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Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Provincial Grand Lodge Of Cheshire.
of Masonry had continued to flow on . ( Applause . ) No one who looked at the large and influential assembly that day would doubt for a moment that the province of Cheshire was in a flourishing condition . ( Applause . ) He was proud indeed to preside over such a province , and he felt
grateful to every brother—from the highest to the lowest—who gave him their support ; and he felt particularly proud that day in being honoured with the presence of one of the oldest aud most influential Grand Officers , Bro . Fawcett , P . G . M . of Durham . ( Applause . ) Masonic events
generally during the year had been very few , but the sacred cause of charity had continued to be supported heartily both by lodges and individual members of the Craft . Although no new lodges had been consecrated in the province during the past year , a great many members had been added
to the Order ; but he felt constrained again to caution the W . M . ' s of lodges to see that initiations were confined to" worthy men , and to worthy men only . " ( Hear , hear . ) They should also see , when candidates presented themselves
from distant towns , where there were lodges , that careful inquiry should be made as to their character . ( Cheers . ) He need scarcely , in that room , allude to the loss which Masonry had sustained in the death of their most beloved and most revered Past Grand Alaster—the Earl ol
Zetland—because they all knew the excellent service he had rendered to Masonry during the long number of years which he reigned over it . It had p leased the G . A . O . T . U . to take him from amongst them , full of honours and years , and they would never again have his kind
presence , his genial advice , and excellent influence . They still wore mourning for their departed brother , and he was quite certain this was no outward show , but a sincere evidence of respect for his memory . His lordship then referred to the pleasure which it gave him to consent to lay the
foundation stone of the college at Knntslord the following week ; and intimated that it was his intention to hold his next annual Provincial Grand Lodge in the ancient city of Chester , the use of the Town Hall having been kindly given by the corporation , and the Dean of Chester at the same time giving them the liberty
of using the Cathedral for the annual service . 1 le took that opportunity of saying that lie thought the Freemasons in that province should follow the example of Gloucester , Hereford , and Worcester , and enter into a private subscription towards the restoration of their venerable cathedral at Chester . He did not mean that their
subscriptions should go into the general restoration fund , but it should be devoted towards the purchase and presentation of some specific thing , such as a font or a sedili . i . ( Loud applause . ) He again thanked the brethren for their support , and assured them that his constant endeavours would ever be to forward the interests of Masonry . ( Applause . )
The R . W . P . G . M . then invested the following as his Ollicers for the ensuing vear : —Bro . C . Cornwall Lcgh , ALP ., R . W . D . P . G . M ; C . Dutton , P . S . G . W ; Captain C ] . Howard , P . J . G . W ; Rev . R . Hodgson , P . G . C ; Rev . J . Lomax , P . G . C ; J . Wood , P . G . Reg ; E . H . Griffiths , P . G .
Sec . ( to whom his lordship paid a hi gh compliment on re-investing him ) ; Dr . Spratly , P . S . G . D . ;—Simpson , P . J . G . D ; G . Whale , P . G . S . ol W ; F . Jackson , jun ., P . G . D . of C ; | . S . Mort , P . G . A . D . of C .. - —Brown , P . G . S . B .: ' W .
Goodaccr , P . G . P . ; T . H . Kirk , P . G . O . ; J Swindells , P . G . Tyler ; and Bros . Athertim , Gibson , Davenport , T . D . Simcock , J . Cavanah , and E . Bradbury , P . G . Stewards . Bro . Captain Cope was re-appointed Chairman of the Fund of Benevolence .
Bros . Ii . Bulley and Birch having served the ollice of Stewards at the Festivals in London , were presented by the P . G . M . with the charily jewels , amidst the applause ofthe bivihivn . This beimr the whole of the busing s . the
Provincial Grand Lodge was closed in due lunn . THE SERVICE \ M > SERMON . A procession of the brethren was then formed , as is usual on such occasions , for the purpose ol
attending divine service . The bivlluvu marched to St . Margaret ' s Chinch , at Dunham , clothed in the collars aiul jewels of their oilices , where full Cathedral service was performed . Bro . k iik , P . G . O ., presided at the organ , the music being
Provincial Grand Lodge Of Cheshire.
rendered by the choir of St . Margarets , assisted by Bros . Stafford , Dumville , and Ball . The anthem " Blessed be Thou " ( Kent ) was sung with the finest effect . The service was intoned
by the Rev . R . Hodgson , M . A ., P . G . C , who took for his text St . John , xv ., 12 , "This is my commandment , that ye love one another as I have loved you . " The Preacher said—¦ Once more , Brethren
after the lapse of another year , we are pathered together in God's own house , CD to thank Him for His mercy and grace during the last twelve months , and in the most solemn manner to entreat the Great
Architect of the Universe to continue to preserve our Order , by beautifying' and adorning us with every moral and social virtue . We have met together in our lodge room , and also here in God ' s temple , to carry out , according to our power , the command of our Great Master in
Heaven , and by our prayers and real sympathy , as well as by our liberal alms , to show our love to all our sick and bereaved brethren . To day you are called upon to extend your charity beyond your Order , and 1 trust you will give a double donation to the Stewards , when they
bring the boxes round to you . Our first duty , as Masons , is doubtless to our own sick , to our widows , and orphans , but we , I trust , have been well taught , that we shall not confine our charity at home , but show that , as men and Christian men , we are ready to extend the helping hand to all who need our charity . The unfortunates
who enter the wards of our hospitals must always have a claim on our benevolence . We may dilfer in our opinions upon other societies upon other calls upon our purse , but hen- we are all one . i'he maimed , the hah , the sufferer of severe bodily disease , the subjects ol
accidents , these speak home to the hearts of all true men , and 1 know not how we can to day better obey the precepts of our Great Master in the text , than by giving liberally to the Altrincham hospitals ami the Fun . l of Benevolence , i'he advantages of the latter 1 need not occupy
your tune in detailing to you ; liley are well known to you all ; of the former I will only say that as one of the . working committee , 1 can speak most strongly of the advantage it has been to this town and neighbourhood , ami 1 am only
sorry to say , that , for want of greater support , we cannot 1 stend its privileges so widely as we should wish . I now leave the matter in your hands , trusting thai you will do what you can , and proceed for a few minutes to the more general consideration of the text . Xo
vice perhaps is so ingrained into our fallen nature as that of selfishness , Since thc disobedience of our first parents , it has so spread as to become almost part of our very organism . 'Sou may detect it in the infant , almost before it can lisp ; it is proverbial amongst the young ; and
who is blind to its presence in the middle-aged , to say nothing of llie old . Xo man who for a minute looks into his own heart , can fail to detect how great an influence the thought of sell has upon all his words and acts , the irrepressible " I" is ever appearing , and unconsciously a man
considers how will this or that effect me , my character , my happiness , my well being , my position amongst my fellows , so subilely and so universally has this poison infected all our nature that for its eradication it needed that the Great Architect himself should come down from above
and lake our nature upon Him , that once more lie might restore us to His own likeness , and image . Yes it was not enough that our Greal Master should speak from 1 leaven , and say " this is my commandment that ye love on another , but he must be born of a woman , live as a child .
as a youth , as a man , amongst us , and by His fair example as well as 1 lis preccpl , teach us 1 . 0 " Love one another , as I have loved you , " and what a beautiful pattern lie has - et us . I speak not at this moment ofthe atonement , which by His holy lil ' e and precious death He has brought lor us but I ask you to contemplate
llie beauty , tlu- loveliu ¦ ¦¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ : of his character as a loan . Where can you place your linger on one imperfection , one blot Where can von detect in His conduct tow . nils Wis parent , his discip les the Pharisees and S . nld ices , ihe iiitii ' liuide , the sinners , the friends or the enemies , the least approach to egotism , the thought of self r From
Provincial Grand Lodge Of Cheshire.
the manger cradle , to the last cry on the cross , diil not Jesus show forth the beauty of unselfishness , the blessedness of self denial , thc happiness of living for other ' s good ! You know , my brethren , tiie power of personal influence , you know what imitative creatures we are :
how closely we are affected by the atmosphere in which we live ; you know too how common it is for every thinking person to have some pet hero , to set some model before his eyes . Howcomes it , then , that so few choose the grandest of examples , the noblest of heroes ? How comes it
that so tew set before their eyes the man Christ Jesus as the pattern that they will endeavour to follow . In our lodges , I suppose , there are always some one or two of the brethren , those who are best instructed , who appear to be amongst the brightest lights of Masonry , that
the newly initiated brother admires , and in his heart of hearts , says , " Xow I would like to emulate these brethren , and to gain a fair renown like theirs . " But here , in the Grand Master of the Universe , in Him , in whose name all our lodges are opened and closed , tor 1 le alone is the Great Architect ofthe Universe , in Him whose
blessing is ever evoked upon all our undertakings , we have tlie purest , the holiest , the most loving example of all . Shall , we not then as Masons , as Christians , endeavour each one to tread more closely on His steps , to follow more nearly the pattern of excellence , which in this life He has
graciously put before us . Whatever our various callings or positions in life maybe , whatever may be the widely different opinions or doctrines or dogmas , here we are all as one . For is not the one main object of our Fraternity , to band together for the good of the whole body , to learn
the practice of love in its widest and intensesl meaning . There is no one term by which you can ill 11 strate this word love . Benevolence , philanthrophy , humanity , charily , only each express as it were one side of it . By action atone can you thoroughly understand it , by obedience to
I lis command , can you alone grasp the full intention ol it . Live in the same atmosphere with it , imitate all 1 lis conduct , so far as you can . weigh well His words , and oh ! how much lliesi few words at the end of my text , simply " As 1
have loved you , for they cost Him His life , and that through the agony of the shameful cross , " Oh could we learn that sacrifice , what lights would all around us rise . " Love , as He loved , and how beautiful would our Order become .
what significance given to all our rites and ceremonies ! Love is the fulfilling of the law , nay , when that principle is present , as St . Paul teaches , the law is unneeded . And 1 would call your attention , especially , lo the necessity of obedience to this command at the present moment of the
world s existence . We live m days of great doubt , and open scepticism . What is the remedy lor this " r Evidences of reli gion , history , prophecy , miracles , nay , some of these are denied , others now impossible , all out ofthe reach of many . There is , then , only one remedy , and
tJi . it , thank God eflie . ieious , Obedience , recognition of the law of love , the living the life of Christ ; this will teach us of the doctrine , whether it be of ( iod , or not . Do the work which Jesus ditl , sympathise with the sorrowful , rejoice with them that rejoice , smooth the pillow
of the dying , dry the tears of the broken hearted widow , take by the hand the forlorn orphan , alleviate tlie wants of the poor , and sit by the bedside of the sick , and more than this , be courteous , amicable , kind , and helpful to all ; let the bright smile of a kindly spirit , the pleasant
countenance , the cheery word , ihe fell interest in the occupations and amusements of others , ever attend you in your own home , and amongsl your own kith and kin , and in the larger society beyond your own roof-trees ; and , then f promise y-ju , nay , God forgive me , not I , but the
Great . Master promises you , that you shall be guided into all truth , your sins and their habits shall be conquered , the denying Peter shall tie made bold in ihe faith , the fleeing discip les shall tlie , if need be , for the truth , the doubling
lhonias shall become a firm believer , and the sin-polluted Magdalen a holy saint . 1 offer no apology for illustrating my subject by a very beautiful parable , known doubtless to many of you , and of service , I am sure , to ail . There was a man in the land of Canaan , of mighty stature
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Provincial Grand Lodge Of Cheshire.
of Masonry had continued to flow on . ( Applause . ) No one who looked at the large and influential assembly that day would doubt for a moment that the province of Cheshire was in a flourishing condition . ( Applause . ) He was proud indeed to preside over such a province , and he felt
grateful to every brother—from the highest to the lowest—who gave him their support ; and he felt particularly proud that day in being honoured with the presence of one of the oldest aud most influential Grand Officers , Bro . Fawcett , P . G . M . of Durham . ( Applause . ) Masonic events
generally during the year had been very few , but the sacred cause of charity had continued to be supported heartily both by lodges and individual members of the Craft . Although no new lodges had been consecrated in the province during the past year , a great many members had been added
to the Order ; but he felt constrained again to caution the W . M . ' s of lodges to see that initiations were confined to" worthy men , and to worthy men only . " ( Hear , hear . ) They should also see , when candidates presented themselves
from distant towns , where there were lodges , that careful inquiry should be made as to their character . ( Cheers . ) He need scarcely , in that room , allude to the loss which Masonry had sustained in the death of their most beloved and most revered Past Grand Alaster—the Earl ol
Zetland—because they all knew the excellent service he had rendered to Masonry during the long number of years which he reigned over it . It had p leased the G . A . O . T . U . to take him from amongst them , full of honours and years , and they would never again have his kind
presence , his genial advice , and excellent influence . They still wore mourning for their departed brother , and he was quite certain this was no outward show , but a sincere evidence of respect for his memory . His lordship then referred to the pleasure which it gave him to consent to lay the
foundation stone of the college at Knntslord the following week ; and intimated that it was his intention to hold his next annual Provincial Grand Lodge in the ancient city of Chester , the use of the Town Hall having been kindly given by the corporation , and the Dean of Chester at the same time giving them the liberty
of using the Cathedral for the annual service . 1 le took that opportunity of saying that lie thought the Freemasons in that province should follow the example of Gloucester , Hereford , and Worcester , and enter into a private subscription towards the restoration of their venerable cathedral at Chester . He did not mean that their
subscriptions should go into the general restoration fund , but it should be devoted towards the purchase and presentation of some specific thing , such as a font or a sedili . i . ( Loud applause . ) He again thanked the brethren for their support , and assured them that his constant endeavours would ever be to forward the interests of Masonry . ( Applause . )
The R . W . P . G . M . then invested the following as his Ollicers for the ensuing vear : —Bro . C . Cornwall Lcgh , ALP ., R . W . D . P . G . M ; C . Dutton , P . S . G . W ; Captain C ] . Howard , P . J . G . W ; Rev . R . Hodgson , P . G . C ; Rev . J . Lomax , P . G . C ; J . Wood , P . G . Reg ; E . H . Griffiths , P . G .
Sec . ( to whom his lordship paid a hi gh compliment on re-investing him ) ; Dr . Spratly , P . S . G . D . ;—Simpson , P . J . G . D ; G . Whale , P . G . S . ol W ; F . Jackson , jun ., P . G . D . of C ; | . S . Mort , P . G . A . D . of C .. - —Brown , P . G . S . B .: ' W .
Goodaccr , P . G . P . ; T . H . Kirk , P . G . O . ; J Swindells , P . G . Tyler ; and Bros . Athertim , Gibson , Davenport , T . D . Simcock , J . Cavanah , and E . Bradbury , P . G . Stewards . Bro . Captain Cope was re-appointed Chairman of the Fund of Benevolence .
Bros . Ii . Bulley and Birch having served the ollice of Stewards at the Festivals in London , were presented by the P . G . M . with the charily jewels , amidst the applause ofthe bivihivn . This beimr the whole of the busing s . the
Provincial Grand Lodge was closed in due lunn . THE SERVICE \ M > SERMON . A procession of the brethren was then formed , as is usual on such occasions , for the purpose ol
attending divine service . The bivlluvu marched to St . Margaret ' s Chinch , at Dunham , clothed in the collars aiul jewels of their oilices , where full Cathedral service was performed . Bro . k iik , P . G . O ., presided at the organ , the music being
Provincial Grand Lodge Of Cheshire.
rendered by the choir of St . Margarets , assisted by Bros . Stafford , Dumville , and Ball . The anthem " Blessed be Thou " ( Kent ) was sung with the finest effect . The service was intoned
by the Rev . R . Hodgson , M . A ., P . G . C , who took for his text St . John , xv ., 12 , "This is my commandment , that ye love one another as I have loved you . " The Preacher said—¦ Once more , Brethren
after the lapse of another year , we are pathered together in God's own house , CD to thank Him for His mercy and grace during the last twelve months , and in the most solemn manner to entreat the Great
Architect of the Universe to continue to preserve our Order , by beautifying' and adorning us with every moral and social virtue . We have met together in our lodge room , and also here in God ' s temple , to carry out , according to our power , the command of our Great Master in
Heaven , and by our prayers and real sympathy , as well as by our liberal alms , to show our love to all our sick and bereaved brethren . To day you are called upon to extend your charity beyond your Order , and 1 trust you will give a double donation to the Stewards , when they
bring the boxes round to you . Our first duty , as Masons , is doubtless to our own sick , to our widows , and orphans , but we , I trust , have been well taught , that we shall not confine our charity at home , but show that , as men and Christian men , we are ready to extend the helping hand to all who need our charity . The unfortunates
who enter the wards of our hospitals must always have a claim on our benevolence . We may dilfer in our opinions upon other societies upon other calls upon our purse , but hen- we are all one . i'he maimed , the hah , the sufferer of severe bodily disease , the subjects ol
accidents , these speak home to the hearts of all true men , and 1 know not how we can to day better obey the precepts of our Great Master in the text , than by giving liberally to the Altrincham hospitals ami the Fun . l of Benevolence , i'he advantages of the latter 1 need not occupy
your tune in detailing to you ; liley are well known to you all ; of the former I will only say that as one of the . working committee , 1 can speak most strongly of the advantage it has been to this town and neighbourhood , ami 1 am only
sorry to say , that , for want of greater support , we cannot 1 stend its privileges so widely as we should wish . I now leave the matter in your hands , trusting thai you will do what you can , and proceed for a few minutes to the more general consideration of the text . Xo
vice perhaps is so ingrained into our fallen nature as that of selfishness , Since thc disobedience of our first parents , it has so spread as to become almost part of our very organism . 'Sou may detect it in the infant , almost before it can lisp ; it is proverbial amongst the young ; and
who is blind to its presence in the middle-aged , to say nothing of llie old . Xo man who for a minute looks into his own heart , can fail to detect how great an influence the thought of sell has upon all his words and acts , the irrepressible " I" is ever appearing , and unconsciously a man
considers how will this or that effect me , my character , my happiness , my well being , my position amongst my fellows , so subilely and so universally has this poison infected all our nature that for its eradication it needed that the Great Architect himself should come down from above
and lake our nature upon Him , that once more lie might restore us to His own likeness , and image . Yes it was not enough that our Greal Master should speak from 1 leaven , and say " this is my commandment that ye love on another , but he must be born of a woman , live as a child .
as a youth , as a man , amongst us , and by His fair example as well as 1 lis preccpl , teach us 1 . 0 " Love one another , as I have loved you , " and what a beautiful pattern lie has - et us . I speak not at this moment ofthe atonement , which by His holy lil ' e and precious death He has brought lor us but I ask you to contemplate
llie beauty , tlu- loveliu ¦ ¦¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ : of his character as a loan . Where can you place your linger on one imperfection , one blot Where can von detect in His conduct tow . nils Wis parent , his discip les the Pharisees and S . nld ices , ihe iiitii ' liuide , the sinners , the friends or the enemies , the least approach to egotism , the thought of self r From
Provincial Grand Lodge Of Cheshire.
the manger cradle , to the last cry on the cross , diil not Jesus show forth the beauty of unselfishness , the blessedness of self denial , thc happiness of living for other ' s good ! You know , my brethren , tiie power of personal influence , you know what imitative creatures we are :
how closely we are affected by the atmosphere in which we live ; you know too how common it is for every thinking person to have some pet hero , to set some model before his eyes . Howcomes it , then , that so few choose the grandest of examples , the noblest of heroes ? How comes it
that so tew set before their eyes the man Christ Jesus as the pattern that they will endeavour to follow . In our lodges , I suppose , there are always some one or two of the brethren , those who are best instructed , who appear to be amongst the brightest lights of Masonry , that
the newly initiated brother admires , and in his heart of hearts , says , " Xow I would like to emulate these brethren , and to gain a fair renown like theirs . " But here , in the Grand Master of the Universe , in Him , in whose name all our lodges are opened and closed , tor 1 le alone is the Great Architect ofthe Universe , in Him whose
blessing is ever evoked upon all our undertakings , we have tlie purest , the holiest , the most loving example of all . Shall , we not then as Masons , as Christians , endeavour each one to tread more closely on His steps , to follow more nearly the pattern of excellence , which in this life He has
graciously put before us . Whatever our various callings or positions in life maybe , whatever may be the widely different opinions or doctrines or dogmas , here we are all as one . For is not the one main object of our Fraternity , to band together for the good of the whole body , to learn
the practice of love in its widest and intensesl meaning . There is no one term by which you can ill 11 strate this word love . Benevolence , philanthrophy , humanity , charily , only each express as it were one side of it . By action atone can you thoroughly understand it , by obedience to
I lis command , can you alone grasp the full intention ol it . Live in the same atmosphere with it , imitate all 1 lis conduct , so far as you can . weigh well His words , and oh ! how much lliesi few words at the end of my text , simply " As 1
have loved you , for they cost Him His life , and that through the agony of the shameful cross , " Oh could we learn that sacrifice , what lights would all around us rise . " Love , as He loved , and how beautiful would our Order become .
what significance given to all our rites and ceremonies ! Love is the fulfilling of the law , nay , when that principle is present , as St . Paul teaches , the law is unneeded . And 1 would call your attention , especially , lo the necessity of obedience to this command at the present moment of the
world s existence . We live m days of great doubt , and open scepticism . What is the remedy lor this " r Evidences of reli gion , history , prophecy , miracles , nay , some of these are denied , others now impossible , all out ofthe reach of many . There is , then , only one remedy , and
tJi . it , thank God eflie . ieious , Obedience , recognition of the law of love , the living the life of Christ ; this will teach us of the doctrine , whether it be of ( iod , or not . Do the work which Jesus ditl , sympathise with the sorrowful , rejoice with them that rejoice , smooth the pillow
of the dying , dry the tears of the broken hearted widow , take by the hand the forlorn orphan , alleviate tlie wants of the poor , and sit by the bedside of the sick , and more than this , be courteous , amicable , kind , and helpful to all ; let the bright smile of a kindly spirit , the pleasant
countenance , the cheery word , ihe fell interest in the occupations and amusements of others , ever attend you in your own home , and amongsl your own kith and kin , and in the larger society beyond your own roof-trees ; and , then f promise y-ju , nay , God forgive me , not I , but the
Great . Master promises you , that you shall be guided into all truth , your sins and their habits shall be conquered , the denying Peter shall tie made bold in ihe faith , the fleeing discip les shall tlie , if need be , for the truth , the doubling
lhonias shall become a firm believer , and the sin-polluted Magdalen a holy saint . 1 offer no apology for illustrating my subject by a very beautiful parable , known doubtless to many of you , and of service , I am sure , to ail . There was a man in the land of Canaan , of mighty stature