Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Consecration Of A Mark Masons' Lodge At Northampton.
a warrant empowering them to do so . The prayer of that petition Avas granted , and a warrant of consecration having been forwarded , thoy set about to constitute and form a regular Mark Mason's Lodge , to bo entitled the Simon do St . Liz Lodgo . Having got their warrant , they held two special meetings for tho advancement of brethren Avho wero desirous of being advanced to the degree of Mark Masons , and ho had
very much pleasure in handing to the Consecrating Officer the Avarrant of constitution received from tho M . W . G . M . of England upon which they had acted . Several brethren of Simon do Montfort Locige , at Leicester , aud others , assisted thom iuthis effort , and tho brethren of this Lodgo aro indebted to them for their assistance . Tho Graud
Sec . Bro . Frederick Binckes road tho petition and Avarrant , with the names of tho founders ; aud tho brethren haviug signified their approval of tho officers named in thoso documents , the Consecrating Officer called upon Bro . the Rev . H . Richardson P . P . G . Chaplain of Leicestershire , to deliver au oration , Avhich ho did , as follows : —
Most Worshipful Deputy Provincial Grancl Master , Oflicers , ancl Brethren , —The occasion for Avhich Ave aro mot together to-day is one of more than ordinary interest to Freemasonry in this place , because nofc only aro we founding a now Lodgo in connection with the Order , but I am informed thafc this is tho first Lodge of Mark Master Masons thafc has been founded in this
town , or in the county of Northamptonshire . It is , therefore , a matter , I consider , of very great congratulation , nofc only to tho founders of tho Lodge , bufc also to all Freemasons who havo been advanced to tho honourable degree of Mark Master Masons , thafc Ave should bo met together for tho purpose for Avhich Ave are assembled this day . I need not inform those brethren Avho aro
hero present that Mark Masonry , though not recognised by the Grand Lodgo of England as one of the threo regular degrees of the Craffc , yefc ifc is so closely connected with tho history of Masonry , and also with its Avorking , that it must be considered as belonging to tho Craffc degrees in somo sense , at any rate . In other countries , and more particularly in America , ifc is incorporated
into tho threo degrees of working Masonry , and also with the supremo degree of tho Holy Royal Arch . This being so , wo feel we miss somo points in Masonic duty , and a great portion of the legitimate beauties of Masonry , if wo do not attain to tho degree which some of us hero present have had tho honour to attain . Wo all must feel this aboufc Masonry—whether it is
Craft Masonry or Avhatcvor tho degree may bo—that each degree has its special lessons for us , ancl therefore thafc Mark Masonry , as a whole , is moro valuable for this lesson than any other , namely—that it conveys to us the highest moral precepts in the best possible way . Not only do AVO in this degree receive sublime and important lessons orally , from thoso who
conduct tho ceremonies of tho Lodge , but AVO havo also this great advantage in Mark Masoury , —fcho receiving of impressions npon tho mind through the eye . Wo havo our ritual as AVOII as our forms and ceremonies , aud so by acts and spectacles aro great truths brought homo to the mind much better nnd iu a Avay not so likely to bo forgotten as wo aro apt to forgot those taught by Avord
of month . Whatever the advantages of Masonry may bo iu other respects—and we all must admit thafc they are most A * aluablo—wo learn a greater pcrfccliou of thom iu the Mark degree . Recognition of each other iu distant countries , introduction to ono another in the bond of brotherhood , and in the spirit thafc is evinced amongst the members—these are tho irreat benefits Avhioh AVO receive in tho
ordinary Avorking of the Craft . Masonry iu general teaches us , of course , those groat principles of brotherly love , relief , and truth , and ifc teaches ns also , besides this , reverence to the great Creator , the Grand Overseer of the Universe , the God Avho made ns all . We learn the beautiful lessons of uprightness , of integrity , of sincerity , of benevolence , of courage , of humility , ancl others I could mention .
These lessons arc most valuable to all of ns ; but Mark Masonry has a special teaching in which appears to be embodied theso several points , which I Avill endeavour to mention . First of all AVO are taught to measure our Avork—that our work must be good , and that ifc must bo put to the test . In Craffc Masonry we aro taught that AVC have to work ; in Mark Masonry wo aro taught Avhat our ivork
must be , and that it must be put to a strict ancl infallible test . Its soundness , its finish , its accordance with tho regulations laid down by tho expert overseers of tho work , must all bo proved . Unless tho Avork is good Avork and true , you knoAV Avhafc becomes of it—ifc is heaved over amongst tho rubbish . Moreover the Mark Mason finds nofc only that ho has work to do , ancl that ifc must be put to the
test , but that thero is a reward for work thafc is good ancl true—i . e ., nob only for fair , smooth work , and such as is expressly ordered , but also for work that is ingenious if it is iu accordance with tho Avork of Masonry . Although it may nofc be such Avork as is usually done by Masons , wo well know that honour is conferred upon tho skilful c . aftsman Avho succeds in ingenious work . All work must bo good
WOiK and true ; then ifc mnsfc be put to tho test ; and , knowing all this , we must do the test Ave can to attain that reward which is the heritage c : f the deserving . But we must also uso our talent in the work . If AV .- * exercise tho gifts Avhich the Great Overseer of the Universe bestows upon us we shall in fcho end reap a greater reward , just as tho Mason who discovered tho true stono thafc Avas necessary
for tho completion of the arch obtained greater honour from the Master presiding over the Lodgo of Mark Master Masons . I have spoken of tho work , and of the tost which it is pnt to , aud also of the reward . Bat I think that idea of tho reward stands out clearest in Mark Masonry , and that is a very important lesson for us to bear in mind , the more so because the work which is very often rejected by our fellow-men is approved by those Avho havo oyes to see , and
especially by thafc Overseer of all , whom AVO recognise as Grand Master of onr Order . I will nofc add more Avords , except to say that I trust this Lodge , of Avhich I have tho honour of being one of the original members , may add lustre to Masonry , and especially to Mark Masonry in this toAvn and county . I cannot speak of a province as yet , because the province is scarcely formed ; and I trust each ono of us Masons hero present may leave behind us a mark of good work
Consecration Of A Mark Masons' Lodge At Northampton.
and true , upou each stono of which shall bo a , stamp of Avhich tho Grancl Overseer of tho Universe , above all , may approve . At tho conclusion of tho Rev . brother ' s eloquent address , Avhich Avas listened to Avith profound attention , tho anthem " Mark Masons , all appear , " Avassung and the consecration prayer offered , after Avhich tho cornucopia Avas borne in precession by tho Grancl Officers , and
tho emblems of plenty , joy and happiness , peace and fidelity Avero strewn around the pedestal , the brethren singing the well-known verses of the Consecration Service , to music by Bro . Edwin Crowe . Tho censer was then carried round by tho Acting-Chaplain , during Avhich tho brethren sang tho hymn " Supremo Grancl Master , God of Power , " after Avhich tho remaining portions of tho consecration
prayer were said , and tho concluding anthem " Glory to God on High " sung . By request of tho Consecrating Officer , tho Grand Secretary then dedicated and constituted tho Lodge , in accordance Avith tho usages of this degree , delivering the charge in a finished and masterly stylo , and Avith an emphasis that elicited tho hearty admiration of all present . The same remark applies to the perfect
Avorking of the installation ceremony , wherein , as in tho former rite , tho excellent organ accompaniment of Bro . Sampson tended materially to heighten the sublime and impressive character of tho proceedings . The selection of Bro . J . H . Hale as the first W . Master of this newly-constituted Lodgo is unquestionably a step in the right direction , ancl a presage of that prosperity which the brethren must
naturally hope for . The wisdom of , this choice will be endorsed by all Avho have known Bro . Hale in connection Avith Wentworth and other Lodges , in Avhich he has over evinced a deep and earnest interest . Tho Board of Installed Masters having completed their labours , tho newlyinstalled Master was saluted in tho usual Avay , and the honours having been accorded , he proceeded to invest his Officers for the year ,
as follow . —Bro . N . T . Hovvens S . W ., Rev . S . J . W . Sanders M . A ., LL . M . & c , J . W ., Henry John Atkins M . O ., George Ellard S . O ., Eli Morris J . O ., Henry Hill Secretary , Rev . F . II . Richardson Chaplain , Rev . Thos . 0 . Beasley Assistant-Chaplain , William Cole Shout Treasurer , Hamilton W . Parker Registrar of Marks , Brook Sampson Organist , Henry Spoor I . G ., John J . Green D . C , Frederick James
Airs Steward , and William Kirby Tyler . Tho manner in whioh each of tho Officers Avas received testified to tho general appreciation by tho brethren of the choice which tho Worshipful Master had made . After the transaction of somo other formal business , ifc Avas unanimously agreed that Bro . W . Kelly , tho R . W . Deputy Prov . Grand
Master of Leicestershire , Bro Frederick Binckes , Grand Secretary , and Bro . J . J . Thorpe I . P . M . 19 I , bo elected honorary members of this Lodgo . Ifc was also resolved that a petition be sent to Grand Lodge , applying for permission for Northampton to be attached to tho Provincial Grand District of Leicestershire . This bein <* tho first
Mark Lodgo established in the county , it will for the present bo carried on under tho banner of tho Province of Leicester , until such time as the increase in the number of Lodges warrants tho constitution of the independent Province of Northampton . At the conclusion of Lodgo business tho brethren adjourned to tho Peacock Hotel , AA'hero a substantial banquet Avas served by Mrs . Forth , Avhose
arrangements gave every satisfaction . The Worshipful Master Avas supported by the Provincial and other Officers abovo enumerated , and the admirable repast having been discussed , the customary Loyal and Mark Masonic toasts wero proposed and duly honoured , tho W . il . expressing a hope that , ' although tho Princo of Wales Avas nofc yofc a Mark Mason , he might become ono before another year had elapsed .
Bro . Binckes , in responding to tho toast of the Grancl Officers , said tho Rt . Hon . the Earl of Donoughmoro the R . W . Deputy G . M . M . M ., was a young nobleman , and had been absent from England for some time , engaged in political matters , bufc ho said the noblo Earl had re . turned home after completing his labours in connection Avifch the commission of Eastern Ronmolia . Ho only hoped his Lordship had brought
to boar all ho had learnt in Masonry on tho work of conciliation in Avhich ho had been assisting . Afc homo the noblo Lord took a deep interest especially in Mark Masonry , ancl therefore worthily held the distinguished position of Deputy Grand Master . At the expiration of tho three years' tenure of the Office they hoped to see him assuming tho position of Grand Master in succession to Lorcl Skolmersclale . Tho
Mark Lodge had been presided over by a long list of distinguished brethren , and it spoke Avonderfnlly well for Mark Masonry that they had never lost tho services of any one of thom from the time of their first Grand Master—Lord Leigh—to tho present timo , either by death or any serious indisposition . "Whether the vitality and good health of tho distinguished brethren who had ruled over the Mark degree might
be regarded as an augury of the vitality of the Mark degree itself ho could nofc say , bub ifc certainly had progressed in a manner such as Lord Leigh , their first Grand Master , could have bufc littlo anticipated . The Grand Officers Avere a numerous body , and he assured them there was no undue influence * required to obtain that honour Avhich was conferred only on tho most deserving brethren . Tho onl y
passport to Grand honours iu this degree was a character for zeal , energy , ability , and honesty of purpose . The toast of tbe Consecrating Officers AVUS next proposed , and in responding Bro . Kelly P . G . M . M . said he had had the honour of serving under the Avhole of the Grand Masters of England ; he hoped at somo future time that they might have tho pleasure of Avolcoming OHO of the Grand
Masters in Northampton . Bro . Binckes having followed with a brief address , tho Rev . F . H . Richardson expressed the pleasure it afforded him to return to the town of Northampton , whoro he * had passed many years of his life as a clergyman , ancl ho felt it a compliment to have beeu called upou to deliver tho oration that day , only ho had laboured under great disadvantage , inasmuch as tbe invitation came to him Avhen ho was away on a holiday , and ho had no timo
to prepare a satisfactory speech . However , he was pleased to assist in tho establishment of tho first Mark Lodgo in the county . Bro . Thorpo then proposed the health of tho W . M .., Avhom to know was to admire and esteem . It was impossible to see a man ' s good qualities all at once ; and although Bro . Hale had a happy faculty of making himself agreeable and amicable , yefc he carried many of his best qualities inside , and it was only by
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Consecration Of A Mark Masons' Lodge At Northampton.
a warrant empowering them to do so . The prayer of that petition Avas granted , and a warrant of consecration having been forwarded , thoy set about to constitute and form a regular Mark Mason's Lodge , to bo entitled the Simon do St . Liz Lodgo . Having got their warrant , they held two special meetings for tho advancement of brethren Avho wero desirous of being advanced to the degree of Mark Masons , and ho had
very much pleasure in handing to the Consecrating Officer the Avarrant of constitution received from tho M . W . G . M . of England upon which they had acted . Several brethren of Simon do Montfort Locige , at Leicester , aud others , assisted thom iuthis effort , and tho brethren of this Lodgo aro indebted to them for their assistance . Tho Graud
Sec . Bro . Frederick Binckes road tho petition and Avarrant , with the names of tho founders ; aud tho brethren haviug signified their approval of tho officers named in thoso documents , the Consecrating Officer called upon Bro . the Rev . H . Richardson P . P . G . Chaplain of Leicestershire , to deliver au oration , Avhich ho did , as follows : —
Most Worshipful Deputy Provincial Grancl Master , Oflicers , ancl Brethren , —The occasion for Avhich Ave aro mot together to-day is one of more than ordinary interest to Freemasonry in this place , because nofc only aro we founding a now Lodgo in connection with the Order , but I am informed thafc this is tho first Lodge of Mark Master Masons thafc has been founded in this
town , or in the county of Northamptonshire . It is , therefore , a matter , I consider , of very great congratulation , nofc only to tho founders of tho Lodge , bufc also to all Freemasons who havo been advanced to tho honourable degree of Mark Master Masons , thafc Ave should bo met together for tho purpose for Avhich Ave are assembled this day . I need not inform those brethren Avho aro
hero present that Mark Masonry , though not recognised by the Grand Lodgo of England as one of the threo regular degrees of the Craffc , yefc ifc is so closely connected with tho history of Masonry , and also with its Avorking , that it must be considered as belonging to tho Craffc degrees in somo sense , at any rate . In other countries , and more particularly in America , ifc is incorporated
into tho threo degrees of working Masonry , and also with the supremo degree of tho Holy Royal Arch . This being so , wo feel we miss somo points in Masonic duty , and a great portion of the legitimate beauties of Masonry , if wo do not attain to tho degree which some of us hero present have had tho honour to attain . Wo all must feel this aboufc Masonry—whether it is
Craft Masonry or Avhatcvor tho degree may bo—that each degree has its special lessons for us , ancl therefore thafc Mark Masonry , as a whole , is moro valuable for this lesson than any other , namely—that it conveys to us the highest moral precepts in the best possible way . Not only do AVO in this degree receive sublime and important lessons orally , from thoso who
conduct tho ceremonies of tho Lodge , but AVO havo also this great advantage in Mark Masoury , —fcho receiving of impressions npon tho mind through the eye . Wo havo our ritual as AVOII as our forms and ceremonies , aud so by acts and spectacles aro great truths brought homo to the mind much better nnd iu a Avay not so likely to bo forgotten as wo aro apt to forgot those taught by Avord
of month . Whatever the advantages of Masonry may bo iu other respects—and we all must admit thafc they are most A * aluablo—wo learn a greater pcrfccliou of thom iu the Mark degree . Recognition of each other iu distant countries , introduction to ono another in the bond of brotherhood , and in the spirit thafc is evinced amongst the members—these are tho irreat benefits Avhioh AVO receive in tho
ordinary Avorking of the Craft . Masonry iu general teaches us , of course , those groat principles of brotherly love , relief , and truth , and ifc teaches ns also , besides this , reverence to the great Creator , the Grand Overseer of the Universe , the God Avho made ns all . We learn the beautiful lessons of uprightness , of integrity , of sincerity , of benevolence , of courage , of humility , ancl others I could mention .
These lessons arc most valuable to all of ns ; but Mark Masonry has a special teaching in which appears to be embodied theso several points , which I Avill endeavour to mention . First of all AVO are taught to measure our Avork—that our work must be good , and that ifc must bo put to the test . In Craffc Masonry we aro taught that AVC have to work ; in Mark Masonry wo aro taught Avhat our ivork
must be , and that it must be put to a strict ancl infallible test . Its soundness , its finish , its accordance with tho regulations laid down by tho expert overseers of tho work , must all bo proved . Unless tho Avork is good Avork and true , you knoAV Avhafc becomes of it—ifc is heaved over amongst tho rubbish . Moreover the Mark Mason finds nofc only that ho has work to do , ancl that ifc must be put to the
test , but that thero is a reward for work thafc is good ancl true—i . e ., nob only for fair , smooth work , and such as is expressly ordered , but also for work that is ingenious if it is iu accordance with tho Avork of Masonry . Although it may nofc be such Avork as is usually done by Masons , wo well know that honour is conferred upon tho skilful c . aftsman Avho succeds in ingenious work . All work must bo good
WOiK and true ; then ifc mnsfc be put to tho test ; and , knowing all this , we must do the test Ave can to attain that reward which is the heritage c : f the deserving . But we must also uso our talent in the work . If AV .- * exercise tho gifts Avhich the Great Overseer of the Universe bestows upon us we shall in fcho end reap a greater reward , just as tho Mason who discovered tho true stono thafc Avas necessary
for tho completion of the arch obtained greater honour from the Master presiding over the Lodgo of Mark Master Masons . I have spoken of tho work , and of the tost which it is pnt to , aud also of the reward . Bat I think that idea of tho reward stands out clearest in Mark Masonry , and that is a very important lesson for us to bear in mind , the more so because the work which is very often rejected by our fellow-men is approved by those Avho havo oyes to see , and
especially by thafc Overseer of all , whom AVO recognise as Grand Master of onr Order . I will nofc add more Avords , except to say that I trust this Lodge , of Avhich I have tho honour of being one of the original members , may add lustre to Masonry , and especially to Mark Masonry in this toAvn and county . I cannot speak of a province as yet , because the province is scarcely formed ; and I trust each ono of us Masons hero present may leave behind us a mark of good work
Consecration Of A Mark Masons' Lodge At Northampton.
and true , upou each stono of which shall bo a , stamp of Avhich tho Grancl Overseer of tho Universe , above all , may approve . At tho conclusion of tho Rev . brother ' s eloquent address , Avhich Avas listened to Avith profound attention , tho anthem " Mark Masons , all appear , " Avassung and the consecration prayer offered , after Avhich tho cornucopia Avas borne in precession by tho Grancl Officers , and
tho emblems of plenty , joy and happiness , peace and fidelity Avero strewn around the pedestal , the brethren singing the well-known verses of the Consecration Service , to music by Bro . Edwin Crowe . Tho censer was then carried round by tho Acting-Chaplain , during Avhich tho brethren sang tho hymn " Supremo Grancl Master , God of Power , " after Avhich tho remaining portions of tho consecration
prayer were said , and tho concluding anthem " Glory to God on High " sung . By request of tho Consecrating Officer , tho Grand Secretary then dedicated and constituted tho Lodge , in accordance Avith tho usages of this degree , delivering the charge in a finished and masterly stylo , and Avith an emphasis that elicited tho hearty admiration of all present . The same remark applies to the perfect
Avorking of the installation ceremony , wherein , as in tho former rite , tho excellent organ accompaniment of Bro . Sampson tended materially to heighten the sublime and impressive character of tho proceedings . The selection of Bro . J . H . Hale as the first W . Master of this newly-constituted Lodgo is unquestionably a step in the right direction , ancl a presage of that prosperity which the brethren must
naturally hope for . The wisdom of , this choice will be endorsed by all Avho have known Bro . Hale in connection Avith Wentworth and other Lodges , in Avhich he has over evinced a deep and earnest interest . Tho Board of Installed Masters having completed their labours , tho newlyinstalled Master was saluted in tho usual Avay , and the honours having been accorded , he proceeded to invest his Officers for the year ,
as follow . —Bro . N . T . Hovvens S . W ., Rev . S . J . W . Sanders M . A ., LL . M . & c , J . W ., Henry John Atkins M . O ., George Ellard S . O ., Eli Morris J . O ., Henry Hill Secretary , Rev . F . II . Richardson Chaplain , Rev . Thos . 0 . Beasley Assistant-Chaplain , William Cole Shout Treasurer , Hamilton W . Parker Registrar of Marks , Brook Sampson Organist , Henry Spoor I . G ., John J . Green D . C , Frederick James
Airs Steward , and William Kirby Tyler . Tho manner in whioh each of tho Officers Avas received testified to tho general appreciation by tho brethren of the choice which tho Worshipful Master had made . After the transaction of somo other formal business , ifc Avas unanimously agreed that Bro . W . Kelly , tho R . W . Deputy Prov . Grand
Master of Leicestershire , Bro Frederick Binckes , Grand Secretary , and Bro . J . J . Thorpe I . P . M . 19 I , bo elected honorary members of this Lodgo . Ifc was also resolved that a petition be sent to Grand Lodge , applying for permission for Northampton to be attached to tho Provincial Grand District of Leicestershire . This bein <* tho first
Mark Lodgo established in the county , it will for the present bo carried on under tho banner of tho Province of Leicester , until such time as the increase in the number of Lodges warrants tho constitution of the independent Province of Northampton . At the conclusion of Lodgo business tho brethren adjourned to tho Peacock Hotel , AA'hero a substantial banquet Avas served by Mrs . Forth , Avhose
arrangements gave every satisfaction . The Worshipful Master Avas supported by the Provincial and other Officers abovo enumerated , and the admirable repast having been discussed , the customary Loyal and Mark Masonic toasts wero proposed and duly honoured , tho W . il . expressing a hope that , ' although tho Princo of Wales Avas nofc yofc a Mark Mason , he might become ono before another year had elapsed .
Bro . Binckes , in responding to tho toast of the Grancl Officers , said tho Rt . Hon . the Earl of Donoughmoro the R . W . Deputy G . M . M . M ., was a young nobleman , and had been absent from England for some time , engaged in political matters , bufc ho said the noblo Earl had re . turned home after completing his labours in connection Avifch the commission of Eastern Ronmolia . Ho only hoped his Lordship had brought
to boar all ho had learnt in Masonry on tho work of conciliation in Avhich ho had been assisting . Afc homo the noblo Lord took a deep interest especially in Mark Masonry , ancl therefore worthily held the distinguished position of Deputy Grand Master . At the expiration of tho three years' tenure of the Office they hoped to see him assuming tho position of Grand Master in succession to Lorcl Skolmersclale . Tho
Mark Lodge had been presided over by a long list of distinguished brethren , and it spoke Avonderfnlly well for Mark Masonry that they had never lost tho services of any one of thom from the time of their first Grand Master—Lord Leigh—to tho present timo , either by death or any serious indisposition . "Whether the vitality and good health of tho distinguished brethren who had ruled over the Mark degree might
be regarded as an augury of the vitality of the Mark degree itself ho could nofc say , bub ifc certainly had progressed in a manner such as Lord Leigh , their first Grand Master , could have bufc littlo anticipated . The Grand Officers Avere a numerous body , and he assured them there was no undue influence * required to obtain that honour Avhich was conferred only on tho most deserving brethren . Tho onl y
passport to Grand honours iu this degree was a character for zeal , energy , ability , and honesty of purpose . The toast of tbe Consecrating Officers AVUS next proposed , and in responding Bro . Kelly P . G . M . M . said he had had the honour of serving under the Avhole of the Grand Masters of England ; he hoped at somo future time that they might have tho pleasure of Avolcoming OHO of the Grand
Masters in Northampton . Bro . Binckes having followed with a brief address , tho Rev . F . H . Richardson expressed the pleasure it afforded him to return to the town of Northampton , whoro he * had passed many years of his life as a clergyman , ancl ho felt it a compliment to have beeu called upou to deliver tho oration that day , only ho had laboured under great disadvantage , inasmuch as tbe invitation came to him Avhen ho was away on a holiday , and ho had no timo
to prepare a satisfactory speech . However , he was pleased to assist in tho establishment of tho first Mark Lodgo in the county . Bro . Thorpo then proposed the health of tho W . M .., Avhom to know was to admire and esteem . It was impossible to see a man ' s good qualities all at once ; and although Bro . Hale had a happy faculty of making himself agreeable and amicable , yefc he carried many of his best qualities inside , and it was only by