Consecration Of The Guildhall School Of Music Lodge. No. 2454.

accept as the plan , and the most careful and attentive labour , given without regard to the expenditure of time or trouble , was the only work for which they paid wages . And the result was that the structure grew to be a perfect harmony of beauty , strength , and wisdom , because every detail was the result of careful study . But they did more than this—they realised that they would pass away . Their work would remain , carried on and completed by others ; but they would pass from time to eternity , from this world tothe next . And theyso loved the work upon which they

were engaged , which they knew they could never see even approaching to completion , that one of the great objects of their lives was to secure that those who followed them should be even more expert workmen than they were themselves . There was a very beautiful sympathy in times gone by between the master and his apprentice . There was an absence of all jealousy , which , in these days of competition , it is very hard to understand . The system is passing from us , perhaps it is unavoidable , but certainly , so far as the new system can be judged , we cannot

fail to recognise that , whilst there is perhaps some work which is as good and perfect as the old work , there is a great deal that is inferior . Still , however , let us realise and carry out , as far as we can , the great principle which is the foundation of the old relationships between the master and his apprentice . The principle that we shall die , but that so long as the world exists there will be work of all kinds to be done , and that we are responsible not merely for doing well all that we can do with our brains and our hands , but also for providing that when those brains

have ceased to work , when those hands have ceased to labour , they are replaced by those which we have taught to do better work than we can do ourselves . In short , the education of the generation which will follow us , is a work in which all must share . I venture to think that this truly Masonic spirit pervades the great institution after which this lodge is named . It has come now to be an acknowledged fact that education without musical instruction is imperfect . We have woke to this fact slowly . The Englishman of 50 years ago was for some reason or other

losing his appreciation of music as a necessity of good education . It was beginning to be considered as a luxury for the rich , rather than what must be , if properly taught , most helpful to all classes . When we discover a neglected duty , we usually commence by attempting very badly and in a hurry to make amends for the past . I venture to think th « in the teaching of music and also of other things , this is perhaps one of the most serious dangers of the . present moment .

We are living in days when certificates and diplomis of all kinds are fashionable , and are still believed in by the masses , but we are , I believe , slowly awakening to the tact th . it a very large number of these documents are , to say the least , misleading . Probibly our ancient brethren would hive applied to then a stronger expression . # I believe I am right in saying that th ^ Guildhall School of Music encourages all good work , and will only give its mirk of approval to work which is really uood . In this we bid it and our n ^ w lodge a hearty God speed .

The anthems and hymns were sung by a large choir of brethren , under the direction of Bro . Henry Guy , and their execution was a model of taste and be . iuty . Bro . LKTCHWORTH then proceeded to consecrate , dedicate , and constitute the lodge , after which he installed the W . M ., who in turn installed his Wardens . The other officers are as follows : Bros . John Greenwood , W . M .

250 , I . P . M . ; VV . H . Cummings , 2127 , Ireas . ; David Strong , 1706 , Sec . ; Henry Gads ))}* , P . M . 1706 , S . D . ; Henry Guy , P . M . 1706 , 2182 , j . D . ; C . Warwick Jordan , Mus . Doc , 2424 , I . G . ; W . J . Barton , 2381 , Org . ; VV . dter Morrow , P . M . 742 , D . C ; W . H . Wheeler , 1708 , and Walter Syckelmire , I . P . M . 128 S , Stwds ; H . Klein , 2108 ; Richard Cummings , I . G . 2000 ; Arthur Thompson , 1507 ; Samuel Webb , 9 ; and James Brand , 1706 .

There will be p lenty of work during the year , for no less than nine initiates were proposed , and 14 joining members . The work being completed , the brethren retired to a banquet , at which the following were present : Bros . T . Hi-tings Miller . P . G S . B ., W . M . ; E . Letchworth , P . G . D ., G . Sec ; Sir John 13 . Monckton , P . G . W . ; Kev . Surlholme Brownrigg , P . G . Chap . ; T . Fenn , Pres . H . G . P . ; John Greenwood , I . P . M . ; Frank Richardson , P . G . D . ; C . Belton ,

P . D . G . D . C . ; J . L . Mather , P . A . G . D . C . ; J . A . Farnfield , P . A . G . D . C . ; James Terry , P . G . S . B . ; C . F . Hogard , P . G . Std . Br . ; W . Ganz . P . G . O . ; J . M . McLeod , S-c . R . M . I . B ., P . S . G . W . Derby : J . Barnett , Ivey , R . Cummings , Batho , Thompson , Rowarth , Barton , O'g . ; R . Clowes , P . G . Std . Br . ; Sir Joseph Barnby . Ven . Archdi-acon Sinclair , B . D . ; H . S . Foster , M . P . ; Keirle , Bevan , H . Guy , J . D . ; Stocks , H . Sadler , Grand Tvler : Jackson , Harper , Costello , Cureton , Towers , Stimson , Cross

W . H . Cummings , Treas . j Strong , Sec . * , C . Moore . Dr . Jordan , I . G . ; Coward , May , Wingham , Kemp , Maltster , F . Guy , Clifford , P . P . G . Supt . Wks . Surrey ; Calkin , P . P . G . Supt . Wks . Wilts . ; S . H . Miller , T . Griffiths , P . Leftwich , Brand , Webb , T . A . Wallworth , Herminn Klein , Morrow , D . C ; Partington , Syckelmore , A . W . S . ; Rogers , Wheeler , W . S . ; Culver , H . Gadsby , S . D . ; and Giorge F . Smith , P . P . G . O . Essex , S . W .

Bro . Sir J B . MONCKTON replied for " The Grand Officers , " and pointed out that the Alliance Lodge , also connected with thc Corporation , had been most beneficial in bringing together on terms of friendship those interested in the Guildhall . He predicted that the new lodge would effect a similar good . In responding for the toast of his health as Consecrating Officer , the GRAND SECRETARY showed that , though there were other musical lodges in thc Metropolis , there were none having the same unity of

purpose . In proposing " Thc Health of the W . M ., " Bro . Ii . LETCHWORTH , G . Sec , congratulated the brethren on having secured the services of one whom he described as " an accomplished musician , a useful citizen , a distinguished Mason , and a true friend . " The usual and ordinary speeches followed , but thc greater part of the

evening was devoted to a charming concert , performed by Miss Jessie HuJdleston , Miss Edith Bradshaw , Bros . VV . H . Wheeler and Walter L , Jade , accompanied by Bro . VV . J . Birton al the piano . Altogether the Guildhall School of Music Lodge sets out under the happiest auspices , and ought to prove a most valuable addition to Masonic life in London . The lodge was furnished by Bro . George Kenning .

Stanley Masonic Ms.

STANLEY MASONIC MS .

Bro . William Watson , of Leeds , has again placed the Province of West Yorkshire , and the Craft generally , under a deep debt of obligation by the publication of the " Stanley Masonic MS ., " of A . 10 . 16 77 . The gift of this vellum roll , 10 feet in length and seven inches in width , of thc year named , by the esteemed Prov . Grand Master ( thc R . W . Bro . Thomas VV . Tew , LP . ) tothe Masonic Library of VVest Yorkshire , has already been noted .

This makes the sixth copy of the " Old Charges " now in this celebrated collection , four of which have been presented by the Prov . Grand Master , and one each by Bros . J . VV . Cocking and VV . F . Tomlinson , the latter being on behalf of T . R . Clapham , Esq ., the actual donor . The number now in the West Yorkshire Masonic Library , of such invaluable and curious MbS ., is larger than in an } ' other Masonic Collection , and is only exceeded by thc eijrhl in the British Museum . There arc five in the " York Lodge , "

Stanley Masonic Ms.

No . 236 ; four in the Grand Lodge of England and in the Dumfries Kilwinning Lodge , No . 53 ; and three each in the Masonic Library of Worcestershire and the " Quatuor Coronati " Lodge , No . 2076 , London . The Masonic Library and Museum of West Yorkshire is undoubtedl y the finest of the kind in Europe , with the exception of the Grand Lodge of England , and , as we have already intimated in respect to copies of the

" Old Charges " in MS ., it has no equal' save in our National Collection . Not only so , but the " William Watson MS . " is only of less importance than the " Regius " and " Cooke " MSS . in the British Museum . It is clear then that the R . W . Bro . T . W . Tew knows how to appreciate such documents , and where to place them ; the Hon . Librarian , Bro . Watson , being particularly clever and successful in obtaining them . We congratulate both

brethren most heartily and sincerely , and all the more because reproductions of all these MSS . have now been published , parti ) ' in facsimile , and circulated far and wide , at the sole expense of the respected Provincial Grand Master . Bro . Watson has written an able and very interesting introduction to

the " Stanley MS-, " pointing out its peculiarities , and quoting from two special experts on the subject- — -Bros . W . J . Hughan and Dr . VV . Begeinann—so that the numerous readers and owners of this handsome and accurate reproduction will find a mass of information to guide them in forming their estimate of the value and importance of this particular scroll .

The doggerel lines which follow the MS . proper , Bro . Watson states " are in a different handwriting and of a more recent period . " Bro . Speth ( another well-known and respected expert ) has placed the date of these lines at an earlier period than Bro . Watson is inclined to admit , the latter authority preferring the opinion expressed by Bro . Hughan as to its more modern caligraphy , even possibly so late as the third decade of the last century . We are not prepared to express any view on this point , preferring to await the researches and decision of those who have made these MSS .

their life-study . We unite with Bro . Watson in the hope that the members ofthe "York " Lodge , No . 236 , will soon agree to their five MSS . being republished , for though reproduced by Bro . Hughan years ago , they are now ( as Bro . Watson states ) " seldom to be obtained , and even then only at a heavy

premium . Will not Bro . Joseph lodd , P . M . and Ireas . No . 236 , undertake this duty , who already has done so much for this distinguished lodge , and at the same time favour us with a history of Lodge No . 236 , and thc " Grand Lodge of all England" at York in one volume ? We beg to thank Bro . Watson for this the sixth copy of his valuable series of Masonic reprints .

Consecration Of The Legiolium Mark Lodge, No. 457, At Castleford.

CONSECRATION OF THE LEGIOLIUM MARK LODGE , No . 457 , AT CASTLEFORD .

The consecration of the above Mark lodge took place on Wednesday , the Sth inst ., at Castleford , in the presence of Bros . C . Letch Mason , Prov . Grand Master ; John Barker , P . G . I . of W ., acting as Deputy Prov . Grand Master ; T . VV . Embleton , Prov . S . G . W . ; C J . Schott , Prov . J . G . W . ; and the following :

Bros . W . D . Shoebridge , Prov . G . M . O . ; William Flockton , Prov . S . G . O . ; Wm . Haigh , as Prov . J . G . O . ; W . Wilkinson , Prov . G . Chap . ; G . F . Carr , Prov . G . Treas . ; Tudor Trevor , Prov . G . Sec . ; G . H . Parke , Prov . S . G . D . ; Richard Hodgson , Prov . J . G . D . ; Alfred Gill , P . P . G . I . of W . ; J . J . Martin , Prov . G . S . B . ; George Carbert , Prov . G . Org . ; T . Robertshaw , Prov . G . I . G . ; T . G .

Howell , T . D . Laycock , Leach , and H . S . Holdsworth , P . P . S . G . W ., Prov . G . Stwds . ; G . H . Radchff , P . P . S . G . O . ; Henry Oxley , P . P . G . Treas . ; G . H . Schofield , Thomas B . Wilson , C . H . Waterhouse , Alfred Wilson , C . Middleton , W . M . J . H . Newton , Robert Abbott , T . Nicholson , John Ripley , C . A . Phillips , Thomas Thorp , A . G . Mabin , J . E . Mann , and J . B . Corbitt , III ; Alfred Leach , no ; Henry Smith , and others .

1 he PROV . GRAND MASTER addressed the brethren on the nature of the meeting and the reason of the foundation of a Mark lodge at Castleford . There were in Castleford some 17 or 18 Mark Masons who had to come to Leeds , and the train service not being convenient they had determined to have a lodge of their own at Castleford . The warrant having been read and thc founders having given their approval of the officers named in the warrant , the Prov . Grand Master then delivered the following oration :

My first words to-day shall be words ol congratulation to the brethren of Castleford , on the consecration of their Mark lodge , and my next shall be words of regret that our old , esteemed , and well-beloved friend and Deputy Prov . Grand Master , the Rev . Thomas Cartwri ght Smyth , D . D ., Past Grand Chaplain of England , is not with us . Our worth y brother had most kindly promised to deliver the oration on the present occasion , and I am sure we all deeply sympathise with

him on the loss he has sustained by the death of his only and well-beloved child . Brethren , conversant as we are with the ceremonies of the Mark Degree , we cannot be insensible to the teaching that underlies our peculiar rites and ceremonies . We see the candidate going forth . in the enthusiasm of his work , exercising his skill nnd ingenuity , carefully preparing his work , and presenting it , when to his sorrow and contusion he linds it rejected and ordered to be heaved over

amongst the rubbish as useless . Mark Masonry has existed for years , its friends have worked haid on its behalf , but ever it has been placed in the back-ground and cast aside as being no integral mark of Masonry , yet the time came when it was found to contain tne connecting link , to compress and cement thc whole fabric ol Masonry in one firm and solid whole . In our daily intercourse of life we lind there are some who are steadily working on , pursuing their way quietly and

inoffensively , the world watches them , pities them , and even holds them up to ridicule , yet the time comes when some more important work is required to be done , some post of danger is required to be occupied , or when some true p hilanthropist is needed to take the head and guide the helm , where is he to be found , even from among those who previously have been held up to scorn , as leading , spending useless lives , Mark Masonry teaches us with no uncertain sound , not to be discouraged by want of success , we have all our

allotted task to iulhl , and whatever may be our lot , whether great or insignificant , whether in the front or in the rear , we each have our own special work to do ; our works , our actions , our words , may all be misunderstood , improper motives liny be attributed to us , yet , let us steadily pursue our way , and although we may in the moment ot disappointment and vexation exclaim , " Alas , alas , my labou r is lost , " yet it is not so , and we shall in due time , if we faint not , reap our reward , of

and then , clasping our hands in an ecstacy of joy , exclaim with the Craftsman old , '" Thank be to God , I have my reward . " In this Degree the advantages of education and refinement are forcibly impressed upon our minds , and it has been aptly termed the Degree of uprightness . The upright man—what a flood 0 ' thought those words bring to our recollection . Who can properly estimate the uprignt man , the man who always acts upon the square ; one who always thinks ol