Gould's History Of Freemasonry. Vol.Iii.

GOULD'S HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY . VOL . III .

SECOND NOTICE . BY MASONIC STUDENT . 1 am very sorry that 1 cannot for a few days make this second notice as full and as exhaustive as I could have wished , especially as regards the most important question

of the value and comparison of the Guild Legends , and for two reasons—firstly , the Elections have left me very little spare time , and , secondly , the whole question has had to be reconsidered alike on " expert views" and with careful analysis and collation of MSS . But certain "facts" in respect of the MSS . seem to arise from a study of the MSS . in a visit I paid to the British Museum a few days

ago , which I may well , by way of preface to a subsequent notice of a remarkable work , allude to briefly to-day . The first is that great caution must be observed as to laying down certain conclusions , either from assumed identity of expression or from any " a priori " view of what any writer might be expected to have said . On this point there is no doubt among " experts" that no more unsafe ground

of textual criticism can in any way be set up , and which , if true or sound , must affect in the most lamentable measure all textual criticism . It is most diflicult also to lay down with precision the variations of chirograph y in the handwriting of a generation , and therefore any arbitrary system on any preconceived theories or " post hoc " assumptions must be rejected .

Secondly , there are several things which must be taken into account before we can possibly affix a date for certainty to either Harleian 1942 or 2054 . Harleian 1942 is written " una manu , " and may represent an earlier or later period in the 17 th century . The insertion cif the New Articles , though so far unique and abnormal , is no impeachment of the genuineness or historical value of the MS . ; on the

contrary , it rather adds to the importance and value of the MS ., textually and critically considered . In fact , there is not the slightest available objection against Harleian 1942 , except what arises from the " New Articles , " and whether 1942 be written 10 years earlier or 10 years later , it is in all probability , as Mr . Bond suggests , certainly within the first four decades of the seventeenth century . Harleian 1942 is

a transcription of an earlier form . In the third p lace , Harleian 2054 is a very curious MS . It is in the handwriting of Randle Holmes ( the third ); but , as in the same volumes MSS . of his handwriting date from 164 C , it is impossible to say within a few years when it was really written . The asseveration of secresy and the sums paid are written in the same hand , though it is patent

on different paper and in a different ink , and wc shall not be wrong in giving between 1646 and 1 O 5 G in all probability as the approximate date of the MS . There seems to be no critical or expert reason why Mr . VVallbran ' s theory is not correct and sound , —that 2054 is an attempt by Randle Holmes , or someone else , as transcribed by him , to modernize an older form , be that form

what it may . Even the position of the Latin formula may be quite accidental , and a slip in its present position , and may really mean little and prove less . Fourthly , it is much to be feared that the Inigo Jones ' s MS . will have to be gjven up as early seventeenth century . The paper-mark , which is very clear , will probably compel us to adopt a later date , though it is more than probable ,

as has been most critically suggested , that alike in the illustration and in the body of the legend it has been transcribed and topicd from an older exemplar . Lastly , the Wood MS . on an expert study presents some most curious features , so much so , as almost to lead to the conclusion that it was copied from a printed book . There is a good deal " pro and con . " such a theory . I forbear therefore to say more on the subject to-day . Indeed

the same remark applies in its measure to Inigo Jones ' s MS ., but there are also many objections to such a reality . These remarks will convince my readers how complicated and important the question really is , and how it requires to be dealt with purely on scientific grounds and expert experience . I hope before long to give a third notice of Bro . Gould ' s valuable work , and especiall y that most able part of it which deals with our Masonic Guild Legends .

Provincial Grand Lodge Of West Yorkshire.

PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF WEST YORKSHIRE .

On the lOth inst ., the annual meeting of this Provincial Grand Lodge was held at the Masonic Hall , South Parade , Huddersfield , under the bannerol the Huddersfield Lodge , No . 290 , the W . M . and officers of which opened the preliminary lodge , Bro . Lieut .-Col . Sir Henry Edwards , Bart ., C . B .. D . L ., Prov . G . M ., afterwards assuming the chair

and opening Prov . Grand Lodge , assisted by Bro . 1 . W . Tew , | . P ., S . G . D ., L ) . P . G . M ., anda full gatheringof Prov . Grand Officers and brethren . After the minutes of the previous meeting , held at 1 lalifax in January last , had been confirmed , and the customary salutations accorded , The PROV . G RANO MASTER addressed the brethren , remarking on the pleasure he experienced in having to

welcome a larger representation of the lodges than was the case at Halifax in October last , when no less than iS lodges were unrepresented . The R . W . Bro . proceeded : I think at least every Worshipful Master and charity member of each lodge should try to be present at our quarterly communications , because I regard these gatherings as an illustration of the advantages of free conference , to keep

alive the interests of the lodges and to co-operate together in beneficent acts of charity , to promote a good fraternal understanding among the brethren , and to work out practical solutions such as are referred to in our charity report , and other matters connected with Grand Lodge which require serious consideration and remedial rectification as they arise year by year ; therefore , brethren ,

nonresponsive lodges detract from the utility of these gatherings . Brethren , I am glad that this quarterly meeting is held in Huddersfield . It reminds us of that greater and brilliant gathering on the 15 th October last , when we assembled in this town to present an address of welcome to his Roval Highness the late Duke of Albany , Knight

of the Garter , Knight of the Thistle , & c ., & c . The then Mayor of Huddersfield is , I believe , here to-day , and I again thank him , and the present Mayor of this town , for the facilities they placed at the disposal of this Provincial Grand Lodge on that occasion . The Ri g ht Worshipful Prov . Grand Master of Oxfordshire's visit to Durham on the 30 th January last ,

Provincial Grand Lodge Of West Yorkshire.

the addresses he gave to this and that province , and to the Freemasons of Seaham Harbour on the 19 th February , merit our cordial acknowledgments . We now loyally treasure them up in our hearts because God has taken him from us , aud we reciprocate his Royal Highness's sentiments of his " satisfaction at linding that the beneficial influences of Freemasonry are recognised and appreciated in our communities " outside as inside the various lodges .

This province was represented on the occasion of the Royal visit to Durham by my Deputy and many other brethren from West Yorkshire . I must refer also to our Royal Grand Master , who has placed himself in the forefront of this campaign of usefulness and beneficent influences of noble works and generous actions —( applause)—which acts of graciousness have won the love and respect of the Craft and the people of this country—( hear , hear)—to the

Queen , to himself , and the other members of the Royal iamily of this country , and done more to consolidate the throne on a solid foundation than if they had led our armies to the recent victories which our soldiers have so gallantly achieved . Our loyalty to the throne , sympathy to the Queen and to her Royal Highness the Duchess of Albany in their great bereavement , and our faithful adherence to the principles of our Order , as set forth in the volume oi

the sacred law , are in my humble opinion sure safeguards against the fostering and plotting of outrages in our midst which have for their objects the undermining the very foundations of social order . ( Cheers . ) I refer to a Lenten pastoral issued on the 26 th February in a neighbouring island on the evil of unlawful associations , and classing Freemasons as the outcome of revolutionary secret societies . Brethren , the Irish Freemasons are a

most loyal body of men . The Freemasons of England are sanctioned and upheld by Acts of Parliament as a collective body , and styled the " United Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of England , " and every Freemason's name is registered in the office of the Clerk of the Peace . We have nothing illegally secret about us —( cheers ) —and as loyal , peaceable , and well-conducted Freemasons of England and Iceland , we protest against these audacious

charges that we can be counterpart of other illegal and inhuman associations . ( Cheers . ) It affords me much pride to notice the gradual increase of the influence and usefulness of the Craft . May it , under judicious administration , prosper and flourish in the midst ot all sections of the community , so that peace and happiness , truth and justice , religion and piety may , upon the best and surest foundations be established among us for all generations . In 1 S 75 the

Freemasons of the Aire and Calder Lodge laid the foundations of Christ Church at Goole , and on the iSth of March last there was a religious service held therein on the opening of the new Sailors' Institute for the Port of Goole . This institute , built at a cost of £ 1700 , by the help of the Freemasons and others , is for the sailors reading and recreation rooms . Our sympathies are with our sailors . Wc wish this institute every success at Goole . On the 7 th

of March my Deputy consecrated and dedicated the old Lodge of Saint George ' s , Doncastcr , No . 242 , in its new premises , Nether Hall . The warrant for the Beamont Lodge at Kirkburton , No . 2035 , will be formally opened by my Deputy on May Sth . A copy of the revised Book of Constitutions has been supplied by the Board of General Purposes to the W . M . of each lodge on the roll of Grand Lodge of England : but I desire to mark this important

event to my province by presenting a specially •bound pedestal copy to each of our 67 lodges . This revised Book of Constitutions marks to my mind a new epoch in the history of Freemasonry . The original copy having been in force with slight alterations since the union in ib ' 13 , it will now be necessary to reappoint our Advice Committee to bring into harmony our Prov . Grand Lodge bye-laws with the new Book of Constitutions . For this business I

hope 1 may rely upon the assistance and co-operation of the brethren who so ably devoted their time to an examination of the amendments of the newly revised Book of Constitutions . It affords me satisfaction to state that the Special Building Committee appointed on the 5 th December last , of which my deputy is a member , has met several times since in Freemasons' Hall , that contracts have been let for the restoration of the beautiful hall , and

that it will be completed and ready for the use of the Craft this month , the work being carried on and completed with the amount received from the insurance company as compensation lor the late fire . Our Charity Committee met at Wakefield on the 22 nd March . There were 11 applicants for your charitable support . Their report will shortly be presented to you . 1 ask every lodge Charity Steward to read this report to his lodge , and direct attention to the

support urgently needed . Last year 530 votes were lost to us by death . I appeal to all ot you to help the Charity Committee in their arduous labours by generous contributions to ourseveral Institutions . Ourlcssons oi Freemasonry teach us much of the instability of human affairs , and therefore it is well to remember that we benefit ourselves by the good wc try to do for the happiness of those who are unfortunate , helpless , and forlorn . Wc mourn to-day the

death of the Prov . Grand Master of Oxfordshire , his Royal Highness the Duke of Albany . Both Houses of Parliament have already moved addresses of condolence to her Majesty on this national bereavement , and have spoken through her Ministers in graceful terms of the high mental qualities of the deceased Royal duke . But we also as Freemasons desire to express our grief and sorrow on this irreparable loss sustained by the

State and the Craft , and to place on the records of this Provincial Grand Lodge the feelings which animate us on this mournful event . The Royal Prince whom we have lost was not marked solely by his birth and Masonic rank , but with rare gifts with which Nature had endowed him , and which he had assiduously cultivated , and which he was devoting for the good of this country , and to the encouragement oi every useful , scientific , and benevolent work . There

is another Royal lady who feels this shock , and who graced Huddersfield with her presence last autumn—the Duchess of Albany ; and our Masonic sympathies extend to her as well as to the Queen and the Prince of Wales . To one and all of the Royal Family of England our hearts are moved to place on record this testimony of our sympathies , and to offer our tribute of responsive condolence for the loss

the Queen , her Royal Highness the Duchess of Albany , and tlie Craft have sustained . His Royal Highness was to have presided at the Boys' School eighty-sixth annual festival on the 26 th of June . We have to lament the loss by death of several prominent members of the Craft of West Yorkshire , among whom arc Bro . Mark Dawson , late Mayor of Bradford ; Bro . S . O . Bailey , Bradford , who was

Provincial Grand Lodge Of West Yorkshire.

connected with the Bradford Historical and Anti quarian Society ; Bro . William Foster , of Hornby Castle , late High Sheriff of Lancashire ; the Rev . Dr . Neary , of Ossett ; Bro . Anton Englemann , late of Harmony Lodge , No . 600 , Past Provincial Grand Junior Warden and founder of Lodge No . S 74 , now Coo , Harmony , who died at Frankfort on the 17 th of March ; and several others . Bro . Motley Ward's example has been followed in our charity

subscription list by a son of the late Bro . Wm . Foster , of Pentalpha Lodge , No . 974 , by a donation of 50 guineas to the Girls ' Festival , to be held on the 21 st May . And now , brethren , comes the most delicate and the most perplexing part of my duties as your Prov . Grand Master , the exercise of my prerogative under Clause S 7 of the Book of Constitutions . With SS 7 Past Masters and Worshipful Masters , the difficulty of appointing officers for the ensuing year is an

onerous one , and although the Grand Lodge has placed two more at my disposal , I yet have only the means of recognising the fewest of these yearly increasing claims . One appointment I venture to make is W . Bro . Wright Mellor , the Worshipful the Mayor of Huddersfield , as my Senior Grand Warden , in acknowledgment of the splendid reception of the late Duke and the Duchess of Albany . I thank other lodges of Huddersfield for their co-operation

in this day ' s proceedings , and all of you for the attention you have g iven to this address , and 1 now ask your earnest consideration to the business on the agenda paper . Bro . TEW , Deputy Prov . Grand Master , then addressed the brethren on matters affecting the working of the Craft . He deprecated a system of private communications to the Prov . Grand Master instead of through the ordinary channel of the Secreiary ' s office .

A vote of condolence to her Majesty the Queen on the recent death of his Boyal Highness the Duk " e of Albany , as well as one in similar terms to her Royal Highness the Duchess of Albany , was unanimously adopted . The resolution was signed by Henry Edwards , Bart ., C . B ., Prov . Grand Master ; Thos . Wm . Tew , Deputy Prov . Grand

Master and senior Grand Deacon of the Grand Lodge of England ; Wright Mellor , Mayor of Huddersfield , Senior Grand Warden ; George E . Webster , Prov . Grand Reg . ; Henry Smith , Prov . Grand Sec . The following brethren were then appointed officers for the ensuing year : — Bro . Wright Mellor , J . P ., 275 ... Prov . G . S . VV .

„ G . Waud , J . P ., 302 Prov . G . J . VV . „ Rev . Canon Bullock , M . A ., 1311 " ) „ Rev . VV . T . M . Sylvester , M . A ., c Prov . G . Chans . I 54 2 ) „ Jas . Hy . Gration ( elected ) 1513 Prov . G . Treas . „ C . S . Sunderland , 1301 Prov . G . Reg , „ Henry Smith , 387 Prov . G . Sec .

„ Benjamin Hutchinson , 290 ... ) r > / - < - •< . „ J . Lowenthal , 275 ... ) Prov- G'S-Us-„ Wm . VV . Barlow , 302 7 D - , .. " R . Williamson , 521 j Prov . G . J . Us . „ T . Winn , 1211 Prov . G . S . of VV . „ J . VV . Monkman , 101 S Prov . G . D . C .

„ H . S . Holdsworth , 40 S ... ... Prov . D . G . D . C . „ T . Pickles , 258 Prov . A . G . D . C .

„ G . Pearson , 1034 Prov . G . Swd . Br . „ J . France , 208 \ a ~ c ., „ ,, A . Austin , 30 C j Prov . G . Std . Brs . ,. J- W . Phillips , 139 Prov . G . Org . „ H . G . h . Green , 1019 Prov . G . A . Sec . „ VV . J . Seed . 1302 Prov . G . Purst .

„ VV . Lockroft , 307 Prov . G . A . Purst . Bros . R . Schott , 2 0 j T . VVhittaker , " ) 448 ; R . Ackrill , 1001 ; J . Wright , („„ , ~ „ . . Ooo j J . Bedford , 304 j ancl J . Brails- { Prov ' ' iitwds - ford , jun ., 1779 J Bro . J . Lee , 290 p . G . Tyler . ' „ J . Sheard , 20 S Prov . G . A . Tyler .

The annual report of the Charity Committee was presented and adopted . Sir Henry Edwards , P . G . M ., then presented the Provincial Grand Lodge with three additional full sets of Provincial Officers' clothing and jewels , and two standards richly embroidered with Masonic devices . He also presented to each lodge a handsomely bound copy of the revised Book of Constitutions , for all ot which a unanimous vote of thanks was accorded him .

After other business of the province had been transacted , and petitions for relief considered , the meeting terminated .

The Moveable Grand Mark Lodge At York.

THE MOVEABLE GRAND MARK LODGE AT YORK .

Preparations for the Moveable Grand Mark Lodge at York on the 9 th May are progressing rapidly . At a meeting of the Committee of the Province of North and East Yorkshire , held at York a few days ago , at which the Prov . Grand Master , Bro . J . W . Woodall , presided , a local executive was appointed , consisting of Bros . T . B . Whitehead . P . M .. Prov . G . Sec . ; I . S . Cumberland . P . M .. Pr < w .

G . D . C . j and J . Todd , P . M ., Prov . G . Treas ., and a general plan of the arrangements for the day was unanimously approved . The Grand Mark Master Mason , Lord Hennikcr , having signified his intention of opening Grand Lodge at three o ' clock p . m ., the brethren will be summoned for two o ' clock p . m ., and Provincial Grand Lodge will be

opened in the Assembly Rooms , Blake-street , at 2 . 30 , and the Prov . Grand Master will proceed to move a vote of condolence on the death of the late Duke of Albany . At three o ' clock p . m . the Grand Lodge will enter in procession , and after the usual formalities will be opened in ample form . The principal business will be the constitution and consecration of the Streanshalh Lodge , No . 337 , a

warrant for which has been granted to be held at Whitby , and the installation of its W . M . designate , Bro . VV . H . Marwcod . Streanshalh , or Stroneshalch , is the old Saxon name of Whitby , so called , says Bede , from a watch-tower which stood on the cliff . The name afterwards became Whiteby or Whitby , meaning , no doubt , White Town . At 5 . 30 a collation will be held in the great hall of the Art Exhibition , at which the Grand Master will preside , and at

8 o ' clock there will be a vocal and instrumental concert ta which all Master Masons and ladies introduced b y them will be admitted at a trifling charge . _ In the Art Exhibition arc several valuable collections of pictures , & c , and these galleries will be open to the brethren without any extra charge . There is every prospect of a large muster of members of the Mark Degree , and should the weather prove fine wc anticipate for those who arc present a most