Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Consecration Of The Haywra (Mark) Lodge, No. 525.
of the formation of the Doric ( Craft ) Lodge , No . 2695 , and it is only a few weeks since we reported the installation of its second Worshipful Master . Harrogate has now , therefore , two Craft lodges , but up to the 17 th instant was without a similar organisation of the Mark Degree . This deficiency , we are pleased to see , has been made good , for on the date named , the Prov . G . Master for West Yorkshire , attended by a considerable number of his
officers , visited Harrogate , and consecrated the Haywra Mark Lodge . The chief pioneers of Mark progress who have interested themselves in this matter have been Bros . John Barker , Dep . Prov . G . Master , Thos . Woods , and Walter Davey , all resident in the town . They have been supported by brethren from both the Harrogate Craft lodges ; and , judging by the
enthusiastic way the thing has been taken up , and knowing the calibre of the brethren wjio are engineering it , there is every prospect that the Mark Degree will strike deep root in the new soil , and flourish and prosper exceedingly . The Haywra Lodge makes the 15 th on West Yorkshire ' s roll , and starts on its career with some iS members .
Judging from the interesting comments of the Prov ., G . Master , Bro . C . Letch Mason , it would appear that the name selected by the brethren for the new lodge has given rise to considerable discussion and much interest . It must be acknowledged that on paper " Haywra , " look at from which point of view we may , does not strike one favourably ; there is something
unfamiliar , not to say uncouth , about it . It is evidently old , and yet it lacks association . This is perhaps because it is not historic , is not linked with some hallowed shrine or some doughty deed . But , tempting though it is , we will not pursue the subject here , bsing content to refer our readers to Bro . Mason's interesting address , which we give in cxtenso .
Judging by the numbers who attended , and the excellent arrangements , it looks as though the Haywra Lodge , in spite of its name , or , perhaps , because of it , would take a position in a short time in the front rank of West Yorkshire Mark lodges . Amongst the brethren present there were :
Bros . C . Letch Mason , Prov . G . M . ; John Barker , Dep . Prov . G . M ., VV . M . designate of the new lodge ; J . W . Monckman , J . P ., G . Overseer of Eng ., acting D . of C . ; G . H . Parke , W . M . no , P . P . G . VV ., Past G . Treas . ; W . W . Clayton , P . M . 374 , S . G . W . ; C . Woollons , P . M . 110 , P . P . G . W ., as J . G . W . ; W . E . Smithies , P . M . 493 , P . P . G . W ., G . Stwd . designate ; G . Martin , P . M . ( T . I . ) , Prov . G . M . Overseer ; Thos . Myers , P . M . in , P . P . G . O ., as P . S . G . O . ; Win . Flockton ,
P . M . in , P . P . G . O ., as J . G . O . ; Rev . J . W . Clough , T . I ., Prov . G . Chap . ; Rev J . L . Brereton , S . W . 127 , P . P . G . Chap . j A . J . Forsdike , I . P . M . 53 , Prov . G Reg . ; C . A . Phillips , P . M . 457 , P . P . G . Reg . ; John Reed , P . M . 39 S , I ' . P . G . Treas . ; Joseph Matthewman , P . M . no , Prov . G . Sec ; T . G . Howell , P . M 137 , P . P . G . D . ; M . A . Brigg , P . M . 374 , Prov . J . G . D . ; Alt . Leach , P . M . no P . P . G . D . C . ; J . W . Blackburn , P . M . in , P . G . S . B . ; G . C . Gamble , P . M . ( T . I . )
P . G . Std . Br . ; John Brook , W . M . 4 Q 3 , P . P . G . Org ., acting Org . ; Win . Ash , Sec . no , P . P . G . Org . ; Win . Laycock ( T . I . ) , as P . G . I . G . ; and W . Chambers , W . M . Soi , F . Hinchliffe , J . W . 111 , and John Marshall , J . D . 374 . Stwds . Ol the Harrogate brethren there were Bros , Thos . Woods , VV . Davey , G . Musgrave , J . Croft , W . H . Wainhouse , A . H . Walker , I-I . Dittmar , E . Solley ( Miyor of Harrogate ) , F . Dowson , S . Stead , O . Threapleton , Wesley , Petty , and F . H . Ingle ,
The Prov . G . M . opened a lodge shottly after hall-past four o clock 111 the very pretty room which is common to the two Craft lodges in Harrogate , viz ., the Harrogate and Claro , 1001 , and the Doric , 26 95 , the various olfices being filled as shown above . After the usual salutations , the D . C , Bro . J . W . Moncknvan , who , in the absence of Bro . G . Edwards , kindly consented to act in that capacity ,
summoned and arranged the founders in due order . These were Bros . John Barker , P . M . 5 S and 137 , P . G . I , of VV ., D . P . G . M . ; do . H . Parke , W . M . no , P . P . G . W ., Past G . Treas . ; Joseph J . Simcox , W . M . 480 and 519 , M . O . 257 , J . O . 37 6 , P . P . G . Org . Berks and Oxon , P . G . S . G . O . Bucks ; Thomas Woods , 58 j Walter Davey , in ; John M . R . Smetham , JII ; Wm . Henry Wainhouse , 58 .
The P . G . M . after addressing these responsible brethren , called upon the P . G . Sec , Bro . Joseph Matthewman , to read the petition and warrant . This done and the selection of the three officers to fill the principal positions being confirmed , the consecrating ceremony was at once proceeded with . The acting Chaplain , Bro . Rev . J . L . BRERETON , gave an excellent address to the founders and brethren . He especially called attention to the
necessity of progress and advancement not in Masonic matters only , but in everything which tended to moral development . He enjoined the brethren , now that they had committed themselves to that new departure , to conduct it with interest as well as enterprise , and pointed out that the brother who was content merely to be a member , and whose interest in his lodge did not impel him to progress , would make a very poor Mason indeed . Let them
do well and thoroughly what they had undertaken , and thus , and thus only , would they derive satisfaction . His reverence also pointed out the comfort to be derived from the teachings of the Mark Degree ; how none , not even the humblest workman , need despair ; that recognition and appreciation , according as our labours merited them , would surely come to all , and that , therefore , we were justified in taking courage and confidently advancing in the Masonic path of duty .
With the assistance of Bros . Smithies , P . M . ; Reed , P . M . ; Leach , P . M ; and Ash , who carried the vessels of consecration , and who acted under the able direction of the D . C , the Prov . G . M ., supported by the Chaplain , most reverently conducted the ceremony of consecration , and afterwards dedicated
and constituted the lodge . It was a very impressive scene , and its effect was increased by the judicious introduction of music , both vocal and instrumental , the arrangements and conduct of which were faithfully carried out bv Bro . John Brook , W . M . of the Eland Lodge , No . 493 , a Past Grand Organist of the province .
After the patriarchal benediction , the PROV . G . MASTER addressed the brethren as follows : Brethren , Mark Masonry in the province of West Yorkshire , as I have more than once pointed out , advances slowly perhaps , but yet steadily . Nor am I anxious that it should progress by leaps and bounds . I much preler that lodges should spring up only when the need of them is
unmistakedly felt . In the year 1896 we added two new lodges to our roll—Eland and the Caldene . Since that year we have remained stationary , though the number of individual members has steadily increased . To-day we have consecrated the 15 th Mark lodge in the province , and I need scircely say that to perform this ceremony has given me very great pleasure and
satisfaction . That gratification is largely increased when I consider the exceptionally favourable conditions under which the new lodge starts upon its career . For instance , I venture to say that had you sought the whole province through in quest of a competent Master , you could not have found a better than the one to whom you are about to trust the first year ' s destiny
Consecration Of The Haywra (Mark) Lodge, No. 525.
of the new lodge . In Bro . John Barker , my excellent friend and very worthy Deputy , you combine experience extending over many years ; a knowledge of the ceremonies and procedure of Mark Masonry , I might almost say , perfect ; and , in addition , and perhaps more important still , an interest in this beautiful Degree both enthusiastic and sincere . Under his guidance prosperity cannot fail to be your ? , especially when weconsider the support which
it will be his privilege to receive from such able lieutenants as Bros . Thomas Woods and Walter Davey . Bro . Woods has shown great skill and ability in conducting the affairs of the New D > ric Craft Lodge , and he has found an able successor in Bro . Davey . Their efforts and prowess in Mark Masonry they have yet to give proof of , but I for one have no doubt that they will be equally zealous and equally successful . With such examples
before them the officers—a full complement of whom I am pleased to see has been obtained—will doubtless earnestly study and rapidly acquire a knowledge of our beautiful ritual and will be led to enquire into the valuable lessons which underlie our ceremonies . Let me take this opportunity of emphasising the words of the Chaplain and saying to the newly-advanced brethren that of the many teachings in this Degree , one of the
most important is the certain recognition and appreciation of good work , -. veil done . That recognition may not be immediate , and that appreciation may be delayed , but eventually , we are told , our honest efforts will be fully recognised and duly rewarded . We are taught in Holy Writ that the stone which the builders rejected became the head of the corner , and though every little attempt on our parts may not attain so
important a position , yet , depend upon it , a useful place will be found for it , and modest though it may be , it will yet supply a need and contribute somesmall portion towards the general whole . This is most encouraging to the conscientious workman , and I hope , my brethren , you will take this valuable lesson to heart . The destinies of the new lodge , as far as human foresight goes , are placed in excellent hands ; it is for you , however , to make or to mar . We
outside this district shall watch your course with solicitude and with encouragement . We have no anxiety , for it is plain that within yourselves you combine all the elements of success . May all good fortune attend you , and may the Haywra Lodge realise all that we , its outside brethren , most earnestly anticipate and desire ! There is one further matter I may casually allude to in reference to the new lodge which has excited some curiosity and
speculation , and that is its name . The history of names , both personal and place names , is a most interesting study , and if we can get to the true origin and meaning , that study often throws a flood of light on the subject . But such pursuit is encompassed with difficulty . There is often an absence of authentic information , which makes certainty very doubtful , and , added to that , names , in course of ages , become so altered ( corrupted , shall I say ?)
in spelling and pronunciation as to make identification little more than a speculation . Archxologists , like doctors , proverbially disagree , and it is not surprising that on the question of the origin of the word " Harrogate " there should be a divergence of opinion . But it is not the entire word with which we are concerned . The term " gate" as an affix is common in all old towns , as witness the " Kirk " gate , the " North " gate , and
so on , and we need not dwell upon its signification—it is the first portion of the word with which we are interested . The promoters of this new lodge maintain that the ancient name of Harrogate was " Haywra-gate " and so claim that in the nomenclature of their lodge they are perpetuating the oldtime name which has become in course of years so corrupted as to be almost unintelligible . This may or may not be so . I am not much of an
archaeologist , but I am led to believe that the evidence of writers of authority on the topography of the district , more or less confirm this view . Haywra Park was situate , it is said , in or beyond the forest of Knaresborough , but the term "Haywra "—granting this—is not yet properly explained . Grange ' s History as well as the works of Hargrove and Thorpe have bsen consulted , and the conclusion reached is that Haywra as a place name did
most certainly exist in this immediate neighbourhood , if not upon this very spot , and that there is , therefore , strong presumptive evidence that the present term Harrogate is a corruption of " Haywra-gate . " What was the precise meaning of "Haywra" is still undetermined , some associating it with a clearance in a forest , others with a robbers' stronghold . That , however , can be left to more learned heads than mine ; it is sufficient to know that the use of the word is , I may say ,
an undoubted revival of an old place name and as such is a very suitable one to give to a lodge of Freemasons whose ori gin is vainly sought in the dim vistas of far distant ages . May the lodge whose name it bears ever maintain the high reputation which our Society has so long enjoyed ! May it long and worthily uphold our lasting and undying principles , and may it stand an institution—useful , beneficent , and true—a credit and a pride to those under whose praiseworthy and successful endeavours it has to-day commenced its career !
The first W . M . of the new Haywra Lodge is Bro . John Barker , and his selection as the pioneer of Mirk Masonry in Harroga ' e is an exceedingly popular one . Known and esteemed as he is amongst West Yorkshire Mark Masons it is not in this Decree only that Bro . Barker has shown his deep interest in Freemasonry . As a Craft Mason he has long worn the
Provincial purple ; whilst in the R . A . Degree , only two days before the meeting we are describing , he received from tne G . Superintendent of West Yorkshire the distinguished position of Third Principal of the province . In the other and what are called H gher Degrees Bro . Barker also takes conspicuous place , and it is not too much to say that he has always made his mark in whatever Degree he has associated himself with .
Presented by Bro . G . H . Parke , he was obligated and installed by the Prov . G . M ., and , on taking the chair , was warmly welcomed and saluted . His first act was to invest Bro . G . H . Parke as I . P . M . of the new lodge . Subsequently Bro . Barker appointed and invested his officers as follows : Bros . Thomas Wocds , 5 8 , S . W . ; Waller Dswey , 111 , I . W . ; j . M . R ,
Smetham , in , M . O . ; F . H . Ingle , S . O . ; William H . Wainhouse , 5 S , J . O . ; O . Threapleton , Chap . ; Ernest Solly , R . of M . ; VV . Petty , Sec . ; Samuel Stead , S . D . ; A . W . Hinsley Walker , J . D . ; F . Dowson , D . of C ; G . Musi'rove , Org . ; H . Dittmar , I . G . ; ] . Croft , Stwd . ; and A . H . Holmes , Tyler .
The addresses to the W . M ., Wardens , Overseers , and brethren , given in Bro . Parke ' s best style , concluded the installation and investiture
care-. On the motion of the W . M ., seconded by Bro . W . DAVEY , Bro . Thomas Woods was elected to serve on thc West Yorkshire Mirk Charity Committee . There were several propositions relating to new members , and many apologies and expressions of regret at inability to be present , and these having been duly recorded , the lodge was closed .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Consecration Of The Haywra (Mark) Lodge, No. 525.
of the formation of the Doric ( Craft ) Lodge , No . 2695 , and it is only a few weeks since we reported the installation of its second Worshipful Master . Harrogate has now , therefore , two Craft lodges , but up to the 17 th instant was without a similar organisation of the Mark Degree . This deficiency , we are pleased to see , has been made good , for on the date named , the Prov . G . Master for West Yorkshire , attended by a considerable number of his
officers , visited Harrogate , and consecrated the Haywra Mark Lodge . The chief pioneers of Mark progress who have interested themselves in this matter have been Bros . John Barker , Dep . Prov . G . Master , Thos . Woods , and Walter Davey , all resident in the town . They have been supported by brethren from both the Harrogate Craft lodges ; and , judging by the
enthusiastic way the thing has been taken up , and knowing the calibre of the brethren wjio are engineering it , there is every prospect that the Mark Degree will strike deep root in the new soil , and flourish and prosper exceedingly . The Haywra Lodge makes the 15 th on West Yorkshire ' s roll , and starts on its career with some iS members .
Judging from the interesting comments of the Prov ., G . Master , Bro . C . Letch Mason , it would appear that the name selected by the brethren for the new lodge has given rise to considerable discussion and much interest . It must be acknowledged that on paper " Haywra , " look at from which point of view we may , does not strike one favourably ; there is something
unfamiliar , not to say uncouth , about it . It is evidently old , and yet it lacks association . This is perhaps because it is not historic , is not linked with some hallowed shrine or some doughty deed . But , tempting though it is , we will not pursue the subject here , bsing content to refer our readers to Bro . Mason's interesting address , which we give in cxtenso .
Judging by the numbers who attended , and the excellent arrangements , it looks as though the Haywra Lodge , in spite of its name , or , perhaps , because of it , would take a position in a short time in the front rank of West Yorkshire Mark lodges . Amongst the brethren present there were :
Bros . C . Letch Mason , Prov . G . M . ; John Barker , Dep . Prov . G . M ., VV . M . designate of the new lodge ; J . W . Monckman , J . P ., G . Overseer of Eng ., acting D . of C . ; G . H . Parke , W . M . no , P . P . G . VV ., Past G . Treas . ; W . W . Clayton , P . M . 374 , S . G . W . ; C . Woollons , P . M . 110 , P . P . G . W ., as J . G . W . ; W . E . Smithies , P . M . 493 , P . P . G . W ., G . Stwd . designate ; G . Martin , P . M . ( T . I . ) , Prov . G . M . Overseer ; Thos . Myers , P . M . in , P . P . G . O ., as P . S . G . O . ; Win . Flockton ,
P . M . in , P . P . G . O ., as J . G . O . ; Rev . J . W . Clough , T . I ., Prov . G . Chap . ; Rev J . L . Brereton , S . W . 127 , P . P . G . Chap . j A . J . Forsdike , I . P . M . 53 , Prov . G Reg . ; C . A . Phillips , P . M . 457 , P . P . G . Reg . ; John Reed , P . M . 39 S , I ' . P . G . Treas . ; Joseph Matthewman , P . M . no , Prov . G . Sec ; T . G . Howell , P . M 137 , P . P . G . D . ; M . A . Brigg , P . M . 374 , Prov . J . G . D . ; Alt . Leach , P . M . no P . P . G . D . C . ; J . W . Blackburn , P . M . in , P . G . S . B . ; G . C . Gamble , P . M . ( T . I . )
P . G . Std . Br . ; John Brook , W . M . 4 Q 3 , P . P . G . Org ., acting Org . ; Win . Ash , Sec . no , P . P . G . Org . ; Win . Laycock ( T . I . ) , as P . G . I . G . ; and W . Chambers , W . M . Soi , F . Hinchliffe , J . W . 111 , and John Marshall , J . D . 374 . Stwds . Ol the Harrogate brethren there were Bros , Thos . Woods , VV . Davey , G . Musgrave , J . Croft , W . H . Wainhouse , A . H . Walker , I-I . Dittmar , E . Solley ( Miyor of Harrogate ) , F . Dowson , S . Stead , O . Threapleton , Wesley , Petty , and F . H . Ingle ,
The Prov . G . M . opened a lodge shottly after hall-past four o clock 111 the very pretty room which is common to the two Craft lodges in Harrogate , viz ., the Harrogate and Claro , 1001 , and the Doric , 26 95 , the various olfices being filled as shown above . After the usual salutations , the D . C , Bro . J . W . Moncknvan , who , in the absence of Bro . G . Edwards , kindly consented to act in that capacity ,
summoned and arranged the founders in due order . These were Bros . John Barker , P . M . 5 S and 137 , P . G . I , of VV ., D . P . G . M . ; do . H . Parke , W . M . no , P . P . G . W ., Past G . Treas . ; Joseph J . Simcox , W . M . 480 and 519 , M . O . 257 , J . O . 37 6 , P . P . G . Org . Berks and Oxon , P . G . S . G . O . Bucks ; Thomas Woods , 58 j Walter Davey , in ; John M . R . Smetham , JII ; Wm . Henry Wainhouse , 58 .
The P . G . M . after addressing these responsible brethren , called upon the P . G . Sec , Bro . Joseph Matthewman , to read the petition and warrant . This done and the selection of the three officers to fill the principal positions being confirmed , the consecrating ceremony was at once proceeded with . The acting Chaplain , Bro . Rev . J . L . BRERETON , gave an excellent address to the founders and brethren . He especially called attention to the
necessity of progress and advancement not in Masonic matters only , but in everything which tended to moral development . He enjoined the brethren , now that they had committed themselves to that new departure , to conduct it with interest as well as enterprise , and pointed out that the brother who was content merely to be a member , and whose interest in his lodge did not impel him to progress , would make a very poor Mason indeed . Let them
do well and thoroughly what they had undertaken , and thus , and thus only , would they derive satisfaction . His reverence also pointed out the comfort to be derived from the teachings of the Mark Degree ; how none , not even the humblest workman , need despair ; that recognition and appreciation , according as our labours merited them , would surely come to all , and that , therefore , we were justified in taking courage and confidently advancing in the Masonic path of duty .
With the assistance of Bros . Smithies , P . M . ; Reed , P . M . ; Leach , P . M ; and Ash , who carried the vessels of consecration , and who acted under the able direction of the D . C , the Prov . G . M ., supported by the Chaplain , most reverently conducted the ceremony of consecration , and afterwards dedicated
and constituted the lodge . It was a very impressive scene , and its effect was increased by the judicious introduction of music , both vocal and instrumental , the arrangements and conduct of which were faithfully carried out bv Bro . John Brook , W . M . of the Eland Lodge , No . 493 , a Past Grand Organist of the province .
After the patriarchal benediction , the PROV . G . MASTER addressed the brethren as follows : Brethren , Mark Masonry in the province of West Yorkshire , as I have more than once pointed out , advances slowly perhaps , but yet steadily . Nor am I anxious that it should progress by leaps and bounds . I much preler that lodges should spring up only when the need of them is
unmistakedly felt . In the year 1896 we added two new lodges to our roll—Eland and the Caldene . Since that year we have remained stationary , though the number of individual members has steadily increased . To-day we have consecrated the 15 th Mark lodge in the province , and I need scircely say that to perform this ceremony has given me very great pleasure and
satisfaction . That gratification is largely increased when I consider the exceptionally favourable conditions under which the new lodge starts upon its career . For instance , I venture to say that had you sought the whole province through in quest of a competent Master , you could not have found a better than the one to whom you are about to trust the first year ' s destiny
Consecration Of The Haywra (Mark) Lodge, No. 525.
of the new lodge . In Bro . John Barker , my excellent friend and very worthy Deputy , you combine experience extending over many years ; a knowledge of the ceremonies and procedure of Mark Masonry , I might almost say , perfect ; and , in addition , and perhaps more important still , an interest in this beautiful Degree both enthusiastic and sincere . Under his guidance prosperity cannot fail to be your ? , especially when weconsider the support which
it will be his privilege to receive from such able lieutenants as Bros . Thomas Woods and Walter Davey . Bro . Woods has shown great skill and ability in conducting the affairs of the New D > ric Craft Lodge , and he has found an able successor in Bro . Davey . Their efforts and prowess in Mark Masonry they have yet to give proof of , but I for one have no doubt that they will be equally zealous and equally successful . With such examples
before them the officers—a full complement of whom I am pleased to see has been obtained—will doubtless earnestly study and rapidly acquire a knowledge of our beautiful ritual and will be led to enquire into the valuable lessons which underlie our ceremonies . Let me take this opportunity of emphasising the words of the Chaplain and saying to the newly-advanced brethren that of the many teachings in this Degree , one of the
most important is the certain recognition and appreciation of good work , -. veil done . That recognition may not be immediate , and that appreciation may be delayed , but eventually , we are told , our honest efforts will be fully recognised and duly rewarded . We are taught in Holy Writ that the stone which the builders rejected became the head of the corner , and though every little attempt on our parts may not attain so
important a position , yet , depend upon it , a useful place will be found for it , and modest though it may be , it will yet supply a need and contribute somesmall portion towards the general whole . This is most encouraging to the conscientious workman , and I hope , my brethren , you will take this valuable lesson to heart . The destinies of the new lodge , as far as human foresight goes , are placed in excellent hands ; it is for you , however , to make or to mar . We
outside this district shall watch your course with solicitude and with encouragement . We have no anxiety , for it is plain that within yourselves you combine all the elements of success . May all good fortune attend you , and may the Haywra Lodge realise all that we , its outside brethren , most earnestly anticipate and desire ! There is one further matter I may casually allude to in reference to the new lodge which has excited some curiosity and
speculation , and that is its name . The history of names , both personal and place names , is a most interesting study , and if we can get to the true origin and meaning , that study often throws a flood of light on the subject . But such pursuit is encompassed with difficulty . There is often an absence of authentic information , which makes certainty very doubtful , and , added to that , names , in course of ages , become so altered ( corrupted , shall I say ?)
in spelling and pronunciation as to make identification little more than a speculation . Archxologists , like doctors , proverbially disagree , and it is not surprising that on the question of the origin of the word " Harrogate " there should be a divergence of opinion . But it is not the entire word with which we are concerned . The term " gate" as an affix is common in all old towns , as witness the " Kirk " gate , the " North " gate , and
so on , and we need not dwell upon its signification—it is the first portion of the word with which we are interested . The promoters of this new lodge maintain that the ancient name of Harrogate was " Haywra-gate " and so claim that in the nomenclature of their lodge they are perpetuating the oldtime name which has become in course of years so corrupted as to be almost unintelligible . This may or may not be so . I am not much of an
archaeologist , but I am led to believe that the evidence of writers of authority on the topography of the district , more or less confirm this view . Haywra Park was situate , it is said , in or beyond the forest of Knaresborough , but the term "Haywra "—granting this—is not yet properly explained . Grange ' s History as well as the works of Hargrove and Thorpe have bsen consulted , and the conclusion reached is that Haywra as a place name did
most certainly exist in this immediate neighbourhood , if not upon this very spot , and that there is , therefore , strong presumptive evidence that the present term Harrogate is a corruption of " Haywra-gate . " What was the precise meaning of "Haywra" is still undetermined , some associating it with a clearance in a forest , others with a robbers' stronghold . That , however , can be left to more learned heads than mine ; it is sufficient to know that the use of the word is , I may say ,
an undoubted revival of an old place name and as such is a very suitable one to give to a lodge of Freemasons whose ori gin is vainly sought in the dim vistas of far distant ages . May the lodge whose name it bears ever maintain the high reputation which our Society has so long enjoyed ! May it long and worthily uphold our lasting and undying principles , and may it stand an institution—useful , beneficent , and true—a credit and a pride to those under whose praiseworthy and successful endeavours it has to-day commenced its career !
The first W . M . of the new Haywra Lodge is Bro . John Barker , and his selection as the pioneer of Mirk Masonry in Harroga ' e is an exceedingly popular one . Known and esteemed as he is amongst West Yorkshire Mark Masons it is not in this Decree only that Bro . Barker has shown his deep interest in Freemasonry . As a Craft Mason he has long worn the
Provincial purple ; whilst in the R . A . Degree , only two days before the meeting we are describing , he received from tne G . Superintendent of West Yorkshire the distinguished position of Third Principal of the province . In the other and what are called H gher Degrees Bro . Barker also takes conspicuous place , and it is not too much to say that he has always made his mark in whatever Degree he has associated himself with .
Presented by Bro . G . H . Parke , he was obligated and installed by the Prov . G . M ., and , on taking the chair , was warmly welcomed and saluted . His first act was to invest Bro . G . H . Parke as I . P . M . of the new lodge . Subsequently Bro . Barker appointed and invested his officers as follows : Bros . Thomas Wocds , 5 8 , S . W . ; Waller Dswey , 111 , I . W . ; j . M . R ,
Smetham , in , M . O . ; F . H . Ingle , S . O . ; William H . Wainhouse , 5 S , J . O . ; O . Threapleton , Chap . ; Ernest Solly , R . of M . ; VV . Petty , Sec . ; Samuel Stead , S . D . ; A . W . Hinsley Walker , J . D . ; F . Dowson , D . of C ; G . Musi'rove , Org . ; H . Dittmar , I . G . ; ] . Croft , Stwd . ; and A . H . Holmes , Tyler .
The addresses to the W . M ., Wardens , Overseers , and brethren , given in Bro . Parke ' s best style , concluded the installation and investiture
care-. On the motion of the W . M ., seconded by Bro . W . DAVEY , Bro . Thomas Woods was elected to serve on thc West Yorkshire Mirk Charity Committee . There were several propositions relating to new members , and many apologies and expressions of regret at inability to be present , and these having been duly recorded , the lodge was closed .