Form Of Certificate.

yet alluded to in all Encampments , properly constituted , though this is about the only one Avhich has continued the Ancient Central Light , always used in this Conclave , and Avhich is mentioned here ; the Avriter during his absence abroad , was put doAvn as an ignoramus by a visiting Provincial Grand Commander , for insisting upon its continuance .

The Craven Inn , Avhere the Encampment met , declined in character , which led to its removal , and on the 26 th October , 1826 , it installed Knights at the " Volunteer Inn , " Deansgate , and in Conclave petitioned the Duke of Sussex for the appointment of Sir John Crossley of Scaitcliffe , Hull , P . G . M . East Lane , ( one of the members that day installed ) as Prov . Gd . Comr . and he Avas accordingly

, appointed on the 10 th July , 1827 , as the successor of Sir F . D . Astley . There is a copy of this petition AAdiich Avas forwarded , November 18 th , 1826 , and is as folloAvs : — " To H . R . H . Prince Augustus Frederick Duke of Sussex , KG ., M . W . G . M ., " of the U . F . of a F . and Accepted Masons of England , and Most " Eminent Supreme Grand Master of the Military and Reliious Order

g " of Knights Templars . " The Humble Petition of the Commander , Captains , and others , Officers " and Knights of the Conclave No . 9 , holding their Encampment at Man" Chester , in the County of Lancaster , under sanction of Avarrant granted " May 20 th , 1795 , by the late Sir Thos . Dunckerley , he being at that "time G . M .

" Sheweth , —That the office of Provincial Grand Commander being now " vacant by the death of Sir F . D . Astley , your petitioners , with all dutiful " respect to your R . H ., and ever anxious to support the dignity of the

" Order by a strict conformity to the statutes , beg leaA r e to approach your " R . H . humbly praying that you Avould be pleased to appoint a Prov . " Grand Commander for this and the adjoining province of Cheshire . " Should it not be deemed presumptive , or interfere Avith your Royal High" ness ' s prerogative , your petitioners with the greatest deference beg leave " to propose to your notice , and pray your R . H ., should it meet your " pleasureto make such appointment in the of Sir John Crossley

, person " of Scaitcliffe , your Prov . Gd . Master for the Masonic body in the Eastern " Division of this county , a gentleman , in our opinion , eminently qualified ' ' to fill the duties of that high office with honour to your R . H . and the Order " generally , credit to himself and satisfaction to the Sir Knts . Companions " OA er Avhom ho should preside . " That your R . H . may long continue to enjoy CA ery blessing that can be

" poured from the mansions of the Most High , is the sincere prayer of " your petitioners . " Done in open Conclave , at Manchester , this 26 th day of October , in " the year of our Lord , 1826 . " JOHN BENT , Commander . W . MTTSGEOA E . " TnoiiAS PEESTON , 1 st C . J . MCDOUGAL .

" THOAIAS HIGGINSON , 2 nd C . J . HOLFOED . " SEMON JONES , 1 st A . de C . JAMES CAKTEE . " JOHN SCHOEIELD , 2 nd A . de C . RICHAED SALTEE . " JESSE LEE , Registrar . J . CIIEAV . " J . SHAAV , Standard Bearer . RT . ROBINSON . " J . OGDEN , Herald . PAUL PLYADIEE . " G . FIELDEN , Centinel . DANIEL LYNCH . "