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Provincial Grand Lodge Of Cheshire.
PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF CHESHIRE .
The annual meeting was held on Thursday , the iSth inst ., in the Literary Institute , Altrincham . It is about n years since the Prov . Grand Lodge of Cheshire held its meeting in this town , and it is equally safe to assert that the meeting of Thursday was even still more successful . The inviting lodge , Stamford , No . 1045 ( Bro . S . Stunner , W . M . ) , had done all in its power to accord a-hearty reception lo the Prov . Grand Lodge and the visiting brethren . For some time past a Committee of the lodge had
been hard at work , and the arrangements were as complete as possible , but for some reason or other there was not the same concerted action on the part of the inhabitants , and therefore there was not the display of bunting which we have seen in some of the towns visited by the Prov . Grand Lodge of Cheshire . As it was , however , there was a fair display of flags from the shop windows of the principal tradesmen , and the procession through the streets in the course of the afternoon was witnessed by a large number of people , and the beautiful regalia worn by the brethren was much admired .
As the time approached for the Prov . Grand Lodge to be opened , it was evident by the number of brethren who came pouring in that a successful meeting could be anticipated , and the result prove the anticipation correct , as over 400 were present . 1 n consequence of the continued indisposition of the K . W . P . G . M ., Lord De Tabley , the meeting was presided over by his Deputy , Bro . the Rig ht lion . Lord Egcrton of Tatton , who was supported by Bro . the Rev . C . VV . Spencer-Stanhope , Past Grand Chap ., and a-large number of Present and Past Prov . Grand Officers .
The Prov . Grand Master was supported by the following brethren : Bros . Richard Newhouse , P . P . G . A . D . C , 1045 ; R- Holgate Brown , P . G . Chap ., 140 S ; lames M . Lockwood , Prov . P . G . Supt . of Works , 425 ; l oseph Leech , P . G . T . East Lane , 300 and 177 ; John Beresford , P . P . G . S . D ., 104 ; William Nicholls , P . M ., P . P . G . D ., 041 ; Richard Wood , P . P . G . J . D ., 267 ; Thomas Lockitt , P . P . G . S . D ., 295 ; Llewellyn Makin , P . P . G . J . D ., 36 S ; John Tomlinson , P . P . G . S . B ., 321 j Robert Thatcher Bowden , P . P . G . Supt . of Works , 321 ; Edward Rawson , P . P . G . C , 941 ;
R . Hodgson , P . G . C , 1045 ; Rev . C VV . Spencer-Stanhope , P . G . Chap ., 321 ; Iv H . Griffiths , P . G . Sec , 293 ; William Harrison , P . P . G . S I ) ., 104 ; John Wakefield , P . G . S ., 2 S 7 ; F . G . Skidmore , P . P . G . S . B ., 42 S ; J . Newell , P . P . G . S ., 42 S ; VV . Goodacre , Prov . G . Reg . VV . Lane , 321 ; VV . Greatorex , P . P . G . P ., 2 S 7 ; G . T . Joynson , P . P . G . S ., 42 S ; Samuel Marsden , P . G . S ., 324 ; William Dyson , P . G . S ., 324 ; William C . Fleming , P . M . 322 , 1957 , P . G . Tyler ; Robert Hunter , P . M . 10 SS , P . G . S . D . ; Edmund Johnson , P . P . G . A . D . C ; Wm . Booth , P . G . A . D . C ; Herbert
Finch , P . G . D . C ; John Clayton , P . PG . S . D . ; James Andrew , P . G . D . C . VV . Lane ; Eustace G . Parke , P . M . 1565 , 10 4 1 , and 941 , P . P . G . P . ; Henry Holbrook , P . M . C 05 , P . P . G . Sunt , of Works Cheshire , D . D . G . M . for British Columbia ; Thomas Chesworth , P . P . G . S . D . ; Joseph Roberts , P . M ., D . C , and Sec . 324 , P . G . S . B . ; ] as . Salmon , P . M . 425 , P . P . G . S . D . ; Thomas Wainwright , P . P . G . S . D ., 324 ; R . Baker , P . P . G . D . C , 1045 ; John Roberts , P . M . 204 , P . G . D . C . E . Lane ; John Siddeley , P . M . 1045 , P . P . G . A . D . C ; George Barlow , P . P . G . O ., P . M . 533 ; Thomas Marwood ,
P . P . G . J . W . ; Thomas Bowers , P . P . G . A . D . C ; J . Buckley Deakin , P . G . J . VV . ; G . VVagstaff , P . G . S . ; Mark Billinge , P . M . and Sec . M 6 G ; John Roberts , W . M . 361 ; S . VV . Wilkinson , P . M . 322 , P . P . G . S . D . Cheshire ; Thos . Smith , P . M . 1126 , P . P . G . I . D . Cheshire ; George F . East , P . M . 1 C 3 , P . P . G . D . C . E . Lane ; J . E . Seward , P . M . 336 , P . G . J . D . ; VV . J . Bates , P . G . J . D ., 267 ; Henry Crosby , P . P . G . P ., P . M .
15 SS ; John Smith , P . G . W . L . S ., P . M . 10 SS ; T . D . Simcock , P . P . G . S . B . ; Fredk . W . Stevenson , P . P . G . S ., P . M . 537 ; Samuel Jew , P . P . G . Treas . ; Deum Pale , 105 and 1 S 47 ; C . J . Howard , P . G . J . VV . ; James Holmes , P . . P . G . D . E . Lane ; P . A Dickson , P . P . G . J . W . ; Emos Andrew , P . G . Org ., 324 ; George Burrows , P . P . G . J . D ., 430 -, H . Longman . P . P . G . VV . VV . Lane ; Walter Newton , P . P . G . J . D . E . Lane ; J . H . Bellyse , P . P . G . J . W . ; R . Lisenden ( Freemason ) , and others .
Soon after 12 . 30 the Acting R . W . Prov . Grand Master entered , preceded by a long array of brethren wearing the purple , and heralded by the Bros . Thos . and Geo . Batley , who played a fanlare on their silver cornets . Alter the usual formalities , Provincial Grand Lodge was opened in due form , and the roll of officers and lodges holden in the province called over
by the Prov . Grand Secretary , Bro . E . H . GRIFFITHS . lhe responses to the latter call showed every lodge represented but one , and 387 brethren present , exclusive of visitors . The minutes of the last Provincial Grand Lodge meeting at Stalybridge were read and confirmed , after which
The ACTING PROV . GRAND MASTER rose and , addressing the brethren , said it now became his duty to lay before them a few facts regarding the progress of Masonry in the province during the last 12 months . They had heard in the report of the last meeting the letter of their revered Prov . Grand Master read , and he knew that he ( Lord De Tabley ) was animated by the same feelings now of regret that he was unable to be present that day . He was sure they would be glad to hear that , although his physical strength
was unequal to the duties of presiding over them that day , he was now in the enjoyment of pretty good health , and he was able to appreciate and take an interest in the work of Masonry just as much as he ever did . ( App lause . ) Under those circumstances , they would agree with him that it would be of the greatest importance to the brethren from that province that he should give them as long as he could the benefit of his wise and experienced rule . ( Applause . ) Passing from that , he must now congratulate the
brethren upon their attendance that da )' . Although he believed all the lodges , except one , were represented , yet in the aggregate the number was considerabl y larger than at Stalybridge last year . ( Applause . ) And , although fewer lodges had been consecrated in the province during the past year , he thought the attendance there that day showed that the interest in Masonry was as great as it was this time last year , if not greater , and he was glad that some further progress had been made by two
lodges in removing their places of meeting from hotels to adjacent premises . ( Applause ) That was carrying out a course he suggested last year , and it was desirable wherever possible . In regard to the loss the province bad sustained during the past year , he could but refer to the late Dr . Beales , who was well known as an active menber of Provincial Grand Lodge , and one who took great interest in its proceedings . The ) ' had also to regret the loss of another very earnest and excellent Mason , viz ., Bro .
Capt . Bennett , who was always most punctual in his attendance , and took the greatest possible interest in Masonry . Beyond that , the Masons of Cheshire had to regret the loss of , he believed , the oldest Mason in England , Bro . Chetham , who died at Stockport , at the great age of 9 8 , and the brethren marked their sense of his worth and character as a Mason by altending his funeral in very large numbers . Masonry had sustained , and they in common whh other provinces , a very great loss in lhe death of one
whom all the naiion mourned , viz .. lhe Duke of Alb . my . They , in common with otner Ma-ons throughout England , had taken part in moving addresses ol condolence on the de-uh of one who showed such great promise and ability , in conjunction with the rest of his brothers in the Royal Family . In regard to the Masonic Charities he was able to give a most satisfactory and flourishing account . ( Applause . ) The funds raised had been out ol all proportion to the increase in their numbers , and as they had not increased in the number of their lodges , this showed increased vitality in their Masonic
Provincial Grand Lodge Of Cheshire.
work . A few figures in addition to this general statement might be of interest . Cheshire received a sum equivalent to £ 918 , nearl y £ 1000 , for the education of six boys , six girls , and the support of seven aged men and four widows , and they had still a balance of votes owino- to Cheshire ; besides that , in 1 SS 3 , its children were educated at a cost of £ 196 , and in 1 SS 4 six additional children , in all 31 , at a cost
of £ 212 , and their sum invested had increased to £ 4695 . ( Applause . ) He believed these charities had been suported generally by the large majority of lodges in the province , and if he was rightly informed there were only six that had made no return . There was one point which not only affected that province , but Masons at large , viz ., the attack which had been made upon Masonry in general , which he had no doubt thev had
seen in the public prints , from a very leading quarter abroad . ( A pplause . ) He did not think it necessary to go into that question at the present time , but merely to allude to the very admirable and conclusive way in which that attack had been answered by the Pro Grand Master , the Earl of Carnarvon . ( Applause . ) In this country at least it was entirel y unnecessary to mention that Masonry was not opposed to any of the powers that be , either in
religion or good moral work , but abroad there might be Masons , wrongly so called , to whom this might not apply . In this country Masons were open to no such imputations as were thrown out about them . ( Applause . ) Masons , as they all knew , were most loyal to their Queen and country , and to the powers that be in Church and State put over them . He had thought it necessary to make these remarks , although it was not usual gcnerally ^ at
a Masonic meeting to refer to public matters or politics outside ; but an exception could well be made in the case in question . In conclusion his lordship said he trusted the province might long enjoy the wise rule of their reverend P . G . M ., Lord De Tabley . He was sure it would do his heart good to hear of that very successful meeting , and he was likewise sure that it would be a great pleasure for him ( Lord Egerton ) to report to Lord De
Tabley how warmly the mention of his name had been received and how enthusiastic the brethren had been on that occasion . ( Applause . ) The P . G . SECRETARY here announced that he had received a few lines from Lord De Tabley which he would read to the brethren , as follows : " Pray say everything for me to the brethren . M y heart is willing , as I trust they all know well . I pray that the G . A . O . T . U . may properly direct
and guide their conduct . The P . G . Treasurer , Bro . PETER WADSWORTH , here presented a summary of his accounts . At the commencement of last year the fees to Prov . Grand Lodge amounted to ^ 545 16 s . jd . ; Fund of Benevolence , £ 845 2 s . 2 d . ; and to Cheshire Educational Institution , £ 15 15 s . This last twelve months the amounts were : Fees to Prov . Grand Lodge , £ 691 7 s . 7 d . ;
Fund of Benevolence , £ 990 7 s . ud . ; Educational Institution , £ 347 . Expenditure during the last year had been . On account of Prov . Grand Lodge , £ 161 12 s . ; Fund of Benevolence , £ 295 3 s . 9 d . ; and Cheshire Educational Institution , ^ 27 7 s . ; leaving a balance in favour of the pro - vince : Prov . Grand Lodge , £ 529 15 s . 7 d . ; Fund of Benevolence , £ 695 4 s . 2 d . ; and Educational Institution , £ j .
The Auditors commented upon the correctness of the P . G . Treasurer ' s account , and they were duly passed . Bros . Herbert Finch , Platts , and Salmon were appointed Auditors for the ensuing year . On the motion of Bro . SLADE , P . M . 267 , seconded b y Bro . J . H . BROOKS , P . M . 295 , Bro . Peter Wadsworth was re-elected P . G . Treasurer for the ensuing twelve months . The appointment and investiture of officers then took place , andjresulted as follows :
Bro . T . Marwood , P . M . 537 ... ... ... Prov . G . S . W . „ Lieut .-Col . F . B . Staples , P . M . 321 ... ... Prov . G . J . W . „ Rev . R . Hodgson , M . A ., P . M . 1 045 ... ... Prov . G . Chap . „ Rev . J . Lockwood , M . A ., S . W . 758 ... Prov . G . A . Chap . „ Peter Wadsworth , P . M . 249 ... ... Prov . G . Treas . „ J . Cullimore , P . M . 321 ( re-appointed ) ... Prov . G . Reg . „ E . H . Griffiths , P . M . 293 ( re-appointed ) ... Prov . G . Sec .
„ J . C . Robinson , P . M . 425 ... ... Prov . G . S . D . „ John Ambler , P . M . 1045 ... ... ... Prov . G . S . D . „ G . Fearn , W . M . 323 ... ... ... Prov . G . J . D . „ F . Thompson , P . M . 477 ... ... ... Prov . G . J . D . „ J . Hamilton , P . M . 1045 ... ... ... Prov . G . S . of W . „ Herbert Finch , P . M . 104 ( re-appointed ) ... Prov . G . D . C .
„ Wm . Booth , P . M . 104 ... ... ... Prov . G . D . D . C . „ W . H . Dutton . P . M . 1166 ... ... Prov . G . A . D . C . „ E . J . Bradbury , P . M . 1357 ... ... Prov . G . Swd . B . „ R . H . Swindlehirst , P . M . 320 ... ... Prov . G . Std . B . „ F . A . Walker-Jones , I . G . 321 ... ... Prov . G . Std . B . „ A . Griffiths , S . VV . 1357 ... ... ... Prov . G . Org . „ S . Thompson , P . M . 1045 ... ... ... Prov . G . Purst .
„ Thos . Daine , 1045 ... ... ,.. "" ) „ W . Allcock , 1045 „ J . Sumner , 1045 ... ... ... ' „ _ „ David Kinsey , 1045 ... ... ... f Prov - G - Stwds - „ J . Drinkwater , 10 45 ... ... ... „ G . F . Smith , 1045 ... ... ... j „ W . C . Fleming , P . M . 322 ( re-appointed ) ... Prov . G . Tyler .
The W . M . of the Stamford Lodge , 1045 , Bro . STURMER , here rose and , addressing the Acting R . W . Prov . Grand Master , said that , being deeply sensible of the very great honour conferred b y the Provincial Grand Lodge in selecting Altrincham as the place of their meeting this year , and being anxious in some manner to testify their acknowledgments of that honour , he had , in the name of the Stamford Lodge , to beg the W . Dep . Prov . G . M . and the Prov . Grand Officers to accept two processional Wardens' columns .
Long might the brethren assembled in that lodge be enabled to follow in their footsteps . He most sincerely assured . the W . Dep . Prov . Grand Master and the Provincial Officers that by their kindly acceptance of that giftsimple though it was , but given with true Masonic feeling—every brother of the Stamford Lodge would feel that they had conferred upon him still another honour , and that they had each incurred another debt of gratitude to them . ( Applause . )
The ACTING PROV . GRAND MASTER , on behalf of the Provincial Grand Lodge , thanked Bio . Stunner and the brethren of the Stamford Lodge for their handsome gift , and said it would be a lasting memorial of the visit of Provincial Grand Lodge to Altrincham , and an inducement to again visit a town where they had been so courteously and gratefully received . He trusted the columns mi ght long be handed down to Provincial Grand Lodge as a mark of the Masonic spirit of the brethren in Altrincham . ( Applause . ) The columns were made of ebony , and were much admired . They have
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Provincial Grand Lodge Of Cheshire.
PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF CHESHIRE .
The annual meeting was held on Thursday , the iSth inst ., in the Literary Institute , Altrincham . It is about n years since the Prov . Grand Lodge of Cheshire held its meeting in this town , and it is equally safe to assert that the meeting of Thursday was even still more successful . The inviting lodge , Stamford , No . 1045 ( Bro . S . Stunner , W . M . ) , had done all in its power to accord a-hearty reception lo the Prov . Grand Lodge and the visiting brethren . For some time past a Committee of the lodge had
been hard at work , and the arrangements were as complete as possible , but for some reason or other there was not the same concerted action on the part of the inhabitants , and therefore there was not the display of bunting which we have seen in some of the towns visited by the Prov . Grand Lodge of Cheshire . As it was , however , there was a fair display of flags from the shop windows of the principal tradesmen , and the procession through the streets in the course of the afternoon was witnessed by a large number of people , and the beautiful regalia worn by the brethren was much admired .
As the time approached for the Prov . Grand Lodge to be opened , it was evident by the number of brethren who came pouring in that a successful meeting could be anticipated , and the result prove the anticipation correct , as over 400 were present . 1 n consequence of the continued indisposition of the K . W . P . G . M ., Lord De Tabley , the meeting was presided over by his Deputy , Bro . the Rig ht lion . Lord Egcrton of Tatton , who was supported by Bro . the Rev . C . VV . Spencer-Stanhope , Past Grand Chap ., and a-large number of Present and Past Prov . Grand Officers .
The Prov . Grand Master was supported by the following brethren : Bros . Richard Newhouse , P . P . G . A . D . C , 1045 ; R- Holgate Brown , P . G . Chap ., 140 S ; lames M . Lockwood , Prov . P . G . Supt . of Works , 425 ; l oseph Leech , P . G . T . East Lane , 300 and 177 ; John Beresford , P . P . G . S . D ., 104 ; William Nicholls , P . M ., P . P . G . D ., 041 ; Richard Wood , P . P . G . J . D ., 267 ; Thomas Lockitt , P . P . G . S . D ., 295 ; Llewellyn Makin , P . P . G . J . D ., 36 S ; John Tomlinson , P . P . G . S . B ., 321 j Robert Thatcher Bowden , P . P . G . Supt . of Works , 321 ; Edward Rawson , P . P . G . C , 941 ;
R . Hodgson , P . G . C , 1045 ; Rev . C VV . Spencer-Stanhope , P . G . Chap ., 321 ; Iv H . Griffiths , P . G . Sec , 293 ; William Harrison , P . P . G . S I ) ., 104 ; John Wakefield , P . G . S ., 2 S 7 ; F . G . Skidmore , P . P . G . S . B ., 42 S ; J . Newell , P . P . G . S ., 42 S ; VV . Goodacre , Prov . G . Reg . VV . Lane , 321 ; VV . Greatorex , P . P . G . P ., 2 S 7 ; G . T . Joynson , P . P . G . S ., 42 S ; Samuel Marsden , P . G . S ., 324 ; William Dyson , P . G . S ., 324 ; William C . Fleming , P . M . 322 , 1957 , P . G . Tyler ; Robert Hunter , P . M . 10 SS , P . G . S . D . ; Edmund Johnson , P . P . G . A . D . C ; Wm . Booth , P . G . A . D . C ; Herbert
Finch , P . G . D . C ; John Clayton , P . PG . S . D . ; James Andrew , P . G . D . C . VV . Lane ; Eustace G . Parke , P . M . 1565 , 10 4 1 , and 941 , P . P . G . P . ; Henry Holbrook , P . M . C 05 , P . P . G . Sunt , of Works Cheshire , D . D . G . M . for British Columbia ; Thomas Chesworth , P . P . G . S . D . ; Joseph Roberts , P . M ., D . C , and Sec . 324 , P . G . S . B . ; ] as . Salmon , P . M . 425 , P . P . G . S . D . ; Thomas Wainwright , P . P . G . S . D ., 324 ; R . Baker , P . P . G . D . C , 1045 ; John Roberts , P . M . 204 , P . G . D . C . E . Lane ; John Siddeley , P . M . 1045 , P . P . G . A . D . C ; George Barlow , P . P . G . O ., P . M . 533 ; Thomas Marwood ,
P . P . G . J . W . ; Thomas Bowers , P . P . G . A . D . C ; J . Buckley Deakin , P . G . J . VV . ; G . VVagstaff , P . G . S . ; Mark Billinge , P . M . and Sec . M 6 G ; John Roberts , W . M . 361 ; S . VV . Wilkinson , P . M . 322 , P . P . G . S . D . Cheshire ; Thos . Smith , P . M . 1126 , P . P . G . I . D . Cheshire ; George F . East , P . M . 1 C 3 , P . P . G . D . C . E . Lane ; J . E . Seward , P . M . 336 , P . G . J . D . ; VV . J . Bates , P . G . J . D ., 267 ; Henry Crosby , P . P . G . P ., P . M .
15 SS ; John Smith , P . G . W . L . S ., P . M . 10 SS ; T . D . Simcock , P . P . G . S . B . ; Fredk . W . Stevenson , P . P . G . S ., P . M . 537 ; Samuel Jew , P . P . G . Treas . ; Deum Pale , 105 and 1 S 47 ; C . J . Howard , P . G . J . VV . ; James Holmes , P . . P . G . D . E . Lane ; P . A Dickson , P . P . G . J . W . ; Emos Andrew , P . G . Org ., 324 ; George Burrows , P . P . G . J . D ., 430 -, H . Longman . P . P . G . VV . VV . Lane ; Walter Newton , P . P . G . J . D . E . Lane ; J . H . Bellyse , P . P . G . J . W . ; R . Lisenden ( Freemason ) , and others .
Soon after 12 . 30 the Acting R . W . Prov . Grand Master entered , preceded by a long array of brethren wearing the purple , and heralded by the Bros . Thos . and Geo . Batley , who played a fanlare on their silver cornets . Alter the usual formalities , Provincial Grand Lodge was opened in due form , and the roll of officers and lodges holden in the province called over
by the Prov . Grand Secretary , Bro . E . H . GRIFFITHS . lhe responses to the latter call showed every lodge represented but one , and 387 brethren present , exclusive of visitors . The minutes of the last Provincial Grand Lodge meeting at Stalybridge were read and confirmed , after which
The ACTING PROV . GRAND MASTER rose and , addressing the brethren , said it now became his duty to lay before them a few facts regarding the progress of Masonry in the province during the last 12 months . They had heard in the report of the last meeting the letter of their revered Prov . Grand Master read , and he knew that he ( Lord De Tabley ) was animated by the same feelings now of regret that he was unable to be present that day . He was sure they would be glad to hear that , although his physical strength
was unequal to the duties of presiding over them that day , he was now in the enjoyment of pretty good health , and he was able to appreciate and take an interest in the work of Masonry just as much as he ever did . ( App lause . ) Under those circumstances , they would agree with him that it would be of the greatest importance to the brethren from that province that he should give them as long as he could the benefit of his wise and experienced rule . ( Applause . ) Passing from that , he must now congratulate the
brethren upon their attendance that da )' . Although he believed all the lodges , except one , were represented , yet in the aggregate the number was considerabl y larger than at Stalybridge last year . ( Applause . ) And , although fewer lodges had been consecrated in the province during the past year , he thought the attendance there that day showed that the interest in Masonry was as great as it was this time last year , if not greater , and he was glad that some further progress had been made by two
lodges in removing their places of meeting from hotels to adjacent premises . ( Applause ) That was carrying out a course he suggested last year , and it was desirable wherever possible . In regard to the loss the province bad sustained during the past year , he could but refer to the late Dr . Beales , who was well known as an active menber of Provincial Grand Lodge , and one who took great interest in its proceedings . The ) ' had also to regret the loss of another very earnest and excellent Mason , viz ., Bro .
Capt . Bennett , who was always most punctual in his attendance , and took the greatest possible interest in Masonry . Beyond that , the Masons of Cheshire had to regret the loss of , he believed , the oldest Mason in England , Bro . Chetham , who died at Stockport , at the great age of 9 8 , and the brethren marked their sense of his worth and character as a Mason by altending his funeral in very large numbers . Masonry had sustained , and they in common whh other provinces , a very great loss in lhe death of one
whom all the naiion mourned , viz .. lhe Duke of Alb . my . They , in common with otner Ma-ons throughout England , had taken part in moving addresses ol condolence on the de-uh of one who showed such great promise and ability , in conjunction with the rest of his brothers in the Royal Family . In regard to the Masonic Charities he was able to give a most satisfactory and flourishing account . ( Applause . ) The funds raised had been out ol all proportion to the increase in their numbers , and as they had not increased in the number of their lodges , this showed increased vitality in their Masonic
Provincial Grand Lodge Of Cheshire.
work . A few figures in addition to this general statement might be of interest . Cheshire received a sum equivalent to £ 918 , nearl y £ 1000 , for the education of six boys , six girls , and the support of seven aged men and four widows , and they had still a balance of votes owino- to Cheshire ; besides that , in 1 SS 3 , its children were educated at a cost of £ 196 , and in 1 SS 4 six additional children , in all 31 , at a cost
of £ 212 , and their sum invested had increased to £ 4695 . ( Applause . ) He believed these charities had been suported generally by the large majority of lodges in the province , and if he was rightly informed there were only six that had made no return . There was one point which not only affected that province , but Masons at large , viz ., the attack which had been made upon Masonry in general , which he had no doubt thev had
seen in the public prints , from a very leading quarter abroad . ( A pplause . ) He did not think it necessary to go into that question at the present time , but merely to allude to the very admirable and conclusive way in which that attack had been answered by the Pro Grand Master , the Earl of Carnarvon . ( Applause . ) In this country at least it was entirel y unnecessary to mention that Masonry was not opposed to any of the powers that be , either in
religion or good moral work , but abroad there might be Masons , wrongly so called , to whom this might not apply . In this country Masons were open to no such imputations as were thrown out about them . ( Applause . ) Masons , as they all knew , were most loyal to their Queen and country , and to the powers that be in Church and State put over them . He had thought it necessary to make these remarks , although it was not usual gcnerally ^ at
a Masonic meeting to refer to public matters or politics outside ; but an exception could well be made in the case in question . In conclusion his lordship said he trusted the province might long enjoy the wise rule of their reverend P . G . M ., Lord De Tabley . He was sure it would do his heart good to hear of that very successful meeting , and he was likewise sure that it would be a great pleasure for him ( Lord Egerton ) to report to Lord De
Tabley how warmly the mention of his name had been received and how enthusiastic the brethren had been on that occasion . ( Applause . ) The P . G . SECRETARY here announced that he had received a few lines from Lord De Tabley which he would read to the brethren , as follows : " Pray say everything for me to the brethren . M y heart is willing , as I trust they all know well . I pray that the G . A . O . T . U . may properly direct
and guide their conduct . The P . G . Treasurer , Bro . PETER WADSWORTH , here presented a summary of his accounts . At the commencement of last year the fees to Prov . Grand Lodge amounted to ^ 545 16 s . jd . ; Fund of Benevolence , £ 845 2 s . 2 d . ; and to Cheshire Educational Institution , £ 15 15 s . This last twelve months the amounts were : Fees to Prov . Grand Lodge , £ 691 7 s . 7 d . ;
Fund of Benevolence , £ 990 7 s . ud . ; Educational Institution , £ 347 . Expenditure during the last year had been . On account of Prov . Grand Lodge , £ 161 12 s . ; Fund of Benevolence , £ 295 3 s . 9 d . ; and Cheshire Educational Institution , ^ 27 7 s . ; leaving a balance in favour of the pro - vince : Prov . Grand Lodge , £ 529 15 s . 7 d . ; Fund of Benevolence , £ 695 4 s . 2 d . ; and Educational Institution , £ j .
The Auditors commented upon the correctness of the P . G . Treasurer ' s account , and they were duly passed . Bros . Herbert Finch , Platts , and Salmon were appointed Auditors for the ensuing year . On the motion of Bro . SLADE , P . M . 267 , seconded b y Bro . J . H . BROOKS , P . M . 295 , Bro . Peter Wadsworth was re-elected P . G . Treasurer for the ensuing twelve months . The appointment and investiture of officers then took place , andjresulted as follows :
Bro . T . Marwood , P . M . 537 ... ... ... Prov . G . S . W . „ Lieut .-Col . F . B . Staples , P . M . 321 ... ... Prov . G . J . W . „ Rev . R . Hodgson , M . A ., P . M . 1 045 ... ... Prov . G . Chap . „ Rev . J . Lockwood , M . A ., S . W . 758 ... Prov . G . A . Chap . „ Peter Wadsworth , P . M . 249 ... ... Prov . G . Treas . „ J . Cullimore , P . M . 321 ( re-appointed ) ... Prov . G . Reg . „ E . H . Griffiths , P . M . 293 ( re-appointed ) ... Prov . G . Sec .
„ J . C . Robinson , P . M . 425 ... ... Prov . G . S . D . „ John Ambler , P . M . 1045 ... ... ... Prov . G . S . D . „ G . Fearn , W . M . 323 ... ... ... Prov . G . J . D . „ F . Thompson , P . M . 477 ... ... ... Prov . G . J . D . „ J . Hamilton , P . M . 1045 ... ... ... Prov . G . S . of W . „ Herbert Finch , P . M . 104 ( re-appointed ) ... Prov . G . D . C .
„ Wm . Booth , P . M . 104 ... ... ... Prov . G . D . D . C . „ W . H . Dutton . P . M . 1166 ... ... Prov . G . A . D . C . „ E . J . Bradbury , P . M . 1357 ... ... Prov . G . Swd . B . „ R . H . Swindlehirst , P . M . 320 ... ... Prov . G . Std . B . „ F . A . Walker-Jones , I . G . 321 ... ... Prov . G . Std . B . „ A . Griffiths , S . VV . 1357 ... ... ... Prov . G . Org . „ S . Thompson , P . M . 1045 ... ... ... Prov . G . Purst .
„ Thos . Daine , 1045 ... ... ,.. "" ) „ W . Allcock , 1045 „ J . Sumner , 1045 ... ... ... ' „ _ „ David Kinsey , 1045 ... ... ... f Prov - G - Stwds - „ J . Drinkwater , 10 45 ... ... ... „ G . F . Smith , 1045 ... ... ... j „ W . C . Fleming , P . M . 322 ( re-appointed ) ... Prov . G . Tyler .
The W . M . of the Stamford Lodge , 1045 , Bro . STURMER , here rose and , addressing the Acting R . W . Prov . Grand Master , said that , being deeply sensible of the very great honour conferred b y the Provincial Grand Lodge in selecting Altrincham as the place of their meeting this year , and being anxious in some manner to testify their acknowledgments of that honour , he had , in the name of the Stamford Lodge , to beg the W . Dep . Prov . G . M . and the Prov . Grand Officers to accept two processional Wardens' columns .
Long might the brethren assembled in that lodge be enabled to follow in their footsteps . He most sincerely assured . the W . Dep . Prov . Grand Master and the Provincial Officers that by their kindly acceptance of that giftsimple though it was , but given with true Masonic feeling—every brother of the Stamford Lodge would feel that they had conferred upon him still another honour , and that they had each incurred another debt of gratitude to them . ( Applause . )
The ACTING PROV . GRAND MASTER , on behalf of the Provincial Grand Lodge , thanked Bio . Stunner and the brethren of the Stamford Lodge for their handsome gift , and said it would be a lasting memorial of the visit of Provincial Grand Lodge to Altrincham , and an inducement to again visit a town where they had been so courteously and gratefully received . He trusted the columns mi ght long be handed down to Provincial Grand Lodge as a mark of the Masonic spirit of the brethren in Altrincham . ( Applause . ) The columns were made of ebony , and were much admired . They have