Provincial Grand Lodge Of West Lancashire.

PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF WEST LANCASHIRE .

By command of Bro . the Right Hon . Lord Skelmersdale , M . W . D . G . M . of England , and R . W . Prov . G . M . of West Lancashire , the annual meeting of the Freemasons of the western division of Lancashire was held on Wednesday , the 4 th inst ., in the Masonic Hail , Hope-stieet , forthe

transaction ofthe annual business of the province . In consequence of the limited accommodation at the hall in Hope-street , the attendance for the first time was confined to the Prov . Grand Officers ( past and present ) , W . M . ' s , P . M . ' s , Wardens , and officers of lodges in the division , and even with this limitation the lodge-room was crowded to its utmost extent , and as the brethren appeared in their

collars and jewels of office the picture was exceedingly striking . Bro . Lord Skelmersdale , P . G . M ., occupied his place on the throne , and he was supported by Bros , the Right Hon . Lord Lindsay , P . G . M . Aberdeenshire , W . ; the Hon . F . Stanley , D . P . G . M . ; C . Fryer , P . G . S . W . ; W . C . Deeley , P . G . J . W . ; Rev . J . M . Morgan , P . G . C . ; T . Armstrong , P . G . Treas . ; Dr . J . Kellett Smith , P . G .

Reg ; II . S . Alpass , P . G . Sec ; J . C . Gillman , P . G . S . D . ; y . Lunt , P . G . D . C ; W . Bowden , P . G . S . B . ; j . Skeaf , P . G . O . ; J . Pemberton , P . G . S . ; T . A . Collinson , P . G . S . ; G . Cornfield , P . G . S . ; J . F . Roberts , P . G . S . ; P . Maemuldrow , P . G . S . ; W . Laidlaw , P . G . S . of W . ; VV . Doyle , P . P . G . LD . ; Colonel Thos . Birchall , G . S . D ., and P . P . G . S . W . ; R . Wylie , P . P . G . S . D . ; J . B . Lambert ,

P . P . G . S . D .-, E . Friend , P . P . G . J . D . Cheshire ; R . C . Mellor , P . P . G . J . D . ; J . W . J . Fowler , P . P . G . D . C ; S . K . lbbs , P . P . G . S . B . ; G . Remington , P . P . G . J . W . ; W . 1 . Sly , P . G . Purst . ; E . Mocatta , P . P . G . S . B . ; C . Sheri . -K-k , P . G . P . Reg .-, I . R . Goepel , P . P . G . D . C ; Reuben Pearson , P . P . G . R . ; J . Bowes , P . G . J . W . Cumberland and Westmorland ; H . Wilson , P . P . G . S . D . ; J . Prescott ,

P . P . G . J . W .-, J . W . Turley , P . P . G . J . D . ; Rev . fl . G . Vernon , P . P . G . C ; F . Binckes , Past G . S . ( Secretary of the Bo > -s' School , London ); J . Terry , P . G . D . C . Herts ( Secretary of the Benevolent Institution ); J . P . Piatt , P . P . G . J . W . Cheshire ; T . Marwood , P . G . J . W . ; H . Bulley , Past G . S . B . ; T . A . Lowe , P . P . G . S . B . ; J . Baxendale , P . P . G . S . of W . ; G . Broadbridge , P . P . G . D . C . ; ' !' .

Wylie , P . P . G . J . W . ; B . W . Rawson , P . P . G . S . of VV . ; R . Martin , jun ., W . M . 1182 ; J . Bell , W . M . 1609 ; R . Brown , P . M . 241 ( Hon . Secretary West Lancashire Masonic Educational Institution ); F . Knight , W . M . 1325 ; J . W . Burgess , S . W . 132 *; ; J . H . Bradshaw , J . W . 1325 ; Vl . Nelson . P . M . i-, o *; -, J . T . Callow , W . M . 1505 ; T . Roberts , W . M . 0 ; - ;; W . T . May , P . M . 6 73 ; R . Pearson ,

P . M . 673 ; Clark , P . M . 673 ; H . Burrows , S . W . 673 ; D . J acksrn , J . W . 6 73 ; S . Tickle , S . W . 220 ; D . S . Davies , S . W . 216 ; VV . J . Chapman , S . W . 1609 ; L . Courtinay , J . W . ; T . Home , W . M . 1356 ; B . B . Marson , P . M . 135 6 ; Hugh Williams , P . M . 1264 ; J . W ' msor , W . M . 20 ^ ; I- E . Jackson , W . M . 667 ; G . Hutchin , W . M . 241 ; W . L . Lunt , P . M . 823 ; H . Hunt , P . M . 594 ; R .

Ing , P . M . 594 ; J . Harding , P . M . 148 ; J . W . Williams , J . W . 135 6 ; J . Lloyd , W . M . 249 ; G . Musker , Sec . 1182 ; H . Ashmnre , P . M . 1325 ; II . Pearson , P . M . 249 ; C Leedham , P . M . 220 ; Rev . T . W . Richardson , S . W . 1380 ; P . R . Thorn , P . M . 1182 ; A . J . Henchsberg , W . M . 1502 ; P . B . Gee , P . M . 1264 ; A . C . Wylie , I . D . C 264 ; J . Hocken , P . M . 673 ; H .

Jackson , P . M . 1393 ; J . Wood , Treas . 1094 ( " Freemason" ); R . R . Martin , ' P . M . 1094 ; J . Beesley , P . M . 216 ; J . McKune , P . M . 216 ; G . Morgan , P . M . 1035 ; J . Hayes , P . M . 249 ; T . Evans , P . M . 1356 ; W . Woods , W . M . 1620 ; VV . Pughe , S . W . 1620 ; G . Lunt , J . W . 1620 ; M . Corless , P . M . 6 73 ; P . M . Larsen , P . M . S 94 -, W . Vaughan , W . M . 724 ; J . S . Dixon , P . M .

1264 ; J . Lecomber , S . W . 594 ; Capt . T . Berry , W . M . 155 ; J . A . Edginton , P . M . 1182 ; J . Davison , P . M . 724 ; A . Morrison , J . W . 1570 ; P . W . Ogleshy , S . D . 823 ; R . P . France , W . M . 594 ; W . Wilson , W . M . 823 ; J . L . Houghton , J . W . 594 ; J . Thornton , P . M . 1182 ; W . S . Vines , P . M . 220 ; W . Archer , P . M . 1086 ; W . Cottrell , P . M . 823 ; W . Shortis , P . M . 724 ;

Rev . | . Rees Jenkins , Sec . 216 ; H . Firth , Sec . 6 O 7 ; I " . Bell , W . 1398 ; II . Johns , P . M . 1473 ; J . Ellis , J . W . G 67 ; T . Buxton , W . M . 1345 ; J . W . C . Browne Cave , Sec , 1547 ; J . Parkin , J . W . ' 1547 ; C . Heden , Treas . 1325 ; T . Molyneux , S . D . 897 ; and others . The Craft lodge was duly opened by the Masters of the oldest lodges in the province , Nos . 32 , 86 , 249 , and

others , and the Prov . Grand Lodge w * as afterwards received in the usual manner . The P . G . Secretary read the roll of lodges in the province , when it appeared that every one in the large division was represented , with one exception , this absence being caused by the illness of the W . M . The minutes of the previous annual meeting , held at Preston last October ,

and a special Provincial Grand Lodge in Liverpool in April , were also read and confirmed unanimously . The P . G . Treasurer , Bro . T . Armstrong , submitted the financial acccunts of the P . G . Lodge , tre Fund of Benevolence , and with reference to the money payable to the charitable fund , from which it appeared that the receipts for the vear i 87 *; -6 from the Provincial Grand Lodge fees

amounted to X' 679 1 is . -jd . ; for the Fund of Benevolence , £ 1616 8 s . 1 id . ; and for the Charity Fund , £ 199118 . lid . The balances were as follow : —Charity Fund , £ 180 13 s . Cd . ; P . G . Lodge fees , £ 297 2 s . 7 d . * , and the Fund of Benevolence , £ 1484 165 . 71 ) . ; total £ 191 . 2 12 s . 8 d . Bro . Armstrong added that there vee now only three lodges in arrears , whereas there were ten the previous

year . Bro . R , Wylie , P . P . G . S . D ., moved the reappointment of Bro . Armstrong as the Prov . Grand Trca & urer , stating that ibey could not have a better man for the position . The motion was sci oided by Bro . G . Broadbridge , P . P . G . D . C . Bro . W . J . Lunt , P . M . 823 , said no doubt it was neces-

Provincial Grand Lodge Of West Lancashire.

sary , as far as possible , that the brother elected to this office should secure it by the unanimous vote of the brethren ; and although he had not one word to say against Bro . Armstrong ( than whom a worthier brother could not be found , and who had fulfilled his duties with the greatest advantage to the Craft ) , yet it was desirable , especially in a large province like West Lancashire , where

honours could not be scattered broadcast , that the honours should be divided at times amongst the brethren . He therefore proposed that Bro . Major George Turner , P . M . 823 , should be appointed to the office of P . G . Treasurer , and referred to him in complimentary terms as a Mason , and the high position occupied by thc lodge with which he was connected .

Bro . W . Cottrel , P . M . 823 , seconded the motion , and as this was the only honour in Provincial Grand Lodge which the brethren had the power of voting he thought they should exercise their privilege and change this officer occasionally . After some remarks from Bro . J . R . Goepel , P . P . G . D . C .-. Bro . H . S . Amass . P . G . Sec .: and Bro . W .

Shortis , P . M . 724 , the P . G . M . put the matter to the brethren , when 117 voted for Bro . Turner and 76 for Bro . Armstrong . Bro . G . Turner was accordingly declared elected , and as he was absent at Buxton he was invested by proxy with the collar and jewel of the office , Bro . VV . J . Lunt being his representative . The P . G . M . then appointed and invested the following

as his officers for the ensuing year : — The Hon . F . Stanley , M . P Prov . D . G . M . W . Horner , 32 Prov . G . S . W . W . Sharp , 148 Prov . G . J . W . Thc Rev . H . Bethell Jones , 1387 Prov . G . Chvplain . G . D . Pochiii , 1375 Prov . G Reg . H . S . Alpass , 1 ** - ' *; Prov . G . See .

E . B . Harding , 1496 Prov . G . S . D . W . J . Sly , 1051 Prov . G . J . D . J . Pemberton , 126 4 Prov . G . S . of VV . T . A . Collinson , 13 so Prov . G . D . C . Joseph Roberts , 1313 Prov . G . A . D . C G . Cornfield , 1225 Prov . G . S . B . J . Skeaf , 216 Prov . G . Org ,

P . Maemuldrow , 1299 Prov . G . Purst . H . W . Johnstone , 113 , H . Jackson , 1393 , B . B . Marson , 135 6 and 1609 , W . Vines , 220 , J . M'Kunc , 216 , andT . W . Sergeant , 203 Prov . G . Stewards . P . Ball ( re-elected ) . ' Prov . G . Tyler . W . H . Ball Prov . G . Ast . Tyler

The sum of £ 65 was voted for the relief of various widows and distiessed brethren from the funds of the Provincial Grand Lodge . Bro . H . S . Alpass , P . G . Sec , then submitted his ' annual report as follows : — Since the last annual meeting of Provincial Grand Lodge the followine lodires have been consecrated : —The

Morecambe Lodge , No . 15 ( 11 ; the Prince Leopold Lodge , No . 1588 ; the Liverpool Dramatic Lodge , No . 1609 ; the Marlborough Lodge , No . 1620 . The condition of the lodges in the province is generally satisfactory . Several ofthe lodges have raised the amount of their initiation and joining fees . with the view of preventing unfit persons being nronosed for initiation . I am informed that thc scdi' . ia in

Chester Cathedral , provided by the Masons 111 West Lancashire , is put up , and that it is very much admired , and also that Masonic emblems are introduced with good effect . Fifty years have just elapsat since the county of Lancaster was divided into two provinces . There were then in the western division 23 lodges with 4 6 7 subscribing members ; we have now ?? lodges with nearly cooo

members . ( Loud applause . ) The Egerton Lodge , No . 10 3 , which formerly met in a house in the eastern division , has removed to Heaton Noiris in the western division , and although I have made the usual application for a return of their members , 1 have not received it . It will be necessary , I think , to take further proceedings in this matter , on which I shall be glad to receive instructions .

Several brethren suggested that a special effort should be made to raise the sum which was still due for the sedilia , and donations of five and ten guineas were given by several brethren . The P . G . M . instructed the P . G . Sec . to write to the Master of the Egerton Lodge , calling his attention to the omissions which had been made , and requesting an

immediate return of the number of members . Failing this , steps would at once be taken to bring the lodge under some punishment for neglect . Bro . R . Wylie , P . P . G . S . D ; Hon . Secretary to the Hamer Benevolent Fund , presented the following third annual report of that charity : — Your Committee have much pleasure in presenting the

Third Annual Report , and heartily thank thc lodges and brethren fcr the increased support given to the fund during the year , and for the desire evinced by so many brethren to promote its best interests . One petition has been presented during the year , and your committee unanimously recommended that brother to be placed on the fund , but before their

recommendation could be confirmed by the Provincial Grand Lodge , as required by the bye-laws , the brother died , and this brought btfore the committee the desirability of modifying the laws , so as to obviate the necessity of an applicant having to wait perhaps many months before receiving the assistance which he so much needed . After due consideration the following resolution was passed by your committee , and they hope it will meet

with your approval . That in the event of there being no Provincial Grand Lodge meeting within two months of thc date of any recommendation of the committee , a special meeting of the vice-presidents and life governors shall be called , to consider the recommendation , and , if necessary , empower the Treasurer to pay to the applicant the amount recommended .

Provincial Grand Lodge Of West Lancashire.

The report was adopted , the committee appointed for the ensuing year , and it was resolved to invest the fUt . ther sum of £ 270 in Mersey Dock bonds . Bro . J . R . Goepel , P . P . G . D . C ., moved—That a sum of not less than 100 guineas be paid from the charity fund to the Royal Masonic Institution fur Girls .

The motion was seconded by Bro . R . Wylie , and carried unanimously . On the motion of Bro . R . Wylie , seconded b y Bro , Goepel , the following motion was also agreed to : — That the sum of 50 guineas be voted out of the charit y fund , in the name of the R . W . Prov . G . M ., to the West Lancashire Masonic Educational Institution .

Bro . Broadbridge , P . P . G . D . C ., next moved—That the P . G . Secretary summon a meeting of the committee of the Mott memorial fund during the month of October , in order to obtain a report and close the same and thus carry out the object for which thc fund was formed . It was incidentally stated that the fund had reached

£ 700 , and it was highly desirable it should now je closed . —The motion was seconded by Bro . R . Wylin , and , after some discussion , was agreed to . Bro . Armstrong , P . P . G . Treasurer , presented the jewel of his former office to the P . G . Lodge , and on the motion of Bro . Broadbridge , seconded by Bro . W . J . Lunt , a cordial vote of thanks was given to Bro . Armstrong fr-r

his valuable three years . services , and . it was also agreed that he should be presented with a P . P . G . Treasurer's jewel . The annual couit of governors of the West Lancashire Masonic Educational Institution was then held , and the reports of Bro . R . Brown , P . M . 241 , the excellent Honorary Secretary of the institution , were

adopted . The annual report for the pastj year , after expressing satisfaction with the growing prosperity of the charity and the increased usefulness of the institution as shown in the addition of a large number of children on the foundation , further stated—A reference to the accounts will show that the income for the year , including donations and subscriptions from

the brethreu and from lodges , proceeds of the annual ball , and fees from the Provincial Grand Lodge , & c , amounts to £ 636 18 s . 6 d . ; whilst the income from invested funds amounts to £ 515 12 s . 7 d . ; and , after making all necessary payments , there has been added to the invested funds of the institution , and available for a continuance , find , if necessary , an extension of its usefulness , the sum <; f

£ » 08 ids . 4 d ., making a tclal invested fund ot £ 12 , 683 17 s . 8 d . It will also be seen 011 reference to the report that a sum of £ 430 9 s . 1 id . has during ( he year been expended for the education and advancement of children , being an increase of £ 141 14 s . 4 d . over the payment in 1874 . These results cannot but be gratifying to the officers and brethren of the province -, and whilst the

prosperous state of the finances evokes expressions ol thankfulness and pleasure , the increasing demands on the funds of t' . ie institution call for continued exertion ou the part of tbe Masons of West Lancashire , inasmuch as it will be seen that whereas there were in 1874 011 the funds ^ g children , the number in the present report is 61 ; and at the date of the issuing of this report there are

applications for the election of 23 additional children . Your committee cannot close this report without referring to the noble and generous example shown by the brethren of the Lodge of Harmony , Ormskirk ( 580 ) , in having , in addition to the former contributions of the lodge , subscribed the handsome sum of £ 63 , thus constituting the principal officers of the lodge and almost every member life-gove mors

of the institution . Your committee also remark with pleasure the fact that most of the newly-constituted lodges in the province have inaugurated the commencement of their labours by placing on record their generosity , showing thus early in their career that they are not unmindful of the great principles of Freemasonry . It is the earnest desire of the committee that their charity and their

prosperity may go hand in hand , and that they and all the brethren who have so liberally supported this great institution may here and hereafter reap the reward of good deeds well done . The committee for the coming year was appointed , thanks were voted to the officers for their services of tin * past year , and the Provincial Grand Lodge resumed . Bro . Dr . J . K . Smith , P . P . G . Reg ., gave notice that

at thc next meeting of the P . G . Lodge he would move that in future every primary application to the fund of benevolence be relieved in a sum not exceeding £ 15 , and that every subsequent application be relieved by a sum not exceeding £ 10 ; and further , that a sum of £ 1000 bc invested in bonds of the Mersey Dock Board at 4 J P ? r cent ., and that the sum accruing therefrom be devoted t « t the Masonic charities .

The business proceedings were then brought to a close , and the P . G . L . and Craft lodge were closed in due form . Upward ? of 100 brethren subsequently dined at four o ' clock at the Adelphi Hotel , under the presidency of Bro . the Right Hon . Lord Skelmersdale , who was supported by a large number of Grand Officers and Provincial Grand Officers . The banquet , sunolied under the direction of Brn .

Ludlow , manager of the hotel , gave satisfaction . The P . G . M ., after giving the toast of " The Queen , ' proposed " The M . W . G . M . the Prince of Wales , the Princess of Wales , and th' other members of the Royal Family . " His lordship sai < they drank this toast in two senses—first , as the future iCing ; and secondly , as their

Grand Master . He now spoke of him in the latter rapacity , and he was quite sure they all felt proud of the Heir to the Throne ruling over them , and especially w 1 } " His Royal Highness did so with the full intention o . ' r K to the best of his ability , as every one could see . He ( L ° f Skelmersdale ) knew the deep interest the Prince took » Masonry ; and although his numerous engagements » P