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  • May 27, 1899
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  • CONSECRATION OF THE HAYWRA (MARK) LODGE, No. 525.
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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 .

“The Freemason: 1899-05-27, Page 4” Masonic Periodicals Online, Library and Museum of Freemasonry, 12 Aug. 2025, django:8000/periodicals/fvl/issues/fvl_27051899/page/4/.
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Title Category Page
Untitled Article 1
HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN. Article 1
THE BENEVOLENT ELECTIONS. Article 1
THE MOTHER-CITY OF AMERICAN FREEMASONRY. Article 2
Instruction. Article 3
PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF EAST LANCASHIRE. Article 3
CONSECRATION OF THE HAYWRA (MARK) LODGE, No. 525. Article 3
ANNUAL MEETING OF THE ROYAL MASONIC BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION. Article 5
Untitled Ad 6
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Untitled Article 7
Masonic Notes. Article 7
Reviews. Article 8
Masonic Notes and Queries. Article 8
LADIES' NIGHT OF THE MOIRA CHAPTER, No. 92. Article 8
GENERAL COMMITTEE OF GRAND LODGE AND BOARD OF BENEVOLENCE. Article 9
PRESENTATION TO BRO. WRAY, OF BLACKPOOL. Article 9
Craft Masonry. Article 10
The Craft Abroad. Article 10
Ancient and Accepted Rite. Article 11
THE VICTORIAN BOOK OF CONSTITUTIONS. Article 11
THE LATE BRO. SIR B. W. RICHARDSON. Article 11
Obituary. Article 11
Untitled Ad 11
Untitled Ad 11
Masonic and General Tidings. Article 12
DEATH. Article 12
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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 .

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