-
Articles/Ads
Article LORD WOLSELEY AT MANCHESTER. Page 1 of 2 Article LORD WOLSELEY AT MANCHESTER. Page 1 of 2 →
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Lord Wolseley At Manchester.
LORD WOLSELEY AT MANCHESTER .
CONSECRATION OF THE WOLSELEY LODGE No . 1993 . It was naturally in accordance with the eternal fitness of things that the visit of Bro . Lord Wolseley to Manchester should have been made an occasion for welcoming in the most cordial fashion the victor at Tel-el-Kebir , not only by his brother Masons , but likew . se by the whole of the community constituting that grand industrial centre . Lord Wolseley since his
successful campaign in Egypt has met with many a hearty welcome from his fellowcountrymen ; but we venture to say that even he must have been somewhat startled at the reception accorded him in this instance . It was not an official visit in connection with his profession as a military man which he paid Manchester on the day in question . The municipality had not invited him
to be the guest of the city in connection with some great public function he had to perform . He was not about to be enrolled as a citizen of Manchester . He had merely journeyed thither that he might witness a ceremonial of an essentially private character , to wit , the consecration of a Masonic lodge which the brethren had done him the honour of naming after his lordship .
Being a Mason of many years' standing—though from the nature of his calling he had had few opportunities of taking part in its ceremonies and councils—he was entitled to enter within the sacred portals of the lodge , and from the account we furnish in our present number , it will be seen that his lordship acquitted himself with a success as conspicuous
almost as has attended him in his numerons campaigns . It is true the capacity in which he figured was a somewhat subordinate one , and we have been accustomed of late years to see him play the leading part , but Masonry is a peculiar Institution . It has its several gradations of rank—its different degrees of proficiency in the Craft as well as in the disciplinary arrangements
of the lodges . Thus we find a Commander-in-Chief in the person of the W . M . ; Generals of Division , that is , the Wardens ; Aid-de-Camps in the Deacons ; Staff Officers , who are the Secretary , Treasurer , and Director of Ceremonies ; and the Commissaries the Stewards , together with an Organist to stir up their enthusiasm , and an Inner-Guard and Tyler to
keep the Masonic camp clear of intruders , the latter also having under his especial charge the interests of all poor and distressed Masons . But with all these diversities of rank there is likewise a certain equality which holds the brethren together on one perfect level , and , to use a familiar expression , provided they uniformly act upon the square , there is never the slightest
chance of the level being disturbed . Thus for once in his life , Lord Wolseley occupied a novel position . Being a Master Mason only , he made one of the rank and file present at the ceremony ; but being a brother , he was , in that capacity , the peer of the highest present . But we are thinking more of the peculiar character of the gathering than
of the circumstances which preceded and attended it . We have been betrayed into a passing consideration of matters speculative—a not unpardonable sin , perhaps , among the Freemasons of to-day—when we should have confined ourselves to matters historical . We at once make the only amende honorable in our power , and resume , or rather enter upon , our
story . We have said that his lordship met with a most cordial reception on all sides . The train by which he travelled was timed to reach the Londonroad Station , Manchester , by 12 . 30 p . m ., and shortly before its arrival a long procession of carriages containing the Reception Committee , consisting of the officers designate , and provisional , of the Wolseley Lodge , and other
members of the Craft of Masonry drove into the station . As the train slowed into the station and at length drew up at the platform , his lordship was introduced to the W . M . designate , Bro . D . Edwards , and the other officers present , and at once stepped into his carriage , and , accompanied by the W . Master and the Chief Constable , drove by way of Piccadilly ,
Portland-street , and Princess-street to the Town Hall , followed by the other brethren in their carriages . The streets were crowded with spectators , but no inconvenience arose ; and the Town Hall being reached , Lord Wolseley was entertained at luncheon by the Mayor , a select party of the latter ' s friends being also present .
A Craft lodge was opened at two o ' clock , and at 2 . 40 the R . W . P . G . M . entered , preceded by a long array of Present and Past Provincial Grand Officers , the rear being brought up by the Sword Bearer , behind whom came the illustrious visitor Lord Wolseley , who was enthusiastically greeted by the brethren . There were present
Bros . Col . le Gendre N . Starkie , R . W . P . G . M . j George Mellor , V . W . Dep . P . G . M . ; General Lord Wolseley , 728 ( Dublin ); Clement R . N . Beswicke-Royds , J . G . D . ; E . Ashworth , P . P . G . S . W . ; Harry Statham , P . G . S . W . ; E . C . Cooper , P . P . G . S . B . VV . Lane . ; A . Wolstenholme , P . P . G . J . D . ; Jas . Heeles , P . G . Reg . ; John Chadwick , P . G . Sec . ; J . L . Vaughan , P . P . G . R . ; George J . McKay , P . P . G . S . W . and
P . G . Sec . Curr . h . and West . ; D . A . Davis , fP . G . Sup . of Works ; J . F . Hoffgaard , P . P . J . D . ; Franklin Thomas , P . P . G . J . D ., P . P . G . R . Oxon ; L . W . Whalley , P . G . O . ; Alex . C . Wylie , P . G . R . ; J . E . Leas , P . G . T . ; J . H . Jenkins , P . P . G . S . B . ; Julius Arensberg , P . P . G . P . ; Thos . Mitchell , P . G . Tyler ; T . A . Hopewell , P . D . G . D . C ., H . A . Bennett , P . G . R . Cheshire : Walter Newton , P . G . S . B . ; E . C . Milligan , P . P .
G . S . D . Derbyshire ; John S . Veevers , P . P . G . S . D . ; T . A . Collinson , P . P . G . D . C ; J . H . Laivson , P . P . G . S . W . ; J . C . Whittington , P . P . G . O . ; R . Timperley , P . G . S . D . ; Maurice Hart , P . G . Stwd . W . Lane . ; J . F . Tweedale , P . P . G . R . ; Joseph Wildgoose , P . G . J . D . ; H . L . Hollingworth , P . P . G . T . ; D . W . Finney , P . P . G . D . C . W . Lane ; Samuel Porritt , P . G . A . D . C ; G . P . Brockband , P . P . G . S . D . ; and about 300 other brethren .
When the R . W . P . G . M . had been saluted in the usual manner , he rose and said they had assembled to institute a lodge for the benefit of Freemasonry , and he hoped at the same time for the benefit of society at large . They were met under very pleasing , and also he thought singular auspices . A certain number of persons who were connected more or less with temperance and with teetotalism , two very essential matters , wished to
Lord Wolseley At Manchester.
join themselves to a fraternity of Freemasons in this large and influential province . Their efforts had been so far successful , and it was his hearty wish and also he hoped of every good Mason that the lodge which they had founded would prosper and extensively benefit their Order . They had chosen for its name one of England ' s most illustrious subjects —(
applause)and he felt exceedingly proud that his lordship had come there to help them to inaugurate a movement which he hoped would have many ramifications . ( Applause . ) To the brethren who had supported this movement he would say go on and prosper , and he trusted that others who might probably have
been debarred from joining their association would now feel differently , and enter into the haven of brotherly love and affection which they held out to all mankind uniting with them in one single object which they had in view . ( Applause . )
The petition for , and the warrant itself , were read by the Prov . Grand Secretary , Bro . J CHADWTCK , after which The Prov . Grand Chaplain , Bro . Rev . T . COLLINS , delivered an oration as follows -. It had been his lot very frequently to be asked , What was the good of Freemasonry ? He would answer that all associations of men must
be for good , because associations were powerful , and inasmuch as the basis of Freemasonry was the volume of the Sacred Law , and its great motto was brotherly love , relief , and truth , inasmuch as there was no virtue of Christianity that Freemasonry did not seize upon and make her own . He thought they had a very good answer to the question , What was the good of
Freemasonry ? Let those who were Freemasons remember that it behoved them constantly to show by their lives that they were the better for being members of the Order , and that it was not , as some outside folks thought , nothing but a meeting together for social pleasure . They were all interested in the formation of that lodge , which was about to be formed upon principles
somewhat new to Freemasonry , and yet not at all antagonistic to its spirit . That lodge was founded , he took it , not certainly as a protest against what Freemasonry had done , but in order that the outside world might know that there was nothing of good in the world but Freemasonry seized it as well as
other people . ( Hear , hear . ) A lodge founded as the Wolseley Lodge was to be founded was worthy of all support , and they wished it God speed in its crusade against what was one of the greatest evils of the time in whi ch they lived . ( Applause . ) The oration was most attentively listened to and loudly applauded .
The consecration was then proceeded with , the R . W . P . G . M . pouring wine and oil upon the floors and dedicating the lodge to Masonry , Virtue , Charity , and Brotherly Love , after which the founders of the lodge took up positions and the R . W . P . G . M . declared it duly constituted . The ceremony concluded with prayer .
The installation of Bro . Daniel Edwards then commenced , Bro . Jas . Heelis , P . G . Reg ., acting as Installing Master and inducting our popular and well meaning brother into the chair of K . S . The newly-installed W . M . then invested his officers as follows : Bros . P . Barker , I . P . M . ; G . Hunt , S . W . ; P . H . Davis , J . W . ; Rev . H . Anthony
Noel , Chap . ; J . E . Ihff , Treas . ; John Hatton , Sec . ; W . Willis , S . D . ; T . H . Thomason , J . D . ; H . Darbvshire , D . of C . ; VV . B . Riley , I . G . : T . Campbell , Org . ; L . J . Griffiths , " H . W . Riley , W . H . Withington , and R . Beresford , Stewards . The Installing Master delivered the three addresses and the P . G .
Chap , concluding the ceremony with prayer . Before closing the lodge the W . M . proposed a vote of thanks to the R . W . P . G . M ., . Col . Starkie , for his kindness in officiating at the consecration . The PROVINCIAL GRAND MASTER in acknowledging the compliment said he longed to see Freemasonry extend its arms among all classes and shades of men , and the Provincial Grand Offiters welcomed this lodge into
their fraternity as their last new child , and having been present at its baptism , they hoped to witness its coming of age . ( Laughter and applause ) . The WORSHIPFUL MASTER proposed a vote of thanks to Bro . Lord Wolseley , and stated that when the founders of the lodge first wrote to his lordship , he at once replied that he would be delighted to perform the consecration and to give his name to it , but he could not join it , because strong as he
was in favour of temperance principles he was not strictly a teetotaller . ( Hear , hear . ) They informed his lordship that they welcomed into the lodge all Masons whether they were teetotallers or not . The only prohibitory byelaw they had was that not more than a certain amount should be spent per year for refreshments , and that no intoxicating beverages should be allowed at any of their meetings . ( Hear , hear . ) On hearing of this Lord
Wolseley said he would be delighted to belong to the lodge . ( Applause ) . Lord WOLSELEY , who was received with loud applause , in reply said : Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master , Worshipful Master , and brother Masons , I do not think I have ever attended any meeting which has made a greater impression upon me than the present one , and I shall carry the remembrance of it wherever I go . Believe me I am most deeply
sensible of the cordiality and warmth with which I have been greeted by so many distinguished Masons belonging to the Province of Lancashire . I assure you it is a very great pleasure , as well as an honour , to me to be here to-day , and to have the . privilege of assisting at the inauguration of a lodge which my brethren have done me the honour to name the Wolseley Lodge . During my career in my profession of arms it has been my lot to have visited
most parts of the world and to go to many distant and out of the way places , and I can say with the utmost confidence that wherever I went I have always found the utmost benefit and advantage from the fact of my being a Master Mason . ( Applause . ) As the hour is late I shall not detain you by giving any examples , though I could give many instances where the fact of my being a Mason has assisted me in the most material possible manner in the prosecution of my duty to the public and to her Majesty . I can only
say this , as I told the Mayor of this city to-day when he was talking to me about Masonry , that old as I am if I were not a Mason now I would take the very earliest opportunity of asking the first friend I met who was a Mason to do me the honour of proposing me . ( Applause . ) Let me again thank you for the great cordiality and kindness with which you have received me , and let me assure you that no one could wish success to this lodge more heartily than I do . ( Applause . ) The lodge was afterwards closed in peace and harmony at 4 . 30 .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Lord Wolseley At Manchester.
LORD WOLSELEY AT MANCHESTER .
CONSECRATION OF THE WOLSELEY LODGE No . 1993 . It was naturally in accordance with the eternal fitness of things that the visit of Bro . Lord Wolseley to Manchester should have been made an occasion for welcoming in the most cordial fashion the victor at Tel-el-Kebir , not only by his brother Masons , but likew . se by the whole of the community constituting that grand industrial centre . Lord Wolseley since his
successful campaign in Egypt has met with many a hearty welcome from his fellowcountrymen ; but we venture to say that even he must have been somewhat startled at the reception accorded him in this instance . It was not an official visit in connection with his profession as a military man which he paid Manchester on the day in question . The municipality had not invited him
to be the guest of the city in connection with some great public function he had to perform . He was not about to be enrolled as a citizen of Manchester . He had merely journeyed thither that he might witness a ceremonial of an essentially private character , to wit , the consecration of a Masonic lodge which the brethren had done him the honour of naming after his lordship .
Being a Mason of many years' standing—though from the nature of his calling he had had few opportunities of taking part in its ceremonies and councils—he was entitled to enter within the sacred portals of the lodge , and from the account we furnish in our present number , it will be seen that his lordship acquitted himself with a success as conspicuous
almost as has attended him in his numerons campaigns . It is true the capacity in which he figured was a somewhat subordinate one , and we have been accustomed of late years to see him play the leading part , but Masonry is a peculiar Institution . It has its several gradations of rank—its different degrees of proficiency in the Craft as well as in the disciplinary arrangements
of the lodges . Thus we find a Commander-in-Chief in the person of the W . M . ; Generals of Division , that is , the Wardens ; Aid-de-Camps in the Deacons ; Staff Officers , who are the Secretary , Treasurer , and Director of Ceremonies ; and the Commissaries the Stewards , together with an Organist to stir up their enthusiasm , and an Inner-Guard and Tyler to
keep the Masonic camp clear of intruders , the latter also having under his especial charge the interests of all poor and distressed Masons . But with all these diversities of rank there is likewise a certain equality which holds the brethren together on one perfect level , and , to use a familiar expression , provided they uniformly act upon the square , there is never the slightest
chance of the level being disturbed . Thus for once in his life , Lord Wolseley occupied a novel position . Being a Master Mason only , he made one of the rank and file present at the ceremony ; but being a brother , he was , in that capacity , the peer of the highest present . But we are thinking more of the peculiar character of the gathering than
of the circumstances which preceded and attended it . We have been betrayed into a passing consideration of matters speculative—a not unpardonable sin , perhaps , among the Freemasons of to-day—when we should have confined ourselves to matters historical . We at once make the only amende honorable in our power , and resume , or rather enter upon , our
story . We have said that his lordship met with a most cordial reception on all sides . The train by which he travelled was timed to reach the Londonroad Station , Manchester , by 12 . 30 p . m ., and shortly before its arrival a long procession of carriages containing the Reception Committee , consisting of the officers designate , and provisional , of the Wolseley Lodge , and other
members of the Craft of Masonry drove into the station . As the train slowed into the station and at length drew up at the platform , his lordship was introduced to the W . M . designate , Bro . D . Edwards , and the other officers present , and at once stepped into his carriage , and , accompanied by the W . Master and the Chief Constable , drove by way of Piccadilly ,
Portland-street , and Princess-street to the Town Hall , followed by the other brethren in their carriages . The streets were crowded with spectators , but no inconvenience arose ; and the Town Hall being reached , Lord Wolseley was entertained at luncheon by the Mayor , a select party of the latter ' s friends being also present .
A Craft lodge was opened at two o ' clock , and at 2 . 40 the R . W . P . G . M . entered , preceded by a long array of Present and Past Provincial Grand Officers , the rear being brought up by the Sword Bearer , behind whom came the illustrious visitor Lord Wolseley , who was enthusiastically greeted by the brethren . There were present
Bros . Col . le Gendre N . Starkie , R . W . P . G . M . j George Mellor , V . W . Dep . P . G . M . ; General Lord Wolseley , 728 ( Dublin ); Clement R . N . Beswicke-Royds , J . G . D . ; E . Ashworth , P . P . G . S . W . ; Harry Statham , P . G . S . W . ; E . C . Cooper , P . P . G . S . B . VV . Lane . ; A . Wolstenholme , P . P . G . J . D . ; Jas . Heeles , P . G . Reg . ; John Chadwick , P . G . Sec . ; J . L . Vaughan , P . P . G . R . ; George J . McKay , P . P . G . S . W . and
P . G . Sec . Curr . h . and West . ; D . A . Davis , fP . G . Sup . of Works ; J . F . Hoffgaard , P . P . J . D . ; Franklin Thomas , P . P . G . J . D ., P . P . G . R . Oxon ; L . W . Whalley , P . G . O . ; Alex . C . Wylie , P . G . R . ; J . E . Leas , P . G . T . ; J . H . Jenkins , P . P . G . S . B . ; Julius Arensberg , P . P . G . P . ; Thos . Mitchell , P . G . Tyler ; T . A . Hopewell , P . D . G . D . C ., H . A . Bennett , P . G . R . Cheshire : Walter Newton , P . G . S . B . ; E . C . Milligan , P . P .
G . S . D . Derbyshire ; John S . Veevers , P . P . G . S . D . ; T . A . Collinson , P . P . G . D . C ; J . H . Laivson , P . P . G . S . W . ; J . C . Whittington , P . P . G . O . ; R . Timperley , P . G . S . D . ; Maurice Hart , P . G . Stwd . W . Lane . ; J . F . Tweedale , P . P . G . R . ; Joseph Wildgoose , P . G . J . D . ; H . L . Hollingworth , P . P . G . T . ; D . W . Finney , P . P . G . D . C . W . Lane ; Samuel Porritt , P . G . A . D . C ; G . P . Brockband , P . P . G . S . D . ; and about 300 other brethren .
When the R . W . P . G . M . had been saluted in the usual manner , he rose and said they had assembled to institute a lodge for the benefit of Freemasonry , and he hoped at the same time for the benefit of society at large . They were met under very pleasing , and also he thought singular auspices . A certain number of persons who were connected more or less with temperance and with teetotalism , two very essential matters , wished to
Lord Wolseley At Manchester.
join themselves to a fraternity of Freemasons in this large and influential province . Their efforts had been so far successful , and it was his hearty wish and also he hoped of every good Mason that the lodge which they had founded would prosper and extensively benefit their Order . They had chosen for its name one of England ' s most illustrious subjects —(
applause)and he felt exceedingly proud that his lordship had come there to help them to inaugurate a movement which he hoped would have many ramifications . ( Applause . ) To the brethren who had supported this movement he would say go on and prosper , and he trusted that others who might probably have
been debarred from joining their association would now feel differently , and enter into the haven of brotherly love and affection which they held out to all mankind uniting with them in one single object which they had in view . ( Applause . )
The petition for , and the warrant itself , were read by the Prov . Grand Secretary , Bro . J CHADWTCK , after which The Prov . Grand Chaplain , Bro . Rev . T . COLLINS , delivered an oration as follows -. It had been his lot very frequently to be asked , What was the good of Freemasonry ? He would answer that all associations of men must
be for good , because associations were powerful , and inasmuch as the basis of Freemasonry was the volume of the Sacred Law , and its great motto was brotherly love , relief , and truth , inasmuch as there was no virtue of Christianity that Freemasonry did not seize upon and make her own . He thought they had a very good answer to the question , What was the good of
Freemasonry ? Let those who were Freemasons remember that it behoved them constantly to show by their lives that they were the better for being members of the Order , and that it was not , as some outside folks thought , nothing but a meeting together for social pleasure . They were all interested in the formation of that lodge , which was about to be formed upon principles
somewhat new to Freemasonry , and yet not at all antagonistic to its spirit . That lodge was founded , he took it , not certainly as a protest against what Freemasonry had done , but in order that the outside world might know that there was nothing of good in the world but Freemasonry seized it as well as
other people . ( Hear , hear . ) A lodge founded as the Wolseley Lodge was to be founded was worthy of all support , and they wished it God speed in its crusade against what was one of the greatest evils of the time in whi ch they lived . ( Applause . ) The oration was most attentively listened to and loudly applauded .
The consecration was then proceeded with , the R . W . P . G . M . pouring wine and oil upon the floors and dedicating the lodge to Masonry , Virtue , Charity , and Brotherly Love , after which the founders of the lodge took up positions and the R . W . P . G . M . declared it duly constituted . The ceremony concluded with prayer .
The installation of Bro . Daniel Edwards then commenced , Bro . Jas . Heelis , P . G . Reg ., acting as Installing Master and inducting our popular and well meaning brother into the chair of K . S . The newly-installed W . M . then invested his officers as follows : Bros . P . Barker , I . P . M . ; G . Hunt , S . W . ; P . H . Davis , J . W . ; Rev . H . Anthony
Noel , Chap . ; J . E . Ihff , Treas . ; John Hatton , Sec . ; W . Willis , S . D . ; T . H . Thomason , J . D . ; H . Darbvshire , D . of C . ; VV . B . Riley , I . G . : T . Campbell , Org . ; L . J . Griffiths , " H . W . Riley , W . H . Withington , and R . Beresford , Stewards . The Installing Master delivered the three addresses and the P . G .
Chap , concluding the ceremony with prayer . Before closing the lodge the W . M . proposed a vote of thanks to the R . W . P . G . M ., . Col . Starkie , for his kindness in officiating at the consecration . The PROVINCIAL GRAND MASTER in acknowledging the compliment said he longed to see Freemasonry extend its arms among all classes and shades of men , and the Provincial Grand Offiters welcomed this lodge into
their fraternity as their last new child , and having been present at its baptism , they hoped to witness its coming of age . ( Laughter and applause ) . The WORSHIPFUL MASTER proposed a vote of thanks to Bro . Lord Wolseley , and stated that when the founders of the lodge first wrote to his lordship , he at once replied that he would be delighted to perform the consecration and to give his name to it , but he could not join it , because strong as he
was in favour of temperance principles he was not strictly a teetotaller . ( Hear , hear . ) They informed his lordship that they welcomed into the lodge all Masons whether they were teetotallers or not . The only prohibitory byelaw they had was that not more than a certain amount should be spent per year for refreshments , and that no intoxicating beverages should be allowed at any of their meetings . ( Hear , hear . ) On hearing of this Lord
Wolseley said he would be delighted to belong to the lodge . ( Applause ) . Lord WOLSELEY , who was received with loud applause , in reply said : Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master , Worshipful Master , and brother Masons , I do not think I have ever attended any meeting which has made a greater impression upon me than the present one , and I shall carry the remembrance of it wherever I go . Believe me I am most deeply
sensible of the cordiality and warmth with which I have been greeted by so many distinguished Masons belonging to the Province of Lancashire . I assure you it is a very great pleasure , as well as an honour , to me to be here to-day , and to have the . privilege of assisting at the inauguration of a lodge which my brethren have done me the honour to name the Wolseley Lodge . During my career in my profession of arms it has been my lot to have visited
most parts of the world and to go to many distant and out of the way places , and I can say with the utmost confidence that wherever I went I have always found the utmost benefit and advantage from the fact of my being a Master Mason . ( Applause . ) As the hour is late I shall not detain you by giving any examples , though I could give many instances where the fact of my being a Mason has assisted me in the most material possible manner in the prosecution of my duty to the public and to her Majesty . I can only
say this , as I told the Mayor of this city to-day when he was talking to me about Masonry , that old as I am if I were not a Mason now I would take the very earliest opportunity of asking the first friend I met who was a Mason to do me the honour of proposing me . ( Applause . ) Let me again thank you for the great cordiality and kindness with which you have received me , and let me assure you that no one could wish success to this lodge more heartily than I do . ( Applause . ) The lodge was afterwards closed in peace and harmony at 4 . 30 .