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Laying The Corner Stone Of Holy Trinity Church, Ashton-Under-Lyne.
anied by about 5000 school children and clergy , and COn " e little delay was caused by having to wait for the SOm pletion of this ceremony , at the conclusion of which B ° Mellor , with thc assistance of his brethren , laid the ier stone according to the customs of Ancient Freemacorl The prayers were rehearsed by Bro . Dr . Salts , if £ i-hMilain . assisted by Bro . S . Y . B . Bradshaw ,
Aslant P . G . Chaplain , whilst suitable hymns and anthems were rendered by a select choir . At the conclusion Bro . Mellor addressed the assembly , nd stated that as a member of a Christian community , without reference to sects or parties , it was very gratify-• ig- to him to join in every effort which tended to human " . Lr « c . hut the pleasure was increased when he ,
together with his brethren , aided to raise another temple for that Church which walked in the lines marked out by the history of the ancient Church , founded on the apostles ' doctrine and fellowship . The church whose corner stone he had laid would echo the truths contained in the Book 0 f Common Prayer . They , as Masons , were always glad to come forward to give their sanction , by their own
peculiar rites and ceremonies , to the building of Christian temoles . He was old enough to recollect the time when the parish church of Ashton was thc only place of ecclesiastical worship in the town . There were formerly three chapelries , but as the town grew , through the development of the cotton trade , the necessity arose for increased church accommodation , and that was supplied at intervals
by the building of St . Peter ' s , Christ Church , St . John ' s , and St . James ' s , and St . George ' s , at Audenshaw . And they had that day added to the list of Christian efforts the church whose corner stone he had laid . Evety new church built , and every new parish formed , became fresh centres of religious activity and material monuments of Christian progress . ( Applause . )
The procession was then re-formed , and returned to the Town Hall , where the lodge was duly closed . In the evening about 120 brethren sat down to a sumptuous oanquet at the Commercial Hotel . The chair was taken by Bro . George Mellor , the Worshipful Deputy Prov . G . M . for East Lancashire ; the vicechairs were filled by Bro . Kershaw , W . M . Minerva Lodge ,
and Bro . Whitehead , W . M . Union Lodge . Amongst those present were Bros . J . L . Hine , P . Prov . G . S . W . ; Dr . Lees , P . Prov . G . S . W . ; J . Gibb Smith , P . Prov . G . J . W . ; Rev . Dr . Salts , Prov . G . Chaplain ; J . Tunnah , Prov . G . Sec . ; T . J . Hooper , Prov . G . Treasurer ; J . Holmes , P . Prov . G . D . ; C . M . Jones , Prov . G . D . C ; I . H . Sillitoe , Assistant Prov . G . D . C . -, A . Wolstcnholme ,
Prov . G . J . D . ; J . Holroyd , P . Prov . G . S . B . ; J . Benn , Prov . G . Supt . ; W . VV . H . Cunliffe , Prov . G . Purst . ; James Hall , P . Prov . G . Purst . ; J . Burrows , Hon . Secretary to the General Committee ; Thomas Bowers , P . Prov . G . D . C . Cheshire ; T . Wainwright , P . Prov . G . S . D . Cheshire ; C . Goddard , P . Prov . G . S . D . ; R . Sykes , Prov . G . Purst . Cheshire . After the banquet the
Chairman proposed " The Queen and the Craft , " " The Prince and Princess of Wales , and the rest of the Royal Family , " " His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales , K . G ., Most Worshipful Grand Master of Masons of England , " the whole of the toasts being duly honoured . Bro . Holmes then proposed " The Earl of Carnarvon , Most Worshipful Pro Grand Master , " whose eminence and
skill , both as a statesman and a Mason , was known to them all . Bro . Smith then gave " The Health of Lord Skelmersdale , Right Worshipful Dejiuty Grand Master . He said a more expert Craftsman than Lord Skelmersdale the never met , and when they found men of such distinguished rank in social life takint ? a leadine part in
Freemasonry , they ought to feel proud of their Order . ( Applause . ) Bro . Hine then proposed "The Health of Lieutenant-Colonel Le Gendre Nicholas Starkie , Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master for East Lancashire . He said Bro . Starkie was always first and foremost in furthering the interests of charitable institutions connected wilh
freemasonry , and they had always reason to be proud oi him for the manner in which he devoted himself to and conducted the business of Masonry in his province , ( Applause . ) Bro . Lees said he was called upon to discharge a most pleasing duty . It was now 20 years since he joined the Masonic body . That period had been one of great
prosperity amongst them , but it was one also in which they had witnessed many changes . During that time the office of Deputy Provincial Grand Master had been filled oy Bro . Blair , Bro . Royds , Bro . Ncwhall , and Bro . Callender , the last of whom had been removed from among them by a dispensation of Providence . It was a difficult matter to fill the place occupied by men so
distinguished in Masonry , more especially Bro . Callender , who possessed the greatest skill in all the offices and ceremonies of Masonry , but he considered that their Prov . G . M ., Bro . Starkie , had exercised a wise and prudent judgment in appointing Bro . George Mellor . ( Applause . ) He had known him for nearly 40 years , and when he looked at the public services he had
rendered , and the efficient manner in which he discharged the highest municipal duties , he felt sure that when his term of office as Mayor of the borough came to a close he would devote himself with the like energy and ability to Masonry . ( Cheers . ) He considered that a wise selection had been made in the appointment of ° 'o . Mellor as Deputy Provincial Grand Master for st
j Lancashire—a province equal to any in the kinga ° m , in fact he did not know its superior in point of numbers—for he believed that he would devote himj * " to the promotion of those interests they all had at R "" i gave " The Health of Br 0 - George Mellor . " Bro . John Ashworth , P . M . of Lodge Waverley , 1 3 , men rose , and said : Worshipful Sir , —The duty I have perform this evening is of a very pleasing description .
Laying The Corner Stone Of Holy Trinity Church, Ashton-Under-Lyne.
It would certainly have been more in accordance with my own feelings if some older and more worthy brother had been appointed to this honour . However , I know that Bro . Mellor will not the less esteem the work though it should come from a young man , because it docs not come from me , but from the brethren of the town of Ashton . ( Applause . ) The duty I have to perform is to present to
the Worshipful Deputy Grand Master of this province ( the Mayor ) with a humble address from the lodges of this town . ( Cheers . ) I may say , brethren , that the lodges have selected a very opportune time for making the presentation . It was no doubt their duty to congratulate Bro . Mellor when he was first raised to that dignified position . And when an opportunity like this one presented
itself to us , the brethren ran as it were with haste to present to Bro . Mellor their congratulations . It is a fitting occasion , because it has given Bro , Mellor another opportunity of manifesting one of the highest qualities of Masonry , which is charity . ( Applause . ) Hc has told us today that he respected all denominations , and he , I believe , is charitable not only to the denominations with which he
is immediately connected , but to every denomination which has for its object the welfare of mankind . ( Hear , hear . ) The presentation which 1 have the honour to make is not of intrinsic value . It is not of silver or gold . Bro . Mellor needs none of these . God has given him plenty . It is of more value than silver or gold . It will be there when both the donors and receivers shall
be no more , and will be looked upon by Bro . Mellor ' s children and his childrens' children , generation after generation . And whenever they behold that testimonial they will revere the memory of their sire . ( Applause . ) I may say , sir , when you were appointed to the dignified position of Deputy Provincial Grand Master , an appointment which you never sought , it gladdened
the hearts of every Mason in Ashton-under-Lyne . ( Cheers . ) They knew that though they had lost such an excellent brother as Bro . W . Romaine Callender , who had been taken to the Grand Lodge above , yet in the appointment the Provincial Grand Master was pleased to make he had selected an able successor to Bro . Callender . ( Applause . ) You , sir , have won by your conduct in this town
unvarying respect , especially amongst Masons . Yours has not been a fast , showy , or pushing Masonic life , but it has been far more interesting to us . I hope , sir , you will accept this token of our esteem , and you will long live to look upon it , and when you behold it , it may be a satisfaction to you , that it has not proceeded from any motive other than of pure love and respect for yourself . ( Cheers . )
Amongst those who have presented it are men of different political opinions to yourself , men of different religious faith , but one and all aim hereafter to join you in the Grand Lodge above . ( Applause . ) Bro . Ashworth then read the address , which had been beautifully engrossed by Bro . Hine as follows : — - , "To Geo . Mellor , Esq ., J . P ., Worshipful Deputy Prov .
Grand Master of Freemasons for the division of East Lancashire , Mayor of Ashton-under-Lyne . —Worshipful Sir , —Wc , the undersigned brethren , representing Lodges Minerva , 300 , Union , 268 , Milton , 1144 , and Waverley , 1 3 22 , Ashton-under-Lyne , hereby offer our hearty congratulations on your appointment to the high position of Deputy Grand Master of this province , and beg to assure
you of our cordial appreciation of the selection made by the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master , Bro . Le Gendre Nicholas Starkie . Your unvarying courtesy and benevolence during a long and honourable connection with Freemasonry , extending over a period of thirty-three years , have gained the respect and esteem not only of the brethren of this town , but of the province generally , whilst
the satisfactory manner in which you have discharged the various duties of the distinguished offices you have previously held indicates to us that you are eminently fitted for that most extensive and devoted sphere of usefulness which your recent appointment has opened . The special ceremony of to-day affords us thc additional pleasure of having to congratulate you on laying thc north-east corner stone
of Holy Trinity Church in this borough , with the ancient , appropriate , and impressive rites of our Order , and we sincerely hop : that the sacred edifice thus auspiciously commenced may , when completed , be the means of improving the moral and religious character of the district , and thus tend to promote the honour and glory of the Most High . We fervently pray that the Great Architect
of the Universe may continue to you the blessings of health and prosperity , and that you may live for many years to be an ornament of our institution , a pattern of every moral and social virtue . " The address was signed by the officers of the various lodges . Thc Chairman thanked the meeting for the compliment they had paid him , and for the address they had presented
to him . For 33 years he had been a member of the Craft , and he had never regretted the step he took at his initiation . ( Applause . ) In whatever position he held it had always been his desire to do his duty , and if his efforts met with the appreciation of his fellow townsmen he was thankful . ( Loud applause . ) Bro . Kershaw , W . M . of Minerva Lodge , No . 1 . 00
proposed " The Provincial Grand Officers for East Lancashire , Past and Present . " Bro . J . H . Sillitoe , Prov . G . D . C , responded , and said the Freemasons hatl that day fulfilled one of their great missions , viz ., laying thc corner stone of a building wherein the name of the Great Architect of thc Universe would be worshipped , and they had added one more link
to thc chain which bound them as Freemasons to the reverence of the Most High . Ancient Masonic history shewed them the interest taken by our ancestors in building temples for religious purposes , many of which had been entirely built by their body , and although their ranks were not now confined to operative Craftsmen they still cherished those old tenets on which the Institution was founded and maintained in integrity the watchwords of
Laying The Corner Stone Of Holy Trinity Church, Ashton-Under-Lyne.
brotherly love , relief , and truth , and their lodges to the best of their ability exercised the great virtue of charity . Bro . Hooper proposed " The Provincial Grand Masters and Officers of the Neighbouring Provinces , Past and Present , " to which the Chairman responded , and he concluded by proposing "The Worshipful Masters of
Lodges Minerva , Union , Milton , and Waverley , " which Bro . J . Kershaw , W . M . of Minerva , acknowledged . Bro . Dr . Lees said the manner in which the proceedings of that day had been carried out reflected the highest credit on the Masonic committee , whose healths he proposed , coupling with the toast the names of Bros . Siddall and Burrows .
Bros . Siddall and Burrows acknowledged the compliment , and the giving of the toast " To all poor and distressed Masons , " brought the proceedings to a close . The following is a list of the committee who carried out the arrangements : —Bros . James Kershaw , W . M . ( Chairman ) ; W . T . Wilde , S . W . ; Thomas Peak , J . W . ; Joseph Burton , P . M . ; William Ogden , P . S . W . ; George
Dalgleish , I . G . of the Minerva Lodge ; J . C . Whitehead , W . M . ( vice-chairman ) ; J . Turner , S . W . ; James Andrew , J . W . ; James Holmes , P . M . ; S . H . Smith , P . M . ; A . W . Siddall , P . M . of the Union Lodge ; James Devaney , W . M . ; Abraham Hill , S . W . ; Alfred Clayton , I . W . : lames PollitK P . M .: Davit" Rpnijmin RaHMifi * ,.
P . M . ; W . H . Holt , P . M . of the Milton Lodge ; Richard Greaves , W . M . ; James P . Willis , S . W . ; Alfred Wilkinson , JJW . ; John Ashworth , P . M . ; Walter Newton , P . M . ; Thomas Lees , P . M . of the Waverley Lodge ; A . W . Siddall , Hon . Treasurer ; John Burrows , Lodge Union , Hon . Secretary .
Masonic And General Tidings.
Masonic and General Tidings .
GRAND ORIENT OF EGYPT . — The Grand Lodge of England has recognized the Grand Orient of Egypt since July 12 th . The Marquess of Ripon Lodge of Instruction , No . 1489 , now meets every Monday evening at seven o ' clock , at the Pembury Tavern , Amhurst Road , Hackney . Bro . Wm . Stephens , P . M . 1365 and 1489 , is the Preceptor , and Bro . James Hanney , the Treasurer . The Annual Court of the Governors of the
West Lancashire Masonic Educational Institution will be held at the Masonic Hall , Hope-street , Liverpool , on Wednesday , the 4 th prox ., at 12 o'clock . Our readers will see by our report of the laying of the corner stone of the new wing to the Girls ' School at Battersea Rise that it is expected Her Royal Highness , the Princess of Wales will open the building in
May next . WEST SMITHHELD LODGE , No . 1623 . — The consecration of this lodge took place on Thursday last at the New Market Hotel , King-strett , Smithfield . A full report of the interesting proceedings will appear in the SECOND EDITION of the "FHKEMASON , " which will be published early on Saturday morning .
GREAT CITY LODGE OV INSTRUCTION No . 1426 . —The ceremony of installation will be worked on Thursday , September 28 th , at 6 . *) 0 p . m ., at No . 111 , Cheapside , E . G ., by Bro . J . Seex , P . M ., W . M . elect of the Great City Lodge , No . 1426 . Bro . James Stevens , P . M ., P . Z ., will deliver a lecture on the Tracing Board . Brethren are cordially invited to attend .
The Leopold Lodge of Instruction , No . 1 , 57 1 , resumed its meeting at the Woolpack Tavern , Bermondsey-street , on Monday , Sept . 4 th , 18 7 6 , and had a numerous attendance of thc brethren , when some good work was done under their able and respected Preceptor , Bro . David Rose , P . M . The lodge meets punctually at eight o ' clock every Monday evening . -Members of the Craft wishine to
advance in Freemasonry , by attending this lodge of instruction will be sure to obtain their desired end . A special lodge of emergency will be held by the Carnarvon Lodge , No . 804 , on Monday next , the 1 Sth inst ., at three o ' clock , at the lodge-rooms , Havant ( near the railway station ) , when and where the R . W .
Provincial Grand Master of Hants and the Isle of Wight , Bro . WAV . B . Beach , M . P ., assisted by his Provincial Grand Officers , will dedicate the new lodgc . room . The ceremony of installation will be worked in the Southwark Lodge of Instruction , No . 879 , Southwark Park Tavern , on Wednesday , the 27 th inst . Brethren are respectfully invited .
Bro . Sir Edward Lechmere , the restorer of Tewkesbury Abbey , is now building a " chapter-house " at St . John ' s-gate , Clerkenwell , which well-known historic place he has acquired . We are asked to state that , in accordance with
a request ot a committee which has been formed in Constantinople for the relief of the distress in Bulgaria , without . distinction of nationality or religion , the London agency of the Imperial Ottoman Bank is prepared to receive subscriptions for that purpose .
We are very pleased to learn that Bro . the Rt . Hon . the Marquis of Tweeddale , Past Grand Master of Scotland , is progressing most favourably after his recent accident , and , notwithstanding his great age , no serious consequences are apprehended . It is said that the last tew years has witnessed a return of Jews to Palestine from all parts . The Hebrew population of Jerusalem is now probably double what it
was ten years ago . THE BIBLE IN GREECE . —The American Minister at Athens , General Meredith Read , has succeeded in obtaining from the Greek Government a revocation of the order forbidding the sale and circulation of the Bible and of the British and American Bible Societies' publications in Greece . — " Morning Post . "
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Laying The Corner Stone Of Holy Trinity Church, Ashton-Under-Lyne.
anied by about 5000 school children and clergy , and COn " e little delay was caused by having to wait for the SOm pletion of this ceremony , at the conclusion of which B ° Mellor , with thc assistance of his brethren , laid the ier stone according to the customs of Ancient Freemacorl The prayers were rehearsed by Bro . Dr . Salts , if £ i-hMilain . assisted by Bro . S . Y . B . Bradshaw ,
Aslant P . G . Chaplain , whilst suitable hymns and anthems were rendered by a select choir . At the conclusion Bro . Mellor addressed the assembly , nd stated that as a member of a Christian community , without reference to sects or parties , it was very gratify-• ig- to him to join in every effort which tended to human " . Lr « c . hut the pleasure was increased when he ,
together with his brethren , aided to raise another temple for that Church which walked in the lines marked out by the history of the ancient Church , founded on the apostles ' doctrine and fellowship . The church whose corner stone he had laid would echo the truths contained in the Book 0 f Common Prayer . They , as Masons , were always glad to come forward to give their sanction , by their own
peculiar rites and ceremonies , to the building of Christian temoles . He was old enough to recollect the time when the parish church of Ashton was thc only place of ecclesiastical worship in the town . There were formerly three chapelries , but as the town grew , through the development of the cotton trade , the necessity arose for increased church accommodation , and that was supplied at intervals
by the building of St . Peter ' s , Christ Church , St . John ' s , and St . James ' s , and St . George ' s , at Audenshaw . And they had that day added to the list of Christian efforts the church whose corner stone he had laid . Evety new church built , and every new parish formed , became fresh centres of religious activity and material monuments of Christian progress . ( Applause . )
The procession was then re-formed , and returned to the Town Hall , where the lodge was duly closed . In the evening about 120 brethren sat down to a sumptuous oanquet at the Commercial Hotel . The chair was taken by Bro . George Mellor , the Worshipful Deputy Prov . G . M . for East Lancashire ; the vicechairs were filled by Bro . Kershaw , W . M . Minerva Lodge ,
and Bro . Whitehead , W . M . Union Lodge . Amongst those present were Bros . J . L . Hine , P . Prov . G . S . W . ; Dr . Lees , P . Prov . G . S . W . ; J . Gibb Smith , P . Prov . G . J . W . ; Rev . Dr . Salts , Prov . G . Chaplain ; J . Tunnah , Prov . G . Sec . ; T . J . Hooper , Prov . G . Treasurer ; J . Holmes , P . Prov . G . D . ; C . M . Jones , Prov . G . D . C ; I . H . Sillitoe , Assistant Prov . G . D . C . -, A . Wolstcnholme ,
Prov . G . J . D . ; J . Holroyd , P . Prov . G . S . B . ; J . Benn , Prov . G . Supt . ; W . VV . H . Cunliffe , Prov . G . Purst . ; James Hall , P . Prov . G . Purst . ; J . Burrows , Hon . Secretary to the General Committee ; Thomas Bowers , P . Prov . G . D . C . Cheshire ; T . Wainwright , P . Prov . G . S . D . Cheshire ; C . Goddard , P . Prov . G . S . D . ; R . Sykes , Prov . G . Purst . Cheshire . After the banquet the
Chairman proposed " The Queen and the Craft , " " The Prince and Princess of Wales , and the rest of the Royal Family , " " His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales , K . G ., Most Worshipful Grand Master of Masons of England , " the whole of the toasts being duly honoured . Bro . Holmes then proposed " The Earl of Carnarvon , Most Worshipful Pro Grand Master , " whose eminence and
skill , both as a statesman and a Mason , was known to them all . Bro . Smith then gave " The Health of Lord Skelmersdale , Right Worshipful Dejiuty Grand Master . He said a more expert Craftsman than Lord Skelmersdale the never met , and when they found men of such distinguished rank in social life takint ? a leadine part in
Freemasonry , they ought to feel proud of their Order . ( Applause . ) Bro . Hine then proposed "The Health of Lieutenant-Colonel Le Gendre Nicholas Starkie , Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master for East Lancashire . He said Bro . Starkie was always first and foremost in furthering the interests of charitable institutions connected wilh
freemasonry , and they had always reason to be proud oi him for the manner in which he devoted himself to and conducted the business of Masonry in his province , ( Applause . ) Bro . Lees said he was called upon to discharge a most pleasing duty . It was now 20 years since he joined the Masonic body . That period had been one of great
prosperity amongst them , but it was one also in which they had witnessed many changes . During that time the office of Deputy Provincial Grand Master had been filled oy Bro . Blair , Bro . Royds , Bro . Ncwhall , and Bro . Callender , the last of whom had been removed from among them by a dispensation of Providence . It was a difficult matter to fill the place occupied by men so
distinguished in Masonry , more especially Bro . Callender , who possessed the greatest skill in all the offices and ceremonies of Masonry , but he considered that their Prov . G . M ., Bro . Starkie , had exercised a wise and prudent judgment in appointing Bro . George Mellor . ( Applause . ) He had known him for nearly 40 years , and when he looked at the public services he had
rendered , and the efficient manner in which he discharged the highest municipal duties , he felt sure that when his term of office as Mayor of the borough came to a close he would devote himself with the like energy and ability to Masonry . ( Cheers . ) He considered that a wise selection had been made in the appointment of ° 'o . Mellor as Deputy Provincial Grand Master for st
j Lancashire—a province equal to any in the kinga ° m , in fact he did not know its superior in point of numbers—for he believed that he would devote himj * " to the promotion of those interests they all had at R "" i gave " The Health of Br 0 - George Mellor . " Bro . John Ashworth , P . M . of Lodge Waverley , 1 3 , men rose , and said : Worshipful Sir , —The duty I have perform this evening is of a very pleasing description .
Laying The Corner Stone Of Holy Trinity Church, Ashton-Under-Lyne.
It would certainly have been more in accordance with my own feelings if some older and more worthy brother had been appointed to this honour . However , I know that Bro . Mellor will not the less esteem the work though it should come from a young man , because it docs not come from me , but from the brethren of the town of Ashton . ( Applause . ) The duty I have to perform is to present to
the Worshipful Deputy Grand Master of this province ( the Mayor ) with a humble address from the lodges of this town . ( Cheers . ) I may say , brethren , that the lodges have selected a very opportune time for making the presentation . It was no doubt their duty to congratulate Bro . Mellor when he was first raised to that dignified position . And when an opportunity like this one presented
itself to us , the brethren ran as it were with haste to present to Bro . Mellor their congratulations . It is a fitting occasion , because it has given Bro , Mellor another opportunity of manifesting one of the highest qualities of Masonry , which is charity . ( Applause . ) Hc has told us today that he respected all denominations , and he , I believe , is charitable not only to the denominations with which he
is immediately connected , but to every denomination which has for its object the welfare of mankind . ( Hear , hear . ) The presentation which 1 have the honour to make is not of intrinsic value . It is not of silver or gold . Bro . Mellor needs none of these . God has given him plenty . It is of more value than silver or gold . It will be there when both the donors and receivers shall
be no more , and will be looked upon by Bro . Mellor ' s children and his childrens' children , generation after generation . And whenever they behold that testimonial they will revere the memory of their sire . ( Applause . ) I may say , sir , when you were appointed to the dignified position of Deputy Provincial Grand Master , an appointment which you never sought , it gladdened
the hearts of every Mason in Ashton-under-Lyne . ( Cheers . ) They knew that though they had lost such an excellent brother as Bro . W . Romaine Callender , who had been taken to the Grand Lodge above , yet in the appointment the Provincial Grand Master was pleased to make he had selected an able successor to Bro . Callender . ( Applause . ) You , sir , have won by your conduct in this town
unvarying respect , especially amongst Masons . Yours has not been a fast , showy , or pushing Masonic life , but it has been far more interesting to us . I hope , sir , you will accept this token of our esteem , and you will long live to look upon it , and when you behold it , it may be a satisfaction to you , that it has not proceeded from any motive other than of pure love and respect for yourself . ( Cheers . )
Amongst those who have presented it are men of different political opinions to yourself , men of different religious faith , but one and all aim hereafter to join you in the Grand Lodge above . ( Applause . ) Bro . Ashworth then read the address , which had been beautifully engrossed by Bro . Hine as follows : — - , "To Geo . Mellor , Esq ., J . P ., Worshipful Deputy Prov .
Grand Master of Freemasons for the division of East Lancashire , Mayor of Ashton-under-Lyne . —Worshipful Sir , —Wc , the undersigned brethren , representing Lodges Minerva , 300 , Union , 268 , Milton , 1144 , and Waverley , 1 3 22 , Ashton-under-Lyne , hereby offer our hearty congratulations on your appointment to the high position of Deputy Grand Master of this province , and beg to assure
you of our cordial appreciation of the selection made by the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master , Bro . Le Gendre Nicholas Starkie . Your unvarying courtesy and benevolence during a long and honourable connection with Freemasonry , extending over a period of thirty-three years , have gained the respect and esteem not only of the brethren of this town , but of the province generally , whilst
the satisfactory manner in which you have discharged the various duties of the distinguished offices you have previously held indicates to us that you are eminently fitted for that most extensive and devoted sphere of usefulness which your recent appointment has opened . The special ceremony of to-day affords us thc additional pleasure of having to congratulate you on laying thc north-east corner stone
of Holy Trinity Church in this borough , with the ancient , appropriate , and impressive rites of our Order , and we sincerely hop : that the sacred edifice thus auspiciously commenced may , when completed , be the means of improving the moral and religious character of the district , and thus tend to promote the honour and glory of the Most High . We fervently pray that the Great Architect
of the Universe may continue to you the blessings of health and prosperity , and that you may live for many years to be an ornament of our institution , a pattern of every moral and social virtue . " The address was signed by the officers of the various lodges . Thc Chairman thanked the meeting for the compliment they had paid him , and for the address they had presented
to him . For 33 years he had been a member of the Craft , and he had never regretted the step he took at his initiation . ( Applause . ) In whatever position he held it had always been his desire to do his duty , and if his efforts met with the appreciation of his fellow townsmen he was thankful . ( Loud applause . ) Bro . Kershaw , W . M . of Minerva Lodge , No . 1 . 00
proposed " The Provincial Grand Officers for East Lancashire , Past and Present . " Bro . J . H . Sillitoe , Prov . G . D . C , responded , and said the Freemasons hatl that day fulfilled one of their great missions , viz ., laying thc corner stone of a building wherein the name of the Great Architect of thc Universe would be worshipped , and they had added one more link
to thc chain which bound them as Freemasons to the reverence of the Most High . Ancient Masonic history shewed them the interest taken by our ancestors in building temples for religious purposes , many of which had been entirely built by their body , and although their ranks were not now confined to operative Craftsmen they still cherished those old tenets on which the Institution was founded and maintained in integrity the watchwords of
Laying The Corner Stone Of Holy Trinity Church, Ashton-Under-Lyne.
brotherly love , relief , and truth , and their lodges to the best of their ability exercised the great virtue of charity . Bro . Hooper proposed " The Provincial Grand Masters and Officers of the Neighbouring Provinces , Past and Present , " to which the Chairman responded , and he concluded by proposing "The Worshipful Masters of
Lodges Minerva , Union , Milton , and Waverley , " which Bro . J . Kershaw , W . M . of Minerva , acknowledged . Bro . Dr . Lees said the manner in which the proceedings of that day had been carried out reflected the highest credit on the Masonic committee , whose healths he proposed , coupling with the toast the names of Bros . Siddall and Burrows .
Bros . Siddall and Burrows acknowledged the compliment , and the giving of the toast " To all poor and distressed Masons , " brought the proceedings to a close . The following is a list of the committee who carried out the arrangements : —Bros . James Kershaw , W . M . ( Chairman ) ; W . T . Wilde , S . W . ; Thomas Peak , J . W . ; Joseph Burton , P . M . ; William Ogden , P . S . W . ; George
Dalgleish , I . G . of the Minerva Lodge ; J . C . Whitehead , W . M . ( vice-chairman ) ; J . Turner , S . W . ; James Andrew , J . W . ; James Holmes , P . M . ; S . H . Smith , P . M . ; A . W . Siddall , P . M . of the Union Lodge ; James Devaney , W . M . ; Abraham Hill , S . W . ; Alfred Clayton , I . W . : lames PollitK P . M .: Davit" Rpnijmin RaHMifi * ,.
P . M . ; W . H . Holt , P . M . of the Milton Lodge ; Richard Greaves , W . M . ; James P . Willis , S . W . ; Alfred Wilkinson , JJW . ; John Ashworth , P . M . ; Walter Newton , P . M . ; Thomas Lees , P . M . of the Waverley Lodge ; A . W . Siddall , Hon . Treasurer ; John Burrows , Lodge Union , Hon . Secretary .
Masonic And General Tidings.
Masonic and General Tidings .
GRAND ORIENT OF EGYPT . — The Grand Lodge of England has recognized the Grand Orient of Egypt since July 12 th . The Marquess of Ripon Lodge of Instruction , No . 1489 , now meets every Monday evening at seven o ' clock , at the Pembury Tavern , Amhurst Road , Hackney . Bro . Wm . Stephens , P . M . 1365 and 1489 , is the Preceptor , and Bro . James Hanney , the Treasurer . The Annual Court of the Governors of the
West Lancashire Masonic Educational Institution will be held at the Masonic Hall , Hope-street , Liverpool , on Wednesday , the 4 th prox ., at 12 o'clock . Our readers will see by our report of the laying of the corner stone of the new wing to the Girls ' School at Battersea Rise that it is expected Her Royal Highness , the Princess of Wales will open the building in
May next . WEST SMITHHELD LODGE , No . 1623 . — The consecration of this lodge took place on Thursday last at the New Market Hotel , King-strett , Smithfield . A full report of the interesting proceedings will appear in the SECOND EDITION of the "FHKEMASON , " which will be published early on Saturday morning .
GREAT CITY LODGE OV INSTRUCTION No . 1426 . —The ceremony of installation will be worked on Thursday , September 28 th , at 6 . *) 0 p . m ., at No . 111 , Cheapside , E . G ., by Bro . J . Seex , P . M ., W . M . elect of the Great City Lodge , No . 1426 . Bro . James Stevens , P . M ., P . Z ., will deliver a lecture on the Tracing Board . Brethren are cordially invited to attend .
The Leopold Lodge of Instruction , No . 1 , 57 1 , resumed its meeting at the Woolpack Tavern , Bermondsey-street , on Monday , Sept . 4 th , 18 7 6 , and had a numerous attendance of thc brethren , when some good work was done under their able and respected Preceptor , Bro . David Rose , P . M . The lodge meets punctually at eight o ' clock every Monday evening . -Members of the Craft wishine to
advance in Freemasonry , by attending this lodge of instruction will be sure to obtain their desired end . A special lodge of emergency will be held by the Carnarvon Lodge , No . 804 , on Monday next , the 1 Sth inst ., at three o ' clock , at the lodge-rooms , Havant ( near the railway station ) , when and where the R . W .
Provincial Grand Master of Hants and the Isle of Wight , Bro . WAV . B . Beach , M . P ., assisted by his Provincial Grand Officers , will dedicate the new lodgc . room . The ceremony of installation will be worked in the Southwark Lodge of Instruction , No . 879 , Southwark Park Tavern , on Wednesday , the 27 th inst . Brethren are respectfully invited .
Bro . Sir Edward Lechmere , the restorer of Tewkesbury Abbey , is now building a " chapter-house " at St . John ' s-gate , Clerkenwell , which well-known historic place he has acquired . We are asked to state that , in accordance with
a request ot a committee which has been formed in Constantinople for the relief of the distress in Bulgaria , without . distinction of nationality or religion , the London agency of the Imperial Ottoman Bank is prepared to receive subscriptions for that purpose .
We are very pleased to learn that Bro . the Rt . Hon . the Marquis of Tweeddale , Past Grand Master of Scotland , is progressing most favourably after his recent accident , and , notwithstanding his great age , no serious consequences are apprehended . It is said that the last tew years has witnessed a return of Jews to Palestine from all parts . The Hebrew population of Jerusalem is now probably double what it
was ten years ago . THE BIBLE IN GREECE . —The American Minister at Athens , General Meredith Read , has succeeded in obtaining from the Greek Government a revocation of the order forbidding the sale and circulation of the Bible and of the British and American Bible Societies' publications in Greece . — " Morning Post . "