Provincial Grand Lodge Of North Wales And Shropshire.

PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF NORTH WALES AND SHROPSHIRE .

CONSECRATION OF THE AUDLEY LODGE , No . 1896 , AT NEWPORT . The annual festival of the Grand Lodge of _ North Wales and Shropshire was held at Newport , on Friday , the 20 th inst ., and a new lodge , the Audley , No . 1 S 96 , to be held in that town , was consecrated by the R . W . P . G . M ., Sir W . W . Wynn , Bart ., M . P . The province is an extensive one , embracing- several counties , and notwithstanding it is for

the most part thinly populated , it contained before the meeting at Newport twenty-six lodges , having about twelve hundred subscribing members . According to the " Provincial Calendar , " the oldest lodge established in the province is the Salopian , 262 , Shrewsbury , whose _ warrant dates from 17 SS . The Salopian Lodge of Charity , 117 , havintr a military warrant , afterwards located in

Shrewsbury in 1 S 10 , ranks in the province after 262 . The province was formed in 1 S 52 , when there were only four lodges —the two already named at Shrewsbury , the St . David , 3 S 4 , at Bangor , and the St . Cybi , 597 , at Holyhead . Sir W . W . Wynn , Bart ., was the first P . G . M ., and in the first year of his office he consecrated the St . John ' s Lodge , 601 , Wellington , and the Segontium , 60 C , Carnarvon .

Including the Audley , Sir W . W . Wynn has consecrated twenty-three lodges in the province , and uuder his rule Freemasonry in North Wales and Shropshire is as flourishing as ever . On the completion of the twenty-fifth year of his office as P . G . M ., in 1 S 57 , Sir Watkin was presented by the brethren with an illuminated album and a congratulatory address , and at the same time £ 500 was subscribed

for presentation to the Masonic School tor Boys in London . The consecration of a new lodge is an event which always excites much interest , and this latest addition to the number of lodges of this province is hailed with great satisfaction , there being in the Newport district many zealous brethren who have done much to promote the welfare of Masonic institutions . Newport was visited by

about 100 brethren , and in addition to the P . G . M . there were present Bros . B . Hughes , M . P ., D . P . G . M . ; Lord Londonderry , P . G . M . Durham ; Major Tudor , P . G . M . Staffordshire ; H . Cregg , D . P . G . M . Worcestershire ; J . Bodenham , P . G . Treasurer Staffordshire ; H . C . Clarke , P . G . R . ; W . H . Spaull , P . G . Sec . ; the Rev . J . B . Straubenzee , P . G . Chaplain ; H . Shepherd , P . G . J . D . ; E . Smith , R . King , and W . Jones , P . G . Stewards ; E .

Wood , P . G . D . C ; J . C . W . Lister , P . G . D . C ; F . Wrigley , P . G . Organist ; J . Salmon , P . P . G . J . W . ; John Peters , P . P . G . S . W . ; E . Andrew , P . P . G . S . D . ; A . M'Millan , P . P . G . Superintendent of Works ; R . Millingtow , P . P . G . Swd . B . ; G . G . Warren , P . P . G . R . ; Matthews , P . P . G . W . Staffordshire ; T . Wood , P . G . R . Staffordshire ; the Rev . E . C . Perry , P . P . G . Chaplain

Staffordshire ; J . Ingamells , P . P . G . J . D . Staffordshire ; 1 . E . Fowke , P . G . D . C . Staffordshire . St . John's , Wellington , was represented by Bros . T . Millington , S . W . ; E . Millington , j . W . ; R . Yates , J . D . ; J . Smith , S . D . ; J . Adams , P . M . ; R . King , P . M . ; ] . tfnowles , P . M . ; J . Enhvistle , A . Tavlor , P . M . ; and " E . Webb , P . M . The Clive Lodge , Market Drayton , was represented by Bros . S . BennionW . M . ; G . LashmoreS . W . ; J . Cinders ,

, , J . W . ; Jackson , Chaplain ; Thomas Cinders , S . D . ; T . E . Critchley , J . D . ; J . C . Critchley , Secretary ; S . L . Popham , D . Hollins , J . Gouldbourn , and J . G . Judge , Tyler . The Staffordshire Knott , Stafford , brethren present were Bros . J . Baker , J . W . ; E . J . Mousley , J . D . ; W . P . Duncalf , H . Newton , sen ., Frith and Thorne . Almost all the lodges in North Wales , as well as Shropshire , were

represented . The business of the Provincial Grand Lodge commenced at one o ' clock , the P . G . Masters and D . P . G . Masters having been received with the usual salutes , Bro . White was re-elected P . G . Treas ., and the following brethren were then appointed by the P . G . M . as officers for the ensuing year : Bro . Ephraim Wood Prov . G . S . W .

„ John Davis Prov . G . J . W . „ Rev . J . Smith " ) ¦ , „„ ., „ Rev . A . J . Van Straubenzee ..., Prov * G * Cha P „ A . C . Spaull Prov . G . Reg . . , W . IL Spaull Prov . G . Sec .

„ D . E . Kirkby Prov . G . S . D . „ Dr . Jones Morris Prov . G . J . D . „ Roff King Prov . G . S . ofW „ W . T . Foulkes Prov . G . D . C . „ E . Smith Prov . G . A . D . C . „ D . Cameron Prov . G . Swd . B „ James Smart Prov . G . Org .

„ Richard Lewis , Ihomas Roberts , ) Dr . R . Roberts , Dr . E . Williams , J Prov . G . Stwds . W . Aston , and Daintry Hollins J ,, J . B . Hide and W . B . Newnes ... Prov . G . Tylers . The PROV . GRAND TREASURER stated that the receipts during the past year had been £ 124 15 s ., and the expenditure £ 107 15 s ., and although there were a few accounts to come in there was a favourable ibalance . It was stated

that there are seven boys from the province in the Masonic School . At the close of the business of the Prov . Grand Lodge , the ceremony of consecrating the Audley Lodge took place , Bro . Sir Watkin W . Wynn being assisted by Bro . W . H . Spaull . The petition to the M . W . G . M ., the Prince of Wales , for the warrant contained the names of Bros . John

Hodenham , Lieut .-Col . Robert laylor Maseheld , the Rev . Cosmo Reid Gordon , D . D ., Samuel Bennion , Thomas Warren Thompson , James Smart , Thomas James , and other " right trusty and and well beloved brethren . " The warrant is dated I'ebruary 15 , 1 SS 1 , and signed on behalf of the Grand Master b y the Earl of Lathom , D . G . M . Bro . John Bodenham . who is desicnated in the warrant to be

the first Worshipful Master ofthe new lodge , is an ardent lover of the Craft , as may be understood when it is mentioned that he is P . M . of Lodges 72 G , 751 , and 1575 , P . P . G . Reg . Herefordshire , P . P . G . D . and P . G . Treas . Staffordshire , and P . G . S . W . North Wales and Shropshire . l-ieut .-Col . Masefield is named in the warrant as the first

S . W ., and the Rev . Dr . Gordon the first I . W . After the reading of the warrant , the brethren of the new lodge signified their approval of the officers named therein . The Rev . J AMES SMITH , Senior Chaplain , then delivered an oration , in which he observed that the cause of their meeting that day naturally reminded them as Freemasons ' building of King Solomon's Temple , which had ex-

Provincial Grand Lodge Of North Wales And Shropshire.

• rted a great influence on the world 111 general , and on Freemasonry in particular . From circumstances connected with that building Freemasons had derived their most excellent Masonic ritual . It was said that there was no noise of hammer or axe , or tool of iron , heard at the Temple while the building was going on . They knew from its essence that it was a quiet society . They might be abused and misrepresented , but the best

answer they could give to misrepresentation and abuse was a quiet confidence in the good of their own cause . Freemasonry did not attempt to add one to its numbers except by his own voluntary will , unbiassed by the improper solicitation of friends , and uninfluenced by mercenary or any other unworthy motives . In that respect Freemasonry stood alone amongst thc societies of the world . In even' other society efforts were made to spread it by appeals

to people to join , but Freemasons had confidence in the good of their cause and received as members only such worthy men as voluntarily joined them . Freemasonry was quiet as to its working ; and in reply to those who asked what good it did they might point to their charitable institutions as a sufficient answer . All the stones for King Solomon's temple were cut ready for their position before

taken to the building , and so they said if any one was to be made a Freemason he must be properly prepared . The Temple was a magnificent building , and excited the admiration of all who saw it , and he hoped that Freemasons would so follow out their profession as to cause them to be the admiratij < i of the world , and that it might be said of them "See how these Masons love one another . " Let them

continue to practise in its most ample sense that great virtue—charity ; let them cultivate the four cardinal virtues—temperance , fortitude , prudence , and justice ; let their distinguishing characteristics be justice , honour , and mercy ; and might they ever have a firm reliance on the Great Architect of the Universe , so that each should be an ornament of his lodge on earth and afterwards of the Grand Lodge above .

1 he anthem " Behold , how good and jcyful a thing it is , 11 brethren , to dwell [ together in love and unity " was followed by the dedication prayer , and a reading of a portion of Scripture by the P . G . M ., the invocation being given by the Rev . A . J . Van Straubenzee . The lodge board was then uncovered , and the officers appointed for the purpose carried corn , wine , and oil round the lodge as emblems of peace and brotherly love . The censer was

afterwards carried round three [ times by one of thc Chaplains , and after more solemn music and prayer the lodge was dedicated by the P . G . M . The music was supplied by the Birmingham Quartett Union , Bros . Bickley , Fellows , Myers , and Champion . Bro . John Bodenham , the W . M . designate of the Audley Lodge , was afterwards installed by Bro . A . C . Spaull , and in addition to the Wardens named in the warrant the following officers were appointed : Bros , thc Rev . B . Baring ,

Chap . ; the Rev . R . Jackson , S . D . ; Thomas James , J . D . ; James Smart , Secretary ; W . Harrison , I G . ; J . Cattwright , Tyler . At the close of the lodge the brethren attended Divine service in the church , to whicli they walked in procession . The procession was headed by two " 1 ylerswith drawn swords . ' 1 hen came the lodges of the province according to their numbers , juniors first ; the P . G . Officers , the volume of * the Sacred Law , carried by four Lewises ( sons of Masons ) ,

named Bennion , Thompson , and Smart ( 2 ); the Stewards , the Chaplain , aiid the P . G . M ., a Tyler with a drawn sword bringing up the rear . On arriving at the church door the brethren opened right and left , so as to allow the P . G . M . to pass up the centre , he being preceded by his Standard and Sword Bearers . The brethren then followed in

succession from the rear , thus reversing the order of procession . The sermon was preached by liro . the Rev . Dr . Gordon , J . W . iSgfi , the musical portion of the service being rendered by the choir of the church , assisted by the Birmingham Quartett Union . At the close of the service a collection ivas made on behalf of the North Wales and Shropshire Masonic Charitable Association , and £ 14 10 s . 2 * vd . was realised .

In the evening a banquet was provided in the Town Hall by Mr . C . Ensor , and it was served up in an admirable manner . The P . G . M . presided , and there were about 100 present . At the conclusion of the repast , the P . G . M . proposed in succession "The Queen and the Craft , " " His Royal Highness the Prince ot Wales , the M . W . G . M ., " "The Earl of Carnarvon , Pro Grand Master ; the Earl of Lathom , Dep .

Grand Master ; and the rest of the Grand Officers , Present and Past ; " which toasts were drunk with Masonic honours . Bro . BODENHAM proposed "The Health of Bro . Sir W . W . Wynn , P . G . M ., " observing that Sir Watkin had held that office since the . formation of the province in 1 S 52 , and during the twenty-nine years that he had ruled over the Masons of that province there had been twenty-three lodges consecrated . Sir Watkin was held in the hi ghest

esteem , and they all hoped that he would live long to hold the sceptre in North Wales and Shropshire . ( Applause . ) He hoped that would not be the last time they would see the P . G . M . at Newport ; and there was a general desire that a P . G . Royal Arch Chapter might be established , and that he ( Sir Watkin ) would become Grand Superintendent of that P . G . Chapter . The P . G . M ., in returning thanks , referred to the

postponement of the holding of the P . G . Lodge in consequence of the funeral of the Earl of Beaconsfield . They did not , he said , acknowledge political or religious differences . He felt that it was desirable to have as large a gathering as possible ; that those who were of the same political party as the late earl had been would not have attended lodge on the day of the funeral ; and that those who were not of the same political faith as thc late earl would not have liked to

have met together in small numbers . ( Hear , hear . ) He was afraid the postponement had occasioned a great deal of trouble to those who had arranged for the meeting , and who were entitled to the thanks of the brethren of the province for those preparations . Although the North Wales and Shropshire Province was not a numerous one , it was larger in area than any other , and he must thank the brethren for having come , many of them from a long distance ,

to meet him on that occasion . They might congratulate themselves on the progress which had been made in the province the last twenty-nine years . ( Hear , hear . ) After a short interval the P . G . M . proposed " The Visiting P . G . Masters , " for whom Bro . TUDOR , P . G . M . Staffordshire , responded . He said he had been some time a member of a lodge in the province of North Wales and Shropshire , and he was plea-: d to be able to attend there to

Provincial Grand Lodge Of North Wales And Shropshire.

do homage to Bro . Sir Watkin Wynn as his P . G . Master . He was also glad to be able to attend to do honour to Bro . Bodenham , who bad been Treasurer of his ( Bro . 1 udor ' s ) province for several years , and who , he could safely say , was as thoroughly well fitted to take the command _ of a lodge as any brother with whom he was acquainted . ( Applause . ) He ( Bro . Tudor ) then nrooosed

" lhe Health of Bro . W . B . Hughes , M . P ., D . P . M ., and the other Officers of the Province , Past and Present , " for whom Bro . J DAVIS , J . W ., responded . The P . G . M . proposed the toast of thc evening , " The W . M . and Success to the Audley Lodge , No . 1 S 9 6 , " observing that it was a pleasure to see another lodge called into existence , and it was a great gratification to see such a large attendance that day . The toast was very heartily received .

Bro . BODENHAM , who responded , said the Audley Lodge had not been long in being originated . Some time ago a meeting was held and it was decided to petition for a warrant , which warrant was dated February , and they would agree with him that no time had been lost in getting the lodge consecrated . In ten days he hoped the lodge would begin to work . He thought he was correct in saying that their lodge had a right to take its name from the first

grantee to Newport . Whether he was a benefactor to that town , or got value for what he gave , hc ( Bro . Bodenham ) was not able to say ; at any rate they were justified in going back to the grantee of Newport , and the grantor of the marshes for a name for their lodge . ( Applause . ) No one could tell how many distinguished Masons might rise in trie Audley Lodge ; but they must all hope for the best . ( Hear , hear . ) At present their aim was not to be a very large lodge .

At the same time they did not wish to make it an exclusive one ; but what they desired was to make it fairly representative of the town and neighbourhood , so far as that could reasonably be done . They had already amongst them a fair amount of divinity , whilst trade , commerce , and art were also represented . ( Applause . )

Bro . BODENHAM then proposed "The Health of the Visiting Brethren , " for whom Bro . MATTHEWS responded . Bro . WARREN proposed "The Consecrating Officer , Bro . W . H . Spaull , " and spoke of the valuable service which he had rendered to the province on many occasions . Bro . SPAULL responded , and expressed his belief that a Royal Arch Chapter would soon be established in the province .

A few other toasts were honoured , the speeches being interspersed with some excellent music by the Birmingham Quartett Union , and the proceedings of the day were of an interesting character .

Provincial Grand Mark Lodge Of Cheshire.

PROVINCIAL GRAND MARK LODGE OF CHESHIRE .

By command of thc Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Mark Master , the I Ion . " Wilbraham Egerton , M . P ., the annual Provincial Grand Mark Lodge was held on Saturday , thc 2 ist inst ., at the Royal Rock Ferry Hotel , Rock Ferry . The Provincial Grand Lodge met under the

warrant of the Egerton Lodge , No . 1 C 5 on the roll of Grand Lodge , of which Bro . John R . Ross was the newly-installed Worshipful Master . There was a large attendance of this and thc adjoining provinces . The Provincial Grand Master was attended b y the following Provincial Grand Officers : Bros . James Salmon , acting as V . W . D . P . G . M . ; Edward Friend , P . G .

S . W . ; Thomas C . Thorborn , P . G . J . W . ; Anthony Stevenson , P . G . M . O . ; Samuel Forrest , " P . G . S . O . ; Rev . J . W . Newell Tanner , P . G . Chap . ; Rev . J . F . Rounthwaite , P . G . Chap . ; F . K . Stevenson , P . G . Treas . ; Richard Newhouse , P . G . Sec ; Major Tudor , P . G . Reg . ; A . McMillan , P . G . S . D . ; Samuel Thompson , P . G . l . W . ; C . S . Dean , P . G . D . C ; C . Forbes Bell , P . G . S . B . ; Wm . Bennett , P . G . l . G . ; ] . Matthews Jones , P . G . S . ; William

Jupp , P . G . S . ; John Worthington , P . G . Tyler ; and several Past Grand Officers . The Provincial Grand Lodge was opened by the R . W . P . G . M . M . at three o'clock . After the roll of lodges had been called , and letters of apology had been read from officers absent , the minutes of the last Provincial Grand Lodge , held at the Town Hall , Altrincham , in September , were read and confirmed , and other business of the province was transacted .

The R . W . P . G . M . M . nominated and invested the followng brethren as Provincial Grand Officers for the ensuing year : Bro . the Rev . C . W . S . Stanhope , V . W . D . P . G . M . M . „ James Salmon Prov . G . S . W . „ Francis Bolton ... ... Proy . G . J . W . „ J . VV . Burgess Prov . G . M . O . „ J . II . Evans Prov . G . S . O . Inlin R I ? Ifnvnc Pm .. P in

„ Rev . j . W . Neivell Tanner ... Prov . G . C . „ Rev . j . T . Rounthwaite ... Prov . G . C . „ Fredk . K . Stevenson Prov . G . Treas . „ Richard Newhouse Prov . G . Sec . „ J . Matthews Jones Prov . G . R . „ Samuel Thompson Prov . G . S . D . r- Q n ««„ r » / -. 1 ,. ^ o . yjyau i

„ v . . ... ... ... rrOV . Vj . J . U . „ Henry Jones Prov . G . l . W . „ John Dutton ... Prov . G . D . C . „ William Jupp Prov . G . A . D . C . „ Charles K . Benson Prov . G . Swd . Br . „ John Blackhurst Prov . G . Std . Bearer .

,, Ihomas H . Kirk Prov . G . O . „ John Edwards Prov . G . P . „ Wallace Lamb *) „ A . Corelli ... * [ Prov . G . Stewards . „ W . Roberts ) ,, John Worthington Prov . G . T yler . Before closing the Provincial Grand Lodge the R . W .

P . G . M . M . thanked the brethren for the large attendance , and congratulated them on the prosperity of the province ; and , in speaking of the Royal Masonic Irstitutions for Boys and Girls , urged every brother to assist the children after their education was finished , to see them placed in good houses of business . He hoped some of his officers

who had thc time would visit the towns of Stockport and Hyde , and confer with the brethren of those towns as to the formation of Mark lodges . The next annual meeting would be held at Chester . 'lhe brethren sat down fo a very excellent banquet , and the usual toasts were given and heartily responded to .