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Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Consecration Of A New Lodge At Blackpool.
tie carried out . By appointment of the -R . W . P . G . M ., Bro . Thomas Wylie , P . P . J . G . W ., was afterwards to have performed the necessary ceremonial , but owing to an unfortunate accident he was prevented from being present . His place was accordingly taken , at very short notice ,
by Bro . H . S . Alpass , P . G . Sec , assisted by Bros , the Rev . F . Goggin , M . A ., P . G . Chaplin ; T . Armstrong , P . G . Treas . ; R . Wylie , P . P . G . D ; and J . Skeaf , P . G . O . A number of brethren From Liverpool were present on the occasion , and there were also representatives from
Manchester , Preston , Barnley , Omeskirk , Lytham , Southport , & c . The morning was cloudy and showery , but towards afternoon the weather brightened considerably , enabling the numerous brethren from other parts to enjoy the magnificent promenade of the fashionable watering
place . The Blackpool Lodge was inaugurated under the most promising circumstances , and there is no doubt that , with the influential character of the members connected with this the youngest lodge in the province , it will enjoy a most prosperous career , and quickly
take rank as one of the best in this part of the country where its meeting place has been fixed . Shortly before twelve o ' clock the brethren assembled in the handsome lodge room , while a voluntary was played by Bro . J . Skeaf , P . G . O ., who presided at the harmonium . Amongst
those present we observed the following : — Bros . J . Prescott , P . G . J . W . ; C . R . N . Bes wicke-Rovds , P . S . G . W ., East Lancashire ; H S . Alpass , " P . G . Sec . ; Rev . J . F . Goggin , P . G Chaplain ; T . Birchall , P . P . J . G . W . ; E . Pier point , P . G . S . D ; R . Laudless , P . G . S . B . ; T
Armstrong , P . G . Treas . ; R . Wylie , P . P . G . D . C ; J . Skeaf , P . G . O ., D . Jones , P . M . 155 ; j . Greenwood , W . M . 308 ; J . Ecclestonj ' P . M . 703 ; J . Wray , W . M . 1061 ; T . Nevitt , P . M . 133 ; M . G . ' Manning , P . M . 9 ^ . J . A . Orr , W . M . QKo ; G . Stuttard , P . M . i 2 < 5 ; W .
M'Murtrie , P . M . 1 S 9 , Joseph Wood , Treas . 1094 ; T . Bisson , 135 6 ; C . Haswell , 203 ; D . Saunders , 1299 ; J . Busfield , 216 ; P . H . Bird , 1061 ; T . Knowles , 280 ; H . G . Crewe , 1052 ; J . H . Carr , 1170 ; W . Stewardson , S . D . 950 ; G . Bolton , 703 ; R . Rushton , 703 ; E . Gregson ,
703 ; J , Grime , 703 ; E . Bisson , 1356 ; H . Johns , 703 ; C . E . Chadwick , 1061 , A . M . Viener , T . R . Judson , IO $ I ; E . Diggie , I . G . 126 ; H . Gardner , 703 ; R . W . Braithwaite , 703 ; J . Crossley , 307 ; J . B . McKenzie , 1366 , and others . After the brethren had assumed
their proper places the chair was taken by Bro . their proper places the chair was taken by Bro . H . S . Alpass , P . G . Sec , as presiding officer , who appointed his officers , pro tent , as follows : — Bros . T . Birchall , I . P . M . ; J . Prescott , S . W . ; E . Pierpoint , J . W . ; J . Wood , S . D . : J . B .
McKenzie , J . D . ; and G . Bolton , I . G . Bro . T . Armstrong efficiently acted as P . G . Secretary during the ceremony , and Bro . R . Wylie , as D . C , performed his duties in a manner which contributed in a large measure to the impressive and successful performance of the ceremony .
After the lodge had been opened in the three degrees , the brethren took their places to the right of the Presiding Officer . An opening prayer was offered by Bro . the Rew . J . F . Goggin , P . G . C ., and after a piece of solemn music had been played by the P . G . O ., the brethren were
addressed on the nature of the meeting by the Presiding Officer . The P . G . Secretary then read the petition and warrant , and after the brethren had signified their approval of the brethren named therein , Bro . the Rev . J . F . Goggin , P . G Chaplain ,
then delivered the following appropriate and most vmpTtessYve oration , which was listened to with the most profound attention by the whole of the assembled brethren : — Brethren , the Temple of King Solomon was erected in imitation of the Tabernacle of Moses
, and "the court thereof , " but with vast and universal improvement in the grandeur , riches , and magnificence of it , by the design that David nis father received from the Great Architect of the Universe . It was a most glorious palace ,
built of cedar and fir , and olive wood and hewnstone , with most amazing expense of gold , silver , and brass , and precious stones , both for the adorning of the house itself , and " foi the hol y vessels thereof . " King Solomon dedicated tn "S Temple to the Most High , by assembling
Consecration Of A New Lodge At Blackpool.
all the men of Israel , by bringing thither the ark , and the holy things , by a devout prayer to God , by music and praises , by a feast of seven days , and a vast number of sacrifices . Every part of the Temple had a symbolic meaning ; its porch , its courts , its pillars , its altars , its
decorations , and vessels . The services were , moreover , of a . typical and symbolic character , and calculated to impress the minds of the most ignorant among the worshippers with feelings of respect , awe , and reverence , for the Great Creator . The highest acts of adoration were
accompanied by sounds of many trumpets , the harps of skilful players , and the swelling choruses of a vast multitude of trained singers while the prayers of the faithful ascended to the Great Throne above , with sweet incense wafted from golden censers . Symbolic worship has
been used from the earliest times by all nations in their religious rites and ceremonies , but nothing so imposing and gorgeous has been ever seen or heard of in the world ' s history as the splendid Temple worship at Jerusalem . A Freemason ' s Lodge is a humble representation
of the Temple of King Solomon , and however feeble an imitation it may be it enjoins , by its symbolic teaching , such estimable tenets ( founded on the contents of the volume of the Sacred Law ) , that if Masons will only strive to the utmost to acquaint themselves with its mysteries
and ceremonies , they must become better fitted for the society of their brethren of the Craft , as well as better members of the popular world at large . So full of meaning are the symbols constantly before our eyes , that the poorest memory can retain their signification and practice the
principles they represent in dail y life and conduct To carry the illustration , further , I need scarcel y remind you that the human bod y has been described as "the temple of the Most Hi g h" and as our earthly tabernacle . What more fitting occupation , then , can we have than to build up
with care , and protect with caution , that outward part of our manhood " so fearfully and wonderfully made . " The teaching of Masonry is a great help to this end . However rough and uncultivated a Mason may be , or however much what the world calls " refined "¦—be he prince
or peasant—he may learn how to guard against most of those errors and temptations which beset humanity . By using the instruments and working tools of the Craft upon the rough piojections and irregular angles of his character ( until his mind will bear the test of square and
compasses , level and plumb-rule , guided by the ( divine ) tracing-board and plan of operations ) he will raise a superstructure worthy of the builder , and fitted for every walk in life . As a pure mind can only exist in a pure body , so the soul must have an abode free from defilement ;
and the peculiar system of Masonry is such , that were all its members obedient thereunto , morality would be triumphant , and vice almost unknown . Finally , brethren , let us strive to obtain excellence . First of all , our foundation must be laid upon a proper basis , namely , a firm
but humble confidence m the Great Architect of the Universe , whose aid we should invoke in all our undertakings . Next , our ashlar work should be of the true die , square nicely adjusted , and cemented with true affection . Thus will mind and body be built up , perfect in its parts , and
full of wisdom , strength , and beauty , The roof , like our aspirations heavenward , should be so constructed and ordered , that our eyes may behold the Bright and Morning Star , whose rising brings peace and salvation to the faithful and obedient . Supported by fortitude , chastened by
temperance , and guided in all our actions by faith and justice , we shall be able to maintain the fabric of this our earthly temple until time for us shall be no more . A frequent reflection upon the dissolution of this bodily tabernacle will discipline our minds by the line of the
skirret , and the divisions of the 24-inch guage , until death shall lose its terrors , and we can hope for a home in those heavenly mansions not made with hands , but which shall endure to all eternity , for the World ' s Great Architect lives
there and reigns for ever . Let us work while it is day , and while we are in the light , advancing daily in a knowledge of the Craft , and employing ourselves in its operations , until we are all in reality perfect stone-squareis , fitted for the
Consecration Of A New Lodge At Blackpool.
Grand Lodge above , the abode of Him , whence all goodness emanates . Let this be our aim , and to keep within the parallel lines of the path of rectitude ascending by the steps of " Faith , Hope , and Charity . " And may the Most High prosper all our endeavours . So mote it be .
Bro . Skeaf s splendid anthem , " Behold , how good , " was then sung , and the first portion of the consecration prayer having been offered by the P . G . Chaplain , the Iodge was uncovered and consecrated according to ancient form . The whole of the effective music used during the
ceremony was the composition of Bro . Joseph Skeaf , P . G . Organist , who presided at the harmonium , and was most impressivel y and artisticall y rendered by Bros . D . Jones , P . M . 155 ; D . Saunders , 1299 ; C . Haswell , 203 , and J . Buswell , 216 . The anthem , " Hehold ,
how good , " was especially well rendered , and equal praise is due to the "Hallelujah Chorus , " which brought the consecration ceremony to a close . Bro . H . S . Alpass , P . G . Sec , as Presiding Officer , proceeded to instal Bro . Ralph Laudless ,
P . M . 126 , 70 , 3 , and 1256 , P . G . S . B ., as W . M . of the new lodge , being presented for that honour by Bro . the Rev . J . F . Goggin , F . G . C ., and Bro . R . Wylie , P . P . G . D . C . After the usual ceremonial in connection with this part of the proceedings , the first Master of the Blackpool Lodge
invested the following as his officers for the ensuing year : —Bros . H . Tohns , S . W . ; R . W . Braithwaite . J . W . ; H . Gardner , Treas . ; R . Rushton , S . D . ; E . Gregson , J-D . ; G . Bolton , I . G . ; A . M . Vinier , M . C . ; and J . Waddington , Organist . Bro . Wade was unanimously elected
the first Tyler of the lodge . The charges at the investment of the officers were given by Bro . R . Wylie , and at the clost of the installation ceremonies Bro Alpass said he must remind the brethren of the new Iodge that a gieat trust had been imposed in them by the
M . W . G . M ., after being recommended by theii R . W . Prov . G . M ., and he ( Bro . Alpass ) strongly impressed upon them to strive to warrant that confidence . They commenced their Masonic career in Blackpool with another long-established lodge in existence , but there was no
reason why they should not work together in perfect harmony and strive to emulate each other in good works , endeavour to display the principles of Freemasonry , — "brotherly love , relief , and truth . " The brethren of the new lodge would shortly have to frame their bye-laws and he would strongly counsel them to fix their
subscriptions at such a figure as would cover the working expenses . It was not carrying out the principles of Masonry to use any part of the initiation fees , for the purpose of meeting working expenses . This princi ple was not sufficiently acted upon by lodges , forgetting that initiation fees ought to be devoted entirely to charity . He also cautioned the brethren as to the admission
of members into the Iodge , especially with regard to applicants for membership from other towns . He had long strongly held the opinion that the town in which a man ought to be initiated was the town in which he was well known . This also was not sufficiently well
attended to in some parts of that province not far distant from Blackpool . There might be circumstances in which such a thing became justifiable , but he would counsel them to exercise the greatest caution in connection with such an
arrangement . In conclusion he warmly congratulated the brethren of the new lodge upon the auspicious opening , and upon having so worthy and excellent a W . M . as Bro . Laudless to preside over them .
The lodge was then closed , after several propositions for joining and initiation and " hearty good wishes" had been conveyed to the W . M , by the majority of the representatives of othet lodges present .
T . he whole of the furniture of the lodge , with the clothing and numerous et celeras , was supplied by Bro . George Kenning , of Monument Place , Liverpool , and the extremely artistic character of all his furnishing elicited universal admiration from both visitors and members .
After the day ' s business had been satisfactorily concluded , about fifty brethren sat down at three o ' clock to a very magnificent banquet at the Clifton Arms Hotel , which was admir-
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Consecration Of A New Lodge At Blackpool.
tie carried out . By appointment of the -R . W . P . G . M ., Bro . Thomas Wylie , P . P . J . G . W ., was afterwards to have performed the necessary ceremonial , but owing to an unfortunate accident he was prevented from being present . His place was accordingly taken , at very short notice ,
by Bro . H . S . Alpass , P . G . Sec , assisted by Bros , the Rev . F . Goggin , M . A ., P . G . Chaplin ; T . Armstrong , P . G . Treas . ; R . Wylie , P . P . G . D ; and J . Skeaf , P . G . O . A number of brethren From Liverpool were present on the occasion , and there were also representatives from
Manchester , Preston , Barnley , Omeskirk , Lytham , Southport , & c . The morning was cloudy and showery , but towards afternoon the weather brightened considerably , enabling the numerous brethren from other parts to enjoy the magnificent promenade of the fashionable watering
place . The Blackpool Lodge was inaugurated under the most promising circumstances , and there is no doubt that , with the influential character of the members connected with this the youngest lodge in the province , it will enjoy a most prosperous career , and quickly
take rank as one of the best in this part of the country where its meeting place has been fixed . Shortly before twelve o ' clock the brethren assembled in the handsome lodge room , while a voluntary was played by Bro . J . Skeaf , P . G . O ., who presided at the harmonium . Amongst
those present we observed the following : — Bros . J . Prescott , P . G . J . W . ; C . R . N . Bes wicke-Rovds , P . S . G . W ., East Lancashire ; H S . Alpass , " P . G . Sec . ; Rev . J . F . Goggin , P . G Chaplain ; T . Birchall , P . P . J . G . W . ; E . Pier point , P . G . S . D ; R . Laudless , P . G . S . B . ; T
Armstrong , P . G . Treas . ; R . Wylie , P . P . G . D . C ; J . Skeaf , P . G . O ., D . Jones , P . M . 155 ; j . Greenwood , W . M . 308 ; J . Ecclestonj ' P . M . 703 ; J . Wray , W . M . 1061 ; T . Nevitt , P . M . 133 ; M . G . ' Manning , P . M . 9 ^ . J . A . Orr , W . M . QKo ; G . Stuttard , P . M . i 2 < 5 ; W .
M'Murtrie , P . M . 1 S 9 , Joseph Wood , Treas . 1094 ; T . Bisson , 135 6 ; C . Haswell , 203 ; D . Saunders , 1299 ; J . Busfield , 216 ; P . H . Bird , 1061 ; T . Knowles , 280 ; H . G . Crewe , 1052 ; J . H . Carr , 1170 ; W . Stewardson , S . D . 950 ; G . Bolton , 703 ; R . Rushton , 703 ; E . Gregson ,
703 ; J , Grime , 703 ; E . Bisson , 1356 ; H . Johns , 703 ; C . E . Chadwick , 1061 , A . M . Viener , T . R . Judson , IO $ I ; E . Diggie , I . G . 126 ; H . Gardner , 703 ; R . W . Braithwaite , 703 ; J . Crossley , 307 ; J . B . McKenzie , 1366 , and others . After the brethren had assumed
their proper places the chair was taken by Bro . their proper places the chair was taken by Bro . H . S . Alpass , P . G . Sec , as presiding officer , who appointed his officers , pro tent , as follows : — Bros . T . Birchall , I . P . M . ; J . Prescott , S . W . ; E . Pierpoint , J . W . ; J . Wood , S . D . : J . B .
McKenzie , J . D . ; and G . Bolton , I . G . Bro . T . Armstrong efficiently acted as P . G . Secretary during the ceremony , and Bro . R . Wylie , as D . C , performed his duties in a manner which contributed in a large measure to the impressive and successful performance of the ceremony .
After the lodge had been opened in the three degrees , the brethren took their places to the right of the Presiding Officer . An opening prayer was offered by Bro . the Rew . J . F . Goggin , P . G . C ., and after a piece of solemn music had been played by the P . G . O ., the brethren were
addressed on the nature of the meeting by the Presiding Officer . The P . G . Secretary then read the petition and warrant , and after the brethren had signified their approval of the brethren named therein , Bro . the Rev . J . F . Goggin , P . G Chaplain ,
then delivered the following appropriate and most vmpTtessYve oration , which was listened to with the most profound attention by the whole of the assembled brethren : — Brethren , the Temple of King Solomon was erected in imitation of the Tabernacle of Moses
, and "the court thereof , " but with vast and universal improvement in the grandeur , riches , and magnificence of it , by the design that David nis father received from the Great Architect of the Universe . It was a most glorious palace ,
built of cedar and fir , and olive wood and hewnstone , with most amazing expense of gold , silver , and brass , and precious stones , both for the adorning of the house itself , and " foi the hol y vessels thereof . " King Solomon dedicated tn "S Temple to the Most High , by assembling
Consecration Of A New Lodge At Blackpool.
all the men of Israel , by bringing thither the ark , and the holy things , by a devout prayer to God , by music and praises , by a feast of seven days , and a vast number of sacrifices . Every part of the Temple had a symbolic meaning ; its porch , its courts , its pillars , its altars , its
decorations , and vessels . The services were , moreover , of a . typical and symbolic character , and calculated to impress the minds of the most ignorant among the worshippers with feelings of respect , awe , and reverence , for the Great Creator . The highest acts of adoration were
accompanied by sounds of many trumpets , the harps of skilful players , and the swelling choruses of a vast multitude of trained singers while the prayers of the faithful ascended to the Great Throne above , with sweet incense wafted from golden censers . Symbolic worship has
been used from the earliest times by all nations in their religious rites and ceremonies , but nothing so imposing and gorgeous has been ever seen or heard of in the world ' s history as the splendid Temple worship at Jerusalem . A Freemason ' s Lodge is a humble representation
of the Temple of King Solomon , and however feeble an imitation it may be it enjoins , by its symbolic teaching , such estimable tenets ( founded on the contents of the volume of the Sacred Law ) , that if Masons will only strive to the utmost to acquaint themselves with its mysteries
and ceremonies , they must become better fitted for the society of their brethren of the Craft , as well as better members of the popular world at large . So full of meaning are the symbols constantly before our eyes , that the poorest memory can retain their signification and practice the
principles they represent in dail y life and conduct To carry the illustration , further , I need scarcel y remind you that the human bod y has been described as "the temple of the Most Hi g h" and as our earthly tabernacle . What more fitting occupation , then , can we have than to build up
with care , and protect with caution , that outward part of our manhood " so fearfully and wonderfully made . " The teaching of Masonry is a great help to this end . However rough and uncultivated a Mason may be , or however much what the world calls " refined "¦—be he prince
or peasant—he may learn how to guard against most of those errors and temptations which beset humanity . By using the instruments and working tools of the Craft upon the rough piojections and irregular angles of his character ( until his mind will bear the test of square and
compasses , level and plumb-rule , guided by the ( divine ) tracing-board and plan of operations ) he will raise a superstructure worthy of the builder , and fitted for every walk in life . As a pure mind can only exist in a pure body , so the soul must have an abode free from defilement ;
and the peculiar system of Masonry is such , that were all its members obedient thereunto , morality would be triumphant , and vice almost unknown . Finally , brethren , let us strive to obtain excellence . First of all , our foundation must be laid upon a proper basis , namely , a firm
but humble confidence m the Great Architect of the Universe , whose aid we should invoke in all our undertakings . Next , our ashlar work should be of the true die , square nicely adjusted , and cemented with true affection . Thus will mind and body be built up , perfect in its parts , and
full of wisdom , strength , and beauty , The roof , like our aspirations heavenward , should be so constructed and ordered , that our eyes may behold the Bright and Morning Star , whose rising brings peace and salvation to the faithful and obedient . Supported by fortitude , chastened by
temperance , and guided in all our actions by faith and justice , we shall be able to maintain the fabric of this our earthly temple until time for us shall be no more . A frequent reflection upon the dissolution of this bodily tabernacle will discipline our minds by the line of the
skirret , and the divisions of the 24-inch guage , until death shall lose its terrors , and we can hope for a home in those heavenly mansions not made with hands , but which shall endure to all eternity , for the World ' s Great Architect lives
there and reigns for ever . Let us work while it is day , and while we are in the light , advancing daily in a knowledge of the Craft , and employing ourselves in its operations , until we are all in reality perfect stone-squareis , fitted for the
Consecration Of A New Lodge At Blackpool.
Grand Lodge above , the abode of Him , whence all goodness emanates . Let this be our aim , and to keep within the parallel lines of the path of rectitude ascending by the steps of " Faith , Hope , and Charity . " And may the Most High prosper all our endeavours . So mote it be .
Bro . Skeaf s splendid anthem , " Behold , how good , " was then sung , and the first portion of the consecration prayer having been offered by the P . G . Chaplain , the Iodge was uncovered and consecrated according to ancient form . The whole of the effective music used during the
ceremony was the composition of Bro . Joseph Skeaf , P . G . Organist , who presided at the harmonium , and was most impressivel y and artisticall y rendered by Bros . D . Jones , P . M . 155 ; D . Saunders , 1299 ; C . Haswell , 203 , and J . Buswell , 216 . The anthem , " Hehold ,
how good , " was especially well rendered , and equal praise is due to the "Hallelujah Chorus , " which brought the consecration ceremony to a close . Bro . H . S . Alpass , P . G . Sec , as Presiding Officer , proceeded to instal Bro . Ralph Laudless ,
P . M . 126 , 70 , 3 , and 1256 , P . G . S . B ., as W . M . of the new lodge , being presented for that honour by Bro . the Rev . J . F . Goggin , F . G . C ., and Bro . R . Wylie , P . P . G . D . C . After the usual ceremonial in connection with this part of the proceedings , the first Master of the Blackpool Lodge
invested the following as his officers for the ensuing year : —Bros . H . Tohns , S . W . ; R . W . Braithwaite . J . W . ; H . Gardner , Treas . ; R . Rushton , S . D . ; E . Gregson , J-D . ; G . Bolton , I . G . ; A . M . Vinier , M . C . ; and J . Waddington , Organist . Bro . Wade was unanimously elected
the first Tyler of the lodge . The charges at the investment of the officers were given by Bro . R . Wylie , and at the clost of the installation ceremonies Bro Alpass said he must remind the brethren of the new Iodge that a gieat trust had been imposed in them by the
M . W . G . M ., after being recommended by theii R . W . Prov . G . M ., and he ( Bro . Alpass ) strongly impressed upon them to strive to warrant that confidence . They commenced their Masonic career in Blackpool with another long-established lodge in existence , but there was no
reason why they should not work together in perfect harmony and strive to emulate each other in good works , endeavour to display the principles of Freemasonry , — "brotherly love , relief , and truth . " The brethren of the new lodge would shortly have to frame their bye-laws and he would strongly counsel them to fix their
subscriptions at such a figure as would cover the working expenses . It was not carrying out the principles of Masonry to use any part of the initiation fees , for the purpose of meeting working expenses . This princi ple was not sufficiently acted upon by lodges , forgetting that initiation fees ought to be devoted entirely to charity . He also cautioned the brethren as to the admission
of members into the Iodge , especially with regard to applicants for membership from other towns . He had long strongly held the opinion that the town in which a man ought to be initiated was the town in which he was well known . This also was not sufficiently well
attended to in some parts of that province not far distant from Blackpool . There might be circumstances in which such a thing became justifiable , but he would counsel them to exercise the greatest caution in connection with such an
arrangement . In conclusion he warmly congratulated the brethren of the new lodge upon the auspicious opening , and upon having so worthy and excellent a W . M . as Bro . Laudless to preside over them .
The lodge was then closed , after several propositions for joining and initiation and " hearty good wishes" had been conveyed to the W . M , by the majority of the representatives of othet lodges present .
T . he whole of the furniture of the lodge , with the clothing and numerous et celeras , was supplied by Bro . George Kenning , of Monument Place , Liverpool , and the extremely artistic character of all his furnishing elicited universal admiration from both visitors and members .
After the day ' s business had been satisfactorily concluded , about fifty brethren sat down at three o ' clock to a very magnificent banquet at the Clifton Arms Hotel , which was admir-