Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Presentation To Bro. William Harrop, P.M, P.P.G.W. West Yorks.
PRESENTATION TO BRO . WILLIAM HARROP , P . M , P . P . G . W . WEST YORKS .
On Monday night , the 13 th inst ., the most important Masonic function that has taken place in Huddersficld since the demonstration nude by the members of the Craft on the occasion of the visit to Huddersfield of the late Duke of Albany in 18 S 3 was held at the Masi nic Hall , South Parade . The occasion was that ol the presentation by the members of the Huddersficld Lodge , No . 290 , of a portrait and address to Bro . William . Harrop , P . M , P . P . G . W ., and Chairman of the Charity Commit ' ee of West Yorks , in recognition of his eminent services in Freemasonry and as a mark of their esteem and respect .
A banrjuet was held at o p . m ., presided over by the W . M . of the lodge , Bro , John H . Hanson , who was supported on his right by Bro . the Right Hon . VV . L . Jackson , M . P ., Prov . Grand Master ot VVest Yorkshire ; the Mayor of Hudderifield , Bro . J . Lee Walker ; the Deputy Mayor , Bro . J . J . Brook , J . P . ; Bros . VV O . Clough , M . P . ; Colonel Day . J . P . ; and Joseph Crowther , J . P . ; and on his
left by Bros . Wm . Harrop ; Henry Smith , Deputy Prov . Grand Master ; his Honour Judge Heaton Cadman , P . P . G . Reg . ; W . F . Smithson , P . G . D . ; J . C . Malcolm , Leed ' s City Coroner ; and Bro . Thomas Mallinson , J . P . Over 100 members and guests sat down to dinner , which was admirably served in tha bdgeroom by Messrs . Johnson Bros .
A band , provided by Bro . Joshua Marshall , performed musical selections during dinner . At the conclusion of the menu , The WORSHIPFUL MASTER proposed " The Queen , " and the National Anthem was sung .
The WORSHIPFUL MASTER , in proposing "H . R . H . the Prince of VVales , K . G ., Grand Master of England , and Officers of Grand Lodge , Present and Past , " coupled with it the name of Bro . Henry Smith , a Past Grand Deacon of England and Deputy Provincial Grand Master , and remarked that Bro .
Smith was very welcome as being an old and valued friend of the guest of the evening . Bro . Smith had given the best fruits of his life to directing the efforts of Freemasonry in the Province of West Yorkshire , and in view of his approach ir . g retirement from the office cf Deputy Provincial Grand Master , that would probably be one of his last official visits in West Yorkshire .
Bro . HENRY SMITH replied that he had much pride in being present at that presentation to his oldest friend in one of the largest lod ges in the province . The Huddersfleld Lodge was a credit and example to all other lodges for its good work , regularity , and punctuality , and owing to those qualities it was as well known in London as in Yorkshire as a lodge holding the hi ghest position .
The WORSHIPFUL MASTER proposed the toast of "The Right Hon . W . L . Jackson , M . P ., R . W . Provincial Grand Master , and the Officers of Prov . Grand Lodge , Present and Past . " He said there was considerable wonder as to whom H . R . H . the Prince of Wales would appoint to fill the post so ably occupied by their late Bro . T . W . Tew on his resigning on account of failing health and years . The appointment had been equally ably filled by Bro . Jackson , notwithstanding his multifarious duties . A gentleman who was one of tho Queen ' s Privy
Councillors , who was the head of one of our largest railway companies , aud could still find time to act as Mayor of Leeds , would probably not lind the duties of Provincial Grand Master much additional burden . However , the Prince of Wales had appointed a typical Yorkshireman , who satisfied all the requirements of the province . He concluded by extending a very cordial welcome to Bro . lackson on that his first Masonic visit to Huddersfleld and to the Huddersficld Lodge .
Bro . W . L . J ACKSON , M . P ., in reply , thanked the VV . M . for his personal references , and said : H uddersfield has long been distinguished as one of the bri ght spots upon the Masonic records , Grand Officers are always welcomed with a profusion of hospitality , which at the same tims was real and heartfelt . Thc position of Provincial Grand Lodge of West Yorkshire had been made during a long course of years and it had no cause to hide its head when it came to Hudders .
field . The Mayor of Huddersfleld is a member of the Craft , the Deputy Mayor is also a member of the Craft ; at Halifax they have appointed a Mayor who is a Mason and may I say that at Leeds also they have followed the same good example . The Mayor of Wakefield and probably the Mayors of other nei ghbouring towns are Masons . But much of the position of Provincial Grand Lodge is
due to the zealous and devoted service of the Deputy Prov . Grand Master . The personal and other records of the province testified to that . They have always recognised the loyalty and wise counsel of the Deputy and other provincial officers . Our object is to maintain the dignity of Masonry in the Province of West Yorkshire .
The WORSHIPFUL MASTER announced the object of the presentation . The recent appointment of Bro . VVm . Harrop as Chairman of the Charily Committee of the Province came as the climax of a long career and the members of thc lodge wished to celebrate the occasion by paying a special tribute to Bro . Harrop .
It had been decided to present an address and a portrait to Bro . Harrop and the brethren had requested the Provincial Grand Master to perfect the honour by making the presentation on their b-half- Bro . Harrop had been identified with Charity for many years . He was a good friend and wise counsellor to young and old .
Bro . VV . L . WILMSHUKST , Secretary of the lodge , then read the following addiess , which was in book form , each pajre being of richly illuminated vellum , and the whole bound in crimson Russian leather :
" Huddersfleld Lodge , No . 290 . "To Brother William Harrop , P . M ., P . P . G . W ., Chairman of the Charity Committee of West Yorks . " Worshipful Sir and Brother , 'As , in the ritual of our Order , the names of those good and wise
men of olden time who were foremost in building up the principles of Freemasonry , have become enshrined and preserved for our example , so , in these latter days , the brethren have been anxious to make some fitting memorial , and to offer uch recognition as they are able to those who have done special service in promoting the wellare , dignin , and objects of the Cratt .
" vVe congratulate ourselves that our lodge , during an existence of over a century , has numbered among . t its members many brethren who have been distinguished upholders and exponents of Masonic science . The records and the walls of our lodge bear witness of many such , and it is well that the memory of such b : tliren should be so perpstu ited , that generations yet to come may ba remini e 1 of their piedecesscrs who in past time most conspicuously and brilliantly sustained the principles of Freemasonry in general and of our lodges in particular .
"The time has come when your brethren of the Hudder . sfield Lodge have thought fir la accord to you same acknowled gment of the eminent services you have rendered to them and the lodge , and to put upon lasting record such a tribute of their graiiuidc . and g'jod . viJI as in ly do you honour , and bean ever present memoiy with our Masonic posterity in years to come .
Presentation To Bro. William Harrop, P.M, P.P.G.W. West Yorks.
" Your connection with our lodge commenced in 1870 . Five years later you occupied the chair as Worshipful Master , and in due time you were called by the Grand Lodge of this province to occupy successively the exalte ! positions of Grand Deacon and Grand Warden . Since 1884 you have filled the resoonsible office of Treasurer of the lodij-. In adJition to these offices , you have hem long
and actively associated with the Committee of Provincial Grand Lodge for the organisation and administration of Masonic Charity , and your recent appointment to tlii Chairmanship of that Committee wis greeted by your brethren with cordial approval as being both an honour to their lodge and a worthy clim ix to your devoted and unibated eff jrts towards this , the chief aim and purpose of oar Craft .
" But your litle to the present recognition is based upon something more than a distinguished Masonic career . The honours and dignities conferred upon you in various branches of the Craft were the well-merited rewards of active and valuable services , but it was impossible that thay should convey an adequate interpretation ol the respect and affection your brethren bsar towards you , and while we trust you have not been ignorant of the existence of these sentiments we desire now to assure you of them in more tangible and permanent form by asking you to accept at our hands this present tribute ; accompanied by what we consider to be an excellent portrait of yourself .
" Wc desire to express our opinion that to your upright conduct in private life , to your exertions and good deeds in the cuisa of Freemasonry , to the silent but far-reaching moral inlluence of your character , much of the present high reputation of our lodge is due . " We acknowledge with gratitude your regu lar and unflagging services , your capable powers ever at the disposal of your brethren as a Preceptor and exponent
of Masonic lore ; the prudent and sagacious advice in all matters relative to the conduct and government of the lodge ; the friendship and fraternity you have extended to every one of us , and which has evoked from the breasts of your brethren old and young alike , an affection which has only been strengthened by time and become ' Like a circle in the water , Which never ceaseth to enlarge itself . '
" Of your benefactions to the Masonic Charities it is not for us to speak . They lind their response in the grateful hearts of many aged Masons , widows , and orphans , and can be recorded only by the Great Giver of all Goodness . "To Him we commend you and those dearest to you with fervent prayers thit your useful life may long be spired to them and to us and be blessed with health and happiness .
" In asking your acceptance of this Address and the accompanying Portrait , which are the gifts exclusively of your brethren of the Huddersfleld Lodge , we are , dear Brother Harrop , in all a lmiration , affection , and respect . "On behalf of the Lodge , "J H . HANSON , W . M .
"WM . P . RAYNOR , I . P . M . "J . MACKENZIE , S . W . "JAS . BROOK , J . W . "VV . L . WILMSHURST , Secretary " Date 13 th January , 1896 . "
The PROVINCIAL GRAND MASTER then said : I think 1 might not hive added a single word to what is contained in the address which has just been read . The address expresses what is foremost in the heart of every member of the lodge when he thinks of Bro . H irrop . But I cannot allow the occasion to pass without saying a few words of my own . Bro . Harrop was one of those who induced , and I will say emboldened , me to accept the position of Provincial Grand Master . We were then comparative strangers , but I was at once struck
by the simplicity , geniality , and transparent honesty of Bro . Harrop and by the advice he then gave to me . Bro . Harrop appears before you to-night in a threafold character ; in the first place as a member of the lodge , secondly as Chairman of the Charity Committee of the Province—the province is truly grateful to him for accepting that position—in the third place he stands before you as a respected citizen of Huddersfleld . There are other citizens whrt evince similar characteristics to those displayed by Bro . Harrop , for which they are rewirded
by public honours , but the present occasion is the spontaneous eff jrt and acknowledgment by his brethren to Bro . Harrop in his private life . My position is a difficult one . It is difficult , not to say what might be fulsome ; it is difficult to leave out much one would like to have said ; but if my position is a diffimlt one , what must Bro . Harrop ' s be to-night ? Bro . Hirrop has already celebrated his Masonic silver wedding , having been 26 years a member of this lodge . He joined it in 1 S 70 , and , alter passing the offices of Junior and Senior Wardea , he becim * i
Worshipful Master in 18 75 . Since that time his career has been one of active service in Freemasonry , and has never been blemished by a single spot . I feel privileged to be allowed to take part in this spontaneous expression of feeling . Bro . H irrop has my best wishes for his long life , health , and strength . M ly those dearest to him long continue to have the love and affection which his heart possesses , and
may this lodge long have the benefit of his valuable services ! I will now disclose the portrait of Bro . Harrop , which , I must say , is a truthful likeness . Brother Harrop , it is my great privilege to present this address and this portrait to you on behalf of your brethren . May you long live to remember , with heartfelt and agreeable satisfaction , this memorable occasion in the annals of Huddersfleld Freemasonry !
Bro . W . HARROP , replying * , said . * It was written in old times that out of the fulness of tl e heart the mouth speaketh . Well , my heart is very full to-night , and I feel utterly unable to express my feelings . 1 don't think that -entiment meant a man to make a long speech , but if the fulness of heart means " Thank you , " I thank you most sincerely forthe honour done me to-night . If I deserved all that has been said about me to-night , I should have done nothing more than tried to do my duty in any position in which I have been placed . It is 26 years since I joined
this lodge , namely , in 1870 . 1 was placed in office the year alter , and , with one exception , I have held ofiice every year since either in the lodge or in the chapter . 1 attained the summit of my ambilion 21 years ago , when appointed Worshipful Master , and , though 1 have since held very high office in Provincial Grand Lodge , and am now the Chairman of the Charity Committee , still I always feel that the summit of my ambition was attained when I was made Worshipful Master of this lodge . Since then I have had a constant anxiety to see the Huddersfleld Lodge
second to none in the province . It is the third in point of numb ; rs . There have been no arrears of subscriptions for many years . Its working and ritual cannot be excelled by any other lodge ; others may bo equally good but I claim that they cannot excel it . We have a number of good workers ( an ** , many of them have done more than 1 have , for instance , Bro . L . B . Brierley , P . M . ) , and a number of young members who are good workers and regular attenders . Few lodges have subscribed as freely to the Masonic Charities year after year as this , but there i *> a broader Charity in the lodge , a Charity which " Vaunteth not itself , is not
puffed up , seeketh not her own , and which never faileth . " And this broader Charity has existed among the members of thc lodge since I joined it and there has never been a jarring word among them . Brethren , I deeply feel your kindness to me . It has been said that it is better " to reign sovereign in the hearts and affections of men than to rule over their lives and fortunes . " I desire to do the former , and to reign in your hearts and affections , f thank yoi , Prov . Grind Master , for the honour you have done me in coming here to-night , you Deputy Prov . Grand Mas ' ur , and all the brethren for the kindness shown me to-nig ht , which will always hold a place in my memory ,
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Presentation To Bro. William Harrop, P.M, P.P.G.W. West Yorks.
PRESENTATION TO BRO . WILLIAM HARROP , P . M , P . P . G . W . WEST YORKS .
On Monday night , the 13 th inst ., the most important Masonic function that has taken place in Huddersficld since the demonstration nude by the members of the Craft on the occasion of the visit to Huddersfield of the late Duke of Albany in 18 S 3 was held at the Masi nic Hall , South Parade . The occasion was that ol the presentation by the members of the Huddersficld Lodge , No . 290 , of a portrait and address to Bro . William . Harrop , P . M , P . P . G . W ., and Chairman of the Charity Commit ' ee of West Yorks , in recognition of his eminent services in Freemasonry and as a mark of their esteem and respect .
A banrjuet was held at o p . m ., presided over by the W . M . of the lodge , Bro , John H . Hanson , who was supported on his right by Bro . the Right Hon . VV . L . Jackson , M . P ., Prov . Grand Master ot VVest Yorkshire ; the Mayor of Hudderifield , Bro . J . Lee Walker ; the Deputy Mayor , Bro . J . J . Brook , J . P . ; Bros . VV O . Clough , M . P . ; Colonel Day . J . P . ; and Joseph Crowther , J . P . ; and on his
left by Bros . Wm . Harrop ; Henry Smith , Deputy Prov . Grand Master ; his Honour Judge Heaton Cadman , P . P . G . Reg . ; W . F . Smithson , P . G . D . ; J . C . Malcolm , Leed ' s City Coroner ; and Bro . Thomas Mallinson , J . P . Over 100 members and guests sat down to dinner , which was admirably served in tha bdgeroom by Messrs . Johnson Bros .
A band , provided by Bro . Joshua Marshall , performed musical selections during dinner . At the conclusion of the menu , The WORSHIPFUL MASTER proposed " The Queen , " and the National Anthem was sung .
The WORSHIPFUL MASTER , in proposing "H . R . H . the Prince of VVales , K . G ., Grand Master of England , and Officers of Grand Lodge , Present and Past , " coupled with it the name of Bro . Henry Smith , a Past Grand Deacon of England and Deputy Provincial Grand Master , and remarked that Bro .
Smith was very welcome as being an old and valued friend of the guest of the evening . Bro . Smith had given the best fruits of his life to directing the efforts of Freemasonry in the Province of West Yorkshire , and in view of his approach ir . g retirement from the office cf Deputy Provincial Grand Master , that would probably be one of his last official visits in West Yorkshire .
Bro . HENRY SMITH replied that he had much pride in being present at that presentation to his oldest friend in one of the largest lod ges in the province . The Huddersfleld Lodge was a credit and example to all other lodges for its good work , regularity , and punctuality , and owing to those qualities it was as well known in London as in Yorkshire as a lodge holding the hi ghest position .
The WORSHIPFUL MASTER proposed the toast of "The Right Hon . W . L . Jackson , M . P ., R . W . Provincial Grand Master , and the Officers of Prov . Grand Lodge , Present and Past . " He said there was considerable wonder as to whom H . R . H . the Prince of Wales would appoint to fill the post so ably occupied by their late Bro . T . W . Tew on his resigning on account of failing health and years . The appointment had been equally ably filled by Bro . Jackson , notwithstanding his multifarious duties . A gentleman who was one of tho Queen ' s Privy
Councillors , who was the head of one of our largest railway companies , aud could still find time to act as Mayor of Leeds , would probably not lind the duties of Provincial Grand Master much additional burden . However , the Prince of Wales had appointed a typical Yorkshireman , who satisfied all the requirements of the province . He concluded by extending a very cordial welcome to Bro . lackson on that his first Masonic visit to Huddersfleld and to the Huddersficld Lodge .
Bro . W . L . J ACKSON , M . P ., in reply , thanked the VV . M . for his personal references , and said : H uddersfield has long been distinguished as one of the bri ght spots upon the Masonic records , Grand Officers are always welcomed with a profusion of hospitality , which at the same tims was real and heartfelt . Thc position of Provincial Grand Lodge of West Yorkshire had been made during a long course of years and it had no cause to hide its head when it came to Hudders .
field . The Mayor of Huddersfleld is a member of the Craft , the Deputy Mayor is also a member of the Craft ; at Halifax they have appointed a Mayor who is a Mason and may I say that at Leeds also they have followed the same good example . The Mayor of Wakefield and probably the Mayors of other nei ghbouring towns are Masons . But much of the position of Provincial Grand Lodge is
due to the zealous and devoted service of the Deputy Prov . Grand Master . The personal and other records of the province testified to that . They have always recognised the loyalty and wise counsel of the Deputy and other provincial officers . Our object is to maintain the dignity of Masonry in the Province of West Yorkshire .
The WORSHIPFUL MASTER announced the object of the presentation . The recent appointment of Bro . VVm . Harrop as Chairman of the Charily Committee of the Province came as the climax of a long career and the members of thc lodge wished to celebrate the occasion by paying a special tribute to Bro . Harrop .
It had been decided to present an address and a portrait to Bro . Harrop and the brethren had requested the Provincial Grand Master to perfect the honour by making the presentation on their b-half- Bro . Harrop had been identified with Charity for many years . He was a good friend and wise counsellor to young and old .
Bro . VV . L . WILMSHUKST , Secretary of the lodge , then read the following addiess , which was in book form , each pajre being of richly illuminated vellum , and the whole bound in crimson Russian leather :
" Huddersfleld Lodge , No . 290 . "To Brother William Harrop , P . M ., P . P . G . W ., Chairman of the Charity Committee of West Yorks . " Worshipful Sir and Brother , 'As , in the ritual of our Order , the names of those good and wise
men of olden time who were foremost in building up the principles of Freemasonry , have become enshrined and preserved for our example , so , in these latter days , the brethren have been anxious to make some fitting memorial , and to offer uch recognition as they are able to those who have done special service in promoting the wellare , dignin , and objects of the Cratt .
" vVe congratulate ourselves that our lodge , during an existence of over a century , has numbered among . t its members many brethren who have been distinguished upholders and exponents of Masonic science . The records and the walls of our lodge bear witness of many such , and it is well that the memory of such b : tliren should be so perpstu ited , that generations yet to come may ba remini e 1 of their piedecesscrs who in past time most conspicuously and brilliantly sustained the principles of Freemasonry in general and of our lodges in particular .
"The time has come when your brethren of the Hudder . sfield Lodge have thought fir la accord to you same acknowled gment of the eminent services you have rendered to them and the lodge , and to put upon lasting record such a tribute of their graiiuidc . and g'jod . viJI as in ly do you honour , and bean ever present memoiy with our Masonic posterity in years to come .
Presentation To Bro. William Harrop, P.M, P.P.G.W. West Yorks.
" Your connection with our lodge commenced in 1870 . Five years later you occupied the chair as Worshipful Master , and in due time you were called by the Grand Lodge of this province to occupy successively the exalte ! positions of Grand Deacon and Grand Warden . Since 1884 you have filled the resoonsible office of Treasurer of the lodij-. In adJition to these offices , you have hem long
and actively associated with the Committee of Provincial Grand Lodge for the organisation and administration of Masonic Charity , and your recent appointment to tlii Chairmanship of that Committee wis greeted by your brethren with cordial approval as being both an honour to their lodge and a worthy clim ix to your devoted and unibated eff jrts towards this , the chief aim and purpose of oar Craft .
" But your litle to the present recognition is based upon something more than a distinguished Masonic career . The honours and dignities conferred upon you in various branches of the Craft were the well-merited rewards of active and valuable services , but it was impossible that thay should convey an adequate interpretation ol the respect and affection your brethren bsar towards you , and while we trust you have not been ignorant of the existence of these sentiments we desire now to assure you of them in more tangible and permanent form by asking you to accept at our hands this present tribute ; accompanied by what we consider to be an excellent portrait of yourself .
" Wc desire to express our opinion that to your upright conduct in private life , to your exertions and good deeds in the cuisa of Freemasonry , to the silent but far-reaching moral inlluence of your character , much of the present high reputation of our lodge is due . " We acknowledge with gratitude your regu lar and unflagging services , your capable powers ever at the disposal of your brethren as a Preceptor and exponent
of Masonic lore ; the prudent and sagacious advice in all matters relative to the conduct and government of the lodge ; the friendship and fraternity you have extended to every one of us , and which has evoked from the breasts of your brethren old and young alike , an affection which has only been strengthened by time and become ' Like a circle in the water , Which never ceaseth to enlarge itself . '
" Of your benefactions to the Masonic Charities it is not for us to speak . They lind their response in the grateful hearts of many aged Masons , widows , and orphans , and can be recorded only by the Great Giver of all Goodness . "To Him we commend you and those dearest to you with fervent prayers thit your useful life may long be spired to them and to us and be blessed with health and happiness .
" In asking your acceptance of this Address and the accompanying Portrait , which are the gifts exclusively of your brethren of the Huddersfleld Lodge , we are , dear Brother Harrop , in all a lmiration , affection , and respect . "On behalf of the Lodge , "J H . HANSON , W . M .
"WM . P . RAYNOR , I . P . M . "J . MACKENZIE , S . W . "JAS . BROOK , J . W . "VV . L . WILMSHURST , Secretary " Date 13 th January , 1896 . "
The PROVINCIAL GRAND MASTER then said : I think 1 might not hive added a single word to what is contained in the address which has just been read . The address expresses what is foremost in the heart of every member of the lodge when he thinks of Bro . H irrop . But I cannot allow the occasion to pass without saying a few words of my own . Bro . Harrop was one of those who induced , and I will say emboldened , me to accept the position of Provincial Grand Master . We were then comparative strangers , but I was at once struck
by the simplicity , geniality , and transparent honesty of Bro . Harrop and by the advice he then gave to me . Bro . Harrop appears before you to-night in a threafold character ; in the first place as a member of the lodge , secondly as Chairman of the Charity Committee of the Province—the province is truly grateful to him for accepting that position—in the third place he stands before you as a respected citizen of Huddersfleld . There are other citizens whrt evince similar characteristics to those displayed by Bro . Harrop , for which they are rewirded
by public honours , but the present occasion is the spontaneous eff jrt and acknowledgment by his brethren to Bro . Harrop in his private life . My position is a difficult one . It is difficult , not to say what might be fulsome ; it is difficult to leave out much one would like to have said ; but if my position is a diffimlt one , what must Bro . Harrop ' s be to-night ? Bro . Hirrop has already celebrated his Masonic silver wedding , having been 26 years a member of this lodge . He joined it in 1 S 70 , and , alter passing the offices of Junior and Senior Wardea , he becim * i
Worshipful Master in 18 75 . Since that time his career has been one of active service in Freemasonry , and has never been blemished by a single spot . I feel privileged to be allowed to take part in this spontaneous expression of feeling . Bro . H irrop has my best wishes for his long life , health , and strength . M ly those dearest to him long continue to have the love and affection which his heart possesses , and
may this lodge long have the benefit of his valuable services ! I will now disclose the portrait of Bro . Harrop , which , I must say , is a truthful likeness . Brother Harrop , it is my great privilege to present this address and this portrait to you on behalf of your brethren . May you long live to remember , with heartfelt and agreeable satisfaction , this memorable occasion in the annals of Huddersfleld Freemasonry !
Bro . W . HARROP , replying * , said . * It was written in old times that out of the fulness of tl e heart the mouth speaketh . Well , my heart is very full to-night , and I feel utterly unable to express my feelings . 1 don't think that -entiment meant a man to make a long speech , but if the fulness of heart means " Thank you , " I thank you most sincerely forthe honour done me to-night . If I deserved all that has been said about me to-night , I should have done nothing more than tried to do my duty in any position in which I have been placed . It is 26 years since I joined
this lodge , namely , in 1870 . 1 was placed in office the year alter , and , with one exception , I have held ofiice every year since either in the lodge or in the chapter . 1 attained the summit of my ambilion 21 years ago , when appointed Worshipful Master , and , though 1 have since held very high office in Provincial Grand Lodge , and am now the Chairman of the Charity Committee , still I always feel that the summit of my ambition was attained when I was made Worshipful Master of this lodge . Since then I have had a constant anxiety to see the Huddersfleld Lodge
second to none in the province . It is the third in point of numb ; rs . There have been no arrears of subscriptions for many years . Its working and ritual cannot be excelled by any other lodge ; others may bo equally good but I claim that they cannot excel it . We have a number of good workers ( an ** , many of them have done more than 1 have , for instance , Bro . L . B . Brierley , P . M . ) , and a number of young members who are good workers and regular attenders . Few lodges have subscribed as freely to the Masonic Charities year after year as this , but there i *> a broader Charity in the lodge , a Charity which " Vaunteth not itself , is not
puffed up , seeketh not her own , and which never faileth . " And this broader Charity has existed among the members of thc lodge since I joined it and there has never been a jarring word among them . Brethren , I deeply feel your kindness to me . It has been said that it is better " to reign sovereign in the hearts and affections of men than to rule over their lives and fortunes . " I desire to do the former , and to reign in your hearts and affections , f thank yoi , Prov . Grind Master , for the honour you have done me in coming here to-night , you Deputy Prov . Grand Mas ' ur , and all the brethren for the kindness shown me to-nig ht , which will always hold a place in my memory ,