worked the P . G . L . that day , and from his kindliness of manner and his thorough grasp of detail , they must all have said to themselves , " Here is the man for us . " ( Hear , hear . ) Before he became a Mason , their R . W . brother showed how thoroughly he was imbued with
some of the best principles of the Craft—charity and philanthropy—and now that he had obtained high honours among them , his earnest desire was to prove himself worthy of them . ( Applause . ) The best interests of the Craft were now in good hands , and he trusted that their R . W . P . G . M .
might long live to preside over them . ( The toast was drunk with much enthusiasm . ) The R . W . P . G . M ., the Earl of Shrewsbury , whose rising was the signal for a renewed burst of cheering , said he felt that that day was an important era in his existence . He had not
accepted the responsible office of their P . G . M . without careful enquiry as to what were its duties , and whether with his other varied engagements he could efficiently discharge them . Having decided in the affirmative , he accepted , but with diffidence , the proud position which
was offered him . In these days of work , if a man aspired to any commendation among his neighbours , he must be determined to live a life , not of pleasure and idleness , but of real hard work . ( Hear , hear . ) In the position he had by their kindness been placed , he trusted to be
able to assist them in carrying out great and good works , and to show the world that Masonry was not a mere social club but a great power for good . ( Loud applause . ) He had made it his business to glance over the reports of many of their Masonic chaities , and he believed that the Masonic School of Boys and that for Girls
ranked among the grandest Institutions of the kingdom . ( Renewed applause . ) No community was so ready as Masons to stretch out a friendly hand to the widow ami orphan , and he could not but regard as one of the safeguards of the Constitution of a free country like this , the existence of a society which , revering all that was
Provincial Grand Lodge Of Staffordshire.
good and rejecting all that was bad , bound together its members in the ties of truth and fidelity . ( Applause ) . After a few remarks on the importance of a feeling of unity between the various lodges , the P . G . M . went on to propose the health of the R . W . D . P . G . M . , G . S . Tudor ,
of his services to the Craft he spoke in the highest terms , and who , he said , ought to have occupied the position which he ( the P . G . M . ) then held . From the moment , however , that he communicated with Bro . Tudor respecting his appointment , he had received nothing but the
greatest kindness and courtesy , and the most valuable advice . Further alluding to a subject which he had mentioned in Grand Lodge , the R . W . P . G . M . reiterated his intention of visiting the various lodges , in company with the R . W . P . D . G . M ., with the view of making
himhelf thoroughly acquainted with the work of Masonry , and promoting uniformity of action . So far as lay withfi-him , Masonry should not remain stagnant . ( Loud applause ) . Alluding to the sermon preached at church by the P . G . C . Westbury , the R . W . P . G . M . observed that their rev . brother had said in twelve minutes what it
would have taken some rev . gentlemen an hour to deliver . ( Hear , hear . ) In this brief but edifying and most true and honest discourse Bro . Westbury had fully set forth the principles of Masonry , and he should like to see the sermon in print , and a copy attached to the by-laws of every
lodge . ( Hear , hear . ) ( The health of the R . W . D . P . G . M . was then drunk with great cordiality . ) The R . W . P . D . G . M . Tudor , in acknowledging it , gave expression to the earnest desire to discharge his duties efficiently which had always
actuated him , and his gratitude to them for their invariable kindness , and especially to P . G . S . Cartwright and the P . D . G . M . ' s Dr . Gough and Dr . Burton for the invaluable advice they had from time to time given him . Briefly , but happily , the P . D . G . M . then
proposeed the health of the P . P . G . M ., Col . Vernon , under whose reign , he said , Freemasonry had flourished . Since then dark clouds had overshadowed them , but now they were scattered , and the sun was shining brightly upon them , But whether in adversity or prosperity , the
Freemasons of Staffordshire would always entertain feelings of the greatest respect and regard for their R . W . Bro . Col . Vernon . ( The toast was enthusiastically received . ) The R . W . P . P . G . M . Col . Vernon , in acknowledging the compliment , said they would allow
him to say that lie thought he deserved it . ( Laughter and applause . ) He had served the province faithfully and well , and their approbation was to him a full reward . He was glad to see that they had not forgotten the old man , and he could assure them that although he no longer
lived among them , he still took the same honest and hearty interest in their welfare which he always did . ( Loud applause . ) He thought they would bear him witness that his rule , though firm , was not unkindly . ( Hear , bear . ) While it existed , he had as his right-hand men Bro . Ward ,
of Newcastle , Dr . Burton , and Dr . Gough , who rendered him invaluable assistance , and during his involuntary absences executed his orders with zeal and fidelity . It therefore gave him the greatest pleasure to propose their health . ( Loud applause . )
The R . W . P . D . G . M ., Dr . Foster Cough , in acknowledging the toast , assured the brethren that his partial retirement from the active duties of Masonry had been solely caused by the necessity of taking some relaxation , and that his desire to promote the best interests of the Craft continued as great as ever .
P . P . S . G . W . the P . G . S . Wm . Cartwright , in proposing the health of the P . G . C , J . Westbury , hoped that the happy brevity which had distinguished the rev . gentleman ' s sermon would be
imitated by every minister of the Church of England . ( Loud applause . ) P . G . C . Westbury briefly acknowledged the toast .
Die R . W . D . P . G . M . Tudor proposed "The P . G . W . and Officers of P . G Lodge , " coupling with the toast the name of S . G . W . Bro . Yates , who , in acknowled ging it , said the St . James ' s
Provincial Grand Lodge Of Staffordshire.
Lodge , Handsworth , of which he was a member , had very properly viewed his nomination to the office of S . G . W . as an honour conferred upon them . The R . W . G . M . the Earl of Shrewsbury proposed " The Visitors . " He regretted the absence
of several distinguished friends , who had been invited , but congratulated the company on the presence of Earl Ferrers , the G . M . of the Ivanhoe and Ashby-de-la-Zouch Lodge . He was sure that though one part of his noble friend ' s heart belonged to Leicestershire , the other
belonged to Staffordshire . In addition to Earl Ferrers , the R . W . G . M . coupled with the toast the name of Bro . Witt , who , his lordship humorously stated , had been professionally engaged in auditing his accounts , and had enabled him to come to that banquet with a clear conscience . Bro . Earl Ferrers and Bro . Witt briefly
acknowledged the toast , the noble earl observing that though he was a Mason of Leicestershire he was proud to be a native of Staffordshire . Bro . Bristow , of Worcester , also responded . P . S . ~ W . Yates proposed the health of the P . G . T . and the P . G . S ., to the great value of whose services he bore warm testimony .
The toast was briefly acknowledged by P . G . T . Howells and P . G . S . Cartwright . " The Masonic Charities" was given by P . J . W . G . Sargeant , and was acknowledged in an excellent speech by Bro . Binckes . The R . W . D . P . G . M ., Dr . Foster Gough , in a happy speech , proposed " The Ladies , " which
was acknowledged by Bro . J . C . Marson . The R . W . P . G . M ., the Earl of Shrewsbury , proposed " The Stewards , " coupling with it the name of Bro . Joyce , to whose able services , he said , they were deeply indebted . His lordship also connected with the toast the name of Bro .
Senior , of whose catering he deservedly spoke va . hig h terms . At the same time he warmly thanked P . P . G . O . Shargool for the admirable manner in which he conducted the musical service at church . Bro . Joyce having responded , Bro . Senior sang , in admirable style , " Beautiful Venice ; " and the
Tyler ' s toast having been given by Wm . Dibb P . P . G . S . B ., the brethren separated , after singing the National Anthem . The musical performances were under the direction of Bro . Barlow , P . G . Organist , who was kindly assisted by Bro . Twiss , the W . P . P . G . O . of Cheshire .
Poetry.
Poetry .
_ LIGHT . I 1 Y WILLIAM PITT PALMER . [ From the Freemason , St . Louis , U . S . A . ] [ Pronounced by one of the most eminent critics in Europe to be the finest production of the same length in our language . ]
From the quickened womb of the primal gloom , The sun rolled bleak and bare , Till I wove him a vest for his Ethiop breast , Of the threads of my golden hair : And when the broad tent of the firmament Arose on its airy bars , I I pencilled the hue of the matchless blue And spangled it round the stars .
I painted the flowers of Eden bowers And their leaves of living green , And mine were the dyes in the sinless eyes Of Eden's virgin queen . And when the tiend ' s art on the trustful heart , Had fastened its mortal spell .
In the silvery sphere of the first-born tear To the trembling earth I fell . When the waves that burst o ' er a world accursed Their work of wrath had sped , And the Ark ' s lone few , the tried and true ,
Came forth amongst the dead , With the wondrous gleams of my bridal beams I bade their tcrrots cease , As I wrote on the roll of the storm ' s drrk scroll God ' s covenant of Peace .
Like a pall at rest on a senseless breast , Night's funeral shadow slept—When shepherd swains , on Bethlehem ' s plains , Their lonely vigils kept—When 1 Hashed on their si dit the heralds bright Of Heaven ' s redeeming plan , As they chanted the morn of a Saviour born—Joy , joy to the outcast man I
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Provincial Grand Lodge Of Staffordshire.
The R . W . P . G . M ., the Earl of Shrewsbury , again rose and proposed " The health of P . G . M . his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales , the Princess of Wales , and the rest of the Royal Family . " As regarded the Prince of Wales , his Royal Highness , he said , had proved himself a
good Mason , while the Princess had endeared herself to every English heart . ( The toast was very warmly received . ) The R . W . P . G . M ., in proposing " The health of the M . W . G . M ., the Marquis of Ripon , " said he need hardly remind them as Masons that
obedience and loyalty were due to the head of the Craft . They must all deeply regret the absence of the most noble . and most worshipful Marquis , but knowing that a period of rest was necessary for him , as a member of the Government , after the long and arduous labours of the
past Session , they would cordially excuse him . He had known the Marquis from childhood , and formed a cordial friendship with him , and the noble Marquis's nomination of him as their P . G-M . had caused him the greatest gratification . He believed that the M . W . G . M . was thoroughly
permeated with the principles of Masonryfriendship , obedience , and fidelity—and the Crafc ought to be indeed proud of having so eminent a man at their head . With the toast he would couple the name of the M . W . D . G . M . the Earl of Carnarvon , and the officers of Grand
Lodge , including their respected brother , the R . W . P . P . G . M . Col . Vernon . ( Loud applause . ) The noble earl , he might say , was also a valued friend of his , and one of the proudest moments of his life was when he saw his patent bearing the signatures of his lordship and the Marquis
of Ripon . The toast was warmly drunk , and the R . W . P . P . G . M ., Col . Vernon , on rising to respond , was received with enthusiastic cheering . He said the names of the M . W . G . M . and his Deputy were sacred , and no one could respond for them .
On behalf of the officers of the Grand Lodge , he might say that no body of men were more anxious to perform their duties . Col . Vernon then proceeded , amid loud cheering , to propose "The health of the R . W . P . G . M ., the Earl of Shrewsbury . " They had all , he observed , seen
how the P . G . M . worked the P . G . L . that day , and from his kindliness of manner and his thorough grasp of detail , they must all have said to themselves , " Here is the man for us . " ( Hear , hear . ) Before he became a Mason , their R . W . brother showed how thoroughly he was imbued with
some of the best principles of the Craft—charity and philanthropy—and now that he had obtained high honours among them , his earnest desire was to prove himself worthy of them . ( Applause . ) The best interests of the Craft were now in good hands , and he trusted that their R . W . P . G . M .
might long live to preside over them . ( The toast was drunk with much enthusiasm . ) The R . W . P . G . M ., the Earl of Shrewsbury , whose rising was the signal for a renewed burst of cheering , said he felt that that day was an important era in his existence . He had not
accepted the responsible office of their P . G . M . without careful enquiry as to what were its duties , and whether with his other varied engagements he could efficiently discharge them . Having decided in the affirmative , he accepted , but with diffidence , the proud position which
was offered him . In these days of work , if a man aspired to any commendation among his neighbours , he must be determined to live a life , not of pleasure and idleness , but of real hard work . ( Hear , hear . ) In the position he had by their kindness been placed , he trusted to be
able to assist them in carrying out great and good works , and to show the world that Masonry was not a mere social club but a great power for good . ( Loud applause . ) He had made it his business to glance over the reports of many of their Masonic chaities , and he believed that the Masonic School of Boys and that for Girls
ranked among the grandest Institutions of the kingdom . ( Renewed applause . ) No community was so ready as Masons to stretch out a friendly hand to the widow ami orphan , and he could not but regard as one of the safeguards of the Constitution of a free country like this , the existence of a society which , revering all that was
Provincial Grand Lodge Of Staffordshire.
good and rejecting all that was bad , bound together its members in the ties of truth and fidelity . ( Applause ) . After a few remarks on the importance of a feeling of unity between the various lodges , the P . G . M . went on to propose the health of the R . W . D . P . G . M . , G . S . Tudor ,
of his services to the Craft he spoke in the highest terms , and who , he said , ought to have occupied the position which he ( the P . G . M . ) then held . From the moment , however , that he communicated with Bro . Tudor respecting his appointment , he had received nothing but the
greatest kindness and courtesy , and the most valuable advice . Further alluding to a subject which he had mentioned in Grand Lodge , the R . W . P . G . M . reiterated his intention of visiting the various lodges , in company with the R . W . P . D . G . M ., with the view of making
himhelf thoroughly acquainted with the work of Masonry , and promoting uniformity of action . So far as lay withfi-him , Masonry should not remain stagnant . ( Loud applause ) . Alluding to the sermon preached at church by the P . G . C . Westbury , the R . W . P . G . M . observed that their rev . brother had said in twelve minutes what it
would have taken some rev . gentlemen an hour to deliver . ( Hear , hear . ) In this brief but edifying and most true and honest discourse Bro . Westbury had fully set forth the principles of Masonry , and he should like to see the sermon in print , and a copy attached to the by-laws of every
lodge . ( Hear , hear . ) ( The health of the R . W . D . P . G . M . was then drunk with great cordiality . ) The R . W . P . D . G . M . Tudor , in acknowledging it , gave expression to the earnest desire to discharge his duties efficiently which had always
actuated him , and his gratitude to them for their invariable kindness , and especially to P . G . S . Cartwright and the P . D . G . M . ' s Dr . Gough and Dr . Burton for the invaluable advice they had from time to time given him . Briefly , but happily , the P . D . G . M . then
proposeed the health of the P . P . G . M ., Col . Vernon , under whose reign , he said , Freemasonry had flourished . Since then dark clouds had overshadowed them , but now they were scattered , and the sun was shining brightly upon them , But whether in adversity or prosperity , the
Freemasons of Staffordshire would always entertain feelings of the greatest respect and regard for their R . W . Bro . Col . Vernon . ( The toast was enthusiastically received . ) The R . W . P . P . G . M . Col . Vernon , in acknowledging the compliment , said they would allow
him to say that lie thought he deserved it . ( Laughter and applause . ) He had served the province faithfully and well , and their approbation was to him a full reward . He was glad to see that they had not forgotten the old man , and he could assure them that although he no longer
lived among them , he still took the same honest and hearty interest in their welfare which he always did . ( Loud applause . ) He thought they would bear him witness that his rule , though firm , was not unkindly . ( Hear , bear . ) While it existed , he had as his right-hand men Bro . Ward ,
of Newcastle , Dr . Burton , and Dr . Gough , who rendered him invaluable assistance , and during his involuntary absences executed his orders with zeal and fidelity . It therefore gave him the greatest pleasure to propose their health . ( Loud applause . )
The R . W . P . D . G . M ., Dr . Foster Cough , in acknowledging the toast , assured the brethren that his partial retirement from the active duties of Masonry had been solely caused by the necessity of taking some relaxation , and that his desire to promote the best interests of the Craft continued as great as ever .
P . P . S . G . W . the P . G . S . Wm . Cartwright , in proposing the health of the P . G . C , J . Westbury , hoped that the happy brevity which had distinguished the rev . gentleman ' s sermon would be
imitated by every minister of the Church of England . ( Loud applause . ) P . G . C . Westbury briefly acknowledged the toast .
Die R . W . D . P . G . M . Tudor proposed "The P . G . W . and Officers of P . G Lodge , " coupling with the toast the name of S . G . W . Bro . Yates , who , in acknowled ging it , said the St . James ' s
Provincial Grand Lodge Of Staffordshire.
Lodge , Handsworth , of which he was a member , had very properly viewed his nomination to the office of S . G . W . as an honour conferred upon them . The R . W . G . M . the Earl of Shrewsbury proposed " The Visitors . " He regretted the absence
of several distinguished friends , who had been invited , but congratulated the company on the presence of Earl Ferrers , the G . M . of the Ivanhoe and Ashby-de-la-Zouch Lodge . He was sure that though one part of his noble friend ' s heart belonged to Leicestershire , the other
belonged to Staffordshire . In addition to Earl Ferrers , the R . W . G . M . coupled with the toast the name of Bro . Witt , who , his lordship humorously stated , had been professionally engaged in auditing his accounts , and had enabled him to come to that banquet with a clear conscience . Bro . Earl Ferrers and Bro . Witt briefly
acknowledged the toast , the noble earl observing that though he was a Mason of Leicestershire he was proud to be a native of Staffordshire . Bro . Bristow , of Worcester , also responded . P . S . ~ W . Yates proposed the health of the P . G . T . and the P . G . S ., to the great value of whose services he bore warm testimony .
The toast was briefly acknowledged by P . G . T . Howells and P . G . S . Cartwright . " The Masonic Charities" was given by P . J . W . G . Sargeant , and was acknowledged in an excellent speech by Bro . Binckes . The R . W . D . P . G . M ., Dr . Foster Gough , in a happy speech , proposed " The Ladies , " which
was acknowledged by Bro . J . C . Marson . The R . W . P . G . M ., the Earl of Shrewsbury , proposed " The Stewards , " coupling with it the name of Bro . Joyce , to whose able services , he said , they were deeply indebted . His lordship also connected with the toast the name of Bro .
Senior , of whose catering he deservedly spoke va . hig h terms . At the same time he warmly thanked P . P . G . O . Shargool for the admirable manner in which he conducted the musical service at church . Bro . Joyce having responded , Bro . Senior sang , in admirable style , " Beautiful Venice ; " and the
Tyler ' s toast having been given by Wm . Dibb P . P . G . S . B ., the brethren separated , after singing the National Anthem . The musical performances were under the direction of Bro . Barlow , P . G . Organist , who was kindly assisted by Bro . Twiss , the W . P . P . G . O . of Cheshire .
Poetry.
Poetry .
_ LIGHT . I 1 Y WILLIAM PITT PALMER . [ From the Freemason , St . Louis , U . S . A . ] [ Pronounced by one of the most eminent critics in Europe to be the finest production of the same length in our language . ]
From the quickened womb of the primal gloom , The sun rolled bleak and bare , Till I wove him a vest for his Ethiop breast , Of the threads of my golden hair : And when the broad tent of the firmament Arose on its airy bars , I I pencilled the hue of the matchless blue And spangled it round the stars .
I painted the flowers of Eden bowers And their leaves of living green , And mine were the dyes in the sinless eyes Of Eden's virgin queen . And when the tiend ' s art on the trustful heart , Had fastened its mortal spell .
In the silvery sphere of the first-born tear To the trembling earth I fell . When the waves that burst o ' er a world accursed Their work of wrath had sped , And the Ark ' s lone few , the tried and true ,
Came forth amongst the dead , With the wondrous gleams of my bridal beams I bade their tcrrots cease , As I wrote on the roll of the storm ' s drrk scroll God ' s covenant of Peace .
Like a pall at rest on a senseless breast , Night's funeral shadow slept—When shepherd swains , on Bethlehem ' s plains , Their lonely vigils kept—When 1 Hashed on their si dit the heralds bright Of Heaven ' s redeeming plan , As they chanted the morn of a Saviour born—Joy , joy to the outcast man I