Consecration Of The Grove Lodge, No. 1957, At Hazel Grove, Cheshire.

CONSECRATION OF THE GROVE LODGE , No . 1957 , AT HAZEL GROVE , CHESHIRE .

The above lodge was consecrated on Monday , the 22 nd inst ., by the R . W . P . G . M . of the Province , Bro . the Right Hon . Lord de Tabley , at the National School Rooms , when the following members of the Craft were present : Bros , the Right Hon . Lord de Tabley , R . W . P . G . M . ; Herbert Finch , P . M . 104 , P . G . D . C ; S . W . Wilkinson , P . P . S . G . D . ; James Salmon , P . M . 425 , 1477 , 1674 , 190 S P . P . S . G . D . ; Jas . Whitehead , P . M . G 54 , W . M . 1952 , P . G . D . C . Derbyshire ;

, Peter Bramwell , P . M . 195 2 , P . G . S . of W . Derbyshire ; John Beech , P . M . 361 , P . P . G . P . ; Jas . Beresford , P . M . 104 , P . P . S . G . D . ; D . A . Davis , P . M . 625 , 1798 , P . G . Supt . of W . Derbyshire '; W . A . Clayton , P . G . J . W . West Lane ; H . Beilbey , P . G . Swd . B . England ; John Barrowby , P . M . 645 , P . P . G . P . Derbyshire ; H . Howard , P M . 1126 , P . P . S . G . D . ; Thos . Socket , P . M . . ' 95 , P . G . S . D . ; J . H . Brookes , S . W . ' 95 , P . G . Swd . B . ; Edwin Hardon , P . P . S . G . D . East Lane . ; W . Nutkon , P . P . J . G . D . : Tohn Chadwick , P . G . Sec . East Lane ; H . Jackson , P . P . G . P . ; J . H .

Bellyse , P . J . G . W . ; Rev . J . W . Newett Tanner , P . P . G . C . ; W . Greatorex , P . P . G . P . ; Geo . W . Latham , P . G . D . England ; John Siddelev , P . M . io 45 , P . G . A . D . C . ; Wm . Harrison , P . P . S . G . D . ; R . Beales , P . M . 533 , 321 , P . P . J . G . W . ; John Peter Bardsley , W . M . designate ; Thos . Smith , P . M . designate ; VV . C . Fleming , Sec . designate ; Thos . Axon , S . D . designate ; Edwin Smith , J . D . designate ; Samuel Howard , I . G . designate ; W . Booth , W . M . 104 ; R . Blakehurst , W . M . 2 S 7 ; R . Gray , VV . M . 112 G ; R . Reddish , 6 G 7 ; J . Meadows , 322 ; H . Isherwood , P . M . 322 ; S . Renshaw ,

322 ; J . Brigg , 731 ; J . F . Jackson , Sec . G 54 ; J . VV . Wyatt . I . P . M . 654 ; J . Hadfield , VV . M . 625 ; Israel Shaw , 654 ; Jsaac Bailey , 322 ; T . Woodruff , 324 ; j . Castle , S . W . ( Moira ); Donald Kay , 324 ; Arthur Horden , 267 ; J . St . Leger , 1952 ; VV . Boothroyd , S . D . 140 S ; VV . Cleave , 104 ; J . Nield , 2 S 7 ; W . Pritchard , 323 ; VV . Dutton , P . M . 1166 ; J . Burgess , VV . M . 140 S ; W . Ramsden ; W . Marquis , P . M . 537 ; S . Orme , 295 ; S . May , S . W . 322 ; J . Heathcott , J . D . 1952 ; J . K . Green , S . D . 322 ; G . H . Barlow , 32-5 ; H . Clausen , P . M . 1077 ; VV . H . Epplestone , P . M . 210 ; Josiah Hill ,

P . M . ; Jas . Slade , W . M . 267 ; Edward Smith , 317 ; ihos . Milton , P . M . 200 ; H . Mayden , W . M . 29 s ; H . Burgess , 295 ; R . Bentley , 104 ; T . Brough , 267 ; J . L . Newton , 104 ; A . Frith , 267 ; A . Cockayne , P . M . 2 G 7 ; G . H . Gundry , P . G . S . 2 G 7 ; J . Leigh , P . M . 2 S 7 ; R . Andrew , S . VV . 33 6 ; W . Cardwell , J . D . 336 ; S . Bennett , W . M . 327 ; R . D . Bradbury , P . M . 322 and 33 G ; P . Jackson , 3 GS ; VV . Agar Renshaw , P . M . 1045 ; W . H . Brown , S . W . 322 ; A . Taylor , 2 S 7 ; E . G . Parker , P . M . 1565 and 10 . K ; T . E . Watson , P . M . 3 G 1 ; Mark Stafford , P . M . 3 61 ; T . Oldfield , VV . M . 210 ;

Jas . Bromley , J . W . 210 ; A . Rangelly , 654 ; C . Shuttleworth , Org . 295 ; G . L . Vaughan , P . M . 1030 ; F . Hirscher , Org . 2 G 7 ; G . F . Bowden , P . M . 204 and 336 ; J . G . Bromley I . P . M . 1375 , VV . Lane ; Frank Holliday , 1166 ; J . Worsnup , P . M . 322 ; T . H . Hitchin , 100 S ; J . Hock , P . M . 323 ; John Scott , P . M . 322 ; Fras . Preston , J . W . 104 ; T . H . Kirk , P . P . G . O . ; Joseph Astington ; G . R . Broady , S . D . 322 ; John Brown , 533 ; G . Pugh , 210 ; Walter H . Vaughan , P . M . [ 1030 ; John Hindle , 26 ; Wm . Cartwright

S . VV . 633 ; J . Marvin ; VV . E . Matthews ; D . Hisson ; J . P . Massey ; R . H . Riley ; John Wrigley , S . W . 210 ; Geo . Balfe , Treas . 104 ; Samuel Wood ; 1 . Thornley , Sec . 2 S 7 ; John Bel , 104 ; Joseph Emmerson , 104 ; John Sapp , J . W . 190 S ; G . H . Danby , S . W . 190 S ; John Rowarth , 210 ; VV . Firth , S 30 ; Jas . Wm . Abbott , P . M . 1030 and 1459 ; J Slack , P . M . 323 ; G . H . Kinson , P . M . 323 and 1126 ; Joseph Slack , P . M . 323 ; and R . R . Lisenden , J . D . 317 ( Freemason ) .

The brethren assembled at 2 . 30 , and after a great deal of struggling managed to sign the attendance book , in which , by reason of the crowding , many of the autographs could scarcely be deciphered . We cannot help expressing surprise that at provincial and other meetings , where a large number of brethren congregate , some better arrangements than those usually provided are not made for their convenience in depositing hats and coats where they will be likely to find them again without difficulty , and append their signatures in the attendance book without fear of being perpetually jostled against by an eager crowd on all sides .

Proceedings commenced at 3 o ' clock , when the Prov . Grand D . C , Bro . HERBERT FINCH , called upon the following brethren connected with the four Stockport lodges to form a Craft Iodge : Bro . W . Booth , W . M . 104 ; J . Marshall , W . M . 323 ; R . C . Blakehurst , W . M . 287 ; G . Bennett , W . M . 322 ; R . Gray , W . M . 1126 ; E . Johnson , J . D . 104 ; C . Pearson , P . M . and Sec . 104 . Under the guidance of these brethren , who were simply perfect in their duties , the lodge was opened in the Three Degrees , and immediately

afterwards the R . W . P . G . M . was announced , and entered the lodge-room , preceded by a long arrray of Present and Past Prov . Grand Ofiicers , and was duly saluted . The R . W . P . G . M . then addressed the brethren and congratulated them on the fact that the whole heart of Masonry in the Province of Chester was sound and vigorous . It was their duty to take care that new lodges did not multiply too quickly . Though the M . W . G . M ., the Prince of Wales was

not averse to granting new warrants in cases where there was shown to be a need , he wished to be assured in his own mind that the lodge would be well and respectably conducted , and so that it sliould redound to the credit of Masonry . He had grounds of assurance that the lodge he was about to consecrate would be conducted in the way and for the objects he had indicated . He warned them not to be hasty to make new members , and to be especially careful as to those who were admitted . He believed they had in Lheshire as good lodges , supported by as true a body of Freemasons , as in

any province in the kingdom . The R . W . P . G . Master ' s remarks were warmly applauded , after which the acting Prov . G . Chap ., Bro . the Rev . J . W . TANNER , invoked a blessing on the proceedings . The petition for and the warrant itself were read to the R . W . P . G . M ., who enquired of the petitioners whether they approved of the officers named in the warrant , and on receiving a reply in the affirmative , the whole of the brethren present rose and sang the hymn " Behold how pleasant and how good , " after which the acting P . G . C HAPLAIN delivered the following oration :

R . W . P . G . M ., Officers , and Brethren—It devolves upon me , by your command , my lord , in the absence of the present Provincial Grand Chaplain ( which I much regret , being more accustomed to the work than myself ) to deliver the oration customary at the consecration of a Masonic lodge , ttcar with me awhile , brethren , whilst I , as briefly as possible , endeavour to discharge the duty laid upon me . I will not shrink from the task imposed u Pon m ' e , notwithstanding the short notice I received , but , asking your kind sympathy and forbearance , will endeavour to discharge my duty to the best uf my ability . It is no trivial object for which we have been summoned and

met here to-day to promote . It is not to inaugurate a club for convivial Purposes , for mental and social recreation , but with a higher end in view—to consecrate a suitable place wherein to hold a Masonic lodge , to investigate u , ose sublime , yet simple , principles of beauty , strength , and wisdom which ° ur Order so strikingly illustrates . Let us then lift up our thoughts and our hearts to the G . A . O . T . U ., and beseech Him to deign to look down irom ui

"l Jun us Mis creatures ana servants me UHUIIE u » « ioiy , LU bless and prosper us , and the labour of our hands this day ; l 0 . make us all brig ht and perfect , just in all our dealings l V'th one another , so that we may prove worthy of a connuance of His favour and protection here ; and when our work is done , ln & we are summoned hence , our end may be peace , our names be written

Consecration Of The Grove Lodge, No. 1957, At Hazel Grove, Cheshire.

in heaven , our dwelling place there with Him after . I do not propose on this occasion to dilate upon the purposes , excellencies and advantages of Freemasonry , as everything connected with our ancient Masonic art is too well known to you , brethren , for me to enlarge upon ; such a theme besides has so often been made the subject of orations , that it would seem but flat , state , and unprofitable for you to listen to . I would however remind vou that life

is real ; lite is earnest ; that time is short , and life uncertain . So we ought to be wise to-day , " tis madness to defer ; - " whatsoever our hands find to do we should do it with all our might , lest our working day may be over before our work is done ; the night of death comcth when no man can work . Brethren , let us not forget that the race is not to the swift , nor the battle to the strong ; neither yet bread to the wise , nor yet riches to men of

understanding , nor favour to men of skill . We are all in the hands of the 1 . G . A . O / l . U . ; in Him we live , and move , and have our being . He ordereth all things both in heaven and earth ; from Him cometh knowled ge , wisdom , and strength . He must teach us , lead us , guide us , for without Him we can do nothing ; with Him we can do all things ' ; therefore we invoke His blessing upon all the purposes of our present assembling humbl implore

, y Him to give us wisdom in all our doings , and strength of mind under all our difficulties , the beauty of love and harmony in all our communications ; and if ours is not mere lip service only , but fervent , heartfelt prayers , mounting up to His mercv seat on the wiiigs of faith , it shall avail much and call a gracious answer down . The G . A . O . T . U ., author of life and light , great source of love and haDniness to nc ,-ind

all His creatures , will indeed permit us to erect this lodge , and solemnly to consecrate it to the honour and glory of His most Holy Name . He is present with us , thotigli unseen , noting outwords and actions . How , then , ought we , as Masons , behave before Him , so that at the last , having overcome , wc shall receive the reward of our labours . Brethren , we may erect and consecrate lod such as thisand

ges , leave nothing undone which Masonic ritual requires , but even then our work is not done , our duty to ourselves and others not discljarged . The true Mason is a builder , who , whilst anxious to have all things just , regular , and particular , as regards his work and the ordering of a lodge , has another task to perform , another object in view , and that is , to build up himself , body , soul , and spirit , into a holy temple acceptable to God ; to do all that is in his

power , and , by Divine aid , to be a living stone , building up a spiritual house meet to be his habitation on earth , and when he leaves this earthly abode meet to be received within His heavenly temple above , there to enjoy light , bliss , and glory for evermore ; and to this end he must listen to the still , small voice , speaking to him in conscience , in Holy Writ , in the records of the past , in the transactions of the present ; let him hear that voice and be

attentive to to its commands , obeying without scruple or doubtfulness . Pounded upon a rock , and not upon shifting sand , graven upon the corner stone of his building , and accurately adjusted by the level and square , each stone must be laid in due course , adding to faith virtue , lo virtue knowledge , lo knowledge temperance , to temperance patience , to patience godliness and brotherl y kindness , and lo brotherlkindness charityuntil

y , the whole is completed ; and the answer shall be , " Well done , good and faithful servant , enter thou into the joy of thy Lord . " So mote it be to each and all assembled here in solemn convocation this day . May the Great Architect of the Universe dei gn to bless the W . M ., and endue him with wisdom to govern prudently , with firmness and discretion , over the affairs of this lodge , and give to each brother his due . May the Wardens

aid and support him at all times , and be found upright in word and deed , and may all the brethren of this newly-consecrated lodge , whether officebearers or otherwise , combine together to do their duty to their Supreme Ruler m the Grand Lod ge above . Be ever mindful of the duties which they owe to Him , as well as to each other ; ready to obey in all things their superiors , to show love to their equals , good will to all mankind , so as to be a pattern to all Master Masons , living examples of love to Godof charity

, to all men , especially their poorer brethren and all in distress . May the G . A . O . T . U . thus sanctif y us all to His service , thus incline us to obedience to His will , thus make us live on earth a faint reflection of life in heaven ; and fit and prepare us to enter into His glory , when all that are His enter with rejoicing into His temple on high , the house of God , holy , glorious , and exceedingl y magnificent ; the house not made with hands , eternal , in the heavens , and dwell there with Him for ever and evermore .

On the conclusion of Bro . Tanner ' s oration the consecration ceremony was proceeded with . The lodge board , on which were the various belongings and requiremeuts for the new lodge , was uncovered , and here the master hand of Bro . Finch , the D . of C . was observant in the tasteful manner in which everything had been arrangeda most leasing feature

, p being the introduction of some choice plants placed here and there amongst the paraphernalia , and forming a striking " coup d ' ceil . " During the performance of solemn music , the P . G . Chaplain dispersed incense over the Masonic pavement , and read passages of scripture applicable to the ceremony .

Ihe consecrating vessels , containing corn , wine , oil , and salt , were borne respectively by Bros . G . W . Latham , J . H . Bellyse , G . A . Fernley , and C . J . Howard , who made a circuit round the lodge , and at intervals handed the various elements of consecration to . the R . W . P . G . M ., who poured and sprinkled , them on the lodge floor , during which proceeding musical responses were chanted b y the choir , and further passages of scripture read , the R . W . P . G . M . dedicating the lodge to Masonry , Virtue , Benevolence ,

Brotherly Love , Relief , and Truth . The brethren next sang the anthem , " Hail Masonry , thou Craft divine , " and the P . G . Chaplain concluded the ceremony with prayer . The R . W . P . G . M . having constituted the new lodge , called upon Bro . H . Bulley , P . G . S . B . England , to instal the W . M . designate , Bro . J . P . Bardsley , P . M . 322 , as first Master of the Grove Lodge , No . 1957 , which that worthy brother did in right good style , and before the goodly number of

eighty-three installed Masters . When the newly-installed Master had been proclaimed and saluted , he appointed his officers for the year , and they were accordingly invested by Bro . II . Bulley as follows : Bros . Isaac Higginbolham , S . W . ; Thomas Moore , J . W . ; Geo . E . Pearson , Treas . ; W . C . Fleming , Sec ; T . Axon , S . D . ; Edwin Smith , J . D . ; Samuel Howard , I . G . ; and — Fiddler , Tyler .

The Installing Master next gave the three addresses , and the installation ceremony was concluded with prayer , offered by the P . G . Chaplain . " Hearty good wishes " were expressed by representatives from various lodges , and the lodge was closed in peace and harmony at 4 . 50 . Some 100 of the brethren afterwards repaired to the Mechanics' Institution , where a banquet had been provided for them b y Mrs . Lowe , of the Cock Inn , at which hostelry the meetings of the lodge will be held . The newly-installed W . M ., Bro . J . Peter Bardsley , presided at the banquet , sup-