Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Consecration Of A Masonic Lodge At Fenton, Staffordshire.
the Officers to their obligations the members generally were enabled to fulfil their own duties more perfectly than they otherwise would . But , official duties set aside , they wero all upon an eqnality—all brethren ; and , then , as brethren , let them remember if one brother suffered they all suffered with him , for they were . ill members of one body . Those words were used in another sense , in connection with
a brotherhood with which he was associated , of perhaps even a more sacred character than Masonry ; bnt if they were to learn the real mission true Masonry taught they wonld be better husbands , better employers , better citizens than they were . Still the secret and cement of their Masonic Order was in this feeling that one man was not different to another—that each Mason , equally with any of his
brethren , was a child and servant of the Great Architect of the Universe . The last thought which suggested itself was the need of consistency . If a member was a good Mason he was a good man ; he could not be anything else . He might be a Mason and a bad man , bnt he could not be a good Mason and a bad man . Let their conduct be consistent outside the Lodge with what they did within
it ; let it not be thought from their outside conduct that there was anything improper in their assemblies ; but let it be said when Masons were noticed by the outside world that their condnct was in the highest degree commendable , and give the glory not to themselves , but to the Supreme / Ruler of the world . The musical portion of the ceremony was then commenced . After
the nsnal prayers , the invocation was given by the P . G . M ., and the Chaplain read the 1 st to the 16 th verses of the second chapter of the 2 nd Book of Chronicles . The Lodge board was then uncovered . The P . G . M ., the . D . PG . M ., and the Wardens carried the cornucopia , wine , and oil round the Lodge , appropriate verses being sung , and the consecrating Officer strewed corn as an emblem of plenty , poured
wine as the emblem of joy and happiness , and oil as tbe emblem of unity . The formal dedication and constitntion of the Lodge followed , more solemn mnsic being introduced , concluding with the National Anthem . The ceremony of installing Bro . Grove as W . M . was then proceeded with , this duty being performed by Bro . E . Roberts P . M . 637 , assisted by Bro . S . Smith P . M . 637 . In addition
to the Wardens previously mentioned , the following Officers were dnly invested;—Bros . G . Hallam Treasurer , E . Peake Secretary , J . Marfleet S . D ., T . W . Gimson J . D ., S . Smith D . C , Lindop I . G ., T . Barker Organist , J . Shenton Steward . At tho close of the Lodge a special tramway train conveyed the brethren from Fenton to Stoke , and a banquet was prepared in excellent style by
Bro . Patzer , at the North Staffordshire Hotel . About sixty attended the banquet , and the W . M . presided . At the conclusion of the repast , the loyal toasts , proposed by the W . M ., were very heartily drunk . Bro . F . James proposed the health of the Earl of Carnarvon Pro G . M . of England , the Earl of Lathom D . G . M ., and other Officers of Grand Lodge . He ( Bro . James ) said there was no man in England who
conld better give expression to the feelings which animated English Freemasons than the Earl of Carnarvon . Not long ago the Grand Orient of France made a proposition to eliminate from the Masonio ritual the name of the Great Architect of the Universe . They suggested to the Grand Lodgo of England that they should alter their ritual to the same extent . Lord Carnarvon , in a
few brief sentences , expressed the unanimous feeling of every English Mason that it was a matter that was utterly impossible even for them to consider for a moment . Members of the Grand Lodge decided that they did not wish to dictate to the Grand Orient what they should do , but while they were willing to exchange fraternal sentiments with every Lodge of France , they could not consent
to admit any Mason who had been initiated under any rules the Grand Orient proposed . The toast was very cordially received . The W . M . proposed the toast of the P . G . M ., referring to the long illness which Bro . Tudor had suffered , and expressing a hope that he would be completely restored to health . The toast was warmly honoured . Bro . Tudor responded ,
and expressed a sincere wish that the newly-consecrated Lodge at Fenton might prosper . Bro . E . V . Greatbatch proposed the health of Bro . Col . Foster Gough D . P . G . M ., and other officers of the Provincial Grand Lodge , past and present , for whom Bro . F . James and Bro . T . Bickley responded . Bro . A . G . Prince , in proposing the health of the W . M ., said Bro . Grove throughout his Masonic career
had been a credit to the Craft , and there was no doubt that under his direction everything would be well managed at the Minerva . The toast was drunk with enthusiasm . Bro . Grove , in acknowledging the compliment , said he considered it a great honour to be Master of any Lodge , but it was an extremely high honour to be the first Master . Numbering amongst his Officers several Past Masters , he had every
reason to expect a successftil year of office . It had long been an idea of himself and others that they should have in Fenton a Masonic Lodge , and it was gratifying to know that their wish had been con . sunnnated . They had no intention of being at enmity with anybody . They knew that thoy might draw somo members from other Lodges , ancl at the same time attract Masons who did
not belong to either as well as initiate many who were not Masons . They felt that if they did take a few away from neighbouring Lodges tho Craft iu general would be benefited . He was glad that dnring his term of ofiice ns Chairman of the Fenton Local Board another institution had been added to those of the town , and that it was an institution which , while it could not do any harm
was calculated to effect much good . Ho hoped the members of the Minerva would act with that wisdom which the name indicated . Tie had been twitted with having named the Lodge after a heathen gorl . dess , but tradition put her down as a wise woman , nnd if they could act up to the tradition of Minei va nobody would have cause to repent it . Bro . S . Smith proposed "The Visiting Brethren , " on whoso
behalf Bro . W . Cartwright P . G . S ., Brough P . M . 510 and D . Smith W . M . 637 , responded . Tito . . 1 . G . Bake well P . M . 51 _ , proposed " The Officers of the Lodge , " for whom Bros . Ashworth J . W ., and Gimson J . D ., responded . Bro . Crapper P . P . G . A . D . C . submitted the toast of " The Masonic Charities , " speaking of tbe vast amount of good effected by the money subscribed by Freemasons for their noble Charities ,
Consecration Of A Masonic Lodge At Fenton, Staffordshire.
and observing that while tho Craft was increasing numerically they might expect their Charities to go on and bo still more prosperous and nsefnl than they had been in tho past . Bro . J . Webberley P . P . G . P . made an appropriate acknowledgment , and observed that whereas the Etruscan Lodge formerly had only eight votes for tho
Charities in London , they had now about fifty , owing to a great extent to tho formation of the Staffordshire Masonic Charitable Association —an institution of whose usefulness he spoke in high terms of praise . Tbe Tyler's toast concluded the list . Several brethren favoured the company with vocal music , and the evening was spent very harmoniously and pleasantly .
Panmure Lodge , No . 720 . —Met at the Balham Hotel , Balham , on Monday last . Amongst the members present were Bros . Wm . Gunner W . M ., G . Lambert S . W ., G . Allen P . M . as J . W ., James Stevens P . M ., C . P . McKay P . M ., H . Payne P . M ., Thos . Poore P . M . and Secretary , C . Everist S . D ., A . J . Barton J . D ., S . Ash D . C , G . Trewes Steward , Charles Thomas Tyler , J . Laird as I . G ., J . A . B .
Ball , G . R . Smith , G . Lilley , G . Mnlley , and others . Visitor—W . S . Dnnkley Royal Hanover 1777 . Minutes of last Lodge meeting were read and confirmed , and Bro . Smith was then passed to the second degree . The following notice of motion by Bro . Lambert S . W . was carried : — " That the sum of ten guineas be voted from the Lodge Funds as a donation to the Masonic School for Boys . " Bro . D . Truster
P . M . having offered to represent the Lodge at the ensuing Festival , that sum was directed to be placed on his list . Refreshments followed labour , and in the course of the evening , amidst many songs and recitations , a very pleasing reference was made to an absent Past Master , Bro . N . W . Hodges , whose recognition of the meetings of the Lodge are always made afc each successive meeting . On this
occasion the Secretary , Bro . Poore , interested tho brethren with an account of a very handsome presentation of numerous valuable articles of utility , and engrossed testimonials of respect , to Bro . Hodges on his leaving Dundee for Aberdeen , to assume the joint acting management of tbe Dundee and Aberdeen Theatres . The
spontaneous testimony of his many associates , including kind communications from Bro , J . L . Toole and other distinguished professionals , gave very great pleasure to the brethren ; and on the suggestion of Bro . Stevens , the Secretary was requested to convey to Bro . Hodges their congratulations on his successful endeavours having been so favourably recognised . The brethren separated , after a very enjoyable evening .
Eoyal Union Lodge of Instruction , JNO . 382 . —On Monday , 20 th inst ., at the Chequers Hotel , Uxbridge . Present—Bros . Taplin W . M ., Cotton S . W ., Nicholson J . W ., Brooks S . D ., Gray J . D ., Duffin I . G . and Tyler . Lodge was opened in due form , and the minutes were read , confirmed and signed . The ceremony of initiation was rehearsed , Bro . Tucker Preceptor being the candidate . The
W . M . gave the charge . Lodge was called from , and to labour , and then opened in the second degree , and Bro . Tucker rehearsed the ceremony of passing , Bro . W . Burdett being the candidate . Bro . Cotton was elected to fill the chair afc the next meeting . It being understood that Bro . Sir Francis Bnrdett , Bart ., Prov . Grand Master
of Middlesex , would be in Uxbridge on Monday next , it was resolved to request him to honour the Lodge by a visit on that occasion . Tho Lodge was closed , and duly adjourned until Monday next , afc 6 p . m ., when , according to information we have since received , Sir Francis Bnrdett has kindly promised to attend .
Eoyal Alfred Lodge of Instruction , . No . 780 , —A meeting was held on Friday , 17 th inst ., at the Star and Garter Hotel , Kew Bridge . Present—Bros . Goss ( P . M . ) W . M ., C . E . Botley ( Hon . Sec . ) S . W ., Costelow ( W . M . 780 ) J . W ., F . Botley acting Secretary , E . Monson S . D ., George Thomas J . D ., A . Jones I . G ., Andrews ( P . M . ) Preceptor ; Past Masters Bros . E . H . Sogg and
J . C . Roe * , Bros . Maton , Lees , Cortlingley , Sperring , Metcalfe , S . Blasby . Visitor—Bro . Pitt , Zetland 511 . Lodge was opened in nsnal form , and the minutes were read and confirmed . Lodge was in due course advanced , and tbe ceremony of raising rehearsed . Bro . F . Botley candidate . Bro . Preceptor gave the lecture of the third degree , including the traditional history . Lodge resumed to first degree , and the ceremony of initiation was rehearsed , Past Master
Sugg candidate . Bro . C . E . Botley Hon . Sec . then informed the brethren that Bro . Morgan had consented to give one of his Lectures ; this announcement was received witb pleasure , and Friday , tho 10 th of March , was mentioned as a suitable day , subject to Bro . Morgan's convenience . Bro . Costelow ( W . M . 780 ) was then unanimously elected W . M . for 24 th February . Lodge was then closed , aud adjourned .
Kingsland Lodge of Instruction , " No . 1693 . —T his most successful of the North London Lodges of Instruction , held its 91 th meeting at tho Canonbury Tavern , on Monday , 20 th inat . ; the Lodge was opened at 8 . 30 to the minute , the Preceptor and Secretary being very strict on this point . Bro . It . M . Jono ? , tho W . M . for the evening , rehearsed the first ceromonv , after which ho vacated tho
ch if in favour of H IM . TJ . P . Forgo W . M . of 1050 . Bro . Lyn having proved him-elf an efficient F ,. A .., was entrusted , and tlio Lodge was opened in the second degree , when tlio ceremony of passing wan rehearsed . After this the Lodge was closed in tho second , and Bro . Jones resumed Ihe chair . This beiti' - tho lir . t occasion IK- had
occupied that position , ( Le brethren passed : i cordial veto of thanks , to he recorded upon the minute ? , for the able maimer he had discharged the duties . Tlio Lodge was then closed in perfect harmony . Bro . P . M . Pearcy will rehearse the ceremony of installation next Monday .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Consecration Of A Masonic Lodge At Fenton, Staffordshire.
the Officers to their obligations the members generally were enabled to fulfil their own duties more perfectly than they otherwise would . But , official duties set aside , they wero all upon an eqnality—all brethren ; and , then , as brethren , let them remember if one brother suffered they all suffered with him , for they were . ill members of one body . Those words were used in another sense , in connection with
a brotherhood with which he was associated , of perhaps even a more sacred character than Masonry ; bnt if they were to learn the real mission true Masonry taught they wonld be better husbands , better employers , better citizens than they were . Still the secret and cement of their Masonic Order was in this feeling that one man was not different to another—that each Mason , equally with any of his
brethren , was a child and servant of the Great Architect of the Universe . The last thought which suggested itself was the need of consistency . If a member was a good Mason he was a good man ; he could not be anything else . He might be a Mason and a bad man , bnt he could not be a good Mason and a bad man . Let their conduct be consistent outside the Lodge with what they did within
it ; let it not be thought from their outside conduct that there was anything improper in their assemblies ; but let it be said when Masons were noticed by the outside world that their condnct was in the highest degree commendable , and give the glory not to themselves , but to the Supreme / Ruler of the world . The musical portion of the ceremony was then commenced . After
the nsnal prayers , the invocation was given by the P . G . M ., and the Chaplain read the 1 st to the 16 th verses of the second chapter of the 2 nd Book of Chronicles . The Lodge board was then uncovered . The P . G . M ., the . D . PG . M ., and the Wardens carried the cornucopia , wine , and oil round the Lodge , appropriate verses being sung , and the consecrating Officer strewed corn as an emblem of plenty , poured
wine as the emblem of joy and happiness , and oil as tbe emblem of unity . The formal dedication and constitntion of the Lodge followed , more solemn mnsic being introduced , concluding with the National Anthem . The ceremony of installing Bro . Grove as W . M . was then proceeded with , this duty being performed by Bro . E . Roberts P . M . 637 , assisted by Bro . S . Smith P . M . 637 . In addition
to the Wardens previously mentioned , the following Officers were dnly invested;—Bros . G . Hallam Treasurer , E . Peake Secretary , J . Marfleet S . D ., T . W . Gimson J . D ., S . Smith D . C , Lindop I . G ., T . Barker Organist , J . Shenton Steward . At tho close of the Lodge a special tramway train conveyed the brethren from Fenton to Stoke , and a banquet was prepared in excellent style by
Bro . Patzer , at the North Staffordshire Hotel . About sixty attended the banquet , and the W . M . presided . At the conclusion of the repast , the loyal toasts , proposed by the W . M ., were very heartily drunk . Bro . F . James proposed the health of the Earl of Carnarvon Pro G . M . of England , the Earl of Lathom D . G . M ., and other Officers of Grand Lodge . He ( Bro . James ) said there was no man in England who
conld better give expression to the feelings which animated English Freemasons than the Earl of Carnarvon . Not long ago the Grand Orient of France made a proposition to eliminate from the Masonio ritual the name of the Great Architect of the Universe . They suggested to the Grand Lodgo of England that they should alter their ritual to the same extent . Lord Carnarvon , in a
few brief sentences , expressed the unanimous feeling of every English Mason that it was a matter that was utterly impossible even for them to consider for a moment . Members of the Grand Lodge decided that they did not wish to dictate to the Grand Orient what they should do , but while they were willing to exchange fraternal sentiments with every Lodge of France , they could not consent
to admit any Mason who had been initiated under any rules the Grand Orient proposed . The toast was very cordially received . The W . M . proposed the toast of the P . G . M ., referring to the long illness which Bro . Tudor had suffered , and expressing a hope that he would be completely restored to health . The toast was warmly honoured . Bro . Tudor responded ,
and expressed a sincere wish that the newly-consecrated Lodge at Fenton might prosper . Bro . E . V . Greatbatch proposed the health of Bro . Col . Foster Gough D . P . G . M ., and other officers of the Provincial Grand Lodge , past and present , for whom Bro . F . James and Bro . T . Bickley responded . Bro . A . G . Prince , in proposing the health of the W . M ., said Bro . Grove throughout his Masonic career
had been a credit to the Craft , and there was no doubt that under his direction everything would be well managed at the Minerva . The toast was drunk with enthusiasm . Bro . Grove , in acknowledging the compliment , said he considered it a great honour to be Master of any Lodge , but it was an extremely high honour to be the first Master . Numbering amongst his Officers several Past Masters , he had every
reason to expect a successftil year of office . It had long been an idea of himself and others that they should have in Fenton a Masonic Lodge , and it was gratifying to know that their wish had been con . sunnnated . They had no intention of being at enmity with anybody . They knew that thoy might draw somo members from other Lodges , ancl at the same time attract Masons who did
not belong to either as well as initiate many who were not Masons . They felt that if they did take a few away from neighbouring Lodges tho Craft iu general would be benefited . He was glad that dnring his term of ofiice ns Chairman of the Fenton Local Board another institution had been added to those of the town , and that it was an institution which , while it could not do any harm
was calculated to effect much good . Ho hoped the members of the Minerva would act with that wisdom which the name indicated . Tie had been twitted with having named the Lodge after a heathen gorl . dess , but tradition put her down as a wise woman , nnd if they could act up to the tradition of Minei va nobody would have cause to repent it . Bro . S . Smith proposed "The Visiting Brethren , " on whoso
behalf Bro . W . Cartwright P . G . S ., Brough P . M . 510 and D . Smith W . M . 637 , responded . Tito . . 1 . G . Bake well P . M . 51 _ , proposed " The Officers of the Lodge , " for whom Bros . Ashworth J . W ., and Gimson J . D ., responded . Bro . Crapper P . P . G . A . D . C . submitted the toast of " The Masonic Charities , " speaking of tbe vast amount of good effected by the money subscribed by Freemasons for their noble Charities ,
Consecration Of A Masonic Lodge At Fenton, Staffordshire.
and observing that while tho Craft was increasing numerically they might expect their Charities to go on and bo still more prosperous and nsefnl than they had been in tho past . Bro . J . Webberley P . P . G . P . made an appropriate acknowledgment , and observed that whereas the Etruscan Lodge formerly had only eight votes for tho
Charities in London , they had now about fifty , owing to a great extent to tho formation of the Staffordshire Masonic Charitable Association —an institution of whose usefulness he spoke in high terms of praise . Tbe Tyler's toast concluded the list . Several brethren favoured the company with vocal music , and the evening was spent very harmoniously and pleasantly .
Panmure Lodge , No . 720 . —Met at the Balham Hotel , Balham , on Monday last . Amongst the members present were Bros . Wm . Gunner W . M ., G . Lambert S . W ., G . Allen P . M . as J . W ., James Stevens P . M ., C . P . McKay P . M ., H . Payne P . M ., Thos . Poore P . M . and Secretary , C . Everist S . D ., A . J . Barton J . D ., S . Ash D . C , G . Trewes Steward , Charles Thomas Tyler , J . Laird as I . G ., J . A . B .
Ball , G . R . Smith , G . Lilley , G . Mnlley , and others . Visitor—W . S . Dnnkley Royal Hanover 1777 . Minutes of last Lodge meeting were read and confirmed , and Bro . Smith was then passed to the second degree . The following notice of motion by Bro . Lambert S . W . was carried : — " That the sum of ten guineas be voted from the Lodge Funds as a donation to the Masonic School for Boys . " Bro . D . Truster
P . M . having offered to represent the Lodge at the ensuing Festival , that sum was directed to be placed on his list . Refreshments followed labour , and in the course of the evening , amidst many songs and recitations , a very pleasing reference was made to an absent Past Master , Bro . N . W . Hodges , whose recognition of the meetings of the Lodge are always made afc each successive meeting . On this
occasion the Secretary , Bro . Poore , interested tho brethren with an account of a very handsome presentation of numerous valuable articles of utility , and engrossed testimonials of respect , to Bro . Hodges on his leaving Dundee for Aberdeen , to assume the joint acting management of tbe Dundee and Aberdeen Theatres . The
spontaneous testimony of his many associates , including kind communications from Bro , J . L . Toole and other distinguished professionals , gave very great pleasure to the brethren ; and on the suggestion of Bro . Stevens , the Secretary was requested to convey to Bro . Hodges their congratulations on his successful endeavours having been so favourably recognised . The brethren separated , after a very enjoyable evening .
Eoyal Union Lodge of Instruction , JNO . 382 . —On Monday , 20 th inst ., at the Chequers Hotel , Uxbridge . Present—Bros . Taplin W . M ., Cotton S . W ., Nicholson J . W ., Brooks S . D ., Gray J . D ., Duffin I . G . and Tyler . Lodge was opened in due form , and the minutes were read , confirmed and signed . The ceremony of initiation was rehearsed , Bro . Tucker Preceptor being the candidate . The
W . M . gave the charge . Lodge was called from , and to labour , and then opened in the second degree , and Bro . Tucker rehearsed the ceremony of passing , Bro . W . Burdett being the candidate . Bro . Cotton was elected to fill the chair afc the next meeting . It being understood that Bro . Sir Francis Bnrdett , Bart ., Prov . Grand Master
of Middlesex , would be in Uxbridge on Monday next , it was resolved to request him to honour the Lodge by a visit on that occasion . Tho Lodge was closed , and duly adjourned until Monday next , afc 6 p . m ., when , according to information we have since received , Sir Francis Bnrdett has kindly promised to attend .
Eoyal Alfred Lodge of Instruction , . No . 780 , —A meeting was held on Friday , 17 th inst ., at the Star and Garter Hotel , Kew Bridge . Present—Bros . Goss ( P . M . ) W . M ., C . E . Botley ( Hon . Sec . ) S . W ., Costelow ( W . M . 780 ) J . W ., F . Botley acting Secretary , E . Monson S . D ., George Thomas J . D ., A . Jones I . G ., Andrews ( P . M . ) Preceptor ; Past Masters Bros . E . H . Sogg and
J . C . Roe * , Bros . Maton , Lees , Cortlingley , Sperring , Metcalfe , S . Blasby . Visitor—Bro . Pitt , Zetland 511 . Lodge was opened in nsnal form , and the minutes were read and confirmed . Lodge was in due course advanced , and tbe ceremony of raising rehearsed . Bro . F . Botley candidate . Bro . Preceptor gave the lecture of the third degree , including the traditional history . Lodge resumed to first degree , and the ceremony of initiation was rehearsed , Past Master
Sugg candidate . Bro . C . E . Botley Hon . Sec . then informed the brethren that Bro . Morgan had consented to give one of his Lectures ; this announcement was received witb pleasure , and Friday , tho 10 th of March , was mentioned as a suitable day , subject to Bro . Morgan's convenience . Bro . Costelow ( W . M . 780 ) was then unanimously elected W . M . for 24 th February . Lodge was then closed , aud adjourned .
Kingsland Lodge of Instruction , " No . 1693 . —T his most successful of the North London Lodges of Instruction , held its 91 th meeting at tho Canonbury Tavern , on Monday , 20 th inat . ; the Lodge was opened at 8 . 30 to the minute , the Preceptor and Secretary being very strict on this point . Bro . It . M . Jono ? , tho W . M . for the evening , rehearsed the first ceromonv , after which ho vacated tho
ch if in favour of H IM . TJ . P . Forgo W . M . of 1050 . Bro . Lyn having proved him-elf an efficient F ,. A .., was entrusted , and tlio Lodge was opened in the second degree , when tlio ceremony of passing wan rehearsed . After this the Lodge was closed in tho second , and Bro . Jones resumed Ihe chair . This beiti' - tho lir . t occasion IK- had
occupied that position , ( Le brethren passed : i cordial veto of thanks , to he recorded upon the minute ? , for the able maimer he had discharged the duties . Tlio Lodge was then closed in perfect harmony . Bro . P . M . Pearcy will rehearse the ceremony of installation next Monday .