Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Provincial Grand Lodge Of North Wales And Shropshire.
W . L . Banks Prov- G . S . of W . p Wood Prov - - - - W . Collendcr ^ G . A . 1 XC . ,. B . Bagnall Prov . G . Swd . Br . i B . Boucher Prov . G . O . B Lloy d Williams Prov . G . Purst . r ' Thomas , W . Britton , W . Low , and f Stokes Prov . G . Stewards T B . Hide Prov . G . Tyler . O Newnes Prov . G . A . Tyler .
Hearty congratulations having been given to Sir Watkin by representatives from the provinces of Surrey , Middlesex , Cheshire , and Staffordshire , the business of the Provincial Grand Lodge was brought to a close . The brethren subsequently formed in procession , and proceeded to St . Giles ' s Church , Wrexham , ) in the usual order . On arriving at the door of the church the procession
halted . The brethren opened to the right and left , face inwards , so as to leave room for the P . G . ] Master to pass up the centre , he being preceded by his Standard and Sword Bearers ; the P . G . Officers and brethren following in succession from the rear , so as to invert the order of procession . On leaving the church the brethren observed this order of procession by forming as they wereon
halting at the door of the church . The service was full choral and was exceedingly well rendered by the choir of the parish church . Bro . J . F . Edisbury , Organist and Treas . 1336 , was the Organist during the service , and Bro . Boucher , P . G . O ., played the voluntaries , one of which was his own composition . The chants were by Elvey , Rimbault , and Farrant , and the
selected hymns were from the " Hymns Ancient and Modern . " The Psalms , which were also selected , were chanted . The prayers were read by the Rev . M . H . C . Shelton , and the lessons by the vicar . The sermon was preached by the [ Rev . A . L . Taylor , P . G . Chaplain , who selected for his text Acts 20 th chapter
and 35 th verse -. " Ye ought to support the weak , and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus how He said , It is more blessed to give than to receive . " Having shown how this precept was illustrated in the life of St . Paul , who addressed these words to the Church of Miletus shortly before his last journey to Jerusalem , the r ; v . gentleman said : Such is what we learn from the text ; and if we
are really convinced of its truth we shall be glad of the opportunity to manifest it by our offerings this day . It is , I am sure , needless for me to enter into particulars connected with the two important objects in whose behalf I am privileged to make an earnest appeal to you . To the heart of every one of my brethren the education and advancement in life of the [ children of distressed or
deceased Freemasons must commend itself most warmly , and I would , in language that is well known to every member of the Craft , remind them of that virtue which may justly be denominated the distinguishing feature oi Freemasonry—I mean charity . I need not here dilate on its excellences . Doubtless it has often been felt and practised by you ; it has the approbation of heaven antl
earth , and like its sister , mercy , it blesscth him who gives and him who receives . In a society so widely spreatl as that of Freemasonry , whose branches arc spread over the lour quarters of the globe , it cannot be denied that we have many brethren of rank and opulence among us ; neither can it be concealed that among the thousands who range under its banners there are many who from circumstances
of unforscen misfortune or calamity are reduced to the lowest state of poverty and distress . It is in behalf , then , of the children of those who through age , sickness , infirmity , or any other unforseen accident in life , may be reduced to want , and whose situation it is much more easy to conceive of than to express , that I do with all earnestness entreat for your liberal and bounteous aid this day ,
so that we may confirm the propriety of the title we bear , and show that brotherhood among Masons is something more than a mere name . And with respect to the other object in support of which a portion of the offerings this day are to be dcvotetl , there is no need to show that the Wrexham Infirmary is a cause that plainly falls under the exhortation of the text , " Ye ought to support the weak . "
In caring for those who are unable to caro for themselves to the extent their need requires , and at a time when tor the sake of others the greatest care is indispensable , the Wrexham Infirmary has proved a true Samaritan and house of Bethesda ; and we may show our appreciation of the benefits it his conferred , as well as enable it to continue its work of mercy , by making it , as I have said , one
of the objects of your offerings this day . My brethren , it is the glory of our country that such provision for those who are unable to provide it for themselves is the rule and not the exception ; that the advantages of medicine , skill , and care are extended to them during thc time of sickness ; and that they are nursed with the same unwearied care as the wealthiest and noblest in the land . It not
unfrequentl y happens that they return home not only healed in body but in the way of finding health for their souls . Such is the appeal to us . Let us respond to it as those who do understand in some measure the blessedness of which the text speaks . If we really love and serve Christ , we shall give because of the blessing bye and bye , ,, V 5 ewe slla " glad t 0 minister to whatever helps to alleviate human suffering and misery . We shall give as those
who see and feel the meaning of the words , " Christ loved me , and gave Himself for me , " and thus give from a conviction that derives its principal satisfaction from a remembrance and realisation of the greatest of all God ' s S » ts to us , even His own Son , which in its blessedness news no end . Given in perishable money , it is written in oooks that will outlive the world . It will be returned a nunaredfold in heaven . Works , we know , can save no man s soul , yet without works , the result of faith , there is no evidence of faith being saving , and , therefore , no
Provincial Grand Lodge Of North Wales And Shropshire.
guarantee of the soul's salvation . Brother in Christ , " be merciful after thy power . If thou hast much , give plenteously ; if thou hast little , do thy diligence gladly , and give cf that little , so gatherest thou thyself a good reward in the day of necessity . " Hymn 373 , " Lord of Glory , who has bought us , " was then sung , and a collection amounting to over £ 21 was
made in aid of the North Wales and Shropshire Masonic Charitable Association , and the Wrexham Infirmary . Bro . J . B . Boucher , P . G . O ., then played a voluntary , and the procession left the church , proceeding down Highstreet to the Wynnstay Arms Hotel . The banquet was served at this hotel by Bro . J . B . Murless , and about 120 brethren sat down under the
presidency * of Bro . Sir W . W . Wynn , Bart ., M . P ., R . W . P . G . M ., being supported on his right by Bro . Lieut .-Gen . Brownrigg , C . B ., P . G . M . of Surrey ; Bro . W . Bulkeley Hughes , M . P ., D . G . M . of North Wales and Shropshire ; and on his left by Bro . W . Low , W . M . of the Square and Compass Lodge , No . 1336 , and the officers of the Provincial Grand Lodge . The general company also
included the following visiting brethren : —Bros . J . B . Murless , S . D . ; E . B . Smith , I . P . M . 1432 ; W . Jones , 1488 -, R . Woodcock , W . M . 1369 ; T . Rymer , 86 , Prescot ; H . Lloyd , S . ; Coxhead , D . Thomas , 721 ; J . Rae , J . Dutton , y . Williams , J . W . ; R . C . Griffiths , J . Corbett , W . M . ; J . D . Rowland , J . D . ; W . Roberts , I . G . ; A . J . Brereton , G . H . Adams , J . Ratcliffe , J . Vickers ,
1477 ; G . B . Griffith , W . M . ; W . P . Elliott , S . D . £ 97 ; T . R , Morris , W . M . ; G . Brown , S . W . ; D . P . Owen , P . M . 988 ; T . B . Humphreys , 1509 ; R . Roberts , 1369 ; J . Lloyd Kyffin , Bagnall , W . M . 17 ; J . Bodenham , J . W . ' 575 i J- Thomas , W . M . 1124 ; J . Smith , 201 ; J . B . Hide , P . M . 217 ; and others . The members of the Square and Compass Lodge , 1336 , present were Bros . W .
Low , W . M . ; E . Smith . S . W . ; J . C . Owen , J . W . ; T . Bury , Sec . ; W . S . Wilson , S . D . ; Howel Davies , J . W . ; J . F . Edisbury , Organist and Treasurer j J . W . M . Smith , Isaac Shone , E . Lovatt , and N . R . Griffith , Stwds . ; C . K . Benson , Evan Morris , T . Eyton-Jones , J . Williams , R . Lloyd , G . Bradley , W . Garratt-Jones , R . W . J . Evans , J . W . A . Cooper , J . James , C . Bayley , J . Bradshaw , W .
Turner , R . Barber . R . J . Williams , C . O . Williams , T , Manley , F . W . Mawer , T . Heywood , J . Milligan , W . Daniels , J . H . Kidd , J . Edwards , W . Pierce , G . Thomas , T . Jackson , E . Evans . Dinner being over , gracejwas said by the Prov . Grand Chaplain . Bro . Sir W . W . Wynn , in proposing the toast of " The
Queen and the Craft , " remarked that the association was justified , inasmuch as Masons were amongst the most loyal of Her Majesty ' s subjects ( applause ) , and had the highest respect for their gracious Sovereign . ( Applause . ) The toast was honoured in a right loyal manner . The R . W . P . G . M . said they had honoured Her Majesty ' s health , and he would ask them to drink to the health of
the ruler of the Craft ( applause ) , the Prince of Wales , M . W . G . M . of England . He much regretted that His Royal Highness was not able to attend their Eisteddvod ( hear , hear ) , but he believed he was advised not to make any arrangements on his return from India ' . - ¦ He ( Sir Watkin ) had done his utmost to obtain a Royal visit to the town , but he was not successful . Under the
circumstances , they must take the will for the deed . ( Applause . ) He hoped , however , that on some future occasion the Prince would come to North Wales , and if he did , he would find the Masons of North Wales and Shropshire were b y no means the least loyal of Her Majesty's subjects . ( Loud applause . ) He would ask them to drink to the toast he had proposed ( drunk with Masonic honours ) .
,- The R . W . P . G . M . next proposed " The Health of Lord Carnarvon , the Provincial Grand Master of England , " who , he remarked , might be associated with North Wales , being the Constable of Carnarvon Castle . ( Applause . ) The R . W . P . G . M . proposed , in suitable terms , "The Health of Lord Skelmersdale , the M . W . D . G . M ., and the Officers of the Grand Lodge of England , " coupling with
the toast the name of Bro . J . S . Brownrigg , R . W . P . G . M . Surrey . Bro . Brownrigg , who was most cordially received , in responding , said it afforded him great pleasure to visit that Provincial Grand Lodge , and to see Masonry flourishing so well in the provinces . He had the honour of attending a Grand Lodge in Shrewsbury some twenty-three years
ago , and it afforded him great pleasure to be with them that evening , and to see Sir Watkin in tlie chair . ( Applause . ) He congratulated them on the advances Masonry was making . It was thought when the Marquis of Ripon retired from the Craft that Masonry would suffer . But what honour could have been greater than that the heir to the throne should succeed to the office ? ( Loud applause . )
If they looked to Ireland they found an equally satisfactory state of tilings . Upon the death of the Duke of Leinster , the Viceroy—the tlueen's representative in thc Sister Isle ( applause)—became the Grand Master of the Irish Masons . ( Applause . ) There was therefore cause for much satisfaction at the strides Freemasonry had made . He sincerely trusted that as it advanced in quantity so also
would it advance in quality . ( Applause . ) The speaker concluded by giving some sound advice on Masonry , and wished long life and prosperity to thc Provincial Grand Lodge . Bro . Low , W . M . 1336 , rose to propose " The Health of Bro . Sir W . W . Wynn . " He said : I have now the honour of proposing to you what may be fairly called the toast of the eveninir ( ai ) Dlause ) , which , in accordance
with tlits well-known Spanish adage , that " Good wine needs no bush , " recommends itself to the hearts of all present quite independent of any remarks 1 may make . ( A pplause . ) It will be sufficient for me to say that our most cordial thanks are due to our Grand Master , Sir W . W . Wynn , for his kindness in holding the Provincial Grand Lodge at Wrexham ( loud applause ) , and for being present and presiding at our banquet this evening . ( Renewed
Provincial Grand Lodge Of North Wales And Shropshire.
applause . ) This is the first time since the consecration of the Square and Compass Lodge—some five-and-a-half years ago—that the brethren have had the opportunity of showing how they look up to him with that esteem , respect , and admiration which is founded upon an intimate acquaintance of many years ( applause ) ; and that he may long continue amongst us , in renewed health and strength .
is , I am confident , the sincere heartfelt wish of every brother here this evening . ( Loud applause . ) I could say much of the generous , hospitable , and noble qualities of our Provincial Grand Master , but his presence forbids me doing so . This is , however , the less requisite , for which of you present does not know better than I can state the true worth of our " Prince in Wales ? " ( Loud and
continued applause . ) We often give our esteem and admiration where we cannot give our love , but in Sir W . W . Wynn we have a Provincial Grand Master whom to know is to love . ( Applause . ) May the blessing of the Great Architect of the Universe ever rest upon him , and the rays of heaven shed their benign influence over him . ( Hear hear . ) I need not add to these Masonic words , and must
ask you to join heartily in drinking " The Health of Bro . Sir W . W . Wynn , " and with Masonic honours . ( The toast was most enthusiastically received with salute and running fire ;) Bro . Sir W . W . Wynn , in responding , was received with a round of applause . He thanked them for the honour done him , and the most kind way in which his health
was drunk . He was exceedingly glad to see so many Masons in Wrexham , for he had been associated with the town from his earlier days . ( Applause . ) The first election he was at was at Wrexham ( laughter ) , the first race he saw was at Wrexham ( renewed laughter ) , and the first soldiers he saw were in Wrexham ( laughter and applause ) . He was afraid he had , during the past year , unduly taxed
the officers of the Grand Lodge . They had had to consecrate several new lodges , and through his illness to do the work of one or two years in three months . He thanked them , therefore , for their attendance , and trusted the new officers would not find their duties so onerous . There were many difficulties in the selection of the officers , and if he made a mistake in the choice they must forgive him
( loud applause ) . The province had so grown that the difficulties were now greater than formerly . He heartily thanked the brethren for their attendance at the lodge and for the great kindness they had shown him during the many years he had presided over it . ( Applause . ) He hoped that when he was taken away from them his successor would find the lodee continue to nrosoer . Since he first
presided over it it had doubled , and he hoped that Masonry in that province would continue to flourish and to excel not only in quantity but in quality too . ( Loud applause ) . Bro . T . Eyton-Jones ( Mayorof Wrexham ) proposed "The Health of Bro . W . B . Hughes , M . P ., the D . Prov . G . M ., and the Provincial Grand Officers , Past and Present . " He remarked that in the D . P . G M . thev had one who had the
interests of Masonry at heart , and who was highly respected throughout the province . Referring to Past Provincial Grand Officers , he said in the death of Lord Harlech they had lost a valuable officer , as also they did in the decease of Mr . Dymock , a Mason from this neighbourhood . The Past Officers had been animated with a desire to do their duty to Masonry and were
much esteemed in North Wales . ( Applause . ) He hoped some of thc honours would on a future occasion fall to the Square and Compass Lodge . ( Applause . ) Bro . Hughes , M . P ., responded . He expressed his great obligations to the R . W . P . G . M . for conferring upon him the distinguished position of Deputy Grand Master . He did not express any desire for it , but having the
appointment he meant to do his duty on all occasions . He felt thoroughly satisfied the appointment would give general satisfaction , not through any merits of his own , but because Sir Watkin had given the office to some one residing in the Principality . ( Applause . ) Having feelingly referred to the death of Lord Harlech , he concluded by stating that he should frequently visit the various
lodges and assist in the performance of their Masonic duties . ( Applause . ) Bro . Owen ( Oswestry ) proposed "The W . M . ' s of the Province . " Bro . Low ( Wrexham ) , responded , humorously remarking , that although he was the oldest-looking Mason , he was the youngest W . M . in the room .
Bro . Burton proposed " The Visiting Brethren , " remark , ing that Lodge 1336 always accorded a most hearty welcome to those brethren who visited it . Bro . Davidson , P . P . G . S . W . Middlesex , replied , and returned thanks to the R . W . P . G . M . for his invitation to the lodge that day . He was happy to say that that was not the first time he had attended it . Sixteen years ago he
met the brethren on a similar occasion at Ludlow , and he could not forget thc hospitable reception they all had at Wynnstay ( applause ) , at a Grand Lodge meeting . To London Masons it was a real treat to visit the provinces and to see how well Masonry was flourishing . ( Applause . ) Bro . White in giving " The Masonic Charities , " said it was useless for him to enlarg-eon them after the strikine
sermon they had heard that day . 1 he way in which the subject was introduced into the rev . gentleman ' s remarks must have made and undoubtedly did make a good impression upon them all . ( Applause . ) He hoped they would increase their subscriptions and their names and fame in connection with the charities . ( Cheers . ) Bro . J . C . Owen , in a humorous speech , proposed " The Ladies , " and Bro . White responded for the fair
sex . The Tyler ' s toast having been given , the company separated . The musical arrangements were under the direction , of Bros . J . F . Edisbury , and J . B . Boucher , and Bro . E . Wood , Shrewsbury , was the Prov . Grand Director of Ceremonies .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Provincial Grand Lodge Of North Wales And Shropshire.
W . L . Banks Prov- G . S . of W . p Wood Prov - - - - W . Collendcr ^ G . A . 1 XC . ,. B . Bagnall Prov . G . Swd . Br . i B . Boucher Prov . G . O . B Lloy d Williams Prov . G . Purst . r ' Thomas , W . Britton , W . Low , and f Stokes Prov . G . Stewards T B . Hide Prov . G . Tyler . O Newnes Prov . G . A . Tyler .
Hearty congratulations having been given to Sir Watkin by representatives from the provinces of Surrey , Middlesex , Cheshire , and Staffordshire , the business of the Provincial Grand Lodge was brought to a close . The brethren subsequently formed in procession , and proceeded to St . Giles ' s Church , Wrexham , ) in the usual order . On arriving at the door of the church the procession
halted . The brethren opened to the right and left , face inwards , so as to leave room for the P . G . ] Master to pass up the centre , he being preceded by his Standard and Sword Bearers ; the P . G . Officers and brethren following in succession from the rear , so as to invert the order of procession . On leaving the church the brethren observed this order of procession by forming as they wereon
halting at the door of the church . The service was full choral and was exceedingly well rendered by the choir of the parish church . Bro . J . F . Edisbury , Organist and Treas . 1336 , was the Organist during the service , and Bro . Boucher , P . G . O ., played the voluntaries , one of which was his own composition . The chants were by Elvey , Rimbault , and Farrant , and the
selected hymns were from the " Hymns Ancient and Modern . " The Psalms , which were also selected , were chanted . The prayers were read by the Rev . M . H . C . Shelton , and the lessons by the vicar . The sermon was preached by the [ Rev . A . L . Taylor , P . G . Chaplain , who selected for his text Acts 20 th chapter
and 35 th verse -. " Ye ought to support the weak , and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus how He said , It is more blessed to give than to receive . " Having shown how this precept was illustrated in the life of St . Paul , who addressed these words to the Church of Miletus shortly before his last journey to Jerusalem , the r ; v . gentleman said : Such is what we learn from the text ; and if we
are really convinced of its truth we shall be glad of the opportunity to manifest it by our offerings this day . It is , I am sure , needless for me to enter into particulars connected with the two important objects in whose behalf I am privileged to make an earnest appeal to you . To the heart of every one of my brethren the education and advancement in life of the [ children of distressed or
deceased Freemasons must commend itself most warmly , and I would , in language that is well known to every member of the Craft , remind them of that virtue which may justly be denominated the distinguishing feature oi Freemasonry—I mean charity . I need not here dilate on its excellences . Doubtless it has often been felt and practised by you ; it has the approbation of heaven antl
earth , and like its sister , mercy , it blesscth him who gives and him who receives . In a society so widely spreatl as that of Freemasonry , whose branches arc spread over the lour quarters of the globe , it cannot be denied that we have many brethren of rank and opulence among us ; neither can it be concealed that among the thousands who range under its banners there are many who from circumstances
of unforscen misfortune or calamity are reduced to the lowest state of poverty and distress . It is in behalf , then , of the children of those who through age , sickness , infirmity , or any other unforseen accident in life , may be reduced to want , and whose situation it is much more easy to conceive of than to express , that I do with all earnestness entreat for your liberal and bounteous aid this day ,
so that we may confirm the propriety of the title we bear , and show that brotherhood among Masons is something more than a mere name . And with respect to the other object in support of which a portion of the offerings this day are to be dcvotetl , there is no need to show that the Wrexham Infirmary is a cause that plainly falls under the exhortation of the text , " Ye ought to support the weak . "
In caring for those who are unable to caro for themselves to the extent their need requires , and at a time when tor the sake of others the greatest care is indispensable , the Wrexham Infirmary has proved a true Samaritan and house of Bethesda ; and we may show our appreciation of the benefits it his conferred , as well as enable it to continue its work of mercy , by making it , as I have said , one
of the objects of your offerings this day . My brethren , it is the glory of our country that such provision for those who are unable to provide it for themselves is the rule and not the exception ; that the advantages of medicine , skill , and care are extended to them during thc time of sickness ; and that they are nursed with the same unwearied care as the wealthiest and noblest in the land . It not
unfrequentl y happens that they return home not only healed in body but in the way of finding health for their souls . Such is the appeal to us . Let us respond to it as those who do understand in some measure the blessedness of which the text speaks . If we really love and serve Christ , we shall give because of the blessing bye and bye , ,, V 5 ewe slla " glad t 0 minister to whatever helps to alleviate human suffering and misery . We shall give as those
who see and feel the meaning of the words , " Christ loved me , and gave Himself for me , " and thus give from a conviction that derives its principal satisfaction from a remembrance and realisation of the greatest of all God ' s S » ts to us , even His own Son , which in its blessedness news no end . Given in perishable money , it is written in oooks that will outlive the world . It will be returned a nunaredfold in heaven . Works , we know , can save no man s soul , yet without works , the result of faith , there is no evidence of faith being saving , and , therefore , no
Provincial Grand Lodge Of North Wales And Shropshire.
guarantee of the soul's salvation . Brother in Christ , " be merciful after thy power . If thou hast much , give plenteously ; if thou hast little , do thy diligence gladly , and give cf that little , so gatherest thou thyself a good reward in the day of necessity . " Hymn 373 , " Lord of Glory , who has bought us , " was then sung , and a collection amounting to over £ 21 was
made in aid of the North Wales and Shropshire Masonic Charitable Association , and the Wrexham Infirmary . Bro . J . B . Boucher , P . G . O ., then played a voluntary , and the procession left the church , proceeding down Highstreet to the Wynnstay Arms Hotel . The banquet was served at this hotel by Bro . J . B . Murless , and about 120 brethren sat down under the
presidency * of Bro . Sir W . W . Wynn , Bart ., M . P ., R . W . P . G . M ., being supported on his right by Bro . Lieut .-Gen . Brownrigg , C . B ., P . G . M . of Surrey ; Bro . W . Bulkeley Hughes , M . P ., D . G . M . of North Wales and Shropshire ; and on his left by Bro . W . Low , W . M . of the Square and Compass Lodge , No . 1336 , and the officers of the Provincial Grand Lodge . The general company also
included the following visiting brethren : —Bros . J . B . Murless , S . D . ; E . B . Smith , I . P . M . 1432 ; W . Jones , 1488 -, R . Woodcock , W . M . 1369 ; T . Rymer , 86 , Prescot ; H . Lloyd , S . ; Coxhead , D . Thomas , 721 ; J . Rae , J . Dutton , y . Williams , J . W . ; R . C . Griffiths , J . Corbett , W . M . ; J . D . Rowland , J . D . ; W . Roberts , I . G . ; A . J . Brereton , G . H . Adams , J . Ratcliffe , J . Vickers ,
1477 ; G . B . Griffith , W . M . ; W . P . Elliott , S . D . £ 97 ; T . R , Morris , W . M . ; G . Brown , S . W . ; D . P . Owen , P . M . 988 ; T . B . Humphreys , 1509 ; R . Roberts , 1369 ; J . Lloyd Kyffin , Bagnall , W . M . 17 ; J . Bodenham , J . W . ' 575 i J- Thomas , W . M . 1124 ; J . Smith , 201 ; J . B . Hide , P . M . 217 ; and others . The members of the Square and Compass Lodge , 1336 , present were Bros . W .
Low , W . M . ; E . Smith . S . W . ; J . C . Owen , J . W . ; T . Bury , Sec . ; W . S . Wilson , S . D . ; Howel Davies , J . W . ; J . F . Edisbury , Organist and Treasurer j J . W . M . Smith , Isaac Shone , E . Lovatt , and N . R . Griffith , Stwds . ; C . K . Benson , Evan Morris , T . Eyton-Jones , J . Williams , R . Lloyd , G . Bradley , W . Garratt-Jones , R . W . J . Evans , J . W . A . Cooper , J . James , C . Bayley , J . Bradshaw , W .
Turner , R . Barber . R . J . Williams , C . O . Williams , T , Manley , F . W . Mawer , T . Heywood , J . Milligan , W . Daniels , J . H . Kidd , J . Edwards , W . Pierce , G . Thomas , T . Jackson , E . Evans . Dinner being over , gracejwas said by the Prov . Grand Chaplain . Bro . Sir W . W . Wynn , in proposing the toast of " The
Queen and the Craft , " remarked that the association was justified , inasmuch as Masons were amongst the most loyal of Her Majesty ' s subjects ( applause ) , and had the highest respect for their gracious Sovereign . ( Applause . ) The toast was honoured in a right loyal manner . The R . W . P . G . M . said they had honoured Her Majesty ' s health , and he would ask them to drink to the health of
the ruler of the Craft ( applause ) , the Prince of Wales , M . W . G . M . of England . He much regretted that His Royal Highness was not able to attend their Eisteddvod ( hear , hear ) , but he believed he was advised not to make any arrangements on his return from India ' . - ¦ He ( Sir Watkin ) had done his utmost to obtain a Royal visit to the town , but he was not successful . Under the
circumstances , they must take the will for the deed . ( Applause . ) He hoped , however , that on some future occasion the Prince would come to North Wales , and if he did , he would find the Masons of North Wales and Shropshire were b y no means the least loyal of Her Majesty's subjects . ( Loud applause . ) He would ask them to drink to the toast he had proposed ( drunk with Masonic honours ) .
,- The R . W . P . G . M . next proposed " The Health of Lord Carnarvon , the Provincial Grand Master of England , " who , he remarked , might be associated with North Wales , being the Constable of Carnarvon Castle . ( Applause . ) The R . W . P . G . M . proposed , in suitable terms , "The Health of Lord Skelmersdale , the M . W . D . G . M ., and the Officers of the Grand Lodge of England , " coupling with
the toast the name of Bro . J . S . Brownrigg , R . W . P . G . M . Surrey . Bro . Brownrigg , who was most cordially received , in responding , said it afforded him great pleasure to visit that Provincial Grand Lodge , and to see Masonry flourishing so well in the provinces . He had the honour of attending a Grand Lodge in Shrewsbury some twenty-three years
ago , and it afforded him great pleasure to be with them that evening , and to see Sir Watkin in tlie chair . ( Applause . ) He congratulated them on the advances Masonry was making . It was thought when the Marquis of Ripon retired from the Craft that Masonry would suffer . But what honour could have been greater than that the heir to the throne should succeed to the office ? ( Loud applause . )
If they looked to Ireland they found an equally satisfactory state of tilings . Upon the death of the Duke of Leinster , the Viceroy—the tlueen's representative in thc Sister Isle ( applause)—became the Grand Master of the Irish Masons . ( Applause . ) There was therefore cause for much satisfaction at the strides Freemasonry had made . He sincerely trusted that as it advanced in quantity so also
would it advance in quality . ( Applause . ) The speaker concluded by giving some sound advice on Masonry , and wished long life and prosperity to thc Provincial Grand Lodge . Bro . Low , W . M . 1336 , rose to propose " The Health of Bro . Sir W . W . Wynn . " He said : I have now the honour of proposing to you what may be fairly called the toast of the eveninir ( ai ) Dlause ) , which , in accordance
with tlits well-known Spanish adage , that " Good wine needs no bush , " recommends itself to the hearts of all present quite independent of any remarks 1 may make . ( A pplause . ) It will be sufficient for me to say that our most cordial thanks are due to our Grand Master , Sir W . W . Wynn , for his kindness in holding the Provincial Grand Lodge at Wrexham ( loud applause ) , and for being present and presiding at our banquet this evening . ( Renewed
Provincial Grand Lodge Of North Wales And Shropshire.
applause . ) This is the first time since the consecration of the Square and Compass Lodge—some five-and-a-half years ago—that the brethren have had the opportunity of showing how they look up to him with that esteem , respect , and admiration which is founded upon an intimate acquaintance of many years ( applause ) ; and that he may long continue amongst us , in renewed health and strength .
is , I am confident , the sincere heartfelt wish of every brother here this evening . ( Loud applause . ) I could say much of the generous , hospitable , and noble qualities of our Provincial Grand Master , but his presence forbids me doing so . This is , however , the less requisite , for which of you present does not know better than I can state the true worth of our " Prince in Wales ? " ( Loud and
continued applause . ) We often give our esteem and admiration where we cannot give our love , but in Sir W . W . Wynn we have a Provincial Grand Master whom to know is to love . ( Applause . ) May the blessing of the Great Architect of the Universe ever rest upon him , and the rays of heaven shed their benign influence over him . ( Hear hear . ) I need not add to these Masonic words , and must
ask you to join heartily in drinking " The Health of Bro . Sir W . W . Wynn , " and with Masonic honours . ( The toast was most enthusiastically received with salute and running fire ;) Bro . Sir W . W . Wynn , in responding , was received with a round of applause . He thanked them for the honour done him , and the most kind way in which his health
was drunk . He was exceedingly glad to see so many Masons in Wrexham , for he had been associated with the town from his earlier days . ( Applause . ) The first election he was at was at Wrexham ( laughter ) , the first race he saw was at Wrexham ( renewed laughter ) , and the first soldiers he saw were in Wrexham ( laughter and applause ) . He was afraid he had , during the past year , unduly taxed
the officers of the Grand Lodge . They had had to consecrate several new lodges , and through his illness to do the work of one or two years in three months . He thanked them , therefore , for their attendance , and trusted the new officers would not find their duties so onerous . There were many difficulties in the selection of the officers , and if he made a mistake in the choice they must forgive him
( loud applause ) . The province had so grown that the difficulties were now greater than formerly . He heartily thanked the brethren for their attendance at the lodge and for the great kindness they had shown him during the many years he had presided over it . ( Applause . ) He hoped that when he was taken away from them his successor would find the lodee continue to nrosoer . Since he first
presided over it it had doubled , and he hoped that Masonry in that province would continue to flourish and to excel not only in quantity but in quality too . ( Loud applause ) . Bro . T . Eyton-Jones ( Mayorof Wrexham ) proposed "The Health of Bro . W . B . Hughes , M . P ., the D . Prov . G . M ., and the Provincial Grand Officers , Past and Present . " He remarked that in the D . P . G M . thev had one who had the
interests of Masonry at heart , and who was highly respected throughout the province . Referring to Past Provincial Grand Officers , he said in the death of Lord Harlech they had lost a valuable officer , as also they did in the decease of Mr . Dymock , a Mason from this neighbourhood . The Past Officers had been animated with a desire to do their duty to Masonry and were
much esteemed in North Wales . ( Applause . ) He hoped some of thc honours would on a future occasion fall to the Square and Compass Lodge . ( Applause . ) Bro . Hughes , M . P ., responded . He expressed his great obligations to the R . W . P . G . M . for conferring upon him the distinguished position of Deputy Grand Master . He did not express any desire for it , but having the
appointment he meant to do his duty on all occasions . He felt thoroughly satisfied the appointment would give general satisfaction , not through any merits of his own , but because Sir Watkin had given the office to some one residing in the Principality . ( Applause . ) Having feelingly referred to the death of Lord Harlech , he concluded by stating that he should frequently visit the various
lodges and assist in the performance of their Masonic duties . ( Applause . ) Bro . Owen ( Oswestry ) proposed "The W . M . ' s of the Province . " Bro . Low ( Wrexham ) , responded , humorously remarking , that although he was the oldest-looking Mason , he was the youngest W . M . in the room .
Bro . Burton proposed " The Visiting Brethren , " remark , ing that Lodge 1336 always accorded a most hearty welcome to those brethren who visited it . Bro . Davidson , P . P . G . S . W . Middlesex , replied , and returned thanks to the R . W . P . G . M . for his invitation to the lodge that day . He was happy to say that that was not the first time he had attended it . Sixteen years ago he
met the brethren on a similar occasion at Ludlow , and he could not forget thc hospitable reception they all had at Wynnstay ( applause ) , at a Grand Lodge meeting . To London Masons it was a real treat to visit the provinces and to see how well Masonry was flourishing . ( Applause . ) Bro . White in giving " The Masonic Charities , " said it was useless for him to enlarg-eon them after the strikine
sermon they had heard that day . 1 he way in which the subject was introduced into the rev . gentleman ' s remarks must have made and undoubtedly did make a good impression upon them all . ( Applause . ) He hoped they would increase their subscriptions and their names and fame in connection with the charities . ( Cheers . ) Bro . J . C . Owen , in a humorous speech , proposed " The Ladies , " and Bro . White responded for the fair
sex . The Tyler ' s toast having been given , the company separated . The musical arrangements were under the direction , of Bros . J . F . Edisbury , and J . B . Boucher , and Bro . E . Wood , Shrewsbury , was the Prov . Grand Director of Ceremonies .