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Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Opening Of The New Masonic Hall At Sheffield.
able and select lodge I expressed my obligations snd those of this Provincial Grand Lodge for the use of a building accorded to that gathering of Freemasons , but which was not a Masonic edifice . I ventured to remark that I trusted that the lodges in Sheffield might at no distant
time be able to hold their meetings , as well as their invitations to Provincial Grand Lodge , in commodious premises of their own , dedicated solely to Freemasonry , and befitting the status and increasing influence of the Craft in this busy town of mechanical industry . Allow me , as the
next part of my duty , to thank the Britannia Lodge , No . 139 , the second oldest in the province under whose banner we labour to-day , for their invitation to inaugurate the completion of an important work , and for the excellent preparations the brethren here have made for
the reception of this Provincial Grand Lodge . Our meeting to-day is the completion of the hope expressed in the Wentworth Lodge in 1875-the construction of a Masonic Hall well worthy of the Craft in Sheffield , and we congratulate the united lodges on their energy , their wealth ,
and their skill , which , in two years , have produced this magnificent temple , fraught as I believe such a work must be in advantages and benefits identified with the future of this district . Jt would border on ingratitude and negation if I did not embrace this opportunity of personally
offering my tribute of praise lhat the aspirations of 1875 have become practical realities in 1877 . The auspicious occasion which has brought us together in these new walls would be incomp lete without some brief mention of the circumstances which have led to their recorstruction
and the history of Freemasonry in Sheffield , the statistics for which have been kindly supplied me by my worthy Deputy , and other members of the Craft in Sheffield . Sheffield has a Masonic history of which the members of the three lodges may feel proud . The history is not of
yesterday . It extends over a series of past years ; and this history is associated with Masonic events and transactions , both of imperial significance . The brethren of Hallamshire have for many generations , by the magnitude of important mechanical industries , earned enduring
honour by building up England ' s greatness . Your mighty appliances for heavy works have elicited the admiration of foreign critics , and your machinery and adaptable architecture have equally gratified the visitor , whatever may have been his tastes , feelings , or proclivities .
The Masonic bodies in Sheffield consist , I may say for the information of the Craft in general , of three Craft lodges , Nos . 139 , 296 , and 1239 , numbering about 300 brethren , including 25 Past Masters . There are besides two Royal Arch Chapters and a Rose Croix
Chapter , a Mark Mason ' s Lodge , a Preceptory of Knights Templar , a Conclave of Knights of Red Cross of Rome and Constantine , and a Sanctuary of Knights of the Holy Sepulchre and St . John the Evangelist , together with a Priory of Knights of Malta . There are two remarkable
coincidences of similarity in connection with the meeting places of the two oldest lodges in West Yorkshire , one which in July , 1738 , met at the Crown and Rose , Halifax ; and "The Britannia , " under whose banner we meet to-day , which on 19 th April , 176 , 5 , was first unfurled at the Rose
and Crown , Sheffield ; and it was , called "The Rose and Crown , " but changed its name to "Britannia " on 8 th April , 1795 . With the exception of the first two years the minutes of this lodge are perfect . In 1861 it established itself in a hall devoted exclusively to Freemasonry , and
upon the old foundations the present magnificent edifice has been rebuilt tor the Masonic Hall of the united lodges . The Royal Brunswick Lodge was constituted in due form 28 th July , 1793 . The ceremony of dedication concluded with a liberal subscription to the Poor Girls' Charity
School . On the 4 th October , 1798 , the Britannia Lodge and the other brethren from all the lodges dedicated and opened in solemn form , in the presence of Lords b'itzwilliam and Galway and a distiuguished company , the General
Infirmary here , a lasting monument of benevolent usefulness . In identification with this noble institution I must mention the name of Bro . Dr . Bartolome . In the minute book of Britannia Lodge 17 th Feb ., I 1775 , is the consi-
Opening Of The New Masonic Hall At Sheffield.
deration of a proposal for the establ ishment of a lodge at Rotherham . On the 10 th March the Rotherham petitioners were informed that , " as they have irregularly dared to make a Mason without formal powers , they aro unworthy the countenance of Britannia Lodge . " I am proud
to inform the province that in 1808 a lodge was opened , and in i 860 or 1 S 61 Bro . Bentley Shaw re-consecrated at Rotherham the Phoenix Lodge , No . 904 , which is now not the least prosperous or the least loyal amongst the 63 lodges of this province , and I hope on some
future occasion for an opportunity to pay my personal respects to its excellent W . M ., Bro . Fawcett , and the brethren . In 1797 Mr . Scott proposed to build a lodge room suitable for the Britannia Lodge . In June , 1799 , Bro . Chadwick preached a sermon before the brethren in
St . Peter ' s Church for this purpose , and it was resolved that every brother absent except being sick should incur a pecuniary penalty . In 179 8 the brethren marked their loylaty and patriotism in support of the Government of the day against a foreign country by a subscription which
amounted to a considerable sum . In 1838 the united lodges assembled at the Spread Eagle . and in 1 839 Dr . Bartolome was installed Worshipful Master ; and it must be gratifying to the Sheffield brethren to see this old and esteemed Past Master present in Provincial Grand Lodge on this
auspicious occasion . In 1841 a handsome testimonial was presented to Bro . Bartolome who was again re-elected Worshipful Master . In this year of Britannia 33 members were present . In the last month of this year the consecration of the lodge took place at the Music Hall .
Thus after moving about as it were from pillar to post , the members of the Craft in Sheffield at last found a permanent habitation ; and until 1861 the most perfect harmony prevailed amongst the brethren . In this year the Freemasons purchased the Old Savings Bank premises in
Surreystreet , the site of the present Masonic Hall , and adapted it to the present purposes ot the Craft in Sheffield , raising the money in shares of £$ each . This property was vested in trustees for the benefit of the Craft , and a trust deed wa drawn up setting out clearly the . object for
which the purchase was made , and that the building should ultimately become ihe property of the Britannia Lodge . These shares were not all taken up until 1867 . From this time , in accordance with the trust deed , Britannia began to purchase , and to gradually absorb the shares of
the various brethren . The three lodges in Sheffield , after experiencing much inconvenience for many years from the inadequate accommodation afforded by the existing buildings , formed the idea of a limited company and erecting the present hall , which it is hoped
will meet the requirements of the Craft in Sheffield for several generations . After much grave consideration it was finally resolved to pull down the old building ( the property purchased from Sherwin standing for a time ) and to build on the old ground a New Masonic Hall .
Bros . Scargill and Clark were intrusted with the plans , and the work was commenced in 18 7 6 . I must express my satisfaction to all parties concerned on the success of the work and its adaptability for the purposes of Freemasonry , and that this hall is a memorial of your skill
and ability in Sheffield , and this Masonic Hall Company , Limited , was registered on the 24 th November , 1874 . It is divided into 2000 shares of £ 5 each , having a nominal capital of £ 10 , 000 . Of these shares only 1000 have been issued for allotment and , with thg exception of a very few ,
have been generously taken up . As each of the lodges whose warrants ornament its walls have shown at some period of their history the value of the principles of Freemasonry in the exercise of charity and benevolence , so , I understand , it is the intention of the Craft , to mark with
significance their completion of this stately and superb edifice to co-operate in the work of restoration of the ancient parish church of St . Peter , now called Trinity . I must be allowed to mention the munificent contribution of £ 10 , 000 by a lady
who has proved herself on several occasions a faithful friend to the Freemasons of Sheffield , and neither must I forget that other lady who supplements this work of restoration by a gift of £ 3000 , I believe the Craft here will restore
Opening Of The New Masonic Hall At Sheffield.
their portion of this fabric as well as the Free masons of Durham their part of the cathedra l of St . Cuthbert . My Deputy hoped to have the honour of initiating the late vicar of this church into Freemasonry , recently translated to the Bishopric of Sodor and Man ; a noble imitator of
the virtues of a previous vicar , the Reverend Jas . Wilkinson , who for half a century , by his unaffected piety , inflexible integrity , and unwearied zeal in the public service , obtained and deserved the endearing appellation of the father of the town of Sheffield . Time would fail me
were 1 to enumerate the handsome contributions in detail , extending over a series of years , to the London charities , or how such brethren as Britai n Arnison , and Tindall are supported by the brethren of the three lodges in this noble cause of charity , suffice it to say this year alone the
contributions of the three lodges amount to nearly three hundred guineas . I must , however , record one act of magnanimity on the part of the Sheffield lodges . At the Charity Committee meeting in March , Mary Ellen White , a daughter of one of the noblest of Sheffield Masons , was a candidate for the Girls' School .
Because it was the last chance of Ada Hartley Healey , 26 4 , you generously gave way to allow this girl to be the nominee of our Charity Committee . It afforded me the hi ghest satisfaction to learn that at the election on the 14 th April , through the exertions of the Charity
Committee , both these West Yorkshire girls were elected . The members of the various lodges I believe vie with each other in their efforts to do good . The remarks of my Deputy to the Wentworth Lodge are still singularl y applicable to this occasion . The spirit of
Freemasonry here is the spirit of sublimity , of a depth , grandeur , and lovable beauty equal to all the mind of Plato ever conceived . And I doubt not the inauguration of this new hall will consolidate into perpetuity this harmony amongst the brethren he then so poetically expressed
in 1873 . In conclusion I congratulate the Craft on the re-building of this noble hall , and in the language of his Royal Highness the Duke of Sussex , at York , in 1841 , ' ' I exhort you , brethren , never collectively or individually to suffer a breach of the
constitutions of the Craft . And when assembled in lodge to leave all religious prejudices and political feelings outside the portal of the sacred temple , to strictly uphold the honour and dignity of the Craft by ever vindicating the laws and regulations , which being made in hours of
cool reflection , after long and serious deliberation , provide a remedy for the correction of every abuse , and to defend at all times it ' s rights and privileges by a close adherence to the established usages and customs of the Order . " Thus may the principles of Freemasonry be
supported as heretofore by old Masons and young Masons , and the Craft prosper in this hall , where order , peace , and harmony shall reign until every stone now built one upon another , through time , crumble into dust . Bro . T . W . Tew , J . P ., the Deputy Provincial
Grand Master , also addressed the assembly , pointing out the duties of the general lodges in reference to the general working of their business , and amongst other matters dwelling upon the objects of Freemasonry , as tending to the social and moral elevation of its members , but
without either interfering with business or politics . He deprecated any undue influence by Masonic brethren in any matters not pertaining strictly to the interests of the Craft , so as in any way to prejudice their opportunities of doing good in legitimate and proper channels . He
congratulated the Sheffield brethren on the position they had attained , and on the possession of a suitable building in which the business of the Craft could be carried on with comfort to themselves and in a manner befitting the honourable society to which they belonged . After the usual business of Provincial Grand
Lodge had been transacted the brethren adjourned to the Cutlers' Hall , where a banquet was held , under the presidency of Sir Henry Edwards . Amongst those who took part in the proceedings were the Rev . Dr . Cox , of London ; Rev . A . A . Bagshawe , Rev . Bro . Greenbury , Rev . E . B . Chalmers , Alderman Gill ( Mayor ot Wakefield ) , Dr . Bartolome , ; jH . |; Harrison , ]¦?¦>
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Opening Of The New Masonic Hall At Sheffield.
able and select lodge I expressed my obligations snd those of this Provincial Grand Lodge for the use of a building accorded to that gathering of Freemasons , but which was not a Masonic edifice . I ventured to remark that I trusted that the lodges in Sheffield might at no distant
time be able to hold their meetings , as well as their invitations to Provincial Grand Lodge , in commodious premises of their own , dedicated solely to Freemasonry , and befitting the status and increasing influence of the Craft in this busy town of mechanical industry . Allow me , as the
next part of my duty , to thank the Britannia Lodge , No . 139 , the second oldest in the province under whose banner we labour to-day , for their invitation to inaugurate the completion of an important work , and for the excellent preparations the brethren here have made for
the reception of this Provincial Grand Lodge . Our meeting to-day is the completion of the hope expressed in the Wentworth Lodge in 1875-the construction of a Masonic Hall well worthy of the Craft in Sheffield , and we congratulate the united lodges on their energy , their wealth ,
and their skill , which , in two years , have produced this magnificent temple , fraught as I believe such a work must be in advantages and benefits identified with the future of this district . Jt would border on ingratitude and negation if I did not embrace this opportunity of personally
offering my tribute of praise lhat the aspirations of 1875 have become practical realities in 1877 . The auspicious occasion which has brought us together in these new walls would be incomp lete without some brief mention of the circumstances which have led to their recorstruction
and the history of Freemasonry in Sheffield , the statistics for which have been kindly supplied me by my worthy Deputy , and other members of the Craft in Sheffield . Sheffield has a Masonic history of which the members of the three lodges may feel proud . The history is not of
yesterday . It extends over a series of past years ; and this history is associated with Masonic events and transactions , both of imperial significance . The brethren of Hallamshire have for many generations , by the magnitude of important mechanical industries , earned enduring
honour by building up England ' s greatness . Your mighty appliances for heavy works have elicited the admiration of foreign critics , and your machinery and adaptable architecture have equally gratified the visitor , whatever may have been his tastes , feelings , or proclivities .
The Masonic bodies in Sheffield consist , I may say for the information of the Craft in general , of three Craft lodges , Nos . 139 , 296 , and 1239 , numbering about 300 brethren , including 25 Past Masters . There are besides two Royal Arch Chapters and a Rose Croix
Chapter , a Mark Mason ' s Lodge , a Preceptory of Knights Templar , a Conclave of Knights of Red Cross of Rome and Constantine , and a Sanctuary of Knights of the Holy Sepulchre and St . John the Evangelist , together with a Priory of Knights of Malta . There are two remarkable
coincidences of similarity in connection with the meeting places of the two oldest lodges in West Yorkshire , one which in July , 1738 , met at the Crown and Rose , Halifax ; and "The Britannia , " under whose banner we meet to-day , which on 19 th April , 176 , 5 , was first unfurled at the Rose
and Crown , Sheffield ; and it was , called "The Rose and Crown , " but changed its name to "Britannia " on 8 th April , 1795 . With the exception of the first two years the minutes of this lodge are perfect . In 1861 it established itself in a hall devoted exclusively to Freemasonry , and
upon the old foundations the present magnificent edifice has been rebuilt tor the Masonic Hall of the united lodges . The Royal Brunswick Lodge was constituted in due form 28 th July , 1793 . The ceremony of dedication concluded with a liberal subscription to the Poor Girls' Charity
School . On the 4 th October , 1798 , the Britannia Lodge and the other brethren from all the lodges dedicated and opened in solemn form , in the presence of Lords b'itzwilliam and Galway and a distiuguished company , the General
Infirmary here , a lasting monument of benevolent usefulness . In identification with this noble institution I must mention the name of Bro . Dr . Bartolome . In the minute book of Britannia Lodge 17 th Feb ., I 1775 , is the consi-
Opening Of The New Masonic Hall At Sheffield.
deration of a proposal for the establ ishment of a lodge at Rotherham . On the 10 th March the Rotherham petitioners were informed that , " as they have irregularly dared to make a Mason without formal powers , they aro unworthy the countenance of Britannia Lodge . " I am proud
to inform the province that in 1808 a lodge was opened , and in i 860 or 1 S 61 Bro . Bentley Shaw re-consecrated at Rotherham the Phoenix Lodge , No . 904 , which is now not the least prosperous or the least loyal amongst the 63 lodges of this province , and I hope on some
future occasion for an opportunity to pay my personal respects to its excellent W . M ., Bro . Fawcett , and the brethren . In 1797 Mr . Scott proposed to build a lodge room suitable for the Britannia Lodge . In June , 1799 , Bro . Chadwick preached a sermon before the brethren in
St . Peter ' s Church for this purpose , and it was resolved that every brother absent except being sick should incur a pecuniary penalty . In 179 8 the brethren marked their loylaty and patriotism in support of the Government of the day against a foreign country by a subscription which
amounted to a considerable sum . In 1838 the united lodges assembled at the Spread Eagle . and in 1 839 Dr . Bartolome was installed Worshipful Master ; and it must be gratifying to the Sheffield brethren to see this old and esteemed Past Master present in Provincial Grand Lodge on this
auspicious occasion . In 1841 a handsome testimonial was presented to Bro . Bartolome who was again re-elected Worshipful Master . In this year of Britannia 33 members were present . In the last month of this year the consecration of the lodge took place at the Music Hall .
Thus after moving about as it were from pillar to post , the members of the Craft in Sheffield at last found a permanent habitation ; and until 1861 the most perfect harmony prevailed amongst the brethren . In this year the Freemasons purchased the Old Savings Bank premises in
Surreystreet , the site of the present Masonic Hall , and adapted it to the present purposes ot the Craft in Sheffield , raising the money in shares of £$ each . This property was vested in trustees for the benefit of the Craft , and a trust deed wa drawn up setting out clearly the . object for
which the purchase was made , and that the building should ultimately become ihe property of the Britannia Lodge . These shares were not all taken up until 1867 . From this time , in accordance with the trust deed , Britannia began to purchase , and to gradually absorb the shares of
the various brethren . The three lodges in Sheffield , after experiencing much inconvenience for many years from the inadequate accommodation afforded by the existing buildings , formed the idea of a limited company and erecting the present hall , which it is hoped
will meet the requirements of the Craft in Sheffield for several generations . After much grave consideration it was finally resolved to pull down the old building ( the property purchased from Sherwin standing for a time ) and to build on the old ground a New Masonic Hall .
Bros . Scargill and Clark were intrusted with the plans , and the work was commenced in 18 7 6 . I must express my satisfaction to all parties concerned on the success of the work and its adaptability for the purposes of Freemasonry , and that this hall is a memorial of your skill
and ability in Sheffield , and this Masonic Hall Company , Limited , was registered on the 24 th November , 1874 . It is divided into 2000 shares of £ 5 each , having a nominal capital of £ 10 , 000 . Of these shares only 1000 have been issued for allotment and , with thg exception of a very few ,
have been generously taken up . As each of the lodges whose warrants ornament its walls have shown at some period of their history the value of the principles of Freemasonry in the exercise of charity and benevolence , so , I understand , it is the intention of the Craft , to mark with
significance their completion of this stately and superb edifice to co-operate in the work of restoration of the ancient parish church of St . Peter , now called Trinity . I must be allowed to mention the munificent contribution of £ 10 , 000 by a lady
who has proved herself on several occasions a faithful friend to the Freemasons of Sheffield , and neither must I forget that other lady who supplements this work of restoration by a gift of £ 3000 , I believe the Craft here will restore
Opening Of The New Masonic Hall At Sheffield.
their portion of this fabric as well as the Free masons of Durham their part of the cathedra l of St . Cuthbert . My Deputy hoped to have the honour of initiating the late vicar of this church into Freemasonry , recently translated to the Bishopric of Sodor and Man ; a noble imitator of
the virtues of a previous vicar , the Reverend Jas . Wilkinson , who for half a century , by his unaffected piety , inflexible integrity , and unwearied zeal in the public service , obtained and deserved the endearing appellation of the father of the town of Sheffield . Time would fail me
were 1 to enumerate the handsome contributions in detail , extending over a series of years , to the London charities , or how such brethren as Britai n Arnison , and Tindall are supported by the brethren of the three lodges in this noble cause of charity , suffice it to say this year alone the
contributions of the three lodges amount to nearly three hundred guineas . I must , however , record one act of magnanimity on the part of the Sheffield lodges . At the Charity Committee meeting in March , Mary Ellen White , a daughter of one of the noblest of Sheffield Masons , was a candidate for the Girls' School .
Because it was the last chance of Ada Hartley Healey , 26 4 , you generously gave way to allow this girl to be the nominee of our Charity Committee . It afforded me the hi ghest satisfaction to learn that at the election on the 14 th April , through the exertions of the Charity
Committee , both these West Yorkshire girls were elected . The members of the various lodges I believe vie with each other in their efforts to do good . The remarks of my Deputy to the Wentworth Lodge are still singularl y applicable to this occasion . The spirit of
Freemasonry here is the spirit of sublimity , of a depth , grandeur , and lovable beauty equal to all the mind of Plato ever conceived . And I doubt not the inauguration of this new hall will consolidate into perpetuity this harmony amongst the brethren he then so poetically expressed
in 1873 . In conclusion I congratulate the Craft on the re-building of this noble hall , and in the language of his Royal Highness the Duke of Sussex , at York , in 1841 , ' ' I exhort you , brethren , never collectively or individually to suffer a breach of the
constitutions of the Craft . And when assembled in lodge to leave all religious prejudices and political feelings outside the portal of the sacred temple , to strictly uphold the honour and dignity of the Craft by ever vindicating the laws and regulations , which being made in hours of
cool reflection , after long and serious deliberation , provide a remedy for the correction of every abuse , and to defend at all times it ' s rights and privileges by a close adherence to the established usages and customs of the Order . " Thus may the principles of Freemasonry be
supported as heretofore by old Masons and young Masons , and the Craft prosper in this hall , where order , peace , and harmony shall reign until every stone now built one upon another , through time , crumble into dust . Bro . T . W . Tew , J . P ., the Deputy Provincial
Grand Master , also addressed the assembly , pointing out the duties of the general lodges in reference to the general working of their business , and amongst other matters dwelling upon the objects of Freemasonry , as tending to the social and moral elevation of its members , but
without either interfering with business or politics . He deprecated any undue influence by Masonic brethren in any matters not pertaining strictly to the interests of the Craft , so as in any way to prejudice their opportunities of doing good in legitimate and proper channels . He
congratulated the Sheffield brethren on the position they had attained , and on the possession of a suitable building in which the business of the Craft could be carried on with comfort to themselves and in a manner befitting the honourable society to which they belonged . After the usual business of Provincial Grand
Lodge had been transacted the brethren adjourned to the Cutlers' Hall , where a banquet was held , under the presidency of Sir Henry Edwards . Amongst those who took part in the proceedings were the Rev . Dr . Cox , of London ; Rev . A . A . Bagshawe , Rev . Bro . Greenbury , Rev . E . B . Chalmers , Alderman Gill ( Mayor ot Wakefield ) , Dr . Bartolome , ; jH . |; Harrison , ]¦?¦>