The Consecration Of The Huguenot Lodge, No. 2140.

The bulk of them sought refuge in England , and a most valuable accession they proved to our community . They brought with them their religion , their love of toleration , their industry , and what wealth thev could carry away with them . Their descendants have preserved many of the national characteristics , and have always been held , as they deserved , in the hig hest respect by their adopted fellow-countrymen . Thus the Huguenots

are the embodiment of the most complete system of tolerance in religion , and that is one of the features belonging to our system of Freemasonry . There is yet another , but subordinate , reason which occurs to us . The famous Freemason , Dr . Desaguliers , was the son of a Huguenot refugee , who sought a home in this country after the year 1805 , and the part he p layed in the establishment of our Freemasonry in its modern character is too well known to need that we should do more than refer to it .

But our Huguenot friends will no doubt quote the old proverb about its being " Better late than never . " It is of comparatively little consequence , they will urge , that a special lodge has not heretofore been organised for them . There might , and for the reasons just stated , ought to have had one before ; but the point with them now is that they have at length obtained the sanction of the Grand Master to establish a " Huguenot Lodge , " and

this lodge was consecrated , as we mentioned last week , on Monday , the loth inst ., under the most encouraging circumstances , at the Criterion , Piccadilly , the ceremony being most ably carried out by Bro . F . A . Philbrick , O . C ., Grand Registrar , assisted by Bros . Sir John B . Monckton , P . G . VV ? , as S . W . ; Ralph Clutton , G . J . D ., as J . W . ; the Rev . J . S . Brownrigg , P . G . C , as Chaplain ; and Frank Richardson , P . G . D ., as D . C ; and Edgar Bowyer , P . G . Std . Br ., as I . G .

A more capable body of officers could not have been brought together for such a purpose , and it is needless to say that everything was done that could possibly lend dignity and solemnity to the occasion . On Bro . the Rev . J . S . Brownrigg , as Chaplain , devolved the duty of delivering the customary oration , and this he did most learnedly , as will be gathered from the following exposition in e . xtenso : —

Brethren , —The task you have imposed upon me to-night is honourable , but it is difficult ; honourable , because I am speaking to men of eminence in the Craft who have requested mc to assist in the formation of a new and important lodge ; difficult , because the name of that lodge recalls to our minds many things , of which it is hard to speali without treading upon the forbidden ground of party politics . Still I attempt the work , hopeful that I may say nothing that will offend . When we reflect that 200 years ago your ancestors came to our shores , " French strangers , " seeking an asylum , and that

now as we look around we see in you fellow-countrymen , one with us in all things—wc are led to ask , " How came this to pass ? Why did we receive you with so much sympathy : How is it that you are now so thoroughly identified with the English nation—that you are indeed part of ourselves ? " I will endeavour to answer both these questions . When you came to us , asking for shelter and for protection , wc did not stop to inquire whether your Faith was identical with our own . We knew that it was not . We knew that in many points your religious belief differed from ours ; but we felt this—that you

were contending for a principle that was dear to every Englishman's heart—I mean toleration . Coercion and breach of faith have never found favour in our country . The solemn concordat under which you had for many years lived in comparative peace , was being ignored by France . The attempt was being made by undue means to force you to accept a religious system other than your own . It was not for us to sit in judgment either on your religion or on that of your opponents , but the same principle which many years before had made us , in Magna Charta , insist upon the freedom of our own church ,

led us to feel that the liberty we had won for ourselves we sought to help others to secure . Thank God this has ever been the principle of English citizens . When any one seeks refuge under our flag we ask not whether he gets his faith from Rome or Geneva , from Constantinople or Canterbury , but simply whether he will be an honest , loyal , and industrious citizen . This is all we asked of you ; and we have never regretted the permission we gave you to sojourn amongst us . And so I come to my second question . What has made you no longer " strangers , "

but our fellow-countrymen ? The answer is plain . You have not abused our hospitality . Content to be allowed freedom to your own Faith , you have not attacked ours . Your enemies said that you were actively aggressive , and that you were attacking unduly the Faith of others . We have not found this to be the case . The English Church stands to-day uninjured by Huguenot refugee . Neither of us sought to disguise the fact that on many points there was a difference . We did not ask you to conform to doctrines which we held to be of the first importance , and you with an honourable gratitude

abstained from controversy . Indeed , I think that many of your people have been drawn to us . As you lived amongst us and married into our families , the English Church won , by love and sympathy , souls who would never have been gained by harshness and persecution , and to-day , many a staunch and distinct member of our English Church has Huguenot blood in his veins . But there is another tie which binds us . For years we have been brethren in arms for the defence of a Common Empire . Wherever English armies have gone , or English

fleets have sailed , the Huguenot and the Englishman have fought side by side . You helped us to reconquer Ireland , when , very shortly after your arrival amongst us , the integrity of the Empire was threatened ; you stood by our sides in the Peninsula and at Waterloo—in the Crimean War and in the Indian Mutiny Huguenots and Englishmen have together shed lustre on the English flag . Our interests have become yours . Our honour you have made your own . In England's hour of need you have never stood aside mindful only of your own welfare , and we are proud to share with you our sorrows

and our joys . And , further , you have been useful to us . Englishmen are said to be a nation of shopkeepers . I am proud , as an Englishman , to be so designated , because to excel in trade implies the giving of the best possible value for money received . That Englishmen have been able to do this is due in no smalldegree to Huguenot skill and enterprise . At a very importantperiodin the history of commerce , when many nationswere competing for supremacy in commerce , you brought into our country what we wanted , skilled workmen . In two branches of trade you specially helped us ; and , I believe , the

undisputed fact that England stands easily first in the goldsmiths and weavers' art , is due in no small measure to your handicraft . Rightly then do I say that you have earned the right to be no longer strangers to whom we grant an asylum , but brother citizens of the first empire of the world . Let us gather then , in conclusion , this lesson . Difference of opinion in religion and politics need be no bar to brotherly intercourse . We

are right each of us to contend for our Faith . Religious conviction to be worth anything must be strong . It is cowardly to buy peace by the sacrifice of principle . But let us ever grant to others the liberty we claim for ourselves , and let us ever remember that by mutual toleration that want of harmony , which in our present imperfect condition mars the beauty of God's fair universe , may be softened until He shall see fit to bring us all to One Fold under One Shepherd , when all discord will be gone for ever .

The work of constituting the lodge having been carried to its conclusion , the W . M . designate , our venerable Bro . R . Herve Giraud , P . G . D ., was installed in office , and in due course appointed and invested his officers for the year , the Wardens designated in the charter of constitution being Bros . Charles J . Shoppee , S . VV ., and Arthur Giraud Browning . J . W . The other officers are Bros . Major George Lambert , F . S . A ., P . G . Swd . Br ., acting P . M . ; Gerald A . Shoppee , Sec ; Reginald St . A . Roumieu , D . C . ; Thomas Archer , I . G . ; Win . Grellier , Stwd . ; and R . Hovenden , Treasurer .

The Consecrating Officers then received a vote of thanks for their services , accompanied by the compliment of honorary membership , and the remaining business having been disposed of , lodge was closed , and the banquet , under the presidency of Bro . li . Giraud , W . M ., followed .

The Consecration Of The Huguenot Lodge, No. 2140.

On the removal of the cloth the usual toasts proper to such an occasion were honoured , and the brethren . separated after a most enjoyable evening . The following were among" the brethren present at the ceremony , viz .: — Bros . Col . Shadwell H . Clerke , G . Secretary ; Thomas Fenn , Pres . B . G . P . ; R . L . Hallowes , S . W . 33 ; John S . Peirce , P . G . D . ; W . G . Lemon , P . M . 165 , 1601 ; Edgar Bowyer , P . G . Std . Br . ; Hastings Miller , P . P . G . W . Middx ., P . M . 1964 ; G . A . Potter

VV . M . 1964 ; VV . H . Newson , Old Concord Lodge ; V . C . Deiport , 1223 ; R . Powell , 19 S Thomas W . Traill , W . M . 33 ; John Charles , P . M . 19 ; VV . M . Bywater , P . M . 19 ; George Drysdale , P . M . 46 ; John Read , P . M . 720 ; H . O . Yeatman , 1159 ; Charles Barry , W . M . 197 ; T . Burne , W . M . 162 ; James Ricks , P . M . 33 ; Edward H . Burnell , P . M . 197 ; Charles Mansfield , P . M . 21 ; T . H . Felton , Frank Taylor , W . M . 1260 ; 1 . Robbins , P . M . 231 ; J . T . Rowe , P . M . 19 S ; Arthur C . Tanqueray , Sydney Pitt , 1537 ; George Kenning , P . M ., P . G . D . Middx . ; W . B . Heath , P . Prov . G . S . W . Herts ; T . Dunbar , S . P . 92 ; Rev . S . T . Frost , 27 ( U . S . A . ); O .

Hansard , 197 , 77 S ; W . H . Stanger , P . M . 197 ; H . Dumas , Ssg ; F . H . Cozens , 907 ; J . T . Hutchinson , 1765 ; E . H . Taylor , 5 S 6 , P . P . G . O . ; B . Suntry , ig ; F . W . Lee , J . W . igS ; A . Garrard , P . M . 1587 ; A . C . Wilks , 1964 ; R . W . Williams , J . D . 19 S ; J . Davit , P . M . 33 ; A . Lester , 1509 ; Wm . Cromlees , 3 S 2 ; C . H . Shoppee , P . M . 162 ; A . W . Seihham , I . G . 162 ; J . W . Gray , H . E . Dehane , P . M . 1543 , P . P . G . S . D . Essex ; F . E . W . Collard , P . M . 19 ; G . Coop , P . M . 141 ; J . Terry , H . J . Dumas , C . Lambert , 19 S ; Rev . G . W . Weldon , W . M . 104 , P . M . ; H . C . Lambert , P . M . 19 S , 504 , S . W . 2021 ; J . S . Cumberland , W . M . 212 S ; Webster Glynes , P . M . 29 , P . G . S . ; H . Sadler , Grand Tyler ; F . Orchard , P . M . 19 S ; J . Truman Tanqueray , P . M . 1965 .

Provincial Grand Royal Arch Chapter Of Northumberland.

PROVINCIAL GRAND ROYAL ARCH CHAPTER OF NORTHUMBERLAND .

The Annual Convocation of the Provincial Grand Chapter of Northumberland was held on the 4 th inst ., in the Freemasons' Hall , New Graingerstreet , Newcastle , under the presidency of the Provincial Grand Superintendent , Comp . Colonel Potter , C . B . There was a large attendance from the several chapters in the province .

The congratulations of the Provincial Grand Chapter were expressed by the Provincial Grand Superintendent to Comp . E . D . Davis , on his appointment as a Grand Standard Bearer in the Grand Lodge of England , and it was intimated that he would be appointed that day as Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies in the Grand Chapter of England . The appointment and investiture of officers for the ensuing year afterwards took place .

Provincial Grand Chapter Of West Yorkshire.

PROVINCIAL GRAND CHAPTER OF WEST YORKSHIRE .

On Monday , the 10 th inst ., the annual meeting of the Provincial Grand Chapter of West Yorkshire was held at Barnsley , under the banner of the Friendl y Chapter , No . 1513 . The meeting was held in the King ' s Head Hotel , and was very well attended , representatives being present from chapters 61 , 139 , 154 , 20 S , 242 , 25 S , 264 , 265 , 275 , 2 S 9 , 290 , 296 , 302 , 304 , 306 , 3 « 7 » 3 ° S , 3 S 0 , 3 S 7 . 44 S , 453 . 495 . 521 , 600 , 603 , 652 , 750 , 827 , S 37 , 1019 ,

1042 , 1283 , 1402 , and 1513 . ihe friendly Chapter was opened at 3 . 45 p . m . by Comps . W . R . Massie , Z . ; S . C . Alderson , H . ; and R . Carter , J . Provincial Grand Chapter being announced , and having entered , the Prov . Grand Superintendent , Comp . T . W . Tew , was saluted in due and ancient form . The following companions acted as officers of the Provincial Grand Chapter : —

Comps . C . L . Mason , P . Z . 304 , P ., as P . G . H . ; William Gaukroger , P . Z . Cu , P . G . J . ; Henry Smith , P . Z . 302 , P . G . S . E . ; Joseph Mitchell , P . Z . 1513 , P . G . S . N . ; William Frederick Tomlinson , P . Z . 304 , P . G . P . Soj . ; Alfred Austin , P . Z . 306 , P . G . 1 st A . S . ; J . W . Monckman , P . Z . Coo , P ., as P . G . 2 nd A . S . ; George Marshall , P . Z . 521 , P . G . Treasurer ; John E . Craven , P . Z . 30 S , P . G . Reg . ; Thomas Denby , P . Z . 3 S 7 , P . G . Swd . Br . ; Edmund Lord , P . Z . 495 , as P . G . Std . Br . ; Edward Poppleton , P . Z . S 27 , P . G . D . of C . ; C . W . Fincken , Org . 1513 , as P . G . Org . ; Henry William Pawson , P . Z . 296 , W . T . Beanland , P . Z . 14 G 2 , C . Tait Rhodes , P . Z . 448 , and Wm . Delanoy , P . Z . 242 , P . G . Stwds . ; and Theodore Rogers , Janitor 1513 , as P . G . Janitor .

Provincial Grand Chapter being opened , the Prov . G . Superintendent then addressed the companions . The business of the Provincial Grand Chapter was then proceeded with , and the Provincial Grand Officers for the year appointed and invested as follows :

Comp . Rev . VV . Collings Lukis , M . A ., P . Z . S 37 ... Prov . G . H . „ Rev . Thos . Cartwright Smyth , D . D ., P . Z . 1042 Prov . G . J . „ Henry Smith , P . Z . 302 ... ... ... Prov . G . S . E . „ H . W . Pawson , P . Z . 296 ... ... Prov . G . S . N . „ J . VV . Fourness , P . Z . 28 9 ( elected ) ... ,.. Prov . G . Treas . „ J . Heaton Cadman , P . Z . 154 ... ... Prov . G . Reg .

' „ Charles Crabtree , P . Z . 600 ... ... Prov . G . P . S . „ C Tait Rhodes , P . Z . 448 ... ... Prov . G . 1 st A . S . „ VV . T . Beanland , P . Z . 1462 ... ... Prov . G . 2 nd A . S . „ John W . Turner , P . Z . 521 ... ... Prov . G . Swd . Br . „ Arthur A Stott , P . Z . 258 ... ... Prov . G . Std . Br . „ Wm . Delanoy , P . Z . 242 ... .. ; Prov . G . D . C . „ Edmund Lord , P . Z . 495 ... ... Prov . G . A . D . C .

„ C . VV . Fincken , Org . 1513 ... ... Prov . G . Org . „ Herbert G . E . Green , Z . 1019 ... ... Prov . G . A . S . E . ,, James Kay , P . Z . 275 ... ... ...- \ ,, Dr . Robert Thomas , P . Z . 139 ... ... ( r > ^ c- , „ Thomas R . Vause , P . Z . 208 ... ^ Prov . G . Stwds . „ Wm . Watson , P . Z . 304 ... ... ... J „ Joshua Lee , P . Z . 290 ... ... Prov . G . Janitor .

The following resolution was then proposed by the PROV . G . SUPERINTENDENT , and carried unanimously : — " That this Grand Chapter desires to record on its minutes its sense of the great loss it has sustained by the death of its beloved and lamented Comp . Colonel Sir Henry Edwards , Bart ., C . B ., Grand Superintendent of this province from 1878 to 18 S 4 ; also

to record its sympathy and condolence with Lady Edwards and the members of her family . " Provincial Grand Chapter was shortly afterwards closed . The visiting companions were afterwards entertained by the companions of F ' riendly Chapter , No . 1513 .