Consecration Of The Lodge Of Progress, No. 1768.

CONSECRATION OF THE LODGE OF PROGRESS , No . 1768 .

The consecration of this lodge took place on Thursday , October 17 th , at Freemasons' Hall , W . C ., hy the V . W . Bros . John Hervey , Grand Sec . ; Rev . R . J . Simpson , P . G . Chap lain ; H . G . Buss , P . G . Treas . Middx . as Director of Ceremonies ; Murton , P . G . D ., as S . W . ; Fenn , P . G . D ., as

J . W . ; I he musical arrangements were m the hands of a very able brother , but we regret we cannot mention him by name , or the brother who acted as I . G . In his opening remarks Bro . Hervey expressed unqualified satisfaction at being called upon to consecrate a lodge , every petitioner for which was a member , and in most cases a prominent working member , of the

Emulation Lodge 01 Improvement , wherein he had held the office of Treasurer for over thirty years . He had no misgiving whatever that the reneiering ofthe beautiful ceremonies of the Order would in any way suffer in the hands of the officers designate , or that any candidate seeking Masonic light in the Lodge of Progress would fail to be impressed when the mysteries of Freemasonry were

revealed to him in all their solemnity . An eloquent oration was delivered by the Rev . Bro . Simpson , of which the following may be taken as a summary . " I have had much pleasure in complying with the request that I should assist as Chaplain at the consecration of the Lodge of Progress , more especially as my old and excellent friend , the Grand Secretary is the

Consecrating and Installing Officer , I congratulate you on the happy choice you have made in styling yourselves the Lodge of Progress . I will take your title as a key to the observations I am about to make . But let me first premise these remarks are not intended to teach the experienced brethren here present anything unknown , but rather to remind them and myself of some old facts and truths that

may help us on the march of progress . In the opening chapter of the volume of the Sacred Law we have the first record of progress in matter . From chaos came the new created world ; mother eatth ever labouring for our good furnished the materials to aid man , first with his tent , then the hut , the house , the tabernacle , and so en , until finally that grand masterpeice , King Solomon ' s Temple

at Jerusalem was completed . Thus to this day the wondeiful properties and powers of matter are being continually evolved . Let us take a short review of the progress of man . Though fallen from his first high estate , man , fashioned in the express image of his God , has made mighty progress in the restoration of that Godlike image that was defaced .

A long line of patriarchs , prophets , kings , and righteous men in sacred history attest this progress , while Piuto , Aristotle , and many a great philosopher , in profane history , bear witness to the same . In modern days we meet with many noble and remarkable instances of the like kind , all this moral , intellectual , and religious progress tending to one great result , educating man for

the . Grand Lodge above . Again , with regard to the progress of Masonry , this has been great , especially of late years . The principles held by Masons , and the foundation of all religious systems that acknowledge the one true and living God , which acknowledgment at once implies acting uneler a law , acting in the sight of the law-giver , responsible belief , ' and a system of rewards and punishments .

In no system is the arrangement from design more beautifully and significantly illustrated than in Kreemasonry . It tells man of a happy present and of a still happier future ; and guiding his footsteps by the light of Divine truth , points to those eternal mansions whence all goodness emanates . May this lodge ever be guided by this light . Order , harmony , and proportion are the requisites of every

building , spiritual , social , and political , which would make any claim to perfection . Let us endeavour to unite ourselves by the principles of genuine philanthropy , so to build up ourselves in good works , and to practise the doctrines taught by our noble institution , that in whatever character we may appear in the world , we may faithfully perform our duty . Let us live as men considering the great

end for which the goodness of God created us , beseeching Him who ruleth the universe and giveth oreler and motion to the heavenly bodies , that He would direct our goings in the true and right way , that our footsteps slip not , that he would promote still more and more that charity which is tbe bond of all virtue , and give us wisdom to contrive in all our uneicrtakings , strength to support us ia all

difficulties , and beauty to adorn those heavenly mansions , where His honour dwelleth . " The ceremony of consecration being concluded , Bro . W . A . Dawson was presented for installation , duly inducted into the chair of K . S . by Bro . Hervey , aud received the salutations of the brethren . Brc . Legg was unanimously elected and invested

Treasurer , and the following officers were appointed -. —Bros . F . R . Spaull , S . W . ; A . C . Spaull , J . W . ; Hornblower , Sec . ; Tatteishall , S . D . ; Duret , J . D . ; Ockenden , I . G . ; and Marvin , M . C . Bros . Hervey , Simpson , Buss , Murton , Fenn , and Richards , were elected honorary members . Bros . Smallpeice , Secretary Emulation Lodge of

Improvement ; Hunt , Kentish , and other petitioning brethren were present , and there were also several visitors . Several propositions for joining and for initiation were handed in , anel all further business being despatched the lod ge was closed , and the brethren aeljourned to supper ,

where the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were duly "onoured , all speeches beingcommendably short . I his loel ge will be worked on strictly Emulation ritual Jinel proposes to dispense with banquets . I he first regular meeting will take place on Wednesday next , 30 th inst ., at Freemasems' Hall .

Repoits of Lodges 78 , io 8 < , 1512 , and i _ 6 o , stand over .

Lating The Foundation Stone Of St. Luke's Church, Southport.

LATING THE FOUNDATION STONE OF ST . LUKE'S CHURCH , SOUTHPORT .

As a rule , unless Royalty be present , the laying of a foundation stone of a public building is chiefly noticeable for the speeches eliivereel . There are no spectacular effects connected with the ceremony , and the duties of journalists are confined to reporting the addresses , and publishing the

architect's description of the building . But the foundation stone of St . Luke ' s Church was laid uneler altogether different circumstances . " Pomp and ceremony " distinguished the proceeelings , and , lifting them altogether out of the ordinary groove , excited the curiosity of the public to the utmost . Freemasonry , to those beyond the pale of the Craft , is enveloped in mystery , so that upon the rare

occasions when the veil of concealment is partially raised , the outside world eagerly avails itself of the opportunity to obtain some little knowledge of the " forms and ceremonies " observed by the brethren . Jt is , therefore , not a subject for wonder that the publication of the announcement of the foundation stone of St . Luke ' s Church being laid with Masonic honours caused the inhabitants of this town to

turn out in large numbers . Not only was the ground on which the church will hereafter stand , alive wilh spectators , but the streets through which the procession passed were filled by sight-seers . Thc Right Hon . Lord Skelmersdale , as Provincial Grand Master for West Lancashire , laiel the foundation stone , and his presence secureel the attendance not only of brethren of the Provincial Grand Lodge , but of

Masons resident in the district . The appointed rendezvous was Holy Trinity Schools , the members of the local lodges walking to it in procession from Nevill-street . Half-past one was fixed for the grand procession to start , and the Masons exhibited their appreciation of the truth of the proverb that " punctuality is the soul of business , " by turning out shortly after the appointed hour in the usual order .

It is difficult to write anything like a picturesque description of a procession in which the picturesque element is conspicuous by its absence . A number of gentlemen , walking two anel two , attired in black broadcloth and " stove pipe " hats , the sembrencss of their attire relieved by curious little aprons , is not altogether a cheerful spectacle . The procession was , however , redecmcel from the utterly

commonplace by the choirs of Holy Trinity and St . Luke ' s in their surplices , and a large number of clergymen who put in an appearance , attired likewise in surplices , and also wearing the distinctive hoods of their respective universities . Whatever may have been the effect of the piocession on the spectators , the ceremony on the grounel must have

surpriseel all present . It proved to outsiders that Freemasonry is a substantial reality , and the service—for such it may be really called—was conduced with a large amount of solemnity . The Masons having taken up their appointed positions an ode was sung , and the following address was presented to the Provincial Grand Master by the Vicar of Holy

Trinity : Holy Trinity , Southport , October 18 th , 1878 . My Lord , Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master , — The population of Holy Trinity Parish having enormously increased of late years , and thc church accommodation thereby become wholly inadequate to its requirements , it has been decided to divide the parish , and to build on this

spot a church of a plain , but substantial character , to seat 1000 persons , the estimated cost of which is £ 6000 . Of this sum £ 3 000 nas lieen already subscribed ; and Bro . the Rev . W . A . Marsden , B . A ., has accepted the charge of the new district . The Building Committee , appointed to carry out the work being all Freemasons , and knowing how highly thc great principles of the ancient Craft are valued

by your lon'ship , ventured to suggest that this would be a suitable occasion for their practical application . I have , therefore , on behalf of the committee , myself , and all present , to offer to your lordship a most hearty welcome and our warmest thanks for so heartily acceding to our request to lay the foundation stone of our new church ; and may the Great Architect of the Universe prosper our handiwork ,

and grant your lordship long life to practice and uphold the principles of true Masonry in this province . Yours faithfully and fraternally , C . S . Hoi'B , Vicar . The upper stone having been raised , and the lower one adjusted , the Provincial Granel Chaplain offered up the following prayer :

Prevent us , O Lord , in all our doings with Thy most gracious favour , and further us with thy continual help , that in all our works begun , conlinued , and ended in Thee , we may glorify Thy holy name . Aid us , O God , in the work we arc now about to commence , and grant that this foundation stone may be the found ition of much faith and good works . Put it into the hearts of Thy

people that they may give freely of that which Them hast bestowed upon them , that upon this stone maybe raised a superstructure perfect in all its parts , honourable to its builders , and worthy of the great cause to which it will be consecrated . Give to us grace that we may engage in our present purpose with the deepest humility and most earnest reverence , arid that all our work may be to the honour

and glory of Thy great name . The ceremony of laying the stone was then proceeded with , the band meanwhile playing solemn music , and as soon as it was "truly laid , " the R . W . P . G . M . strewed the corn and poured the wine and oil over the stones . An ode was also sung in an impressive manner by the choir anel Masons .

Bro . Lord Skelmersdale , P . G . M ., stepped forward , anel said—Mr . Hope and brethren , I assure you it gives me very great pleasure indeed to come here this day to begin so good a work as this which is about to begin , namely , to lay the foundation stone of a church in this town . This is the second time that I have peiformed this ceremony in this town , but this is the first time I have performed it

Lating The Foundation Stone Of St. Luke's Church, Southport.

with Masonic honours ; in fact , it is the first time tha ** have had the gratifieation and the pleasure of laying the foundation stone since I came to rule over this great province . ( Cheers . ) I am sure there is no Masonic work in which I have ever been engaged that has given me half the pleasure than that of doing this work to-day . We all know how much Church accommodation is wanted ,

in this increasing town , which is increasing so rapidly that the accommodation at present provided cannot be one-half enough for those who ought and would attend the churches if they were able . ( Cheers . ) Therefore it gives me still greater pleasure when I see this great work of church extension is being carried out here from time to time . I can remember no later than last year our good

bishop—the Bishop of Chester—told me that since became to preside over this diocese he had consecrated or re-opened no less than some eighty-five churches . Now , when we think of the time he has been amongst us I think that shows an abvance in South Lancashire , and that the work of church extension is proceeding well and rapidly . ( Cheers . ) I will not detain you now , as I may have to

address you later , but I will merely say that it gives me very great pleasure to lay this foundation stone , and to be surrounded as I am by so goodly a number of the brethren of the province , whom I thank for having come here on this occasion . I can only hope this church may rapidly rise , and that the funds may be speedily for the coming , and that the hope I have expressed that the church will eventually

be free will be fully and entirely carried out . ( Loud apr plause . ) The Rector having offered up a prayer , Bro . Alpass , the Provincial Grand Secretary , read the Masonic address . His I . ordship then proceeded to lay the foundation stone with full Masonic ceremonial . Previous to this being done the Provincial Grand Secretary read aloud the inscription

on the plate , which was as follows : — "This foundation stone of St . Luke's Church was laid with Masonic ceremonial by the Provincial Grand Loelge of the Western Division of Lancashire , or . the 18 th Oct ., A . L . 5 878 ; A . D ., 1878 . " [ Other ceremonials were gone through , after which his Lordship took the mallet , anel declared thc stone , " Well formed , true , and trusty . "

The Provincial Grand Chaplain offered up a prayer . The Provincial Grand Master having inspected the plans of the intended building , delivereel them to the architect , desiiiug him to proceed without loss of time to the completion of the work in conformity with the plan . The proceedings terminated by the singing of the National Anthem .

The procession was then formed in reversed oreler anel returned to Holy Trinity Church Schools , where the Provincial Grand Lodge was closed . A banquet was held at theiPrince of Wales Hotel , which was attended by several ladies anel a large number of Masems and others interested in the success of ihe new under taking . Lord Skelmersdale , D . G . M . and P . G . M ., presided , being supported on the right by Bro . H . S . Alpass , the

Prov . Grand Sec , an d Bic . the Rev . C . S . Hope ; on the left by Bro . the Rev . J . Rees Jenkins , the Prov . Grand Chaplain ; Bro . the Rev . C . H . Knowlys , Rector of North Meols . Among those who sat to the right and left of his lordship were Major Turner , P . P . G . Treasurer , the Rev . Canon Clarke . D . D ., the Rev . Canon Shelelon , Captain Hesketh , Lever R . jRowbotton , P . M ., P . P . G . J . W ., and others . —Southport Visitor .

Obituary.

Obituary .

BRO . JOHN NEALDS , SECRETARY , 777 . Bro . John Nealds died October 10 th , 1878 . He was initiated into Freemasonry in 1837 , acting as Secretary about thirty-five years to thc Royal Alfred Lodge , No . 777 . This worthy brother , who was much esteemed both by Masons and others for his charity , kindness , and urbanity , could never be persuadeef to take the Master ' s chair , though

he had filled that of S . W . A strange fatality has fallen on the Royal Alfred Lodge , No . 777 , during the last two months , the brethren having been summoned three times within seven weeks to attend one of their number to the grave , the lodge having only twenty-five members . Bro . Lovitt , the Senior P . M . of the lodge , was buried on the 2 nd of September ; Bro . Seymore ,

S . W . of the Royal Alfred , on the 16 th of the same month , and Bro . Nealds on the 15 th October . The death of Bro . Seyme re was fearfully sudden , as he attended a lodge of instruction the previous evening , left in his usual health about half-past ten , was taken ill in his bath next morning , cxpiriring within ten minutes of the first alarm . The other two brethren had been unwell some months past .

At the opening debate of the session of the Deaf and Dumb Debating Society which took place in the Lecture-hall of the Royal Association in Aiel of the Deaf and Dumb , St . Saviour ' s , Oxford-street , Mr . Thomas Davidson ( President in the

chair . The question discussed was " Is the Indian Government justified in going to war with Afghanistan ?" After a spirited discussion by means of the finger and sign language the following result was obUincd : —Ayes , 33 I ; noes , I , ; neutral , 2 .

HOLLOUWY ' S Oi . vTMK . vr A \ n Viu . s . —1-etnale Coin-i ' aints . —On the mothers of England dcvi-lves much am ! serious responsibility in securing for their dauglllers robust health ; frequently alas I thoughtlei-sly sncrilice-d by culptble baslmdness at a parlicular period of life , when . all-important changes take place in the female constitution , upon the management of which depend future happiness or misery . Ilollmvav ' s l'iils , especially if aided wilh the

Ointment , have the happiest etlect in establishing those limutions upon the eiue performance cf which health and even life itself depend . Mother and daughter may safely use these poweil ' nl eUobstruent remedies without consulting anyone . Universally adopted as the one grand remedy for female complaints , these Pills never fail , never weal en the pybtem , and always bring about the Uesiieel result . — [ ADVT . "I