Consecration Of The Hallamshire Lodge, No. 2268, At Sheffield.

bv the W . M . and Wardens of No . 139 , No . 296 , No . 1239 , and No . 1779 . No less than thirty-four members of the Britannia Lodge signed this petition , which was dated May 17 th , 18 S 8 , and from which Lodge , No . 139 , Hallamshire Lodge , No . 226 S , is an offshoot and offspring . Apparently so strongly and numerously signed a petition , after very much deliberation and enquiry , I felt could not be withheld . A case for the necessity of this lodge seemed to be made out , and I recommended this petition from Plomhiereswhere I was then staying on the Sth of Juneto the Most Worshipful the

, , Grand Master , H R . H . the Prince of Wales , for his gracious assent and ratification . The first Worshipful Master nominated is Bro . Edward Sanderson Tozer , S . W . of No . 130 ; the first Senior Warden , Bro . John West ; and the first Junior Warden , Bro . Alfred Henry Allen . The Worshipful Master designate will shortly be installed by Bro . Waterfall , a P . M . of Britannia , the premier lodge of Sheffield . Under these circumstances the petition was in due course sent up to Freemasons' Hall , and the charter is dated 18 th June 1 S 88 the anniversary of the famous battle of Waterloo in 1815 . The

, , warrant was confirmed at Grand Lodge , 5 th September , 1 S 8 S , being its last quarterly communication at Freemasons' Hall , London , and it arrived in the hands of Prov Grand Secretary on the gth September , 1 SS 8 . It has been read to-day , and no opposition . The brethren of the Hallamshire Lodge are to meet in this hall on the third Thursday of each calendar month of the year . The petitioners for this lodge , which has been assigned No . 2268 on the roll of the Grand Lodge of England , have nledffed themselves bv their signatures "to exert their best endeavours to promote and

diffuse the genuine principles of the art , and to promote the prosperity of the Craft . They have also , on condition of the prayer being granted , promised " strict obedience to the commands of the Grand Master and the laws and regulations of the Grand Lodge . " Subservient to these grand laws , there are the laws of this Provincial Grand Lodge , and the laws of this particular lodge , all of which have been approved under the Book of Constitutions for the use of lodges on the roll of the Grand Lodge of England . The Worshipful Master who is to be installed to-day solemnly pledges himself to preserve

the landmarks of the Order , to observe its ancient usages and established customs , and by the gavel , the emblem of his authority , strictly to enforce them within his own lodge . "The Master is moreover responsible for the due observance of the lodge over which he presides . " I will mention some ancient charges— " A lodge must be for good and true men , not scandalous men , but of good report—men actuated by a spirit of humility , reverence , alacrity , and brotherly love . " "Shall not discover envy of another brother , nor supplant him , nor put him out of his work and lodge ; nor exclude a candidate if

of good report , nor interrupt the harmony of one lodge with another , without the clearest evidence ' and submitting differences and complaints to ' the Provincial Grand Master for his opinion and amelioration ; remembering that the Provincial Grand Master is responsible for the maintenance of discipline within his district , and must insist that Craftsmen , who are bound by peculiar ties to one another , shall promote peace , cultivate harmony , and live in concord and brotherly love , not only amongst themselves , but with every brother of every lodge in the same town or province . "

I offer these remarks in the widest catholicity of spirit and charitableness to all the lodges of this rapidly-increasing province ; because without graceful , submissive , and strict obedience , discipline , and harmony , and the avoidance of wrangling and backbiting , it cannot hold together as a part of the wonderful organisation of Masonry in the conduct of good and noble works of thought and deed . I impress upon you all , in the language of the ancient charges , " to say and do nothing which may hinder brotherly love or plant the seed that would produce disorder , turmoil , and dissension , " that

peoples may see the benign influence of Masonry , and as all true Masons have done from the beginning of the world , and will do , 1 hope , to the end of time . This Provincial Grand Lodge therefore trusts it may have confidence in this new lodge , and that in forwarding the views of the promoters for a warrant the brethren may show they have "the prosperity of the Craft at heart , " and in deeds of benevolence , mercy , and kindly feeling one towards another , and Charity , that true Charity which means sacrifice , without which the deed is not hallowed , and is the greatest of all virtues , may prove

themselves worthy rivals of the good old parent lodges of the Shire of Hallam . Like the other lodges in Sheffield , the name chosen for N 0 . 2268 is closely associated with the history of this marvellous town . Sheffield is the capital of a district familiarly known by the name of Hallamshire—" shire" is a " share" or appropriation to some city , town , or castle , or church . Thus there is in Yorkshire—Howdenshire , Mashamshire ; and Hallum , or Hallam , was a " shire " or " share " attached to the Castle Manor or Church of Sheffield . A large portion , so says the historian of Hallamshire , was

assigned to-the ancient Church of St . Peter , here now called Trinity . Hallum , as a distinct manor , passed away soon after the Conquest , though the " Vill " from which it derived its name , and the "Aula , " which gave dignity to it , perished at a remote era . Still this name of "Hallum" survives , and has become extended to districts which never made a part of the original manor . Leland , Henry VIII . ' s commissioner , describes in his day the extent of Hallamshire . A jurisdiction now prevailing throughout Hallamshire was created by an Act of the 21 st James I ., incorporating the cutlers

and workers in iron who resided in the neighbourhood ; and in the Cutlers' Hall the Masters and Wardens every year , on the first day of St . Bartholomew , choose theit successors under this Act of Parliament . And now Grand Lodge has sanctioned in the name of your lodge the further perpetuation in your midst of the liberty of Hallamshire to be represented by the county and town of Sheffield . As shears , knives , scissors , scythes , and sickles are the special fabrics made under the " search" of this old corporation , so let these implements be emblematical of the "fruits of thespirit , " which the

mem-. bers of the new lodge are to forge out . of their hearts— " Love , joy , peace , long suffering , gentleness , goodness , faith , meekness , and temperance "—that they may be "filled with the knowledge of Jehovah . " Let also your four rivers , the Sheaf and Don , which confluence here , and which are " one , " together with the rivulets the Loxley , the Porter , and the Riveling , be symbolical to you of the great river of Genesis— " Which went out of Eden to water the Garden , and from thence it was parted and became four heads , " Pison— -Prudence ; Gihon—Justice ; Hiddekel—Fortitude ; and Euphrates—Temperance .

Make your lodge and district symbolical also of the terrestrial paradise watered by these ancient , rivers "A garden of delight . " In this garden of Genesis was placed anew man , "created in righteousness and true holiness . " He was created in circumstances of great dignity , superior to the creation of animals . He was created in moral excellence , and " in knowledge after the image of Him who created him . " He is called the first man , signifying a prophet , or a man devoted to Jehovah and to his service , & c . You have had some first-rate men in Sheffield . I do not compare them to the first man in

the " garden of delights , " but they are worthy of mention as the first cultivators of the Garden of Hallam , watered by the four streams , and as men possessing in themselves many excellences of character and worthy to be imitated . I mention Thomas Bolsover , who , in 1742 , united the two metals of silver and copper to repair knife handles and to make buttons and snuff-boxes . Joseph Handcock , who went further in 1773 , and showed to what other uses the copper silver-plated in this new method might be applied , and how it was possible to imitate the finest and richest embossed plate . Thus the

manufacture of silver-plate began , and Hallamshire stands unrivalled in the extent to which this manufacture is carried , and in the elegance and durability of its productions . John Read , who refined the precious metals in 11765 , and who first made Britannia metal . Joseph Broadhead , who , in 1750 , first opened a direct trade with the Continent from Sheffield . Mr . Roebuck , who , in 1770 , opened a bank in the town . Messrs . Proctors , who erected , in 1786 , the first steam engine grinding wheel . Samuel Walker , Who , in 1746 , founded the Iron Works at Matborough and a ] bank at Kotherham .

trul y this century was the Augustine age of Sheffield manufactures . Walker died 12 th May , 17 S 2 . The words of his modest epitaph " which now afford so singular an example , both of the public and private benefit which may arise—even from the smallest beginnings—when favoured by Divine Providence , and prosecuted with integrity , fores'ght , regularity , and an active comprehensive genius . To these qualifications he added J-he domestic virtues , & c . " This shows that he died abounding in Christian virtues . / he lives and characters of these first worthies of Sheffield afford singular pvamnlps nf

» orce of character , and of the public and private benefits which may arise even from the smallest beginnings when favoured by the Divine Providence , and prosecuted with fortitude , prudence , justice , and temperance . " Take the lives of these amongst many ° ' Sheffield ' s illustrious sons , and endeavour whilst " revering their memories to comprehend their wisdom and imitate their lofty virtues . " Thev took the Volume of the

oacred Law for their guidance . They in their day and generation imitated the moral e * cel ! ences of the first created man ; they made Hallamshire a garden of industry and a j ! ' S business . They founded churches and chapels and humanitarian institutions , and 'hey " made their light so shine before men , " that we now see their " good works " ? " honour their memories . They have bequeathed to you a town and district from 5 , ooo , grown to upwards of 300 , 000 persons . Much is therefore exoected of vou .

'asonry recognises you as highly cultivated and responsible members of society , ntjowed with highly-trained intelligences and all the possibilities of progression . You must act on the five points of fellowship , and on the square and lines of discipline , duty , pro-

Consecration Of The Hallamshire Lodge, No. 2268, At Sheffield.

gress , and ennoblement of character , as those who , like as Adam was , have been made lords of the creation of an invisible God . Make , then , your lodge and district " a garden of delights "—an Eden in Hallamshire . " Be just , upright , and perfec' men , of sound judgment and strict morals . " Like the eighteenth century founders of the prosperity of Hallamshire industries , be patterns worthy of imitation ; knock off the rough corners of your own characters , and whil-t this is in progress cement them with brotherly

love more potent than a monarch ' s sceptre , so that others may be cemented to you and governed by you , and the work of building up socially the true principles of Masonry may go on harmoniously , and prosperously , and successfully , to the glory of God , and , as far as in you lies , the good of all your fellow-creatures throughout this mighty British Empire of Queen Victoria , the Patroness of our Order , and whom may the G . A . O . T . U . long preserve ! Prov . Grand Lodge was then closed in due form .

The lodge was opened in the Three Degrees by the Prov . Grand Master and his officers . Bro . George H . Waterfall , P . M . 139 , Installing Officer , then took the chair and installed the W . M . designate , Bro . Edward Sanderson Tozer , S . W . 139 , who afterwards invested his officers as follows : Bros . William John West , S . W . ; Alfred Henry Allan , J . W . ; and Chas . Henry Crowther , Secretary . Several propositions were made .

" Hearty good wishes" having been offered by a large number of brethren from various lodges in the province , the lodge was closed . Dinner was partaken of in the dining hall , the W . M . presiding , supported by the D . P . G . M ., several Prov . Grand Officers , and about 50 brethren . The lodge was furnished by Bro . George Kenning .

Provincial Grand Chapter Of Cheshire.

PROVINCIAL GRAND CHAPTER OF CHESHIRE .

A meeting of the Provincial Grand Chapter of Cheshire was held at Crewe Arms Hotel , Crewe , on Thursday , the 27 th ult ., when the' Rev . C . Spencer Stanhope , M . A ., P . G . C . Eng ., was installed as Grand Supt . of Royal Arch Masons for Cheshire , in succession to Lord de Tabley , who was for many years the chief ruler of the Order in that county . The ceremony

of installation was very ably performed by Col . Shadwell H . Clerke , G . S . E . The Installing Principal was assisted by three other distinguished members of Grand Chapter , viz ., Comps . Sandeman , P . G . Supt . Bengal , F . A . Philbrick , Q . C ., G . Supt . Essex , and J . H . Matthews , P . G . Std . Br ., as D . of C .

The newly-appointed Superintendent appointed and invested his officers for the ensuing year as follows : Comp . Colonel Wilkinson . „ ... ... Prov . G . H . „ W . M . Lightfoot ... ... ... Prov . G . J . ,, H . Claude Lisle ... ... ... Prov . G . S . E . „ S . W . Ramsden ... ... ... Prov . G . S . N . „ Cartwright ... ... ... ... Prov . G . P . S .

„ J ackson ... ... ... ... Prov . G . 1 st A . S . „ Brooks ... ... ... ... Prov . G . 2 nd A . S . ,, Drinkwater ... ... ... ... Prov . G . Reg . „ S . Jones ... ... ... ... Prov . G . Swd . B . „ Thompson ... ... ... ... Prov . G . Std . B . „ H . Ellis ... ... ... ... Prov . G . Org . „ Peterkin ... ... ... ... Prov . A . G . D . C . „ Alcock ... ... ... ... Prov . G . Janitor .

Provincial Grand Chapter Of West Lancashire.

PROVINCIAL GRAND CHAPTER OF WEST LANCASHIRE .

The above Provincial Grand Chapter was held on Wednesday , the 3 rd inst ., at the Masonic Chambers , Lord-street , Southport , which were filled by a large number of companions . The Grand Superintendent , Bro . the Earl of Lathom , presided . The minutes of the last convocations at Eccles and Preston were read and confirmed , and the Treasurer ' s accounts were also passed . Comp . D . M . F . Gaskin was elected Treasurer for the ensuing year . The Grand Superintendent invested his officers as follows : —

Comp . Earl of Crawford and Balcarres ... ... Prov . G . H . „ Dr . D . Dunlop Costine ... ... ... Prov . G . J . „ W . Goodacre ... ... ... Prov . G . S . E . „ Charles P . Richards ... ... ... Prov . G . S . N . ,, James Lambert ... ... ... Prov . G . Reg . „ H . James ... ... ... ... Prov . G . Soj . „ W . Elton ... ... ... ... Prov . A . G . S .

„ S . M'Kellas ... ... ... ... Prov . 2 nd A . G . S . „ A . Beattie ... ... ... ... Prov . G . S . B . „ Alfred Crossley ... ... ... Prov . G . Std . Br . „ David Cangley ... ... ... Prov . G . D . C .

„ E . Littler ... ... ... ... Prov . A . G . D . C . „ R . Johnson ... ... ... ... Prov . G . Org . „ J . C . Robinson ... ... ... Prov . A . G . S . E . „ Peter Ball ... ... ... ... Prov . G . Janitor . The P . G . S . E . presented no formal report , but stated that it was with

regret he noticed that some of the chapters had no by-laws , and he hoped that this would be rectified by some expressions of opinion from the part of the Grand Superintendent . The Earl of LATHOM remarked that he quite endorsed the remarks of the P . G . S . E ., as he thought the adoption of this course would be conducive to the welfare of the various chapters . The convocation was then closed .

DEPUTY GRAND MASTER . —By the Book of Constitutions he is appointed annually by the Grand Master on the day of his installation , and if present is to be at once installed . In the absence of the Grand Master , the Deputy Grand Master possesses all his powers and privileges . The office dates from 1721 , according to Anderson , June 24 , when the Duke of Montague nominated John Beal , M . D ., as his Deputy Grand Master . In the case of

the death of the Grand Master , though he can convene the Grand Lodge to " record the event , " there being no Pro Grand Master , his power and office virtually cease , as indeed must be the case , his being a personal appointment of the Grand Master . Mackey is in error in saying that lie succeeds to his position until a new election . It may be so in America , but it is not so in England . —Kenning ' s Cyclopaedia of Freemasonry .

BERK . st . KT : HOTEL ( late St . J ames ' s ) , 1 , Berkeley-street and 77 , Piccadilly , London , W . First class accommodation for residents , with a Restaurant newl 3 - attached for high class luncheons and dinners , at fixed prices and a la caite , C . DIETTE , Manager . [ ADVT . 1