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Article China. ← Page 2 of 2 Article IRISH MASONIC ORPHAN BOYS' SCHOOL. Page 1 of 1 Article IRISH MASONIC ORPHAN BOYS' SCHOOL. Page 1 of 1 Article CONSECRATION OF THE OLD ENGLAND LODGE, NO. 1790. Page 1 of 1 Article LAYING THE FOUNDATION STONE OF ST GEORGE'S CHURCH, MOSSLEY. Page 1 of 2 Article LAYING THE FOUNDATION STONE OF ST GEORGE'S CHURCH, MOSSLEY. Page 1 of 2 →
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
China.
having held the offices of Inner Guard , Deacon , Tunio ' r and Senior Wardens , and this evening his brethren had further expressed their confidence in him by selecting him as their Master . He , therefore , begged the brethren o sent to drink to " The Health and Prosperity of the Master , Wardens , and Officers of the Royal Sussex Lodge . "
The R . W . D . G . M . also rose and said—Brethren , it is a very important duty and p leasure that now devolves upon us all . I' is t 0 wish our W - - health and prosperity durinff his year of office . I hope , brethren , you will duly consider how much rests with yourselves in rendering his office one of usefulness and pleasure . We are aware , from what we know of him , that nothing will be required on
his part to uphold the dignity of his lodge . He has selected officers—tried and good brethren—who may also be depended on for the faithful discharge of their duties , so that " with a long pull , a strong pull , and a pull altogether , " so ably suggestci by our Immediate Past Master , W . Bto . Evans , we may look for great success during the coming year . Brethren , I ask you for a hearty response
to the toast of " The Health of our W . M ., Bro . Johnsford , and his Officers , " so ably proposed by R . W . Past Master Bro . Birt . The W . M ., in felicitous terms , briefly acknowledged the toa't . W . Bro . Hart said the next toast had been p laced in his hands to propose , and it was pleasing to think that irrespective of any remarks from him he was sure it would meet with an enthusiastic reception .
The toast he had to bring to their notice was file Health of the Past Masters of the Royal Sussex Lodge . " The Royal Sussex Lotlge seemed to have been particularly fortunate in obtaining good men to occupy the chair in the lotlge , and two of them hatl occupied most distinguished positions in Masonry in China , and he was happy to say that they were still useful in promoting the welfare of the
Craft at home . He believed the first D . G . M . of China , or , as he was called , the P . P . G . M ., was a P . M . of the Royal Sussex Lodge . He need hardly say he referred to W . Bro . Rawson ; and then there was also W . Bro . Murray , who was also P . D . G . M ., antl a P . M . of the lodge . These two brethren he needly hardly say commanded the respect of all Masons in China , and were much respected in England .
W . Bros . Brown and Camajee hatl also worthily filled the chair of tbe lodge , and W . Bro . Evans , who had vacated it this evening after two years of good service , had , during his ( the speaker ' s ) residence in China , always been an active promoter of the Craft , and he had proved his ability by the many useful methods he hatl adopted to make Masonry more generally useful . The brethren were well
acquainted wilh the very distinguished manner in which the Past Masters had conducted the affairs of the lodge while under their control , and , therefore , he would not trespass further upon their time , but ask them to drink to the health antl prosperity of the P . M . ' s of the Royal Sussex Lodge , coupling with the toast the name of W . Bro . Evans . P . M . W . Bro . Evans , in responding , said : In calling upon
me to respond for the Past Masters of the R . S . Lodge , I think you have made a mistake , as I scarcely know what to say , but I do think that you arc doing injustice ( w me , to P . M . Bro . Brown , and to our visitors . First , to me , because I have already twice addressed you this c-. cning ; to our visitors because I think they would like to hear some other brother ' s voice , antl to P . M . Bro . Brown ,
because I think this duty should have devolved upon him , and looking at the other end of the table I can see that he is impatient to unburthen himself of the eloquence he feels pent up within him . I will , W . M ., with your permission , call on P . M . Bro . Brown to respontl to the toast of the Past Masters of the R . S . Lodge . P . M . Bro . Brown said :
Having been unexpectedly called upon to reply to the toast of the Past Masters , I feel unprepared to do justice to my eminent predecessors . A great ileal has been « aid abcut the Past Masters of this lodge , but I notice that the names of one or two of the most useful and best men have been omitted . I refer to Wor . Bros . Parker
and Stent . I had the pleasure to be initiated in this lodge by the former , and in the presence of Right Wor . Bro . Murray , D . G . Master of China , and have pleasant reminiscences of the manner in which the ceremony was performed , and I have pleasant recollections of having served in various offices under the Mastership of Bro . Stent . On their behalf , and that of the Past Masters present , I therefore
tender my hearty thanks for the enthusiastic manner in which you have received this toast . Before resuming my seat I avail myself of the opportunity to propose " The Health of the Visitors , " coupled with the name of Wor . uro . Weiller . W . Bro . Weiller , D . G . Sup . of Works of the District Grand Lodge cf Japan , in a very humorous speech responded . The Tyler ' s toast was next drunk , antl shortly afterwards the company separated .
Irish Masonic Orphan Boys' School.
IRISH MASONIC ORPHAN BOYS ' SCHOOL .
The monthly meeting of the Board of Governors was held on Tuesday , 13 th inst ., at Freemasons' Hall , Molesworth-street , D ' ublin , at 4 o ' clock p . m ., Bro . John H . Edge , Vice-Patron , in the chair . The result of the recent ballot for the
election of four Pupils from the list of candidates for admission to the Institution was announced , whereupon S . M . Gilbert , H . Ski pton , C . S . Oswald , and C . Topham , having the greatest number of votes , were declared duly elected pupils of the School . The report of the Education Committee , who have ber . n
"igaged for some time past in the consideration of applications of candidates for the appointments of htad master , Matron or lady superintendent , and assistant master of the school , was presented to the Board . In accordance with '" c recommendation of the Committee , Mr . A . L , Sparkes , |) -o ., and B . Sc . London , was appointed head master of 'he School , and Mrs . Sparkes , his wife , was appointed Matron or lady superintendent . The Committee have not
Irish Masonic Orphan Boys' School.
yet presented their report respecting the appointment of an assistant master . In compliance with the request of Bro . Thomas Valentine , of Belfast-, it was resolved that a tleputation from the Board should proceed to Belfast to confer with the
Governors of the School residing in that neighbourhood as to the condition and future prospects of the School ; and that the deputation consists of Bro . Edge , P . M . 728 ' , and a Vice-Patron of the School , and Bro . R . O'Brien Furlong , Hon ., Sec , who have kindly consented to bear their own
expenses . The next meeting of the Board will be held at Freemasons' Hall , Molesworth-street , Dublin , on Tuesday , 10 th June , 1879 , at 4 o ' clock p . m .
Consecration Of The Old England Lodge, No. 1790.
CONSECRATION OF THE OLD ENGLAND LODGE , NO . 1790 .
This new lotlge , the warrant for which was recently granted by the M . W . G . M ., was consecrated on Thursday , the 22 nd inst ., at the new Masonic Hall , which has lately been built for this lodge at New Thornton Heath , near Croydon , Surrey . The building is admirably adapted for
that purpose , and the arrangements of the rooms are all that can be desired . The building has been raised by the exertions ot-the founders oi the lotlge who were anxious to have a place of meeting for themsilves unconnected wilh any tavern . The proceedings commenced at half-past three , when the brethren met in the ante-room , and marched in order to the
lodge-room , when the ceremony of consecration commenced . The officer appointed for the purpose was Bro . James Terry , P . G . S . W . Herts , who appointed as his officers pro . tern . Bros . Dr . H . J . Str-. ng , P . P . G . J . W . Surrey , as S . W . W . Bausor , W . M . 1580 , as J . W . ; Thos . W . C . Bush , W . M . 1728 , as I . G . ; and J . L . Mather , P . G . D . C . Herts ,
as D . C . ; and H . Sadler , as I . G . The lodge was opened in the Three Degrees , and after the usual preliminaries hatl been gone through , Bro . Terry delivered an impressive antl eloquent atldress on the metits of Freemasonry and the duties of its members . The ceremony of consecration was then performed in a solemn antl impressive manner , the musical part of it
beingheartily joined in by the brethren . The Board of Installed Masters was formed , antl the W . M . designate , Bro . Foulsham , P . P . G . S . W . Northumberland , was presented to the Installing Officer , antl was duly installed into the chair of King Solomon according to ancient form . On re-admission of the brethren , the W . M . was saluted
in the various degrees , and at once proceetled to invest his officers as follows : —Bros . B . Buckworth , S . W . ; H Harland , J . W . ; T . C . Pascall , S . D . ; E . Whittaker , J . D . ; J , Taylor , I . G . ; J . Buckworth , Sec . ; and Boffin , Tyler . Several propositions for initiation anil joining having been received , the lodge was closed . The brethren then proceetled to an adjoining room ,
where they partook of a very enjoyable banquet . At its termination the usual loyal and Masonic toasts followed . " The Health of the W . M . " was proposed by Bro . Terry , in a few weli-chosen sentences , in which he heartily wished the lodge every success , to ensure which he impressed upon them the necessity of exercising great caution in preventing the admission of unworthy persons , and to take care that
the candidates should be of such a character as to add lustre thereto . He was certain that , under the supervision of their W . M ., the lodge would prosper . The W . M . suitably replied , and proposetl the toast ot " The Consecrating Officers , " dwelling with great emphasis upon the splendid rendering of the ritual by Bro . Terry . The W . M . apologised for an omission in lotlge . The
brethren of the lodge had fully intended conferring the honorary membership of the lodge on Bros . Terry , Strong , Mather , Bausor , and Bush for their kintl assistance , but it had hy accident been omitted . This , however , would be remedied at the first regular meeting of the lodge , on June 5 th . Bros . Terry and Strong replied .
The toast of " The Visitors " was then given , and suitably replied to by Bro . Bush . The remaining toasts were duly honoured antl replied to , and the Tyler's toast brought a very happy evening to a close . The arrangements for the banquet wcie very creditably carried out , and everything possible was done for the
comfort of the visitors . A very handsome Bible was presented to the lodge by Mrs . Buckworth , the wife of the esteemed Senior Warden , to whose untiring exertions the completion of the arrangements was , in a great measure , due . In addition to the above-named brethren we noticed Bros , Rev . J . H . Roberts , P . M . 1143 ; V . Keen , P . M . 203 ; J , Browning , Granite , 1328 ; C . A . Blogg , and others . '
Laying The Foundation Stone Of St George's Church, Mossley.
LAYING THE FOUNDATION STONE OF ST GEORGE'S CHURCH , MOSSLEY .
On Saturday last the town of Mossley was en fete . Early in the afternoon the trains from Ashton , Staleybritlge , and neighbourhood conveyed hundreds of holiday makers to join with the inhabitants of this thriving place in their festivities . Triumphal arches spanned the streets ,
flags and banners were suspentletl from the windows of hotels , shops , and private houses , giving to the grey stone walls a more lively appearance than they had ever been known to possess before , and adding much to the picturesque scenery which opened out at every corner of the steep streets , looking over the valley to the hilly slopes on the opposite side .
Laying The Foundation Stone Of St George's Church, Mossley.
About two o clock a procession was formed in the market-place , consisting of Oddfellows , Foresters , Druids , Orangemen , Shepherds , school teachers and children , numbering over 2000 , headed by a company of the 4 th West York Rifle Volunteers , accompanied by four bands of music , and marched through the principal streets . At the same time a Masonic lotlge was opened in the
Mechanics' Institution , by the W . M . and officers of the Prince Alfred Lodge , No . 1218 , and at 2 . 30 , the Very Worshipful Deputy Provincial Grand Master of East Lancashire ( Bro . George Mellor , Grand Senior Deacon ) entered the lotlge , attentled by the following Provincial Grand Officers , viz .: Bros . J . L . Hine , P . P . G . S . W . ; Dr . Lees , P . P . G . S . W . ; C . Beswicke N . Royds , P . P . G . S . W . ; George
Higgins , P . G . J . W . ; John Chadwick , P . G . Secretary ; Benjamin Taylor , P . G . Treasurer ; J . L . Anderton , P . G . Reg . ; J . Tweedale , P . P . G . Reg . ; Edwin Brookes , P . G . S . D . ; J . F . Hoffgaartl , P . G . J . D . ; C . L . Brunn , Grand Lodge of Denmark ; Henry Hayes , Asst . P . G . Director of Cers . John Salmon , P . P . G . D . of C . ; J . H . Sillitoe , P . P . G . D of C . ; R . Caldwell , P . G . Sword Bearer ; J . Kenyon , P . P .
G . Supt . of Works ; Julius Aronsberg , P . G . Purs . ; Edwin Radcliffe , Asst . P . G . Purs . ; H . T . Robberds , P . G . Org . ; and several otherr . The lodge was adjourned and formed in procession , according to their respective columns ( the brethren altogether numbering about 200 ) . The monster procession of friendly societies on reaching the site of the new building- formed two deep on each side
of the way , completely lining the route from the church , yard to wiihin a few yards of the Institution . The Masonic procession passetl through this living avenue , and took up their position immediately around the stone ; the other societies being placed in an outer circle , the school teachers and children occupying the ground intended for the nave of the church .
In the unavoidable absence of the Prov . Grand Chap , lains , Bro . the Rev . J . E . Roberts , Senior Warden of the Prince Alfred Lotlge , commenced the proceedings by offering up prayer , after which the children and the large assemblage chanted a psalm , and sang an appropriate hymn , accompanied by one of the bands ; the thousands of voices producing a grand effect .
Bro . Mellor then addressed the large congregation as follows : —Ladies and Gentlemen , and Brethren—Having been requested by the brethren of the Prince Alfred Lodge to lay the north-east stone of this church , I have very great pleasure in acceding to their request , for we , as Masons , at all times consider il to he our duty to come forward and give what sanction we can by our own peculiar rites and
ceremonies to the erection of temples of religion . ( Hear hear . ) Antl what higher or noble service can wc perform than in assisting to raise another structure to the honour antl glory of the Great Architect of the Universe , for the spiritual welfare of all those who think proper to worship their Creator iu the beauty of holiness within its walls and from whence wc sincerely trust that pure and undefiled
religion may ever emanate ? I hoped we may be all spared to witness the completion of this church , that no casualties or sttikes will occur during its erection , and that goodwill and harmony will exist antl prevail amongst all those who are interested in the building . ( Hear , hear . ) I hope and trust also that the clouds of adversity which have for so long a period obscured the commercial horizon will ere
long be dispelled , and the sun of prosperity once more shine upon our manufacturing intlustry—( hear , hear)— . antl that peace anil happiness , truth and justice , religion and piety , may bc established among us for many generations . I beg to thank all those ladies and gentlemen , and the friendly societies in particular , who have shown by their presence an interest in this day's proceedings , ami my
Masonic brethren especially for their attendance and support . 1 may add , in conclusion , that whilst Masonry knows nothing of political parties , yet , in all countries and times , the Order has taught its disciples the fundamental doctrines of liberty , equality , antl fraternity , and these principles Masonry taught long before modern Republics had existence . Liberty regulated by law , obedience to
established authority , the fatherhood of God , the brotherhood of man , antl tolerance of private religious and political opinions are the very essence of Freemasonry , and brethren , let us ever bear in mind that so long as we recognise the supreme authority of the Great Architect of the Universe , so long as we take the volume of the Sacred Law for our guide , direct our actions by the square antl
compasses , and guide our conduct by the dictates of prudence , wisdom , temperance , and virtue , discarding all those barriers which bigotry- or intolerance would set up , we need not be ashamed of our Order , but proutl of our position as Masons . Brethren , we will now commence the work allotted to us . ( Applause . ) Bro . Roberts ( acting Prov . Grantl Chap . ) again offered
up prayer . The stone was slowly lowered about twelve inches , during which the Masonic choir sang the fiist verse of " When the Terrfple ' s first stone was slowly descending . " The Rrov . Grand Treasurer placed the bottle , containing coins , documents , & c , in the cavity , and the Prov . Grand Secretary read a copy of a scroll placed in the bottle .
The stone was again slowly lowered , the choir singing the second verse of the Anthem . Bro . James Buckley , W . M . of the Prince Alfred Lod ge , presented the trowel with some very appropriate remarks . Bro . Mellor having replied , spread the cement . The stone was , with a third tlrop , lowered to its bed , the choir singing a " Masonic Gloria . "
The lewis was removed from the stone hy an Entered Apprentice , who w . ts requestetl to place it in the archives of the lodge as a memento of that day's proceedings . Bro . Mellor directed the P . G . J . VV . to apply the plumb rule ; baring tloneso , he reported that he found the stone " perfect and trustworthy . " Bro . Mellor then dircctetl the P . G . S . W . to apply the level ; fiavingdonc so , he reported the stone to be " well founded . " '
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
China.
having held the offices of Inner Guard , Deacon , Tunio ' r and Senior Wardens , and this evening his brethren had further expressed their confidence in him by selecting him as their Master . He , therefore , begged the brethren o sent to drink to " The Health and Prosperity of the Master , Wardens , and Officers of the Royal Sussex Lodge . "
The R . W . D . G . M . also rose and said—Brethren , it is a very important duty and p leasure that now devolves upon us all . I' is t 0 wish our W - - health and prosperity durinff his year of office . I hope , brethren , you will duly consider how much rests with yourselves in rendering his office one of usefulness and pleasure . We are aware , from what we know of him , that nothing will be required on
his part to uphold the dignity of his lodge . He has selected officers—tried and good brethren—who may also be depended on for the faithful discharge of their duties , so that " with a long pull , a strong pull , and a pull altogether , " so ably suggestci by our Immediate Past Master , W . Bto . Evans , we may look for great success during the coming year . Brethren , I ask you for a hearty response
to the toast of " The Health of our W . M ., Bro . Johnsford , and his Officers , " so ably proposed by R . W . Past Master Bro . Birt . The W . M ., in felicitous terms , briefly acknowledged the toa't . W . Bro . Hart said the next toast had been p laced in his hands to propose , and it was pleasing to think that irrespective of any remarks from him he was sure it would meet with an enthusiastic reception .
The toast he had to bring to their notice was file Health of the Past Masters of the Royal Sussex Lodge . " The Royal Sussex Lotlge seemed to have been particularly fortunate in obtaining good men to occupy the chair in the lotlge , and two of them hatl occupied most distinguished positions in Masonry in China , and he was happy to say that they were still useful in promoting the welfare of the
Craft at home . He believed the first D . G . M . of China , or , as he was called , the P . P . G . M ., was a P . M . of the Royal Sussex Lodge . He need hardly say he referred to W . Bro . Rawson ; and then there was also W . Bro . Murray , who was also P . D . G . M ., antl a P . M . of the lodge . These two brethren he needly hardly say commanded the respect of all Masons in China , and were much respected in England .
W . Bros . Brown and Camajee hatl also worthily filled the chair of tbe lodge , and W . Bro . Evans , who had vacated it this evening after two years of good service , had , during his ( the speaker ' s ) residence in China , always been an active promoter of the Craft , and he had proved his ability by the many useful methods he hatl adopted to make Masonry more generally useful . The brethren were well
acquainted wilh the very distinguished manner in which the Past Masters had conducted the affairs of the lodge while under their control , and , therefore , he would not trespass further upon their time , but ask them to drink to the health antl prosperity of the P . M . ' s of the Royal Sussex Lodge , coupling with the toast the name of W . Bro . Evans . P . M . W . Bro . Evans , in responding , said : In calling upon
me to respond for the Past Masters of the R . S . Lodge , I think you have made a mistake , as I scarcely know what to say , but I do think that you arc doing injustice ( w me , to P . M . Bro . Brown , and to our visitors . First , to me , because I have already twice addressed you this c-. cning ; to our visitors because I think they would like to hear some other brother ' s voice , antl to P . M . Bro . Brown ,
because I think this duty should have devolved upon him , and looking at the other end of the table I can see that he is impatient to unburthen himself of the eloquence he feels pent up within him . I will , W . M ., with your permission , call on P . M . Bro . Brown to respontl to the toast of the Past Masters of the R . S . Lodge . P . M . Bro . Brown said :
Having been unexpectedly called upon to reply to the toast of the Past Masters , I feel unprepared to do justice to my eminent predecessors . A great ileal has been « aid abcut the Past Masters of this lodge , but I notice that the names of one or two of the most useful and best men have been omitted . I refer to Wor . Bros . Parker
and Stent . I had the pleasure to be initiated in this lodge by the former , and in the presence of Right Wor . Bro . Murray , D . G . Master of China , and have pleasant reminiscences of the manner in which the ceremony was performed , and I have pleasant recollections of having served in various offices under the Mastership of Bro . Stent . On their behalf , and that of the Past Masters present , I therefore
tender my hearty thanks for the enthusiastic manner in which you have received this toast . Before resuming my seat I avail myself of the opportunity to propose " The Health of the Visitors , " coupled with the name of Wor . uro . Weiller . W . Bro . Weiller , D . G . Sup . of Works of the District Grand Lodge cf Japan , in a very humorous speech responded . The Tyler ' s toast was next drunk , antl shortly afterwards the company separated .
Irish Masonic Orphan Boys' School.
IRISH MASONIC ORPHAN BOYS ' SCHOOL .
The monthly meeting of the Board of Governors was held on Tuesday , 13 th inst ., at Freemasons' Hall , Molesworth-street , D ' ublin , at 4 o ' clock p . m ., Bro . John H . Edge , Vice-Patron , in the chair . The result of the recent ballot for the
election of four Pupils from the list of candidates for admission to the Institution was announced , whereupon S . M . Gilbert , H . Ski pton , C . S . Oswald , and C . Topham , having the greatest number of votes , were declared duly elected pupils of the School . The report of the Education Committee , who have ber . n
"igaged for some time past in the consideration of applications of candidates for the appointments of htad master , Matron or lady superintendent , and assistant master of the school , was presented to the Board . In accordance with '" c recommendation of the Committee , Mr . A . L , Sparkes , |) -o ., and B . Sc . London , was appointed head master of 'he School , and Mrs . Sparkes , his wife , was appointed Matron or lady superintendent . The Committee have not
Irish Masonic Orphan Boys' School.
yet presented their report respecting the appointment of an assistant master . In compliance with the request of Bro . Thomas Valentine , of Belfast-, it was resolved that a tleputation from the Board should proceed to Belfast to confer with the
Governors of the School residing in that neighbourhood as to the condition and future prospects of the School ; and that the deputation consists of Bro . Edge , P . M . 728 ' , and a Vice-Patron of the School , and Bro . R . O'Brien Furlong , Hon ., Sec , who have kindly consented to bear their own
expenses . The next meeting of the Board will be held at Freemasons' Hall , Molesworth-street , Dublin , on Tuesday , 10 th June , 1879 , at 4 o ' clock p . m .
Consecration Of The Old England Lodge, No. 1790.
CONSECRATION OF THE OLD ENGLAND LODGE , NO . 1790 .
This new lotlge , the warrant for which was recently granted by the M . W . G . M ., was consecrated on Thursday , the 22 nd inst ., at the new Masonic Hall , which has lately been built for this lodge at New Thornton Heath , near Croydon , Surrey . The building is admirably adapted for
that purpose , and the arrangements of the rooms are all that can be desired . The building has been raised by the exertions ot-the founders oi the lotlge who were anxious to have a place of meeting for themsilves unconnected wilh any tavern . The proceedings commenced at half-past three , when the brethren met in the ante-room , and marched in order to the
lodge-room , when the ceremony of consecration commenced . The officer appointed for the purpose was Bro . James Terry , P . G . S . W . Herts , who appointed as his officers pro . tern . Bros . Dr . H . J . Str-. ng , P . P . G . J . W . Surrey , as S . W . W . Bausor , W . M . 1580 , as J . W . ; Thos . W . C . Bush , W . M . 1728 , as I . G . ; and J . L . Mather , P . G . D . C . Herts ,
as D . C . ; and H . Sadler , as I . G . The lodge was opened in the Three Degrees , and after the usual preliminaries hatl been gone through , Bro . Terry delivered an impressive antl eloquent atldress on the metits of Freemasonry and the duties of its members . The ceremony of consecration was then performed in a solemn antl impressive manner , the musical part of it
beingheartily joined in by the brethren . The Board of Installed Masters was formed , antl the W . M . designate , Bro . Foulsham , P . P . G . S . W . Northumberland , was presented to the Installing Officer , antl was duly installed into the chair of King Solomon according to ancient form . On re-admission of the brethren , the W . M . was saluted
in the various degrees , and at once proceetled to invest his officers as follows : —Bros . B . Buckworth , S . W . ; H Harland , J . W . ; T . C . Pascall , S . D . ; E . Whittaker , J . D . ; J , Taylor , I . G . ; J . Buckworth , Sec . ; and Boffin , Tyler . Several propositions for initiation anil joining having been received , the lodge was closed . The brethren then proceetled to an adjoining room ,
where they partook of a very enjoyable banquet . At its termination the usual loyal and Masonic toasts followed . " The Health of the W . M . " was proposed by Bro . Terry , in a few weli-chosen sentences , in which he heartily wished the lodge every success , to ensure which he impressed upon them the necessity of exercising great caution in preventing the admission of unworthy persons , and to take care that
the candidates should be of such a character as to add lustre thereto . He was certain that , under the supervision of their W . M ., the lodge would prosper . The W . M . suitably replied , and proposetl the toast ot " The Consecrating Officers , " dwelling with great emphasis upon the splendid rendering of the ritual by Bro . Terry . The W . M . apologised for an omission in lotlge . The
brethren of the lodge had fully intended conferring the honorary membership of the lodge on Bros . Terry , Strong , Mather , Bausor , and Bush for their kintl assistance , but it had hy accident been omitted . This , however , would be remedied at the first regular meeting of the lodge , on June 5 th . Bros . Terry and Strong replied .
The toast of " The Visitors " was then given , and suitably replied to by Bro . Bush . The remaining toasts were duly honoured antl replied to , and the Tyler's toast brought a very happy evening to a close . The arrangements for the banquet wcie very creditably carried out , and everything possible was done for the
comfort of the visitors . A very handsome Bible was presented to the lodge by Mrs . Buckworth , the wife of the esteemed Senior Warden , to whose untiring exertions the completion of the arrangements was , in a great measure , due . In addition to the above-named brethren we noticed Bros , Rev . J . H . Roberts , P . M . 1143 ; V . Keen , P . M . 203 ; J , Browning , Granite , 1328 ; C . A . Blogg , and others . '
Laying The Foundation Stone Of St George's Church, Mossley.
LAYING THE FOUNDATION STONE OF ST GEORGE'S CHURCH , MOSSLEY .
On Saturday last the town of Mossley was en fete . Early in the afternoon the trains from Ashton , Staleybritlge , and neighbourhood conveyed hundreds of holiday makers to join with the inhabitants of this thriving place in their festivities . Triumphal arches spanned the streets ,
flags and banners were suspentletl from the windows of hotels , shops , and private houses , giving to the grey stone walls a more lively appearance than they had ever been known to possess before , and adding much to the picturesque scenery which opened out at every corner of the steep streets , looking over the valley to the hilly slopes on the opposite side .
Laying The Foundation Stone Of St George's Church, Mossley.
About two o clock a procession was formed in the market-place , consisting of Oddfellows , Foresters , Druids , Orangemen , Shepherds , school teachers and children , numbering over 2000 , headed by a company of the 4 th West York Rifle Volunteers , accompanied by four bands of music , and marched through the principal streets . At the same time a Masonic lotlge was opened in the
Mechanics' Institution , by the W . M . and officers of the Prince Alfred Lodge , No . 1218 , and at 2 . 30 , the Very Worshipful Deputy Provincial Grand Master of East Lancashire ( Bro . George Mellor , Grand Senior Deacon ) entered the lotlge , attentled by the following Provincial Grand Officers , viz .: Bros . J . L . Hine , P . P . G . S . W . ; Dr . Lees , P . P . G . S . W . ; C . Beswicke N . Royds , P . P . G . S . W . ; George
Higgins , P . G . J . W . ; John Chadwick , P . G . Secretary ; Benjamin Taylor , P . G . Treasurer ; J . L . Anderton , P . G . Reg . ; J . Tweedale , P . P . G . Reg . ; Edwin Brookes , P . G . S . D . ; J . F . Hoffgaartl , P . G . J . D . ; C . L . Brunn , Grand Lodge of Denmark ; Henry Hayes , Asst . P . G . Director of Cers . John Salmon , P . P . G . D . of C . ; J . H . Sillitoe , P . P . G . D of C . ; R . Caldwell , P . G . Sword Bearer ; J . Kenyon , P . P .
G . Supt . of Works ; Julius Aronsberg , P . G . Purs . ; Edwin Radcliffe , Asst . P . G . Purs . ; H . T . Robberds , P . G . Org . ; and several otherr . The lodge was adjourned and formed in procession , according to their respective columns ( the brethren altogether numbering about 200 ) . The monster procession of friendly societies on reaching the site of the new building- formed two deep on each side
of the way , completely lining the route from the church , yard to wiihin a few yards of the Institution . The Masonic procession passetl through this living avenue , and took up their position immediately around the stone ; the other societies being placed in an outer circle , the school teachers and children occupying the ground intended for the nave of the church .
In the unavoidable absence of the Prov . Grand Chap , lains , Bro . the Rev . J . E . Roberts , Senior Warden of the Prince Alfred Lotlge , commenced the proceedings by offering up prayer , after which the children and the large assemblage chanted a psalm , and sang an appropriate hymn , accompanied by one of the bands ; the thousands of voices producing a grand effect .
Bro . Mellor then addressed the large congregation as follows : —Ladies and Gentlemen , and Brethren—Having been requested by the brethren of the Prince Alfred Lodge to lay the north-east stone of this church , I have very great pleasure in acceding to their request , for we , as Masons , at all times consider il to he our duty to come forward and give what sanction we can by our own peculiar rites and
ceremonies to the erection of temples of religion . ( Hear hear . ) Antl what higher or noble service can wc perform than in assisting to raise another structure to the honour antl glory of the Great Architect of the Universe , for the spiritual welfare of all those who think proper to worship their Creator iu the beauty of holiness within its walls and from whence wc sincerely trust that pure and undefiled
religion may ever emanate ? I hoped we may be all spared to witness the completion of this church , that no casualties or sttikes will occur during its erection , and that goodwill and harmony will exist antl prevail amongst all those who are interested in the building . ( Hear , hear . ) I hope and trust also that the clouds of adversity which have for so long a period obscured the commercial horizon will ere
long be dispelled , and the sun of prosperity once more shine upon our manufacturing intlustry—( hear , hear)— . antl that peace anil happiness , truth and justice , religion and piety , may bc established among us for many generations . I beg to thank all those ladies and gentlemen , and the friendly societies in particular , who have shown by their presence an interest in this day's proceedings , ami my
Masonic brethren especially for their attendance and support . 1 may add , in conclusion , that whilst Masonry knows nothing of political parties , yet , in all countries and times , the Order has taught its disciples the fundamental doctrines of liberty , equality , antl fraternity , and these principles Masonry taught long before modern Republics had existence . Liberty regulated by law , obedience to
established authority , the fatherhood of God , the brotherhood of man , antl tolerance of private religious and political opinions are the very essence of Freemasonry , and brethren , let us ever bear in mind that so long as we recognise the supreme authority of the Great Architect of the Universe , so long as we take the volume of the Sacred Law for our guide , direct our actions by the square antl
compasses , and guide our conduct by the dictates of prudence , wisdom , temperance , and virtue , discarding all those barriers which bigotry- or intolerance would set up , we need not be ashamed of our Order , but proutl of our position as Masons . Brethren , we will now commence the work allotted to us . ( Applause . ) Bro . Roberts ( acting Prov . Grantl Chap . ) again offered
up prayer . The stone was slowly lowered about twelve inches , during which the Masonic choir sang the fiist verse of " When the Terrfple ' s first stone was slowly descending . " The Rrov . Grand Treasurer placed the bottle , containing coins , documents , & c , in the cavity , and the Prov . Grand Secretary read a copy of a scroll placed in the bottle .
The stone was again slowly lowered , the choir singing the second verse of the Anthem . Bro . James Buckley , W . M . of the Prince Alfred Lod ge , presented the trowel with some very appropriate remarks . Bro . Mellor having replied , spread the cement . The stone was , with a third tlrop , lowered to its bed , the choir singing a " Masonic Gloria . "
The lewis was removed from the stone hy an Entered Apprentice , who w . ts requestetl to place it in the archives of the lodge as a memento of that day's proceedings . Bro . Mellor directed the P . G . J . VV . to apply the plumb rule ; baring tloneso , he reported that he found the stone " perfect and trustworthy . " Bro . Mellor then dircctetl the P . G . S . W . to apply the level ; fiavingdonc so , he reported the stone to be " well founded . " '