Grandmasonicfestival At Rochdale.

GRANDMASONICFESTIVAL AT ROCHDALE .

On Thursday last week , a Provincial Grand Lodge ofthe Freemasons of East . Lancashire was held in the Lyceum , Baillie-street , Rochdale . The lodge was opened by the Provincial Grand Master ( Bro . S . Blair ) , who was attended by Bro . A . II . Royds , P . D . P . G . M . for East Lancashire , and P . G . M . for Worcester ; and

several past and present ofiicers ofthe Provincial Grand Lodge . Representatives of 70 out of the 75 lodges in the province were present . The accounts for the past year , which were presented by the P . G . Treas . ( Bro . Barker ) , showed that a balance of £ 70 was in hand , after making all grants and investing

£ 300 in stock . Bro . J . D Kennedy , of the Blair Lodge , was elected Treasurer for the ensuing year ; and the following appointments were made : —Bros . J . M . Wike , P . S . G . AV . ; T . Radley , P . G . Chaplain ; C . Heywood , P . G . Registrar ; T . Tunnah , P . G . Secretary ; AV . II . Prince ( Rochdale ) , P . S . G . D . ; J .

Dufficld , P . G . Superintendent of AVorks ; J . Titmash , P . G . Director of Ceremonies ; C . M . Jones , P . G . A . D . C . ; AV . Gouldthorpe , P . G . Organist . Mr . J . L . HINE , President of the Charity Committee , read the proceedings of the several meetings whieh tho committee had held since the last Provincial

Grand Lodge , and referred to the election of two girls from East Lancashire to the Institute in London . He stated that the appeal mado to the province on behalf ofthe Boys' Institute had resulted in answers from 40 of the 70 lodges , and individual donations had been subscribed amounting in the aggregate to nearly

£ 2 , 000 . A further sum of £ 900 was required to redeem the promise made on behalf of the province . Amongst the donations to the Boys' School was one of 1 , 000 guineas given by thc Provincial Grand Master of East Lancashire , which gavo them a right in perpetuity of nominating one boy to thc school .

At the conclusion of the lodge , the brethren , to the number of upwards of 300 , marched in procession to the Prince of AA alcs Theatre , where dinner awaited them . The weather , unfortunately , was very unpropitious for the display of the regalia , but , notwithstanding this drawback , it did not affect the after

proceedings . During dinner thc band oi the 24 th L , R . V . was stationed in the gallery , and played selections of music at intervals . AVhen the postprandial proceedings commenced the boxes were filled with ladies , who seemed to take much interest in the proceedings . The musical arrangements were under

the direction of Bro . Wrigley , P . M ., P . P . G . S . B . The vocalists were : Miss AVinward , Mrs . Howarth ; Bros . Edmundson , Dumville , Bailey , and AVroc ; pianist , Bro . John McNaught . The CHAIRMAN ( Stephen Blair , Esq ., P . G . M . ) proposed the first toast : " The Queen . " He congratulated

Rochdale upon having had the most successful gathering since he became the P . G . M . of East Lancashire , twenty-three years ago . ( Applause . ) He said the first toast he had to propose was the Queen . The purity and goodness of her rule was only equalled by her desire to sec her people happy anil prosperous .

Hc ' was sure they would drink it with much heartiness . ( Applause . ) "God save the Queen , " Masonic version . The CHAIRMAN next gave the toast of "The Prince aud Princess of AVales , and rest of the Royal Family . " The members of the royal family , ho said , had been

doing their best to make themselves known , both in this country and abroad , and he had no doubt when the Prince was called to his high destiny , that ho would bo found worthy of his noble progenitors . Glee , ** God bless the noble pair . " Thc CHAIRMAN next gavo"Thc Right lion , tho Earl

of Zetland , Most AVorshipful Grand Master of England . ( App lause . ) Ho said he was in London thc other day at the inauguration ofthe Grand Lodge of England . The Earl of Zetland was present , and he was happy to tell the brethren , though he was getting up in years that he was in good health . lie had been W . G . AV . of England

for twenty-five years , and a number of gentlemen had subscribed a testimonial of £ 5 , 000 for his services to the Order , but he said he would not receive a farthing , but asked that it might be so disposed as to be a benefit to the poor Freemasons of England . ( Applause . ) Ho was much pleased with the inauguration of the

lodge in London , nnd the manner in which it was conducted ; but he was far better pleased at thc manner in which things had been conducted this day . ( Applause . ) Ho concluded b y expressing a hope that the Earl of Zetland would long bo G . M . over them . The toast was received with " twenty and one . "

Glee , " Honour to Masonry . " P . G . C . Bro . RADLEY proposed the next toast , " Brother thc Right Hon . Earl Grey , Right AVorshipful Deputy Grand Master of England , and the rest of the Grand Ofiicers . " lie said in the history of Freemasonry in Lancashire , nnd perhaps in no part of the

country , was there such a company to greet them . ( Applause . ) lie roso with with great pleasure to propose the toast , which was not a formal toast , as they knew that on organisation depended the success of every institution , whether good or bad . ( A pp lause . ) And when they had such men at their head , they could not bo surprised that Masonry had advanced so much during thc past twenty years . Tho

Grandmasonicfestival At Rochdale.

Earl de Grey and Ripon was also the P . G . M . of AA est Yorkshire . In Lancashire he hoped they would only cultivate that spirit of brotherly rivalry which produced good works . He had , therefore , great pleasure in proposing the health of Earl de Grey and Ripon , and the rest of the Grand ofiicers .

Glee , " Blow , gentle Gales . " Bro . AVIKE , P . G . S . W ., proposed the next toast , " Bro . Stephen Blair , Esq ., Right AVorshipful Provincial Grand Master of East Lancashire . " Bro . Blair , he said , first came to Lancashire under the presidency of tho Earl of Ellesmere , whom he

succeeded as Grand Master . After twenty-three years of rule they had him there amongst them in health and strength . ( Applause . ) He had the pleasure of having the acquaintance of many Provincial Grand Masters , but he knew no one so worthy of his position . He alluded to the many men of high birth who might be

called ornamental Grand Masters ; but if they wanted a Grand Master in his Craft , they had him in Stephen Blair , even when he was a poor Mason in Bolton . If thev wanted a leader in their charities , in him they

had such as no province could show . As an example of his generosity ho mentioned that the Master had presented 1 , 000 guineas to the Boys' School . ( Loud applause . )

Glee , " When the Temple ' s first stone . " The CHAIRMAN , when ho rose to respond , was received with loud and prolonged cheers . Ho _ said he was greatly obliged to them for the manner in which they had received the last toast . From his youth he had alwavs had a love for Freemasonry , and very early

in life he camo into the Grand Lodge , and , as Bro . AVike had said , by industry he had worked himself up to his present position . AY hen he first came into office there were 30 lodges in the province . Now they had 70 lodges in East Lancashire , and 4 , 000 subscribers . ( Applausc . 1 By their help , and by his steering thc

way , they had become what they were . He referred to the principles of Masonry , and said there was nothing by which their Order would be more advanced than by opening the benevolent hand . " The poor they had always with them , ' ] and he had always done what he could to assist his poorer brethren . He

thanked them from his heart for the kind compliment they had paid him , and he hoped often to be able to meet them ; and when they happened to bring anything forward for a charitable object , ho would always lend a helping hand . ( Applause . ) Bro . A . II . ROYDS , P . G . M . of Worcestershire , proposed the next toast , " Bro . AV . R . Callender , jun .,

Esq ., Deputy Provincial Grand Master of Last Lancashire , and the rest of the Provincial Grand Officers . " He said he proposed that toast with no little feeling of respect , because it had never previously been his privilege to propose the health of their Deputy , whom he regretted was not present with them . He envied him his situation , a situation which he had himself long held .

Glee , " Now tramp . " Bro PARKER responded to the toast . He and they must all regret that Bro . Callender was prevented through sickness from being present with them . The CHAIRMAN next proposed " Tho Provincial Grand Masters and the ofiicers of other Provinces . "

Freemasons , he said , were always willing to extend thc kind hand of fellowship towards those friends who came to see them . Glee , " The Dawn of Day " Bro . ROYDS returned thanks as an officer of a distant province . In AVorccstcrshire they could not

compete with Lancashire in masonry , but he was happy to say that since he was last with them he had opened a new lodge . Bro . HIND , P . P . G . T ., proposed the next toast , " The Masonic Charities . " He alluded to thc charities connected with the Order , and hoped they would do all they could to extend their usefulness .

Glee , " Burns' Farewell to Ins lodge . " The remaining toasts were , "The Rochdale , "Whitworth , Smallbridge , and AVardle Lodges , " proposed by Dr . LEES , P . P . G . S . AV ., and responded to by Bro . IIOLROYD , W . M ., of 298 ; " The Visiting Brethren , " proposed by Bro . PRINCE , P . G . S . D ., and responded

to by Bro . Rev . HENRY JONES , of AVest Yorkshire ; " The Ladies , " proposed by Brother CROXTON , P . P . G . S . D ., Kast Lancashire , and responded to by Bro . CHADWICK , P . M ., 810 ; and "To all Poor and Distressed Masons—a Speedy Relief . " The glees after each of the latter toasts were , "StayI Pry ' thce ,

Stay , " "Sleep , Gentle Lady , " and "All hail ! thou Queen of Night . " After the departure of the provincial officers votes of thanks were accorded to Bros . P . M . AVm . Roberts , P . P . S . P . ; aud P . M . AVilliam Ashworth , hon . sec , to whose energy and perseverance the success of tho banquet is to be attributed .

Bro . Barry Sullivan , who has lately opened the Holborn Theatre with every prospect of success , had a very high compliment paid him by his friends and admirers in Liverpool , on the 1 st inst . They engaged a special train to convey them to and fro , and at the conclusion , Bro . Sullivan received a perfect ovation .

Consecration And Dedication Of Acacia Lodge (No. 24), Lurgan.

CONSECRATION AND DEDICATION OF ACACIA LODGE ( No . 24 ) , LURGAN .

To-day , the ceremony of opening and dedicating the new Masouic Room , Town Hall , Lurgan , in connection with the Acacia Masonic Lodge ( No . 24 ) , took place at four o ' clock . The room which has been selected by the lodge is a wing of the new Town Hall , and is 26 feet by

22 , the height being 24 feet . At the head of the room a beautiful canopy , the work of Br . M'Connell , has beeu erected , underneath which is the Master ' s chair , and ou each side of it are Past Masters ' seats . All the chairs have been beautifully carved by Bro . Wm . Lonsdale , of Lurgan , aud upholstered

in blue velvet . The canopy , which is painted in white , blue , and gold , presents a beautiful appearance ; aud on the panels are inscribed , iu gold letters , the words , "Acacia Lodge , No . 24 , " the whole ornaments forming the neatest of the kind we have ever seen . The centre of tho room was

occupied by a beautiful altar , erected on three steps of tessellated pavement ; and on tbe altar were the three greater lights of Masonry , the Holy Bible , square and compass , and the gold and silver vessels connected with the lodge . Amongst the mottoes on the wall was a massive chart , which was executed

by Bro . Wm . Lonsdale , of Lurgac , who kindly presented it to the lodge , of which ho is a member . The painting of the canopy was executed by Mr . James Robinson and Mr . James Young . The warrant of this lodge was first moved to Hillsborough in 1817 , but in consequence of its

becoming inoperative iu that neighbourhood it was transferred to Lurgan in 1865 . and has been working successfully , the lodge at present consisting of upwards of forty members . The brethren assembled iu the large-room adjoining the new lodge-room shortly before four

o'clock , wearing the clothing , jewels , and insignia of their respective orders and the offices which they represented . The directors of ceremonies ( Bros . W . R . Kelly and A . A . Lutton ) having formed the brethren into procession , they proceeded to tbo lodge-room , which was , in a most impressive and

solemn manner , duly consecrated and dedicated to the purposes of Freemasonry . The WORSHIPFUL MASTER then delivered from the chair an address delivered by the late Bro . tho Venerable Archdeacon W . B . Mant , Past Prov Grand Master of Belfast and North Down , at tho

dedication of the Masonic Hall , Donegall-place , Belfast , on the 24 th of June , 1850 . In conclusion , he said : I would congratulate you , brethren of Lodge 24 , on the dedication to the purposes of Freemasonry of this room , which , although not of very large dimensions , is sufficiently spacious for the

celebration of the ceremonies , both of your lodge aud of the higher orders of Masonry with which some of us are connected , and appears to bo commodiously situated and well arranged . I am happy to have been able to take part in so interesting a ceremonial ; and I heartily wish that this

lodge may long continue to flourish and increase in numbers and respectability ; may long enjoy tho use of this room , in peace , love , and harmony ; and may set an example and model to the Masonic fraternities of the North , by tho correctness of their working , the regularity of their discipline ,

and their adherence to the true grand principles of brotherly love , mutual relief , aud pursuit of truth I A Masonic version of the National Anthem was then sung , and the lodge was closed in ancient form . The following visiting brethren were in

attendance at tho ceremony : —AVilliam Redferu Kelly , P . G . J . D ., County Antrim ; John Ireland , P . P . J . W ., County Antrim ; John Gilbert , 134 ; G . AV . M'Cutchcon , 334 ; AV . Bailey , 219 , Portadown ; Isaiah Kilpatrick , 219 ; AVm . Hall , P . M ., R . A . C ., 82 , Portadown ; AVm . Paris , P . M ., 134 ; Frederick AV .

Magahan , P . M ., 134 ; Samuel Rodgers , M . D ., 134 ; AVilliam Anderson , AV . M ., 307 , Downpatrick ; John Archer , 335 ; James Archer , 134 ; Samuel Parkes , 82 ; Joseph Totten , 272 ; AVm . Sands , GO ; S . AV . Lutton , AV . M ., 66 ; John P . Harris , 06 * , William Baird , P . M .. 134 ; Georgo Haslett , P . M . and K .,

134 ; AVm . Macoun , P . M . and P . K ., 134 , H . K . T . ; Wm . Herron , R . A . C . and S . AV ., 134 ; John H . Farrell , P . M ., 82 , Portadown ; James Donn , 39 ; A . C . Iunes , 240 ; and II . Greer , P . M ., 134 . After the ceremonies , two new members were

initiated , and subsequently the brethren sat down to dinner , which was supplied in excellent style by Mr . Thompson , of Lurgan , tho dining-room being decorated with appropriate symbols , put up under the superintendence of Mr . Lousdale . —Belfast News Letter , 11 th May .

AVorldly good , to deserving persons requiring aid , does not como by any seeming supernatural power . It comes by means that are perfectly natural . Favourable circumstances occur . It comes from n . friendly disposition , a desire to serve , an inclining of the heart—when an angel whispers no word is spoken , but a thought comes most heavenly . Ellis .