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Article PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF EAST LANCASHIRE. ← Page 2 of 2 Article CONSECRATION OF THE ARMITAGE LODGE, No. 2261. Page 1 of 2 Article CONSECRATION OF THE ARMITAGE LODGE, No. 2261. Page 1 of 2 →
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Provincial Grand Lodge Of East Lancashire.
A report of the Committee for altering a portion of the Provincial Grand By-laws was , after considerable discussion , approved and adopted . Bro . WILLIAM NICHOLL , P . M . 317 , P . P . G . T ., then rose to propose his notice of motion on the agenda paper , viz . — " That there shall be a Finance Committee . "
Remarks on this motion were made by Bros . J AMES ARTHUR BIRCH , P . P . J . G . W . ; ROBERT WILLIAMSON , P . P . G . P . ; J . A . FORSTER , P . P . G . R . ; J AMES HEELIS , P . S . G . W ., and others ; the PROV . GRAND MASTER suggesting that the motion should stand over until the May meeting .
This was assented to by Bro . NICHOLL , and seconded by Bro . ROBERT WILLIAMSON , but Bro . J . A . BIRCH moved as an amendment—" That the notice of motion be quashed , which , being seconded by Bro . J STOVOLD , P . M . 993 , was put to the meeting and carried . Bro . Nicholl ' s motion was therefore lost .
Invitations to hold the next meeting in May vvere given from the Friendship , 277 , and Tudor , 4 67 , Lodges in Oldham ; also the Tranquillity , 274 , Newchurch . The PROV . G RAND MASTER expressed his thanks for both offers , and said he would consider which he would accept . Provincial Grand Lodge was then closed .
A Court of Governors of the East Lancashire Systematic Masonic Educational and Benevolent Institution was subsequently held , when a report of the financial position and general working of the Institution vvas submitted . The following motion , proposed by Bro . J AMES HILL SILLITOE ,
Treasurer , was adopted : " That it is desirable to give to our local Institution , during the next year , our first consideration and principal support , and , in order to give effect to the same , a Garden Party or Festival be organised , and that the General Committee of the Institution , be asked to undertake the necessary arrangements . "
Consecration Of The Armitage Lodge, No. 2261.
CONSECRATION OF THE ARMITAGE LODGE , No . 2261 .
Thursday , the Sth inst ., was a red-letter day in the annals of Milnsbridge , when Bro . Thomas W . Tew , P . G . D . Eng ., Prov . Grand Master of West Yorkshire , with the members of the Provincial Grand Lodge , assembled for the purpose of consecrating the Arrnitage Lodge , No . 2261 . The . new lodge is situated in the centre of the village , close to the railway viaduct , and the premises are eminently adapted for the purposes of Freemasonry . The Iodge is named after Bro . Edward Arrnitage , J . P ., Prov . G . W ., the crest of his family , by kind permission , being adopted by the lodge .
The Provincial Grand Lodge having been opened by Bro . Tew , the PROV . G . SECRETARY read the petition for consecration , and the PROV . G . REGISTRAR requested the Provincial Grand Master to consecrate the lodge . The PROV . G . S ECRETARY having read the warrant of H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , M . W . G . M ., the Provincial Grand Master proceeded to the ceremony of consecration , which was performed in a most impressive manner , the Prov . G . Organist and Bros . J . Stocks , Riley , Rickards , Mellor , and
Buckland rendering the musical portion of the service in an efficient manner . The lodge having been duly consecrated , Bro . TEW said ; I recognise the speciality of the occasion to all who surround me , and I recognise the interest to the districts and all concerned in the establishment of a new Masonic lodge for Longwood and Milnsbridge . 1 cannot command varied and new ideas for a Masonic subject like tbe flow of waters from the Longwood reservoirs into the county and town of Huddersfield . The address and the sermon delivered and preached on the Sth of
September at Kirkburton , by Bro . W . Schofield , as first Master of the Beaumont Lodge , and Bro . Collins , and by the Rev . Bro . T . C Smyth , D . D ., _ P . G . C . of England , on the occasion of the new corner-stone for a new hall being laid in Shelley-road , with full Masonic rites , and the sermon by the Dean of York last Sunday leaves the matter of this address difficult to grapple vvith . Therefore , I must trespass upon your patience and forbearance in the discharge of the obligation of my straightened position as this day ' s Consecrating Officer . The circumstances surrounding the inauguration of this
new lodge seem to arise from the growth of the population of the surrounding places , and the increasing developement ' of the peculiar industries and peculiar geographical situation of these valleys . The parishes of Longwood , Golcar , Milnsbridge , and Linthwaite are almost wholly in a valley between two hills of considerable elevation , each hill having a steep ascent . All these parishes meet within a distance of about two hundred yards from the lodge room wherein we are assembled . Here the local streams of water which mark out the boundaries of these various townships and
valleys have their confluence . Along these streams and valleys are many large wooden mills , which , with other works around them , employ a dense population of over 20 , 000 persons . There is no communication either b y the railway or tramcar between this valley and over the hill to Thornhill Lodge , which is the nearest lodge , and to Colne Valley , about three miles distant , and vvhich latter lodge was consecrated by me on the 23 rd of December , 1876 . Therefore , as there are upwards of 20 resident Masons about here vvho will shortly become members of this new lodge , I presume they naturally
desired to become formed into a lodge , and to meet as members of a lodge according to the constitution of the Grand Lodge of England . An application was made in a regular way for a warrant and recommended by me to Grand Lodge on the 5 th of May , 18 SS , the petition being backed by the W . M ., S . W ., J . VV ., and 16 members of the Thornhill Lodge . The founders of this new lodge , having such faith in its future success , entered into a contract to lease two rooms and a dwelling house for a period of 10 years , specially arranged and set apart for Masonic purposes only . lt is a pleasure to mention
two such well known and honoured names in this district — Bro . Edward Arrnitage , P . M ., P . P . G . W ., and Bro . Joseph Arrnitage , of the Lodge of Harmony , No . 275 , who are large owners of property in the neighbourhood—have graciously consented that the new lodge may be named the Arrnitage Lodge , and also that the lodge may use their crest as the armorial bearings of this lodge . Bros . Fitton and Ruddock are most ardent promoters of the lodge , to which the Grand Lodge has granted the warrant , name , and No . 2261 on the roll of the Grand Lodge of England ,
the first W . M . nominated being Bro . Charles Henry Crowther , the first S . W ., Bro . Sam Hirst , and the first J . W ., Bro . Thomas William Thorpe . May I make a few remarks on what seems to me to be the characteristics and specialities of a lodge of Freemasons—fellowship and brotherhood . What is fellowship but companionship for the mutual association of persons on equal and friendly terms ? And has not the whole scope of Freemasonry in its symbols and ceremonies for its object to make its novitiates more fit for society and for each other ' s mutual fellowship and brotherly association ?
It teaches us the striking lessons of mutual equality and mutual dependence . It inculcates the active principles of benevolence and Charity ; to free the soul from the dominion of pride and prejudice—above all , to bend with humility and resignation to the G . A . O . T . U ., and to dedicate our hearts , thus purified from every malignant passion , and to prepare for the reception of truth and wisdom , to God ' s glory and the good of our fellow creatures . Do not these doctrines define the communion of a Mason's nature ,
and set forth the great principles that he is to have no fellowship vvith the unfruitful works of darkness ? Thus through Masonry we are linked together in one indivisible chain of sincere affection , brotherly love , relief , and truth . The qualities enjoin every Freemason , as an enrolled member of the Antient Order , to promote the good of another ; as that old Freemason , Milton , says : — "Thou to mankind
Be good and friendly still , and oft return . " Thus is formed true friendship , which is a noble and virtuous attachment , springing from the pure sources of sincere affection and brotherly love , a respect for worth and amicable qualities . Lord Bacon has told us "there is little friendship in theworld ;" but in a Mason ' s lodge friendship is the essence of companionship and of fellowship , because , as the "Rambler" puts it , "there can be no friendship without confidence ,
Consecration Of The Armitage Lodge, No. 2261.
and no confidence without integrity . " Socrates said , "For his own part , he would rather have a good friend than the different objects of man's ambition all put together . " Cicero says , " As to the value of other things most men differ ; concerning friendshi p all have the same opinion . " Lord Bacon says , " Without true friends , the world is but a wilderness . " He adds , "Friendship introduces daylight in the understanding out of darkness and confusion of thoughts . " The influence of friends is as the flower of a
beautiful nature , which expands , and the colours grow brighter when stimulated b y the warmth and sunshine of friendship . Is th ^ flo-ver and aroma of friendship more beauti fully displayed in their natures , than that of Jonathan , the faithful friend of David , and the tenderness eyinced ^ by David towards his friend Jonathan , and for whom David mourned for a whole year ? " 1 am distressed , for thee , my brother Jonathan ; very pleasant hast thou been tome ; thy love to me was wonderful , passing the love of women . " Here
is an example of friendship for Freemasons in their lodges to follow to the end of time . Much , certainly , of the happiness and purity of our lives depends on our admitting and ' making a wise choice of our members for the lodge as our companions and friends . Do not trust in this matter to the accident of a candidate ' s proposal , or because he lives near the lodge , because he is in the same business , travels on the same railway , or for some other similar reason . There cannot be a greater mistake in Masonry . In the
words of Plutarch , "These are the idols and images of friendship" only . Surely Marcus Aurelius wisely advises , " When thou wishest to delight thyself , think of the virtues of those who live with thee ; for instance , the gratitude of one , the kindness of another , the liberality of another , the modesty of another , and some other good quality of a fifth . " "Wherefore me must keep the examples of their virtues and morals before us , and admit only such perfect and upright men . " We must be as careful , having made Masonic friends , to keep them . There are several lodges in this province whose
names are symbolical of friendship ; for example—Probity , Peace . Unanimity , Harmony , Hope , Fidelity , Integrity , Truth , Friendship , Sincerity , & c , the brethren of which lodges live in "friendship " and dwell in " peace . " You have , brethren , these lodges as your examples . You have your own poets and philosophers and good men to guide you ; such as the Armitages , the Radcliffes , the Mellors , the Brookes , and many others , who in 1811 showed by their patriotism and friendship for their country what spirit they vvere of . Shakespeare says : " Civil dissension is a viperous worm ,
That gnaws the bowels of this commonwealth . " These worthies of your district baffled the Luddite rioters and restored the district to public order , and have incurred that debt of gratitude , by their friendships and manliness , to the hearts of all lovers of peace , order , and fellowship , which , as Ruskin says , " can only be discharged to the dust . " " Death cannot sever friendship . " " Friends though absent , are still present ; though in poverty , they are rich ; though weakyet in
, the enjoyment of health ; and , what is more difficult to assert , though dead , they are alive in our memories . To us , indeed , Scipio still lives , and will always live , for we love the virtue of that man , and that worth is not yet extinguished . Assuredly , of all things that either fortune or . time can bestow upon us , we have none which we can compare with the classical friendship of Scipio , " or the sacred friendship of David and
Jonathan . Brother Masons , make this lodge worthy of the fame of the district and the personages 1 have named to you , and of the deeds of friendship , benevolence , tenderness , and heroism I have hinted at . Choose your initiates for what they are , not for what they have ; and if they prove themselves true Masons , and make themselves to deserve so great a blessing as your Masonic friendship , then they will always be with you , preserved in absence , and even after death , in the chamber of memory .
Ihe Provincial Grand Lodge vvas closed , and the Arrnitage Lodge opened in the Three Degrees . Bro . C- H . Crowther vvas duly installed VV . M . of the new Iodge by Bro . Crosland Hirst , P . M ., in a most satisfactory manner . ¦ The officers of the lodge were invested as follows : Bros . Sam Hirst ,
S . W . ; T . W . Thorpe , J . VV . ; J . E . Bottom , Chap . ; D . Beaumont , Treas . ; Walker Dyson , Sec . ; Elliot Hallas ,, Reg . ; H . J . Leech , S . D . ; E . Beaumont , J . D . ; J . A . Stocks , D . C . ; F . Heppenstall , I . G . ; W . H . Rhodes , Asst . I . G . ; C . Walker , Purveyor ; and H . W . Gee , Tyler . There vvas a large number of brethren present , including members of the new lodge .
After the lodge had been duly closed the brethren adjourned to the Baptist Schoolroom , where a first class banquet , prepared by Bro . G . Hesketh , of the Queen Hotel , Huddersfield , vvas served . The VV . M . presided , and vvas supported by the Prov . Grand Officers , Present and Past , and a large number of brethren .
After the tables had been cleared the WORSHIPFUL MASTER gave "The Queen and the Royal Family , " "The M . W . G . M . of England , H . R . H . the Piince of Wales , and the rest of the Grand Officers , " and " The R . W . P . G . M . of West Yorkshire , P . G . D . of England , Bro . T . W . Tew , J . P ., " to vvhich Bro . TEW suitably responded . He expressed a hope that the new lodge would become a distinguished part of the 73 lodges forming the Province of Yorkshire . They had done right to name the lodge afterthe Arrnitage
family ; it perpetuated for all time the name of a famil y beloved , respected , and esteemed in the district . He could not but think there was a great deal in a name . He sometimes thought one rose did not smell as sweet as another . He compared the name of Arrnitage to a flower , and said the founders in choosing a name—the Arrnitage Brothers—for their lodge , had chosen a rose , which to all time would smell to them sweeter than any other rose .
Bro . J . CROWTHER , P . M ., proposed "The V . W . D . P . G . M ., Bro . Hy . Smith , and the rest of the Officers of Provincial Grand Lodge , Present and Past , " to vvhich Bro . COOMBE , P . G . Chap ., responded . Bro . S . HIRST proposed "The W . M ., Bro . C . H . Crowther , " remarking that the selection was made unanimousl y by the founders , and those present would agree with him that they had made a wise selection . The WORSHIPFUL MASTER responded .
" ihe Installing Master , Bro . C . Hirst , P . M ., " was proposed by Bro . T . RUDDOCK , P . P . G . Treas ., and suitably acknowledged . "The Officers of the Arrnitage Lodge" vvas proposed by the W ORSHIPFUL MASTER , and acknowledged by the S . W . Bro . WALKER DYSON proposed "The Past Masters of Arrnitage Lodge , " to vvhich Bro . J AMES HIRST responded . Ji
^ hSro . . A RMITAGE proposed " Founders , " and said that day was a red-letter day for Milnsbridge , and sketched a history of the village . He was initiated in 1841 , at which time he and his brothers were the only Freemasons in the district . He never , in those days , thought he should live to see a lodge founded in Milnsbrid ge ; and the lact that such had now been done reflected great credit on the Freemasons in that district for the manner in which they had come forward and founded the lodge . If a man was a the
good Mason , he said , he must be a good citizen . He acknowledged great compliment that had been paid to him and his nephew in naming the lodge after them . He thanked them most heartily for having done so , antshould always look with pride and satisfaction to that lodge , and anything he could do to promote the good of the lodge he should be happy t ° ° j He intended , in honour of the event , to endow a chair for Widows and Aged Freemasons in the name of the lodge . Bro . BOTTOM responded . ..
, Bro . RUDDOCK proposed " The Health of Bro . E . Armitage , " and said the family of Armitage was not only respected but loved in the district-He never met a more faithful or sincere friend than Bro . Armitage . Bro . ARMITAGE , in responding , said , during the time he was " : partner in the firm , he tried to do his duty , both as an emp loyer and a Mason , and he had never had a turn-out during that time . There nao
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Provincial Grand Lodge Of East Lancashire.
A report of the Committee for altering a portion of the Provincial Grand By-laws was , after considerable discussion , approved and adopted . Bro . WILLIAM NICHOLL , P . M . 317 , P . P . G . T ., then rose to propose his notice of motion on the agenda paper , viz . — " That there shall be a Finance Committee . "
Remarks on this motion were made by Bros . J AMES ARTHUR BIRCH , P . P . J . G . W . ; ROBERT WILLIAMSON , P . P . G . P . ; J . A . FORSTER , P . P . G . R . ; J AMES HEELIS , P . S . G . W ., and others ; the PROV . GRAND MASTER suggesting that the motion should stand over until the May meeting .
This was assented to by Bro . NICHOLL , and seconded by Bro . ROBERT WILLIAMSON , but Bro . J . A . BIRCH moved as an amendment—" That the notice of motion be quashed , which , being seconded by Bro . J STOVOLD , P . M . 993 , was put to the meeting and carried . Bro . Nicholl ' s motion was therefore lost .
Invitations to hold the next meeting in May vvere given from the Friendship , 277 , and Tudor , 4 67 , Lodges in Oldham ; also the Tranquillity , 274 , Newchurch . The PROV . G RAND MASTER expressed his thanks for both offers , and said he would consider which he would accept . Provincial Grand Lodge was then closed .
A Court of Governors of the East Lancashire Systematic Masonic Educational and Benevolent Institution was subsequently held , when a report of the financial position and general working of the Institution vvas submitted . The following motion , proposed by Bro . J AMES HILL SILLITOE ,
Treasurer , was adopted : " That it is desirable to give to our local Institution , during the next year , our first consideration and principal support , and , in order to give effect to the same , a Garden Party or Festival be organised , and that the General Committee of the Institution , be asked to undertake the necessary arrangements . "
Consecration Of The Armitage Lodge, No. 2261.
CONSECRATION OF THE ARMITAGE LODGE , No . 2261 .
Thursday , the Sth inst ., was a red-letter day in the annals of Milnsbridge , when Bro . Thomas W . Tew , P . G . D . Eng ., Prov . Grand Master of West Yorkshire , with the members of the Provincial Grand Lodge , assembled for the purpose of consecrating the Arrnitage Lodge , No . 2261 . The . new lodge is situated in the centre of the village , close to the railway viaduct , and the premises are eminently adapted for the purposes of Freemasonry . The Iodge is named after Bro . Edward Arrnitage , J . P ., Prov . G . W ., the crest of his family , by kind permission , being adopted by the lodge .
The Provincial Grand Lodge having been opened by Bro . Tew , the PROV . G . SECRETARY read the petition for consecration , and the PROV . G . REGISTRAR requested the Provincial Grand Master to consecrate the lodge . The PROV . G . S ECRETARY having read the warrant of H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , M . W . G . M ., the Provincial Grand Master proceeded to the ceremony of consecration , which was performed in a most impressive manner , the Prov . G . Organist and Bros . J . Stocks , Riley , Rickards , Mellor , and
Buckland rendering the musical portion of the service in an efficient manner . The lodge having been duly consecrated , Bro . TEW said ; I recognise the speciality of the occasion to all who surround me , and I recognise the interest to the districts and all concerned in the establishment of a new Masonic lodge for Longwood and Milnsbridge . 1 cannot command varied and new ideas for a Masonic subject like tbe flow of waters from the Longwood reservoirs into the county and town of Huddersfield . The address and the sermon delivered and preached on the Sth of
September at Kirkburton , by Bro . W . Schofield , as first Master of the Beaumont Lodge , and Bro . Collins , and by the Rev . Bro . T . C Smyth , D . D ., _ P . G . C . of England , on the occasion of the new corner-stone for a new hall being laid in Shelley-road , with full Masonic rites , and the sermon by the Dean of York last Sunday leaves the matter of this address difficult to grapple vvith . Therefore , I must trespass upon your patience and forbearance in the discharge of the obligation of my straightened position as this day ' s Consecrating Officer . The circumstances surrounding the inauguration of this
new lodge seem to arise from the growth of the population of the surrounding places , and the increasing developement ' of the peculiar industries and peculiar geographical situation of these valleys . The parishes of Longwood , Golcar , Milnsbridge , and Linthwaite are almost wholly in a valley between two hills of considerable elevation , each hill having a steep ascent . All these parishes meet within a distance of about two hundred yards from the lodge room wherein we are assembled . Here the local streams of water which mark out the boundaries of these various townships and
valleys have their confluence . Along these streams and valleys are many large wooden mills , which , with other works around them , employ a dense population of over 20 , 000 persons . There is no communication either b y the railway or tramcar between this valley and over the hill to Thornhill Lodge , which is the nearest lodge , and to Colne Valley , about three miles distant , and vvhich latter lodge was consecrated by me on the 23 rd of December , 1876 . Therefore , as there are upwards of 20 resident Masons about here vvho will shortly become members of this new lodge , I presume they naturally
desired to become formed into a lodge , and to meet as members of a lodge according to the constitution of the Grand Lodge of England . An application was made in a regular way for a warrant and recommended by me to Grand Lodge on the 5 th of May , 18 SS , the petition being backed by the W . M ., S . W ., J . VV ., and 16 members of the Thornhill Lodge . The founders of this new lodge , having such faith in its future success , entered into a contract to lease two rooms and a dwelling house for a period of 10 years , specially arranged and set apart for Masonic purposes only . lt is a pleasure to mention
two such well known and honoured names in this district — Bro . Edward Arrnitage , P . M ., P . P . G . W ., and Bro . Joseph Arrnitage , of the Lodge of Harmony , No . 275 , who are large owners of property in the neighbourhood—have graciously consented that the new lodge may be named the Arrnitage Lodge , and also that the lodge may use their crest as the armorial bearings of this lodge . Bros . Fitton and Ruddock are most ardent promoters of the lodge , to which the Grand Lodge has granted the warrant , name , and No . 2261 on the roll of the Grand Lodge of England ,
the first W . M . nominated being Bro . Charles Henry Crowther , the first S . W ., Bro . Sam Hirst , and the first J . W ., Bro . Thomas William Thorpe . May I make a few remarks on what seems to me to be the characteristics and specialities of a lodge of Freemasons—fellowship and brotherhood . What is fellowship but companionship for the mutual association of persons on equal and friendly terms ? And has not the whole scope of Freemasonry in its symbols and ceremonies for its object to make its novitiates more fit for society and for each other ' s mutual fellowship and brotherly association ?
It teaches us the striking lessons of mutual equality and mutual dependence . It inculcates the active principles of benevolence and Charity ; to free the soul from the dominion of pride and prejudice—above all , to bend with humility and resignation to the G . A . O . T . U ., and to dedicate our hearts , thus purified from every malignant passion , and to prepare for the reception of truth and wisdom , to God ' s glory and the good of our fellow creatures . Do not these doctrines define the communion of a Mason's nature ,
and set forth the great principles that he is to have no fellowship vvith the unfruitful works of darkness ? Thus through Masonry we are linked together in one indivisible chain of sincere affection , brotherly love , relief , and truth . The qualities enjoin every Freemason , as an enrolled member of the Antient Order , to promote the good of another ; as that old Freemason , Milton , says : — "Thou to mankind
Be good and friendly still , and oft return . " Thus is formed true friendship , which is a noble and virtuous attachment , springing from the pure sources of sincere affection and brotherly love , a respect for worth and amicable qualities . Lord Bacon has told us "there is little friendship in theworld ;" but in a Mason ' s lodge friendship is the essence of companionship and of fellowship , because , as the "Rambler" puts it , "there can be no friendship without confidence ,
Consecration Of The Armitage Lodge, No. 2261.
and no confidence without integrity . " Socrates said , "For his own part , he would rather have a good friend than the different objects of man's ambition all put together . " Cicero says , " As to the value of other things most men differ ; concerning friendshi p all have the same opinion . " Lord Bacon says , " Without true friends , the world is but a wilderness . " He adds , "Friendship introduces daylight in the understanding out of darkness and confusion of thoughts . " The influence of friends is as the flower of a
beautiful nature , which expands , and the colours grow brighter when stimulated b y the warmth and sunshine of friendship . Is th ^ flo-ver and aroma of friendship more beauti fully displayed in their natures , than that of Jonathan , the faithful friend of David , and the tenderness eyinced ^ by David towards his friend Jonathan , and for whom David mourned for a whole year ? " 1 am distressed , for thee , my brother Jonathan ; very pleasant hast thou been tome ; thy love to me was wonderful , passing the love of women . " Here
is an example of friendship for Freemasons in their lodges to follow to the end of time . Much , certainly , of the happiness and purity of our lives depends on our admitting and ' making a wise choice of our members for the lodge as our companions and friends . Do not trust in this matter to the accident of a candidate ' s proposal , or because he lives near the lodge , because he is in the same business , travels on the same railway , or for some other similar reason . There cannot be a greater mistake in Masonry . In the
words of Plutarch , "These are the idols and images of friendship" only . Surely Marcus Aurelius wisely advises , " When thou wishest to delight thyself , think of the virtues of those who live with thee ; for instance , the gratitude of one , the kindness of another , the liberality of another , the modesty of another , and some other good quality of a fifth . " "Wherefore me must keep the examples of their virtues and morals before us , and admit only such perfect and upright men . " We must be as careful , having made Masonic friends , to keep them . There are several lodges in this province whose
names are symbolical of friendship ; for example—Probity , Peace . Unanimity , Harmony , Hope , Fidelity , Integrity , Truth , Friendship , Sincerity , & c , the brethren of which lodges live in "friendship " and dwell in " peace . " You have , brethren , these lodges as your examples . You have your own poets and philosophers and good men to guide you ; such as the Armitages , the Radcliffes , the Mellors , the Brookes , and many others , who in 1811 showed by their patriotism and friendship for their country what spirit they vvere of . Shakespeare says : " Civil dissension is a viperous worm ,
That gnaws the bowels of this commonwealth . " These worthies of your district baffled the Luddite rioters and restored the district to public order , and have incurred that debt of gratitude , by their friendships and manliness , to the hearts of all lovers of peace , order , and fellowship , which , as Ruskin says , " can only be discharged to the dust . " " Death cannot sever friendship . " " Friends though absent , are still present ; though in poverty , they are rich ; though weakyet in
, the enjoyment of health ; and , what is more difficult to assert , though dead , they are alive in our memories . To us , indeed , Scipio still lives , and will always live , for we love the virtue of that man , and that worth is not yet extinguished . Assuredly , of all things that either fortune or . time can bestow upon us , we have none which we can compare with the classical friendship of Scipio , " or the sacred friendship of David and
Jonathan . Brother Masons , make this lodge worthy of the fame of the district and the personages 1 have named to you , and of the deeds of friendship , benevolence , tenderness , and heroism I have hinted at . Choose your initiates for what they are , not for what they have ; and if they prove themselves true Masons , and make themselves to deserve so great a blessing as your Masonic friendship , then they will always be with you , preserved in absence , and even after death , in the chamber of memory .
Ihe Provincial Grand Lodge vvas closed , and the Arrnitage Lodge opened in the Three Degrees . Bro . C- H . Crowther vvas duly installed VV . M . of the new Iodge by Bro . Crosland Hirst , P . M ., in a most satisfactory manner . ¦ The officers of the lodge were invested as follows : Bros . Sam Hirst ,
S . W . ; T . W . Thorpe , J . VV . ; J . E . Bottom , Chap . ; D . Beaumont , Treas . ; Walker Dyson , Sec . ; Elliot Hallas ,, Reg . ; H . J . Leech , S . D . ; E . Beaumont , J . D . ; J . A . Stocks , D . C . ; F . Heppenstall , I . G . ; W . H . Rhodes , Asst . I . G . ; C . Walker , Purveyor ; and H . W . Gee , Tyler . There vvas a large number of brethren present , including members of the new lodge .
After the lodge had been duly closed the brethren adjourned to the Baptist Schoolroom , where a first class banquet , prepared by Bro . G . Hesketh , of the Queen Hotel , Huddersfield , vvas served . The VV . M . presided , and vvas supported by the Prov . Grand Officers , Present and Past , and a large number of brethren .
After the tables had been cleared the WORSHIPFUL MASTER gave "The Queen and the Royal Family , " "The M . W . G . M . of England , H . R . H . the Piince of Wales , and the rest of the Grand Officers , " and " The R . W . P . G . M . of West Yorkshire , P . G . D . of England , Bro . T . W . Tew , J . P ., " to vvhich Bro . TEW suitably responded . He expressed a hope that the new lodge would become a distinguished part of the 73 lodges forming the Province of Yorkshire . They had done right to name the lodge afterthe Arrnitage
family ; it perpetuated for all time the name of a famil y beloved , respected , and esteemed in the district . He could not but think there was a great deal in a name . He sometimes thought one rose did not smell as sweet as another . He compared the name of Arrnitage to a flower , and said the founders in choosing a name—the Arrnitage Brothers—for their lodge , had chosen a rose , which to all time would smell to them sweeter than any other rose .
Bro . J . CROWTHER , P . M ., proposed "The V . W . D . P . G . M ., Bro . Hy . Smith , and the rest of the Officers of Provincial Grand Lodge , Present and Past , " to vvhich Bro . COOMBE , P . G . Chap ., responded . Bro . S . HIRST proposed "The W . M ., Bro . C . H . Crowther , " remarking that the selection was made unanimousl y by the founders , and those present would agree with him that they had made a wise selection . The WORSHIPFUL MASTER responded .
" ihe Installing Master , Bro . C . Hirst , P . M ., " was proposed by Bro . T . RUDDOCK , P . P . G . Treas ., and suitably acknowledged . "The Officers of the Arrnitage Lodge" vvas proposed by the W ORSHIPFUL MASTER , and acknowledged by the S . W . Bro . WALKER DYSON proposed "The Past Masters of Arrnitage Lodge , " to vvhich Bro . J AMES HIRST responded . Ji
^ hSro . . A RMITAGE proposed " Founders , " and said that day was a red-letter day for Milnsbridge , and sketched a history of the village . He was initiated in 1841 , at which time he and his brothers were the only Freemasons in the district . He never , in those days , thought he should live to see a lodge founded in Milnsbrid ge ; and the lact that such had now been done reflected great credit on the Freemasons in that district for the manner in which they had come forward and founded the lodge . If a man was a the
good Mason , he said , he must be a good citizen . He acknowledged great compliment that had been paid to him and his nephew in naming the lodge after them . He thanked them most heartily for having done so , antshould always look with pride and satisfaction to that lodge , and anything he could do to promote the good of the lodge he should be happy t ° ° j He intended , in honour of the event , to endow a chair for Widows and Aged Freemasons in the name of the lodge . Bro . BOTTOM responded . ..
, Bro . RUDDOCK proposed " The Health of Bro . E . Armitage , " and said the family of Armitage was not only respected but loved in the district-He never met a more faithful or sincere friend than Bro . Armitage . Bro . ARMITAGE , in responding , said , during the time he was " : partner in the firm , he tried to do his duty , both as an emp loyer and a Mason , and he had never had a turn-out during that time . There nao