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Secret Monitor.
consistent with his dignity to allow any other than himself to work the Degrees , more especially the short and beautiful First Degree . He commended the zeal and energy displayed by many of the conclaves , and thought the circular as to Visiting Deacons requiring them to keep
themselves in touch with their brethren had been greatly appreciated , and had had the desired effect . This system of Visiting Deacons , who shall report upon the prosperity of the members at every meeting , is a fundamental characteristic of this vigorous and useful Order . The late Bro . Col . Shadwell Clerke used to say it was the " missing link " in Freemasonry .
The month of June being unfavourable to a large gathering of Masons , it was determine"d to make the experiment of holding Grand Festival in May , igoo , if such a course were sanctioned by the G . S . R . at the Hotel Cecil as usual . A vote of condolence with the relatives of the late Bro . Surgeon-Major
C . M . Jessop was passed , and afterwards the following Executive Committee was elected for the ensuing year : Bros . J . Lewis Thomas , Japheth Tickle , J . J . Thomas , F . E . Lemon , J . J . Pakes , C . L . Nelson ( as President and Treasurer of the Secret Monitor Benevolent Fund ) , W . J . Songhurst , and J . M . Bastone .
The proceedings ended with a supper , followed by the usual toasts , and the brethren separated , feeling that the O . 'der had been strengthened by a good evening ' s work .
Craft Masonry.
Craft Masonry .
Strong Man Lodge , No . 45 . A meeting of the above lodge was held at the Holborn Restaurant on Monday , the ith instant . Present : Bros . Thos . C . Taylor , W . M . ; T . Ockelford . S . W . ; Thos . J . Burgess , J . W . ; Geo . G . Simons , P . M ., Treas . ; Wm . G . Mills , P . M ., Sec . ; E . J . VidlerS . D . ; John Briggs , M . A ., D . of C . ; J . W . Heaton , Org . ; J . Bristow , I . G . ;
, E . M . Hall and John H . Selmes , Stwds . ; Wm . Briggs , M . A ., L . L . M ., I . P . M . ; Prof . F . W . Driver , M . A ., Sen . P . M . ; D . A . Langdon , P . M . ; Arthur Davies , E . Thornicrott , R . Lockyer , Arthur Bayman , T . L . Leslie , J . G . Powell , Edwd . J . Stafford , Bromley Hall , Chas . Helby , E . E . Salt , and J . Williams , Tyler . Bro . F . Taverner , 204 G , was a visitor .
The lodge wasopened , and the minutes ofthe last regjlar meeting read and confirmed . Bro . Salt was examined and entrusted , and was then raisid , to the Degree of M . M . by Bro . VVm . Briggs , I . P . M . The lodge was closed . After the banquet the usual toasts were formally givey by the W . M . — " The Queen and the Craft , and the Soldiers and Sailors ; " "H . R . H . the Prince of Wales M . W . G . M . ; " and "The Grand Officers , Present and Past . " Bro . G . G . Symons , P . M ., Treas ., gave "The Health of the W . M . " The W . M . replied .
"The Past Masters" was next given by the W . M , Bro . G . G . Symons replied on their behalf . "The Visitor , Bro . Taverner , " was proposed by the W . M . The VV . M . next submitted "The Treasurer and Secretary . " They each replied . " The Officers of the Lodge " came next . Bro . John Briggs , D . of C , the acting S . W . and J . VV ., replied The Tyler ' s toast brought the evening to a close .
Lion and Lamb Lodge , No . 192 . This lodge held its usual meeting at Cannon-street Hotel , on the 7 th inst . Present : Bros . J . G . Robeson , VV . M . ; T . Stokes , S . W . ; A . Fergusson , / . VV . T . Cuhu , P . M ., Treas . ; J . Smith , P . M ., Sec . ; A . J . Rippin , J . D ., acting S . D . , * R . l- \ Roche , I . G ., acting J . D . ; J . Collins , acting I . G . ; VVilliam Baker , I . P . M . and D . C . j Garton , P . M . ; Mower , P . M . ; Hughes , P . M . ; Willey , Davies , Cowderoy , T . E .
Fergusson , Williams , Ransford , Prevost , Brough , Lloyd , Farr , Leach , A . P . MacLarty , Bayley , Hipwell , Lockett , S . Rippin , Thomson , Fishleigh , Meers , VVetton , Ward , Dixon , ) oncs , Crawshaw , A . A . Jones , Grimsdale , and Neil MacLarty . Visitors : Bros . K . G . Damp , 744 , Golden Thistle of Johannesburg ; A . G . Boswell , P . M . ijjg ; C . Butcher , P . M . 902 ; I ) . Harlow , P . M . 05 ; A . W . Bamford , 2501 ; C . Pastorelli , 19 S 7 ; T . VV . Bamford , 2632 ; J . Miller , S 79 ; and G . II . Silverwood , VV . M . 1343 .
The lodge was opened , and the minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed . The VV . M . read a letter from Mrs . Legge acknowledging the receipt of a wreath sent by the lodge , and expressing the appreciation of herself and family for the kindly sympathy extended to them by the brethren , also a letter from Mrs . Holmes thanking the lodge for its exertions on her behalf when she was granted £ 20 from the Board of Benevolence . Bros . Prevost , F . E . Fergusson , and Willey were passed ,
Bro . Leach raised , and Bros . A . A . Jones , W . Grimsdale , and Neil MacLarty initiated , all of which the VV . M . did in his usual splendid manner . A letter from Mrs . Shalders was read , acknowledging the receipt of £ . 2 2 s . voted to Bro . ShaldeYs , also a letter Iron Bro . T . VV . Fisher , P . M ., asking for assistance , when it was unanimously agreed to grant him £ 21 , and also to send a petition to the Board of Benevolence on his behalf , said petition to be signed at the next lodge meeting .
Wentworth Lodge , No . 1239 . INSTALLATION OF BRO . A . J . FORSDIKE . Wentworth , 1239 , like the family whose name it bears , is a very popular lodge in Sheffield , and from its commencement has had a s ngularly unchequered career . It is one of the five lodges which were founded in VVest Yorkshire in iSOS—the last of them in fact , and perhaps the most prosperous . They have all flourished ; Goderich , 1211 , and Defence 1221 , supplied a long-felt want in Leeds ; Scarborough , 1214 , ministered
, to the Masonic needs of Batley ; whilst Sivile , 12 3 1 , opened out neiv ground at the then village of Elland , and has become a vigorous centre from which other D .-grees are radiating . 'Ihe rapid success of Wentworth Lodge may , however , be more readily understood when we state that it was , we believe , the first lodge which had been founded in Sheflield since the Union in 1 S 13 . At that date there were but two lodges in Sheflield—Britannia , 139 , and Royal Brunswick , 29 G—and it docs seem surprising that in stch a thriving town £ 0 long an interval should elapse without any increa c
in the number of Masonic lodges . Britannia s warrant bears ditc 17 G 5 , whilst that of Royal Brunswick is 1793 , so that for a period of upwards of 70 years — 75 lo be accurate — no addition was made to the roll of lodges in Sheffield . It can readily be understood that the original two were in a somewhat congested state , and that the establishment of the new community in iSGS afforded considerable relict . From the lirst Wentworth Lodge never looked back , and so large did it become , that in 20 years' time St . Leonard , 22 ( 13 , was formed from its members ,
and still more recently the nourishing lodge of I'ucnival , 255 S , particulars of whose festival appeared a few weeks ago in our columns , came forth from this thriving community . live lodges have arisen in Sheflield since iSOS , and Masonic enter , prise , as we have often had occasion to remark , has distinctly characterised the cutlery town , yet still the Wentworth Lodge has consistently held its own , and fully maintained its financial , numerical , and so : ial statu ? . Fortunate in its name , successful in its general career , it is not surprising that its annual festival should be an
exceptionally brilliant function , and weare sure that thc incoming W . M ., Bro . A . J . Forsdike , must have felt a keen sense of pleasure when he witnessed the constantly increasing gathering which assembled on the . | th instant to take part in his installation . The dais < , f tlie spacious and beautifully proportioned hall in Surrey-Street was crowded , whilst two parallel rows of eager brethren lined each side of the lodge room . There must I tve been nearly 120 brethren present , a number well-nigh unprecedented at a private lodge . It is needless to say that the ceremonies of the eveuing were carried oui
Craft Masonry.
most accurately and decorously , and we must not omit to bear witness to the exceeding ! y dignified yet quiet and impressive manner in which the retiring W . M . discharged the onerous duties of installation . His conduct and procedure won universal approbation . The lodge was opened at five o ' clock by the W . M ., Bro . W . F . Cole . The officers occupying the chairs were Bros . A . J . Forsdike , S . W . ; Geo . Wragg , J . W . ; T . Green , Sec ; E . Rowbothan , Asst . Sec . ; Wm . D . Forsdike , S . D . ; E . G . Whiteley , I . D .: T . E . Barker , D . of C . ; J . C . Brameld , Asst . D . of C . ; J . A . Rodgers , Org . ; Tom Nixon , I . G . j and E . Beck and W . Fearnehough , W . M . 2558 , Stwds . ; Bros . H . J . Garnett . P . M .. P . P . G . S . B .: Herbert Nixon . P . M .. P . P . S . G . D . : Thos . Rnwhnth ™
, P . M . ; J . P . Hewitt , P . M ., P . P . J . G . D . ; Thomas Firth , P . M . ; A . E . Kirkham , P . M . ; Charles Stokes , P . M ., P . P . S . G . D . ; Henry T . E . Holmes , P . M . ( Hon . ) , P . P . G . D . C ; Maurice Dodworth , P . M . ; and F . S . II . Wilson , P . M . Amongst other members of the lodge were the following : Bros . F . S . Hardy , Wm . Froggatt , A . J . Birks , J . T . Thompson , VVm . Watts , R . Hanbidge , VV . Slater , T . S . Wood , H . O . Adrian , Jno . Stringer , G . L . Wood , VV . Slater , A . Keates . H . M . Stater , Jas . Hastings , W . Sissons , 'Thos . Shearstone , H . Cawood , F . Hiller , Hy .
Johnson , J . F . Johnson , S . Wetherell , and J . J . Pickford . The visitors , as is usual at Wentworth Lodge , were very numerous , including both Grand and Provincial Grand Officers . The VV . Masters of all the Sheflield lodges were present , as well as those from lodges in the immediate vicinity . The Dep . Prov . G . M ., Bro . Richard Wilson , P . G . D . Eng ., paid his first official visit on this occasion to Wentworth . With him were Bros . Ensor Drury , P . M . 296 , Past G . Deacon , and W . H . Brittain , J . P . Past G . S . B . Eng . Besides the Prov . Officers mentioned above were Bros . T . H . Vernon , P . P . G . D . ; T . W . Hanforth , W . M . 24 S 1 , P . P . G . Org . ; and Joseph Matthewman , P . M . 1019 ,
P . P . Asst . G . Sec . From N . and E . Yorkshire there was Bro . J . Holland , P . P . G . D . of C , and from the Province of Derbyshire we noticed Bro . W . G . Humber , Prov . G . Std . Br . The brethren of Sheflield from Britannia Lodge , No . 139 , included : Bros . A . R . Fox , W . M ., L . A . Osbaldiston , S . VV ., W . M . elect , W . G . Skeiton , J . W ., G . Williams , P . M ., E . Dickinson , P . M ., and John Stokes , P . M . ; from the Royal Brunswick Lodge , No . 296 , came Bros . F . G . Cornu , VV . M ., H . Else , M . Hartley , VV . L . Lindlar , and H . L . Whecn ; from Ivanhoe Lodge , No . 1779 , were Bros . J . Wortley , VV . M ., E . Holmes , P . M ., Wm . Dust , P . M .,
J . Burton , and A . n . Kowland ; from St . Leonard , 2203 , were Bros . C . A . Mays , VV . M ., E . Howarth , and Saml . Smith ; from Hallamshire , 22 GS , Bros . H . S . Moorwood . VV . M ., and D . Flather , I . P . M . ; from VVhite Rose of York , 2491 , besides the W . M . previojsly mentioned amongst the Prov . Officers , were Bros . W . Gunston , P . M ., C . A . Hahn , P . M ., M . T . Miner , J . W ., A . W . Roberts , J . Atkinson , W . H . Shepherd , W . Foxon , T . E . Vernon , W . Sales , and W . H . Peasegood ; and from Furnival , 2558 , there were
Bros . W . Fearnehough , VV . M ., A . Davidson , J . W ., A . Hastings , Org ., E . A . Sampson , H . C . Robinson , C . Galium , and F . Dallaway . From Phoenix Lodge , 904 , Rotherham , was Bros . J . J . Mellows , W . M . ; whilst from the neighbouring Province of Dirbyshire , Chantry Lodge , 2555 , sent its VV . M ., Bro . 0 . F . Shepherd , as well as Bros . C . T . Dickenson , VV . Roper , J . Kerridge , G . T . Greaves , and G . E . Inman ; and Dorothy Vernon , 2129 , was repr : sented by Bro . VV . H . Nixon .
The usual preliminaries having been carried out , the W . M . elect , Bro . A . J . Forsdike , S . VV ., was presented to the Installing Master by Bro . J . P . Hewitt , P . M ., P . P . G . D ., and the ceremony proceeded . The Board of Installed Masters was a strong one , being upwards of 50 in number . The new Worshipful Master , whilst investing his I . P . M ., Bro . Cole , referred to the excellent work the retiring Master had done during his occupancy of the chair and assured him that the Past Masters of Wentworth Lodge would eagerly welcome so able an addition to their ranks . The working tools were presented in the various Degrees by Bro ^ . Charles StokesP . M .:
, M . J . Dodworth , P . M . ; and T . E . Barker , P . M . The W . M . then appointed and invested his officers . He was singularly happy in the apropos of his remarks to each individual case . The officers were Bros . George Wragg , S . W . ; T . Green , LW . ; J . B . Wostinholm , P . M ., P . P . G . D ., Treas . ; Edmund Rowbotham , Sec ; W . D . Forsdike , Asst . Sec . ; E . G . Whiteley , S . D . ; J . C . Brameld , J . D . ; Thos . Rowbotham , P . M ., D . C ; J . A . Rogers , A . D . C ; Tom Nixon , Org . ; E . Beck , I . G . ; H . Johnson and H . A . 0 . Adrain , Stewards ; and T . LeightonTyler .
, Interesting comment was made amongst the brethren upon liro . II . J ohnson taking the office of Steward . It appears that Bro . Johnson , who was initiated in the lodge in 1 S 75 , had for the first time this year been induced to take a collar , and had commenced at the lowest rung of the official ladder . The election of a Charity Steward folloivjd . Bro . F . S . II . Wilson was unanimously chosen to ( ill that important position . After apologies had been announced and "Hearty good wishes " offered , warmly reciprocated by the W . M ., the lodge was closed .
The banquet followed , served in the dining-hall , which was beautifully decorated forthe occasion . The floral display was charming ; each guest was presented with a button-hole ; and when the no brethren for whom covers had been tail were seated , the room presented a veiy bright and festive appearance . Waitresses neat in appearance , pleasant in manner , and rapid in motion , contribu ted largely to the comfort of all , and the dinner passed off with complete satisfaction . The toast list was a somewhat formidable one . Happily it was largely intersp : rsed with music , vocal and instrumental , and the Sheflield brethren full y maintained their well-known reputation in both departments .
In proposing "The Queen , " Bro . Forsdike declared that he hardly knew how to make a beginning in his new role , but he was sure that , whilst asking them to drink to the health of her Majesty , his own shortcomings would be lost sight of in their hearty response . Always deserving of it , and ever valuing the sympathy of her subjects , at no time did the Queen more earnestly crave it than at present , and that she fully possessed that feeling he had not the smallest doubt . He trusted out of the present trouble , good would come , but whatever the outcome , they would cherish their Queen , and drink heartily to her continued good health .
The toast was received with enthusiasm , and the National Anthem sung , Bro , W . Foxon taking the solo . The next on the list was " The M . W . G . M ., H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , and the Officers of Grand Lodge . " Commenting upon the onerous and never-ending duties which devolved upon our chief , Bro . Forsdike said it was not surprising that they had so few opportunities of witnessing his zeal in Masonic matters . He was , of course , obliged to depute much of the work to his oflicers , and he doubtless exercised great care in their selection . With them that evening he was delighted to see no less than three
Grand Officers—Bros . Richard Wilson , their D . P . G . M . ; Ensor Drury , and W . H . Brittain- The last two were Sheffield brethren , and thoroughly well known both as Masons and citizens . As to Bro . Wilson , they were rapidly getting to know him . and to him he would refer later . It must make great calls upon the time of the Grand Officers to give suitable attention to their duties , and they ( the brethren ) ought to bs grateful to them . Let them show that by heartily drinking to their health . " God Bless the Prince of Wales " was sung , led by Bro . Wm . Downing Bros . Ensor Drury , P . M . 2 y < 5 , P . G . D ., and W . II . Brittain , P . M . i * 9 ° P . G . Std .
Br ., both expressed the pleasure they had expsrienced in visiting this flourishing lodge , and thanked the brethren for the cordial greeting which the toast had met with from that large assembly . " The R . W . Prov . G . Master , Bro . W . L . J ackson , M . P . ; the W . Deputy , Bro . Richard Wilson ; and the Oliicers of Prov . G . Lodge , Present and Past , " was next submitted by the W . M . Bro . Forsdike regretted that the eminent abilities of the Prov . G . Master were not , in consequence of his multifarious occupations , so completely at their disposal as the province would wish . The Deputyhoweverthey could with
confi-, , dence fall back upon . He , as the representative of 1239 , welcomed Bro . Wilson most heartily on this his lirst visit to the Wentworth Lodge . He assured him that in the Masonic race they in Sheffield tried hard to acquit themselves creditably , and uphold the dignity of thc province ; they were , perhaps , not first , but , at any rate , they were not slovenly in their Masonic work . Personally he felt deeply honoured that the Worshipful Deputy ' s lirst visit should coincide with his own accession to the chair . He asked them to drink the toast with the heartiness which it undoubtedly deserved . This they did unmistakably .
After a pianoforte solo by Bro . E . P . Reynolds , which was much appreciated , thc Dep . Prov . G . Master and Prov . G . Officers rose . Bro . Wilson regretted that his remarks must be brief , as he had a train to catch . He was accustomed to speak freely , but anything he had to say must to-night be curtailed . First he thanked them for the exceedingly kind way in which they had m ; tand received him in Wentworth Lodge . When he accepted the position of Deputy he could count , he thought , upon the goodwill of many brethren in Leeds and Bradford ; now , after eight months' occupancy of the chair , he was beginning to feel that that goodwill was rapidly extending through the province . He was called in from tim ; to time to give advice in lodge questions and disputes , and he always , after hearing both sides , gave
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Secret Monitor.
consistent with his dignity to allow any other than himself to work the Degrees , more especially the short and beautiful First Degree . He commended the zeal and energy displayed by many of the conclaves , and thought the circular as to Visiting Deacons requiring them to keep
themselves in touch with their brethren had been greatly appreciated , and had had the desired effect . This system of Visiting Deacons , who shall report upon the prosperity of the members at every meeting , is a fundamental characteristic of this vigorous and useful Order . The late Bro . Col . Shadwell Clerke used to say it was the " missing link " in Freemasonry .
The month of June being unfavourable to a large gathering of Masons , it was determine"d to make the experiment of holding Grand Festival in May , igoo , if such a course were sanctioned by the G . S . R . at the Hotel Cecil as usual . A vote of condolence with the relatives of the late Bro . Surgeon-Major
C . M . Jessop was passed , and afterwards the following Executive Committee was elected for the ensuing year : Bros . J . Lewis Thomas , Japheth Tickle , J . J . Thomas , F . E . Lemon , J . J . Pakes , C . L . Nelson ( as President and Treasurer of the Secret Monitor Benevolent Fund ) , W . J . Songhurst , and J . M . Bastone .
The proceedings ended with a supper , followed by the usual toasts , and the brethren separated , feeling that the O . 'der had been strengthened by a good evening ' s work .
Craft Masonry.
Craft Masonry .
Strong Man Lodge , No . 45 . A meeting of the above lodge was held at the Holborn Restaurant on Monday , the ith instant . Present : Bros . Thos . C . Taylor , W . M . ; T . Ockelford . S . W . ; Thos . J . Burgess , J . W . ; Geo . G . Simons , P . M ., Treas . ; Wm . G . Mills , P . M ., Sec . ; E . J . VidlerS . D . ; John Briggs , M . A ., D . of C . ; J . W . Heaton , Org . ; J . Bristow , I . G . ;
, E . M . Hall and John H . Selmes , Stwds . ; Wm . Briggs , M . A ., L . L . M ., I . P . M . ; Prof . F . W . Driver , M . A ., Sen . P . M . ; D . A . Langdon , P . M . ; Arthur Davies , E . Thornicrott , R . Lockyer , Arthur Bayman , T . L . Leslie , J . G . Powell , Edwd . J . Stafford , Bromley Hall , Chas . Helby , E . E . Salt , and J . Williams , Tyler . Bro . F . Taverner , 204 G , was a visitor .
The lodge wasopened , and the minutes ofthe last regjlar meeting read and confirmed . Bro . Salt was examined and entrusted , and was then raisid , to the Degree of M . M . by Bro . VVm . Briggs , I . P . M . The lodge was closed . After the banquet the usual toasts were formally givey by the W . M . — " The Queen and the Craft , and the Soldiers and Sailors ; " "H . R . H . the Prince of Wales M . W . G . M . ; " and "The Grand Officers , Present and Past . " Bro . G . G . Symons , P . M ., Treas ., gave "The Health of the W . M . " The W . M . replied .
"The Past Masters" was next given by the W . M , Bro . G . G . Symons replied on their behalf . "The Visitor , Bro . Taverner , " was proposed by the W . M . The VV . M . next submitted "The Treasurer and Secretary . " They each replied . " The Officers of the Lodge " came next . Bro . John Briggs , D . of C , the acting S . W . and J . VV ., replied The Tyler ' s toast brought the evening to a close .
Lion and Lamb Lodge , No . 192 . This lodge held its usual meeting at Cannon-street Hotel , on the 7 th inst . Present : Bros . J . G . Robeson , VV . M . ; T . Stokes , S . W . ; A . Fergusson , / . VV . T . Cuhu , P . M ., Treas . ; J . Smith , P . M ., Sec . ; A . J . Rippin , J . D ., acting S . D . , * R . l- \ Roche , I . G ., acting J . D . ; J . Collins , acting I . G . ; VVilliam Baker , I . P . M . and D . C . j Garton , P . M . ; Mower , P . M . ; Hughes , P . M . ; Willey , Davies , Cowderoy , T . E .
Fergusson , Williams , Ransford , Prevost , Brough , Lloyd , Farr , Leach , A . P . MacLarty , Bayley , Hipwell , Lockett , S . Rippin , Thomson , Fishleigh , Meers , VVetton , Ward , Dixon , ) oncs , Crawshaw , A . A . Jones , Grimsdale , and Neil MacLarty . Visitors : Bros . K . G . Damp , 744 , Golden Thistle of Johannesburg ; A . G . Boswell , P . M . ijjg ; C . Butcher , P . M . 902 ; I ) . Harlow , P . M . 05 ; A . W . Bamford , 2501 ; C . Pastorelli , 19 S 7 ; T . VV . Bamford , 2632 ; J . Miller , S 79 ; and G . II . Silverwood , VV . M . 1343 .
The lodge was opened , and the minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed . The VV . M . read a letter from Mrs . Legge acknowledging the receipt of a wreath sent by the lodge , and expressing the appreciation of herself and family for the kindly sympathy extended to them by the brethren , also a letter from Mrs . Holmes thanking the lodge for its exertions on her behalf when she was granted £ 20 from the Board of Benevolence . Bros . Prevost , F . E . Fergusson , and Willey were passed ,
Bro . Leach raised , and Bros . A . A . Jones , W . Grimsdale , and Neil MacLarty initiated , all of which the VV . M . did in his usual splendid manner . A letter from Mrs . Shalders was read , acknowledging the receipt of £ . 2 2 s . voted to Bro . ShaldeYs , also a letter Iron Bro . T . VV . Fisher , P . M ., asking for assistance , when it was unanimously agreed to grant him £ 21 , and also to send a petition to the Board of Benevolence on his behalf , said petition to be signed at the next lodge meeting .
Wentworth Lodge , No . 1239 . INSTALLATION OF BRO . A . J . FORSDIKE . Wentworth , 1239 , like the family whose name it bears , is a very popular lodge in Sheffield , and from its commencement has had a s ngularly unchequered career . It is one of the five lodges which were founded in VVest Yorkshire in iSOS—the last of them in fact , and perhaps the most prosperous . They have all flourished ; Goderich , 1211 , and Defence 1221 , supplied a long-felt want in Leeds ; Scarborough , 1214 , ministered
, to the Masonic needs of Batley ; whilst Sivile , 12 3 1 , opened out neiv ground at the then village of Elland , and has become a vigorous centre from which other D .-grees are radiating . 'Ihe rapid success of Wentworth Lodge may , however , be more readily understood when we state that it was , we believe , the first lodge which had been founded in Sheflield since the Union in 1 S 13 . At that date there were but two lodges in Sheflield—Britannia , 139 , and Royal Brunswick , 29 G—and it docs seem surprising that in stch a thriving town £ 0 long an interval should elapse without any increa c
in the number of Masonic lodges . Britannia s warrant bears ditc 17 G 5 , whilst that of Royal Brunswick is 1793 , so that for a period of upwards of 70 years — 75 lo be accurate — no addition was made to the roll of lodges in Sheffield . It can readily be understood that the original two were in a somewhat congested state , and that the establishment of the new community in iSGS afforded considerable relict . From the lirst Wentworth Lodge never looked back , and so large did it become , that in 20 years' time St . Leonard , 22 ( 13 , was formed from its members ,
and still more recently the nourishing lodge of I'ucnival , 255 S , particulars of whose festival appeared a few weeks ago in our columns , came forth from this thriving community . live lodges have arisen in Sheflield since iSOS , and Masonic enter , prise , as we have often had occasion to remark , has distinctly characterised the cutlery town , yet still the Wentworth Lodge has consistently held its own , and fully maintained its financial , numerical , and so : ial statu ? . Fortunate in its name , successful in its general career , it is not surprising that its annual festival should be an
exceptionally brilliant function , and weare sure that thc incoming W . M ., Bro . A . J . Forsdike , must have felt a keen sense of pleasure when he witnessed the constantly increasing gathering which assembled on the . | th instant to take part in his installation . The dais < , f tlie spacious and beautifully proportioned hall in Surrey-Street was crowded , whilst two parallel rows of eager brethren lined each side of the lodge room . There must I tve been nearly 120 brethren present , a number well-nigh unprecedented at a private lodge . It is needless to say that the ceremonies of the eveuing were carried oui
Craft Masonry.
most accurately and decorously , and we must not omit to bear witness to the exceeding ! y dignified yet quiet and impressive manner in which the retiring W . M . discharged the onerous duties of installation . His conduct and procedure won universal approbation . The lodge was opened at five o ' clock by the W . M ., Bro . W . F . Cole . The officers occupying the chairs were Bros . A . J . Forsdike , S . W . ; Geo . Wragg , J . W . ; T . Green , Sec ; E . Rowbothan , Asst . Sec . ; Wm . D . Forsdike , S . D . ; E . G . Whiteley , I . D .: T . E . Barker , D . of C . ; J . C . Brameld , Asst . D . of C . ; J . A . Rodgers , Org . ; Tom Nixon , I . G . j and E . Beck and W . Fearnehough , W . M . 2558 , Stwds . ; Bros . H . J . Garnett . P . M .. P . P . G . S . B .: Herbert Nixon . P . M .. P . P . S . G . D . : Thos . Rnwhnth ™
, P . M . ; J . P . Hewitt , P . M ., P . P . J . G . D . ; Thomas Firth , P . M . ; A . E . Kirkham , P . M . ; Charles Stokes , P . M ., P . P . S . G . D . ; Henry T . E . Holmes , P . M . ( Hon . ) , P . P . G . D . C ; Maurice Dodworth , P . M . ; and F . S . II . Wilson , P . M . Amongst other members of the lodge were the following : Bros . F . S . Hardy , Wm . Froggatt , A . J . Birks , J . T . Thompson , VVm . Watts , R . Hanbidge , VV . Slater , T . S . Wood , H . O . Adrian , Jno . Stringer , G . L . Wood , VV . Slater , A . Keates . H . M . Stater , Jas . Hastings , W . Sissons , 'Thos . Shearstone , H . Cawood , F . Hiller , Hy .
Johnson , J . F . Johnson , S . Wetherell , and J . J . Pickford . The visitors , as is usual at Wentworth Lodge , were very numerous , including both Grand and Provincial Grand Officers . The VV . Masters of all the Sheflield lodges were present , as well as those from lodges in the immediate vicinity . The Dep . Prov . G . M ., Bro . Richard Wilson , P . G . D . Eng ., paid his first official visit on this occasion to Wentworth . With him were Bros . Ensor Drury , P . M . 296 , Past G . Deacon , and W . H . Brittain , J . P . Past G . S . B . Eng . Besides the Prov . Officers mentioned above were Bros . T . H . Vernon , P . P . G . D . ; T . W . Hanforth , W . M . 24 S 1 , P . P . G . Org . ; and Joseph Matthewman , P . M . 1019 ,
P . P . Asst . G . Sec . From N . and E . Yorkshire there was Bro . J . Holland , P . P . G . D . of C , and from the Province of Derbyshire we noticed Bro . W . G . Humber , Prov . G . Std . Br . The brethren of Sheflield from Britannia Lodge , No . 139 , included : Bros . A . R . Fox , W . M ., L . A . Osbaldiston , S . VV ., W . M . elect , W . G . Skeiton , J . W ., G . Williams , P . M ., E . Dickinson , P . M ., and John Stokes , P . M . ; from the Royal Brunswick Lodge , No . 296 , came Bros . F . G . Cornu , VV . M ., H . Else , M . Hartley , VV . L . Lindlar , and H . L . Whecn ; from Ivanhoe Lodge , No . 1779 , were Bros . J . Wortley , VV . M ., E . Holmes , P . M ., Wm . Dust , P . M .,
J . Burton , and A . n . Kowland ; from St . Leonard , 2203 , were Bros . C . A . Mays , VV . M ., E . Howarth , and Saml . Smith ; from Hallamshire , 22 GS , Bros . H . S . Moorwood . VV . M ., and D . Flather , I . P . M . ; from VVhite Rose of York , 2491 , besides the W . M . previojsly mentioned amongst the Prov . Officers , were Bros . W . Gunston , P . M ., C . A . Hahn , P . M ., M . T . Miner , J . W ., A . W . Roberts , J . Atkinson , W . H . Shepherd , W . Foxon , T . E . Vernon , W . Sales , and W . H . Peasegood ; and from Furnival , 2558 , there were
Bros . W . Fearnehough , VV . M ., A . Davidson , J . W ., A . Hastings , Org ., E . A . Sampson , H . C . Robinson , C . Galium , and F . Dallaway . From Phoenix Lodge , 904 , Rotherham , was Bros . J . J . Mellows , W . M . ; whilst from the neighbouring Province of Dirbyshire , Chantry Lodge , 2555 , sent its VV . M ., Bro . 0 . F . Shepherd , as well as Bros . C . T . Dickenson , VV . Roper , J . Kerridge , G . T . Greaves , and G . E . Inman ; and Dorothy Vernon , 2129 , was repr : sented by Bro . VV . H . Nixon .
The usual preliminaries having been carried out , the W . M . elect , Bro . A . J . Forsdike , S . VV ., was presented to the Installing Master by Bro . J . P . Hewitt , P . M ., P . P . G . D ., and the ceremony proceeded . The Board of Installed Masters was a strong one , being upwards of 50 in number . The new Worshipful Master , whilst investing his I . P . M ., Bro . Cole , referred to the excellent work the retiring Master had done during his occupancy of the chair and assured him that the Past Masters of Wentworth Lodge would eagerly welcome so able an addition to their ranks . The working tools were presented in the various Degrees by Bro ^ . Charles StokesP . M .:
, M . J . Dodworth , P . M . ; and T . E . Barker , P . M . The W . M . then appointed and invested his officers . He was singularly happy in the apropos of his remarks to each individual case . The officers were Bros . George Wragg , S . W . ; T . Green , LW . ; J . B . Wostinholm , P . M ., P . P . G . D ., Treas . ; Edmund Rowbotham , Sec ; W . D . Forsdike , Asst . Sec . ; E . G . Whiteley , S . D . ; J . C . Brameld , J . D . ; Thos . Rowbotham , P . M ., D . C ; J . A . Rogers , A . D . C ; Tom Nixon , Org . ; E . Beck , I . G . ; H . Johnson and H . A . 0 . Adrain , Stewards ; and T . LeightonTyler .
, Interesting comment was made amongst the brethren upon liro . II . J ohnson taking the office of Steward . It appears that Bro . Johnson , who was initiated in the lodge in 1 S 75 , had for the first time this year been induced to take a collar , and had commenced at the lowest rung of the official ladder . The election of a Charity Steward folloivjd . Bro . F . S . II . Wilson was unanimously chosen to ( ill that important position . After apologies had been announced and "Hearty good wishes " offered , warmly reciprocated by the W . M ., the lodge was closed .
The banquet followed , served in the dining-hall , which was beautifully decorated forthe occasion . The floral display was charming ; each guest was presented with a button-hole ; and when the no brethren for whom covers had been tail were seated , the room presented a veiy bright and festive appearance . Waitresses neat in appearance , pleasant in manner , and rapid in motion , contribu ted largely to the comfort of all , and the dinner passed off with complete satisfaction . The toast list was a somewhat formidable one . Happily it was largely intersp : rsed with music , vocal and instrumental , and the Sheflield brethren full y maintained their well-known reputation in both departments .
In proposing "The Queen , " Bro . Forsdike declared that he hardly knew how to make a beginning in his new role , but he was sure that , whilst asking them to drink to the health of her Majesty , his own shortcomings would be lost sight of in their hearty response . Always deserving of it , and ever valuing the sympathy of her subjects , at no time did the Queen more earnestly crave it than at present , and that she fully possessed that feeling he had not the smallest doubt . He trusted out of the present trouble , good would come , but whatever the outcome , they would cherish their Queen , and drink heartily to her continued good health .
The toast was received with enthusiasm , and the National Anthem sung , Bro , W . Foxon taking the solo . The next on the list was " The M . W . G . M ., H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , and the Officers of Grand Lodge . " Commenting upon the onerous and never-ending duties which devolved upon our chief , Bro . Forsdike said it was not surprising that they had so few opportunities of witnessing his zeal in Masonic matters . He was , of course , obliged to depute much of the work to his oflicers , and he doubtless exercised great care in their selection . With them that evening he was delighted to see no less than three
Grand Officers—Bros . Richard Wilson , their D . P . G . M . ; Ensor Drury , and W . H . Brittain- The last two were Sheffield brethren , and thoroughly well known both as Masons and citizens . As to Bro . Wilson , they were rapidly getting to know him . and to him he would refer later . It must make great calls upon the time of the Grand Officers to give suitable attention to their duties , and they ( the brethren ) ought to bs grateful to them . Let them show that by heartily drinking to their health . " God Bless the Prince of Wales " was sung , led by Bro . Wm . Downing Bros . Ensor Drury , P . M . 2 y < 5 , P . G . D ., and W . II . Brittain , P . M . i * 9 ° P . G . Std .
Br ., both expressed the pleasure they had expsrienced in visiting this flourishing lodge , and thanked the brethren for the cordial greeting which the toast had met with from that large assembly . " The R . W . Prov . G . Master , Bro . W . L . J ackson , M . P . ; the W . Deputy , Bro . Richard Wilson ; and the Oliicers of Prov . G . Lodge , Present and Past , " was next submitted by the W . M . Bro . Forsdike regretted that the eminent abilities of the Prov . G . Master were not , in consequence of his multifarious occupations , so completely at their disposal as the province would wish . The Deputyhoweverthey could with
confi-, , dence fall back upon . He , as the representative of 1239 , welcomed Bro . Wilson most heartily on this his lirst visit to the Wentworth Lodge . He assured him that in the Masonic race they in Sheffield tried hard to acquit themselves creditably , and uphold the dignity of thc province ; they were , perhaps , not first , but , at any rate , they were not slovenly in their Masonic work . Personally he felt deeply honoured that the Worshipful Deputy ' s lirst visit should coincide with his own accession to the chair . He asked them to drink the toast with the heartiness which it undoubtedly deserved . This they did unmistakably .
After a pianoforte solo by Bro . E . P . Reynolds , which was much appreciated , thc Dep . Prov . G . Master and Prov . G . Officers rose . Bro . Wilson regretted that his remarks must be brief , as he had a train to catch . He was accustomed to speak freely , but anything he had to say must to-night be curtailed . First he thanked them for the exceedingly kind way in which they had m ; tand received him in Wentworth Lodge . When he accepted the position of Deputy he could count , he thought , upon the goodwill of many brethren in Leeds and Bradford ; now , after eight months' occupancy of the chair , he was beginning to feel that that goodwill was rapidly extending through the province . He was called in from tim ; to time to give advice in lodge questions and disputes , and he always , after hearing both sides , gave