Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Provincial Grand Mark Lodge Of West Yorkshire.
PROVINCIAL GRAND MARK LODGE OF WEST YORKSHIRE .
A meeting of the Prov . Grand Mark Lodge of West Yorkshire was held at the Arcade Hall , Market Hill , Barnsley , on Thursday , the 31 st ultimo , under the banner of Portal Lodge , No . 127 , Barnsley , when there weie pre-en t—Bros . Charles Letch Mason , Prov . Grand Master ; John Barker , Deputy Prov . Grand Master ; VV . E . Smithies , P . M . 5 S , as Prov . S . G . W . ; M . J . Dodworth ,
P . M . 53 , Prov . J . G . W . ; H . S . Holdsworth , P . M . 58 , P . G . Std . Br ., P . P . G . W . ; Edwin Billington , P . M . 127 , as Prov . G . M . O . ; E . J . Massie , P . M . 127 , as Prov . S . G . O . ; W . R . Massie , P . M . 127 , as Prov . J . G . O . ; Richard Hodgson , P . M . 58 , P . P . G . O . ; Wm . Flockton , P . M . in , P . P . G . O . ; thc Rev . J . L . Brereton , M . A ., 127 , as Prov . G . Chap . ; W . W . Clayton , P . M . 374 , Prov . G . Treas . ; Herbert G . E . Green , P . M . no , Prov . G . Reg . ; Joseph Matthewman , W . M . no , Prov .
G . Sec ; G . H . Radcliffe , P . M . 58 , as P . S . G . D . ; W . J . Morris , P . M . 58 , Prov . J . G . D . ; G . H . Parke , P . M . 16 , G . Stwd ., P . P . G . D . ; J . J . Martin , P . M . no , P . P . G . D . ; Wm . Senior , P . M . 147 , Prov . G . 1 . of Wks . ; Alfred Leach , P . M . no , Prov . G . D . C ; T . G . Howell , W . M . elect 137 , as Prov . A . G . D . C . ; J . H . Gration , P . M . 127 , P . P . G . W ., as Prov . G . S . B . ; Chas . Lingard , P . M . 127 , Prov .
G . Std . Br . ; Geo . Wragg P . M . 53 , as Prov . G . Org . ; George Carbert , P . P . G . Org . ; Benjamin Smith , P . M . 127 , P . P . G . I . of Wks ., as Prov . G . I . G . ; VV . A . Statter , P . M . no , Prov . G . Stwd . ; George Jackson , W . M . 137 , Prov . G . Stwd . ; Geo . Hy . demons , W . M . 374 . Prov . G . Stwd . ; J . H . Newton , in , Prov . G . Tyler ; also Worshipful Masters , Past Masters , Wardens , and Overseers from lodges in the province .
The Prov . G . Master , Bro . Charles Lelch Mason , [ he Deputy Prov . G . Master , Bro . John Barker , and the Prov . Grand Officers having entered the lodge , The Prov . G . Sec , Bro . J OSEPH MATTHEWMAN , read thc endorsement entitling ihe Prov . G . Master to hold ollice for the three years next ensuing , and handed to him his patent .
The Prov . Grand Master and the Dep . Prov . Grand Master werc then saluted according to ancient form . The roll of lodges was afterwards called , only three being unrepresented . After the roll of Acting Provincial Grand Officers was called , apologies for non-attendance were read from Bros . Thomas Wrigley , P . M . 14 . Prov . S . G . W . ; F . Cleeves , P . M . 53 . P . P . G . W ., P . G . Std . Br . ;
Chas . Woollons , P . M . 110 , P . P . G . W . ; F . Smith , P . M . 352 , P . P . G . W . ; J . L . Atherton , P . M . ( T . I . ) , P . P . G . W . ; Dr . Samuel Jacob , P . M . , 52 , Prov . G . M . O . ; Tomas Norfolk , P . M . ( T . I . ) , Prov . S . ' G . O . ; Walter Hanson , P . M . 58 , Prov . J . G . O . ; VV . D . Shocbridge , P . M . 58 , P . P . G . O . ; J . E . Darling , P . M . 53 , P . P . G . O . ; Richard Nelson , P . M . 14 , P . P . G . O . ; the Rev . VV . Wilkinson , M . A ., Chaplain 374 , P . P . G . Chaplain ; J . P . Hewitt , P . M ; 53 , P . P . G . Registrar ; Thomas Uttley ,
P . M . 14 , Prov . S . G . D . ; F . Smith , jun . P . M . 352 . P . P . G . D . ; T . Robertshaw , P . M . 58 , P . P . G . D . C . ; Tom Tomlinson , ' P . M . 111 . Prov . G . S . B . ; T . Ii . Greenhough , P . M . ( T . L ) . Prov . G . I . G . ; T . B . Wilson , P . M . 4 , 7 Prov . G . Stwd . ; S . Pegler , I . P . M . 398 ; Richard Bowman , J . VV . 110 ; and F . W . Wilkinson , P . M . 58 . Bros . T . G . Armstrong , Prov . G . Sec Northumberland and Durham , and A . VV . Walker , Prov . G . Sec . North and East Yoikshire , also wrote regretting they wcie unable to accept invitations .
The PROV . G . SEC . presented the minutes of the Annual Meeting of Prov . Grand Lodge , held at Leeds on VVednesday , 15 th May . Bro . BARKER , D . P . G . M ., moved "That as the minutes had been printed and circulated , they be taken as read . " This was seconded by Bro . I . GRATION , P . P . G . W ., and carried .
Bro . RICHARD HODGSON , P . P . G . O ., proposed "that the niinutes be confirmed "; seconded b y Bro . II . G . E . GREEN , P . P . G . Treas . ; this was also carried unanimously . The PROV . GRAND MASTER rose to give his usual address . He said : Brethren , —It is not my intention to take up much of your time this afternoon , as we have important business to discuss—business closely concerning the welfare
of our Order , particulars of which you will , doubtless , have seen upon the agenda paper for to-day ' s meeting . I will not , at this stage of the proceedings , dilate upon this subject , but will brielly explain that we propose to make such additions to our provincial by-laws as will enable us to form a Charity Committee , and , in fact , create an organisation whose object shall be to work in a systematic way in the interest of our Mark Benevolent Fund . The Mark Charities arc conducted
upon sound economical principles , and appeal strongly to the sympathies of us all . They are making satisfactory progress , and I commend them to your support . With respect as to the passing , or otherwise , of these propositions , perhaps I ought to explain that by our Constitutions , only Present and Past Provincial Grand Officers , W . Ms ., P . Ms ., and Actual Wardens and Overseers can vote upon this question , as they constitute Prov . Grand Lodge , but I am quite sure that if
any other brother present desires to express an opinion , Prov . Grand Lodge will give him a hearing . At our last meeting , we were , as you will remember , honoured by the presence of the Pro Grand Master , the Earl of Euston . Bro . W . L . Jackson , Prov . G . M . of the Craft , although then admitted to the Order of Mark Masonry , was * unable to be present on that occasion , but to show that his interest in the Degree is not waning , 1 may mention that on Tuesday last I had
the pleasure of installing him as W . M . of my own Lodge Copley , No . 3 , Leeds ; and I may add , that only urgent business prevents him from being with us to-day . He tuld us when lie was advanced that he was a busy man , and that lie would , he was afraid , be unable to attend all our meetings . I am disposed to think that a busy man is , perhaps , the happiest man , as he gives all his time and attention to his affairs , and has no leisure to bestow upon the petty side of liie . You all , 1
suppose , received the report of our Mark Benevolent Fund , with a full list of West Yorkshire subscribers . This province , I am glad lo say , sent up 200 guineas—a sum just about double what we have ever sent before . 1 think honour should be given to whom honour is due , and this exceedingly satisfactory result was owing largely to the interest displayed by two of our brethren—Bro . G . H . Parke , and our Prov . G . Secretary , Bro . Matthewman . liro . Parke lias nobly
supported our Charity , and Bro . Matthewman , by the energy lie has thrown into the work , and the deep interest he has displayed , is equally deserving of our 'hanks . I think , brethren , that I owe an apology to you , the niciiibi-rs of Prov . Grand Lodge , insomuch as I accepted an invitation to preside at the next Mark benevolent Festival , without previously consulting you . The fact is , I had no
opportunity . The arrangements are made long beforehand , and it would have been quite impossible to ask Grand Lodge to wait until our next meeting . By Accepting the post . 1 have , as it weie , pledged my province to support 1110 . I ff . lt '' Was an honour , not to me only , but to West Yorkshire , and 1 have no doubt , had you had the chance , you would have promptly recommended the course 1 have
Provincial Grand Mark Lodge Of West Yorkshire.
pursued ; nor have I the least hesitation in believing that you will ungrudgingly give me your hearty support . Interest in Mark Masonry is still increasing . In proof of which , ! may say that the muster ot Grand and Prov . Grand Officers at Bro . Jackson ' s installation was a very large one . He declared himself much honoured and gratilied by their attendance " . Further , the lodges are working satisfactorily and harmoniously , and I feel confident when our next returns
comein , that our Prov . Grand Registrar will be able to report two most satisfactory conditions of ailairs , viz .: a considerable increase in our members , and a large diminution of arrears ' . To this last point , at the Prov . Grand Secretary ' s request , I specially call the attention of lodge Treasurers , and I should be immensely gratilied if we could secure an annual return absolutely free from arrears . And now , brethren , let me commend Mark Masonry to you with ali sincerity . I thank
you fur your attendance here to-day . Our meeting is not a large one , but lari ; e gatherings are not always best for getting on with business . You have often heard me say that the Mark Degree is especially interesting and instructive from the teaching underlying its . symbolism . Take away this and what is left : And this is so in Masonry in all its Degrees . If we only endeavour to realise in our
lives the splendid lessons which Mark Masonry , rightly understood , imparts to us , we shall , I am sure , not only become better Masons , but also worthier and nobler men . I have great pleasure in announcing that my worthy Deputy , Bro . John Barker , has kindly consented to hold ollice for a further term of three years . He will , doubtless , have a few words to address to you . Accept , one and all , brethren , my warmest thanks for your fraternal reception and salutations ' .
Bro . BARKER , who was most cordially received , thanked the brethren for the greeting they had given him . He said he entered upon his new era in Mark Masonry with hope and confidence : as he had done in the past so would he show in the future the same determination to do the best he was able to advance the interests of Mark Masonry in this province , and trusted his efforts at the expiration of the next three years would command their
entire commendation . He had listened wilh interest and satisfaction to the Prov . Grand Master ' s address , and he thought the immediate prospects of Mark Masonry werc bright and cheering . " Next year would be full of interest . On the 2 nd of August they would keep the 25 th anniversary of the formation of the province . Their Prov . Grand Master , too , as he had told them , would preside at the Benevolent Festival in July . Splendid as
had been the results for the present year , results which , as he also knew , were largely due to Bros . Parke and Matthewman , yet hc ventured to hope that the amount recorded in July next , would make other totals sink into insignificance , and that West Yorkshire would show a sum greater than that ever sent up by any single province in the kingdom . The brethren would remember Bro . the liar" of Huston ' s challenge at Leeds : he honed they
would take it up and so give the Pro Grand Master another opportunity to benefit the funds . He trusted they would give the propositions about to be made by Bro . Parke , fair and candid consideration . For his own part they bad his entire approbation . Bro . Barker then gave some most valuable counsel to the brethren ; impressing upon them the duty of a careful and judicious selection of YV . Ms . He declared that it was not well that a
brother who had , perhaps , only indifferently gone through the minor offices should necessarily be chosen lor the most important chair . They wanted real live workers , brethren who could inspire confidence and rouse enthusiasm , and he declared that apathy and self-satisfied indifference were fatal to the interests of any lodge and made its progress impossible . With a word or two of reminder 10 " secretaries as lo 1 heir duties , liro . Barker concluded by again thanking the brethren for their salutations .
Bro . G . 11 . PARKE , G . Stwd . ling , and Patron of the Mark Benevolent Fund , was then called upon by the Chairman to move the propositions appearing under his name . He said that he would make his remarks as brief as circumstances would permit , yet with a view to a proper comprehension of thc subject , it would be necessary to go into some amount of detail . Bro . Parke then explained fully the aims and objects of the Mark Benevolent
Fund , and showed how it was divided and in what way it carried out its work . It was inaugurated publicly , he declared , in 1 SO 9 , its lirst festival being held at Hampton Court , under the presidency of the then M . W . G . M ., Bro . Rev . Canon Portal . The number of Stewards on that occasion was six , and the amount raised £ tjj JS . Sd . Continuing year by year but with varying success , the total sum collected iu 18110 , when Lord Euston
took the chair , was / ,- ' 3 * , 4 . 1 his was the highest yet recorded . This year ( 1 S 95 ) the result was , lie believed , ^ ' 211 iS , of which , as they had heard , West Yorkshire had contributed £ 210 . After giving details as lo the amount of capital invested , the money spent in the Benevolent , Educational , and Annuity divisions of the Fund , Bro . Parke deplored the apathy which existed amongst the brethren in regard
to this most useful Institution , and declared his belief that that want of interest arose purel y from want of knowledge of the subject . Some of the West Yorkshire lodges showed a zeal and activity in the cause deserving of all praise , whilst others he had noticed seemed absolutely to know nothing about it . This condition of affairs had been discussed and lamented from time to time , and a general feeling arose that unless some
organisation on systematic lines was set on fool , it would be impossible tn rouse that interest which the importance of the subject demanded . Bro . M , J . Dodworth , Prov . J . G . W ., gave voice to this sentiment at the last meeting of Provincial Grand Lodge at Leeds , and the Bj . ird of General Purposes took it up . After serious consideration , lhat bridy decided that something * should be done , and , as the present by-laws made no provision for the
formation of a Provincial Charity Committee and the election of Charity Stewards for each lodge , instructions were given to the Provincial Grand Secretary , Bro . Mallhewinan , to draw up and submit for consideration such additional by-laws as would meet the circumstances . These rules were now before them ; they had beon passed by the Board , and he submitted them wilh confidence for their approval . They were , he might explain , modelled ,
but with modifications , upon the by-laws of the Craft , and if tbey received the sanction of the meeting , as he believed they would , the Provincial Grand . Secretary was ins' . rucled to immediately forward them to London , to the General Board , and once accepted , they would promptly be put into practice , and a Charity Committee formed for the province . Bro . P . irke , whose heart was clearly in the cause , pointed out that in advocating the formation
of ibis Charity scheme , he was in no sense acting in hostility or even rivalry to the great and noble Institutions of the Craft . I fe looked upon the proper working of the Mark Benevolent Fund as a valuable adjunct to our other Charities , a relief to them ; and he reminded them tint ilie Fund was for Maik Masons only , and therefore especially deserving of their support . Bro .
Parke further argued that the step was necess . ry with a view to protect and safeguard their own interests , explaining that , although no voting papers had so far been issued , and no election had taken place , yet the lime was fast approaching when this must be done , and svithout sonis such organisation as he was proposing , they would have no power to carry their candidates , and no influence in the contests . Bro . Parke concluded a powerful
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Provincial Grand Mark Lodge Of West Yorkshire.
PROVINCIAL GRAND MARK LODGE OF WEST YORKSHIRE .
A meeting of the Prov . Grand Mark Lodge of West Yorkshire was held at the Arcade Hall , Market Hill , Barnsley , on Thursday , the 31 st ultimo , under the banner of Portal Lodge , No . 127 , Barnsley , when there weie pre-en t—Bros . Charles Letch Mason , Prov . Grand Master ; John Barker , Deputy Prov . Grand Master ; VV . E . Smithies , P . M . 5 S , as Prov . S . G . W . ; M . J . Dodworth ,
P . M . 53 , Prov . J . G . W . ; H . S . Holdsworth , P . M . 58 , P . G . Std . Br ., P . P . G . W . ; Edwin Billington , P . M . 127 , as Prov . G . M . O . ; E . J . Massie , P . M . 127 , as Prov . S . G . O . ; W . R . Massie , P . M . 127 , as Prov . J . G . O . ; Richard Hodgson , P . M . 58 , P . P . G . O . ; Wm . Flockton , P . M . in , P . P . G . O . ; thc Rev . J . L . Brereton , M . A ., 127 , as Prov . G . Chap . ; W . W . Clayton , P . M . 374 , Prov . G . Treas . ; Herbert G . E . Green , P . M . no , Prov . G . Reg . ; Joseph Matthewman , W . M . no , Prov .
G . Sec ; G . H . Radcliffe , P . M . 58 , as P . S . G . D . ; W . J . Morris , P . M . 58 , Prov . J . G . D . ; G . H . Parke , P . M . 16 , G . Stwd ., P . P . G . D . ; J . J . Martin , P . M . no , P . P . G . D . ; Wm . Senior , P . M . 147 , Prov . G . 1 . of Wks . ; Alfred Leach , P . M . no , Prov . G . D . C ; T . G . Howell , W . M . elect 137 , as Prov . A . G . D . C . ; J . H . Gration , P . M . 127 , P . P . G . W ., as Prov . G . S . B . ; Chas . Lingard , P . M . 127 , Prov .
G . Std . Br . ; Geo . Wragg P . M . 53 , as Prov . G . Org . ; George Carbert , P . P . G . Org . ; Benjamin Smith , P . M . 127 , P . P . G . I . of Wks ., as Prov . G . I . G . ; VV . A . Statter , P . M . no , Prov . G . Stwd . ; George Jackson , W . M . 137 , Prov . G . Stwd . ; Geo . Hy . demons , W . M . 374 . Prov . G . Stwd . ; J . H . Newton , in , Prov . G . Tyler ; also Worshipful Masters , Past Masters , Wardens , and Overseers from lodges in the province .
The Prov . G . Master , Bro . Charles Lelch Mason , [ he Deputy Prov . G . Master , Bro . John Barker , and the Prov . Grand Officers having entered the lodge , The Prov . G . Sec , Bro . J OSEPH MATTHEWMAN , read thc endorsement entitling ihe Prov . G . Master to hold ollice for the three years next ensuing , and handed to him his patent .
The Prov . Grand Master and the Dep . Prov . Grand Master werc then saluted according to ancient form . The roll of lodges was afterwards called , only three being unrepresented . After the roll of Acting Provincial Grand Officers was called , apologies for non-attendance were read from Bros . Thomas Wrigley , P . M . 14 . Prov . S . G . W . ; F . Cleeves , P . M . 53 . P . P . G . W ., P . G . Std . Br . ;
Chas . Woollons , P . M . 110 , P . P . G . W . ; F . Smith , P . M . 352 , P . P . G . W . ; J . L . Atherton , P . M . ( T . I . ) , P . P . G . W . ; Dr . Samuel Jacob , P . M . , 52 , Prov . G . M . O . ; Tomas Norfolk , P . M . ( T . I . ) , Prov . S . ' G . O . ; Walter Hanson , P . M . 58 , Prov . J . G . O . ; VV . D . Shocbridge , P . M . 58 , P . P . G . O . ; J . E . Darling , P . M . 53 , P . P . G . O . ; Richard Nelson , P . M . 14 , P . P . G . O . ; the Rev . VV . Wilkinson , M . A ., Chaplain 374 , P . P . G . Chaplain ; J . P . Hewitt , P . M ; 53 , P . P . G . Registrar ; Thomas Uttley ,
P . M . 14 , Prov . S . G . D . ; F . Smith , jun . P . M . 352 . P . P . G . D . ; T . Robertshaw , P . M . 58 , P . P . G . D . C . ; Tom Tomlinson , ' P . M . 111 . Prov . G . S . B . ; T . Ii . Greenhough , P . M . ( T . L ) . Prov . G . I . G . ; T . B . Wilson , P . M . 4 , 7 Prov . G . Stwd . ; S . Pegler , I . P . M . 398 ; Richard Bowman , J . VV . 110 ; and F . W . Wilkinson , P . M . 58 . Bros . T . G . Armstrong , Prov . G . Sec Northumberland and Durham , and A . VV . Walker , Prov . G . Sec . North and East Yoikshire , also wrote regretting they wcie unable to accept invitations .
The PROV . G . SEC . presented the minutes of the Annual Meeting of Prov . Grand Lodge , held at Leeds on VVednesday , 15 th May . Bro . BARKER , D . P . G . M ., moved "That as the minutes had been printed and circulated , they be taken as read . " This was seconded by Bro . I . GRATION , P . P . G . W ., and carried .
Bro . RICHARD HODGSON , P . P . G . O ., proposed "that the niinutes be confirmed "; seconded b y Bro . II . G . E . GREEN , P . P . G . Treas . ; this was also carried unanimously . The PROV . GRAND MASTER rose to give his usual address . He said : Brethren , —It is not my intention to take up much of your time this afternoon , as we have important business to discuss—business closely concerning the welfare
of our Order , particulars of which you will , doubtless , have seen upon the agenda paper for to-day ' s meeting . I will not , at this stage of the proceedings , dilate upon this subject , but will brielly explain that we propose to make such additions to our provincial by-laws as will enable us to form a Charity Committee , and , in fact , create an organisation whose object shall be to work in a systematic way in the interest of our Mark Benevolent Fund . The Mark Charities arc conducted
upon sound economical principles , and appeal strongly to the sympathies of us all . They are making satisfactory progress , and I commend them to your support . With respect as to the passing , or otherwise , of these propositions , perhaps I ought to explain that by our Constitutions , only Present and Past Provincial Grand Officers , W . Ms ., P . Ms ., and Actual Wardens and Overseers can vote upon this question , as they constitute Prov . Grand Lodge , but I am quite sure that if
any other brother present desires to express an opinion , Prov . Grand Lodge will give him a hearing . At our last meeting , we were , as you will remember , honoured by the presence of the Pro Grand Master , the Earl of Euston . Bro . W . L . Jackson , Prov . G . M . of the Craft , although then admitted to the Order of Mark Masonry , was * unable to be present on that occasion , but to show that his interest in the Degree is not waning , 1 may mention that on Tuesday last I had
the pleasure of installing him as W . M . of my own Lodge Copley , No . 3 , Leeds ; and I may add , that only urgent business prevents him from being with us to-day . He tuld us when lie was advanced that he was a busy man , and that lie would , he was afraid , be unable to attend all our meetings . I am disposed to think that a busy man is , perhaps , the happiest man , as he gives all his time and attention to his affairs , and has no leisure to bestow upon the petty side of liie . You all , 1
suppose , received the report of our Mark Benevolent Fund , with a full list of West Yorkshire subscribers . This province , I am glad lo say , sent up 200 guineas—a sum just about double what we have ever sent before . 1 think honour should be given to whom honour is due , and this exceedingly satisfactory result was owing largely to the interest displayed by two of our brethren—Bro . G . H . Parke , and our Prov . G . Secretary , Bro . Matthewman . liro . Parke lias nobly
supported our Charity , and Bro . Matthewman , by the energy lie has thrown into the work , and the deep interest he has displayed , is equally deserving of our 'hanks . I think , brethren , that I owe an apology to you , the niciiibi-rs of Prov . Grand Lodge , insomuch as I accepted an invitation to preside at the next Mark benevolent Festival , without previously consulting you . The fact is , I had no
opportunity . The arrangements are made long beforehand , and it would have been quite impossible to ask Grand Lodge to wait until our next meeting . By Accepting the post . 1 have , as it weie , pledged my province to support 1110 . I ff . lt '' Was an honour , not to me only , but to West Yorkshire , and 1 have no doubt , had you had the chance , you would have promptly recommended the course 1 have
Provincial Grand Mark Lodge Of West Yorkshire.
pursued ; nor have I the least hesitation in believing that you will ungrudgingly give me your hearty support . Interest in Mark Masonry is still increasing . In proof of which , ! may say that the muster ot Grand and Prov . Grand Officers at Bro . Jackson ' s installation was a very large one . He declared himself much honoured and gratilied by their attendance " . Further , the lodges are working satisfactorily and harmoniously , and I feel confident when our next returns
comein , that our Prov . Grand Registrar will be able to report two most satisfactory conditions of ailairs , viz .: a considerable increase in our members , and a large diminution of arrears ' . To this last point , at the Prov . Grand Secretary ' s request , I specially call the attention of lodge Treasurers , and I should be immensely gratilied if we could secure an annual return absolutely free from arrears . And now , brethren , let me commend Mark Masonry to you with ali sincerity . I thank
you fur your attendance here to-day . Our meeting is not a large one , but lari ; e gatherings are not always best for getting on with business . You have often heard me say that the Mark Degree is especially interesting and instructive from the teaching underlying its . symbolism . Take away this and what is left : And this is so in Masonry in all its Degrees . If we only endeavour to realise in our
lives the splendid lessons which Mark Masonry , rightly understood , imparts to us , we shall , I am sure , not only become better Masons , but also worthier and nobler men . I have great pleasure in announcing that my worthy Deputy , Bro . John Barker , has kindly consented to hold ollice for a further term of three years . He will , doubtless , have a few words to address to you . Accept , one and all , brethren , my warmest thanks for your fraternal reception and salutations ' .
Bro . BARKER , who was most cordially received , thanked the brethren for the greeting they had given him . He said he entered upon his new era in Mark Masonry with hope and confidence : as he had done in the past so would he show in the future the same determination to do the best he was able to advance the interests of Mark Masonry in this province , and trusted his efforts at the expiration of the next three years would command their
entire commendation . He had listened wilh interest and satisfaction to the Prov . Grand Master ' s address , and he thought the immediate prospects of Mark Masonry werc bright and cheering . " Next year would be full of interest . On the 2 nd of August they would keep the 25 th anniversary of the formation of the province . Their Prov . Grand Master , too , as he had told them , would preside at the Benevolent Festival in July . Splendid as
had been the results for the present year , results which , as he also knew , were largely due to Bros . Parke and Matthewman , yet hc ventured to hope that the amount recorded in July next , would make other totals sink into insignificance , and that West Yorkshire would show a sum greater than that ever sent up by any single province in the kingdom . The brethren would remember Bro . the liar" of Huston ' s challenge at Leeds : he honed they
would take it up and so give the Pro Grand Master another opportunity to benefit the funds . He trusted they would give the propositions about to be made by Bro . Parke , fair and candid consideration . For his own part they bad his entire approbation . Bro . Barker then gave some most valuable counsel to the brethren ; impressing upon them the duty of a careful and judicious selection of YV . Ms . He declared that it was not well that a
brother who had , perhaps , only indifferently gone through the minor offices should necessarily be chosen lor the most important chair . They wanted real live workers , brethren who could inspire confidence and rouse enthusiasm , and he declared that apathy and self-satisfied indifference were fatal to the interests of any lodge and made its progress impossible . With a word or two of reminder 10 " secretaries as lo 1 heir duties , liro . Barker concluded by again thanking the brethren for their salutations .
Bro . G . 11 . PARKE , G . Stwd . ling , and Patron of the Mark Benevolent Fund , was then called upon by the Chairman to move the propositions appearing under his name . He said that he would make his remarks as brief as circumstances would permit , yet with a view to a proper comprehension of thc subject , it would be necessary to go into some amount of detail . Bro . Parke then explained fully the aims and objects of the Mark Benevolent
Fund , and showed how it was divided and in what way it carried out its work . It was inaugurated publicly , he declared , in 1 SO 9 , its lirst festival being held at Hampton Court , under the presidency of the then M . W . G . M ., Bro . Rev . Canon Portal . The number of Stewards on that occasion was six , and the amount raised £ tjj JS . Sd . Continuing year by year but with varying success , the total sum collected iu 18110 , when Lord Euston
took the chair , was / ,- ' 3 * , 4 . 1 his was the highest yet recorded . This year ( 1 S 95 ) the result was , lie believed , ^ ' 211 iS , of which , as they had heard , West Yorkshire had contributed £ 210 . After giving details as lo the amount of capital invested , the money spent in the Benevolent , Educational , and Annuity divisions of the Fund , Bro . Parke deplored the apathy which existed amongst the brethren in regard
to this most useful Institution , and declared his belief that that want of interest arose purel y from want of knowledge of the subject . Some of the West Yorkshire lodges showed a zeal and activity in the cause deserving of all praise , whilst others he had noticed seemed absolutely to know nothing about it . This condition of affairs had been discussed and lamented from time to time , and a general feeling arose that unless some
organisation on systematic lines was set on fool , it would be impossible tn rouse that interest which the importance of the subject demanded . Bro . M , J . Dodworth , Prov . J . G . W ., gave voice to this sentiment at the last meeting of Provincial Grand Lodge at Leeds , and the Bj . ird of General Purposes took it up . After serious consideration , lhat bridy decided that something * should be done , and , as the present by-laws made no provision for the
formation of a Provincial Charity Committee and the election of Charity Stewards for each lodge , instructions were given to the Provincial Grand Secretary , Bro . Mallhewinan , to draw up and submit for consideration such additional by-laws as would meet the circumstances . These rules were now before them ; they had beon passed by the Board , and he submitted them wilh confidence for their approval . They were , he might explain , modelled ,
but with modifications , upon the by-laws of the Craft , and if tbey received the sanction of the meeting , as he believed they would , the Provincial Grand . Secretary was ins' . rucled to immediately forward them to London , to the General Board , and once accepted , they would promptly be put into practice , and a Charity Committee formed for the province . Bro . P . irke , whose heart was clearly in the cause , pointed out that in advocating the formation
of ibis Charity scheme , he was in no sense acting in hostility or even rivalry to the great and noble Institutions of the Craft . I fe looked upon the proper working of the Mark Benevolent Fund as a valuable adjunct to our other Charities , a relief to them ; and he reminded them tint ilie Fund was for Maik Masons only , and therefore especially deserving of their support . Bro .
Parke further argued that the step was necess . ry with a view to protect and safeguard their own interests , explaining that , although no voting papers had so far been issued , and no election had taken place , yet the lime was fast approaching when this must be done , and svithout sonis such organisation as he was proposing , they would have no power to carry their candidates , and no influence in the contests . Bro . Parke concluded a powerful