The Provincial Grand Lodge Of Worcestershire.

The Prov . Grand Master appointed Stourbridge as the place for holding his next Provincial Grand Lodge , under the banner of Stability Lodge , No . 564 . A committee having been formed for revising the bye-laws , the report of

the Worcester Soiree and Exhibition Committee was read . This stated that the lodges of the province contributed sums amounting to £ 119 7 s . The expenses amounted to . £ 159 7 s . 8 d ., leaving a deficiency of £ 40 os . Sd . This was made good by the generous instrumentality of the Prov . G . Master and Bro . W . B . Williamson , P . G . S . W .

It was proposed by Bro . G . TAYLOR , seconded by Bro . G . W . GROSVENOR , and carried unanimously , "That the very cordial and sincere thanks of the brethren of the Province of Worcestershire be given to R . W . P . G . M ., Bro . Sir E . A . H . Lechmere , Bart ., M . P ., and to W . Bro . William

Blizzard Williamson , J . P ., P . P . G . S . W ., for the generous and hospitable reception accorded to them at the Worcester Guildhall on the occasion of the Masonic Soiree , August 2 S , 18 S 4 , and also for their munificent assistance to the Exhibition Fund , which has so much contributed to bring those memorable events to a successful issue . "

There had been a meeting of the Soiree and Exhibition Committee earlier in the day to take [ into consideration a scheme mooted at last Provincial Grand Lodge , and emanating from the Masonic exhibition of August , 1 SS 4 , for the formation of a Masonic library and museum for the Province of Worcester . Bro . George Taylor had been diligently drawing together an extensive collection , and had offered the same to the province .

A resolution was passed by Prov . Grand Lodge affirming the desirability of accepting Bro . Taylor ' s offer and forming a library and museum . A committee was appointed to consider the best means of carrying out the terms of the resolution .

The D . P . G . M ., Bro . GODSON , gave an account of the disposal of the fund raised to commemorate the memory of Bro . John Barber , P . P . D . G . M ., which took the form of a memorial window erected in Knightwick Church . It having been resolved to divide the alms to be collected at church between the Kidderminster Infirmary and St . Mary ' s Church Schools ,

Prov . Grand Lodge adjourned , and the brethren having formed in procession , marched to the Church of St . Mary and All Saints , the four Lewises who carried the Volume of the Sacred Law being John Harold Taylor , W . Holdsworth , Gerald Talbot , and Mackay . There was a good congregation present . The prayers were read by the Rev . T . L . Claughton , Vicar of Kidderminster ; the first

lesson by the Rev . G . A . K . Simpson , and the second by the Rev . C . Black . The Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis were sung to a recent setting by Bro . J . Fitzgerald , in B flat , which was very much admired . The anthem , by Dr . Clare Whitfield , was " Behold how good and joyful a thing it is . " The sermon was preached by Bro . the Rev . A . B . Timbrell , M . A ., P . G . C ., W . M . in 1874 , who selected as his text

the words " I have used similitude . " The reverend brother said in every age man had sought communion with his Maker , and had striven by such communion to make his life more pure , charitable , godly , righteous , and sober , to do his duty more faithfully , and had called to his aid the use of symbols . Under the old Mosaic law the use of symbols was distinctl y sanctioned and commanded by the Great Architect of the Universe , and

when the relig ion of Christ took the place ot the Israehtish laws , the Christian Church adopted and made its own similar symbolical usages to aid its votaries in Divine worship . Thus under both the ol d and new dispensations symbolism has ever been and still was an important aid to man in holding communion with his Maker , and was a useful factor in his striving to rise to a purer life , a holier faith , a more certain hope , and

allembracing Charity . Masonry had been well defined as a system of morality , developed , and inculcated by the science of symbolism . She took the humblest tools of the workman , and appropriated them as symbols by which moral and relig ious truths were inculcated , and was thus calculated to exercise a beneficial influence upon the lives of the members . She was a valuable handmaid to the Church of Christ by teaching men to tread in the

footsteps of the Saviour . She exercised a most wholesome influence upon the outside world by her wide and almost boundless Charity , bestowed in a quiet and unostentatious way . She also sent out into the world men of intelligence and respectability , imbued with the importance of the Christian religion , to fig ht against those forms of error which abounded , and if ever

the day should come , which some seemed to see coming in the future , when anarchy and Atheism should take the place of the peace-loving , law-abiding , and God-fearing instincts of Englishmen , then the Freemasons of England would be found loyal to their Queen , true to their country , and faithful to their God . The collection made at the close was divided as arranged , between the Infirmary and the parish schools .

The brethren having returned to the Masonic Hall , votes of thanks were accorded to the vicar for the use of the church , and to the Prov . Grand Chaplain for his excellent sermon , and Prov . Grand Lodge was then duly closed . The brethren afterwards assembled at the Lion Hotel , where a banquet was served to about a hundred members , under the presidency of the R . W . Prov . Grand Master , who was well supported by his Wardens , everything passing off most satisfactorily and enjoyably .

Consecration Of The Mark Excelsior Lodge, No. 359, Liverpool.

CONSECRATION OF THE MARK EXCELSIOR LODGE , No . 359 , LIVERPOOL .

The consecration of the Excelsior Lodge of Mark Master Masons , No . 350 , took p lace on Friday , the iSth inst ., at the Masonic Hall , Hope-street , Liverpool , when there was a good attendance of the representatives of the Order . Bro . the Rig ht Hon . the Earl of Lathom , R . W . P . G . M ., by delegationjfrom the Right Hon . the Earl of Kintore , M . W . G . M . M . of England , was present

on the occasion ; and amongst the brethren were Bros . G . P . Brockbank , P G . W ., acting D . G . M . ; J . Kershaw , P . P . G . W . ; J . C . Lunt , P . P . G . S . O . ; T PlaU , P . P . G . J . W . ; J . Whitehead , P . P . G . Treas . ; W . O . Walker , PGD . Eng . ; I T . Newbold , P . P . G . D . C ; C . Woodall , P . G . D . ; Rev . l ) ' r Hyde , P . G . C . ; J . C . Hunter , P . G . S . D . ; A . Beattie , P . P . G . S . B . ; T l <\ Tweedale . P . P . G . S . O . of ling . ; J . li . Hannah , P . G . M . O . ; J . D .

Murray , P . G . S . B . Eng . ; J . Wood , P . P . G . S . B . ; J . Jenaway . P . G . O . S . ; S . lianas , P . P . G . D . C ; J . VV . Kenyon , P . P . G . J . O . ; John Fox , P . P . G . O . ; lohn Pemberton , P . P . G . S . W . ( Cheshire ); J . C Alcock , P . P . G . D . ; W . Wood , P . G . J . O . ; Rev . T . B . Spencer , P . G . C ; J . Bollars , P . G . S . B ., Secretary ; W . W . Cotham , P . P . G . D . C ; J . Sutcliffe , P . G . S . B . ; J . White , 65 ; W . Hewson , 65 ; J . Gertrey , 65 ; H . Denycr , 65 ; R . Martin ,

Consecration Of The Mark Excelsior Lodge, No. 359, Liverpool.

Lebanon ; W . Brackenbury , W . M . 65 ; J . Molloy , 65 ; R . Young , 65 ; E . W . Elton , W . M . 143 ; B . Roe , 143 ; R . Shacklady , 65 ; C Robeson , 65 ; R . Johnson , 65 ; and others . The time appointed for the commencement of the proceedings was three p . m ., and lodge having been opened , and the necessary preliminary business disposed ^ of , Bro . Lord Lathom at once set himself to the task of consecrating the new lodge , a duty which he fulfilled most ably and

impressively , and in which he received most valuable assistance from the officers ; the oration delivered by the Prov . G . Chaplain , Bro . the Rev . T . B . Spencer , M . A ., Vicar of St . James ' s , Preston , which we give in extenso later on , though somewhat lengthier than usual , being most appropriate to the occasion . At the close of the ceremony Bro . Geo . Morgan , W . M . designate ,

was duly installed W . M ., the following brethren being invested as officers for the year , namely , Bros . W . Goodacre , S . W . ; J . H . Barrow , J . W . ; Robert Foote , M . O . ; John Cobham , S . O . ; J . Bamford , J . O . ; J . T . Callow , R . of M . ; D . 1 ones , Treasurer ; E . Pierpoint , Secretary ; W . C . Erwin , S . D . ; T . Whitehead , J . D . ; P . R . Barrow , I . G . ; A . Bamford , D . C . ; and Peter Ball , Tyler .

Six propositions for advancement having been handed in , and votes of thanks to Lord Lathom and the brethren who had assisted his lordship having been passed with acclamation , lodge was closed and the brethren sat down to the customary banquet , a most enjoyable and perfectly harmonious evening being the result . We trust the Excelsior Mark Lodge has a long and prosperous future before it . The oration referred to above as having been delivered by Bro . the Rev . T . B . SPENCER , M . A ., P . G . C Lane , reads as follows :

The wisdom of holding a moveable Grand Lodge of Mark Masonry has been exemplified to-day , for I understand that this consecration is in a great measure due to the ' visit paid to this province last July , when Mark Grand Lodge was welcomed , by our R . W . Deputy P . G . M ., Bro . Col . Le Gendre Starkie , in terms so appropriate and so aptly chosen . It would under any circumstances give us pleasure to be present on such an auspicious occasion as this , but our feeling of gratification is greatly increased by the fact that the ceremony has been so impressively performed by the one who rules over

this important province so ably , so wisely , and with so much tact . I am sure that the event of to-day must be a matter of satisfaction to Bro . Chadwick , our kindly and undefatigable Prov . Grand Sec . While with regard to this new Excelsior Lodge , when we look at the names of its three principal officers , Bros . George Morgan , William Goodacre , and J . H . Barrow , we see they are the brethren who have proved themselves to be , as regards Masonry , not merely buttresses—outside supporters—but rather pillars—inside sustainers—in bearing the heat and burden of the day as earnest and enthusiastic

workers in our cause , thus we feel confident that the name Excelsior , which this lodge bears , will give in one word a prophecy as to its future successful career . Now Masonry , though a speculative science , is intended to be a practical one as well , and if we all tried sincerely to carry out the lessons taught us by Masonry in general and the Mark Degree in particular , we should be happier and better as men and as Masons . But perhaps some one may say— " What lessons for practical every-day use does the ceremony of advancement in the Mark Degree teach ? " Well , I reply , it teaches several , but

time will only permit me to mention a few . After giving a brief summary of an advancement , Bro . Spencer proceeded to say : I . Learn first not to be discouraged by apparent want of success . We , as men and Masons , have a work to perform in building up the Temple of Society , or the Temple of our Order ; and whatever may be our share , important or unimportant , it is necessary if the structure is to be complete . Yet how often does our labour seem to be of no avail ; it is not the particular kind that was wanted by the world , or our associates , or our lodge , just at that time ; and , perhaps , there has come a feeling of despondency , and the cry from the very heart has

been"Alas ! alas ! my labour is lost . " But such has not really been the case . It has been but as the bread cast upon the waters , and is found again even after many days . If I were acquainted with the history of the founding or reviving of the Mark Degree in this land , I should , doubtless , find that it affords an illustration of this lesson . There must have been some who studied the matter , who thought out a ritual and constitution , and who wanted to plant the Degree in English soil , but for a time they

did not succeed as they would have wished . The merit of their work was not appreciated , it was not in accordance with plans of the great Masonic Order as then existing . It was refused , and ordered to be heaved over among the rubbish of useless theories , impracticable schemes , and misdirected endeavours . It seemed to be lost ; but this was not really the case with their labour of love , for after passing through the usual stages of indifference and opposition , the Degree began to take root downwards and grow upwards . Then the work of those pioneers was seen to be needed , and they would

receive their rewards in beholding their efforts crowned with deserved success ; in seeing the first fruits of the abundant harvest which would result from their sowing . II . There is also encouragement in this Mark Degree for all zealous workers in this or any good cause . After a time your work , brethren , will seem to have been thrown aside , for a new generation of rulers will have sprung up , who will be like the Egyptian king of old that " knew not Joseph . " Your work may be , so to speak , heaved over among other forgotten benefits and labours ; but when your lodge comes to celebrate some great

anniversary , there will be a searching of the archives , the recollection of what you have done will be revived ; that work will be acknowledged to have been as necessary as the keystone which was once rejected , and your names , irradiated by the halo of time , will be truly and justly honoured ; nay , perhaps they may be perpetuated in some permanent form , perhaps even as those of our late worthy Bros . Hamer and Allpass—by a charitable institution . III . We may also draw another lesson equally useful , viz ., the duty , nay , the necessity , of cordial co-operation and cheerful confidence in each other . ( For

when the timber was floated , & c . ) And in the world or in the smaller sphere of Masonry we each need the help , assistance , and confidence of others . What can the general , skilful though he be as a Marlborough , a Wellington , or a Wolseley , achieve unless he has the loyal and trustful co-operation of his officers and soldiers ? What can the Master of a lodge accomplish if he be not cordially and faithfully supported by his officers and brethren ? Why only little . But methinks I hear some one say , " I can do so little , it is no use trying to do anything in helping on the cause . " Oh ! do notmy

, brother , think that such is really the case . People are often like the young lions who do not know their strength until they make a great trial of it . Each one has an influence , each one can help others in doing something to smooth the way of life , or the path along which a lodge passes in its career . In those roads there will be obstructions , that seem in their greatness like mountains , and others which , in their smallness , look like molehills . If , then , some other remove the mountain , surely he may justly expect that your

assistance will be given in levelling the molehill . If you cannot accomplish the greater task , you may the less . Let there be this loyal , trustful , mutual help and assistance , and Mark Masonry may inscribe upon its banner , as it floats in the breeze of favour or of disfavour , that motto after which this lodge is called—Excelsior ! Excelsior ! IV . Again , we may learn from this Degree the necessity of a connecting link to unite all classes together ; the need of a leader around whom the followers may gather , or , in other words , the necessity of a keystone to the arch . In this land of ours , which wc may describe

as" Great , glorious , and free ; First gem of the ocean , first isle of the sea , " our gracious Queen is the keystone . In the Grand Lodge of Mark Masonry it is our Illustrious Grand Master ; in this Province of Lancashire , our respected and popularnay , even in his presence , I will dare to give utterance to our unanimous feeling , and say our beloved—noble Provincial Grand Master is the keystone ; while in the lodge it should be the Worshipful Master , and there must be a keystone consisting of one or

more , or of one leading person , assisted by others , if the fragments , the single stones , that compose a party , a society , an industrial undertaking , or a nation , are to be cemented and bound together for some common end . In conclusion , the Degree of Mark Masonry is most dear to me , and doubtless to numbers of others , because it reminds us so forcibly of Him Who is our perfect pattern , in Whose steps we must walk

if we would receive our reward hereafter , of Him Who was indeed " the stone rejected of the builders , but Who became the head stone of the corner . " Following His teaching and example , animated by the principles which this Degree teaches , we shall not seek to obtain privileges , honours , offices , or positions to which we have no right , as the Mark-man did in trying to obtain the wages of a Mark Master ; but we shall try to fit ourselves to possess them should they ever come within our reach . And if your work ,