New Masonic Hall, Halifax.

upon the chairman of the combined committee of fche two lodges , Bro . John Fisher , P . M .- , P . Prov . G . Treas ., but illness unfortunately prevented that gentleman from appearing there that day—a circumstance which he ( Bro . Fisher ) would regrefc even more than they would . The address of the committee he would now read : —

" Sir and brother , —Ifc is my privilege on this most interesting occasion to address you on behalf of fche Lodge of Probity , 61 , and the Lodge of St . James' 448 , and to inform , you of the circumstances which have led to the present gathering of the brethren of the Craft . These lodges , I need hardly tell you , hold important positions in the province of West Yorkshire—the Probity being

the most ancient in the province , and the St . James ' also taking ancient rank on its muster roll . For many years past there has been a strong yearning on the part of the brethren of the Craft to be possessed of a building in which their solemn rites and ceremonies might be conducted with safety and comfort ; and to which every one of them might resort without being subject to

unreasonable remarks from the outward world who are not Masons . "Various efforts have from time to time been made by the brethren of the Lodge of Probity to accomplish that object , in which you have assisted ; but they proved unsuccessful from causes not within their control . Ultimately , by the united action of both lodges , the brethren belonging to them being animated by the

same Masonic spirit and good feeling , the structure of which the chief corner stone is to be laid this day was determined to be erected . It will devolve upon the architect to submit to you the plan , and to describe the intended building ; but on behalf of the united committee of the two lodges , I may say that it has been designed with consummate ability ; that besides embracing

accommodation for all the Masonic requirements of both lodges , * the arrangements for celebrating the festival of our order and for the personal comfort of the brethren Lave been . amply provided for . It may indeed be said

We build upon the noblest plan , For friendship rivets man to man , And makes us all as one . In carrying out this portion ofthe design the brethren of the two . lodges have unanimously agreed that they could not select a brother who would with greater cheerfulness and with a higher sense of the importance of the

task , undertake the important duty of laying wifch the usual Masonic rites the North East Corner Stone of this Masonic Temple than yourself ; and in their names and on behalf of both lodges , I have now to ask you to perform it , The selection , I need hardly say , has been made , not from the high social position you fill in this great province and county alone , though that has had , as

ifc ought to have , great weight with the brethren ; but from your exalted position in the Craft ; the interest you have taken at all times in its welfare and progress , the support you have so freely and liberally given to its various charities ; extending the right hand of fellowship and brotherhood to those of your brethren in Masonry who have been in distress ; and consequent upon all

these , the affection and regard in which you are held alike by the brethren of this town and the Craft generally . Sir , I will conclude with the expression of a fervent wish that the Gi * eat Architect of the World may prosper you in this and all your other undertakings , aud that health and happiness may attend you and Lady Edwards and your family . In assisting in this work may you feel that ,

In silence mighty things are wrought , Silently builcled , thought on thought , Truth's temples greet the sky ; And like a citadel with towers , The soul with her subservient powers , Is strengthened silently . Bro . Harry J . Franklin then read the inscription en

graved upon the brass plate to be placed below the stone , as follows .- — ' ¦ On Tuesday , June the 30 fch , 1868 , this corner-stone was laid by Liout .-Colonel Sir H . Edwards , M-P ., P . M ., P . P . S . G . W ., in due Masonic form , in presence of the Worshipful Masters , Past Masters , Wardens , Officers , and

brethren of the Lodge Probity , No , 61 , and the St . James ' s Lodge , No . -148 . Bro . A . Egberts next read a list of the names of the subscribers to the building fund . Then Bro . Keith deposited in a cavity beneath the stone a bottle containing coins and documents ; this was covered by the brass plate already mentioned . Bro .

Franklin then presented to Bro . Sir Henry Edwards a silver trowel suitably inscribed on behalf and in the name of Mr . Oharnock , contractor for the works . The mallet used on the occasion was of rosewood , and had a silver plate let into it , upon which these words were

engraven : — - "This mallet , used the 30 fch day of June , 1868 , on the occasion of fche laying of tho north-east corner-stone of theFreemassns' Hall , in the Borough of Halifax , bv Bro . Col . Sir H . Edwards , Bart ., M . F ., P . M ., P . P . S . G . W " , was presented to the Lodge of Probity , No- 61 , and St . James * Lodge , No . 448 , by "John Edwin Gates , " ) "B . W . Jackson , > Architects . " " W . H . D . Horsfall . \

Bro . Sir Henry Edwards . then proceeded to discharge his duty , the stone being lowered to its place while the band played a psalm tune called "The Last Wish . ' The stone was duly tried by the respective officers ( with plumb rule and other the respective "jewels of their office " ) namely , by Bros . Edwin Walshaw , Dr . Elliott , and Scratcherd . They having declared the stone duly

laid , Bro . Sir Henry Edwards said .: May the undertaking be conducted and completed by the craftsmen according to the grand plan , in peace , harmony , and brotherly love ! To which the brethren responded , "So mote it be !" Bro . Sir Henry Edwards then strewed corn upon the

stone as the emblem of plenty ; wine as the emblem of joy ; and oil as the emblem of peace . Mr . Horsfall submitted the plans of the building . Bro . Sir Henry Edwards then ( three hearty cheers having been given for him at the call of Mr . Jackson ) addressed the assembly as follows : —Let me express my cordial thanks for the honour done me in this address from the worthy chairman of the committee , and for the distinction conferred on me in laying the foundation

stone of this Masonic Hall , which will be a lasting credifc to the two lodges of Probity and Sfc . James ' , as well as to this important town and district . And let me especially and gratefully acknowledge the kind and friendly wishes expressed towards myself , Lady Edwards , and our family , which I sincerely reciprocate to you , Sir , to all the brethren present , and to those of this numerous

assemblage who are nofc yefc Masons , but I trust may soon be induced to join us . The interesting events of this day , and the ceremony in which we are now engaged are each well calculated to impress the mind of every person now present , and more particularly that portion of this assemblage which I have the privilege of addressing as members of an ancient and honourable fraternity .

Mere forms aud ceremonials have in themselves no value ; but when they are used as accessories , or as illustrative of great and noble purposes , they become at once pleasing in their associations , attractive in their application , and beneficial to all within the sphere of their influence ; and in this sense I desire to say to all present , who own allegiance to our noble craft , that I believe an important lesson of truth and morality may be drawn from the ceremony of to-day . In the rough and unshapely form of this stone , when it lay embedded