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Consecration Of The Prudence Lodge, No. 2069, At Leeds.
CONSECRATION OF THE PRUDENCE LODGE , No . 2069 , AT LEEDS .
The consecration of this lodge took place on Saturday , the Sth inst ., at thc Masonic Hall , Great George-street , Leeds . The object of the promoters of the lodge is two-fold—I , That the meetings be held on a Saturday afternoon , and , ' 2 , That it be conducted on temperance principles , the members of which shall not necessarily be teetolalers . 'but that it should be a rule that no intoxicating liquors be used at 3113- time of refreshment .
Similar lodges in other parts of the country already exist , viz ., the Wolseley Lodge , at Manchester ; the King Solomon Lodge , in London ; and the Londonderry Lodge , in Sunderland ' ; and we learn one is also likely soon to be established at Portsmouth . Notwithstanding some show of opposition which we learn has attended the formation of this lodge , the gathering was one of the largest held in this province on any similar occasion , upwards of 150 brethren taking part in the proceedings , half of whom were members of the Prov . Grand Lodge .
The lodge was opened by Bro . J . Yates , W . M . 304 , assisted by Bro . McGill , W . M . 1311 , and several other brethren , in the presence of Bros . E . \ V . Smith , 2 S 9 ; \ V . P . Head , 2 S 9 ; C . Williams , 2 S 0 ; A . Scarth , Sec . 2 S 9 ; E . Woodcock , S . W . 302 ; T . Myers , J . W . 302 ; | ohn Brownfoot , Sec . 302 ; J . Rickard , S . VV . 302 ; VV . Ccckerlyne , Urg . 362 ; John Stephenson , 302 ; J . VV . Gaines , P . M . 302 j Rev . Thos . Greenbury , Char * . 302 ; j . VV . Bailey , P . M . 304 ; J . C . Ouickfall , 304 ; J . Grimshaiv , 302 ; John Redmayne , 302 ; Rev . Dr . Barnes , 302 ; S . T . Oates , P . M . 302 ;
G . Hill , P . M . 304 ; VV . Callum , 304 ; \ V . F . Tomlinson , P . M . 304 ; . ]• L . Minings , 306 ; A . Neill , 306 and 2 * 6 ; VV . Wetherall , 30 G ; D . Thompson , P . M . 306 ; G . H . Stallard , P . M . 30 G ' ; J . H . Lovett , 30 G ; K . Howell , 30 G ; R . Gibbons , 306 ; W . C . Ellisdon , P . M . 306 j W . H . Thompson , 30 G ; W . Flockton , 1042 ; C . A . Busherton , 1042 ; James Smales , 1042 ; T . Tyer . s , P . M . 1042 ; A . Atkinson , 1042 ; VV . M . Tyers , J . VV . 104 /; G . Heuthwaite , 1042 ; VV . Ain-lie , P . M . 1042 ; VV . Elliot , P . M . 1042 ; T . Thorp , 1042 ; B . Womerslev , 1042 ; VV . Warren , Win . Smith , Geo . Whitaker , R . Riley , 1211 ; Hen . Child , Robert ' Graliam , 1221 ; C . D . Sivalr , 1211 : VV . A . Cole , Robt . Lee , S . Ash , H . H .
Cribb , J . Downs , P . M ., Herbert Shaw , Alf . Cooke , and J . VV . English , 1221 ; W . E . A-quuli , P . M ., Geo . Cobb , J . B . Hargreaves , J . S . Webb , S . D ., VV . D . Hollis , Rev . D . Wheeler , Chap ., and G . VV . Morrison , 1311 ; Hy . Lodge , 13 ; Tudor Trevor , P . M . 41 ; Chas . Middleton , Gi ; H . D . Levy , 94 ; Rev . J . H . Evans , 153 ; F . B . Fox , P . M . 2 uS ; Thos . Gaukroger , P . M . 307 ; F . Abbott , 407 ; Rev . H . S . Butler , 357 ; Rev . M . li . Vine , 357 ; J . ' G . Lee , P . M . 44 S ; Rob . Dayson , 45 S ; Edw . Cuttle , 910 ; E . Lord , P . M . 910 ; John Haley , 1034 ; Wm . Watson , P . M . 1040 ; J . R . Kennedy Bell , 1124 ; Kev . J . E . Player , 1275 ; J . T . Goodall , P . M . 1301 ; A . Stott , 1301 ; E . Peirson , P M . 1542 ; I . T . Morgan , 1619 ; and S . S . Vuung , 19 SG .
The VV . D . Prov . G . Master , Bro . T . A . TEW , P . G . D . of England , then entered , accompanied byj the following members of Provincial Grand Lodge : Bros . ' Col . Hartley , 495 , P . P . G . W . ; J . Day , 275 , P . P . G . W . ; Simeon Hayes , 137 , P . P . G . W . ; J . Day , 275 , P . P . G . W . ; Simeon Hayes . 137 , P . P . G . W . ; Edw . Simpson , 154 , P . P . G . W . ; J . Wordsworth , 101 9 . P . P . G . W ., Chairman C . C . ; Rev . Canon Bullock . 1211 , P . G . C . ; Rev . VV . 1 . M . Sylvester , 1542 , P . G . C . ; K . W . Makinson ,
2 Sy , P . P . G . C ; J H . Gration , 1513 , P . G . Treas . ; C . L . Mason , 304 , P . P . G . Treas . ; R . Wilson , P . P . G . Treas . ; C . S . Sunderl . nd , 1301 , P . G . R . j J . C . Malcolm , 30 G , P . P . G . R . ; l-1-at .. n Cauman , 154 , P . P . G .-:. ; Hy . Smith , 302 , P . G . Sec ; R . William-on , 521 , P G . D . ; Hutchinson , 290 , P . G . D ., J . Lowenthal , 275 , P . G . D . ; VV . VV . Uarlu . v , P . G . D . ; j . D . Kay , 2 S 9 , P . P . G . D . ; Robt . Craig , 304 , P . P . G . D . ; Thos . Rudduch , 275 , P . P . G . 13 . ; VV . K . Glover , 2 Sg , P . P . G . D . : VV . J . Beck , 2 S 9 , P . P . G . D . ; Thus . Winn , tan , P . G S . of VV . ; S . VV . Newsam , P . P . G . S . of VV . ; John Barker
1102 , P . P . G . S . of VV . ; J . VV . Monckman , luiS . P . G . D . of C . ; Holdsworth , P . G . D . of C . ; Thos . Pickles , 25 S , P . G .-V . IJ . of C . ; S . Slack , 910 , P . P . G . D . of C . ; Geo . Peaison , 1034 , P . G . Swd . lir . ; R . VV . Moore , 1221 , P . P . G . Swd . Br . ; Jas . France , 20 S , P . G . Std . Br . ; Alfred Austin , 30 G , P . G . Std . Br . ; J . N . Pickering , 1221 , P . P . G . Ur } T . ; Hcibeit Green , 1019 , P . G . A Sec ; John Seed , 1302 , P . G . P . ; | ohn Richardson ,
1001 , P . P . G . P . ; Ihos . Cros .-Iey , D . P . G . P .,- VV . Lockcroft , P . G . A P ; Robert Ackiill , loui , P . G . S . ; lhos . Whitely , 44 S , P . G . S . ; Jas . Bedford , 302 , P . G . S . ; Jas . Wiight , Goo , P . G . S . ; Jos . Brailslord , 1779 . P . G . S . ; Hy . lnchbold , 2 S 9 , P . G . S . ; Thomas Whitaker , 44 S , P . G . S . ; Jos . Lee , 291 ) , P . G . Tyler ; T . C . Smyth , 2 S 9 , P . D . G . M . East Arch . ; C . J . Banister , 101 S , P . G . S . B . ling . ; T . B . Whytehead , P . P . G . W . of N . and E . Yorks .
After the petition lor the new lodge and the warrant issued by his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales , M . W . G . M ., had been read , the Deputy Provincial Grand Master proceeded with the ceremony of consecration ; Bros . J . D . Kay , P . M . 2 S 0 ; Newsam , P . M . 30 . 4 . ; Malcolm , P . M 306 , and the Piov . Grand Registrar bearing the consecrating elements ; and Bro . S . 1 ' . Oates , P . M . 304 , 35 acolvte , bearing insense . Accompanied by the
Prov . Grand Chaplains and other clergy , and the Deputy Prov . Grand Master , tlit-y perambulated the lodge according to ancient custom . The latter liaviiij ; distributed corn , the emblem of plenty ; wine , the emblem of joj-iulness ; oil , the emblem of peace and concord ; and salt , the emblem of ¦ Aisdum ; consecrated the Lodge Prudence , No . 2069 , to Masonry , and dedicated it severally to virtue , universal benevolence , and wisdom , after which the dedicating prayer was offered by the Prov . Grand Chaplain .
1 he VV . D . P . G . M ., Bro . T . VV . TEW , P . G . D . ol Kngland , then delivered the following address : Br « tnreii , —1 shall occup 3 * j'our attention for a few moments because another inteiesting ceremony , the installation of Bro . E . Woodhouse , P . M ., the Alayor of Leeds , as VV . M . of this lodge , is about to demand your attention and interest . VVe have met together to assist in a stirring and interesting ceremonial ; and the addition of a new lodge to the roll is
generally an indication of the healthy growth of the principles of Masonry , and the increase 01 lodges in such a populous town as Leeds shows that a want is felt for relieving the over growth of existing lodges , and implies that there is room for a tree expansion of the Masonic force . I address , toda 3 ' , old and experienced Masons , man 3 ' of them better qualified to teach me , than I am to tell them anything new , which they have not already learned and endeavoured to practise as true and loyal Masons . On the
joth October I received a form of petition ( which has been read to you this afternoon ) to the Grand Master , H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , for a new lodoe to be named " Prudence , " and that most urgent representations should be made at the Grand Secretari e s office lor its lavourable reception for a warrant of constitution to be granted before the close of the mayoralty of Bro . Edwin Woodhouse , P . M . of 304 , in order that a just compliment might be paid to him as the lirst VV . M . thereof , before retiring from office
as the chiel magistrate of Leeds . On these representations , and on assurances being complied with as to clearance certiiicates , Grand Lodge has granted the prayer of the petitioners , the number of the new lodge being 2000 on the roll of the Grand Lodge of England . This makes the 68 th lodge of West Yorkshire , the eighth lodge in Leeds , and the seventh lodge 1 have , as Deputy Provincial Grand Master , consecrated since the 3 'ear
1 S 75 . M 3 'duties have been simply ministerial in this matter ; but I could have wished ihe movement had been inaugurated earlier in the summer , so as 10 have avoided precipitancy , and to have given the Prov . Grand Officers ol West Yorkshire lime to mature the circumstances surrounding this petition . Haste is never advisable in a weighty application for a warrant , especially when the destiny of such new lodge is surrounded by seven
Consecration Of The Prudence Lodge, No. 2069, At Leeds.
other existing lodges , which should view with approbation the establishment of another in their midst , and welcome it with cordiality and respect . Its bye-laws should be framed in harmony with thc bye-laws of existing lodges , so that no preference in an 3 way should be incorporated in them by way of inducement to detach members from the other lodges to the new one in order to strengthen its influence or inflate its numbers . An examination of
the new regulations is a work of time to bring them into harmony with the rules of the other lodges . The days intervening between the granting of the number of thc lodge , on the 24 th October and the Sth November , is little time for this work by the Provincial Grand Registrar . Only the urgency of this date being the last day ihe W . M . designate , as the Mayor of Leeds , could have hurried forward this ceremonial of consecration . 1 am informed
that all the Worshipful Masters and Past Masters of the Leeds lodges have been summoned at a meeting- to consider the status of the new lodge , and that it was decided by them to offer no objection to its establishment . Therefore I trust the 3 - are represented on this occasion and , like myself , anxious to render evcty Masonic courtesy and homage to a gentleman and a Past Master of the Craft who has during
his two terms of office as Mayor ihroivn himself so thoroughly into everything that has been for the welfare and advantage of the town of Leeds . To the Mayor of Leeds thc Craft is under peculiar acknowledgments for the support he has given to ils principles . The Benevolent Masonic Institution has his approval , and the ball given in the Town Hall in aid of its funds was honoured and graced also by the Mayoress and the ladies of his family .
We cannot sufficiently thank him for what he has done for Freemasonry . But , as the Mayor ot Leeds , he occupies a conspicuous place amongst his contemporaries . He rules over a community large enough lo give princely title to man 3 ' of the small potentates of the Continent . He has attained the position he occupies by the highest credentials of study , industry-, and business training . He has intimatelv associated himself with the wants
and ideas of the industrial classes , and to these classes he is a substantial benefactor . At his Farsley Mills he has established a new industry , and his workpeople—all trained in particular departments—number upwards of 500 hands . In local lile he has favoured ihe establishment of the Royal College of Music . The Police Band of Music for this borough is mainl 3 ' due for its establishment to him . He was an ardent promoter ol the Yorkshire College ,
and inaugurated a special fund for the endowment of a chair of pl ^ -sics . He signalised his first Mayoralty of Leeds by thc Leeds Musical Festival and his reception given to the Duke and Duchess of Alban 3 ' , and during his second year of office he has opened the new official Municipal Buildings ' . VVe look upon Bro . li . Woodhouse , the Mayor of Leeds , as an illustration of what a perfect and upright man can do by "Fortitude , " "Prudence , "
and " Justice ' to win golden opinions from all sections of the communit }* , and the love and esteem of the Craft in Leeds . He has by these sterling qualities won the favour of his colleagues in the Municipality , and been by it twice elected Chief Magistrate . He has earned the authority which he exercises—and 1 hope not for the last time—over a Municipality of more than 330 , 000 people . livery brother present will echo the aspiration that the
G . A . 0 . 1 . U . m a 3 ' grant him and the Mayoress long , uselul , and happj' lives in the important positions which they so nobl 3 ' lill to-da 3 \ Thc name of this lodge and its objects are somewhat striking— " Prudence , " or " Wisdom , " as applied to Temperance principles ; "Fortitude , " to . bear with courage and bravery unforeseen or unavoidable calamity that may happen to one ; and "Justice , " that gives to every brother his just dues , supports
him in his just and laudable undertakings , offers up ejaculations to Almighty God for his welfare , will not wrongfully revile him , nor suffer it to be done by others if in our power to prevent it ; "Temperance , " lo be free from passion or hasty deliberations , and moderation in all things . Pendant to the corners of every lodge are lour tassels meant to remind us of four car- ' dinal virtues , viz ., " Temperance , " " Fortitude , " " Prudence , " and
"Justice , " the whole of which , tradition informs us , were practised by our ancient brethren . The distinguishing characteristics of a good Freemason are *¦ Virtue , "^ ' Honour , " " Charity , " and " Merc 3 ' . " Throughout the whole S 3 'stem of Freemasonry " Virtue " is painted in the most beautiful colours , and the duties of " Temperance " and " Morality " are ever 3 » where strictly enforced . Thus should Freemasons be linked together in one indivisable
chain of sincere affection , " Brotherly Love , Relief , and Truth . " These are the objects which accompanied the prayer of the petition , and that the petitioners having the prosperity of the Craft at heart , desire to conduct the lodge on " Temperance principles . " There are several other lodges of " Prudence " on the roll of the Grand Lodge of England , and efforts ' have been made to establish some lodges on teetotal principles . Take , for
example , the discussion last June about the consecration of the Lodge of King Solomon . Temperance and teetotalism cannot be synonymous terms . Teetotalism pre-supposes the existence of intemperance of a particular kind , viz ., immoderation in drink , and it assumes that the best and only way of coping succesalully with this evil of intemperance , is to compel every brother who enters this lodge to abstain from alcoholic beverages , i ' eetotalism
proceeds on the assumption that there is only one wa 3 ' of conquering this vice of immoderation , and that is b 3 ' a total abstinence from all strong drinkswhich , by the way , are only intoxicating when they are taken in excess . A temperance lodge on teetotal principle- ; would place tin temperate use and thc intemperate abuse of drink on precisely the same footing . A temperate Mason cannot be allowed to join or remain in such a lodge because he is
not despotically opposed to the use of alcholic liquors . In 1113 ' humble opinion there ought to be no room in our Fraternity lor 3113- such exclusionists . Teetotalism is laudable , but to adopt it to a lodge is objectionable , and , I think , incompatible with the broad and tolerant principles of Freemasonry . This idea of temperance , and this exclusive mode of combating a particular form of intemperance , are not provided for either in the ancient
charges or the modern constitutions of I * reemasonrj * . What will become of our boasted goodlcllowship , which in moderation it is the object of the social board to cultivate , and the interchange of brotherly relations between the members ot different lodges , if a VV . M . is to dictate what kind of refreshment shall or shall not be taken 03 ' the brethren or guests ? I think by setting up teetotal principles in a lodge , one of the most ancient
landmarks of our Order , the promotion of goodfellowship , whose primary object is to enable brethren of all conditions and classs to meet together and establish among themselves goodfccling , in spile of distinctions which may characterise them—may be destroyed . If some lodges are temperate and others teetotal an impossible gulf will be between them , and we shall perhaps
do worse , viz ., establish proselytism in our midst with invidious distinctions in tlie Fraternity between one set of lodges and another . Freemasonry to begin with is agreat temperance Fraternity . On all occasions it proclaims temperance as an essential part of its system , as temperance must in the very nature of things be an essential part of every s 3 'stem of moraiity .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Consecration Of The Prudence Lodge, No. 2069, At Leeds.
CONSECRATION OF THE PRUDENCE LODGE , No . 2069 , AT LEEDS .
The consecration of this lodge took place on Saturday , the Sth inst ., at thc Masonic Hall , Great George-street , Leeds . The object of the promoters of the lodge is two-fold—I , That the meetings be held on a Saturday afternoon , and , ' 2 , That it be conducted on temperance principles , the members of which shall not necessarily be teetolalers . 'but that it should be a rule that no intoxicating liquors be used at 3113- time of refreshment .
Similar lodges in other parts of the country already exist , viz ., the Wolseley Lodge , at Manchester ; the King Solomon Lodge , in London ; and the Londonderry Lodge , in Sunderland ' ; and we learn one is also likely soon to be established at Portsmouth . Notwithstanding some show of opposition which we learn has attended the formation of this lodge , the gathering was one of the largest held in this province on any similar occasion , upwards of 150 brethren taking part in the proceedings , half of whom were members of the Prov . Grand Lodge .
The lodge was opened by Bro . J . Yates , W . M . 304 , assisted by Bro . McGill , W . M . 1311 , and several other brethren , in the presence of Bros . E . \ V . Smith , 2 S 9 ; \ V . P . Head , 2 S 9 ; C . Williams , 2 S 0 ; A . Scarth , Sec . 2 S 9 ; E . Woodcock , S . W . 302 ; T . Myers , J . W . 302 ; | ohn Brownfoot , Sec . 302 ; J . Rickard , S . VV . 302 ; VV . Ccckerlyne , Urg . 362 ; John Stephenson , 302 ; J . VV . Gaines , P . M . 302 j Rev . Thos . Greenbury , Char * . 302 ; j . VV . Bailey , P . M . 304 ; J . C . Ouickfall , 304 ; J . Grimshaiv , 302 ; John Redmayne , 302 ; Rev . Dr . Barnes , 302 ; S . T . Oates , P . M . 302 ;
G . Hill , P . M . 304 ; VV . Callum , 304 ; \ V . F . Tomlinson , P . M . 304 ; . ]• L . Minings , 306 ; A . Neill , 306 and 2 * 6 ; VV . Wetherall , 30 G ; D . Thompson , P . M . 306 ; G . H . Stallard , P . M . 30 G ' ; J . H . Lovett , 30 G ; K . Howell , 30 G ; R . Gibbons , 306 ; W . C . Ellisdon , P . M . 306 j W . H . Thompson , 30 G ; W . Flockton , 1042 ; C . A . Busherton , 1042 ; James Smales , 1042 ; T . Tyer . s , P . M . 1042 ; A . Atkinson , 1042 ; VV . M . Tyers , J . VV . 104 /; G . Heuthwaite , 1042 ; VV . Ain-lie , P . M . 1042 ; VV . Elliot , P . M . 1042 ; T . Thorp , 1042 ; B . Womerslev , 1042 ; VV . Warren , Win . Smith , Geo . Whitaker , R . Riley , 1211 ; Hen . Child , Robert ' Graliam , 1221 ; C . D . Sivalr , 1211 : VV . A . Cole , Robt . Lee , S . Ash , H . H .
Cribb , J . Downs , P . M ., Herbert Shaw , Alf . Cooke , and J . VV . English , 1221 ; W . E . A-quuli , P . M ., Geo . Cobb , J . B . Hargreaves , J . S . Webb , S . D ., VV . D . Hollis , Rev . D . Wheeler , Chap ., and G . VV . Morrison , 1311 ; Hy . Lodge , 13 ; Tudor Trevor , P . M . 41 ; Chas . Middleton , Gi ; H . D . Levy , 94 ; Rev . J . H . Evans , 153 ; F . B . Fox , P . M . 2 uS ; Thos . Gaukroger , P . M . 307 ; F . Abbott , 407 ; Rev . H . S . Butler , 357 ; Rev . M . li . Vine , 357 ; J . ' G . Lee , P . M . 44 S ; Rob . Dayson , 45 S ; Edw . Cuttle , 910 ; E . Lord , P . M . 910 ; John Haley , 1034 ; Wm . Watson , P . M . 1040 ; J . R . Kennedy Bell , 1124 ; Kev . J . E . Player , 1275 ; J . T . Goodall , P . M . 1301 ; A . Stott , 1301 ; E . Peirson , P M . 1542 ; I . T . Morgan , 1619 ; and S . S . Vuung , 19 SG .
The VV . D . Prov . G . Master , Bro . T . A . TEW , P . G . D . of England , then entered , accompanied byj the following members of Provincial Grand Lodge : Bros . ' Col . Hartley , 495 , P . P . G . W . ; J . Day , 275 , P . P . G . W . ; Simeon Hayes , 137 , P . P . G . W . ; J . Day , 275 , P . P . G . W . ; Simeon Hayes . 137 , P . P . G . W . ; Edw . Simpson , 154 , P . P . G . W . ; J . Wordsworth , 101 9 . P . P . G . W ., Chairman C . C . ; Rev . Canon Bullock . 1211 , P . G . C . ; Rev . VV . 1 . M . Sylvester , 1542 , P . G . C . ; K . W . Makinson ,
2 Sy , P . P . G . C ; J H . Gration , 1513 , P . G . Treas . ; C . L . Mason , 304 , P . P . G . Treas . ; R . Wilson , P . P . G . Treas . ; C . S . Sunderl . nd , 1301 , P . G . R . j J . C . Malcolm , 30 G , P . P . G . R . ; l-1-at .. n Cauman , 154 , P . P . G .-:. ; Hy . Smith , 302 , P . G . Sec ; R . William-on , 521 , P G . D . ; Hutchinson , 290 , P . G . D ., J . Lowenthal , 275 , P . G . D . ; VV . VV . Uarlu . v , P . G . D . ; j . D . Kay , 2 S 9 , P . P . G . D . ; Robt . Craig , 304 , P . P . G . D . ; Thos . Rudduch , 275 , P . P . G . 13 . ; VV . K . Glover , 2 Sg , P . P . G . D . : VV . J . Beck , 2 S 9 , P . P . G . D . ; Thus . Winn , tan , P . G S . of VV . ; S . VV . Newsam , P . P . G . S . of VV . ; John Barker
1102 , P . P . G . S . of VV . ; J . VV . Monckman , luiS . P . G . D . of C . ; Holdsworth , P . G . D . of C . ; Thos . Pickles , 25 S , P . G .-V . IJ . of C . ; S . Slack , 910 , P . P . G . D . of C . ; Geo . Peaison , 1034 , P . G . Swd . lir . ; R . VV . Moore , 1221 , P . P . G . Swd . Br . ; Jas . France , 20 S , P . G . Std . Br . ; Alfred Austin , 30 G , P . G . Std . Br . ; J . N . Pickering , 1221 , P . P . G . Ur } T . ; Hcibeit Green , 1019 , P . G . A Sec ; John Seed , 1302 , P . G . P . ; | ohn Richardson ,
1001 , P . P . G . P . ; Ihos . Cros .-Iey , D . P . G . P .,- VV . Lockcroft , P . G . A P ; Robert Ackiill , loui , P . G . S . ; lhos . Whitely , 44 S , P . G . S . ; Jas . Bedford , 302 , P . G . S . ; Jas . Wiight , Goo , P . G . S . ; Jos . Brailslord , 1779 . P . G . S . ; Hy . lnchbold , 2 S 9 , P . G . S . ; Thomas Whitaker , 44 S , P . G . S . ; Jos . Lee , 291 ) , P . G . Tyler ; T . C . Smyth , 2 S 9 , P . D . G . M . East Arch . ; C . J . Banister , 101 S , P . G . S . B . ling . ; T . B . Whytehead , P . P . G . W . of N . and E . Yorks .
After the petition lor the new lodge and the warrant issued by his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales , M . W . G . M ., had been read , the Deputy Provincial Grand Master proceeded with the ceremony of consecration ; Bros . J . D . Kay , P . M . 2 S 0 ; Newsam , P . M . 30 . 4 . ; Malcolm , P . M 306 , and the Piov . Grand Registrar bearing the consecrating elements ; and Bro . S . 1 ' . Oates , P . M . 304 , 35 acolvte , bearing insense . Accompanied by the
Prov . Grand Chaplains and other clergy , and the Deputy Prov . Grand Master , tlit-y perambulated the lodge according to ancient custom . The latter liaviiij ; distributed corn , the emblem of plenty ; wine , the emblem of joj-iulness ; oil , the emblem of peace and concord ; and salt , the emblem of ¦ Aisdum ; consecrated the Lodge Prudence , No . 2069 , to Masonry , and dedicated it severally to virtue , universal benevolence , and wisdom , after which the dedicating prayer was offered by the Prov . Grand Chaplain .
1 he VV . D . P . G . M ., Bro . T . VV . TEW , P . G . D . ol Kngland , then delivered the following address : Br « tnreii , —1 shall occup 3 * j'our attention for a few moments because another inteiesting ceremony , the installation of Bro . E . Woodhouse , P . M ., the Alayor of Leeds , as VV . M . of this lodge , is about to demand your attention and interest . VVe have met together to assist in a stirring and interesting ceremonial ; and the addition of a new lodge to the roll is
generally an indication of the healthy growth of the principles of Masonry , and the increase 01 lodges in such a populous town as Leeds shows that a want is felt for relieving the over growth of existing lodges , and implies that there is room for a tree expansion of the Masonic force . I address , toda 3 ' , old and experienced Masons , man 3 ' of them better qualified to teach me , than I am to tell them anything new , which they have not already learned and endeavoured to practise as true and loyal Masons . On the
joth October I received a form of petition ( which has been read to you this afternoon ) to the Grand Master , H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , for a new lodoe to be named " Prudence , " and that most urgent representations should be made at the Grand Secretari e s office lor its lavourable reception for a warrant of constitution to be granted before the close of the mayoralty of Bro . Edwin Woodhouse , P . M . of 304 , in order that a just compliment might be paid to him as the lirst VV . M . thereof , before retiring from office
as the chiel magistrate of Leeds . On these representations , and on assurances being complied with as to clearance certiiicates , Grand Lodge has granted the prayer of the petitioners , the number of the new lodge being 2000 on the roll of the Grand Lodge of England . This makes the 68 th lodge of West Yorkshire , the eighth lodge in Leeds , and the seventh lodge 1 have , as Deputy Provincial Grand Master , consecrated since the 3 'ear
1 S 75 . M 3 'duties have been simply ministerial in this matter ; but I could have wished ihe movement had been inaugurated earlier in the summer , so as 10 have avoided precipitancy , and to have given the Prov . Grand Officers ol West Yorkshire lime to mature the circumstances surrounding this petition . Haste is never advisable in a weighty application for a warrant , especially when the destiny of such new lodge is surrounded by seven
Consecration Of The Prudence Lodge, No. 2069, At Leeds.
other existing lodges , which should view with approbation the establishment of another in their midst , and welcome it with cordiality and respect . Its bye-laws should be framed in harmony with thc bye-laws of existing lodges , so that no preference in an 3 way should be incorporated in them by way of inducement to detach members from the other lodges to the new one in order to strengthen its influence or inflate its numbers . An examination of
the new regulations is a work of time to bring them into harmony with the rules of the other lodges . The days intervening between the granting of the number of thc lodge , on the 24 th October and the Sth November , is little time for this work by the Provincial Grand Registrar . Only the urgency of this date being the last day ihe W . M . designate , as the Mayor of Leeds , could have hurried forward this ceremonial of consecration . 1 am informed
that all the Worshipful Masters and Past Masters of the Leeds lodges have been summoned at a meeting- to consider the status of the new lodge , and that it was decided by them to offer no objection to its establishment . Therefore I trust the 3 - are represented on this occasion and , like myself , anxious to render evcty Masonic courtesy and homage to a gentleman and a Past Master of the Craft who has during
his two terms of office as Mayor ihroivn himself so thoroughly into everything that has been for the welfare and advantage of the town of Leeds . To the Mayor of Leeds thc Craft is under peculiar acknowledgments for the support he has given to ils principles . The Benevolent Masonic Institution has his approval , and the ball given in the Town Hall in aid of its funds was honoured and graced also by the Mayoress and the ladies of his family .
We cannot sufficiently thank him for what he has done for Freemasonry . But , as the Mayor ot Leeds , he occupies a conspicuous place amongst his contemporaries . He rules over a community large enough lo give princely title to man 3 ' of the small potentates of the Continent . He has attained the position he occupies by the highest credentials of study , industry-, and business training . He has intimatelv associated himself with the wants
and ideas of the industrial classes , and to these classes he is a substantial benefactor . At his Farsley Mills he has established a new industry , and his workpeople—all trained in particular departments—number upwards of 500 hands . In local lile he has favoured ihe establishment of the Royal College of Music . The Police Band of Music for this borough is mainl 3 ' due for its establishment to him . He was an ardent promoter ol the Yorkshire College ,
and inaugurated a special fund for the endowment of a chair of pl ^ -sics . He signalised his first Mayoralty of Leeds by thc Leeds Musical Festival and his reception given to the Duke and Duchess of Alban 3 ' , and during his second year of office he has opened the new official Municipal Buildings ' . VVe look upon Bro . li . Woodhouse , the Mayor of Leeds , as an illustration of what a perfect and upright man can do by "Fortitude , " "Prudence , "
and " Justice ' to win golden opinions from all sections of the communit }* , and the love and esteem of the Craft in Leeds . He has by these sterling qualities won the favour of his colleagues in the Municipality , and been by it twice elected Chief Magistrate . He has earned the authority which he exercises—and 1 hope not for the last time—over a Municipality of more than 330 , 000 people . livery brother present will echo the aspiration that the
G . A . 0 . 1 . U . m a 3 ' grant him and the Mayoress long , uselul , and happj' lives in the important positions which they so nobl 3 ' lill to-da 3 \ Thc name of this lodge and its objects are somewhat striking— " Prudence , " or " Wisdom , " as applied to Temperance principles ; "Fortitude , " to . bear with courage and bravery unforeseen or unavoidable calamity that may happen to one ; and "Justice , " that gives to every brother his just dues , supports
him in his just and laudable undertakings , offers up ejaculations to Almighty God for his welfare , will not wrongfully revile him , nor suffer it to be done by others if in our power to prevent it ; "Temperance , " lo be free from passion or hasty deliberations , and moderation in all things . Pendant to the corners of every lodge are lour tassels meant to remind us of four car- ' dinal virtues , viz ., " Temperance , " " Fortitude , " " Prudence , " and
"Justice , " the whole of which , tradition informs us , were practised by our ancient brethren . The distinguishing characteristics of a good Freemason are *¦ Virtue , "^ ' Honour , " " Charity , " and " Merc 3 ' . " Throughout the whole S 3 'stem of Freemasonry " Virtue " is painted in the most beautiful colours , and the duties of " Temperance " and " Morality " are ever 3 » where strictly enforced . Thus should Freemasons be linked together in one indivisable
chain of sincere affection , " Brotherly Love , Relief , and Truth . " These are the objects which accompanied the prayer of the petition , and that the petitioners having the prosperity of the Craft at heart , desire to conduct the lodge on " Temperance principles . " There are several other lodges of " Prudence " on the roll of the Grand Lodge of England , and efforts ' have been made to establish some lodges on teetotal principles . Take , for
example , the discussion last June about the consecration of the Lodge of King Solomon . Temperance and teetotalism cannot be synonymous terms . Teetotalism pre-supposes the existence of intemperance of a particular kind , viz ., immoderation in drink , and it assumes that the best and only way of coping succesalully with this evil of intemperance , is to compel every brother who enters this lodge to abstain from alcoholic beverages , i ' eetotalism
proceeds on the assumption that there is only one wa 3 ' of conquering this vice of immoderation , and that is b 3 ' a total abstinence from all strong drinkswhich , by the way , are only intoxicating when they are taken in excess . A temperance lodge on teetotal principle- ; would place tin temperate use and thc intemperate abuse of drink on precisely the same footing . A temperate Mason cannot be allowed to join or remain in such a lodge because he is
not despotically opposed to the use of alcholic liquors . In 1113 ' humble opinion there ought to be no room in our Fraternity lor 3113- such exclusionists . Teetotalism is laudable , but to adopt it to a lodge is objectionable , and , I think , incompatible with the broad and tolerant principles of Freemasonry . This idea of temperance , and this exclusive mode of combating a particular form of intemperance , are not provided for either in the ancient
charges or the modern constitutions of I * reemasonrj * . What will become of our boasted goodlcllowship , which in moderation it is the object of the social board to cultivate , and the interchange of brotherly relations between the members ot different lodges , if a VV . M . is to dictate what kind of refreshment shall or shall not be taken 03 ' the brethren or guests ? I think by setting up teetotal principles in a lodge , one of the most ancient
landmarks of our Order , the promotion of goodfellowship , whose primary object is to enable brethren of all conditions and classs to meet together and establish among themselves goodfccling , in spile of distinctions which may characterise them—may be destroyed . If some lodges are temperate and others teetotal an impossible gulf will be between them , and we shall perhaps
do worse , viz ., establish proselytism in our midst with invidious distinctions in tlie Fraternity between one set of lodges and another . Freemasonry to begin with is agreat temperance Fraternity . On all occasions it proclaims temperance as an essential part of its system , as temperance must in the very nature of things be an essential part of every s 3 'stem of moraiity .