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Article CONSECRATION OF THE CARNARVON CHAPTER, No. 1572. ← Page 3 of 3 Article CONSECRATION OF AMHERST LODGE OF MARK MASONS AT SANDGATE. Page 1 of 1 Article MASONIC CENTENARY AT DONCASTER. Page 1 of 2 Article MASONIC CENTENARY AT DONCASTER. Page 1 of 2 →
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Consecration Of The Carnarvon Chapter, No. 1572.
perform earnest work earnestly . Secondly in the matter of elocution , that was a thing which people might enjoy if they would take the trouble . Thirdly , the perfection of words , he was indebted to Comp . Mather . If he had shown any perfection he promised he would do so in the future . In the office tojwhich he had been appointed that evening , he would do his utmost to perform his duties with credit to himself , and satisfaction to the Principals .
The M . E . Z . in proposing " The Sojourners , " said he felt that some words were due from him , inasmuch as Comp . Woods was the only companion who did not belong to the Carnarvon or Mizpah Lodge . Comp . Woods was fitted in every respect to occupy the ' / .. chair . But to occupy it , they were bound by the laws of Masonry , and he had not yet passed the chair in the Craft . If Comp . Woods had chosen he might have taken much higher office . It was the
wish of all the companions that he should do so because they knew he was competent to take any office in a lodge or chapter . Nearly all the companions had had the pleasure of meeting him at lodges and chapters of instruction , where , cither in thc ceremonies or thc lectures , he showed an example to them all . It was in a chapter of instruction held under Comp . Woods' auspices that be ( thc M . E . Z . ) gained the knowledge of Royal Arch Masonry which he
possessed , and he . looked forward with great hope to Comp . Woods in thelfuture . Although he could take the chair , he would not usurp the place another should have , but he would take his turn . The companions all appreciated this . Many a companion who wished to occupy a low office was qualified to fill a better . They all looked to the time when Comp . Woods would occupy the chair , and by that time the working of the Carnarvon Chapter would be no disgrace .
It was impossible for them all to occupy high oflice , and the best thing for those filling a low one to do was to fit themselves for a high one . Comp . WOODS , P . Soj ., said he might claim to be a working Mason . If the companions knew the working of the M . E . Z . they would not say he was an inexperienced companion , but that he was one fitted to fill his high position . He had seen him in the three chairs of a chapter of
instruction , and he knew of no one who could go through thc ceremonies in a more satisfactory manner , and he believed he might say thc same of those two companions who would succeed him . Comp . A . T . PEARCE , ist A . S ., said his sojourn in the Carnarvon Chapter had been a most pleasant one . I Ic was proud to have the privilegeof being appointed an Assistant , and he trusted his sojourn in the chapter might be worthy of thc name of Carnarvon , which was a bright one in the
annals of Freemasonry . Though a young Mason he took very great interest in Masonry , and especially in the Royal Arch , for , to his mind , it was a most beautiful ceremony , and if he lived he should strive to arrive at the proud position occupied by the M . E . Z . Comp . j . CLARRICOATS also thanked the M . E . Z ., and the Janitor ' s toast concluded the proceedings . Comps . Theodore Distin , J . Hodges , G . T . Carter , and F . H . Cozens gave an excellent musical entertainment during the evening .
Consecration Of Amherst Lodge Of Mark Masons At Sandgate.
CONSECRATION OF AMHERST LODGE OF MARK MASONS AT SANDGATE .
Another new lodge was consecrated on Thursday , the 7 th inst ., b y the Right Worshipful thc Rev . T . Robinson , M . A ., Provincial Grand Master for Kent , assisted by V . W . Bro . J . G . Podevin , Deputy Provincial Grand Master , and
the Provincial Grand Oflicers of Kent ; lhis being the fourth new lodge of Mark Masons consecrated by the Provincial Grand Master for Kent in the course of a very few months Previously to thc consecration ceremony thc brethren assembled in thc lodge-room , held for the occasion in the Volunteer Assembly-rooms , Sandgate , when no fewer than thirteen brethren were advanced to the Mark Masters '
Degree , in addition to three brethren admitted ns ginning members . The new lodge—which is designated the Amherst Lodge , No . 2 O 6 — thus starts under very favourable auspices . Thc solemn and impressive ceremony of consecration was then proceeded with by thc Rev . the Provincial Grand Master for Kent , assisted by thc other distinguished oflicers , and V . W . Bro . D . M . Dewar , P . G . M . O ., Assistant
Grand Secretary . At the close of the invocation and dedication service , the customary corn , wine , oil , and salt were scattered , the consecration prayer was offered , and the new lodge then formally dedicated and constituted . The installation of the first Worshipful Master , Bro . T . J . Pulley , P-M , 54 , and a Past Grand Steward , was then performed hy Bro . E . Margrett , P . M . 235 , P . G . S ., with thc u * ual ceremonies .
this completed , the oflicers of the lodge were duly appointed , and each invested with thc collar and jewel of Jus oflice—the following being the first office-bearers of the lodge , viz ., Bros . K . White , S . W . ; II . Brett , J . W . ,-Cromey , M . O . ; C . J . Bray , S . O . ; j . J . B . Candell , J , -0 . ; A . Kecler , P . M ., Treasurer ; B . Simmonds , R . M . ; C . Gosbv , P . P . G . S . B ., Secretary ; Glasspool , S . D . ; J . Pugh , J . D . ; \ V . Shackleton , D . C . ; J . I ' clt , I . G . ; and G . Butcher , Tyler . Bros . Jordan and Sampson were
appointed Stewards . the musical portion of thc ceremony , which was of an exceptionall y high order , was under the direction of W . Bro . J ' - H . Cozens , W . M . 104 , P . G . O . The inauguration of tne new lod ge was celebrated by a banquet which took place m tlie evening at the Royal Kent Hotel , Sandgate , where an excellent dinner was served . Bro . T . J . Pulley , the "ew Worshipful Master , presided , and gave in succession Mie customary Masonic toasts , all of which were duly
'" noui-ed . It should bc mentioned that a large number of iv 41 rs connect . cd with Mark Masons' lodges in Kent , as nnl ' t S many distinguished brethren connected with metrowh 1 i ° , dges > tended on the occasion , and that thc man proceedings passed off in the most satisfactory . t was announced that thc next Mark Masons' lodge to ; * - . "P sccrated in Kent was one to he held at Canterbury , wnich city the new lodge would shortly be opened .
Rev p *^ - . ' Prince of Wales lias presented tlie Iiil , L i * ' ' A- J- Hervey , rector of Sandringham-with-» -ynn y ' Norr ° ' t 0 the rectory of West Newton , King ' s Mwchan f , 2 * lWi " cs an ' Spirits . —J . K . SiMun & Co ., **\ Vine Mrect In A spects and Valuers ) , s , Albert Mansions , Victoria' -on « on , S . W , Price lists on application . —[ ADVT . 1
Masonic Centenary At Doncaster.
MASONIC CENTENARY AT DONCASTER .
On Wednesday , the Cth inst ., the Freemasons of Doncaster celebrated the 100 th anniversary of St . George's Lodge in that town , with becoming honour and distinction . Freemasonry , which has prospered throughout the United Kingdom during the past century , has in Doncaster maintained , at least , a steady and reputable rate of progress , and during all those hundred years has never been *
without a Master , has never ceased to hold its meetings , has never lost a single record of its proceedings—still possesses its original warrant , its original furniture , and its original working tools . It is impossible to reflect upon such a period of time , and not bc moved by the stirring events which in that single century have done much to mould the temper and character of this great nation , forming as they do no inconsiderable part of its glorious and incomparable history .
Those who are privileged to turn over thc well-preserved pages of thoancientminutebooksof St . George ' s Lodge may sec more than one critical and exciting epoch of our national growth vividly reflected there , as , for instance , when the Doncaster Freemasons of that day were meeting in the Old Town Hall to give a God-speed to departing Volunteers , or to welcome , with that true patriotism which is one of thc brightest ornaments of the Craft , Peninsular veterans and
Waterloo heroes on their march through Doncaster after thc material splendours and national iichievemcnts which had broken up the mightiest Empire of modern times and set free the nations of Europe from the iron grip of impending vassalage . The progress of Freemasonry during the same period may be said to have been more remarkable than its vicissitudes . These latter have never been great in this free country . The growth of Masonry
since those , after all , not very remote days , when a few worthy ciders of this ancient borough laid their heads together and established a Freemasons' lodge , bearing the patronymic of the town ' s adopted saint , has , however , been astounding , and is the best evidence a promoter of the mystic art could offer in support of the excellence of the Institution . Always an essentially charitable organisation , and down from the remotest ages thc
dispenser of practical benevolence , Freemasonry in this country during the last hundred years has entirely changed its character , so far at least as it has appeared to the eyes of the outside world who arc not Masons . A century ago , its social and sociable aspect was that which struck a layman most , and , indeed , most animated its body corporate . A lodge of Freemasons was , as a rule , a little club , always more or less exclusive , in which the possession of certain
secrets was mutually shared and the practice of a variety of mystic rites pleasantly indulged in . The wants of brethren in distress were generously recognised and invariably administered to when occasion required . Nor was their charity even in that day entirely self-contained , but handsome donations were given to objects quite outside the the Craft itself , and independent of if , ( hough the munificence of later davs , when this meat Province of West
Yorkshire out of its own coffers subscribed its hundreds to thc Lancashire Cotton Relief Fund had not been dreamt of . It is duiing the last half century that Freemasonry has mainly stood out before Ihe world as a charitable organisation of splendid munificence—having its ever operate Funds of Benevolence , its noted Schools forthe orphans or necessitous children of Freemasons , and its Domes and Sanctuaries for the old and infirm amongst its needy
fraternity and for the widows of those whom the Great Architect has already called ( o His own Grand Lodge above . Freemasonry in Doncaster has in the light of these principles attained unto a venerable age . It may be said , indeed , not only to have " resisted the hand of time" but to have " survived the wreck of empires "—even in its day . St . George's Lodge was constituted on the 14 II 1 of July , 17 S 0 , the original warrant , still in the possession of the
lodge , being granted Io William Stephenson and other gootl and lawful brethren , by the then Grand Master of England , Ihe Duke of Manchester . Two years later we Iind the lodge holding a special service at the Old Parish Churchitself now a thing of the past—and hearing a sermon preached by the Rev . W . Johnson , of York , Provincial Grand Chaplain . Similar services were periodically held up to the year 1 S 35 . Some ol our readers will be much
interested to learn that in 17 S 4 thc W . M . of Ihe lodge stoutly advocated the establishment of Sunday Schools in this town , and in 17 . S 6 the loilge unanimously voted the sum of live guineas in their support . In iSoy the lodge voted a subscription towards the enlargement of the Parish Churchyard , and the same evening a handsome sum was given to the relief of the poor of the town . In 1 . S 27 the brethren assisted the Mayor of Doncaster to lay the foundation-stone
of Christ Church , Sir W . It . Cooke , Bart ., the then Master of the lodge , and twenty members being present . In 1 S 47 it is recorded lhat the brethren adjourned from ( heir lodge room to the Mansion House , to meet the Mayor nnd Corporation of Doncaster at breakfast , after which they proceeded in procession to lay the foundation-stone of the new Market Hall , the stone being laid with full Masonic honours by Sir W . B . Cooke , Bart ., thc
Worshipful Master . It appears that twelve members of St . George ' s Lodge have been Mayors of Doncaster , and amongst the local clergy who have occupied positions in the lodge will be remembered thc name of the Rev . J . G . Fardell , formerly rector of Sprotbro ' , who was Master of the lodge for three years in succession and one of its most esteemed brethren , a handsome present of his being now a much prized possession of the lodge . Sir William Bryan
Cooke , the father of the present baronet , was live times Master of the lodge , nnd was holding that oflice when he was elected the first Mayor of Doncaster under the Municipal Act . Amongst the most notable names of former brethren appear those of Lord Gal way , the grandfather , we believe , of the present viscount , Mr . Leonard Walbank Childers , of Cantley , Dr . Chorley , and the Hon . W . G . Monckton . For these interesting facts we are indebted to
the present W . M ., Bro . Delanoy , who may be said to have been the mainspring of the recent Centenary Celebration , and to whose active and courageous exertions for several months past the officers and brethren of St . George ' s Lodge owe a deep debt of recognition . A complete list of the Masters of St . George ' s Lodge during the last century has also
been compiled by the same brother . Coming now to the Centenary itself , it was of course all important that the Mansion House should be secured for tlie purpose if possible , and , thanks to persevering efforts , this great matter was eventually compassed , the Mayor granting the free use of the building , its furniture and appliances , as in point of fact was done in 1 S 74 lwh . cn St .
Masonic Centenary At Doncaster.
Georges last entertained its provincial brethren . The arrangements were carried out by an Executive Committee consisting * of the Master , Past Masters , Wardens , and oflicers of the lodge , but in reality the chief labour devolved upon the Master , the Immediate Past Master ( Bro Rand ) , Bro . F . D . Walker , P . M ., Bros . Bolsover , Verity , and Axe , not omitting the Hon . Secretary , Bro . Henry Fox . The ball room of the Mansion House was fitted up
as a lodge room , a dais being placed at the drawing room end for the Grand Officers ; the saloon was used as a vestibule , thc drawing room being reserved for Bro . Sir Henry Edwards and Bro . Tew , and the downstairs rooms ( except the Mayor ' s private parlour ) being used as robing rooms . Bro . Sir Henry Edwards was met at the station by Bro . Tew in his private carriage , and we understand that these gentlemen at once proceeded to call upon the Mayorand
, at the Vicarage . Meanwhile the W . M . of St . George ' s had opened his lodge , and all was in readiness for the reception of Grand Lodge , the worthy Tyler , Bro . Joseph Hirst , awaiting the appointed signal , a trumpet flourish from below . Here Grand Lodge was forming in procession , and about one o ' clock entered St . George ' s Lodge , where were then assembled nearl y 200 brethren from various parts of the province . As Grand Lod ge entered thc brethren rose
ana sang Mail ! Masonry imblime . '" the Right Worshipful the Grand Master being received at the pedestal by the W . M . of the entertaining lodge and placed in the chair in due form . What followed was for the main part strictly Masonic , but it may be stated that Sir Henry addressed the brethren at some length . . , ' ** ' « , ^" c , £ MASTER said : Brethren , I thank the Worshipful Master , oflicers , and brethren of the Saint
George s Lodge , and also the Mayor and Corporation of Doncaster , for this day ' s invitation , and thc admirable arrangements which they have made for the reception of the Provincial Grand Lodge of West Yorkshire in this town . Accept , brethren , the assurance of thc gratification it affords me and the Prov . Grand Oflicers , Present and Past , to sec assembled in this Mansion House so numerous a gathering of the Craft , and our satisfaction that the
roll call has been so well responded to by the sixty-six lodges in this province . Most cordially do I reciprocate the kind manner in which you have received your Provincial Grand Master , and the warmth of your salutation . It affords nic the greatest pleasure at this , our October , meeting , in offering to every one of you my felicitations on thc continued unanimity of the Craft as a bod y in my province , the prosperity of the different lodgesand on the support
, given lo our Charities , anti the progress of those benevolent works to which the Craft has this year given an impetus and lent its influence . Thc West Yorkshire lists have been closed for the current year ; but your contributions have realised to the three Charities ^ . 1713 3 s . iod ., whilst the "Bentley Shaw Memorial Fund , " £ 1050 , is entirely subscribed , the aggregate amount collected for thc three festivals was £ 30 , 515 . I consider it was a compliment to
this province that at the annual meeting of the Governors and Subscribers of the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution , 011 the 21 st May , Bro . Henry Smith , our Secretary , and a Vice-President , was invited to preside . At some inconvenience to myself I have promised to occupy the presidential chair at the next annual festival of the Aged Freemasons and Widows of Freemasons , in Freemasons' HaU . His Royal Highness thc Prince of Wales , our Most
Worsluplul Urantl Master , has named Wednesday , the 23 rd of February , 1 SS 1 , as the most suitable day . Let me hope I may be rewarded in my exertions on this occasion by a goodly number of West Yorkshire Stewards ; and that I shall be as well supported by the Craft generally as was the Provincial Grand Master of North and East Yorkshire , the Karl of Zetland , in the same cause on tjth February this year . Our Secretary has opened
a new list , and I should like to see some fresh names added , in addition to the constantl y recurring old ones . Remember we have 150 males and 155 widows dependent recipients of our annual generosity . A moral Institution hke Freemasonry , without ' charity , is the shell without the pearl , the marble without the soul of life . Let us not boast of our peculiar system of morality , whilst our old brethren and widows are appealing to our solicitude for their
temporal welfare , for what is our system worth if it exerts not itself for the widow , and neglects to listen lo the cry of the orphan ? We arc not accomplishing our mission unless we practise benevolence and support our Charities . It is gratifying to mention that the Dispensary at Pontefract to which we give an impetus , will be read y for its mission before the close of this year , and the new Masonic Hall in Wakefield , the stone of which my Deputy laid in iMav is
now rapidly approaching completion . To-day wc are again invited to put our hands to another useful organisation Wc are informed the "Doncaster General Infirmary and Dispensary" is labouring to do good in the face of adverse circumstances . The annual subscriptions show a most lamentable falling off of supporters of this Institution , which last year gave relief to 2460 outdoor and in-door patients . Wc arc invited to attend
the Saint George s Church , where our sympathies will be enlisted , and the proof of our charitable professions tested , for the welfare of the sick in this town . The sermon will be preached b y the Provincial Grand Chaplain , thc Vicar of Sheffield , whom we thank , and also the Vicar of Doncaster , for the use of his grand church , and the organist and choir for their voluntary assistance in the service of this afternoon . Sir Henry Edwards then recited
some of those local facts which we have already incorporated in our own remarks , and he concluded his address as follows : " I feel it nn honour and a pleasure , as does also my Deputy , whose native town is Doncaster , that it has happened to bc our good fortune and of this Provincial Grand Lodge , to be invited to congratulate St . George ' s Lodge on the completion of its Centenary , on the deeds of generosity which have continuall y marked its progress , and
cue 11 st 01 eminent and ilistinguishcd personages its roll call records . May St . George ' s Lodge , in hundreds of years to come , show that its future members arc as brilliant and distinguished as have been those in the past , and animated by the same Masonic zeal as its early founders for its prosperity , and in the promotion of every useful , benevolent , and charitable work . " ( Loud applause . )
Votes of thanks were passed with acclamation to the Mayor , the Vicar of Doncaster , and to the Organist and choir . On thc motion of the Provincial Grand Treasurer , Bro . C . L . Mason , P . M ., seconded by Bro . Hill , formerl y Chairman of the Charity Committee , 100 guineas was voted to thc Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution Male Fund , and 100 guineas to thc Widows' Fund . Other busi-
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Consecration Of The Carnarvon Chapter, No. 1572.
perform earnest work earnestly . Secondly in the matter of elocution , that was a thing which people might enjoy if they would take the trouble . Thirdly , the perfection of words , he was indebted to Comp . Mather . If he had shown any perfection he promised he would do so in the future . In the office tojwhich he had been appointed that evening , he would do his utmost to perform his duties with credit to himself , and satisfaction to the Principals .
The M . E . Z . in proposing " The Sojourners , " said he felt that some words were due from him , inasmuch as Comp . Woods was the only companion who did not belong to the Carnarvon or Mizpah Lodge . Comp . Woods was fitted in every respect to occupy the ' / .. chair . But to occupy it , they were bound by the laws of Masonry , and he had not yet passed the chair in the Craft . If Comp . Woods had chosen he might have taken much higher office . It was the
wish of all the companions that he should do so because they knew he was competent to take any office in a lodge or chapter . Nearly all the companions had had the pleasure of meeting him at lodges and chapters of instruction , where , cither in thc ceremonies or thc lectures , he showed an example to them all . It was in a chapter of instruction held under Comp . Woods' auspices that be ( thc M . E . Z . ) gained the knowledge of Royal Arch Masonry which he
possessed , and he . looked forward with great hope to Comp . Woods in thelfuture . Although he could take the chair , he would not usurp the place another should have , but he would take his turn . The companions all appreciated this . Many a companion who wished to occupy a low office was qualified to fill a better . They all looked to the time when Comp . Woods would occupy the chair , and by that time the working of the Carnarvon Chapter would be no disgrace .
It was impossible for them all to occupy high oflice , and the best thing for those filling a low one to do was to fit themselves for a high one . Comp . WOODS , P . Soj ., said he might claim to be a working Mason . If the companions knew the working of the M . E . Z . they would not say he was an inexperienced companion , but that he was one fitted to fill his high position . He had seen him in the three chairs of a chapter of
instruction , and he knew of no one who could go through thc ceremonies in a more satisfactory manner , and he believed he might say thc same of those two companions who would succeed him . Comp . A . T . PEARCE , ist A . S ., said his sojourn in the Carnarvon Chapter had been a most pleasant one . I Ic was proud to have the privilegeof being appointed an Assistant , and he trusted his sojourn in the chapter might be worthy of thc name of Carnarvon , which was a bright one in the
annals of Freemasonry . Though a young Mason he took very great interest in Masonry , and especially in the Royal Arch , for , to his mind , it was a most beautiful ceremony , and if he lived he should strive to arrive at the proud position occupied by the M . E . Z . Comp . j . CLARRICOATS also thanked the M . E . Z ., and the Janitor ' s toast concluded the proceedings . Comps . Theodore Distin , J . Hodges , G . T . Carter , and F . H . Cozens gave an excellent musical entertainment during the evening .
Consecration Of Amherst Lodge Of Mark Masons At Sandgate.
CONSECRATION OF AMHERST LODGE OF MARK MASONS AT SANDGATE .
Another new lodge was consecrated on Thursday , the 7 th inst ., b y the Right Worshipful thc Rev . T . Robinson , M . A ., Provincial Grand Master for Kent , assisted by V . W . Bro . J . G . Podevin , Deputy Provincial Grand Master , and
the Provincial Grand Oflicers of Kent ; lhis being the fourth new lodge of Mark Masons consecrated by the Provincial Grand Master for Kent in the course of a very few months Previously to thc consecration ceremony thc brethren assembled in thc lodge-room , held for the occasion in the Volunteer Assembly-rooms , Sandgate , when no fewer than thirteen brethren were advanced to the Mark Masters '
Degree , in addition to three brethren admitted ns ginning members . The new lodge—which is designated the Amherst Lodge , No . 2 O 6 — thus starts under very favourable auspices . Thc solemn and impressive ceremony of consecration was then proceeded with by thc Rev . the Provincial Grand Master for Kent , assisted by thc other distinguished oflicers , and V . W . Bro . D . M . Dewar , P . G . M . O ., Assistant
Grand Secretary . At the close of the invocation and dedication service , the customary corn , wine , oil , and salt were scattered , the consecration prayer was offered , and the new lodge then formally dedicated and constituted . The installation of the first Worshipful Master , Bro . T . J . Pulley , P-M , 54 , and a Past Grand Steward , was then performed hy Bro . E . Margrett , P . M . 235 , P . G . S ., with thc u * ual ceremonies .
this completed , the oflicers of the lodge were duly appointed , and each invested with thc collar and jewel of Jus oflice—the following being the first office-bearers of the lodge , viz ., Bros . K . White , S . W . ; II . Brett , J . W . ,-Cromey , M . O . ; C . J . Bray , S . O . ; j . J . B . Candell , J , -0 . ; A . Kecler , P . M ., Treasurer ; B . Simmonds , R . M . ; C . Gosbv , P . P . G . S . B ., Secretary ; Glasspool , S . D . ; J . Pugh , J . D . ; \ V . Shackleton , D . C . ; J . I ' clt , I . G . ; and G . Butcher , Tyler . Bros . Jordan and Sampson were
appointed Stewards . the musical portion of thc ceremony , which was of an exceptionall y high order , was under the direction of W . Bro . J ' - H . Cozens , W . M . 104 , P . G . O . The inauguration of tne new lod ge was celebrated by a banquet which took place m tlie evening at the Royal Kent Hotel , Sandgate , where an excellent dinner was served . Bro . T . J . Pulley , the "ew Worshipful Master , presided , and gave in succession Mie customary Masonic toasts , all of which were duly
'" noui-ed . It should bc mentioned that a large number of iv 41 rs connect . cd with Mark Masons' lodges in Kent , as nnl ' t S many distinguished brethren connected with metrowh 1 i ° , dges > tended on the occasion , and that thc man proceedings passed off in the most satisfactory . t was announced that thc next Mark Masons' lodge to ; * - . "P sccrated in Kent was one to he held at Canterbury , wnich city the new lodge would shortly be opened .
Rev p *^ - . ' Prince of Wales lias presented tlie Iiil , L i * ' ' A- J- Hervey , rector of Sandringham-with-» -ynn y ' Norr ° ' t 0 the rectory of West Newton , King ' s Mwchan f , 2 * lWi " cs an ' Spirits . —J . K . SiMun & Co ., **\ Vine Mrect In A spects and Valuers ) , s , Albert Mansions , Victoria' -on « on , S . W , Price lists on application . —[ ADVT . 1
Masonic Centenary At Doncaster.
MASONIC CENTENARY AT DONCASTER .
On Wednesday , the Cth inst ., the Freemasons of Doncaster celebrated the 100 th anniversary of St . George's Lodge in that town , with becoming honour and distinction . Freemasonry , which has prospered throughout the United Kingdom during the past century , has in Doncaster maintained , at least , a steady and reputable rate of progress , and during all those hundred years has never been *
without a Master , has never ceased to hold its meetings , has never lost a single record of its proceedings—still possesses its original warrant , its original furniture , and its original working tools . It is impossible to reflect upon such a period of time , and not bc moved by the stirring events which in that single century have done much to mould the temper and character of this great nation , forming as they do no inconsiderable part of its glorious and incomparable history .
Those who are privileged to turn over thc well-preserved pages of thoancientminutebooksof St . George ' s Lodge may sec more than one critical and exciting epoch of our national growth vividly reflected there , as , for instance , when the Doncaster Freemasons of that day were meeting in the Old Town Hall to give a God-speed to departing Volunteers , or to welcome , with that true patriotism which is one of thc brightest ornaments of the Craft , Peninsular veterans and
Waterloo heroes on their march through Doncaster after thc material splendours and national iichievemcnts which had broken up the mightiest Empire of modern times and set free the nations of Europe from the iron grip of impending vassalage . The progress of Freemasonry during the same period may be said to have been more remarkable than its vicissitudes . These latter have never been great in this free country . The growth of Masonry
since those , after all , not very remote days , when a few worthy ciders of this ancient borough laid their heads together and established a Freemasons' lodge , bearing the patronymic of the town ' s adopted saint , has , however , been astounding , and is the best evidence a promoter of the mystic art could offer in support of the excellence of the Institution . Always an essentially charitable organisation , and down from the remotest ages thc
dispenser of practical benevolence , Freemasonry in this country during the last hundred years has entirely changed its character , so far at least as it has appeared to the eyes of the outside world who arc not Masons . A century ago , its social and sociable aspect was that which struck a layman most , and , indeed , most animated its body corporate . A lodge of Freemasons was , as a rule , a little club , always more or less exclusive , in which the possession of certain
secrets was mutually shared and the practice of a variety of mystic rites pleasantly indulged in . The wants of brethren in distress were generously recognised and invariably administered to when occasion required . Nor was their charity even in that day entirely self-contained , but handsome donations were given to objects quite outside the the Craft itself , and independent of if , ( hough the munificence of later davs , when this meat Province of West
Yorkshire out of its own coffers subscribed its hundreds to thc Lancashire Cotton Relief Fund had not been dreamt of . It is duiing the last half century that Freemasonry has mainly stood out before Ihe world as a charitable organisation of splendid munificence—having its ever operate Funds of Benevolence , its noted Schools forthe orphans or necessitous children of Freemasons , and its Domes and Sanctuaries for the old and infirm amongst its needy
fraternity and for the widows of those whom the Great Architect has already called ( o His own Grand Lodge above . Freemasonry in Doncaster has in the light of these principles attained unto a venerable age . It may be said , indeed , not only to have " resisted the hand of time" but to have " survived the wreck of empires "—even in its day . St . George's Lodge was constituted on the 14 II 1 of July , 17 S 0 , the original warrant , still in the possession of the
lodge , being granted Io William Stephenson and other gootl and lawful brethren , by the then Grand Master of England , Ihe Duke of Manchester . Two years later we Iind the lodge holding a special service at the Old Parish Churchitself now a thing of the past—and hearing a sermon preached by the Rev . W . Johnson , of York , Provincial Grand Chaplain . Similar services were periodically held up to the year 1 S 35 . Some ol our readers will be much
interested to learn that in 17 S 4 thc W . M . of Ihe lodge stoutly advocated the establishment of Sunday Schools in this town , and in 17 . S 6 the loilge unanimously voted the sum of live guineas in their support . In iSoy the lodge voted a subscription towards the enlargement of the Parish Churchyard , and the same evening a handsome sum was given to the relief of the poor of the town . In 1 . S 27 the brethren assisted the Mayor of Doncaster to lay the foundation-stone
of Christ Church , Sir W . It . Cooke , Bart ., the then Master of the lodge , and twenty members being present . In 1 S 47 it is recorded lhat the brethren adjourned from ( heir lodge room to the Mansion House , to meet the Mayor nnd Corporation of Doncaster at breakfast , after which they proceeded in procession to lay the foundation-stone of the new Market Hall , the stone being laid with full Masonic honours by Sir W . B . Cooke , Bart ., thc
Worshipful Master . It appears that twelve members of St . George ' s Lodge have been Mayors of Doncaster , and amongst the local clergy who have occupied positions in the lodge will be remembered thc name of the Rev . J . G . Fardell , formerly rector of Sprotbro ' , who was Master of the lodge for three years in succession and one of its most esteemed brethren , a handsome present of his being now a much prized possession of the lodge . Sir William Bryan
Cooke , the father of the present baronet , was live times Master of the lodge , nnd was holding that oflice when he was elected the first Mayor of Doncaster under the Municipal Act . Amongst the most notable names of former brethren appear those of Lord Gal way , the grandfather , we believe , of the present viscount , Mr . Leonard Walbank Childers , of Cantley , Dr . Chorley , and the Hon . W . G . Monckton . For these interesting facts we are indebted to
the present W . M ., Bro . Delanoy , who may be said to have been the mainspring of the recent Centenary Celebration , and to whose active and courageous exertions for several months past the officers and brethren of St . George ' s Lodge owe a deep debt of recognition . A complete list of the Masters of St . George ' s Lodge during the last century has also
been compiled by the same brother . Coming now to the Centenary itself , it was of course all important that the Mansion House should be secured for tlie purpose if possible , and , thanks to persevering efforts , this great matter was eventually compassed , the Mayor granting the free use of the building , its furniture and appliances , as in point of fact was done in 1 S 74 lwh . cn St .
Masonic Centenary At Doncaster.
Georges last entertained its provincial brethren . The arrangements were carried out by an Executive Committee consisting * of the Master , Past Masters , Wardens , and oflicers of the lodge , but in reality the chief labour devolved upon the Master , the Immediate Past Master ( Bro Rand ) , Bro . F . D . Walker , P . M ., Bros . Bolsover , Verity , and Axe , not omitting the Hon . Secretary , Bro . Henry Fox . The ball room of the Mansion House was fitted up
as a lodge room , a dais being placed at the drawing room end for the Grand Officers ; the saloon was used as a vestibule , thc drawing room being reserved for Bro . Sir Henry Edwards and Bro . Tew , and the downstairs rooms ( except the Mayor ' s private parlour ) being used as robing rooms . Bro . Sir Henry Edwards was met at the station by Bro . Tew in his private carriage , and we understand that these gentlemen at once proceeded to call upon the Mayorand
, at the Vicarage . Meanwhile the W . M . of St . George ' s had opened his lodge , and all was in readiness for the reception of Grand Lodge , the worthy Tyler , Bro . Joseph Hirst , awaiting the appointed signal , a trumpet flourish from below . Here Grand Lodge was forming in procession , and about one o ' clock entered St . George ' s Lodge , where were then assembled nearl y 200 brethren from various parts of the province . As Grand Lod ge entered thc brethren rose
ana sang Mail ! Masonry imblime . '" the Right Worshipful the Grand Master being received at the pedestal by the W . M . of the entertaining lodge and placed in the chair in due form . What followed was for the main part strictly Masonic , but it may be stated that Sir Henry addressed the brethren at some length . . , ' ** ' « , ^" c , £ MASTER said : Brethren , I thank the Worshipful Master , oflicers , and brethren of the Saint
George s Lodge , and also the Mayor and Corporation of Doncaster , for this day ' s invitation , and thc admirable arrangements which they have made for the reception of the Provincial Grand Lodge of West Yorkshire in this town . Accept , brethren , the assurance of thc gratification it affords me and the Prov . Grand Oflicers , Present and Past , to sec assembled in this Mansion House so numerous a gathering of the Craft , and our satisfaction that the
roll call has been so well responded to by the sixty-six lodges in this province . Most cordially do I reciprocate the kind manner in which you have received your Provincial Grand Master , and the warmth of your salutation . It affords nic the greatest pleasure at this , our October , meeting , in offering to every one of you my felicitations on thc continued unanimity of the Craft as a bod y in my province , the prosperity of the different lodgesand on the support
, given lo our Charities , anti the progress of those benevolent works to which the Craft has this year given an impetus and lent its influence . Thc West Yorkshire lists have been closed for the current year ; but your contributions have realised to the three Charities ^ . 1713 3 s . iod ., whilst the "Bentley Shaw Memorial Fund , " £ 1050 , is entirely subscribed , the aggregate amount collected for thc three festivals was £ 30 , 515 . I consider it was a compliment to
this province that at the annual meeting of the Governors and Subscribers of the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution , 011 the 21 st May , Bro . Henry Smith , our Secretary , and a Vice-President , was invited to preside . At some inconvenience to myself I have promised to occupy the presidential chair at the next annual festival of the Aged Freemasons and Widows of Freemasons , in Freemasons' HaU . His Royal Highness thc Prince of Wales , our Most
Worsluplul Urantl Master , has named Wednesday , the 23 rd of February , 1 SS 1 , as the most suitable day . Let me hope I may be rewarded in my exertions on this occasion by a goodly number of West Yorkshire Stewards ; and that I shall be as well supported by the Craft generally as was the Provincial Grand Master of North and East Yorkshire , the Karl of Zetland , in the same cause on tjth February this year . Our Secretary has opened
a new list , and I should like to see some fresh names added , in addition to the constantl y recurring old ones . Remember we have 150 males and 155 widows dependent recipients of our annual generosity . A moral Institution hke Freemasonry , without ' charity , is the shell without the pearl , the marble without the soul of life . Let us not boast of our peculiar system of morality , whilst our old brethren and widows are appealing to our solicitude for their
temporal welfare , for what is our system worth if it exerts not itself for the widow , and neglects to listen lo the cry of the orphan ? We arc not accomplishing our mission unless we practise benevolence and support our Charities . It is gratifying to mention that the Dispensary at Pontefract to which we give an impetus , will be read y for its mission before the close of this year , and the new Masonic Hall in Wakefield , the stone of which my Deputy laid in iMav is
now rapidly approaching completion . To-day wc are again invited to put our hands to another useful organisation Wc are informed the "Doncaster General Infirmary and Dispensary" is labouring to do good in the face of adverse circumstances . The annual subscriptions show a most lamentable falling off of supporters of this Institution , which last year gave relief to 2460 outdoor and in-door patients . Wc arc invited to attend
the Saint George s Church , where our sympathies will be enlisted , and the proof of our charitable professions tested , for the welfare of the sick in this town . The sermon will be preached b y the Provincial Grand Chaplain , thc Vicar of Sheffield , whom we thank , and also the Vicar of Doncaster , for the use of his grand church , and the organist and choir for their voluntary assistance in the service of this afternoon . Sir Henry Edwards then recited
some of those local facts which we have already incorporated in our own remarks , and he concluded his address as follows : " I feel it nn honour and a pleasure , as does also my Deputy , whose native town is Doncaster , that it has happened to bc our good fortune and of this Provincial Grand Lodge , to be invited to congratulate St . George ' s Lodge on the completion of its Centenary , on the deeds of generosity which have continuall y marked its progress , and
cue 11 st 01 eminent and ilistinguishcd personages its roll call records . May St . George ' s Lodge , in hundreds of years to come , show that its future members arc as brilliant and distinguished as have been those in the past , and animated by the same Masonic zeal as its early founders for its prosperity , and in the promotion of every useful , benevolent , and charitable work . " ( Loud applause . )
Votes of thanks were passed with acclamation to the Mayor , the Vicar of Doncaster , and to the Organist and choir . On thc motion of the Provincial Grand Treasurer , Bro . C . L . Mason , P . M ., seconded by Bro . Hill , formerl y Chairman of the Charity Committee , 100 guineas was voted to thc Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution Male Fund , and 100 guineas to thc Widows' Fund . Other busi-