Provincial Grand Lodge Of West Lancashire.

PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF WEST LANCASHIRE .

RESTORATION AND RE-OPENING OF ST . MARY'S CHURCH , RUFFORD . On Tuesday , the nth instant , the restoration of the ancient church of St . Mary , at Rufford , near Ormskirlc , having been completed , was celebrated by a double occurrence—the first being the official recognition of the happy event by the Provincial Grand Lodge of West Lancashire , and the other the celebration of Divine

service in an elegant and most impressive manner . The Hesketh family , being so intimately connected with Rufford and the neighbourhood , naturally have taken a leading share in the complete restoration ofthe old church , which was erected over 500 years ago on the spot now occupied by the new edifice . Sir Thomas Fermor-Hcsketh , the present baronet , is also the revered Grand Master

of the Province of West Lancashire ; and desiring to associate his brethren with him in the good and p ious work in which he and his family and neighbours have been engaged , he convened a meeting of his Provincial Grand Lodge at the Old Hall , close to the church , for the said morning at ten o ' clock . Accordingly at that time the following , amongst other brethren , responded

to the invitation : —Bros . S . P . Brabncr , S . G . W . ; the Rev . H . G . Vernon , M . A ., P . G . C . ; J . Hamer , P . G . S . ; T . Wylie . P . G . Registrar ; H . S . Alpass , P . G . Sec . ; A . C . Mott , P . S . G . D . ; R . Wylie , P . G . D . C . ; T . Marsh , P . G . A . D . C ; J . Skeaf , P . G . Organist ; William Laidlaw , P . G . P . ; Peter Ball , P . G . T . ; W . II . Ball , P . G . A . T .: James Pickering , P . G . S . ; S . E . Ibbs ,

P . G . S . ; T . Armstrong , P . G . P . J . D . ; J . Molineux , P . P . G . O . ; C . Sherlock , P . P . G . R . ; William Todd , S . W ., 613 ; Whitehead W . Naylor , S . D ., 314 ; W . Barr , 673 ; T . Reed , 397 ; J . Thornton , P . M ., 1182 ; T . Jackson , J . W ., 580 ; J . J . Myres , jun ., 314 ; J . Hocken , W . M ., 673 ; J . Banting , P . M ., 673 ; H . Wilson , J . W ., 673 ; James Piatt , P . M ., 613 ; E . Iddon ,

613 , James Garratt , S . W ., 594 ; James Dodson , 966 ; John Dodson , I . G ., 1032 ; J . Price , 249 ; S . Whittaker , 823 ; J . A . Forrest , 823 ; G . Owen , P . M ., 786 ; H . E . Cullingworth , J . D ., 613 ; T . Sergeant , J . \ V ., 594 ; E . Shaw , S . W ., 680 ; John Topham , W . M ., 1070 ; Edward Harbord , W . M ., 477 ; J . D . Porter , 986 ; J . Righy , S . W ., 1070 ; J . F . Young , 580 ; W . Blacklnirst ,

J . W ., 1070 ; Thomas Mercer , 241 ; H . Catterall , S . D ., 986 ; J . Sharpe , P . M ., 292 ; James Pelham , jun ., S . W ., 292 ; William Ascroft , 986 ; William Doyle , P . M ., 667 ; J . D . McLaren , 249 ; J . Glover , 845 ; J . D . Macbeth , 220 ; R . II . D . Johnson , P . M ., 1094 ; E . Fane , 594 ; William Smith , 580 ; J . Goodman , 823 : II . Burrows , 673 ; J . Robinson , 667 ; S , Bengott ,

J . W ., 986 ; J . T . Ascroft , 986 ; F . Islam , J . G ., 986 ; J . Wright P . M ., 241 ; R . Heywood , 594 ; J . Campbell , W . M ., 9 S 6 ; P . Hosbe , 249 ; E . Morgan , 495 ; J . G . Hartley , 594 ; J . Madras , J . D ., 986 ; R . Reltariln , 1094 ; D . W . Winstanley , S . D ., 1094 ; E . C . Cooper , W . M ., 484 ; William Gates , S . W ., 484 ; J . Pemberton , S . W .,

1264 ; D . Jones , W . M ., 32 ; J . E . James , 1264 ; J . Lloyd , 249 ; Pascroft , S . D ., 986 ; J ames Henson , 249 ; J . Wood , Treas ., 1094 ; Lewis Nose , 594 ; S . Cookson , S . W ., 1182 ; P . Thorn , J . W ., 1182 ; T . Hughes , 216 ; C . Haswell , 203 ; William Brown , 1182 ; T . Hobkirk , 986 ; M . Fieans , P . M ., 155 ; D . Jones ; E . Budge , 986 ; W . Crawford , 594 ; and R . Danson , J . D ., 1094 .

A Craft Lodge in the three degrees having been opened , the P . G . M . and his Officers entered tlie lodge and Provincial Grand Lodge was opened in due form . Some formal business having been transacted , the brethren formed in procession as follows , and marched , preceded by the clergy and choristers in surplices , to the church : —

Choristers . Clergymen . Two Tylers-Steward . Steward . Brethren not subscribing members of any Lodge—two and two . Brethren of the various Lodges ; juniors going first—two and two .

Prov . G . Pursuivant . Past Prov . G . Organists . Prov , G . Organist . Prov . G . Assistant Director of Ceremonies . Prov . G . Director of Ceremonies . Prov . G . Superintendent of Works . Past Trov . G . Sword-bearers . Past Prov . G . Deacons .

Prov . G . Secretary . Past Prov . G . Registrars . Prov . G . Registrar . Prov . G . Treasurer . Past Prov . G . Wardens . Visiting Prov . G . Officers . . Prov . G . Junior Warden . Prov . G . Senior Warden / Prov . G . Junior Deacon .

Steward . Prov . G . Chaplain . Steward . Deputy Prov . G . Master . Standard Bearer . Prov . G . Sword Bearer . R . W . Prov . G . Master . Prov . G . Senior Deacon .

Steward . Steward , Prov . G . Tyler . On arriving at the church door the brethren halted and opened to the right and left , facing inwards , so as to leave room for the Prov . G . Master , preceded by his standard-bearer and sword-bearer , to pass up the centre into the church , the Prov . G . Officers and brethren following in succession from the rear ; reversing the procession . We may here give a description of the church , an edifice

Provincial Grand Lodge Of West Lancashire.

which reflects the greatest credit on the taste and ability of Bro . Danson and his partner , Mr . Davis , of Liverpool , the architects : —The new church consists of an unusually spacious nave , 60 feet long and 23 feet broad , the desire of the architects being to group the congregation principally in the centre of the church , so that as few of them as possible might be inconvenienced by the pillars of the

arcades , which divide the nave from the aisles . These arcades consist of moulded arches resting on columns of Mansfield stone , with carved caps and moulded bases . The caps are admirably carved , on them , intermixed with conventional foilage , being introduced various symbolical and scriptural subjects . One represents the sower sowing the seed and the birds of the air ready to pluck it up , another

the emblems ofthe four evangelists , another the "Agnus Dei , " and another angels with outspread wings . Above the nave arcade is the clerestory , pierced with deeply recessed trefoil-headed windows , and the whole surmounted by an open timber roof , gabled with principals resting on moulded stone corbels . The aisles , which are unusually narrow , have open beam to roofs on principals ; the walls

are pierced with deeply recessed lancet-headed windows , alternately single and coupled . The chancel opens into the nave through a loft arch , the inner of which is moulded and carried on corbels with carved caps . It is divided into two parts—choir and sanctuary ; the former is raised two steps above the level of the nave , and is furnished with desks and seats for choristers and clergy ; the latter

is raised two additional steps , and has a railing supported on iron standards with scroll work , which will be decorated in gold and colours . The altar is raised on a footpace of stone richly tiled ; behind it is a splendid reredos of alabaster - and marble , and above it the cast window of three lights filled with stained glass . The reredos ( which was presented by Sir Thomas Fermor-Hcsketh , M . P .,

consists of a boldly moulded trefoil-headed arch of alabaster on red marble pilasters , with carved caps and moulded bases of alabaster , above which is a gable ornamented with dog-tooth moulding . The arch encircles or incloses a bold Calvary cross of white marble , resting on an alabaster base , supported on steps of red and green marble , the red one being inlaid with green and the green with

red . The arms of the cross are marked by circular pieces of red marble inlaid , and the centre is similarly treated , but has also a circle of marble inlaid with pure white alabaster , inclosing inlay of red and green marble ; under the arms of the cross are two ' medallions of white alabaster , representing respectively the " Agnus Dei " and the " Pelican , in her piety , feeding her young with her own

blood . " The altar table ( designed by architects , and presented by Sir La % vrence Palk , M . P . ) , is principally composed of cedar ; the top has the five crosses cut on it ; the front is divided into five compartments by ebony columns with moulded bands and carved , and moulded caps and bases ; the caps are ornamented with the instruments of our Lord's passion ; each compartment has a moulded

panel in the form of a vesica , filled in with a cross of inlaid woods . Above the altar is a canopy , decorated in gold and colours , from a sketch by the architects , and contains monograms of our Lord and the patron saint , and the emblem of the blessed Sacrament . The whole of the chancel is richly tiled with Minton's tiles , arranged in patterns so as to be richer in effect as they are nearer the

altar . The lectern is of brass , and was presented by Mr . Wm . Naylor , of Preston . The pulpit ( presented by Le Gcndrc Nicholas Starkie , Esq ., patron ) is placed at the north-cast angle of the nave , is supported on three red marble columns with moulded bases and carved caps ; it is in plan a half octagon , the angles having black moulded columns with carved caps and moulded bands and bases ,

resting on a moulded impost , and supporting a bold cornice on each side ; the octagon has a moulded vesica-shaped panel with a red cross , inlaid at the centre and corners with white alabaster on a green ground . The main body of the pulp it is of Caen stone ; it is approached by four steps , and provided with an open brass desk . The body of the church is fitted with pilch pine open

benches , of plain but bold design , the floor under them being boarded , while the passages are tiled with red , blue , and buff tiles , arranged in patterns by the architects . Externally , the chinch , as seen from the village , presents to the view a gable enclosing a three-light window wilh traceried head , a two-light traceried one on cither side , a projecting gabled porch in the centre , the sill ofthe

threelight being kept above the ridge of the porch , which has a very novel and spirited effect ; and the whole is surmounted by a stone cross . On the south side is the aisle , with a lean-to roof and a two-light traceried window ; and on the north side the lower and spire , which is between 80 and 90 feet hig h . On the ground floor of the tower is an arched and moulded doorway , with Mansfield stone

columns and carved caps and moulded bases . Some 10 or 12 feel above the top of this will be fixed a clock , in memory of lhe laic Sir Thomas D . Hcskelh , Bart ., the gift of Lady Hcskelh ; and above this are very bold twolight belfry windows with columns , with cap and bases , the heads being pierced with rjuatrefoils ami enclosed in labels . Each side ofthe tower is gabled above this , ami

is finished with ornamental terminals and light iron crosses . The springing of these four gables is also the springing of the spire—a novel treatment , and one wc do not remember to have seen before , but one that gives a continental appearance to this part of the church . The general style is geometric Gothic , or middle pointed , and the materials used are red Rutford bricks , with black bricks introduced as bands and in arches , with Scarisbrick stone for dressings ,

window tracery , & c . It was built by Messrs . Sale and Hunt , ofSouthport , from the designs and under the superintendence of Messrs . Danson and Davies , architects , Dalc-streel , Liverpool , who also designed the pulpit , altar-table , and reredos . Both the external aud internal effects of this church arc very good , though it is easy to sec the greater degree of study that has been bestowed on the interior . Considering ils small cost , it may fairly be considered a marvel of economy .

Provincial Grand Lodge Of West Lancashire.

The acoustic properties of the building are all that can be desired . The pulpit , reredos , and carving have been executed by Mr . Rogerson , Renshaw-street , Liverpool , from designs by the architects . The stained glass windows which are six in number , were supplied by Bro . Jas . A . Forrest , of Liverpool , and have been much admired . The subjects represented in the

great east window are , The Annunciation , The Last Supper , The Entombment , and The Ascension . The memorial windows contain representations respectively of The Worship of the Magi , The Good Samaritan , Clothing the Naked , Feeding the Poor , The Call of Nathaniel , and The Good Shepherd . Between thirty and forty clergymen attended at the

opening service , and amongst those present were , Bro . the Rev . H . G . Vernon , M . A ., P . P . G . C . ; the Ven . Archdeacon Durnfbrd , of Manchester ; Revds . J . F . Goggin , rector of Rufford ; M . Fletcher , J . Sparling , W . Wamiop , P . S . O'Brien , R . Wilde , R . O'Brien , R . Martin , J . Astbury , O . F . Clinton , — Williams , H . Postance , C . Newbold , J . Taylor , J . L . Burke , W . L . Seymour , —

Crawshaw , — Scholfield , — Griffiths , — Simmonds , and — Jellicoe . There was full choral service , the principal voices being Bros . Haswell , D . Jones , P . M . ; T . J . Hughes , Lodge 216 ; T . Armstrong , P . P . J . D ., assisted by the boys of the choir of St . Nicholas' Church , Liverpool . The "Te Deum" was Young ' s in G , the * 'Bcnedictus" was sung

to a Gregorian chant , the anthem was "Behold how good and joyful" ( C . -Whitfield ) , and the "Kyrie" was of Mendelssohn ' s setting . Bro . Joseph Skeaf , P . G . Org ., presided with his usual ability at the organ , which is a temporary instrument in pine case , containing seven stops , erected by Messrs . Rushworth and Sons , Islington , Liverpool . As a whole , the choral service was rendered with true

devotional spirit , the anthem especially being given with impressive effect . The congregation which was a crowded one—in fact , many persons were unable to gain admittance—listened with great earnestness to a sermon preached by the Ven . Archdeacon Durnford , of Manchester , from 1 st Chronicles , xxi . chap ., 23 rd and following verses . The Ven . Archdeacon , who preached in his surplice and hood ,

strongly advocated the free and open church system , choral music , and ample , but not inappropriate or excessive , church decoration . He also congratulated the congregation that , thanks to the spirit and liberality of the owners and tillers of the soil in the township , it was

unnecessary to ask them on that occasion to contribute towards the expenses of the undertaking ; and , finally , he warmly eulogised the architects for their skill in designing , and the workmen for erecting , a house worthy to be called a temple and abode of the Living God . At the conclusion of the service the Masonic brethren

returned to the Old Hall , where the Provincial Grand Lodge was closed ; and at two o'clock they sat down to a liberal and substantial luncheon , provided for them by Sir Thomas Hesketh , Bart ., at the Hesketh Arms , and presided over by Bro . II . S . Alpass , P . G . Secretary . "The Queen and the Craft , " having been honoured , as Freemasons well know how to honour the head ofthe nation ,

the Chairman gave , " Bro . the Prince of Wales , the Princess of Wales , and the rest of the Royal Family , " and then the " Health of lhe Earl of Zetland , M . W . G . M . of England , " remarking that great thanks were due to his lordshp , for the twenty-five years of unremitting zeal that he had displayed in the cause of Masonry . ( The toast was cordially received . )

The ClMlK . MA . v in giving "The health of the R . W . the P . G . M . of West Lancashire , Bro . Sir T . G . Fermor-Hcsketh , Bail ., M . P ., and thanks to him for his liberal entertainment , " said that was Bro . Hcskcth ' s birthday , and he was sure they would all wish him " Many happy returns of the day . " ( Applause . ) Everyone who had had the pleasure of being in the society of Sir Thomas ,

well knew his kindness and affability . ( Hear , hear . ) He was at all times anxious to do everything he could for the welfare and advancement of the Craft , to which he had been from time to time of great service . ( Hear , hear . ) Sir Thomas ruled his province with a firm but a kind hand , the way iu which the brethren should be ruled ; but he ( Bro . Alpass ) was glad to say that oflate years the Craft in the province had called for very little exercise of his

powers . The toast was received with enthusiasm , and after the health of Bro . Alpass had been duly honoured , the brethren rose to return to their respective homes .

DR . LEE , the late Bishop of Manchester , has bequeathed his extensive library to the trustees of Owen's College . The library is unusually rich in valuable editions of the Holy Scriptures . BREAKFAST . — EVPS ' S COCOA . — Grateful and Comforting . —The very agreeable character of this preparation has rendered it a general favourite . The Civil Sei-i ' ce Gazette remarks : " By a thorough knowledge of

the natural laws which govern the operations of digestion and nutrition , and by a careful application of lhe fine properties of well-selected cocoa , Mr . Epps has provided our breakfast tables with a delicately-flavoured beverage which may save us many heavy doctor ' s bills . " Made simply with boiling water or milk . Sold only in tin-lined packets , labelled ' J . VMi ' . s Errs & Co ., Homoeopathic Chemists , Loudon . —[ Advt . ]

The New Vade Mecum ( invented and manufactured by Charles II . Vincent , optician , of 23 , Windsorstreet , Liverpool ) cousins of a telescope well adapted for tourists , & c , to which is added an excellent microscope of great power and first-class definition , rjnilc equal to others

sold at ten times the price . Wonderful as it may seem , the price of this ingenious combination is only 3 s . Cd ., and Mr . Vincent sends it ( carriage free ) anywhere , with printed directions , upon receipt of post-office order or stamps lo the amount of 3 s . lod . —[ Advt . ]