Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Northampton New Masonic Buildings; Laying Of The Foundation Stone
rooms—the " robing " room , 30 feet by 22 feet , a small " convenient" room , and the " Lodge" room . Large bay windows will be requisitioned again to light the first-named of these rooms , and also the landing at the top of the grand staircase . It is intended to glaze theao windows with especially designed stained glass . The
Lodgo room will be an extensive ono—50 foet by 25—and will measure 21 feet from floor to ceiling . It will have wall arcades of triple pilasters , supporting semi-circular archos , from which will Bpring a ciroular carved ceiling , ornamented with moulded ribs and panols . Small circular windows of glazed stained glass will cast a
pleasantly subdued light upon tho mysterious transactions of the Masons here assembled . Warmth will be supplied by high pressure hot-water pipes in the larger rooms ; but in the smaller ones there will be open lire-places . Mr . J . T . Ingman , of Hazelwood Eoad , is tho architect , and Mr . Edwin Archer , of Abington-Street , is the
contractor , the contract price being £ 3344 10 s . The ceremony was a novel , brilliant , interesting , and impressive one . Prior to its commencement , at four o ' clock , there was a mooting of the Provincial Graud Lodgo iu the Old Masonic Hall , Abington Street . An adjournment was made to Bro . Brook Sampson ' s , Beethoven
House , the Market-square , whero a procession was formed at tho i oar , and proceeded by the gardon to the site of the new buildiug . Here the scaffolding had been gaily trimmed with vari-colourcd flags and bunting , whilst over tho stone was au awniug , along the front of which was the inscription , "The Quceu aud Craft , " in silver letters ,
surmounted by a symbolical Bhield . Other symbols of the Ancient and Honourable Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons wero visible around , and in the rear centre of the awning , brightly tinted , was . a portrait of Her Majesty Quoeu Victoria . On a raisod platform to the left of the site was a large company of ladies , and a few
gentlemen unconnected with tho Craft . On arrival at the Bite the Masons formed two lines , whioh respectively faced left and right inwards , and between them the E . W . Provincial Grand Master advanced to a position on the right of the Btone . Clustered around him were the principal Officers Past aud Present of the Province
tho Standard Bearers occupying prominent positions . The lino regalia of the Order , the ladies' dresses , the beautiful bannerettes , and the clusters of flags on the scaffold towering above , gave the scene a singularly attractive and pleasing aspeot . When the Masons had properly ranged themselves there was perfect silence for a few moments , and then the following hymn was sung : —
Hail , Eternal ! by whose aid All created things wero made ; Heaven and earth Thy vast design , Hear us , Architect Divine .
May our work , begun in Thoo , Ever blest with order be ; And may we , when labours cease , Part in harmony and peace .
By thy glorious Majesty , By the trust we place in Thee , By the badge and mystic sign , Hear us , Architect Divine . Tho Provincial Grand Master then moved forward a few paces , and
addressed the Masons . He said that day would in the future be looked back upon as a notable oue in the history of the Craft in this Province . Tho fact that they were there laying the stone of now Mason buildings was of itself evidence that since tho opening of tho old hall the Order had progressed in Northampton , and more
accommodation for the Masons was needful . It was with the greatest pleasure he laid the stone , hoping that in days to come they would increase their numbers in the same ratio as in the past ; and that the Order would continue to do thoroughly well in the town and Province . Whilst the preparations for the actual laying of the stone
wore being made by the contractor and his men , Bro . T . P . Dorman , Past Provincial Grand Superintendent Works , addressed a few words to the Provincial Grand Master . He , as Chairman of the Directors of the Masonic Club and Buildings Company , Limited , on their behalf , welcomed the Provincial Grand Master to the spot where they hoped
to erect a superstructure worthy of the great institution to whioh thoy belonged . They thanked the Provincial Grand Master for the performance of the work he had BO kindly undertaken that day . As to the need for the new hall , it was manifest to all belonging to the Order in Northampton . In handing a new silver trowel to the
Provincial Grand Master , Bro . Dorman said he would read the inscriptions on tho old Masonic trowel , whioh was also there . This he did . It appeared that Earl Spencer used it to lay the Northampton Lunatic Asylum foundation stone , on 26 th May 1836 ; that it was used when tho first stone of St . Katharine's Church , Northampton , was laid ,
on 11 th August 1837 , by the Marquis of Northampton ; that the foundation stone of St . Andrew ' s Church , Northampton , was laid with it by Sir Charles Knightley , Bart ., M . P ., on 20 th October 1840 ; that tho corner stone of St . Giles ' s Parochial Schools , Northampton , was laid with it on the 24 th May 1861 , by Earl Spencer . The same
trowel was used by H . E . H . Prince Albert Victor of Wales in laying tho foundation stone of the new Jubilee Wing of the Infirmary in October 18 S 7 . But as there was no room to record that fact on the old trowel , the Directors had purchased a new trowel , whoso faco is to bo divided into equal spaces for future inscriptions .
Proceeding , Bro . Dorman said thoy hopod that the Great Architect of tbe Universe might long spare tho Provincial Grand Master ' s life to carry on tho great work of Masonry in the Province ; aud that he might bo called upon to use that new trowel so often that the divisions might soon be filled up with tho record . As to Masonry in
tho town , they had every reason to be thankful that thoy had a new Provincial Grand Master to lay with a now trowel the foundation atouo of now Masonic buildings , which should engender now life iu tho old brothron , and lead to an oxtouaion of knowledgo Masonic to many now candidates in thole ancient and honourable Order . At tho close of Bro . Dormau ' 0 addrem ) , all revereutly bowing , t"o Provincial
Northampton New Masonic Buildings; Laying Of The Foundation Stone
Grand Chaplain ( Bro . tho Eev . F . S . Thornton ) prayed , as follows : — " 0 Almighty Architect of tho Universe , who didst hallow tho gates of Jerusalem with tho glory of jewels , aud Who by tho mouth of Thy peoples hast said : ' Praiso the Lord , 0 Jerusalem , for He hath made fast the bars of thy gates , and hath blossed thy children within thco . '
We beseoch Thee , help this work about to be begun , and grant that Thy word running ou the swiftest may fill us with the flour of wheat , and that the unction of tho Holy Spirit may defeud us , that all who meet in this house may dwell together in peace , aud praiso Thee in
voice , heart , and work , knowing that great is lhy power and infinite Thy wisdom , who rulest over all for over and over . Amen . " The Chaplain ' s prayer ended , the Prov . Secretary , Bro . F . J . Buckle , read out tho following inscription , which was that on tho stone : —
Tbii Btone was laid , with Masonic honours , by Tho E . W . Prov . G . M . of Norths and Hunts , Bro . the EARL of EUSTON , D . L ., September 8 th , A . L . 5889 , A . D . 1881 ) . Tho Provinoial Treasurer Bro . A . Eames Parsons , afterwards walked
to the stone and deponitod beneath it a vial containing copies of the last week's Mercury , and Herald , and Tuesday ' s Daily Reporter , and Chronicle . The plans of the buildings , programmes of the day , names of members of tho Province , and tho coins of the realm . The Provincial Graud Mastor thou tosted tho laying of tho atono by the
usual Masonic processes , with plumb-rule , level , aud square , delivered to him by Bros . Smith Proviuoial Senior Grand Warden , Emery Provincial Junior Grand Warden , and Butler Wilkins Provinoial Grand Standard Bearer , said iu succession , and after brief intervals : " I find this stone perfect and trustworthy . " " I fiud thia stone well
founded . " I find this stouo perfect and true . " I deolaro this stone to bo well and truly laid . May the Almighty Architect of the Universe look down with benignity ou this our work . May He orowa the edifice , the foundation of whioh we have just laid , with every success . " Bro . J . Snow W . M . of tho Pomfret Lodgo , No . 360 , having
handed to the Provinoial Graud Master corn ; Bro . E . Croft W . M . of the Eleanor Cross 1764 wine ; and Bro . J . Eunson W . M . of the Delapro 1911 oil ; the Prov . Grand Master placed these in turn on the stone , declaring as he did so—I scatter corn upon this atone , the emblem of plenty aud abundance . May we eat the bread of peace and live in
harmony with our neighbours . I pour out wiue upon this stone , the emblem of joy and gladness . May we rejoice in the revelation of tho truth and may virtue flourish as the vine . I pour oil upon thia stone , the emblem of peace and unanimity . May that peace whioh passeth all understanding descend upon us and remain with us for
ever . The architect was , later OD , presented by the Worshipful the Deputy Provincial Grand Master Bro . Butler Wilkins to the Provincial Grand Master ; and tbe Provincial Grand Master having inspected the plans of the intended buildings , dolivered the same to
tho architect , together with the several tools used iu proving the position of the stone , and desired him to proceed without IOBS of time to the completion of the work in conformity with the plans , which ho commended . The Chaplain after this offered up the Lord's Prayer , and
" Now the evening shadows closing Warn from toil to poacoful rest ; Mystic arts and rites reposing Sacred in each faithful breast .
God of light , whose love nncoasiug Doth to all Thy works extend , Crown our Order with Thy blessing ; Build , —sustain us to the end .
Humbly now wo bow before Theo , Grateful for Thy aid Divino ; Everlasting power and glory , Mighty Architect , bo Thine . " was suug . The Chaplain ' s pronunciation of tho Benediction closed
the ceromouy . But prior to the procession re-forming the gathering was photographed by Mr . Charles Law , of Bridge Street , Northampton , aud also by another gentleman . A list is appended of those participating in the afternoon's proceedings : —Present and Past Officers of the Province of Norths and Huuts : Bros . Lord Euston
P . G . M ., Butler Wilkins D . P . G . M ., H . T . Smith W . M . 373 P . G . S . W ., Rev . S . Wathen Wigg P . M . 1764 , 1911 P . P . G . Chaplain , George Osborn P . P . G . S . W . No . 445 , Towcester ; Thomas Oldham P . P . G . E . No . 445 and W . M . Fidelity , Alfred Cockerill P . P . J . D . P . M . 360 , C . E . Thorpe I . G . 360 , T . G . Buokle P . G . S ., F . D . Thornton P . G . C .,
Thomas Merry S . S . 360 , George Ellard P . M . 3601764 P . Prov . S . G . W . Prov . G . D . C ., C . T . Emery I . P . M . 1764 Past Prov . J . G . W ., John Ennson Prov . G . Standard Bearer , G . H . Percival P . P . G . J . W . P . M . 1911 . Pomfret Lodge , 360 : Bros . John Snow W . M ., Henry A . Eobinson 8 . W ., Edwin B . Fletcher J . D ., John Jas . Hart
P . M ., Frederick James Airs P . M ., G . F . E . Wilkinson Standard Bearer , Thomas Wetherell , Joseph Sadler , Joseph Jeffory , Charles Sanders , F . 0 . Wallis , S . C . Beel , S . B . Wilkinson Steward , F . H . Mardlin , W . H . Pcirce , Edwin Archer , John T . Green P . M ., Thomas Franks J . D ., F . J . Barnett , G . L . Michel , Evan C . Asliford ,
Samuel Frisby , and Samuel Barber . . Lleauor Cross Lodgo , 1764 : Bros . Charles Cooke , Eichard Croft W . M ., George Butcher S . W ., Harry Tlodgoa S . D ., T . P . Dorman J . W ., W . J . Neil Whitliuld , Arthur Palmer 1953 ( visiting ) , James Cnrrall Treasurer , Alfrod Wiseman , W . F . Tiplcr , \ V . II . Tarry , Sam S . Campion , J . Gold
r . G ., E . H . Boycott , T . H . Vialls , J . Avos Jowett J . D ., Alfred Jones Secretary . Da la Pre Lodgo , 1911 : Bros . S . J . W . Sanders P . M ., Frederick Willonghby W . M ., Brook Sampson P . M ., John Wheoler . Bros . II . T . Smith W . M . 373 , E . McAuslin 449 , E . Ayros 373 , Goorgo C . Caster S . W . 442 , Ernest Parsons Chicheley 607 , Captain
fi . P . Airoy 1035 310 , John Masou 98 , Charlo 3 Day 90-J , R . A . E . Woaton , M . W . Packer P . M . 160 , W . It . Ennals 4 : 66 , 8 . Salmon 1017 . At tho closo of tho ceromouy the brethren returned to tho Lodgeroom at tho Old MaHonic Hall . Lord Euston announced that ho had urigiually lixod upon Wellingborough for next yoar ' a Provincial
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Northampton New Masonic Buildings; Laying Of The Foundation Stone
rooms—the " robing " room , 30 feet by 22 feet , a small " convenient" room , and the " Lodge" room . Large bay windows will be requisitioned again to light the first-named of these rooms , and also the landing at the top of the grand staircase . It is intended to glaze theao windows with especially designed stained glass . The
Lodgo room will be an extensive ono—50 foet by 25—and will measure 21 feet from floor to ceiling . It will have wall arcades of triple pilasters , supporting semi-circular archos , from which will Bpring a ciroular carved ceiling , ornamented with moulded ribs and panols . Small circular windows of glazed stained glass will cast a
pleasantly subdued light upon tho mysterious transactions of the Masons here assembled . Warmth will be supplied by high pressure hot-water pipes in the larger rooms ; but in the smaller ones there will be open lire-places . Mr . J . T . Ingman , of Hazelwood Eoad , is tho architect , and Mr . Edwin Archer , of Abington-Street , is the
contractor , the contract price being £ 3344 10 s . The ceremony was a novel , brilliant , interesting , and impressive one . Prior to its commencement , at four o ' clock , there was a mooting of the Provincial Graud Lodgo iu the Old Masonic Hall , Abington Street . An adjournment was made to Bro . Brook Sampson ' s , Beethoven
House , the Market-square , whero a procession was formed at tho i oar , and proceeded by the gardon to the site of the new buildiug . Here the scaffolding had been gaily trimmed with vari-colourcd flags and bunting , whilst over tho stone was au awniug , along the front of which was the inscription , "The Quceu aud Craft , " in silver letters ,
surmounted by a symbolical Bhield . Other symbols of the Ancient and Honourable Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons wero visible around , and in the rear centre of the awning , brightly tinted , was . a portrait of Her Majesty Quoeu Victoria . On a raisod platform to the left of the site was a large company of ladies , and a few
gentlemen unconnected with tho Craft . On arrival at the Bite the Masons formed two lines , whioh respectively faced left and right inwards , and between them the E . W . Provincial Grand Master advanced to a position on the right of the Btone . Clustered around him were the principal Officers Past aud Present of the Province
tho Standard Bearers occupying prominent positions . The lino regalia of the Order , the ladies' dresses , the beautiful bannerettes , and the clusters of flags on the scaffold towering above , gave the scene a singularly attractive and pleasing aspeot . When the Masons had properly ranged themselves there was perfect silence for a few moments , and then the following hymn was sung : —
Hail , Eternal ! by whose aid All created things wero made ; Heaven and earth Thy vast design , Hear us , Architect Divine .
May our work , begun in Thoo , Ever blest with order be ; And may we , when labours cease , Part in harmony and peace .
By thy glorious Majesty , By the trust we place in Thee , By the badge and mystic sign , Hear us , Architect Divine . Tho Provincial Grand Master then moved forward a few paces , and
addressed the Masons . He said that day would in the future be looked back upon as a notable oue in the history of the Craft in this Province . Tho fact that they were there laying the stone of now Mason buildings was of itself evidence that since tho opening of tho old hall the Order had progressed in Northampton , and more
accommodation for the Masons was needful . It was with the greatest pleasure he laid the stone , hoping that in days to come they would increase their numbers in the same ratio as in the past ; and that the Order would continue to do thoroughly well in the town and Province . Whilst the preparations for the actual laying of the stone
wore being made by the contractor and his men , Bro . T . P . Dorman , Past Provincial Grand Superintendent Works , addressed a few words to the Provincial Grand Master . He , as Chairman of the Directors of the Masonic Club and Buildings Company , Limited , on their behalf , welcomed the Provincial Grand Master to the spot where they hoped
to erect a superstructure worthy of the great institution to whioh thoy belonged . They thanked the Provincial Grand Master for the performance of the work he had BO kindly undertaken that day . As to the need for the new hall , it was manifest to all belonging to the Order in Northampton . In handing a new silver trowel to the
Provincial Grand Master , Bro . Dorman said he would read the inscriptions on tho old Masonic trowel , whioh was also there . This he did . It appeared that Earl Spencer used it to lay the Northampton Lunatic Asylum foundation stone , on 26 th May 1836 ; that it was used when tho first stone of St . Katharine's Church , Northampton , was laid ,
on 11 th August 1837 , by the Marquis of Northampton ; that the foundation stone of St . Andrew ' s Church , Northampton , was laid with it by Sir Charles Knightley , Bart ., M . P ., on 20 th October 1840 ; that tho corner stone of St . Giles ' s Parochial Schools , Northampton , was laid with it on the 24 th May 1861 , by Earl Spencer . The same
trowel was used by H . E . H . Prince Albert Victor of Wales in laying tho foundation stone of the new Jubilee Wing of the Infirmary in October 18 S 7 . But as there was no room to record that fact on the old trowel , the Directors had purchased a new trowel , whoso faco is to bo divided into equal spaces for future inscriptions .
Proceeding , Bro . Dorman said thoy hopod that the Great Architect of tbe Universe might long spare tho Provincial Grand Master ' s life to carry on tho great work of Masonry in the Province ; aud that he might bo called upon to use that new trowel so often that the divisions might soon be filled up with tho record . As to Masonry in
tho town , they had every reason to be thankful that thoy had a new Provincial Grand Master to lay with a now trowel the foundation atouo of now Masonic buildings , which should engender now life iu tho old brothron , and lead to an oxtouaion of knowledgo Masonic to many now candidates in thole ancient and honourable Order . At tho close of Bro . Dormau ' 0 addrem ) , all revereutly bowing , t"o Provincial
Northampton New Masonic Buildings; Laying Of The Foundation Stone
Grand Chaplain ( Bro . tho Eev . F . S . Thornton ) prayed , as follows : — " 0 Almighty Architect of tho Universe , who didst hallow tho gates of Jerusalem with tho glory of jewels , aud Who by tho mouth of Thy peoples hast said : ' Praiso the Lord , 0 Jerusalem , for He hath made fast the bars of thy gates , and hath blossed thy children within thco . '
We beseoch Thee , help this work about to be begun , and grant that Thy word running ou the swiftest may fill us with the flour of wheat , and that the unction of tho Holy Spirit may defeud us , that all who meet in this house may dwell together in peace , aud praiso Thee in
voice , heart , and work , knowing that great is lhy power and infinite Thy wisdom , who rulest over all for over and over . Amen . " The Chaplain ' s prayer ended , the Prov . Secretary , Bro . F . J . Buckle , read out tho following inscription , which was that on tho stone : —
Tbii Btone was laid , with Masonic honours , by Tho E . W . Prov . G . M . of Norths and Hunts , Bro . the EARL of EUSTON , D . L ., September 8 th , A . L . 5889 , A . D . 1881 ) . Tho Provinoial Treasurer Bro . A . Eames Parsons , afterwards walked
to the stone and deponitod beneath it a vial containing copies of the last week's Mercury , and Herald , and Tuesday ' s Daily Reporter , and Chronicle . The plans of the buildings , programmes of the day , names of members of tho Province , and tho coins of the realm . The Provincial Graud Mastor thou tosted tho laying of tho atono by the
usual Masonic processes , with plumb-rule , level , aud square , delivered to him by Bros . Smith Proviuoial Senior Grand Warden , Emery Provincial Junior Grand Warden , and Butler Wilkins Provinoial Grand Standard Bearer , said iu succession , and after brief intervals : " I find this stone perfect and trustworthy . " " I fiud thia stone well
founded . " I find this stouo perfect and true . " I deolaro this stone to bo well and truly laid . May the Almighty Architect of the Universe look down with benignity ou this our work . May He orowa the edifice , the foundation of whioh we have just laid , with every success . " Bro . J . Snow W . M . of tho Pomfret Lodgo , No . 360 , having
handed to the Provinoial Graud Master corn ; Bro . E . Croft W . M . of the Eleanor Cross 1764 wine ; and Bro . J . Eunson W . M . of the Delapro 1911 oil ; the Prov . Grand Master placed these in turn on the stone , declaring as he did so—I scatter corn upon this atone , the emblem of plenty aud abundance . May we eat the bread of peace and live in
harmony with our neighbours . I pour out wiue upon this stone , the emblem of joy and gladness . May we rejoice in the revelation of tho truth and may virtue flourish as the vine . I pour oil upon thia stone , the emblem of peace and unanimity . May that peace whioh passeth all understanding descend upon us and remain with us for
ever . The architect was , later OD , presented by the Worshipful the Deputy Provincial Grand Master Bro . Butler Wilkins to the Provincial Grand Master ; and tbe Provincial Grand Master having inspected the plans of the intended buildings , dolivered the same to
tho architect , together with the several tools used iu proving the position of the stone , and desired him to proceed without IOBS of time to the completion of the work in conformity with the plans , which ho commended . The Chaplain after this offered up the Lord's Prayer , and
" Now the evening shadows closing Warn from toil to poacoful rest ; Mystic arts and rites reposing Sacred in each faithful breast .
God of light , whose love nncoasiug Doth to all Thy works extend , Crown our Order with Thy blessing ; Build , —sustain us to the end .
Humbly now wo bow before Theo , Grateful for Thy aid Divino ; Everlasting power and glory , Mighty Architect , bo Thine . " was suug . The Chaplain ' s pronunciation of tho Benediction closed
the ceromouy . But prior to the procession re-forming the gathering was photographed by Mr . Charles Law , of Bridge Street , Northampton , aud also by another gentleman . A list is appended of those participating in the afternoon's proceedings : —Present and Past Officers of the Province of Norths and Huuts : Bros . Lord Euston
P . G . M ., Butler Wilkins D . P . G . M ., H . T . Smith W . M . 373 P . G . S . W ., Rev . S . Wathen Wigg P . M . 1764 , 1911 P . P . G . Chaplain , George Osborn P . P . G . S . W . No . 445 , Towcester ; Thomas Oldham P . P . G . E . No . 445 and W . M . Fidelity , Alfred Cockerill P . P . J . D . P . M . 360 , C . E . Thorpe I . G . 360 , T . G . Buokle P . G . S ., F . D . Thornton P . G . C .,
Thomas Merry S . S . 360 , George Ellard P . M . 3601764 P . Prov . S . G . W . Prov . G . D . C ., C . T . Emery I . P . M . 1764 Past Prov . J . G . W ., John Ennson Prov . G . Standard Bearer , G . H . Percival P . P . G . J . W . P . M . 1911 . Pomfret Lodge , 360 : Bros . John Snow W . M ., Henry A . Eobinson 8 . W ., Edwin B . Fletcher J . D ., John Jas . Hart
P . M ., Frederick James Airs P . M ., G . F . E . Wilkinson Standard Bearer , Thomas Wetherell , Joseph Sadler , Joseph Jeffory , Charles Sanders , F . 0 . Wallis , S . C . Beel , S . B . Wilkinson Steward , F . H . Mardlin , W . H . Pcirce , Edwin Archer , John T . Green P . M ., Thomas Franks J . D ., F . J . Barnett , G . L . Michel , Evan C . Asliford ,
Samuel Frisby , and Samuel Barber . . Lleauor Cross Lodgo , 1764 : Bros . Charles Cooke , Eichard Croft W . M ., George Butcher S . W ., Harry Tlodgoa S . D ., T . P . Dorman J . W ., W . J . Neil Whitliuld , Arthur Palmer 1953 ( visiting ) , James Cnrrall Treasurer , Alfrod Wiseman , W . F . Tiplcr , \ V . II . Tarry , Sam S . Campion , J . Gold
r . G ., E . H . Boycott , T . H . Vialls , J . Avos Jowett J . D ., Alfred Jones Secretary . Da la Pre Lodgo , 1911 : Bros . S . J . W . Sanders P . M ., Frederick Willonghby W . M ., Brook Sampson P . M ., John Wheoler . Bros . II . T . Smith W . M . 373 , E . McAuslin 449 , E . Ayros 373 , Goorgo C . Caster S . W . 442 , Ernest Parsons Chicheley 607 , Captain
fi . P . Airoy 1035 310 , John Masou 98 , Charlo 3 Day 90-J , R . A . E . Woaton , M . W . Packer P . M . 160 , W . It . Ennals 4 : 66 , 8 . Salmon 1017 . At tho closo of tho ceromouy the brethren returned to tho Lodgeroom at tho Old MaHonic Hall . Lord Euston announced that ho had urigiually lixod upon Wellingborough for next yoar ' a Provincial