Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Consecration Of The Furnival Lodge, No. 2558, At Sheffield.
Charles Stokes , P . M ., and sundry other brethren of Lodge 1239 , taking counsel with members of other "Sheffield lodges , at last decided to take steps with a view of obtaining a warrant for a new lodge in order to remedy their presentcongesled condition . The encouragement and support which was given them by the Sheffield lodges , without a single exception , justified their p roceedings , and with the usual Sheffield energy and perseverance they
pressed on , until on Friday last they attained their end . Many " searchings of heart , " and much discussion took place before a definite name could be determined upon . On the subject of lodge names we may have something to say in a future issue . Sheffield , or rather the Wentworth brethren concerned in the promotion of this lodge , determined that their new enterprise should not b > launched with a
meaningless name , but that it should have one if possible associated with the old town of Sheffield , and not only associated , but worthily and honourably so connected . After long consideration , they fixed upon Furnival as the title by which the lodge should be known , and in our opinion no more suitable or appropriate designation for a lodge in Sheffield could be found . Thc de Furnivals , as lords of Hallamshire , as will be seen by the speech of the
Provincial Grand Master later , were a family to whom the inhabitants of the cutlers' town owed privileges—privileges , let it be understood , which the barons of old were not too eager to concede ; and that this family should , out of pure beneficence so act , especially considering the lawless times in which they lived , was surely ground good and suffiicient for the Freemasons adopting their name , and by doing so , worthily preserving the recognition of the kindly acts of their lords in the long distant past .
These preliminaries being finally settled , the application for a warrant was made . It contained , together with the founders , no less than 2 S signatures , amongst whom were the present W . M . of the Wentworth Lodge , 12 VJ . Bro . M . J . Dodworth , with his Wardens and several Past Masters , as well as brethren from four or five other lodges in Sheffield . The founders are Bros . Charles Stokes , P . M ., the first W . M . of the lodge ; G . H .
Hutchinson , S . W ., the Rev . Geo . Ford , M . A ., J . W ., Albert Davison Treas ., Claude Barker , Sec , Walter Fearnclough , S . l ) ., R . I ' Fisher , J . D ., Waller Sissons , D . ol C , and Horace Cawood , I . G ., all of 12 * 9 The Prov . Grand Master fixed Friday , the 14 th inst ., for the consecration , and on that day , with a large number of his Provincial Grand Officers , attended for that purpose . Among those present were
Bros . Henry Smith , Dep . Prov . G . Master ; Charles Letch Mason , P . M . 304 , I'rov . S . G . W . ; Ensor Drury , P . M . 296 , as I ' rov . J . G . W . ; Rev . W . Wilkinson , P . M ., I'rov . G . Chap . ; Major George Bolton , P . M . 1 -54 , I ' rov . G . Treas . ; W . H . Stacey , P . M . 206 , I'rov . G . Reg . ; Herbert G . E . Green , P . M . 1019 , I ' rov . G . Sec . ; Walter Dyson , P . M . 2261 , and Herbert Nixon , P . M . 1239 , I ' rov . G . Deacons ; Willi . * iiii Dickie , P . M . 904 , I ' rov . G . S . of W . ; W . Dawson , P . M . 521 , as I'rov . G . D . CTate
W . M . , P . M . 306 , Prov . G . Std . Br . ; Joseph Matthewman , P . M . 1019 , I'rov . Asst . G . Sec .: J . E . Darling , P . M ., as I ' rov . G . S . B . ; H . H . Bedford , P . M . 1 59 , James Sugden , P . M . 1301 , W . R . Hillings , PM .. 600 , and J . P . Hewitt , P . M . 12 * 19 , Prov . G . Stewards ; and Thomas Leighton , Prov . G . Tyler . In addition to these , in all numbering about 120 , were the following brethren from Sheffield and other lodges : Bros . E . Dickenson , P . M ., A . B . GainsboroW . | . StokesSimeon HayesP . M .
, , , , P . P . G . W ., H . J . Garnett , P . M ., P . P . G . D ., and VV . H . Brittain , P . M ., P . P . G . W ., all of 139 ; W . E . Gray , R . R . Neill , E . j . H . Marples . J . W . DewsnapjA . E . Brooke , P . M ., J . Sugden , A . E . Jarvis , VV . G . Parkin , P . AL , H . H . Bedford , P . VL . R . Arnison , P . M ., P . P . G . W ., VV . H . Stacey , P . M ., P . P . G . D ., and Rev . J . J . Williams , P . P . G . Chap ., of 296 ; A . E . Kirkham , P . M ., A . : E . Drury , P . M ., J . S . II . Wilson , T . E . Barker , E . Beck , J . C Brameld , W . Eroggatt , R . H . Fisher , VV .
1 'orsdike , J . P . Hewett , P . M ., H . Nixon , P . M ., W . I . Flather , S . Welherill , Porrett , VV . F . Cole , G . H . Hunt , D . G . Davy , J . Rowbotham , J . VV ., S . A . Crcake , B . J . Taylor , H . Johnson , J . Nicholson , T . Nixon , Geo . Wragg , A . J . Forsdike , and George Senior , of 1239 , besides those already named as founders or supporters ; Bro . W . Tyzack , P . M . 1779 , and others ; 11 . T . E . Holmes , P . M ., P . P . G . D . C , II . A . Brook , W . M ., R . C Honey , W . C Fox , P . M . 1260 J . T . ThompsonC II .
, , Wright , J . 11 . Vernon , P . M ., V . G . S . Dearden , P . M . J . E . Darling , P . M . and J . Ellis , P . M ., & c , 226 3 ; J . VV . Phillips , 226 S , and others ; Jos . Jackman , W . M ., John Hunt , P . M ., P . P . G . D ., A . B . Gunstone , M . T . Miner , J . K . Lister , A . E . Wright , W . Gadsby , J . W ., W . Foxon , L . Osbaldistone , and W . Gunstone , all of ' - ' fj' . * J- A . Rogers , C " . K . Lawton , C . I' \ BrindleyC K . ShepherdGeo . A . Tandy
, , , VV . ll . U ' easegood , Geo . Gibson , Geo . II . Dickinson , Edwin R . Glossop , Ed . S . lo / . er , VV . J . Allen and Geo . 11 . Abbott . The neighbouring lodges , viz ., WharnelilYe , 1462 ; Chantrey , 2355 ; and Joppa , 144 , sent representatives , whilst the visitors from Plmnix Lodge , Mo . 904 , were Bros . F . Cleeves , P . M ., P . P . G . D .. and George Jenkin , P . M ., P . P . G . S . B .
lhcse arc only some of the many brethren who filled the handsome hall m Surrey-street and greeted their Provincial Grand Master immediately alter opening Provincial Grand Lodge . The ceremonyof consecration was most carefully and reverently rendered , the Provincial Grand Master being ably assisted by his own officers , as well
as by Past Masters from Sheffield lodges . The effect was much enhanced b y the performance of some excellent music which had been arranged under the superintendence of Ilro . Wm . Gadsb y , and was executed by a surpliced Masonic choir , with organ accompaniment by Bro . J . \ V . Phillips . The oration on the nature and principles of the Order by the Prov . G . Chaplain , Bro . the Rev . W . WILKINSON , M . A ., P . M ., was as follows :
Right VVorshipful I ' rov . Grand Master : It is my duty and privilege to direct the attention of the brethren to the nature and principles of our ancient and honourablc Institution . Ours is not a benefit society ; it is a brotherhood of men united h y the bonds of fraternal love , and endeavouring to stimulate and encourage in themselves and in each other the growth of every manly virtue . Brotherly love , relief , and truth are the three grand principles upon which our Order is founded , b
• ind y the practice of those principles in our daily life we seek to render ourselves more extensively useful to our fellow men . A body of just , upright nnd free men , of mature age , sound judgment and strict morals , banded together by the princi ples I have named , cannot fail to be a most important element in the life of the nation . In the presence of so many zealous and expert brethren tliere can be little need to expatiate upon the good influence exerted by Freemasonry upon the individual
character . Discipline is always good , and in our Order men arc trained lo obey before they are entrusted wilh the responsibilities of command . Humility ' > enjoined upon those in authority no less than upon those who are subordinate . 10 any young Masons who may be here to-day 1 would say , "Remember that Alasonry is a living reality . Enter seriously upon the cultivation of the virtues "iciilcatcd by our beautiful ritual . Learn to respect opinions which you do not ire
¦'"• , and to submit cheerfully tu the will ofthe majority and the judgment of ) uiir superiors . Above all , strive to carry out in your daily life the principles which you are taught to admire and to practise in the lodge . " Brethren , this is '" 1 interesting and auspicious occasion . Our hearts are full of the warmest good wishes to the Master and brethren of this new lodge . May the Furnival Lodge ' « eminent in all ^ 'ood works , conspicuous even among the lodges of West wkshire for devotion to our noble and imperishable principles !
Consecration Of The Furnival Lodge, No. 2558, At Sheffield.
On tho completion of the ceremony of consecration , every detail of which was faithfully carried out , The I ' ROV . GRAND MASTKR said : Brethren , —My first duty is to thank you for your salutations to-day , and for the warmth of the reception which my presence here has met with at your hands . We are assembled 011 a most interesting occasion—for the purpose of consecrating a new lodge .
These events are interesting to all of us , because they mark the progress our Order is making , for every new lodge formed is practically the establishment of a new Masonic family in our midst . This is the second lodge which since my appointment as your Provincial Grand Master it has been my privilege to consecrate , and like the first , curiously enough , it takes place in this city of Sheffield . It is most gratifying to me , and to all who have the
benefit of Freemasonry at heart , to see that the Order is making such great progress in this good old town . I cannot pass over , in the few remarks I propose to make to you , the relation which exists between the name you have chosen for your new lodge and its association with individuals and events which are historically most interesting . It is always a pleasant stud y to trace the connection between names and places which are so numerous in
this country , and Sheffield I may say is especially rich in its old traditions , as the lords of Hallamshire and their dependents played a somewhat prominent part in the history of England . The name which you have selected , and so suitably selected , is one which deserves to be honoured and respected in Sheffield . To one bearing the name de Furnival Sheffield owes its original incorporation and freedom . One Gerald de Furnival , whose
father was present with Richard I . at the siege of Acre , obtained from that monarch the hand and estates of his ward , Maude de Lovetot , daughter of a former lord of Hallamshire . Oi the descendants of the marriage many were distinguished ; some were Crusaders , and one fought at Crecy . Altogether they were lords of the manorfor about 200 years . Thomas de Furnival , called to Parliament by Edward Las Baron Furnival , obtained from that king a charter
granting toSheffieldtheprivilegeofholdinga weekly marketandanannualfair . We have , therefore , this interesting connection—that from Albert Edward , our M . W . G . M ., who is a direct descendant of Edward I ., the promoters of this lodge have aho received a charter which , if it does not confer privileges upon the whole of the inhabitants of Sheffield , yet most certainly does so upon the officers and present members of the new lodge , and will continue
to do so upon all who in the future shall be admitted within its portals , and they , the promoters , in order to preserve the association , have very fittingly named the lodge Furnival . The Furnivals , like all the barons of old , exercised a very considerable , I may say almost unlimited , power in the district over which they held sway . Yet this Thomas de Furnival used that power not for his own selfish and personal ends , like many others , but in the interest
and for the benefit of the inhabitants of the time . I hope , brethren , that the members of the Furnival 1 . odge will not only preserve the association , but will also take a wise and enlightened view of their duties , that they will emulate the example of de Furnival , and that nothing will be done by them which may limit or restrict the undoubted benefits and the great power for good which Freemasonry possesses . I congratulate the brethren
of Sheffield upon the progress which l < reemasonry is making amongst them . It certainly is growing apace , and it is , I think , unnecessary to say that I hope every blessing and good wish which 1 could possibly frame or which could possibly be realised , may fall upon those who are connected with this new lodge . I rejoice to see that the White Rose of York continues upon the lines upon which it was founded , that it is making vapid yet safe
progress , and that it is a credit not only to those good men and true , its founders , but also to the Craft at large . The lodge I have had the honour to consecrate to-day makes the 77 th on the West Yorkshire roll , and 1 may say , and I do not say it in any boasting spirit , the province over which it is my privilege to rule holds a high and , I will add , a deservedly high position in the Masonic ' world . Let it be your duty , Bro . Chatties Stokes , and the
duty of all those who are interested in the new lodge , to see that nothing shall bc done amongst you which shall in the smallest degree tarnish the honour or damage the good name of the Craft to which we are all so proud to belong . You have heavy responsibilities , with the weight of which your previous experience must have made you cognisant , and not the least important of them is that you neither propose nor support any candidate for
admission into our Order about whose moral fitness and suitable qualifications you have any doubt . You carry with you the best wishes of the entire province , as this large gathering of Present and Past Provincial Grand Officers testifies , and I feel sure you will endeavour to live up to the principles which wc profess , and do nothing to alienate the sympathies of thc many good and worthy brethren whom I see around me . You are handing
down the name of one of Sheffield s benefactors . I think it eminently useful and desirable that we should do this , as it not only shows gratitude , but also holds forth an example which others may be stimulated to follow . And now , brethren , 1 commit to your hands with confidence the safe keeping and well conducting of this lodge , to be a member of which must be esteemed a
privilege , and 1 conclude by telling you how proud I am ol the position I occupy as your Provincial Grand Master , because the honour I thereby gain is founded upon your confidence in me , and the perfect trust I myself can feel in your constant and ever striving efforts to maintain and uphold the princip les and traditions of our ancient Order .
The Provincial Grand Lodge was then closed , and the ceremony of the installation of Bro . Charles Stokes was at once proceeded with . Bro . Henry T . E . Holmes , P . M . 1239 and --63 , P . P . G . D . C ., was the Installing Master , and did his work most smoothly and efficiently . Not the least interesting part of the proceedings lay in the fact that the Worshipful Alasters of the Sheffield lodges alt took some small portion of thc work , showing thereby that the formation of the new lodge and the selection of its first Master met with their entire approval .
Bro . Charles Stokes , whose portrait accompanies this notice , was initiated in the Wentworth Lodge in 1 SS 1 . lie served the office of Master in that lodge in 18 93 , being installed by Bro . Elisor Drury , P . M . From the outset Bro . Stokes has taken an active interest in the Craft , and shown great energy as well as considerable ability during his useful Masonic career .
He joined the Royal Arch , and now fills one of the Principals' chairs ; he is also a member of the Kni ghts Templar . A Life-Governor of all the Three Masonic Institutions , Bro . Stokes will shortly qualify as Vice-President of the Boys , and so complete is the confidence of his brethren in his Charitable instincts that they did him the honour of electing him first Charity Steward of thc Furnival Lodge immediately upon his installation being completed .
Bro . Stokes invested his officers , all of whom are founders and have been previously named , and secured the able assistance of Bro . Holmes , who consented to fill the post of I . P . M . There were two candidates for admission to the new lodge proposed , and
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Consecration Of The Furnival Lodge, No. 2558, At Sheffield.
Charles Stokes , P . M ., and sundry other brethren of Lodge 1239 , taking counsel with members of other "Sheffield lodges , at last decided to take steps with a view of obtaining a warrant for a new lodge in order to remedy their presentcongesled condition . The encouragement and support which was given them by the Sheffield lodges , without a single exception , justified their p roceedings , and with the usual Sheffield energy and perseverance they
pressed on , until on Friday last they attained their end . Many " searchings of heart , " and much discussion took place before a definite name could be determined upon . On the subject of lodge names we may have something to say in a future issue . Sheffield , or rather the Wentworth brethren concerned in the promotion of this lodge , determined that their new enterprise should not b > launched with a
meaningless name , but that it should have one if possible associated with the old town of Sheffield , and not only associated , but worthily and honourably so connected . After long consideration , they fixed upon Furnival as the title by which the lodge should be known , and in our opinion no more suitable or appropriate designation for a lodge in Sheffield could be found . Thc de Furnivals , as lords of Hallamshire , as will be seen by the speech of the
Provincial Grand Master later , were a family to whom the inhabitants of the cutlers' town owed privileges—privileges , let it be understood , which the barons of old were not too eager to concede ; and that this family should , out of pure beneficence so act , especially considering the lawless times in which they lived , was surely ground good and suffiicient for the Freemasons adopting their name , and by doing so , worthily preserving the recognition of the kindly acts of their lords in the long distant past .
These preliminaries being finally settled , the application for a warrant was made . It contained , together with the founders , no less than 2 S signatures , amongst whom were the present W . M . of the Wentworth Lodge , 12 VJ . Bro . M . J . Dodworth , with his Wardens and several Past Masters , as well as brethren from four or five other lodges in Sheffield . The founders are Bros . Charles Stokes , P . M ., the first W . M . of the lodge ; G . H .
Hutchinson , S . W ., the Rev . Geo . Ford , M . A ., J . W ., Albert Davison Treas ., Claude Barker , Sec , Walter Fearnclough , S . l ) ., R . I ' Fisher , J . D ., Waller Sissons , D . ol C , and Horace Cawood , I . G ., all of 12 * 9 The Prov . Grand Master fixed Friday , the 14 th inst ., for the consecration , and on that day , with a large number of his Provincial Grand Officers , attended for that purpose . Among those present were
Bros . Henry Smith , Dep . Prov . G . Master ; Charles Letch Mason , P . M . 304 , I'rov . S . G . W . ; Ensor Drury , P . M . 296 , as I ' rov . J . G . W . ; Rev . W . Wilkinson , P . M ., I'rov . G . Chap . ; Major George Bolton , P . M . 1 -54 , I ' rov . G . Treas . ; W . H . Stacey , P . M . 206 , I'rov . G . Reg . ; Herbert G . E . Green , P . M . 1019 , I ' rov . G . Sec . ; Walter Dyson , P . M . 2261 , and Herbert Nixon , P . M . 1239 , I ' rov . G . Deacons ; Willi . * iiii Dickie , P . M . 904 , I ' rov . G . S . of W . ; W . Dawson , P . M . 521 , as I'rov . G . D . CTate
W . M . , P . M . 306 , Prov . G . Std . Br . ; Joseph Matthewman , P . M . 1019 , I'rov . Asst . G . Sec .: J . E . Darling , P . M ., as I ' rov . G . S . B . ; H . H . Bedford , P . M . 1 59 , James Sugden , P . M . 1301 , W . R . Hillings , PM .. 600 , and J . P . Hewitt , P . M . 12 * 19 , Prov . G . Stewards ; and Thomas Leighton , Prov . G . Tyler . In addition to these , in all numbering about 120 , were the following brethren from Sheffield and other lodges : Bros . E . Dickenson , P . M ., A . B . GainsboroW . | . StokesSimeon HayesP . M .
, , , , P . P . G . W ., H . J . Garnett , P . M ., P . P . G . D ., and VV . H . Brittain , P . M ., P . P . G . W ., all of 139 ; W . E . Gray , R . R . Neill , E . j . H . Marples . J . W . DewsnapjA . E . Brooke , P . M ., J . Sugden , A . E . Jarvis , VV . G . Parkin , P . AL , H . H . Bedford , P . VL . R . Arnison , P . M ., P . P . G . W ., VV . H . Stacey , P . M ., P . P . G . D ., and Rev . J . J . Williams , P . P . G . Chap ., of 296 ; A . E . Kirkham , P . M ., A . : E . Drury , P . M ., J . S . II . Wilson , T . E . Barker , E . Beck , J . C Brameld , W . Eroggatt , R . H . Fisher , VV .
1 'orsdike , J . P . Hewett , P . M ., H . Nixon , P . M ., W . I . Flather , S . Welherill , Porrett , VV . F . Cole , G . H . Hunt , D . G . Davy , J . Rowbotham , J . VV ., S . A . Crcake , B . J . Taylor , H . Johnson , J . Nicholson , T . Nixon , Geo . Wragg , A . J . Forsdike , and George Senior , of 1239 , besides those already named as founders or supporters ; Bro . W . Tyzack , P . M . 1779 , and others ; 11 . T . E . Holmes , P . M ., P . P . G . D . C , II . A . Brook , W . M ., R . C Honey , W . C Fox , P . M . 1260 J . T . ThompsonC II .
, , Wright , J . 11 . Vernon , P . M ., V . G . S . Dearden , P . M . J . E . Darling , P . M . and J . Ellis , P . M ., & c , 226 3 ; J . VV . Phillips , 226 S , and others ; Jos . Jackman , W . M ., John Hunt , P . M ., P . P . G . D ., A . B . Gunstone , M . T . Miner , J . K . Lister , A . E . Wright , W . Gadsby , J . W ., W . Foxon , L . Osbaldistone , and W . Gunstone , all of ' - ' fj' . * J- A . Rogers , C " . K . Lawton , C . I' \ BrindleyC K . ShepherdGeo . A . Tandy
, , , VV . ll . U ' easegood , Geo . Gibson , Geo . II . Dickinson , Edwin R . Glossop , Ed . S . lo / . er , VV . J . Allen and Geo . 11 . Abbott . The neighbouring lodges , viz ., WharnelilYe , 1462 ; Chantrey , 2355 ; and Joppa , 144 , sent representatives , whilst the visitors from Plmnix Lodge , Mo . 904 , were Bros . F . Cleeves , P . M ., P . P . G . D .. and George Jenkin , P . M ., P . P . G . S . B .
lhcse arc only some of the many brethren who filled the handsome hall m Surrey-street and greeted their Provincial Grand Master immediately alter opening Provincial Grand Lodge . The ceremonyof consecration was most carefully and reverently rendered , the Provincial Grand Master being ably assisted by his own officers , as well
as by Past Masters from Sheffield lodges . The effect was much enhanced b y the performance of some excellent music which had been arranged under the superintendence of Ilro . Wm . Gadsb y , and was executed by a surpliced Masonic choir , with organ accompaniment by Bro . J . \ V . Phillips . The oration on the nature and principles of the Order by the Prov . G . Chaplain , Bro . the Rev . W . WILKINSON , M . A ., P . M ., was as follows :
Right VVorshipful I ' rov . Grand Master : It is my duty and privilege to direct the attention of the brethren to the nature and principles of our ancient and honourablc Institution . Ours is not a benefit society ; it is a brotherhood of men united h y the bonds of fraternal love , and endeavouring to stimulate and encourage in themselves and in each other the growth of every manly virtue . Brotherly love , relief , and truth are the three grand principles upon which our Order is founded , b
• ind y the practice of those principles in our daily life we seek to render ourselves more extensively useful to our fellow men . A body of just , upright nnd free men , of mature age , sound judgment and strict morals , banded together by the princi ples I have named , cannot fail to be a most important element in the life of the nation . In the presence of so many zealous and expert brethren tliere can be little need to expatiate upon the good influence exerted by Freemasonry upon the individual
character . Discipline is always good , and in our Order men arc trained lo obey before they are entrusted wilh the responsibilities of command . Humility ' > enjoined upon those in authority no less than upon those who are subordinate . 10 any young Masons who may be here to-day 1 would say , "Remember that Alasonry is a living reality . Enter seriously upon the cultivation of the virtues "iciilcatcd by our beautiful ritual . Learn to respect opinions which you do not ire
¦'"• , and to submit cheerfully tu the will ofthe majority and the judgment of ) uiir superiors . Above all , strive to carry out in your daily life the principles which you are taught to admire and to practise in the lodge . " Brethren , this is '" 1 interesting and auspicious occasion . Our hearts are full of the warmest good wishes to the Master and brethren of this new lodge . May the Furnival Lodge ' « eminent in all ^ 'ood works , conspicuous even among the lodges of West wkshire for devotion to our noble and imperishable principles !
Consecration Of The Furnival Lodge, No. 2558, At Sheffield.
On tho completion of the ceremony of consecration , every detail of which was faithfully carried out , The I ' ROV . GRAND MASTKR said : Brethren , —My first duty is to thank you for your salutations to-day , and for the warmth of the reception which my presence here has met with at your hands . We are assembled 011 a most interesting occasion—for the purpose of consecrating a new lodge .
These events are interesting to all of us , because they mark the progress our Order is making , for every new lodge formed is practically the establishment of a new Masonic family in our midst . This is the second lodge which since my appointment as your Provincial Grand Master it has been my privilege to consecrate , and like the first , curiously enough , it takes place in this city of Sheffield . It is most gratifying to me , and to all who have the
benefit of Freemasonry at heart , to see that the Order is making such great progress in this good old town . I cannot pass over , in the few remarks I propose to make to you , the relation which exists between the name you have chosen for your new lodge and its association with individuals and events which are historically most interesting . It is always a pleasant stud y to trace the connection between names and places which are so numerous in
this country , and Sheffield I may say is especially rich in its old traditions , as the lords of Hallamshire and their dependents played a somewhat prominent part in the history of England . The name which you have selected , and so suitably selected , is one which deserves to be honoured and respected in Sheffield . To one bearing the name de Furnival Sheffield owes its original incorporation and freedom . One Gerald de Furnival , whose
father was present with Richard I . at the siege of Acre , obtained from that monarch the hand and estates of his ward , Maude de Lovetot , daughter of a former lord of Hallamshire . Oi the descendants of the marriage many were distinguished ; some were Crusaders , and one fought at Crecy . Altogether they were lords of the manorfor about 200 years . Thomas de Furnival , called to Parliament by Edward Las Baron Furnival , obtained from that king a charter
granting toSheffieldtheprivilegeofholdinga weekly marketandanannualfair . We have , therefore , this interesting connection—that from Albert Edward , our M . W . G . M ., who is a direct descendant of Edward I ., the promoters of this lodge have aho received a charter which , if it does not confer privileges upon the whole of the inhabitants of Sheffield , yet most certainly does so upon the officers and present members of the new lodge , and will continue
to do so upon all who in the future shall be admitted within its portals , and they , the promoters , in order to preserve the association , have very fittingly named the lodge Furnival . The Furnivals , like all the barons of old , exercised a very considerable , I may say almost unlimited , power in the district over which they held sway . Yet this Thomas de Furnival used that power not for his own selfish and personal ends , like many others , but in the interest
and for the benefit of the inhabitants of the time . I hope , brethren , that the members of the Furnival 1 . odge will not only preserve the association , but will also take a wise and enlightened view of their duties , that they will emulate the example of de Furnival , and that nothing will be done by them which may limit or restrict the undoubted benefits and the great power for good which Freemasonry possesses . I congratulate the brethren
of Sheffield upon the progress which l < reemasonry is making amongst them . It certainly is growing apace , and it is , I think , unnecessary to say that I hope every blessing and good wish which 1 could possibly frame or which could possibly be realised , may fall upon those who are connected with this new lodge . I rejoice to see that the White Rose of York continues upon the lines upon which it was founded , that it is making vapid yet safe
progress , and that it is a credit not only to those good men and true , its founders , but also to the Craft at large . The lodge I have had the honour to consecrate to-day makes the 77 th on the West Yorkshire roll , and 1 may say , and I do not say it in any boasting spirit , the province over which it is my privilege to rule holds a high and , I will add , a deservedly high position in the Masonic ' world . Let it be your duty , Bro . Chatties Stokes , and the
duty of all those who are interested in the new lodge , to see that nothing shall bc done amongst you which shall in the smallest degree tarnish the honour or damage the good name of the Craft to which we are all so proud to belong . You have heavy responsibilities , with the weight of which your previous experience must have made you cognisant , and not the least important of them is that you neither propose nor support any candidate for
admission into our Order about whose moral fitness and suitable qualifications you have any doubt . You carry with you the best wishes of the entire province , as this large gathering of Present and Past Provincial Grand Officers testifies , and I feel sure you will endeavour to live up to the principles which wc profess , and do nothing to alienate the sympathies of thc many good and worthy brethren whom I see around me . You are handing
down the name of one of Sheffield s benefactors . I think it eminently useful and desirable that we should do this , as it not only shows gratitude , but also holds forth an example which others may be stimulated to follow . And now , brethren , 1 commit to your hands with confidence the safe keeping and well conducting of this lodge , to be a member of which must be esteemed a
privilege , and 1 conclude by telling you how proud I am ol the position I occupy as your Provincial Grand Master , because the honour I thereby gain is founded upon your confidence in me , and the perfect trust I myself can feel in your constant and ever striving efforts to maintain and uphold the princip les and traditions of our ancient Order .
The Provincial Grand Lodge was then closed , and the ceremony of the installation of Bro . Charles Stokes was at once proceeded with . Bro . Henry T . E . Holmes , P . M . 1239 and --63 , P . P . G . D . C ., was the Installing Master , and did his work most smoothly and efficiently . Not the least interesting part of the proceedings lay in the fact that the Worshipful Alasters of the Sheffield lodges alt took some small portion of thc work , showing thereby that the formation of the new lodge and the selection of its first Master met with their entire approval .
Bro . Charles Stokes , whose portrait accompanies this notice , was initiated in the Wentworth Lodge in 1 SS 1 . lie served the office of Master in that lodge in 18 93 , being installed by Bro . Elisor Drury , P . M . From the outset Bro . Stokes has taken an active interest in the Craft , and shown great energy as well as considerable ability during his useful Masonic career .
He joined the Royal Arch , and now fills one of the Principals' chairs ; he is also a member of the Kni ghts Templar . A Life-Governor of all the Three Masonic Institutions , Bro . Stokes will shortly qualify as Vice-President of the Boys , and so complete is the confidence of his brethren in his Charitable instincts that they did him the honour of electing him first Charity Steward of thc Furnival Lodge immediately upon his installation being completed .
Bro . Stokes invested his officers , all of whom are founders and have been previously named , and secured the able assistance of Bro . Holmes , who consented to fill the post of I . P . M . There were two candidates for admission to the new lodge proposed , and