Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Centenary Celebration Of St. John's Lodge, No. 279, Leicester.
where he had on the previous day performed the arduous duties of consecrating a new lodge ) delivered an oration . This was , as all Bro . Martyn ' s utterances are , listened to with wrapt attention , and rarely have the principles of Masonic life and conduct and the symbolic teaching of Masonic ritual been expounded , or found so intelligent and earnest an expositor , as at the Centenary celebration of No . 279 . The good old Masonic hymn , commencing with the words " Now the evening shadows closing" having been sung , the Iodge was closed .
In graceful and grateful recognition of the honour conferred upon the lodge by the Prov . G . M . by his presence , and of the valuable and highly appreciated services rendered to the lodge by Bro . the Rev . Chas . J . Martyn , both these eminent Masons were unanimously elected honorary members of the lodge . Among the brethren present at the ceremony were
—Bros . Kelly ( in the chair ) ; the Right Hon . the Earl Ferrers , Prov . G . M . ; Rev . C . J . Martyn , P . G . C . England , D . P . G . M . Suffolk ; Rev . T . Robinson , P . G . C England ; S . S . Partridge , P . A . G . D . C . England , D . P . G . M . ; G . Toller , P . G . S . B . England , P . D . P . G . M . ; R . Berridge , P . G . D . England ; James Terry , P . G . S . B . England ; T . ' Cox , P . P . S . G . W . Derbyshire ; Rev . C . Henton Wood , P . P . S . G . W ., Prov . G . Sec ; H . R . Hatherley , Prov . G . Sec . Notts ; W . L . Ball , P . P . G . W . Derbyshire ; H . J . Mason , P . P . G . C . Dorset ; G . Jessop , Prov . G . D . C ; W . Maurice Williams , I . P . M .
279 , P . P . J . G . D . ( Hon . Secretary to the Centenary Committee ); S . Cleaver , P . M . 279 , P . P . ' S . G . W . ; Rev . J . H . Smith , P . M . 279 , P . P . S . G . W . ; J . O . Law , P . M . 279 , P . P . J . G . D . ; C . Gurden , P . M . 279 , P . P . A . G . D . C ; R . Michie , P . M . 279 , P . P . J . G . D . ; R . Rowley , P . M . 279 , P . P . A . G . D . C ; C F . Wike , P . M . 279 ; P . P . J . G . D . ; E . J . Crow , Mus . Doc , P . M . 279 , P . P . S . G . D . ; Miles J . Walker , P . P . J . G . W . ; T . Wright , P . P . G . Reg . ; G . W . Speth , P . M . ; J . T . Thorp , P . P . S . G . W . ; F . J . Baines , P . P . S . G . W . ; H . Pickering , D . C 279 ; B . A . Smith , P . P . J . G . W . ; J . B . Waring ,
Prov . A . G . D . C ; W . J . New , P . P . A . G . D . C ; C . K . Morris , P . P . G . Supt . of W . ; J . L . West , P . P . G . P . ; W . H . Noble , Stwd . 279 ; S . Knight , P . P . G . P . ; G . C Oliver , P . P . G . P . ; F . B . Wilmer , P . P . G . Supt . of W . ; A . H . Marsh , Prov . J . G . D . ; J . Bland , P . P . J . G . D . Derbyshire ; Claud H . Lisle , P . P . J . G . D . Cheshire ; J . Butcher , Stwd . 279 ; I . B . Fowler , P . P . G . Reg . ; G . Oliver , P . P . G . P . ; G . S . Callow , Prov . G . Stwd . ; J . G . Bower , W . M . 1391 ; E . H . Butler , P . P . G . S . B . ; J . H . Marshall , P . M . 1007 , . S . W . 279 , Prov . S . G . W . ; T . B . Laxton , Prov . G . Org . ; R . L . Gibson , P . P . G . P . ;
J . L . Hassan , Prov . G . Std . Br . ; W . T . Rowlett , Prov . G . Org . ; R . Taylor , P . P . G . Supt . of W . j T . A . Wykes , P . P . G . Treas . ; J . M . McLeod , Sec . R . M . I . B . ; Rev . S . W . Wigg , P . P . G . C . Leicester and Rutland , and P . P . G . C . Norths and Hunt ; Rev . Herbert Price , P . P . G . C . Derbyshire ; W . J . Freer , P . P . G . S . B . ; T . Jesson , Prov . G . Stwd . ; Rev . J . W . Wilson , Prov . G . Chap . ; H . Nicholson , P . P . G . O . ; E . Holmes , J . VV . 279 ; W . ti . Barrow , P . P . G . O . ; W . B . Ray , W . M . 1330 ; J . H . Price , W . M . 1321 ; W . H . Lead , P . P . S . G . D . ; T . Coltman , P . P . G . Reg . ; E . Home , P . P . G . D .
Derbyshire ; F . S . Preston , Prov . G . Reg . ; J . H . Thompson , P . P . S . G . D . ; W . W . Vincent , Prov . S . G . D . ; C . Oliver , P . P . G . Std . Br . ; J . Harrison , P . P . G . Std . Br . ; C . Bennion , Sec . 279 ( Hon . Sec . to the Centenary Committee ); J . Kidney , Prov . A . G . P . ; C . R . Williams , Prov . G . S . B . ; T . Carter , Prov . G . P . ; W . G . S . Rollenston , Prov . G . Stwd . ; A . H . Burgess , P . P . G . Reg . ; W . Richter ; VV . D . Grant , S . D . 279 ; Dr . C . Lakin , J . D . 279 ; J . Clifton , I . G . 279 ; J . Tanser , Tyler 279 , Prov . G . Tyler ; F . Birch , Sec . 1007 ; J . J . W . Knowles , S . D . 1007 ; T . S . H . Ashwell , S . W . 1391 ; J . G . Parr , S . W . 20 S 1 ; and others .
Letters and telegrams , some congratulatory and many expressive of unfeigned regret at enforced absence from various causes , were received from the following distinguished brethren : Bros , the Right Hon . the Earl of Lathom , D . G . M . ; the Right Hon . Lord George Hamilton , M . P ., S . G . W . ; his Grace the Duke of St . Albans , Prov . G . M . Notts ; Frederick A . Philbrick , Q . C , Grand Reg . ; Col . Shadwell H . Clerke , Grand Sec . ; Lord Leigh , P . G . M . Warwickshire ; J . T . Collins , D . P . G . M . Warwickshire ; George
Beech , Prov . G . Sec Warwickshire ; W . Naylor , Prov . G . W . Derbyshire ; Percy Wallis , Prov . G . W . Derbyshire ; Abraham Woodiwiss , Prov . G . W . Derbyshire ; Rev . Frederick V . Russell , M . A ., D . P . G . M . Notts ; Butler Wilkins , D . P . G . M . Norths and Hunts ; Frank G . Buckle , Prov . G . Sec . Norths and Hunts ; Col . Foster Gough , LL . D ., Prov . G . M . Staffordshire ; Lieut .-Col . J . A . Brindley , D . P . G . M . Staffordshire ; Charles Fendelow , P . P . G . W . Staffordshire ; Thos . W . Tew , Prov . G . M . West Yorks ; Henry Smith , D . P . G . M . Yorkshire ; John W . Woodall , P . P . G . W . Yorkshire ;
the Right Hon , the Earl of Zetland , P . G . M . N , and E . Yorks ; Lieut .-Col . the Hon . W . T . Orde-Powlett , D . P . G . M . Yorks ; his Grace the Duke of Abercorn , Hon . Member 279 ; W . J . Hughan , P . G . D . Eng ., Hon . Member 279 ; the Right Rev . the Lord Bishop of Peterborough , Hon . Member 279 ; Sir Henry Halford , Bart ., P . D . P . G . M . ; F . R . W . Hedges , Sec . R . M . I . G . ; J . McLeod , Sec . R . M . I . B . ; the Most Noble the Marquis
of Granby , M . P ., 1007 ; John Lane , P . P . G . R . Devon ; Col . Starkie , P . G . M . Lancashire ; J . W . Fowler , D . P . G . M . Lincolnshire ; T . W . Everard , W . M . 202 S ; Robt . Brewin , P . P . G . W . ; Rev . C . J . B . Scriven , P . G . Chap . ; Rev . Dr . Sanders , P . P . G . Chap . Norths and Hunts ; Rev . Canon Denton , P . M . 779 , P . P . G . Chap . ; Arthur H . Lock , P . P . G . R . Dorset ; the Mayor of Dewsbury ; the Mayor of Loughborough ; Arthur H . Marsh , P . M . 1130 , P . J . G . D . ; and many others .
Ihe business ofthe emergency meeting being ended , perfect goodwill and harmony having prevailed throughout the entire proceedings , the brethren proceeded in cartiages , provided by the lodge , to the County Assembly Rooms , which , through the fraternal kindness of Bro . Sir Henry Halford , Bart ., had been placed at the disposal of the Centenary Committee , the banqueting-room in which , with the staircase and corridors , had been elegantly decorated for the occasion . Here a most sumptuous and recherche banquet was provided , to which nearly 150 sat down . Bro . Kelly presided , and had " to right of him , to left of him , and in front of him " brethren of high Masonic rank .
The customary Masonic toasts were duly proposed and honoured , and the " concord of sweet sounds" discoursed by Bros . Nicholson , Wykes , Barrow , Richter , Birch , Marshall , Page , J . Henry Smith , and Noble contributed largely to the enjoyment of the guests , and the success of the banquet . So ended a memo / able day in the history of the mother lodge of the Province of Leicestershire and Rutland , and in the Masonic life of the father of Freemasonry in that province .
The arrangements throughout were under the management of a Committee of the lodge , assisted by the energetic and much esteemed D . P . G . M ., Bro . S . S . Partridge ( the value of whose services to the Committee cannot be full y measured ) , and these brethren may all fairly be congratulated on the hi ghly satisfactory result of their labours .
Provincial Grand Chapter Of West Yorkshire.
PROVINCIAL GRAND CHAPTER OF WEST YORKSHIRE .
A convocation of the above Prov . Grand Chapter was held in the Masonic Hall , Longcauseway , Dewsbury , on Friday , the 7 th inst ., by the invitation of the Three Grand Principles Chapter , No . 208 , when there were present Comps . Thomas William Tew , J . P ., P . G . P . S ., Grand Superintendent ; Rev . T . C . Smyth , D . D , , P . A . G . S ., Prov . G . H . ; John Booth , P . P . G . J ., as Prov . G . J . ; C . L .
Mason , P . P . G . H . ; Col . J . Hartley , D . L ., P . P . G . H . ; R . I . Critchley , J . P ., P . P . G . H . ; John Wordsworth , P . P . G . H . ; Thomas Ruddock , P . P . G . J . ; Geo . Brooke , P . P . G . J . ; Henry Smith , P . P . G . P . S ., Prov . G . S . E . ; William Harrop , P . P . G . J ., as Prov . G . S . N . ; and many other P . Prov . Grand Officers and Principals of chapters in the province .
The Principals and companions of the Three Grand Princi ples Chapter , No . 208 , opened a chapter , and Comp . T . W . Tew , J . P ., Grand Superintendent , and Officers entered , and Prov . Grand Chapter was opened . The minutes of the meeting held at Leeds , on the 3 rd May last , were read and confirmed .
Provincial Grand Chapter Of West Yorkshire.
The GRAND SUPERINTENDENT then delivered the following address : — Principals and Companions , —The convocation of Prov . Grand Chapter , holden at Leeds on the 3 rd of May , marked in some measure the close of the first epoch in West Yorkshire of Royal Arch Masonry , whilst our assembly to-day at Dewsbury surely inaugurates the commencement of a second auspicious period of this exalted Order of the Craft in this province . It was with no common feelings of pleasure that an invitation was received from Comp . Dr . W . F . Watts , Z ., to meet under the banner of Three
Grand Principles , No . 20 S , this afternoon ; and we acknowledge the kindness of the Worshipful the Mayor , Alderman Comp . George Clay , J . P ., who invites the companions to be his guests after the transaction of our business , and to inspect the magnificent Town Hall . These invitations must have called to the recollections of our companions the reasons why special cordiality in asking this Grand Chapter to the ancient Saxon town of Dewsberia ( as it is named in Domesday book ) , has been exercised in so marked a manner . Companions , this is the 50 th meeting of Provincial Grand Chapter , which
was established at Dewsbury on the 5 th of May , 1 S 5 S . In that year the first meeting was held under the banner of Three Grand Principles , then No . 251 , now 20 S ; and this is the seventh meeting held in this ancient village of Dui or Dew , the original planter who , previous to the arrival of Paulinas , had fixed his abode and fortified his " Burgh . " lt is to your Superintendent , also , no ordinary occasion , because it further reminds him that he enters the 33 rd year of his Masonic life , having been admitted in 1 S 5 S , in the Scarsdale Lodge , No . 9 S 1 , Chesterfield . I have , therefore , known every one of your Grand Officers
from Lord Mexborough , and Comp . Dr . Fearnley , the First Grand Superintendent of this Province , to the person of myself , who cordially acknowledge the compliment as the successor of Comp . Bentley Shaw in this exalted office . On the 5 th May , 185 S , eight out of seventeen chapters on the roll were represented , viz .: 139 , 20 S , 25 S , 275 , 2 S 9 , 290 , 302 , and 600 . At this inaugural Royal Arch meeting there were present Comps . the Rev . Dr . Senior , John Booth , David Salmond , John S . Spiking , Thomas Hill , and Henry Smith , who are still members . In 1 S 5 S Three Grand Principles had 27 , now it
has 72 members . In looking over these past years , and contrasting them with the present , I think there is much matter for general congratulation , first , in the rapid progress which Royal Arch Masonry has made under H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , M . E . Z . ; next , in the marvellous contributions in support of the Masonic Institutions which Dewsbury has made , which our county has made ; and lastly , in the marked improvement in many circumstances essential to national prosperity and the happiness of the people . It must be a source of sincerest pleasure to all of us to perceive that even
those outside our mystic circles are recognising the popularity of our " Orders and Degrees . " The true principles of progress are with the Freemasons , because they desire themselves to co-operate with others for the spread of those virtues which benefit mankind , and because they cultivate those peaceful pursuits of arts and commerce which have led to their individual happiness and prosperity , and to the general welfare of the country , and of this town more particularly . To show what Royal Arch Masons are doing for the beautifying of their old Saxon town , for its municipal government , and for
the spiritual requirements of its inhabitants , let me mention the present Parish Church of Paulinus , which although repaired in 1767 and again in 1 S 21 , has been completely renovated during the vicariate of the Rev . Canon Whitby , at a cost of upwards of £ 20 , 000 . It is a work worthy of those Craftsmen who took so large a part in its restoration ; and under the Rev . Lowther Clarke , the incoming Vicar , an accomplished Craftsman , to whom I am sure you will accord a warm reception , I feel confident this house of Jehovah may bring increased blessings to the worshippers therein for generations
to come . 1 he great bell of this church still rings at midnight on Christmas eve to tell the people of the Advent of the "Sun of righteousnes . " This knell is now , as of old , called the " Devil ' s passing bell , " for on the morrow the prophecy in Genesis was fulfilled—the Serpent ' s head was bruised , although the Serpent , the symbol of evil , the symbol of death , "did bruise His heel . " The new Town Hall is another evidence of enterprise . The first stone was laid by our good Bro . T . B . Fox , when Mayor , on 12 th October , 1886 , and the building was completed and formally opened by Bro . T . Walker , the Mayor , on 17 th
September , 1 SS 9 , the total cost being under £ 50 , 000 , exclusive of the clock and bells , stained windows , and other generous g ifts . It is one of the most complete and perfect halls in this province , and in the consideration of its details and the perfectness of its various chambers , testifies to the ability of its designer . The Mayor invites us to inspect this structure , to mark the significance of its ^ symbolism , which he will explain , and to rejoice with him over the accomplishment of this architectural achievement . The companions will be pleased to hear that at the London Masonic elections on Friday , October 31 st , and
Saturday , November ist , we secured the election of one boy and two girls at a . very heavy cost in votes . I cannot close this address without reminding you of the death of the late Pro Grand First Principal . You all know how excellently he discharged the duties of his office in the Royal Arch , and that anything he had to do was well done . I , therefore ^ as Acting First Principal , propose that there be recorded on the minutes of this Prov . Grand Chapter an expression of the great grief of its members at the loss Royal Arch Masonry has sustained by the death of the Earl of Carnarvon . Companions
, I ask all of you to help the executive of this province to maintain the 38 chapters in prosperity , and to induce every P . M . to be exalted in one or other of them . Thanking every companion in Dewsbury for this day's reception , and with tbe assurance of my respect and affection towards each one of you personally , I pray Jehovah may grant you years and years of health and life to enjoy and witness the benefits you have individually and collectively conferred as good citizens , and exalted Masons , upon your town and county , to the glory of God and the benefit of your fellow townsmen .
After some other business it was resolved "That the sum of , £ 21 be given from Prov . Grand Chapter funds to the Royal Masonic Institution for Boys at thc Annual Festival , 18 91 , to constitute thc office of First "Principal a Vice-President of that Institution . " It was further resolved " That it is desirable that a Standard be purchased to support the dignity of the office of Grand Superintendent of this province . "
Comp . WM . WATSON , P . Z . 304 , P . P . G . Soj ., stated that he had received a carbon photograph ( 10 by 12 ) of the warrant of every lodge in the province , and he would be glad to receive similar copies of the charters of all chapters in West Yorkshire as early as convenient . He stated that the library was making satisfactory progress and had received many interesting and valuable contributions . After a vote of thanks to Comp . Dr . W . F . Watts , M . E . Z ., and companions of Chapter No . 208 , for their kind invitation and excellent arrangements for the comfort and convenience of the companions ,
The GRAND SUPERINTENDENT announced that he had decided to hold the annual convocation in May , 1891 , at Keighley , under the banner of Judea Chapter , No . 265 , on the celebration of its centenary . Provincial Grand Chapter was then closed .
CLERICAL SYSTEM is the system invented by Starck , court preacher at Darmstadt , in 176 7 , and others , and which was a modification of the Strict Observance . It seems to have been a combination of theosophy , alchemy , and magic , though , to say the truth , not much seems to be really known about it . Its founders , Starck , Giinther von Bohnen , Von Raven , and others were termed " Clerici Ordinis Templariorum , " or " Clericorum Ordines Templarii ; " and Thory terms
them ' Clercs de la Stricte Observance . " They professed to reform their motherrite , and to claim more influence over the order , alike because they were the " Spirituality" as that they were in possession of superior knowledge . Lenning says that it consisted of 12 grades—namel y , the three symbolical grades ; and 4 , the Young Scottish , or Jung Schotte ; 5 , Scottish Past Master , or Knight of St . Andrew , ( Schottishe Altmaster , oder St . Andreas Ritter ); 6 , the Provincial Capitular of the Red Cross ( der Provinzial Capitular von Rothen
Kreuze ); 7 , the Magus , or the Kni ght of Purity and Li ght ( der Magus , oder der Ritter der Klarheit und des Lichts ) . This 7 th grade was subdivided into other five , namely 1 , the Knight Novice of the Third Year ( der Ritter Noviz voiri Dritten Jahre ) the Knight Novice of the Fifth Year ( der Ritter Noviz vom fiinften Jahre ) ; the Knight Novice of the Seventh Year ( der Ritter Noviz der Sibenten Jahre ); the Levite ( der Levit ) , and the Priest ( der Priester ) . This order seems to have disappeared about 177 8 . —Kenning ' s Cyclopcedia of Freemasonry .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Centenary Celebration Of St. John's Lodge, No. 279, Leicester.
where he had on the previous day performed the arduous duties of consecrating a new lodge ) delivered an oration . This was , as all Bro . Martyn ' s utterances are , listened to with wrapt attention , and rarely have the principles of Masonic life and conduct and the symbolic teaching of Masonic ritual been expounded , or found so intelligent and earnest an expositor , as at the Centenary celebration of No . 279 . The good old Masonic hymn , commencing with the words " Now the evening shadows closing" having been sung , the Iodge was closed .
In graceful and grateful recognition of the honour conferred upon the lodge by the Prov . G . M . by his presence , and of the valuable and highly appreciated services rendered to the lodge by Bro . the Rev . Chas . J . Martyn , both these eminent Masons were unanimously elected honorary members of the lodge . Among the brethren present at the ceremony were
—Bros . Kelly ( in the chair ) ; the Right Hon . the Earl Ferrers , Prov . G . M . ; Rev . C . J . Martyn , P . G . C . England , D . P . G . M . Suffolk ; Rev . T . Robinson , P . G . C England ; S . S . Partridge , P . A . G . D . C . England , D . P . G . M . ; G . Toller , P . G . S . B . England , P . D . P . G . M . ; R . Berridge , P . G . D . England ; James Terry , P . G . S . B . England ; T . ' Cox , P . P . S . G . W . Derbyshire ; Rev . C . Henton Wood , P . P . S . G . W ., Prov . G . Sec ; H . R . Hatherley , Prov . G . Sec . Notts ; W . L . Ball , P . P . G . W . Derbyshire ; H . J . Mason , P . P . G . C . Dorset ; G . Jessop , Prov . G . D . C ; W . Maurice Williams , I . P . M .
279 , P . P . J . G . D . ( Hon . Secretary to the Centenary Committee ); S . Cleaver , P . M . 279 , P . P . ' S . G . W . ; Rev . J . H . Smith , P . M . 279 , P . P . S . G . W . ; J . O . Law , P . M . 279 , P . P . J . G . D . ; C . Gurden , P . M . 279 , P . P . A . G . D . C ; R . Michie , P . M . 279 , P . P . J . G . D . ; R . Rowley , P . M . 279 , P . P . A . G . D . C ; C F . Wike , P . M . 279 ; P . P . J . G . D . ; E . J . Crow , Mus . Doc , P . M . 279 , P . P . S . G . D . ; Miles J . Walker , P . P . J . G . W . ; T . Wright , P . P . G . Reg . ; G . W . Speth , P . M . ; J . T . Thorp , P . P . S . G . W . ; F . J . Baines , P . P . S . G . W . ; H . Pickering , D . C 279 ; B . A . Smith , P . P . J . G . W . ; J . B . Waring ,
Prov . A . G . D . C ; W . J . New , P . P . A . G . D . C ; C . K . Morris , P . P . G . Supt . of W . ; J . L . West , P . P . G . P . ; W . H . Noble , Stwd . 279 ; S . Knight , P . P . G . P . ; G . C Oliver , P . P . G . P . ; F . B . Wilmer , P . P . G . Supt . of W . ; A . H . Marsh , Prov . J . G . D . ; J . Bland , P . P . J . G . D . Derbyshire ; Claud H . Lisle , P . P . J . G . D . Cheshire ; J . Butcher , Stwd . 279 ; I . B . Fowler , P . P . G . Reg . ; G . Oliver , P . P . G . P . ; G . S . Callow , Prov . G . Stwd . ; J . G . Bower , W . M . 1391 ; E . H . Butler , P . P . G . S . B . ; J . H . Marshall , P . M . 1007 , . S . W . 279 , Prov . S . G . W . ; T . B . Laxton , Prov . G . Org . ; R . L . Gibson , P . P . G . P . ;
J . L . Hassan , Prov . G . Std . Br . ; W . T . Rowlett , Prov . G . Org . ; R . Taylor , P . P . G . Supt . of W . j T . A . Wykes , P . P . G . Treas . ; J . M . McLeod , Sec . R . M . I . B . ; Rev . S . W . Wigg , P . P . G . C . Leicester and Rutland , and P . P . G . C . Norths and Hunt ; Rev . Herbert Price , P . P . G . C . Derbyshire ; W . J . Freer , P . P . G . S . B . ; T . Jesson , Prov . G . Stwd . ; Rev . J . W . Wilson , Prov . G . Chap . ; H . Nicholson , P . P . G . O . ; E . Holmes , J . VV . 279 ; W . ti . Barrow , P . P . G . O . ; W . B . Ray , W . M . 1330 ; J . H . Price , W . M . 1321 ; W . H . Lead , P . P . S . G . D . ; T . Coltman , P . P . G . Reg . ; E . Home , P . P . G . D .
Derbyshire ; F . S . Preston , Prov . G . Reg . ; J . H . Thompson , P . P . S . G . D . ; W . W . Vincent , Prov . S . G . D . ; C . Oliver , P . P . G . Std . Br . ; J . Harrison , P . P . G . Std . Br . ; C . Bennion , Sec . 279 ( Hon . Sec . to the Centenary Committee ); J . Kidney , Prov . A . G . P . ; C . R . Williams , Prov . G . S . B . ; T . Carter , Prov . G . P . ; W . G . S . Rollenston , Prov . G . Stwd . ; A . H . Burgess , P . P . G . Reg . ; W . Richter ; VV . D . Grant , S . D . 279 ; Dr . C . Lakin , J . D . 279 ; J . Clifton , I . G . 279 ; J . Tanser , Tyler 279 , Prov . G . Tyler ; F . Birch , Sec . 1007 ; J . J . W . Knowles , S . D . 1007 ; T . S . H . Ashwell , S . W . 1391 ; J . G . Parr , S . W . 20 S 1 ; and others .
Letters and telegrams , some congratulatory and many expressive of unfeigned regret at enforced absence from various causes , were received from the following distinguished brethren : Bros , the Right Hon . the Earl of Lathom , D . G . M . ; the Right Hon . Lord George Hamilton , M . P ., S . G . W . ; his Grace the Duke of St . Albans , Prov . G . M . Notts ; Frederick A . Philbrick , Q . C , Grand Reg . ; Col . Shadwell H . Clerke , Grand Sec . ; Lord Leigh , P . G . M . Warwickshire ; J . T . Collins , D . P . G . M . Warwickshire ; George
Beech , Prov . G . Sec Warwickshire ; W . Naylor , Prov . G . W . Derbyshire ; Percy Wallis , Prov . G . W . Derbyshire ; Abraham Woodiwiss , Prov . G . W . Derbyshire ; Rev . Frederick V . Russell , M . A ., D . P . G . M . Notts ; Butler Wilkins , D . P . G . M . Norths and Hunts ; Frank G . Buckle , Prov . G . Sec . Norths and Hunts ; Col . Foster Gough , LL . D ., Prov . G . M . Staffordshire ; Lieut .-Col . J . A . Brindley , D . P . G . M . Staffordshire ; Charles Fendelow , P . P . G . W . Staffordshire ; Thos . W . Tew , Prov . G . M . West Yorks ; Henry Smith , D . P . G . M . Yorkshire ; John W . Woodall , P . P . G . W . Yorkshire ;
the Right Hon , the Earl of Zetland , P . G . M . N , and E . Yorks ; Lieut .-Col . the Hon . W . T . Orde-Powlett , D . P . G . M . Yorks ; his Grace the Duke of Abercorn , Hon . Member 279 ; W . J . Hughan , P . G . D . Eng ., Hon . Member 279 ; the Right Rev . the Lord Bishop of Peterborough , Hon . Member 279 ; Sir Henry Halford , Bart ., P . D . P . G . M . ; F . R . W . Hedges , Sec . R . M . I . G . ; J . McLeod , Sec . R . M . I . B . ; the Most Noble the Marquis
of Granby , M . P ., 1007 ; John Lane , P . P . G . R . Devon ; Col . Starkie , P . G . M . Lancashire ; J . W . Fowler , D . P . G . M . Lincolnshire ; T . W . Everard , W . M . 202 S ; Robt . Brewin , P . P . G . W . ; Rev . C . J . B . Scriven , P . G . Chap . ; Rev . Dr . Sanders , P . P . G . Chap . Norths and Hunts ; Rev . Canon Denton , P . M . 779 , P . P . G . Chap . ; Arthur H . Lock , P . P . G . R . Dorset ; the Mayor of Dewsbury ; the Mayor of Loughborough ; Arthur H . Marsh , P . M . 1130 , P . J . G . D . ; and many others .
Ihe business ofthe emergency meeting being ended , perfect goodwill and harmony having prevailed throughout the entire proceedings , the brethren proceeded in cartiages , provided by the lodge , to the County Assembly Rooms , which , through the fraternal kindness of Bro . Sir Henry Halford , Bart ., had been placed at the disposal of the Centenary Committee , the banqueting-room in which , with the staircase and corridors , had been elegantly decorated for the occasion . Here a most sumptuous and recherche banquet was provided , to which nearly 150 sat down . Bro . Kelly presided , and had " to right of him , to left of him , and in front of him " brethren of high Masonic rank .
The customary Masonic toasts were duly proposed and honoured , and the " concord of sweet sounds" discoursed by Bros . Nicholson , Wykes , Barrow , Richter , Birch , Marshall , Page , J . Henry Smith , and Noble contributed largely to the enjoyment of the guests , and the success of the banquet . So ended a memo / able day in the history of the mother lodge of the Province of Leicestershire and Rutland , and in the Masonic life of the father of Freemasonry in that province .
The arrangements throughout were under the management of a Committee of the lodge , assisted by the energetic and much esteemed D . P . G . M ., Bro . S . S . Partridge ( the value of whose services to the Committee cannot be full y measured ) , and these brethren may all fairly be congratulated on the hi ghly satisfactory result of their labours .
Provincial Grand Chapter Of West Yorkshire.
PROVINCIAL GRAND CHAPTER OF WEST YORKSHIRE .
A convocation of the above Prov . Grand Chapter was held in the Masonic Hall , Longcauseway , Dewsbury , on Friday , the 7 th inst ., by the invitation of the Three Grand Principles Chapter , No . 208 , when there were present Comps . Thomas William Tew , J . P ., P . G . P . S ., Grand Superintendent ; Rev . T . C . Smyth , D . D , , P . A . G . S ., Prov . G . H . ; John Booth , P . P . G . J ., as Prov . G . J . ; C . L .
Mason , P . P . G . H . ; Col . J . Hartley , D . L ., P . P . G . H . ; R . I . Critchley , J . P ., P . P . G . H . ; John Wordsworth , P . P . G . H . ; Thomas Ruddock , P . P . G . J . ; Geo . Brooke , P . P . G . J . ; Henry Smith , P . P . G . P . S ., Prov . G . S . E . ; William Harrop , P . P . G . J ., as Prov . G . S . N . ; and many other P . Prov . Grand Officers and Principals of chapters in the province .
The Principals and companions of the Three Grand Princi ples Chapter , No . 208 , opened a chapter , and Comp . T . W . Tew , J . P ., Grand Superintendent , and Officers entered , and Prov . Grand Chapter was opened . The minutes of the meeting held at Leeds , on the 3 rd May last , were read and confirmed .
Provincial Grand Chapter Of West Yorkshire.
The GRAND SUPERINTENDENT then delivered the following address : — Principals and Companions , —The convocation of Prov . Grand Chapter , holden at Leeds on the 3 rd of May , marked in some measure the close of the first epoch in West Yorkshire of Royal Arch Masonry , whilst our assembly to-day at Dewsbury surely inaugurates the commencement of a second auspicious period of this exalted Order of the Craft in this province . It was with no common feelings of pleasure that an invitation was received from Comp . Dr . W . F . Watts , Z ., to meet under the banner of Three
Grand Principles , No . 20 S , this afternoon ; and we acknowledge the kindness of the Worshipful the Mayor , Alderman Comp . George Clay , J . P ., who invites the companions to be his guests after the transaction of our business , and to inspect the magnificent Town Hall . These invitations must have called to the recollections of our companions the reasons why special cordiality in asking this Grand Chapter to the ancient Saxon town of Dewsberia ( as it is named in Domesday book ) , has been exercised in so marked a manner . Companions , this is the 50 th meeting of Provincial Grand Chapter , which
was established at Dewsbury on the 5 th of May , 1 S 5 S . In that year the first meeting was held under the banner of Three Grand Principles , then No . 251 , now 20 S ; and this is the seventh meeting held in this ancient village of Dui or Dew , the original planter who , previous to the arrival of Paulinas , had fixed his abode and fortified his " Burgh . " lt is to your Superintendent , also , no ordinary occasion , because it further reminds him that he enters the 33 rd year of his Masonic life , having been admitted in 1 S 5 S , in the Scarsdale Lodge , No . 9 S 1 , Chesterfield . I have , therefore , known every one of your Grand Officers
from Lord Mexborough , and Comp . Dr . Fearnley , the First Grand Superintendent of this Province , to the person of myself , who cordially acknowledge the compliment as the successor of Comp . Bentley Shaw in this exalted office . On the 5 th May , 185 S , eight out of seventeen chapters on the roll were represented , viz .: 139 , 20 S , 25 S , 275 , 2 S 9 , 290 , 302 , and 600 . At this inaugural Royal Arch meeting there were present Comps . the Rev . Dr . Senior , John Booth , David Salmond , John S . Spiking , Thomas Hill , and Henry Smith , who are still members . In 1 S 5 S Three Grand Principles had 27 , now it
has 72 members . In looking over these past years , and contrasting them with the present , I think there is much matter for general congratulation , first , in the rapid progress which Royal Arch Masonry has made under H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , M . E . Z . ; next , in the marvellous contributions in support of the Masonic Institutions which Dewsbury has made , which our county has made ; and lastly , in the marked improvement in many circumstances essential to national prosperity and the happiness of the people . It must be a source of sincerest pleasure to all of us to perceive that even
those outside our mystic circles are recognising the popularity of our " Orders and Degrees . " The true principles of progress are with the Freemasons , because they desire themselves to co-operate with others for the spread of those virtues which benefit mankind , and because they cultivate those peaceful pursuits of arts and commerce which have led to their individual happiness and prosperity , and to the general welfare of the country , and of this town more particularly . To show what Royal Arch Masons are doing for the beautifying of their old Saxon town , for its municipal government , and for
the spiritual requirements of its inhabitants , let me mention the present Parish Church of Paulinus , which although repaired in 1767 and again in 1 S 21 , has been completely renovated during the vicariate of the Rev . Canon Whitby , at a cost of upwards of £ 20 , 000 . It is a work worthy of those Craftsmen who took so large a part in its restoration ; and under the Rev . Lowther Clarke , the incoming Vicar , an accomplished Craftsman , to whom I am sure you will accord a warm reception , I feel confident this house of Jehovah may bring increased blessings to the worshippers therein for generations
to come . 1 he great bell of this church still rings at midnight on Christmas eve to tell the people of the Advent of the "Sun of righteousnes . " This knell is now , as of old , called the " Devil ' s passing bell , " for on the morrow the prophecy in Genesis was fulfilled—the Serpent ' s head was bruised , although the Serpent , the symbol of evil , the symbol of death , "did bruise His heel . " The new Town Hall is another evidence of enterprise . The first stone was laid by our good Bro . T . B . Fox , when Mayor , on 12 th October , 1886 , and the building was completed and formally opened by Bro . T . Walker , the Mayor , on 17 th
September , 1 SS 9 , the total cost being under £ 50 , 000 , exclusive of the clock and bells , stained windows , and other generous g ifts . It is one of the most complete and perfect halls in this province , and in the consideration of its details and the perfectness of its various chambers , testifies to the ability of its designer . The Mayor invites us to inspect this structure , to mark the significance of its ^ symbolism , which he will explain , and to rejoice with him over the accomplishment of this architectural achievement . The companions will be pleased to hear that at the London Masonic elections on Friday , October 31 st , and
Saturday , November ist , we secured the election of one boy and two girls at a . very heavy cost in votes . I cannot close this address without reminding you of the death of the late Pro Grand First Principal . You all know how excellently he discharged the duties of his office in the Royal Arch , and that anything he had to do was well done . I , therefore ^ as Acting First Principal , propose that there be recorded on the minutes of this Prov . Grand Chapter an expression of the great grief of its members at the loss Royal Arch Masonry has sustained by the death of the Earl of Carnarvon . Companions
, I ask all of you to help the executive of this province to maintain the 38 chapters in prosperity , and to induce every P . M . to be exalted in one or other of them . Thanking every companion in Dewsbury for this day's reception , and with tbe assurance of my respect and affection towards each one of you personally , I pray Jehovah may grant you years and years of health and life to enjoy and witness the benefits you have individually and collectively conferred as good citizens , and exalted Masons , upon your town and county , to the glory of God and the benefit of your fellow townsmen .
After some other business it was resolved "That the sum of , £ 21 be given from Prov . Grand Chapter funds to the Royal Masonic Institution for Boys at thc Annual Festival , 18 91 , to constitute thc office of First "Principal a Vice-President of that Institution . " It was further resolved " That it is desirable that a Standard be purchased to support the dignity of the office of Grand Superintendent of this province . "
Comp . WM . WATSON , P . Z . 304 , P . P . G . Soj ., stated that he had received a carbon photograph ( 10 by 12 ) of the warrant of every lodge in the province , and he would be glad to receive similar copies of the charters of all chapters in West Yorkshire as early as convenient . He stated that the library was making satisfactory progress and had received many interesting and valuable contributions . After a vote of thanks to Comp . Dr . W . F . Watts , M . E . Z ., and companions of Chapter No . 208 , for their kind invitation and excellent arrangements for the comfort and convenience of the companions ,
The GRAND SUPERINTENDENT announced that he had decided to hold the annual convocation in May , 1891 , at Keighley , under the banner of Judea Chapter , No . 265 , on the celebration of its centenary . Provincial Grand Chapter was then closed .
CLERICAL SYSTEM is the system invented by Starck , court preacher at Darmstadt , in 176 7 , and others , and which was a modification of the Strict Observance . It seems to have been a combination of theosophy , alchemy , and magic , though , to say the truth , not much seems to be really known about it . Its founders , Starck , Giinther von Bohnen , Von Raven , and others were termed " Clerici Ordinis Templariorum , " or " Clericorum Ordines Templarii ; " and Thory terms
them ' Clercs de la Stricte Observance . " They professed to reform their motherrite , and to claim more influence over the order , alike because they were the " Spirituality" as that they were in possession of superior knowledge . Lenning says that it consisted of 12 grades—namel y , the three symbolical grades ; and 4 , the Young Scottish , or Jung Schotte ; 5 , Scottish Past Master , or Knight of St . Andrew , ( Schottishe Altmaster , oder St . Andreas Ritter ); 6 , the Provincial Capitular of the Red Cross ( der Provinzial Capitular von Rothen
Kreuze ); 7 , the Magus , or the Kni ght of Purity and Li ght ( der Magus , oder der Ritter der Klarheit und des Lichts ) . This 7 th grade was subdivided into other five , namely 1 , the Knight Novice of the Third Year ( der Ritter Noviz voiri Dritten Jahre ) the Knight Novice of the Fifth Year ( der Ritter Noviz vom fiinften Jahre ) ; the Knight Novice of the Seventh Year ( der Ritter Noviz der Sibenten Jahre ); the Levite ( der Levit ) , and the Priest ( der Priester ) . This order seems to have disappeared about 177 8 . —Kenning ' s Cyclopcedia of Freemasonry .