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Article PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF CHESHIRE. ← Page 2 of 3 Article PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF CHESHIRE. Page 2 of 3 Article PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF CHESHIRE. Page 2 of 3 →
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Provincial Grand Lodge Of Cheshire.
volence , he thought they ought to congratulate themselves on the progress which had been made in the cause of charity . The Deputy Treasurer read the statement of
accounts ofthe Fund of Benevolence , from which it appeared there were ^ 1200 invested , and ^ 70 6 s . 4 d . in hand , and the Provincial Grand Lodge Fund now amounted to ^ £ 145 14 s . id .
The R . W . P . G . M . said he doubtless expressed the cordial feeling of that numerous and influential meeting when he rose to propose that Bro . Bland be re-elected P . G . Treasurer for the next twelve months . This re-election was fully
warranted by the healthy state of the funds . He again expressed a hope that Bro . Bland might soon be restored to health . Bro . Cope said he had much pleasure in seconding the nomination , especially as it was
now made for the eighteenth time . The proposal for the re-election of Bro . Bland was then carried amid loud cheers . The R . W . P . G . M . then invested the following Grand Ofiicers , each of whom was cordially
applauded , the investiture by his lordship being made with that suavity and kindliness of manner which have made him so popular in his pror vince : —Charles Dutton , P . G . S . W . ; Captain Fearnly , P . G . J . W . ; Rev . R . Hodgson , P . G .
Chaplain ; J . Wood , P . G . Reg . ; G . H . Gnfhtns , P . G . Secretary ; T . Wainwright , P . G . S . D . ; AV . I . Bates , P . G . J . D . ; J . T . Lea , P . G . Sup . of Works : F . Jackson , P . G . D . C . ; T . Bowers , A . P . G . D . C . F . K . Stevenson , P . G . S . B . ; Barlow , P . G . O .
B . Cooper , P . G . Pur . ; J . Swindell , P . G . Tyler ; Fenton , Hill , Howard , Jackson , Ingham , and A . Wallace , P . G . Stewards . The R . W . P . G . M . then said he could not do better than re-appoint Bro . Cope as Chairman of
the Committee of the Fund of Benevolence for the ensuing year , feeling that in doing so he was only consulting the feelings of every Brother in the province . ( Loud cheers . ) The R . W . P . G . M . said he would now address
a few words to the brethren , and he was happy to be able to say they would be words of good omen and congratulation—congratulation on the state of Masonry in that province . He could not help expressing satisfaction at the
harmonious working of all the lodges throughout that large district , and tlie complete good feeling which prevailed generally amongst the brethren of their Order . ( Cheers . ) He hoped and trusted that the spirit of Masonry would
spreadand it would spread—and that brotherly love and harmony would increase . The past year had not been characterised by any remarkable event , but the progress of Freemasonry had been slow and steady , which was , perhaps , more satisfactory
than any sudden outburst of new * lodges . He had the satisfaction of consecrating a new lodge in that province on Monday last , which promised to take a high place , bearing the name of one whom they all respected—the Cope Lodge .
( Applause . ) The Fund of Benevolence was in a most nourishing state , and during the past year £ 50 had been voted for the relief of the sick and wounded in the war , and-^ 30 for the relief of two deserving brethren . His lordship also referred to the success which had attended their
efforts 111 obtaining the admission of one boy to to the London Freemasons' School , which was entirely owning to the exertions of the committee , lie also congratulated the brethren in the province in having three boys in the school
five old Masons on the Annuitants Fund , and two widows on the charity—a fact which was highly satisfactory . He trusted the brethren would pull together in the future , so that they might always carry their candidates . He also
expressed great satisfaction at the cordial reception the Provincial Grand Lodge had received from the brethren in Staleybridge , as shown by their large muster , and concluded by announceing his intention of holding the next Provincial Grand Lodge at Crewe . ( Applause . )
After a vote of thanks had been proposed to the Rev . Thomas Floyd , incumbent of Holy Trinity Church , for the use of that building for the service , the lodge was closed in due form ancl with solemn prayer . Headed by the band of the 13 th C . R . V ., a procession was formed , and the brethren pro-
Provincial Grand Lodge Of Cheshire.
ceeded to Holy Trinity Church , where full cathedral service was performed under the direction of the P . G . O . ( Bro . G . Barlow ) . A seimon was preached by the P . G . Chaplain ( Bro . R . Hodgson ) , who gave a discourse peculiarly
suitable to the occasion . A collection amounting to ^ 20 10 s ., was made at the close ofthe service , which will be divided between the Fund of Benevolence and the district infirmary of Staleybridge .
On their return from church , nearly 300 brethren sat down to dinner in the Mechanics ' Hall , under the presidency of the R . W . P . G . M ., who was supported right and left hy the Prov . Grand Officers , past and present . The repast
was anything but satisfactory , and complaints were very general as to the insufficient supply of provisions , there being something like a scramble to get anything in the shape of creature comforts . The excuse for shortcomings was
that the number who sat down greatly exceeded what was anticipated , and it was also stated that the purveyor had made the provision at very short notice , in consequence of the person entrusted with the arrangements having given
them notice only on the previous evening . As all the brethren paid the full figure , however , and as many hacl only a half-dinner and no dessert , the complaints were not without good foundation . The gallery was fully occupied by
a brilliant and fashionable assembly of ladies , to whom cake and wine were supplied during the evening . Tlie large hall was decorated with great taste by a profuse display of flags , particoloured cloth , flowers , & c ., giving the interior of the hall a peculiarly striking and attractive
appearance . After dinner , the R . W . P . G . M . proposed the toast of "The Queen , " referring to her Majesty ' s recent illness , and expressing a fervent hopea hope which must be cordially cherished by
every Mason— that she might be speedily restored to health , and be long spared to reign over them . ( The toast was honoured with great cordiality . ) In proposing the toast , " M . W . Patron ofthe
Order , H . R . H . The Prince of Wales and Earl of Chester , the Princess of Wales , and the rest of the Royal Family , " his lordship said he had great pleasure in being present recently at the installation ofthe Prince of Wales as W . M . of a
private lodge—the Royal Arthur . By taking this position , H . R . H . had shown his interest in the Craft , and proved that he was a true and enthusiastic Mason . He had also given his countenance to all the dinners connected with
their Charities , and was , therefore , with the Countess of Chester ( the Princess of Wales ) , worthy of their cordiality in honouring that toast . ( Drunk with the greatest enthusiasm . ) Lord de Tabley then gave " The Health of
the M . W . G . M ., the Marquis of Ripon , "aMasonic sovereign of whom they had just cause to be proud , and he was certain the brethren would drink the toast with all the enthusiasm which it deserved . ( Loud cheers . ) He considered the
Craft was particularly fortunate in having a man of Lord Ripon's position and ability to preside over them —( hear , hear)—and doubly fortunate , when they found he could devote so much time to the performance of his duties . He was not
only distinguished as a statesman , but equally so as a Mason . His mission to their Englishspeaking cousins in America had been carried out in the true spirit of Masonry —( hear , hear)—ancl with all the ability of a statesman . ( The
toast was received with great cordiality , and " three times three . " ) Lord de Tabley next gave " The D . G . M ., the Earl of Carnarvon , and the ofiicers of the Grand Lodge , Past and Present , " and said he was proud to have had several of their number
present at the meeting that day . In referring particularly to Lord Carnarvon , he said his lordship was above party politics in connection with the Craft , in which he was only guided hy brotherly love . ( The brethren received thc toast with the greatest cordiality . )
Bro . Latham , Past G . Reg ,, whose name , along with Bro . Cope's , was coupled with the toast , returned his most hearty thanks for thc manner in which thc brethren had honoured the toast .
Provincial Grand Lodge Of Cheshire.
He could assure them that all connected with the Grand Lodge were most anxious to do their duty and attend to the interests of all the lodges ; and although the charge was sometimes brought that provincial interests were overlooked , it was
not because the officers of Grand Lodge willingly neglected them , but because the different lodges in the country did not send up their Masters andWarclens to attend the GrandLodge . ( Hear , hear . ) Apart from this subject , however , he
had a charge to bring against some one—and particularly against those who had had the arrangements in hand in connection with the proceedings of that day— -for degrading the sacred cause of Masonry into mere processions
through the streets . Whereas , the procession of Masons was only allowed for a particular object , where something was to be done , that day they had been taken , at great trouble and inconvenience , through street after street , where nothing
was to be seen and nothing to be done . Therefore , in the names of Masonry and the Grand Officers , he must strongly protest against such proceedings , which would bring Freemasonry into the same category with Oddfellows , Druids ,
and other bodies of a like nature . The objects of Masonry were much higher , and not like those of mere benefit societies , which get up their processions with the view of attracting members and securing contributions . The objects of
Freemasonry were charity and benevolence—not to benefit themselves , but to clo good to the whole world . He , therefore , thought Masons should act differently from those societies , whose principal object in these processions was to raise funds
to support their members in old age . As a proof that Masonic objects were not to be limited to theirown lodges , he ( Bro . Latham ) might adduce that precedent when that Great Master—one of the greatest Masons who ever lived on this
earth—was asked on the holy mountain whether there should not be three lodges—one to celebrate the Christian dispensation , one the Masonic dispensation , and one the prophetical dispensation—made no answer but went down to tbe
world to suffer persecution and do good to the whole world . If Masons acted in this way , instead of considering the Craft a mere gathering for their own purposes , it would then be respected all over the world as one of the links in the grand chain of human sympathy .
Bro . Cope , who was received with long and continued applause , also responded to the toast , and before sitting down proposed " The R . W . P . G . M ., " passing a glowing eulogium upon him as a Freemason , a statesman , peer ,
landlord , and neighbour , and expressing an earnest hope that he might long be spared to reign over the province of Cheshire . ( The toast was received with the utmost enthusiasm . ) Lord de Tabley , on rising to respond , was
again cheered to the echo . He remarked that he had never seen amorenumerous or influential gathering of that lodge than there had been that day , only one lodge out of the province being unrepresented . Bro . Latham had referred to a
most difficult and delicate subject , and one with which he also felt a little puzzled , but one in which he felt bound to submit to the feelings of the province , and those particular towns and localities which he visited . ( " Hear , hear , " and
cheers . ) Strictly speaking , they had no right to go to church , but they did so in accordancewith ancient custom , irrespective of creeds or sects , and as one great community . He must speak with great respect of Foresters , Oddfellows , and
other societies of a like nature , which were all excellent in their way ; but the brethren ought to remember that , as Freemasons , they were bound together for the sacred cause of charity . While thinking their processions ought to be curtailed , that which had taken place that day
had brought out the evidence of a hearty welcune by the inhabitants of Staleybridge . If they asked him as a M . ison , lie would say , " Don't have any processions ; " but if they asked him as a P . G . M ., he felt it his duty to concur in the arrangements mule by those who managed them . ( Applause . )
The toast of " Bro . George Cornwall Legh , M . P , R . W . D . P . G . M ., and the P . G . Officers , " was responded to by Bro . Dutton , P . S . G . W .,
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Provincial Grand Lodge Of Cheshire.
volence , he thought they ought to congratulate themselves on the progress which had been made in the cause of charity . The Deputy Treasurer read the statement of
accounts ofthe Fund of Benevolence , from which it appeared there were ^ 1200 invested , and ^ 70 6 s . 4 d . in hand , and the Provincial Grand Lodge Fund now amounted to ^ £ 145 14 s . id .
The R . W . P . G . M . said he doubtless expressed the cordial feeling of that numerous and influential meeting when he rose to propose that Bro . Bland be re-elected P . G . Treasurer for the next twelve months . This re-election was fully
warranted by the healthy state of the funds . He again expressed a hope that Bro . Bland might soon be restored to health . Bro . Cope said he had much pleasure in seconding the nomination , especially as it was
now made for the eighteenth time . The proposal for the re-election of Bro . Bland was then carried amid loud cheers . The R . W . P . G . M . then invested the following Grand Ofiicers , each of whom was cordially
applauded , the investiture by his lordship being made with that suavity and kindliness of manner which have made him so popular in his pror vince : —Charles Dutton , P . G . S . W . ; Captain Fearnly , P . G . J . W . ; Rev . R . Hodgson , P . G .
Chaplain ; J . Wood , P . G . Reg . ; G . H . Gnfhtns , P . G . Secretary ; T . Wainwright , P . G . S . D . ; AV . I . Bates , P . G . J . D . ; J . T . Lea , P . G . Sup . of Works : F . Jackson , P . G . D . C . ; T . Bowers , A . P . G . D . C . F . K . Stevenson , P . G . S . B . ; Barlow , P . G . O .
B . Cooper , P . G . Pur . ; J . Swindell , P . G . Tyler ; Fenton , Hill , Howard , Jackson , Ingham , and A . Wallace , P . G . Stewards . The R . W . P . G . M . then said he could not do better than re-appoint Bro . Cope as Chairman of
the Committee of the Fund of Benevolence for the ensuing year , feeling that in doing so he was only consulting the feelings of every Brother in the province . ( Loud cheers . ) The R . W . P . G . M . said he would now address
a few words to the brethren , and he was happy to be able to say they would be words of good omen and congratulation—congratulation on the state of Masonry in that province . He could not help expressing satisfaction at the
harmonious working of all the lodges throughout that large district , and tlie complete good feeling which prevailed generally amongst the brethren of their Order . ( Cheers . ) He hoped and trusted that the spirit of Masonry would
spreadand it would spread—and that brotherly love and harmony would increase . The past year had not been characterised by any remarkable event , but the progress of Freemasonry had been slow and steady , which was , perhaps , more satisfactory
than any sudden outburst of new * lodges . He had the satisfaction of consecrating a new lodge in that province on Monday last , which promised to take a high place , bearing the name of one whom they all respected—the Cope Lodge .
( Applause . ) The Fund of Benevolence was in a most nourishing state , and during the past year £ 50 had been voted for the relief of the sick and wounded in the war , and-^ 30 for the relief of two deserving brethren . His lordship also referred to the success which had attended their
efforts 111 obtaining the admission of one boy to to the London Freemasons' School , which was entirely owning to the exertions of the committee , lie also congratulated the brethren in the province in having three boys in the school
five old Masons on the Annuitants Fund , and two widows on the charity—a fact which was highly satisfactory . He trusted the brethren would pull together in the future , so that they might always carry their candidates . He also
expressed great satisfaction at the cordial reception the Provincial Grand Lodge had received from the brethren in Staleybridge , as shown by their large muster , and concluded by announceing his intention of holding the next Provincial Grand Lodge at Crewe . ( Applause . )
After a vote of thanks had been proposed to the Rev . Thomas Floyd , incumbent of Holy Trinity Church , for the use of that building for the service , the lodge was closed in due form ancl with solemn prayer . Headed by the band of the 13 th C . R . V ., a procession was formed , and the brethren pro-
Provincial Grand Lodge Of Cheshire.
ceeded to Holy Trinity Church , where full cathedral service was performed under the direction of the P . G . O . ( Bro . G . Barlow ) . A seimon was preached by the P . G . Chaplain ( Bro . R . Hodgson ) , who gave a discourse peculiarly
suitable to the occasion . A collection amounting to ^ 20 10 s ., was made at the close ofthe service , which will be divided between the Fund of Benevolence and the district infirmary of Staleybridge .
On their return from church , nearly 300 brethren sat down to dinner in the Mechanics ' Hall , under the presidency of the R . W . P . G . M ., who was supported right and left hy the Prov . Grand Officers , past and present . The repast
was anything but satisfactory , and complaints were very general as to the insufficient supply of provisions , there being something like a scramble to get anything in the shape of creature comforts . The excuse for shortcomings was
that the number who sat down greatly exceeded what was anticipated , and it was also stated that the purveyor had made the provision at very short notice , in consequence of the person entrusted with the arrangements having given
them notice only on the previous evening . As all the brethren paid the full figure , however , and as many hacl only a half-dinner and no dessert , the complaints were not without good foundation . The gallery was fully occupied by
a brilliant and fashionable assembly of ladies , to whom cake and wine were supplied during the evening . Tlie large hall was decorated with great taste by a profuse display of flags , particoloured cloth , flowers , & c ., giving the interior of the hall a peculiarly striking and attractive
appearance . After dinner , the R . W . P . G . M . proposed the toast of "The Queen , " referring to her Majesty ' s recent illness , and expressing a fervent hopea hope which must be cordially cherished by
every Mason— that she might be speedily restored to health , and be long spared to reign over them . ( The toast was honoured with great cordiality . ) In proposing the toast , " M . W . Patron ofthe
Order , H . R . H . The Prince of Wales and Earl of Chester , the Princess of Wales , and the rest of the Royal Family , " his lordship said he had great pleasure in being present recently at the installation ofthe Prince of Wales as W . M . of a
private lodge—the Royal Arthur . By taking this position , H . R . H . had shown his interest in the Craft , and proved that he was a true and enthusiastic Mason . He had also given his countenance to all the dinners connected with
their Charities , and was , therefore , with the Countess of Chester ( the Princess of Wales ) , worthy of their cordiality in honouring that toast . ( Drunk with the greatest enthusiasm . ) Lord de Tabley then gave " The Health of
the M . W . G . M ., the Marquis of Ripon , "aMasonic sovereign of whom they had just cause to be proud , and he was certain the brethren would drink the toast with all the enthusiasm which it deserved . ( Loud cheers . ) He considered the
Craft was particularly fortunate in having a man of Lord Ripon's position and ability to preside over them —( hear , hear)—and doubly fortunate , when they found he could devote so much time to the performance of his duties . He was not
only distinguished as a statesman , but equally so as a Mason . His mission to their Englishspeaking cousins in America had been carried out in the true spirit of Masonry —( hear , hear)—ancl with all the ability of a statesman . ( The
toast was received with great cordiality , and " three times three . " ) Lord de Tabley next gave " The D . G . M ., the Earl of Carnarvon , and the ofiicers of the Grand Lodge , Past and Present , " and said he was proud to have had several of their number
present at the meeting that day . In referring particularly to Lord Carnarvon , he said his lordship was above party politics in connection with the Craft , in which he was only guided hy brotherly love . ( The brethren received thc toast with the greatest cordiality . )
Bro . Latham , Past G . Reg ,, whose name , along with Bro . Cope's , was coupled with the toast , returned his most hearty thanks for thc manner in which thc brethren had honoured the toast .
Provincial Grand Lodge Of Cheshire.
He could assure them that all connected with the Grand Lodge were most anxious to do their duty and attend to the interests of all the lodges ; and although the charge was sometimes brought that provincial interests were overlooked , it was
not because the officers of Grand Lodge willingly neglected them , but because the different lodges in the country did not send up their Masters andWarclens to attend the GrandLodge . ( Hear , hear . ) Apart from this subject , however , he
had a charge to bring against some one—and particularly against those who had had the arrangements in hand in connection with the proceedings of that day— -for degrading the sacred cause of Masonry into mere processions
through the streets . Whereas , the procession of Masons was only allowed for a particular object , where something was to be done , that day they had been taken , at great trouble and inconvenience , through street after street , where nothing
was to be seen and nothing to be done . Therefore , in the names of Masonry and the Grand Officers , he must strongly protest against such proceedings , which would bring Freemasonry into the same category with Oddfellows , Druids ,
and other bodies of a like nature . The objects of Masonry were much higher , and not like those of mere benefit societies , which get up their processions with the view of attracting members and securing contributions . The objects of
Freemasonry were charity and benevolence—not to benefit themselves , but to clo good to the whole world . He , therefore , thought Masons should act differently from those societies , whose principal object in these processions was to raise funds
to support their members in old age . As a proof that Masonic objects were not to be limited to theirown lodges , he ( Bro . Latham ) might adduce that precedent when that Great Master—one of the greatest Masons who ever lived on this
earth—was asked on the holy mountain whether there should not be three lodges—one to celebrate the Christian dispensation , one the Masonic dispensation , and one the prophetical dispensation—made no answer but went down to tbe
world to suffer persecution and do good to the whole world . If Masons acted in this way , instead of considering the Craft a mere gathering for their own purposes , it would then be respected all over the world as one of the links in the grand chain of human sympathy .
Bro . Cope , who was received with long and continued applause , also responded to the toast , and before sitting down proposed " The R . W . P . G . M ., " passing a glowing eulogium upon him as a Freemason , a statesman , peer ,
landlord , and neighbour , and expressing an earnest hope that he might long be spared to reign over the province of Cheshire . ( The toast was received with the utmost enthusiasm . ) Lord de Tabley , on rising to respond , was
again cheered to the echo . He remarked that he had never seen amorenumerous or influential gathering of that lodge than there had been that day , only one lodge out of the province being unrepresented . Bro . Latham had referred to a
most difficult and delicate subject , and one with which he also felt a little puzzled , but one in which he felt bound to submit to the feelings of the province , and those particular towns and localities which he visited . ( " Hear , hear , " and
cheers . ) Strictly speaking , they had no right to go to church , but they did so in accordancewith ancient custom , irrespective of creeds or sects , and as one great community . He must speak with great respect of Foresters , Oddfellows , and
other societies of a like nature , which were all excellent in their way ; but the brethren ought to remember that , as Freemasons , they were bound together for the sacred cause of charity . While thinking their processions ought to be curtailed , that which had taken place that day
had brought out the evidence of a hearty welcune by the inhabitants of Staleybridge . If they asked him as a M . ison , lie would say , " Don't have any processions ; " but if they asked him as a P . G . M ., he felt it his duty to concur in the arrangements mule by those who managed them . ( Applause . )
The toast of " Bro . George Cornwall Legh , M . P , R . W . D . P . G . M ., and the P . G . Officers , " was responded to by Bro . Dutton , P . S . G . W .,