Provincial Grand Lodge Of West Lancashire.

by Bros . Child , Muir , J . Hill , and T . J . Hughes , Messrs . Kitkburn , Austin , Kitwood , Robinson , Shimmin , and Lewis . Bro . J . Skeaf , P . G . O ., most efficiently presided at the piano .

Opening Of A Masonic Hall At Shipley.

OPENING OF A MASONIC HALL AT SHIPLEY .

The occasion of the Earl of Carnarvon ' s visit to Saltaire has been taken advantage of by the Freemasons of Shipley to give riclat to the opening proceedings of a new Masonic Hall in that town , an event which was looked forward to with constelerable interest , not only by Masons in the

district , but by those of the Craft resident elsewhere . The securing of a hall specially adapted for Masonic purposes by the brethren at Shipley was of itself an event sufficiently interesting , and has been renelered increasingly so by the circumstances that they have been able to secure the good offices of so distinguished a Mason as the Pro Grand Master of the Oreter to conduct the inaugural proceedings .

Another circumstance of interest is the fact that the new hall is a memento of the jubilee of the Airedale Lodge 387 , for whose accommodation the hall has been erected . From the published address of the Secretary , P . M . J . Ramsden Kiley , which was read upon the fiftieth anniversary of the Lodge in April , 18 77 , we learn that the Aireelale Lodge was established at Bailelcn , on April nth , 1827 , having

suecectlcd to the paraphernalia of the defunct Duke of York Lodge , which was constituted at Doucaster in 17 S 8 . During the latter part t > f this earlier lodge ' s existence it does nnt appear to have shown much vitality , and in 1 S 07 it wasremtivcd tei Biugley , where it existed under slig htly better conditions , until January 1815 . A few brethren of the district appear to have met without interruption attach

ethers homes , but it was not until 1827 , mainly through the . exertions of Wainman I Iolmcs anel Jonathan Walker , assisted strenuously by two or three members of the Keighley Lodge , that a loelgc coulel be formcil , anel the present Airedale Lodge constituted . The last 50 years has been so important an epoch of Masoric history that it would have been extraordinary if the Airedale had not had its

vicissitudes , and notably in 18 3 8 , when its members were re turned to Grand Lodge as 7 ( although nominally comprised of about 14 ) , the career eif the lodge had well nigh eneled through the severe commercial depression in the Baildon elistrict . It hail even then , however , some staunch supporters , whose example has no doubt materially affected the subsequent growth and importance of the lodge , which

since 1866 ( commencing as it were anothrr generation ) , has had an uninti-rrupU-il prosperity , while its future prospects are decieledly auspicious . The jubilee of the lodge was helel on the 1 ith April last year , in the old rooms in Westgatr , Shipley . The number of members is now about fifty , the following being the acting officers oi the lodge , viz ., John Morrell , W . M . ; John Hey , I . P . M . ; John

Magson , S . W . ; Fred Ives , J . W . ; J . Lister , S . D . ; H . Mitchell , J . D . ; S . Smith , I . G . ; E . Ilealon , O . G . ; the indefatigable Secretary of the bulge being J . It . Riley , P . M . Tne last-named brother is a remarkable example of the possibility of fifty men , composing any society , holding the same opinion on any subject , anil in his case uniting to recognise the merit of one inelividual . Bro . Kiley is so

highly cstemeel by his brethren of 3 S 7 as to be the honoured recipient in 18 7 6 of a magnificent illuminated address and testimonial , anil it was stated by the P . M ., who presented Ihrm on behalf of the lodge , that tin re was not a single brother who h , id not shown the- greatest anxiety to subscribe . Bro . Riley has also had the line honour o ! King nppi inleil by 10 Wrrshipful M . i-t . is of the Airedale

Lodge . We have been p ' c << -ed to noiiee llvii llv R . W . Pr . >> . G . M ., in his speech in Prov . G . Loelge has , without knowing it , done : an act 1 f justice inwards Bro . Riley , which would , no doubt , be most satisfactory to that brother . In 1 S 70 , in the course of a controversy in the columns of the Freemason , reflecting upon the Province af West Yorkshire as

regards the reception of candidates for Freemasonry , Bro . Riley defended the province , and on the ground that what was good for West Yorkshire must be good lor other provinces , sent up to us as an unanswerable argument , the circular respeciing bye-law 57 , refeireel tob y Sir Henry Edwards , for publication for the benefit of the fraternity . The rebuff Bro . Riley received at that time by the

withdrawal of the circular from our columns by official reejuest , would have extinguished the future energies of many a less zealous bre th < r . The new Masonic Hall is situate in Wellcroft Court , Kirkgate , Shipley , an . I has been erected upon the site of the former New Inn , by Mr . Jonas Bradley , who has built the Star and Gaiter Hotel adjoining . About £ 1000 has been

• xpended upon the buileling , which is every way adapted for the purposes of a loelgc of Frrcmasems . There are two large rooms for lodge purposes , a rcom of meelium size , a large kitchen , wilh store-rooms , lavatories , & 'c . The lodgeroom , which is upon the upper storey , is 27 ft . by 25 ft . ; the dining-roem being of equal ilimensioi s , and siiuaie upon ( he floor bei e'a'b . To the fumera soiall ante-rex m is

attaehn i , anil to ihe la'ti r a convenient store-roeim . Ufiun the fir-t floor are situate the- v-rac ' . i e-ioom , 2 sh . by 12 ft ,, a- d a kitel en , iS't . by 13 ft . I he latter is liticd with the b . st appliances for co . king , and opm all those 1 ccasioin when 1 be ; , lister ties oi the Craft an- so far rilaxi el as to allow its mi rubers HI < lini \ ibis r ' epartm . nt of the ledge premises will be regarded as an indispensable adjunct . A hoist

ceimri . uiiic . ites with the dining-room and also with the lodge-room . All the rooms are lolly , and are well ventilated . The lighting of the : lenlgc-reenu is effected by means of a central chandelier and six siele lights , while in the dining-room a central light on Benham's principle is introduced , supplemented by siele lights , a very cheering effect being produced thereby . The furnishing and elccor-

Opening Of A Masonic Hall At Shipley.

alion of the premises are quite in keeping with the structural arrangements of the hall , the appointments of the lodge-room being such as to entitle it to rank as one of the neatest in Yorkshire . The decoration of this room has been effecteil with consielerable taste , all the colours being in distemper . The ground colour of the walls is of fawn , relieved by parallelograms divided by chocolate lines ,

the panels filled in with Masonic emblems drawn in Vermillion and blue . Boldly-designed corbels support the roof , the frieze bting effectively relieved by a series of Egyptian figures continued round the room . This design is reproduced from one introduced into the decoration of the former loelge-room . The ceiling of the room is done in colours and gold . The dining-room is of a modest tone ,

the prevailing colour being drab . Round this room is a surbase moulding in pitch pine , the interval between this and a deep plinth being filled in with geometrical designs in black . The furnishings have been the subject of much attention , and in respect to some portion of the furniture a more than ordinary interest attaches . Three of the peelestals , presenteel to the loelge by Bro . Chas . Marchbank , have

withstood the wear anel tear of over ninety years , having been used in the olel Duke of York Lodge , anel , re-furbished , lock equal to quite as long a tenure of existence . Apropos to the opening of the new hall , various presents have been made by members of the lodge , including an eagle lectern , a large quarto copy of the Holy Scriptures , a beautiful ivory mallet , & c . The various works in connection with

the erection of the building were contracted for by the following tradesman , viz : —Mason , John Rhodes ; joiner , George Yates ; plumbers , S . Rushworth et Son ; plasterers , Walsh and Son ; elccorators , Sam Oeldy and Son ; gas fittings , C . Howroyd . The architects for the woiks were Messrs- . Jackson anel Longley . The extra decorations , rendered necessary by the cere mony consisted of

the laying of crimson cloth along the passages nnel staircases of the hall , and eliaping the windows with curtains , Use . Thcse-Tiave been supplied . by Messrs . Pratt anil Sons , of Bradford . / The brethren ot the loelgc assembled in good force . but owing to the limited accommodation of the building ( although sufficiently large eneiugh for the purposes eif their

own meetings ) , they were unable to make the occasion so general as it otherwise wtiulel nave been . Their invitations inclueleel the acting members of the Provincial Grand Loelge of West Yorkshire ; anil ihey had succeeded in securing the honour of the company of the M . W . Bro . Earl Carnarvon , Pro Grand Master . The lodge having been opened by the W . M . and officers ol the Aireelale Lodge , the

Provincial Grant ! Lodge entere el , and was presided over by the R . W . Bro . Ueut .-Ceilemel Sir 11 . Edwards , Bart , Prov . G . M ., assisted by the W . Bro . T . W . Tew , D . P . G . M ., of West Yoiksh re . Alter the customary salut . atiems of these two elignitaries , a procession was formed , and esc rted the M . W . Pro Grand Mister ( Eul Carnarvon ) into the lodge .

Br > . Sir Henry Edwards , Prov . G . Master of West Yorkshire said : — I beg to return my hearty thanks to this assembly for their very 01 dial reception of me . We are gathered here to-day to pciferm an important ceremony . It is to dedicate this new Masonic Hall to the purposes of Freemasonry for ever , and to encourage and exhort the brethren in this town

and province to learn and practice more and more the beautiful principles of our ancient fraternity . We are honoured to-day by the presence of the Pro Grand Master of England , the Earl of Carnarvon . This compliment to West Yorkshire is warmly felt and apprcciateel by the whole Craft in this province , over which I hive the : honour to preside . 1 need not dilate on the

admirable way in which the Pro Grand Master performs his Ma-ouic responsibilities , or tie immense interest he takes in the affairs 1 f tl e Grand Lodge , lie always eloes eniyt ' iivg he undertakes for the : benefit of the Craft in the same- admirable maimer , and , I repeat , we owe him a eiebt of gratitude for being present amongst us to-day . The address of the Pro Grand Master to H . R . H ., the

Prince of Wales , on his installation as Grand Master on the 28 th April , 1875 , which 1 had the honour to listen to , will be long remembered . We welcome the Pro Grand Master to West Yorkshire , a province of 65 lodges anel 3000 loyal Masonic sujects , who read with the deepest interest of his dignified conduct whilst occupying the throne of Freemasonry in Grand Lodge . ( Applause . )

I can assure the Pre ) . Gianel Master that implicit obedience and Masonic law is in my province encouraged and enforced ; and it is with pride that I can refer l . is leiretship to his highly esteemed Giand Secretary , Bro . John Hervcy ( applause ) , as ' to the punctuality of this province on the part of the brethren in rendering and making the annual returns and payments . It is a

wellknown circumstance that wherever you find prosperous lodges they are certain to be most leiyal and punctual observers of ihe regulations anel landmarks of the Grand Loelge and the bye-laws of the Craft . ( Hear . Hear . ) I may also point out the strictly enforced rule laid down in our Provincial Grand Bye-Laws , especially No . 47 , in which it is incumbert on ihe Mast . r of a lodge

wherein a candidate seeks admission to make inquiry , in writing ' , of the Master of the lodge established in the town or place win rein the candidate resiles , touching the charactr an I moral fitness of such candidate or joining 1111 m !« r . Our great eblliculiy is with canelie ' atis c mmg ii lo our province anel obtaining admission from lodgis iivtr the bender , or from seme populous place "hire -ullicient enquiry cannot be : made . This appears

to be a weak point in Masonic watchfulness and careful-1 ess , as to ihe admission ol " just , perfect anil upright " men only , " 1 f mature age , sound judgmiu' , and strict mmals , " and 1 hope one not unworthy of his lordship ' s grave consideration . Again thanking the Pro Grunel Master for his presence : here to-day I call upon you to salute him with the honour due to his exalted rank ; a call most heartily responded to .

Opening Of A Masonic Hall At Shipley.

The Secretary ( Bro . Riley , P . M . ) then read an address of welcome to Lord Carnarvon , which he afterwards presented to his lordship . The Right Hon . the Earl of Carnarvon , Pro Grand Master , in responding said : —Right Worshipful Master , and Brethren , —It does not need so hearty a demonstration of feeling to asure me of meeting in Yorkshire- , and , indceel , in

every part where Freemasonry prevails , with a truly fraternal and sympathetic welcome . I rejoice greatly to have the opportunity of coming amongst vou to-e ' . ay ; I rejoice greatly to hear from your Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master of the progress of Freemasonry in West Yorkshire ; I rejoice greatly in meeting the Worshipful Master and brethren of the Airedale Lodge a lodge old in

Masonic history , well known in the Craft , and holding an honourable position in this province , in their new home ; and I cordially tender to each and all my hearty good wishes . May it be the beginning of a fresh anel bright chapter in the history of the lodge ; and may it also be the beginning of fresh honours for Masonic success . It has been truly said in that address which had just been read to

me that Masoniy had a world-wide name and character . I will only say that when we reflect on the truthfulness of that assertion it becomes more patent to us that we nave a great duty to perform ; that by our actions , whether we act in the lodge , or whether we act in the province , or whether it be in our individual capacity outsiele the lodge , our aim should be to uphold and maintain the fair

fame of the name and character of Freemasonry ; that we may not only be able to hand it down to future brethren in all its brightness , but that we may be able to send it on with additional lustre . All who study Freemasonry know the high standard of its principles , and I believe all who elo make it a study to try to live to those principles , I hope the number mav be largely

augmented in the future members of this leidje . hvery lodge ought to possess a home of its own ; nothing , I think , so much as a migratory resilience tenels to damage the prestige of a lodge . A settled home is a souice of continual pleasure ; a constant gathering of new history . Such , I hope , will be the new home of the Airedale L ' odge ; and may it be to its several members a

source of additional attraction . I will say no more on this subject , but will most gladly , at the proper time : in the ceremony , and if requested so to do by your Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master , comply with the wish you have expressed in that address , and formally declare this lodge open . The ceremony of dedication was proceeeled with ,

according to ancient Masonic custom , by the W . D . Prov . Grand Master , Bro . Tew , in an able manner , the oration being given by Bro . the Rev . William Callings Lukis , M . A ., F . S . A ., Prov . G . Chaplain , West Vorkshire , De Grey anil Ripon Lodge , 837 . The musical part of the ceremony was most impressive , the really fine consecration service of Bio . F . C . Atkinson

( Mus . Bac , Cantab ., P . Prov . G . O ., W . Yorks . ) , having rarel y had such an interpretation as was given to it on this occasion by the musical members of the lodge . The Pro Grand Master then rose , and saiel—Brethren , the ceremony of dedication being now completed in all its parts , it only remains for me to perfoim the task I undertook to-day , namely , to open this buileling . And it is

open accordingly . After the business of the lodge had been brought to a close , a sumptuous lunchcou , under the superintendence of Bro . R . Breuer , of the Br lie Vue Hi lei , Bradford ( anil which reflected the highest creelit upen that bre > ther , for the ability and exquisite taste displayed in all its details ) , was served in the ban < iueting-rooni , after which the usual

loyal and Masonic toasts were given ai tl honoured . [ Wc regret that we are unable to find space-, in its entirety , for the admirable : report , kindly forwarded by a Correspondent . We shall give in our next , if space permits , the address to Earl Carnarvon , the oration of Bro . the Rev . Collins Lukes , M . A ., and the proceedings at the banquet . ]

London Masonic Charity Association.

LONDON MASONIC CHARITY ASSOCIATION .

A special meeting of the Committee took place last week , when several new members were elected , and addcel to the Provisional Commit'ee , and brethren qualified as Life Members . All veiling Dapers should be sent to A . Tisley , Esq ., r ,

Clifford's-inn , at once , and all applications for membership can be sent to the Treasurer , or either of the Secretaries , according to the advertisement in the Freemasi . n . A meeting also took place on Thursday , the 10 th inst ., when twelve members and three life members were elected . The Committee adjourned to Wednesday nexl , 16 th inst ., at 11 o'clock , at 1 , Ciiffoni ' s-inn .

Obituary.

Obituary .

We regret to record the eleath at an early age- e . f our respected breither and companion William Henry Sleeman , P . M . of theGosport Lodge , No . 903 , and P . P . G . S . B . Hants and the Isle of Wi ght . The deceaseel companion was Principal Z . of the Gosport Chapter at the time of h'S eleath , and was much esteemed by a large circle of Masonic frit nils .

IIOLLOW . IV ' S I ' ILLS . —> v ' iili th ,.- ilir . eciii . ii ; uay- ami cll . ini ; in . ii teniii .-iatuics tlie di . ; c . stio 1 hecmne-i iinpaire I , ttic liver di-or . lere . l , ami Ihc minil ilcs | imi . l in uiile-s the cause eif the l-n gi . lrr by he cxpcllnl I ' -nm the lilem . l hy an alterative like these I'ilbi . They w > direct to the sourc- i . f Ihc evil , thru . t out all imptiri'ies from the cir . libitio , 1 , reduce dis'emp r . il .. rca . is to ili-.-ir natural si . ite , ami

correct all defective and cnntaniinat-d secretions . Such easy inea .-s nf in-tituii . i ; iMlih , ST .: II . ! I | I , and rhceibhn-s-s should be in possession of all who-e stomachs arc weak , -vhosc miiuls are much harasscel , or whose brains arc overworked . Ilnllmvai '* is essentially a blooil-tcinperinij medicine , whereby its influence , reaching the remotest fibre of the frame , cllecU a universal good , — [ ADVT . 1