Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Centenary Celebration Of The Alfred Lodge, No. 300, Leeds.
And so the minules go on , sometimes with monotonous regularity , at others , varied by incidents which time will not permit to be detailed . In the period between 18 35 and 1 S 45 , thc lodge appears to have flourished . Its numbers were much larger , and its general progress greater . Amongst the members during this epoch were Bro . Chas . Lee , Deputy Provincial Grand Alaster of West Yorkshire , who was a ioininir member and is described as " late of Fidelity *'; Bros , the Rev .
Chas . Clapham , Bywater , and Wm . Beckwith . The last named brother appears to have acted for some years as Treasurer , and generally to have interested himself much in the concerns of-the lodge . It was he , who , as executor , presented a bust of the then late Bro . E . Walton , Provincial Grand Organist of West Yorkshire . Of all these brethren , much that is interesting might be said , but in this cursory glance it is impossible . In 1 S 45 the lodge celebrated its jubilee by a ball in the Assembly Rooms .
Of the second 50 years we shall say very little . We have had our vicissitudes and changes like all other communities ; we have quarreled and become reconciled ; we have experienced both adversity and prosperity ; we have been rescued from extinction and ruin ; and we stand now , to-day , numerically , financially , and Alasonically in a higher position than we have at any period of our history enjoyed . This is largely owing to the Past Masters of our own time . By their loyalty and devotion we can start upon the second century of our existence with faith and confidence . The future of the lodge , brethren , is in your hands ,
Freemasonry to-day is a mighty and powerful organisation , with immense opportunities and capabilities for good , yet it is but an aggregate of individuals , and upon the character of those whom we admit into our lodges will depend the honour , the reputation , and the usefulness of our Order in the future . We , in the Alfred Lodge , are now united ; let us stand shoulder to shoulder ; let us each strive his utmost to preserve the peace and harmony now so happily existing amongst us ; and let us manfully endeavour , each according to his ability , to carry out the principles so continually inculcated in our beautiful ceremonies .
VVhen the readingwas finished , the Worshipful Master presented to the lodge a very handsome picture consisting of portraits ofthe officers for the year . It was enclosed in a massive oak frame . In offering it for the acceptance ofthe brethren Bro . BLACKBURN expressed the hope that , unlike many of their valuables which had disappeared during past years , they would be able to retain this and hand it down to their successors .
Bro . W . L . J ACKSON , Prov . Grand Master , in presenting the centenary warrant tu the lodge , said : Worshipful Master and brethren , I have great pleasure in presenting to you , if not the real centenary warrant , at any rate a copy of it in the absence of the warrant itself . I esteem it a great privilege to be permitted to present the centenary warrant to you , Bro . Blackburn , as the Worshipful Alaster of the Alfred Lodge . 1 am quite sure tbe words we have listened to will render unnecessary any caution on my part , but I hope it will be cared for and preserved safely in the archives of the lodge , and that it will ever be a memorial of this most interesting day .
The WORSHIPFUL MASTER said : Right Worshipful Prov . Grand Master , the present is a very proud moment for me and the members of the Alfred Lodge . I am sorry that my voice has left me and that I cannot adequately thank you for the presentation of the centenary warrant . It is a very auspicious occasion , an occasion which none of the present members of the Alfred Lodge will live to see repeated . I feel proud that you , Sir , have presented this warrant to me , and I take it on behalf of the brethren with the conviction that my successors will do their best to hand it down as my predecessors have handed down theirs . I thank you , R . VV . Provincial Grand Master , for thus presenting the centenary warrant .
The PROVINCIAL GRAND AIASTER then presented the centenary jewels to those brethren who had applied for them . To the Worshipful Alaster he said : Allow me to attach to your sash the centenary jewel of the Alfred Lodge . I am quite sure that that jewel will be worn worthily by you , and I hope it will be worn long . He also attached the jewels to the sashes of the other officers , and spoke to and shook hands with each .
The DEPUTV PROV . GRAND MASTER acknowledged the salutations of the brethren , and congratulated the W . AL and the Alfred Lodge upon attaining its centenary . He had listened with great interest to the paper read by the Junior Warden , and he who knew much of what their past difficulties had been was able the more fully to realise how manfully they had been struggled with and how nobly
overcome . Referring to the changes of residence which the Alfred Lodge had experienced , Bro . Henry Smith expressed a hope that the day was not far distant when the spirited Masons of Leeds and West Yorkshire would build a hall worth y of the Craft and worthy of that prosperous and thriving city , and that he might live to see it accomplished .
Before closing the lodge , the W . M . expressed the pleasure which he and his brethren felt at seeing so numerous an attendance . They had had disappointments , especially from officers of Grand Lodge , but the reason assigned was of such a character that whilst regretting the absence of the brethren they could only admit its justification . The province was never more fully represented he was delighted to say , Provincial Officers , both Present and Past , having freel y accepted his invitations . Bro . Blackburn stated that of Alfred Lodge , except four
brethren who were unable through sickness to attend , every member was present —50 in all . This was especially gratifying to him . Of the Worshi pful Masters and Wardens of the other Leeds lodges— -21 altogether—20 were in their midst at that moment . Personal friends of himself and others to the number of 11 were here , so that he thought he might fairly congratulate the Prov . Grand Master upon the handsome way in which his ofiicers had supported him , and , at the same time , honoured the Alfred Lodge .
Hearty congratulations were offered by the Grand Lodge Officers , by the Provincial Grand Officers , and by thc brethren generally . Bro . J . S . CuMiiEKi-ANu spoke also on behalf of theNorthern Counties Lodge , calling attention to the fact that amongst its members were the Prov . G . Master of West Yoikshire , his Deputy , Bro . Henry Smith , Bro . W . F . Smithson , and , until his untimely and lamented death , also Bro . Thomas Bateman Fox . At 5 . 45 the VV . AL closed the lodge .
The banquet , which was on a truly magnificent scale , took place in the Alechanics' Institution , as thc accommodation at the Alasonic Hall was utterly inadequate . The decorations were entrusted to Bro . Hodgson , and the catering to Bro . Powolny . A party of musical brethren , under the direction of Bro . Miller , and accompanied by Bro . W . B . Townsend , P . P . G . O ., contributed largely to the enjoyment of the evening .
The menu nnd toast list combined , together with a genera ) programme of the proceedings , appeared in book form , neatly bound in cloth , and illustrated by excellent portraits of all the officers of the Alfred Lod ge . They will remain to those fortunate enough to possess them exquisite souvenirs oi the Alfred centenary . The number of guests was upwards of 190 . A large body of ladies filled the galleries . Dinner over , the grace being musically rendered , The W . M . proposed " Her Majesty the Queen . "
In submitting the next toast—that of " The M . W . the Grand Alaster , H . R . H . the Prince of Wales ; the Al . VV . the Pro Grand Master , the Earl of Lathom ; the R . W . the Deputy Grand Masier , the Earl of Mount Edgcumbe ; and the rest of the Grand Officers , " the CHAIRMAN pointed out how each of the three distinguished brethren he had named in his own sphere discharged his duty like an English gentleman and a true Mason , and , whilst congratulating West Yorkshire brethren upon thu visits they had received from thu Pro Grand Alaster and thc Deputy ,
Centenary Celebration Of The Alfred Lodge, No. 300, Leeds.
expressed a hope that they might some day be honoured by seeing their M . W Grand Alaster , the Prince of VVales , in their midst . Under such direction and management , they need have no fear either for Grand Lodge , or for Masonry in general . He should couple with that toast the name of Bro . Richard Eve , P . G . Treas ., a name well known and highly respected in the Province ot West Yorkshire .
Bro . R . EVE , in reply , said : 1 feel that the toast which has just been presented is of the most comprehensive kind . It includes one bright character in our Masonic body , the Prince of Wales . I cannot attempt to respond to you on his behalf . His virtues and worth are well known to you and have been spoken to by the Worshipful Master . I am sorry that to-day there are not more Grand Ofiicers amongst you . There would have been more , but unfortunately there is a function in London , to-day , to which I also was invited , but as I had your
invitation first , and as I owed a debt to Yorkshire , and could not visit you in 1893 , I am here to-day . On the occasion I refer to , I happened to be on the other side of the Atlantic , and could not , therefore , be present when your Provincial Grand Master was installed . The Grand Ofiicers are here with great pleasure to join in your celebration to-day . It is a celebration we hail with great delight j it occurs but seldom , but is held more often now than in years gone by , and it speaks grand things for Yorkshire that it has 13 centenary lodges already . I look upon Masonry as
thriving to the greatest possible extent , and we all know what Yorkshire can do with regard to the Charities . It shows that Masonry has taken deep root in your hearts , and you hold fast that which should be graven on every Mason's heart—Charity . You have supported it to the utmost of your power , and you have nobly responded to the calls which have been made upon you in the past . We are here to-night to celebrate the centenary of the lodge , and we are glad to have among such energetic brethren such a brother as you have at the head
of affairs in your present Worshipful Master . We all regret that the wind has taken his voice from him to-day , but still he has plenty of stuff in him , and we shall hear more of him in the future . Our Institution needs all the good hearts and all the strong men we can bring within it . We have a large number , and particularly in your province , few provinces have more than you have , but we require them all . We require men who will uphold the great principles of the Order , an order which , to my mind , for Charity is excelled by no other
Institution in the world . I may say it , and , I think with truth , that for good fellowship and geniality also there is no institution equal to that of Freemasonry . We are the broadest society , the Jargest and most cosmopolitan society to be found in the world . It matters not what colour a man may he—we have plenty of white men in England , and we have a few black ones . We take the yellow man , the red man , and the black man , and where is the place to be found that can boast of such an Institution as ours . We quarrel not on vital points , for religion and politics are
unknown to us . We acknowledge the right of every man to think as he likes , and to worship as he pleases , and it matters not whether they be Christian , or Mahommedan , Parsee , or follower of Confucius , they are still members of our body as long as the Great Architect of the Universe is recognised . The Grand Lodge of England is the Grand Lodge of the world ; it is the senior , the premier , yea , the mother Grand Lodge , and we hail with delight that we have men of all colours and creeds sitting under our mahogany , and on the same basis and same platform of equality . That is our great principle ; may we always uphold it and
hold out the right hand of fellowship to all men , whatever may be the colour or creed to which they may belong . But some people tell us there is something in Masonry they do not appreciate . They say we are a feeding body , but what body of men can get on without feeding , but if we are a feeding body there is no body in the world that can get such large sums as we can at our Festivals . You have many others to follow me , but you may believe me when I say that the Grand Officers of England will endeavour to extend the prestige of our body and to enlarge its usefulness in all parts of the world .
The WORSHIPFUL MASTER next said : I am going to give you what certainly is the toast of the evening , and that is , " Health , Prosperity , and Happiness to the Right Hon . William Lawies J ackson , M . P ., our Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master . " Brethren , all who have had the privilege of being born of Leeds stock and are natives of this city are proud to know that we have such a citizen among us . We have lived for near upon half a century ; we have watched our brother ' s career from almost boyhood , and everybody in Leeds rejoices , on hearing
the name of William Lawies Jackson , tbat he is one of us . When he commenced and represented us municipally wc were proud of him ; when he went into Parliament on our behalf we were still proud of him ; when he received the honour of being a Privy Councillor we were again proud of him ; when he entered her Majesty's Cabinet we were prouder of him still ; but when he was appointed by
the Prince of Wales our Provincial Grand Master it crowned all his honours , and we are prouder of him in that capacity to-night than in that of any other . This subject is for myself so entertaining that I could expatiate upon it for a long time . Bro . Jackson and I have been harnessed together in other matters , and I hope 1 shall die in harness with him . Without saying anything more I ask you to drink to the health of the most worthy man Leeds has produced in my day .
Bro . W . LAWIES J ACKSON : Worshipful Master and brethren , you have placed mc in a difficult position , and you have almost taken from me the power to say the few words of thanks it was my intention to utter . 1 hope , however , I am not so overwhelmed with vanity or have so little balance of judgment that I cannot recognise , and that 1 do not recognise that the words with which you have been good enough , Worshipful Master , to present this toast , and the manner in which you , brethren , have been good enough to accept it , is not a tribute randcred to me
personally , but to the ofiice which 1 have the honour to hold . I know that you arc loyal West Yorkshire Alasons , and recognise your duty to my office and to the Order . Your Worshipful Master , in words which are not justified , has been good enough to speak of me personally in terms of unstinted praise . Brethren , , 1 value the position which I hold , and I value it only because I believe that you , everyone of you , approved of the choice which was made . The position is one which it would be impossible to maintain if i '
were not held by the bands of affection of the brethren , and I should be indeed ungrateful if I did not value it . As your Provincial Grand AIaster I venture to say , in the presence of the Officers of Grand Lodge and of those visitors from other provinces , that you in West Yorkshire yield to none in your loyalty to the Order to which we belong . It has been recognised by every man and every Alason who has had thc privilege of visiting us , that to preside over such a body of men is the proudest ambition of life . Seventy-six lodges with 40015
members , and what a record they have I Ask those bretnren who are most conversant with the Charities of the Order whether West Yorkshire fails to do its duty . It is to me , therefore , a proud privilege to occupy this position . I know there are other toasts to follow , and I shall have , I am afraid , to trouble you again , therefore , 1 content myself now with saying to you , as I do from the bottom of my heart , that I thank you for the manner in which you have received the toast of my the
name , and I assure you it will be my greatest ambition to try and carry forward work which has been handed over to me by one much worthier than myself . . ' recognise the spirit running through West Yorkshire brethren , that of responsibility to the Order ; that they will admit none within their lodges but those who arc worthy . ) I know it is your desire to raise the honour and the fame of Freemasonry , in that spirit I beg you to proceed , and 1 shall have no fear of the record of the Province of West Yorkshire .
The next toast was that of "The Deputy Provincial Grand Master , and the Provincial Grand Officers . " This was proposed in hearty and congratulatory terms by the CHAIRMAN , and suitably acknowledged by Bro . H KNRY S M " ' After which
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Centenary Celebration Of The Alfred Lodge, No. 300, Leeds.
And so the minules go on , sometimes with monotonous regularity , at others , varied by incidents which time will not permit to be detailed . In the period between 18 35 and 1 S 45 , thc lodge appears to have flourished . Its numbers were much larger , and its general progress greater . Amongst the members during this epoch were Bro . Chas . Lee , Deputy Provincial Grand Alaster of West Yorkshire , who was a ioininir member and is described as " late of Fidelity *'; Bros , the Rev .
Chas . Clapham , Bywater , and Wm . Beckwith . The last named brother appears to have acted for some years as Treasurer , and generally to have interested himself much in the concerns of-the lodge . It was he , who , as executor , presented a bust of the then late Bro . E . Walton , Provincial Grand Organist of West Yorkshire . Of all these brethren , much that is interesting might be said , but in this cursory glance it is impossible . In 1 S 45 the lodge celebrated its jubilee by a ball in the Assembly Rooms .
Of the second 50 years we shall say very little . We have had our vicissitudes and changes like all other communities ; we have quarreled and become reconciled ; we have experienced both adversity and prosperity ; we have been rescued from extinction and ruin ; and we stand now , to-day , numerically , financially , and Alasonically in a higher position than we have at any period of our history enjoyed . This is largely owing to the Past Masters of our own time . By their loyalty and devotion we can start upon the second century of our existence with faith and confidence . The future of the lodge , brethren , is in your hands ,
Freemasonry to-day is a mighty and powerful organisation , with immense opportunities and capabilities for good , yet it is but an aggregate of individuals , and upon the character of those whom we admit into our lodges will depend the honour , the reputation , and the usefulness of our Order in the future . We , in the Alfred Lodge , are now united ; let us stand shoulder to shoulder ; let us each strive his utmost to preserve the peace and harmony now so happily existing amongst us ; and let us manfully endeavour , each according to his ability , to carry out the principles so continually inculcated in our beautiful ceremonies .
VVhen the readingwas finished , the Worshipful Master presented to the lodge a very handsome picture consisting of portraits ofthe officers for the year . It was enclosed in a massive oak frame . In offering it for the acceptance ofthe brethren Bro . BLACKBURN expressed the hope that , unlike many of their valuables which had disappeared during past years , they would be able to retain this and hand it down to their successors .
Bro . W . L . J ACKSON , Prov . Grand Master , in presenting the centenary warrant tu the lodge , said : Worshipful Master and brethren , I have great pleasure in presenting to you , if not the real centenary warrant , at any rate a copy of it in the absence of the warrant itself . I esteem it a great privilege to be permitted to present the centenary warrant to you , Bro . Blackburn , as the Worshipful Alaster of the Alfred Lodge . 1 am quite sure tbe words we have listened to will render unnecessary any caution on my part , but I hope it will be cared for and preserved safely in the archives of the lodge , and that it will ever be a memorial of this most interesting day .
The WORSHIPFUL MASTER said : Right Worshipful Prov . Grand Master , the present is a very proud moment for me and the members of the Alfred Lodge . I am sorry that my voice has left me and that I cannot adequately thank you for the presentation of the centenary warrant . It is a very auspicious occasion , an occasion which none of the present members of the Alfred Lodge will live to see repeated . I feel proud that you , Sir , have presented this warrant to me , and I take it on behalf of the brethren with the conviction that my successors will do their best to hand it down as my predecessors have handed down theirs . I thank you , R . VV . Provincial Grand Master , for thus presenting the centenary warrant .
The PROVINCIAL GRAND AIASTER then presented the centenary jewels to those brethren who had applied for them . To the Worshipful Alaster he said : Allow me to attach to your sash the centenary jewel of the Alfred Lodge . I am quite sure that that jewel will be worn worthily by you , and I hope it will be worn long . He also attached the jewels to the sashes of the other officers , and spoke to and shook hands with each .
The DEPUTV PROV . GRAND MASTER acknowledged the salutations of the brethren , and congratulated the W . AL and the Alfred Lodge upon attaining its centenary . He had listened with great interest to the paper read by the Junior Warden , and he who knew much of what their past difficulties had been was able the more fully to realise how manfully they had been struggled with and how nobly
overcome . Referring to the changes of residence which the Alfred Lodge had experienced , Bro . Henry Smith expressed a hope that the day was not far distant when the spirited Masons of Leeds and West Yorkshire would build a hall worth y of the Craft and worthy of that prosperous and thriving city , and that he might live to see it accomplished .
Before closing the lodge , the W . M . expressed the pleasure which he and his brethren felt at seeing so numerous an attendance . They had had disappointments , especially from officers of Grand Lodge , but the reason assigned was of such a character that whilst regretting the absence of the brethren they could only admit its justification . The province was never more fully represented he was delighted to say , Provincial Officers , both Present and Past , having freel y accepted his invitations . Bro . Blackburn stated that of Alfred Lodge , except four
brethren who were unable through sickness to attend , every member was present —50 in all . This was especially gratifying to him . Of the Worshi pful Masters and Wardens of the other Leeds lodges— -21 altogether—20 were in their midst at that moment . Personal friends of himself and others to the number of 11 were here , so that he thought he might fairly congratulate the Prov . Grand Master upon the handsome way in which his ofiicers had supported him , and , at the same time , honoured the Alfred Lodge .
Hearty congratulations were offered by the Grand Lodge Officers , by the Provincial Grand Officers , and by thc brethren generally . Bro . J . S . CuMiiEKi-ANu spoke also on behalf of theNorthern Counties Lodge , calling attention to the fact that amongst its members were the Prov . G . Master of West Yoikshire , his Deputy , Bro . Henry Smith , Bro . W . F . Smithson , and , until his untimely and lamented death , also Bro . Thomas Bateman Fox . At 5 . 45 the VV . AL closed the lodge .
The banquet , which was on a truly magnificent scale , took place in the Alechanics' Institution , as thc accommodation at the Alasonic Hall was utterly inadequate . The decorations were entrusted to Bro . Hodgson , and the catering to Bro . Powolny . A party of musical brethren , under the direction of Bro . Miller , and accompanied by Bro . W . B . Townsend , P . P . G . O ., contributed largely to the enjoyment of the evening .
The menu nnd toast list combined , together with a genera ) programme of the proceedings , appeared in book form , neatly bound in cloth , and illustrated by excellent portraits of all the officers of the Alfred Lod ge . They will remain to those fortunate enough to possess them exquisite souvenirs oi the Alfred centenary . The number of guests was upwards of 190 . A large body of ladies filled the galleries . Dinner over , the grace being musically rendered , The W . M . proposed " Her Majesty the Queen . "
In submitting the next toast—that of " The M . W . the Grand Alaster , H . R . H . the Prince of Wales ; the Al . VV . the Pro Grand Master , the Earl of Lathom ; the R . W . the Deputy Grand Masier , the Earl of Mount Edgcumbe ; and the rest of the Grand Officers , " the CHAIRMAN pointed out how each of the three distinguished brethren he had named in his own sphere discharged his duty like an English gentleman and a true Mason , and , whilst congratulating West Yorkshire brethren upon thu visits they had received from thu Pro Grand Alaster and thc Deputy ,
Centenary Celebration Of The Alfred Lodge, No. 300, Leeds.
expressed a hope that they might some day be honoured by seeing their M . W Grand Alaster , the Prince of VVales , in their midst . Under such direction and management , they need have no fear either for Grand Lodge , or for Masonry in general . He should couple with that toast the name of Bro . Richard Eve , P . G . Treas ., a name well known and highly respected in the Province ot West Yorkshire .
Bro . R . EVE , in reply , said : 1 feel that the toast which has just been presented is of the most comprehensive kind . It includes one bright character in our Masonic body , the Prince of Wales . I cannot attempt to respond to you on his behalf . His virtues and worth are well known to you and have been spoken to by the Worshipful Master . I am sorry that to-day there are not more Grand Ofiicers amongst you . There would have been more , but unfortunately there is a function in London , to-day , to which I also was invited , but as I had your
invitation first , and as I owed a debt to Yorkshire , and could not visit you in 1893 , I am here to-day . On the occasion I refer to , I happened to be on the other side of the Atlantic , and could not , therefore , be present when your Provincial Grand Master was installed . The Grand Ofiicers are here with great pleasure to join in your celebration to-day . It is a celebration we hail with great delight j it occurs but seldom , but is held more often now than in years gone by , and it speaks grand things for Yorkshire that it has 13 centenary lodges already . I look upon Masonry as
thriving to the greatest possible extent , and we all know what Yorkshire can do with regard to the Charities . It shows that Masonry has taken deep root in your hearts , and you hold fast that which should be graven on every Mason's heart—Charity . You have supported it to the utmost of your power , and you have nobly responded to the calls which have been made upon you in the past . We are here to-night to celebrate the centenary of the lodge , and we are glad to have among such energetic brethren such a brother as you have at the head
of affairs in your present Worshipful Master . We all regret that the wind has taken his voice from him to-day , but still he has plenty of stuff in him , and we shall hear more of him in the future . Our Institution needs all the good hearts and all the strong men we can bring within it . We have a large number , and particularly in your province , few provinces have more than you have , but we require them all . We require men who will uphold the great principles of the Order , an order which , to my mind , for Charity is excelled by no other
Institution in the world . I may say it , and , I think with truth , that for good fellowship and geniality also there is no institution equal to that of Freemasonry . We are the broadest society , the Jargest and most cosmopolitan society to be found in the world . It matters not what colour a man may he—we have plenty of white men in England , and we have a few black ones . We take the yellow man , the red man , and the black man , and where is the place to be found that can boast of such an Institution as ours . We quarrel not on vital points , for religion and politics are
unknown to us . We acknowledge the right of every man to think as he likes , and to worship as he pleases , and it matters not whether they be Christian , or Mahommedan , Parsee , or follower of Confucius , they are still members of our body as long as the Great Architect of the Universe is recognised . The Grand Lodge of England is the Grand Lodge of the world ; it is the senior , the premier , yea , the mother Grand Lodge , and we hail with delight that we have men of all colours and creeds sitting under our mahogany , and on the same basis and same platform of equality . That is our great principle ; may we always uphold it and
hold out the right hand of fellowship to all men , whatever may be the colour or creed to which they may belong . But some people tell us there is something in Masonry they do not appreciate . They say we are a feeding body , but what body of men can get on without feeding , but if we are a feeding body there is no body in the world that can get such large sums as we can at our Festivals . You have many others to follow me , but you may believe me when I say that the Grand Officers of England will endeavour to extend the prestige of our body and to enlarge its usefulness in all parts of the world .
The WORSHIPFUL MASTER next said : I am going to give you what certainly is the toast of the evening , and that is , " Health , Prosperity , and Happiness to the Right Hon . William Lawies J ackson , M . P ., our Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master . " Brethren , all who have had the privilege of being born of Leeds stock and are natives of this city are proud to know that we have such a citizen among us . We have lived for near upon half a century ; we have watched our brother ' s career from almost boyhood , and everybody in Leeds rejoices , on hearing
the name of William Lawies Jackson , tbat he is one of us . When he commenced and represented us municipally wc were proud of him ; when he went into Parliament on our behalf we were still proud of him ; when he received the honour of being a Privy Councillor we were again proud of him ; when he entered her Majesty's Cabinet we were prouder of him still ; but when he was appointed by
the Prince of Wales our Provincial Grand Master it crowned all his honours , and we are prouder of him in that capacity to-night than in that of any other . This subject is for myself so entertaining that I could expatiate upon it for a long time . Bro . Jackson and I have been harnessed together in other matters , and I hope 1 shall die in harness with him . Without saying anything more I ask you to drink to the health of the most worthy man Leeds has produced in my day .
Bro . W . LAWIES J ACKSON : Worshipful Master and brethren , you have placed mc in a difficult position , and you have almost taken from me the power to say the few words of thanks it was my intention to utter . 1 hope , however , I am not so overwhelmed with vanity or have so little balance of judgment that I cannot recognise , and that 1 do not recognise that the words with which you have been good enough , Worshipful Master , to present this toast , and the manner in which you , brethren , have been good enough to accept it , is not a tribute randcred to me
personally , but to the ofiice which 1 have the honour to hold . I know that you arc loyal West Yorkshire Alasons , and recognise your duty to my office and to the Order . Your Worshipful Master , in words which are not justified , has been good enough to speak of me personally in terms of unstinted praise . Brethren , , 1 value the position which I hold , and I value it only because I believe that you , everyone of you , approved of the choice which was made . The position is one which it would be impossible to maintain if i '
were not held by the bands of affection of the brethren , and I should be indeed ungrateful if I did not value it . As your Provincial Grand AIaster I venture to say , in the presence of the Officers of Grand Lodge and of those visitors from other provinces , that you in West Yorkshire yield to none in your loyalty to the Order to which we belong . It has been recognised by every man and every Alason who has had thc privilege of visiting us , that to preside over such a body of men is the proudest ambition of life . Seventy-six lodges with 40015
members , and what a record they have I Ask those bretnren who are most conversant with the Charities of the Order whether West Yorkshire fails to do its duty . It is to me , therefore , a proud privilege to occupy this position . I know there are other toasts to follow , and I shall have , I am afraid , to trouble you again , therefore , 1 content myself now with saying to you , as I do from the bottom of my heart , that I thank you for the manner in which you have received the toast of my the
name , and I assure you it will be my greatest ambition to try and carry forward work which has been handed over to me by one much worthier than myself . . ' recognise the spirit running through West Yorkshire brethren , that of responsibility to the Order ; that they will admit none within their lodges but those who arc worthy . ) I know it is your desire to raise the honour and the fame of Freemasonry , in that spirit I beg you to proceed , and 1 shall have no fear of the record of the Province of West Yorkshire .
The next toast was that of "The Deputy Provincial Grand Master , and the Provincial Grand Officers . " This was proposed in hearty and congratulatory terms by the CHAIRMAN , and suitably acknowledged by Bro . H KNRY S M " ' After which