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Article INSTALLATION OF R.W. BRO. LORD HARLECH, PROV. GRAND MASTER NORTH WALES. ← Page 2 of 2 Article WASHINGTON LODGE, No. 59, PHILADELPHIA. Page 1 of 1 Article WASHINGTON LODGE, No. 59, PHILADELPHIA. Page 1 of 1 Article MASONIC CHARITY ASSOCIATIONS. Page 1 of 1 Article BY TELEGRAM. Page 1 of 1
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Installation Of R.W. Bro. Lord Harlech, Prov. Grand Master North Wales.
At the conclusion of this portion of the proceedings , Bro . EDISBURY , on behalf of the Square and Compass Lodge , No . 1336 , of which he is W . Master , rose and presented , in a few appropriate words , to Lord Harlech , an address , of which the following is a copy : — To the Right Hon . Lord Harlech , the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master of
North Wales . We , the brethren of the Square and Compass Lodge , No . 1336 , Wrexham , avail ourselves of the opportunity of offering to your lordship our hearty congratulations on your being appointed to the high position of the first Provincial Grand Master of the newly-constituted Province of North Wales , an appointment which , we feel sure , will meet with the cordial approval of every member of the Craft .
We trust that the G . A . O . T . U . will be pleased to extend to you a long and prosperous reign as ruler of this important province . The rapid development of Masonry in the joint Province of North Wales and Shropshire , under the auspicious direction of our late revered and lamented R . W . P . G . M ., Sir W . W . Wynn , Baronet , deceased , afford us confidence that under your lordship ' s government and large influence , there will be secured to this now divided branch of Freemasonry a permanent and increasing extension of its usefulness .
Signed , on behalf of the lodge , at the Masonic Chambers , Wrexham , October the 23 rd , 1 SS 5— ] . F . EDISBURY , W . M . 1 ? . W . EVANS , S . W . J . A . HARRIS , J . W . C . K . BENSON , P . M ., Treas . EDWARD SMITH , P . M ., Hon . Sec .
Lord HARLECH , who was again received with true Masonic fervour , suitably responded , and expressed the pleasure and interest he took in the Masonic proceedings , and the hope that their connection might be a long and 3 pleasant one . The other business having been disposed of , the brethren went in
procession to St . Mark ' s Church , where an able sermon was preached by the Rev . R . H . Williams , P . G . Chaplain , after which a collection was made on behalf of the Masonic and local Charities , and the P . G . Master and brethren returned in similar order to the lodge room , when Prov . Grand Lodge was closed in due form .
The brethren afterwards adjourned to the Wynnstay Arms , where Bro . Murless had prepared a magnificent banquet , to which upwards of 100 brethren sat down . After partaking of the good things provided , the usual toasts were given and responded to . The whole proceedings were carried out in the most satisfactory manner by the W . M . and Officers of the Square and Compass Lodge , who had taken under their charge the whole of the preliminary arrangements . Among the brethren present at the lodge and the banquet were the following : —
Bros . Henry Piatt , W . M ., Bangor ; Samuel Pope , O . C ., W . M ., Mawddach ; J . G . Tuxford , P . M ., Portmadoc ; R . G . Sisson , Denbigh ; W . R . Davies , Dolgelley ; J . Gruar , Caradoc Lodge ; J . Dodds , 425 , Chester ; T . A . Young , W . M . 15 S 2 ; T . Pryce Lewis , Rhyl ; J . H . Leche , Carden , Chester ; j . Wartski , W . M . 14 SS , Amlwch ; W . L . Danks , P . P . G . S . ; H ' J . Lloyd , Barmouth ; J . Kitto , Llanidloes ; LI . F . Cox , Denbigh ; T . M . Taylor , P . M ., Newtown ; Danilly , P . M ., Newtown ; Rev . R . H . Williams , P . G ., Menai Bridge ; J . Pritchard , P . M ., St . David's ; W . Evans , W . M ., St . Cybi , Holhead
y ; R . Roberts , P . P . G . S . W ., Portmadoc ; J . F . Jesse , P . G . J . D . 1143 , Denbigh ; J . Lloyd Kyffin , P . M . C . and T ., Almwch ; Hugh Thomas , I . P . M ., Anglesey ; W . H . Thomas , Royal Leek , Beaumaris ; M . H . Roberts , St . David ' s , Bangor ; Rev . J . Smith , St . David ' s , Bangor ; J . Parry Jones , Denbigh ; W . L . Prothero , Pontblyddyn ; A . P . Bell , 425 , Chester ; J . Cullimore , 425 , Chester ; J . Salmon , P . M ., Chester ; M . Johnson , Chester ; Duncan , Chester ; Robinson , Chester ; Lockwood , Chester ; Spencer , Chester ; H . Lloyd , Chester ; J . Finchett , Chester ; D . Howell , P . M . ; Major Casson , P . G . O . ; 1 . P . Lewis , Rhyl . Sir Watkin Lodire .
Mold-. Bros . G . H . Adams , Corbett , Swift , Beresford , T . B . Williams , Dr . Roberts , Bolton , T . S . Adams . The following were members of the Square and Compass Lodge , No . 1336 , Wrexham , namely : Bros . J . F . Edisbury , W . M . ; J . Oswell Bury , P . P . G . J . D . ; J . C . Owen , P . M . ; Howel Davies , P . M . ; J . A . Harriss , J . W . ; Thomas J . E . Young , S . D . ; Evan Morris , H . V . Palin , Ashton Bradley , D . D . Pierce , J . E . Thomas , J . Colemere Gittins , J . D . ; W . Perris , John Pay , G . Bradley , Geo . Bevan , Catherall , H . Done , R . W . Evans , S . W . ; Grenville Jones , C . Davies , Dr . Eyton-Jones , G . Worrall , J . Lewis , P . M . ; Hediey , Owen Price , J . Robinson , J . Williams , Rev . Roberts , Fitch , E . Lewis , and others .
Washington Lodge, No. 59, Philadelphia.
WASHINGTON LODGE , No . 59 , PHILADELPHIA .
WILLIAM JAMES HUGHAN . Bro . W . B . Reed , P . M ., has done good service by writing a brief history of the " Washington " Lodge , which was warranted on June 3 , 1793 . " It was ori ginally composed of five patriotic brethren , who , inspired by love of country , resolved that their sentiments should be known to posterity by the
name which they had selected for the new lodge . " Unfortunately , the first minute book , 1793 to 1 S 04 , was burnt in 1 S 19 , but Bro . Reed states that the names of the earl y brethren reveal the fact that many were of Quaker ori gin . In England , we are always pleased to admit " Friends" on their affirmation , and I once saw one so admitted . The second book of
transactions , was saved from the burning Temple , in Chestnut-street , but subsequentl y fell into the hands , for a short time , of the daughter of a Secretary of the lod ge , "who embellished (?) it with pictures of horses , cows , and other childish fancies . " In well-rounded letters she wrote " Quarrelsome people should always be avoided ; " they certainly should be in lodge , and have been in No . 59 , for Bro . Reed " declares that "after an association of
twenty-seven years with the brethren , he does not remember hearing an angry word spoken in debate . " Would that it were always S ° ' u ^ ° - ^ le rnost P ^ easing features of the book is the numerous pith y headings , which aid the reader , and add much to the effect ° J the handsome little volume . At "the Washington Obsequies " .. ° - 59 took a prominent part—three of its Past Masters bore extinguished hghts , and four others carried an elaborate trophy . The first floor of the on
• MU ^ ^ ' c a ( 1802 ) was fitted up as a school-room , and occupied by a Masonic Pedagogue , " a member of 59 , the contract with the Grand Lodge providing that ¦« the education of the children of poor brethren shall be in lieu of rent . " This Bro . C . P . Stewart , tired of teaching the " young idea now . to shoot , " resolved "to do a little shooting on his own account , " and so misled ^ in the army during the war of 1812 . " He returned safe and ound" and became the Secretary favoured " is another * caiwttill / -v tavuuiLU ^ iica ajici 13
, . "A Chapter , . « ., v , ja . a . ; ; UCLIUWI ^ , v ciuvjaiiua eadingj under which we read that Recommendations to the Royal Arch , 1 er sanction of the distinguished "Jerusalem , " No . 3 , were made in pen lod ge on behalf of two members : " all who passed the chair were w f | mmen ded to it" for some years . This chapter is the oldest , continuously W 0 I [ "gWhat is known , and still exists . Under "Too numerous for — _ , n K ' " January loth , 1810 . wc note that thirteen members resigned ,
"Q lounded No . 115 . Another " swarm " had formed No . 91 in 1801 . ceed W y - ' lSl 3 ' " Bro ' J ames F ° rsytli , S-W ., took the chair , and provisit . & > ve tne lodge a lecture on Freemasonry , but there were so many tors to be examined , that he was finally obliged to resign the task . "
Washington Lodge, No. 59, Philadelphia.
Evidently he was an able man , for he was elected eight times to the chair as Master . The Masonic Hall was burnt March 9 , 1 S 19 , the lodge holding its meeting when the fire originated , and losing much valuable property . The second Hall , in Chestnut-street , was dedicated November 1 , 1 S 20 , and the lodge again began "housekeeping . " The anti-Masonic scare injured tha prospects of the lodge for a time . However , the cloud passed , and soon
after 1 S 40 prosperous times again visited the members . December 12 , 1 S 43 , the work was ordered by the Grand Lodge to be done in the Master Masons ' Lodge , save the conferring of the first two Degrees ( as heretofore ) . "Growing rich ; " "The helping hand ; " "An immense affair" ( annual banquet over Soo present , 18 G 9 ); " A musical lodge " ( " Mozart , " No . 43 G , in 1 S 69 ); "Dedication of the Great Temple , " 1 S 73 ( finest in the world );
"Table furniture ; " "First visit of the lodge to church " ( 18 S 0 ); "Nineteenth Anniversary" ( June 3 , 1883 ); and " Conclusion , " are a lew specimens of the numerous subsequent " headings . " Many of the particulars are most interesting , and though the lodge has founded , in whole or part , eleven lodges , it is still prosperous , and has on the roll in 1884 some 408 effective members .
1291 in all have been admitted since 1793 ! Bro . Reed , who was Master in 1 S 64 , is the honoured Secretary of the " Washington " Lodge , and has done his work well as historian , for a more compact and interesting history I have never read ; the tables , illustrations , and lists being most voluminous and well arranged .
Masonic Charity Associations.
MASONIC CHARITY ASSOCIATIONS .
One of the most hopeful signs of present day Freemasonry is the attention that is being paid to systematic Masonic benevolence . Not only are the Central Masonic Charities well supported , but in most provinces there are supplemental funds for local use , which are admirably adapted for the purposes of providing temporary assistance or even permanent aid . Children are being educated , and sometimes clothed , in our provinces by the hundreds ;
in one province alone there are over 100 beings so cared for , and in an adjoiningprovincehalf that large number . The enormous labourand time involved in carrying out these extensive plans are generally freely devoted by willing and zealous brethren , and hence , save a few pounds annually spent in printing reports , the whole of the money given is placed to the credit of such funds without any deductions whatever . The objects aimed
at by such Associations is to provide the means of assisting indigent brethren and widows , by donating sums of money to fill "financial gaps , " or to grant annuities , varying from £ 20 to £ 30 per annum , besides which , educational grants are made on behalf of Boys and Girls , who are sent to schools in their own neighbourhoods , brethren being " told off" by lodges to see to their efficiency ; alter the expiration of which
terms , they are then given sums of money towards their " advancement in life , " apprenticeship , or what not . Years ago it was feared that the advent of these local schemes would injure the funds of the Masonic Institutions , London ; whereas , as a matter of fact , they are all better supported than ever ; the West Lancashire , Cheshire , and the other numerous Educational and Annuity Funds prosper exceedingly , side by side with the amazing
success ol the Central Institutions . One secret of the spread of the former has been the five shilling membership , and the utilization of the numerous small sums so obtained . Then brethren found that by ceasing to subscribe their annual guineas to the London Charities their votes were lost , no matter how much they had contributed hitherto , and permanent votes were to be obtained at a less cost for the Provincial Institutions . Now all this
is being equalized by the starting of more " Charity Associations , " the members of which excellent Societies pay their guineas annually to local funds , which are devoted to the Central Charities , London , only that the members draw for the privilege of preference or nominations as Life Subscribers or Life Governors , all obtaining those coveted distinctions in either five or ten years , as the case may be , and thus ultimately all the annual
subscribers become Life Governors . Where provinces have not such organizations , private lodges have , and so the good work goes on . The latest of the kind started is for the Province of Cornwall , the Secretary being Bro . G . B . Pearce , of Hayle , and we hope soon to hear of others , for they are most valuable aids to the Charities , and secure the co-operation of many brethren .
R . W . Bro . the Earl of Jersey , Past Grand Senior Warden of England , was installed Provincial Grand Master ot Oxfordshire , in succession to his late Royal Hig hness the Duke of Albany , on Wednesday . The ceremony took place in Convocation House in the course of the afternoon , the Installing Master being R . W . Bro . Lord Leigh , Provincial Grand Master of Warwickshire , who , we need scarcely be at the pains of pointing out , fulfilled his duty most impressively . Subsequently Comp . the Rev . H . A . Pickard
was installed Provincial Grand Superintendent of Royal Arch Masons , this office , like that of Provincial Grand Master , having been held by his late Royal Highness . This function was also carried out most satisfactorily . Full particulars , with lists of the Provincial Grand Officers , both Craft and Arch , will be given next week , as well as the small remainder of our Shropshire report , and a full account of the installation of R . W . Bro . Colonel William Stuart , Past Grand Senior Warden of England , as Provincial Grand Master of Bedfordshire .
By Telegram.
BY TELEGRAM .
BiiDioRD , THURSDAY . The Provincial Grand Lodge of Bedfordshire was formally constituted to-day at the Assembly Rooms , in the presence of some 200 brethren , by Bro . Col . Shadwell H . Clerke , Grand Secretary , who was assisted by Bros , the Rev . C . W . Spencer Stanhope , Past Grand Chap . ; Frank Richardson , Past Grand Deacon ; Cumberland , and Swaine . After the formal opening
of Provincial Grand Lodge , Bro . Col . Clerke explained the object of the meeting , and congratulated the brethren of Bedfordshire on having been formed into a province , whereb y they would henceforth have many advantages . He also congratulated them on having had appointed as their first Provincial Grand Master , Bro . Col . William Stuart , an old and tried Mason , who would be able to settle any questions which might arise , and not entail
the disagreeable necessity of taking them to Grand Lodge . Bro . Col . Stuart was then formall y installed and clothed in the magnificent regalia of Provincial Grand Master ; Bro . Lieut .-Col . Henry Lindsell was investedas his Deputy , Bro . James Fisher , Treasurer of the Stuart Lodge , was elected and invested as Treasurer , and Bro . Prior , as Secretary . After the other appointments , Prov . Grand Lodge was closed , andabanquet followed at the Swan Hotel .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Installation Of R.W. Bro. Lord Harlech, Prov. Grand Master North Wales.
At the conclusion of this portion of the proceedings , Bro . EDISBURY , on behalf of the Square and Compass Lodge , No . 1336 , of which he is W . Master , rose and presented , in a few appropriate words , to Lord Harlech , an address , of which the following is a copy : — To the Right Hon . Lord Harlech , the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master of
North Wales . We , the brethren of the Square and Compass Lodge , No . 1336 , Wrexham , avail ourselves of the opportunity of offering to your lordship our hearty congratulations on your being appointed to the high position of the first Provincial Grand Master of the newly-constituted Province of North Wales , an appointment which , we feel sure , will meet with the cordial approval of every member of the Craft .
We trust that the G . A . O . T . U . will be pleased to extend to you a long and prosperous reign as ruler of this important province . The rapid development of Masonry in the joint Province of North Wales and Shropshire , under the auspicious direction of our late revered and lamented R . W . P . G . M ., Sir W . W . Wynn , Baronet , deceased , afford us confidence that under your lordship ' s government and large influence , there will be secured to this now divided branch of Freemasonry a permanent and increasing extension of its usefulness .
Signed , on behalf of the lodge , at the Masonic Chambers , Wrexham , October the 23 rd , 1 SS 5— ] . F . EDISBURY , W . M . 1 ? . W . EVANS , S . W . J . A . HARRIS , J . W . C . K . BENSON , P . M ., Treas . EDWARD SMITH , P . M ., Hon . Sec .
Lord HARLECH , who was again received with true Masonic fervour , suitably responded , and expressed the pleasure and interest he took in the Masonic proceedings , and the hope that their connection might be a long and 3 pleasant one . The other business having been disposed of , the brethren went in
procession to St . Mark ' s Church , where an able sermon was preached by the Rev . R . H . Williams , P . G . Chaplain , after which a collection was made on behalf of the Masonic and local Charities , and the P . G . Master and brethren returned in similar order to the lodge room , when Prov . Grand Lodge was closed in due form .
The brethren afterwards adjourned to the Wynnstay Arms , where Bro . Murless had prepared a magnificent banquet , to which upwards of 100 brethren sat down . After partaking of the good things provided , the usual toasts were given and responded to . The whole proceedings were carried out in the most satisfactory manner by the W . M . and Officers of the Square and Compass Lodge , who had taken under their charge the whole of the preliminary arrangements . Among the brethren present at the lodge and the banquet were the following : —
Bros . Henry Piatt , W . M ., Bangor ; Samuel Pope , O . C ., W . M ., Mawddach ; J . G . Tuxford , P . M ., Portmadoc ; R . G . Sisson , Denbigh ; W . R . Davies , Dolgelley ; J . Gruar , Caradoc Lodge ; J . Dodds , 425 , Chester ; T . A . Young , W . M . 15 S 2 ; T . Pryce Lewis , Rhyl ; J . H . Leche , Carden , Chester ; j . Wartski , W . M . 14 SS , Amlwch ; W . L . Danks , P . P . G . S . ; H ' J . Lloyd , Barmouth ; J . Kitto , Llanidloes ; LI . F . Cox , Denbigh ; T . M . Taylor , P . M ., Newtown ; Danilly , P . M ., Newtown ; Rev . R . H . Williams , P . G ., Menai Bridge ; J . Pritchard , P . M ., St . David's ; W . Evans , W . M ., St . Cybi , Holhead
y ; R . Roberts , P . P . G . S . W ., Portmadoc ; J . F . Jesse , P . G . J . D . 1143 , Denbigh ; J . Lloyd Kyffin , P . M . C . and T ., Almwch ; Hugh Thomas , I . P . M ., Anglesey ; W . H . Thomas , Royal Leek , Beaumaris ; M . H . Roberts , St . David ' s , Bangor ; Rev . J . Smith , St . David ' s , Bangor ; J . Parry Jones , Denbigh ; W . L . Prothero , Pontblyddyn ; A . P . Bell , 425 , Chester ; J . Cullimore , 425 , Chester ; J . Salmon , P . M ., Chester ; M . Johnson , Chester ; Duncan , Chester ; Robinson , Chester ; Lockwood , Chester ; Spencer , Chester ; H . Lloyd , Chester ; J . Finchett , Chester ; D . Howell , P . M . ; Major Casson , P . G . O . ; 1 . P . Lewis , Rhyl . Sir Watkin Lodire .
Mold-. Bros . G . H . Adams , Corbett , Swift , Beresford , T . B . Williams , Dr . Roberts , Bolton , T . S . Adams . The following were members of the Square and Compass Lodge , No . 1336 , Wrexham , namely : Bros . J . F . Edisbury , W . M . ; J . Oswell Bury , P . P . G . J . D . ; J . C . Owen , P . M . ; Howel Davies , P . M . ; J . A . Harriss , J . W . ; Thomas J . E . Young , S . D . ; Evan Morris , H . V . Palin , Ashton Bradley , D . D . Pierce , J . E . Thomas , J . Colemere Gittins , J . D . ; W . Perris , John Pay , G . Bradley , Geo . Bevan , Catherall , H . Done , R . W . Evans , S . W . ; Grenville Jones , C . Davies , Dr . Eyton-Jones , G . Worrall , J . Lewis , P . M . ; Hediey , Owen Price , J . Robinson , J . Williams , Rev . Roberts , Fitch , E . Lewis , and others .
Washington Lodge, No. 59, Philadelphia.
WASHINGTON LODGE , No . 59 , PHILADELPHIA .
WILLIAM JAMES HUGHAN . Bro . W . B . Reed , P . M ., has done good service by writing a brief history of the " Washington " Lodge , which was warranted on June 3 , 1793 . " It was ori ginally composed of five patriotic brethren , who , inspired by love of country , resolved that their sentiments should be known to posterity by the
name which they had selected for the new lodge . " Unfortunately , the first minute book , 1793 to 1 S 04 , was burnt in 1 S 19 , but Bro . Reed states that the names of the earl y brethren reveal the fact that many were of Quaker ori gin . In England , we are always pleased to admit " Friends" on their affirmation , and I once saw one so admitted . The second book of
transactions , was saved from the burning Temple , in Chestnut-street , but subsequentl y fell into the hands , for a short time , of the daughter of a Secretary of the lod ge , "who embellished (?) it with pictures of horses , cows , and other childish fancies . " In well-rounded letters she wrote " Quarrelsome people should always be avoided ; " they certainly should be in lodge , and have been in No . 59 , for Bro . Reed " declares that "after an association of
twenty-seven years with the brethren , he does not remember hearing an angry word spoken in debate . " Would that it were always S ° ' u ^ ° - ^ le rnost P ^ easing features of the book is the numerous pith y headings , which aid the reader , and add much to the effect ° J the handsome little volume . At "the Washington Obsequies " .. ° - 59 took a prominent part—three of its Past Masters bore extinguished hghts , and four others carried an elaborate trophy . The first floor of the on
• MU ^ ^ ' c a ( 1802 ) was fitted up as a school-room , and occupied by a Masonic Pedagogue , " a member of 59 , the contract with the Grand Lodge providing that ¦« the education of the children of poor brethren shall be in lieu of rent . " This Bro . C . P . Stewart , tired of teaching the " young idea now . to shoot , " resolved "to do a little shooting on his own account , " and so misled ^ in the army during the war of 1812 . " He returned safe and ound" and became the Secretary favoured " is another * caiwttill / -v tavuuiLU ^ iica ajici 13
, . "A Chapter , . « ., v , ja . a . ; ; UCLIUWI ^ , v ciuvjaiiua eadingj under which we read that Recommendations to the Royal Arch , 1 er sanction of the distinguished "Jerusalem , " No . 3 , were made in pen lod ge on behalf of two members : " all who passed the chair were w f | mmen ded to it" for some years . This chapter is the oldest , continuously W 0 I [ "gWhat is known , and still exists . Under "Too numerous for — _ , n K ' " January loth , 1810 . wc note that thirteen members resigned ,
"Q lounded No . 115 . Another " swarm " had formed No . 91 in 1801 . ceed W y - ' lSl 3 ' " Bro ' J ames F ° rsytli , S-W ., took the chair , and provisit . & > ve tne lodge a lecture on Freemasonry , but there were so many tors to be examined , that he was finally obliged to resign the task . "
Washington Lodge, No. 59, Philadelphia.
Evidently he was an able man , for he was elected eight times to the chair as Master . The Masonic Hall was burnt March 9 , 1 S 19 , the lodge holding its meeting when the fire originated , and losing much valuable property . The second Hall , in Chestnut-street , was dedicated November 1 , 1 S 20 , and the lodge again began "housekeeping . " The anti-Masonic scare injured tha prospects of the lodge for a time . However , the cloud passed , and soon
after 1 S 40 prosperous times again visited the members . December 12 , 1 S 43 , the work was ordered by the Grand Lodge to be done in the Master Masons ' Lodge , save the conferring of the first two Degrees ( as heretofore ) . "Growing rich ; " "The helping hand ; " "An immense affair" ( annual banquet over Soo present , 18 G 9 ); " A musical lodge " ( " Mozart , " No . 43 G , in 1 S 69 ); "Dedication of the Great Temple , " 1 S 73 ( finest in the world );
"Table furniture ; " "First visit of the lodge to church " ( 18 S 0 ); "Nineteenth Anniversary" ( June 3 , 1883 ); and " Conclusion , " are a lew specimens of the numerous subsequent " headings . " Many of the particulars are most interesting , and though the lodge has founded , in whole or part , eleven lodges , it is still prosperous , and has on the roll in 1884 some 408 effective members .
1291 in all have been admitted since 1793 ! Bro . Reed , who was Master in 1 S 64 , is the honoured Secretary of the " Washington " Lodge , and has done his work well as historian , for a more compact and interesting history I have never read ; the tables , illustrations , and lists being most voluminous and well arranged .
Masonic Charity Associations.
MASONIC CHARITY ASSOCIATIONS .
One of the most hopeful signs of present day Freemasonry is the attention that is being paid to systematic Masonic benevolence . Not only are the Central Masonic Charities well supported , but in most provinces there are supplemental funds for local use , which are admirably adapted for the purposes of providing temporary assistance or even permanent aid . Children are being educated , and sometimes clothed , in our provinces by the hundreds ;
in one province alone there are over 100 beings so cared for , and in an adjoiningprovincehalf that large number . The enormous labourand time involved in carrying out these extensive plans are generally freely devoted by willing and zealous brethren , and hence , save a few pounds annually spent in printing reports , the whole of the money given is placed to the credit of such funds without any deductions whatever . The objects aimed
at by such Associations is to provide the means of assisting indigent brethren and widows , by donating sums of money to fill "financial gaps , " or to grant annuities , varying from £ 20 to £ 30 per annum , besides which , educational grants are made on behalf of Boys and Girls , who are sent to schools in their own neighbourhoods , brethren being " told off" by lodges to see to their efficiency ; alter the expiration of which
terms , they are then given sums of money towards their " advancement in life , " apprenticeship , or what not . Years ago it was feared that the advent of these local schemes would injure the funds of the Masonic Institutions , London ; whereas , as a matter of fact , they are all better supported than ever ; the West Lancashire , Cheshire , and the other numerous Educational and Annuity Funds prosper exceedingly , side by side with the amazing
success ol the Central Institutions . One secret of the spread of the former has been the five shilling membership , and the utilization of the numerous small sums so obtained . Then brethren found that by ceasing to subscribe their annual guineas to the London Charities their votes were lost , no matter how much they had contributed hitherto , and permanent votes were to be obtained at a less cost for the Provincial Institutions . Now all this
is being equalized by the starting of more " Charity Associations , " the members of which excellent Societies pay their guineas annually to local funds , which are devoted to the Central Charities , London , only that the members draw for the privilege of preference or nominations as Life Subscribers or Life Governors , all obtaining those coveted distinctions in either five or ten years , as the case may be , and thus ultimately all the annual
subscribers become Life Governors . Where provinces have not such organizations , private lodges have , and so the good work goes on . The latest of the kind started is for the Province of Cornwall , the Secretary being Bro . G . B . Pearce , of Hayle , and we hope soon to hear of others , for they are most valuable aids to the Charities , and secure the co-operation of many brethren .
R . W . Bro . the Earl of Jersey , Past Grand Senior Warden of England , was installed Provincial Grand Master ot Oxfordshire , in succession to his late Royal Hig hness the Duke of Albany , on Wednesday . The ceremony took place in Convocation House in the course of the afternoon , the Installing Master being R . W . Bro . Lord Leigh , Provincial Grand Master of Warwickshire , who , we need scarcely be at the pains of pointing out , fulfilled his duty most impressively . Subsequently Comp . the Rev . H . A . Pickard
was installed Provincial Grand Superintendent of Royal Arch Masons , this office , like that of Provincial Grand Master , having been held by his late Royal Highness . This function was also carried out most satisfactorily . Full particulars , with lists of the Provincial Grand Officers , both Craft and Arch , will be given next week , as well as the small remainder of our Shropshire report , and a full account of the installation of R . W . Bro . Colonel William Stuart , Past Grand Senior Warden of England , as Provincial Grand Master of Bedfordshire .
By Telegram.
BY TELEGRAM .
BiiDioRD , THURSDAY . The Provincial Grand Lodge of Bedfordshire was formally constituted to-day at the Assembly Rooms , in the presence of some 200 brethren , by Bro . Col . Shadwell H . Clerke , Grand Secretary , who was assisted by Bros , the Rev . C . W . Spencer Stanhope , Past Grand Chap . ; Frank Richardson , Past Grand Deacon ; Cumberland , and Swaine . After the formal opening
of Provincial Grand Lodge , Bro . Col . Clerke explained the object of the meeting , and congratulated the brethren of Bedfordshire on having been formed into a province , whereb y they would henceforth have many advantages . He also congratulated them on having had appointed as their first Provincial Grand Master , Bro . Col . William Stuart , an old and tried Mason , who would be able to settle any questions which might arise , and not entail
the disagreeable necessity of taking them to Grand Lodge . Bro . Col . Stuart was then formall y installed and clothed in the magnificent regalia of Provincial Grand Master ; Bro . Lieut .-Col . Henry Lindsell was investedas his Deputy , Bro . James Fisher , Treasurer of the Stuart Lodge , was elected and invested as Treasurer , and Bro . Prior , as Secretary . After the other appointments , Prov . Grand Lodge was closed , andabanquet followed at the Swan Hotel .