Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Freemasonry In Lincolnshire.*
Society , " as to the old Lodge held at the " Bull " in that year , which was situated at " the Fist Side of the Town Hall . " The chief interest centres in the R-cords of the old Lodge , which was constituted in 1730 at the Siracen ' s Head . They begin , as respects tYe Masters' Lodge , in 1734 , and are of the greatest importance in relation to the Third Degree . These extraordinary minutes should be carefully read and
compared with others later on , and I am personally vry pleased that they have thus been printed . The particulars as to Martin Clare , author of the " Defence of Masonry " ( justly celebrated and never surpassed of the kind ) , about whom Bro . Gou'd h s also written ; also Sir Cecil Wray , and many ciV « 1 distinguished Masons , are of special value . The second lodge in -Jncoln was con > -tituted in 1737 . and on the revival of the Society in the
County , the St . Matthew ' s LoHge was formed in 178 7 at Bartnn-upon-Humber , which kept on the Roll until 1 S 51 ; followed by the Prince of Wales' Lodge at G linsbiirough , which was chartered in the same year , the last entry in " its Records being of 1808 . The "Doric" at Grantham was started in 1791 , but was erased seven years later . The Rev . W . Peters was Rector of Woolsthorpe , near this town , and as a most distinguished Mason ,
and also the first Prov . Grand Masterof the Province , doubtless as Bro . Dixon suggests , he well backed up the petition for this new lodge , but his influence was insufficient to keep it active or prosperous for any time . We are now introduced to the inauguration of the Prov . Grand I . odge in 1792 , an interesting account of the origin and character of the office of Provincial Grand Master appropriately commencing these long and important chapters .
i cannot stay to describe the numerous and interesting details , biographies , and tables which are to be found in these 100 pages , dealing as they do with the Provincial Grand Lodge and its rulers for over a century . They cannot fail to make most pleasant and instructive reading for brethren in and out of the province . The " Lodges formed since the establishment of Provincial Grand
Lodge , " commencing with the " Urania , " at Brigg , of 20 th October , 1792 , to that of the " Ermine , " at Lincoln , 21 st January , 1890 , are some 25 in number . There were only two " Ancient" lodges ( the former noted being all " Modems " or post " Union " ) started in Lincolnshire , one at Stamford , in . 180 . 3 , an < ^ ine other at Grimsby a few years later , but neither were prosperous , and died soon after their birth . Histories , more or less exhaustive ,
are ' appended of all these lodges , and then about 50 pages are devoted to the Rev ; Samuel Oliver , and the celebrated Dr . George Oliver , full biographies of these old and esteemed worthies being appended , and a long account of the difficulties between Dr . Oliver and the local and Grand Lodge authorities through his support of Dr . Crucefix , P . G . D .
Royal Arch Masonry in the province has much interested me , especially as it goes back to 178 S , and the old warrant of that year for No . 58 , Barton-upon-Humber , is reproduced . Mark Masonry and Knight Templary are duly noted , and also the Provincial Charities , which are noble monuments and memorials of faithful Craftsmen , who were devoted to the Fraternity , locally and generally .
The numerous statistical tables and other detals of value must be passed over now , so I must rest content with offering my sincere congratulations to Bro , Dixon on the successful completion of his labours , W . j . HUGHAN .
Consecration Of The Ember Lodge, No. 2540, At East Molesey, Surrey.
CONSECRATION OF THE EMBER LODGE , No . 2540 , AT EAST MOLESEY , SURREY .
On Friday , the nth inst ., a new lodge was consecrated at Bro . Mayo ' s The Castle Hotel , Hampton Court Station , which is to bear the name of a tributary discharging itself into the Thames close by . The founders numb-red 19 and are Bros . George Moorman , P . M . 1638 and 1981 , P . P . G . P . Surrey , W . M . designate ; T . H . R . Beck , P . M . 1981 , 2146 , P . P . G . D . Surrey , S . W . designate ; H . Wheatley , P . M . 1512 , P . P . G . D . C .
Middx ., J . W . designate ; H . Woods , P . M . 1309 , P . P . G . S . B . Middx . ; C . Robinson , W . M . 1149 ; J . H . Mayo , W . M . 2222 ; H . J . Brook , J . W , 2473 ; J . T . Mayo , J . W . 2222 ; F . Mills , S . D . 163 S ; J . Mayo , J . D . 1614 ; A . H . Bowers ; C . Wheatley , 1512 and 2473 ; G . Alderton , 1981 ; T . A . Grisenthwaite , 857 ; J . Rothwell , 1981 ; J . J . Knox , 2222 ; A . Bard , 1981 ; W . Goddard , and D . Saines .
Among the visitors were Bros . Col . Gerard Noel Money , P . G . M . Surrey ; F . West , D . P . G . M . Surrey ; Charles Greenwood , P . G . Secretary Surrey ; Langton , P . P . G . W . Surrey ; S . Hewett , P . P . G . S . B . Surrey ; H . Sadler , Grand Tyler ; A . J . Harris , P . P . G . D . C . Surrey ; J . W . Moorman , P . P . A . G . D . C . Surrey ; J . W . Chapman , P . G . P . Surrey ; H . J . Shelley , P . P . A . G . P . Surrey ; Lewis and Burgess , P . G . Stewards Surrey j Dr . Segar ,
P . P . S . G . D . Middx . ; S . Lucas , P . M . 192 ; E . C . Crouch , P . M . 857 ; S . Ellis , W . M . 1981 ; F . Ford , 1901 ; W . G . Ford , 1901 ; W . Squires Codner , 2386 ; F . Swinford , 2024 ; J , Warren , P . M . 134 S j Barry Lindon ; Edgar Bownes , 2424 ; Vernon Lee ; 1288 ; F . Lockett , S . W . 2222 ; C . F . Davis , S . D . 19 81 ; Morris Martwell , 179 ; A . B . Whiteley , 16 : 3 ; R . Grendon Twaite , 857 ; and S . J . Tagg Hemming , 151 .
The lodge was formally opened by the Prov . Grand Master , Bro . Col . Gerard Noel Money , C . B ., assisted by Bro . S . Hewett , P . P . G . S . B ., as S . W ., and Bro . Dr . Segar , P . P . S . G . D . Middx ., as J . W . The Consecrating Officer opened the lodge in the Second and Third
Degrees , and by virtue of his power resumed to the Second Degree , and the opening hymn , " Hail eternal , " was then sung by the brethren . The CONSECRATING OITICER addressed those present in most appropriate and felicitous terms on the nature of the meeting , and the P . G . Chap . offered prayer .
itif brethren of the lodge having been arranged and presented to the P . G . Master , the P . G . Secretary read the warrant dated 5 th December , 1894 , and the petitioners having signified their approval of the officers named in the warrant , the P . G . Cnaplain delivered an oiationon the subject of Freemasonry . The lodge being dedicated and duly constituted ,
The W . M . designate , Bro . G . Moorman , P . P . G . P . Surrey , was presented to the Provincial Grand M aster by Bro . F . West , D . P . G . M . Surrey , and in a most impressive manner he installed him into the cfuir of K . S . as first Master of the Ember Lodge , The W . M . having been duly proclaimed , he appointed and invested his
officers as follows : Bros . T . H . R . Beck , P . P . G . D . Surrey . S . W . ; H . Wheatlev , P . P . G . D . C . Middx ., J . W . ; H . Woods , P . P . G . S . B . Middx . ; acting I . P . M . ; A . H . Bowers , Treas . ; H . J . Brooke . Sec . ; C . Wheately , S . D . ; G . Alderton , J . D . ; F . Mills , I . G . ; J . H . Mayo , D . C . ; and J . Rothwell and T . A . Grisenthwaite , Stwds .
Consecration Of The Ember Lodge, No. 2540, At East Molesey, Surrey.
At the close of the installation ceremony , a vote of thanks was proposed by the W . M . to Bro . Col . G . Noel Money , C . B ., who alluded to the splendid working of the ceremony lhat day , and asked him to accept , in the name of the lodge , a founder's jewel as a mark of their thanks , also to commemorate the occasion , and , further , he asked him to be allowed the honour of making him an honorary member .
The jewel was nf massive gold , and had a bar on the top with the words , " Const cratiue Master ; " beneath this are the emblems of office of P . G . Master ; under this another gold bar and enamel , lettering " Consecrated 18 95 ; " then there is an hand-painted and enamelled view of the old rustic
bridge over the River Ember with the waters rushing beneath , and on a garter around this view are the words " Ember Lodge , No . 2540 , " each of the founders had a similar jewel pinned to their breast as a memento of the event , on each of which there is a small token denoting their respective appointments lhat night .
Bro . Col . MONEY gracefully acknowledged the compliment , and said he felt sure from what he knew of the working and Masonic spirit of the principal officers appointed in the establishment of the lodge , he predicted for it unbounded success .
Honorary membership was conferred upon ' the other Provincial Grand Officers who had assisted in the ceremony . Three propositions were given in for initiation , and two joining members , after which the lodge was closed , and the brethren adjourned to host Mayo ' s banqueting room , where a banquet was well served under the personal superintendence of Bro . J . Mayo .
After the repast the Worshipful Master gave the usual loyal and Masonic toasts in pleasant terms , but with commendable brevity , and which were heartily responded to . Bro . FREDERICK WEST , ] P . G . D . Eng ., responded for " The Grand Ofiicers . "
The toast of "The Prov . Grand Master" met with a most enthusiastic reception , for he , like his Deputy , are most popular throughout the province . The acting I . P . M . proposed "The Health of the Worshipful Mister . " He congratulated him on his appointment , and wished him every happiness during his year of office .
The toast was drunk with acclamation , and Bro . G . MOORMAN , in replying , was most enthusiastically received , he paying a warm tribute of praise to the Masonic experience of his officers , especially to Bros . Beck and Wheatley , his Senior and Junior Wardens , who both have previously been awarded provincial honours by their respective provinces , Surrey and Middlesex , for their labours in the Craft .
" The Visitors " toast having been duly honoured was suitably responded toby Bros . HE-IVETT , BURGESS , LUCAS , and J . W . MOORMAN . The toast of " The Officer : * , " and the Tyler ' s toast ended a most enjoyable evening , and a successful meeting , The pleasures of the evening both at the consecration and at the
banqueting table were greatly enhanced by the musical arrangements , under the direction of Bros . A . H . Bowers , and T . A . Grisenthwaite , ably assisted by Bros . Barry Lindon , Edgar Bownes , Frank Swinford , Victor Oppermann , and Vernon Lee , whose musical renderings were much appreciated and applauded .
Provincial Grand Mark Lodge Of Derbyshire.
PROVINCIAL GRAND MARK LODGE OF DERBYSHIRE .
INSTALLATION OF THE FIRST P . G . MASTER . The gathering which took place on Monday afternoon , the 14 th inst ., at the Masonic Hall , Derby , will not readily be forgotten by those who were privileged to participate in it . Mark Masons came from all paits of the country to testify their interest in the inauguration of the new Province of Derbyshire , and their personal regard and goodwill to its first ruler . The handsome edifice was crowded , and among those present were many brethren whose Masonic zeal and influence are widely known .
The circumstances leading up to the constitution of the Province of Derbyshire are entitled to some notice . Locally speaking , Mark Masonry is an institution of recent growth . Practically , it dates from the establishment of the Derby Lodge ,. some fifteen years ago . It is true that the Duke of Connaught Lodge had then been some time in existence , but it is to ihe remarkable success which attended the movement in the county town that
the recognition of Derbyshire as a prosperous home of the Degree must be attributed . The consecration of the William Kelly Lodgeat Bui ton-on-Trent , the Dove Valley Lodge at Ashbourne , the Ilkeston Lodge , and the St . Martin ' s Lodge at Alfreton , led to a large increase of numerical strength ; indeed , Derbyshire speedily became the most important branch of the United Province to which it was attached . In process of times suggestions were
made as to the ad visibility pf running Derbyshire as a separate province , but the brethren were reluctant to sever their allegiance to so eminent and venerable a chief as Bro . Wm . Kelly , the oldest of Provincial Grand Mark Master- * , it was not until after the decease of this estimable gentleman that decisive steps were taken to split up the old Province of Leicestershire , Northamptonshire , Detbyshire , and Rutland . There was no hesitation 011
the part of the Most Worshipful Grand Master to extend to this county the distinction of a separate province , and when it subsequently transpired that his Royal Highness had appointed as its first P . G . Master a Mason so able , so experienced , and personally so popular as Bro . Abrahim Woodiwiss , it was lelt that the cause in Derbyshire was morally bound to gait in influence and in prosperity . Bro . Woodiwiss , for many years , has worked unceasingly
to promote the general interests of the Masonic body , but his intimate friends have not failed to perceive that forthe Mark Degree he has always exhibited a particular fondness . Having served neaily all the offices and passed through the chair of the Derby Lodge , and obtained the honour of Prov . S . G . W ., Bro . Woodiwiss ' s services received substantial recognition at head-quarters , the honour of Grand Master Overseer ( Eng . ) being conferred
upon him . The Board of General Purposes next claimed his attention , and for some lime past he has been an active member of that body . He has now been chosen to bear a responsibility greater , in some cases , to any he has previjusly sustained ; but that his ability and tact will enable him to give a good account of himself , no one competent to judge entertains the least
doubt . It may be added that the rest of the old province has been subdivided , and that Lord Euston , not content with the almost continuous demands made upon his time by the duties of Pro Grand Master of England , has consented to preside over the new Provinces of Leicestershire and Northamptonshire . Monday ' s installation ceremony was preceded by an ordinary meeting of the Derb y Mark Lodge , presided over by Bro . William Cooptr .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Freemasonry In Lincolnshire.*
Society , " as to the old Lodge held at the " Bull " in that year , which was situated at " the Fist Side of the Town Hall . " The chief interest centres in the R-cords of the old Lodge , which was constituted in 1730 at the Siracen ' s Head . They begin , as respects tYe Masters' Lodge , in 1734 , and are of the greatest importance in relation to the Third Degree . These extraordinary minutes should be carefully read and
compared with others later on , and I am personally vry pleased that they have thus been printed . The particulars as to Martin Clare , author of the " Defence of Masonry " ( justly celebrated and never surpassed of the kind ) , about whom Bro . Gou'd h s also written ; also Sir Cecil Wray , and many ciV « 1 distinguished Masons , are of special value . The second lodge in -Jncoln was con > -tituted in 1737 . and on the revival of the Society in the
County , the St . Matthew ' s LoHge was formed in 178 7 at Bartnn-upon-Humber , which kept on the Roll until 1 S 51 ; followed by the Prince of Wales' Lodge at G linsbiirough , which was chartered in the same year , the last entry in " its Records being of 1808 . The "Doric" at Grantham was started in 1791 , but was erased seven years later . The Rev . W . Peters was Rector of Woolsthorpe , near this town , and as a most distinguished Mason ,
and also the first Prov . Grand Masterof the Province , doubtless as Bro . Dixon suggests , he well backed up the petition for this new lodge , but his influence was insufficient to keep it active or prosperous for any time . We are now introduced to the inauguration of the Prov . Grand I . odge in 1792 , an interesting account of the origin and character of the office of Provincial Grand Master appropriately commencing these long and important chapters .
i cannot stay to describe the numerous and interesting details , biographies , and tables which are to be found in these 100 pages , dealing as they do with the Provincial Grand Lodge and its rulers for over a century . They cannot fail to make most pleasant and instructive reading for brethren in and out of the province . The " Lodges formed since the establishment of Provincial Grand
Lodge , " commencing with the " Urania , " at Brigg , of 20 th October , 1792 , to that of the " Ermine , " at Lincoln , 21 st January , 1890 , are some 25 in number . There were only two " Ancient" lodges ( the former noted being all " Modems " or post " Union " ) started in Lincolnshire , one at Stamford , in . 180 . 3 , an < ^ ine other at Grimsby a few years later , but neither were prosperous , and died soon after their birth . Histories , more or less exhaustive ,
are ' appended of all these lodges , and then about 50 pages are devoted to the Rev ; Samuel Oliver , and the celebrated Dr . George Oliver , full biographies of these old and esteemed worthies being appended , and a long account of the difficulties between Dr . Oliver and the local and Grand Lodge authorities through his support of Dr . Crucefix , P . G . D .
Royal Arch Masonry in the province has much interested me , especially as it goes back to 178 S , and the old warrant of that year for No . 58 , Barton-upon-Humber , is reproduced . Mark Masonry and Knight Templary are duly noted , and also the Provincial Charities , which are noble monuments and memorials of faithful Craftsmen , who were devoted to the Fraternity , locally and generally .
The numerous statistical tables and other detals of value must be passed over now , so I must rest content with offering my sincere congratulations to Bro , Dixon on the successful completion of his labours , W . j . HUGHAN .
Consecration Of The Ember Lodge, No. 2540, At East Molesey, Surrey.
CONSECRATION OF THE EMBER LODGE , No . 2540 , AT EAST MOLESEY , SURREY .
On Friday , the nth inst ., a new lodge was consecrated at Bro . Mayo ' s The Castle Hotel , Hampton Court Station , which is to bear the name of a tributary discharging itself into the Thames close by . The founders numb-red 19 and are Bros . George Moorman , P . M . 1638 and 1981 , P . P . G . P . Surrey , W . M . designate ; T . H . R . Beck , P . M . 1981 , 2146 , P . P . G . D . Surrey , S . W . designate ; H . Wheatley , P . M . 1512 , P . P . G . D . C .
Middx ., J . W . designate ; H . Woods , P . M . 1309 , P . P . G . S . B . Middx . ; C . Robinson , W . M . 1149 ; J . H . Mayo , W . M . 2222 ; H . J . Brook , J . W , 2473 ; J . T . Mayo , J . W . 2222 ; F . Mills , S . D . 163 S ; J . Mayo , J . D . 1614 ; A . H . Bowers ; C . Wheatley , 1512 and 2473 ; G . Alderton , 1981 ; T . A . Grisenthwaite , 857 ; J . Rothwell , 1981 ; J . J . Knox , 2222 ; A . Bard , 1981 ; W . Goddard , and D . Saines .
Among the visitors were Bros . Col . Gerard Noel Money , P . G . M . Surrey ; F . West , D . P . G . M . Surrey ; Charles Greenwood , P . G . Secretary Surrey ; Langton , P . P . G . W . Surrey ; S . Hewett , P . P . G . S . B . Surrey ; H . Sadler , Grand Tyler ; A . J . Harris , P . P . G . D . C . Surrey ; J . W . Moorman , P . P . A . G . D . C . Surrey ; J . W . Chapman , P . G . P . Surrey ; H . J . Shelley , P . P . A . G . P . Surrey ; Lewis and Burgess , P . G . Stewards Surrey j Dr . Segar ,
P . P . S . G . D . Middx . ; S . Lucas , P . M . 192 ; E . C . Crouch , P . M . 857 ; S . Ellis , W . M . 1981 ; F . Ford , 1901 ; W . G . Ford , 1901 ; W . Squires Codner , 2386 ; F . Swinford , 2024 ; J , Warren , P . M . 134 S j Barry Lindon ; Edgar Bownes , 2424 ; Vernon Lee ; 1288 ; F . Lockett , S . W . 2222 ; C . F . Davis , S . D . 19 81 ; Morris Martwell , 179 ; A . B . Whiteley , 16 : 3 ; R . Grendon Twaite , 857 ; and S . J . Tagg Hemming , 151 .
The lodge was formally opened by the Prov . Grand Master , Bro . Col . Gerard Noel Money , C . B ., assisted by Bro . S . Hewett , P . P . G . S . B ., as S . W ., and Bro . Dr . Segar , P . P . S . G . D . Middx ., as J . W . The Consecrating Officer opened the lodge in the Second and Third
Degrees , and by virtue of his power resumed to the Second Degree , and the opening hymn , " Hail eternal , " was then sung by the brethren . The CONSECRATING OITICER addressed those present in most appropriate and felicitous terms on the nature of the meeting , and the P . G . Chap . offered prayer .
itif brethren of the lodge having been arranged and presented to the P . G . Master , the P . G . Secretary read the warrant dated 5 th December , 1894 , and the petitioners having signified their approval of the officers named in the warrant , the P . G . Cnaplain delivered an oiationon the subject of Freemasonry . The lodge being dedicated and duly constituted ,
The W . M . designate , Bro . G . Moorman , P . P . G . P . Surrey , was presented to the Provincial Grand M aster by Bro . F . West , D . P . G . M . Surrey , and in a most impressive manner he installed him into the cfuir of K . S . as first Master of the Ember Lodge , The W . M . having been duly proclaimed , he appointed and invested his
officers as follows : Bros . T . H . R . Beck , P . P . G . D . Surrey . S . W . ; H . Wheatlev , P . P . G . D . C . Middx ., J . W . ; H . Woods , P . P . G . S . B . Middx . ; acting I . P . M . ; A . H . Bowers , Treas . ; H . J . Brooke . Sec . ; C . Wheately , S . D . ; G . Alderton , J . D . ; F . Mills , I . G . ; J . H . Mayo , D . C . ; and J . Rothwell and T . A . Grisenthwaite , Stwds .
Consecration Of The Ember Lodge, No. 2540, At East Molesey, Surrey.
At the close of the installation ceremony , a vote of thanks was proposed by the W . M . to Bro . Col . G . Noel Money , C . B ., who alluded to the splendid working of the ceremony lhat day , and asked him to accept , in the name of the lodge , a founder's jewel as a mark of their thanks , also to commemorate the occasion , and , further , he asked him to be allowed the honour of making him an honorary member .
The jewel was nf massive gold , and had a bar on the top with the words , " Const cratiue Master ; " beneath this are the emblems of office of P . G . Master ; under this another gold bar and enamel , lettering " Consecrated 18 95 ; " then there is an hand-painted and enamelled view of the old rustic
bridge over the River Ember with the waters rushing beneath , and on a garter around this view are the words " Ember Lodge , No . 2540 , " each of the founders had a similar jewel pinned to their breast as a memento of the event , on each of which there is a small token denoting their respective appointments lhat night .
Bro . Col . MONEY gracefully acknowledged the compliment , and said he felt sure from what he knew of the working and Masonic spirit of the principal officers appointed in the establishment of the lodge , he predicted for it unbounded success .
Honorary membership was conferred upon ' the other Provincial Grand Officers who had assisted in the ceremony . Three propositions were given in for initiation , and two joining members , after which the lodge was closed , and the brethren adjourned to host Mayo ' s banqueting room , where a banquet was well served under the personal superintendence of Bro . J . Mayo .
After the repast the Worshipful Master gave the usual loyal and Masonic toasts in pleasant terms , but with commendable brevity , and which were heartily responded to . Bro . FREDERICK WEST , ] P . G . D . Eng ., responded for " The Grand Ofiicers . "
The toast of "The Prov . Grand Master" met with a most enthusiastic reception , for he , like his Deputy , are most popular throughout the province . The acting I . P . M . proposed "The Health of the Worshipful Mister . " He congratulated him on his appointment , and wished him every happiness during his year of office .
The toast was drunk with acclamation , and Bro . G . MOORMAN , in replying , was most enthusiastically received , he paying a warm tribute of praise to the Masonic experience of his officers , especially to Bros . Beck and Wheatley , his Senior and Junior Wardens , who both have previously been awarded provincial honours by their respective provinces , Surrey and Middlesex , for their labours in the Craft .
" The Visitors " toast having been duly honoured was suitably responded toby Bros . HE-IVETT , BURGESS , LUCAS , and J . W . MOORMAN . The toast of " The Officer : * , " and the Tyler ' s toast ended a most enjoyable evening , and a successful meeting , The pleasures of the evening both at the consecration and at the
banqueting table were greatly enhanced by the musical arrangements , under the direction of Bros . A . H . Bowers , and T . A . Grisenthwaite , ably assisted by Bros . Barry Lindon , Edgar Bownes , Frank Swinford , Victor Oppermann , and Vernon Lee , whose musical renderings were much appreciated and applauded .
Provincial Grand Mark Lodge Of Derbyshire.
PROVINCIAL GRAND MARK LODGE OF DERBYSHIRE .
INSTALLATION OF THE FIRST P . G . MASTER . The gathering which took place on Monday afternoon , the 14 th inst ., at the Masonic Hall , Derby , will not readily be forgotten by those who were privileged to participate in it . Mark Masons came from all paits of the country to testify their interest in the inauguration of the new Province of Derbyshire , and their personal regard and goodwill to its first ruler . The handsome edifice was crowded , and among those present were many brethren whose Masonic zeal and influence are widely known .
The circumstances leading up to the constitution of the Province of Derbyshire are entitled to some notice . Locally speaking , Mark Masonry is an institution of recent growth . Practically , it dates from the establishment of the Derby Lodge ,. some fifteen years ago . It is true that the Duke of Connaught Lodge had then been some time in existence , but it is to ihe remarkable success which attended the movement in the county town that
the recognition of Derbyshire as a prosperous home of the Degree must be attributed . The consecration of the William Kelly Lodgeat Bui ton-on-Trent , the Dove Valley Lodge at Ashbourne , the Ilkeston Lodge , and the St . Martin ' s Lodge at Alfreton , led to a large increase of numerical strength ; indeed , Derbyshire speedily became the most important branch of the United Province to which it was attached . In process of times suggestions were
made as to the ad visibility pf running Derbyshire as a separate province , but the brethren were reluctant to sever their allegiance to so eminent and venerable a chief as Bro . Wm . Kelly , the oldest of Provincial Grand Mark Master- * , it was not until after the decease of this estimable gentleman that decisive steps were taken to split up the old Province of Leicestershire , Northamptonshire , Detbyshire , and Rutland . There was no hesitation 011
the part of the Most Worshipful Grand Master to extend to this county the distinction of a separate province , and when it subsequently transpired that his Royal Highness had appointed as its first P . G . Master a Mason so able , so experienced , and personally so popular as Bro . Abrahim Woodiwiss , it was lelt that the cause in Derbyshire was morally bound to gait in influence and in prosperity . Bro . Woodiwiss , for many years , has worked unceasingly
to promote the general interests of the Masonic body , but his intimate friends have not failed to perceive that forthe Mark Degree he has always exhibited a particular fondness . Having served neaily all the offices and passed through the chair of the Derby Lodge , and obtained the honour of Prov . S . G . W ., Bro . Woodiwiss ' s services received substantial recognition at head-quarters , the honour of Grand Master Overseer ( Eng . ) being conferred
upon him . The Board of General Purposes next claimed his attention , and for some lime past he has been an active member of that body . He has now been chosen to bear a responsibility greater , in some cases , to any he has previjusly sustained ; but that his ability and tact will enable him to give a good account of himself , no one competent to judge entertains the least
doubt . It may be added that the rest of the old province has been subdivided , and that Lord Euston , not content with the almost continuous demands made upon his time by the duties of Pro Grand Master of England , has consented to preside over the new Provinces of Leicestershire and Northamptonshire . Monday ' s installation ceremony was preceded by an ordinary meeting of the Derb y Mark Lodge , presided over by Bro . William Cooptr .