Provincial Grand Lodge Of West Yorkshire.

PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF WEST YORKSHIRE .

The half-yearly meeting of the above Provincial Grand Lodge was held at the Church Institute , North Parade , Bradford , on Wednesday , the 30 th ult , under the banner of the Acacia Lodge , No . 2321 , when there were present : Bros . Richard Wilson , P . M . 289 , P . G . D ., D . P . G . M ., acting Prov . G . M . ; Henry Smith , P . M . 302 , P . G . D .. P . D . P . G . M ., as D . P . G . M . ; J . C . Malcolm , P . M . 306 , P . G . D ., 'P . D . P . G . M . ; W . F . Smithson , P . M . 1001 , P . P . G . W ., P . G . D . ; W . C .

Lupton , J . P ., P . M . 974 , P . P . G . W ., P . G . D . ; Jno . Lee Walker , P . M . 290 , Prov . S . G . W . ; Henry Chalker , P . M . 154 , Prov . J . G . W . ; Major D . Salmond , P . M . 302 , Wm . Harrop , P . M . 290 , G . H . Parke , P . M . 154 , Cornelius Wheawill , P . M . ago , and W . Watson , P . AI . 61 , P . P . G . Ws . ; Rev . Hugh Doig , Chap . 337 , Prov . G . Chap . ; Ven . Archdeacon Donne , W . M . 1019 , P . P . G . C , as . Prov . G . Chap . ; Rev . Wm . Wilkinson , P M . 2069 , Rev . L . S . Calvert , P . M . 20 S , Rev . J . Maxon Walton , Chap . 307 , and Rev . G . Ford , P . M . 2558 , P . P . G . Chaps . ; Robt . Potter ,

P . M . 275 , Prov . G . Treas . ; Thos . Richards , P . M . 20 S , Major G . Bolton , P . M . i $ 4 , Wm . Smith , P . M . 1211 , and Thos . Woods , P . M . 2695 , P . P . G . Treasurers ; John Tweedale , P . M . S 27 , Prov . G . Reg . ; D . Allison Shaw , P . M . 827 , T . Brayshaw , P . M . 2091 , 1 . H . Pawson , P . M . 242 , and Jno . Thos . Last , P . M . 2 3 , P . P . G . Regs , j Major H . G . E . Green , P . M . 1019 , P . G . S . B ., Prov . G . Sec ; Hugh Kershaw , P . M . 2330 , Prov . S . G . D . ; Jno . Barraclough , P . M . 304 , and Edward Holmes , P . M . 1779 , Prov . J . G . Ds . ; Reuben Williamson , "P . M . 521

T . 1 . Walker , P . M . 1231 , Wm . Hy . Jessop , P . M . 521 , F . C . Robinson , P . M . 164 S , Fountain Read , P . M . 1034 , J . W . 13 alme , P . M . 61 , Alfred Stephenson , P . M . 1648 , Walker Dyson , P . M . 290 , Francis Smith , P . M . 837 , Alfred Robertshaw , P . M , 448 , Dr . Isaac Mossop , P . M . 974 , Wm . Flockton , P . M . 1042 , W . O . Hinchliffe , P . M . 1018 , J . L . Brayshaw , P . M . 2091 , J . P . Browne , P . M . 1648 , Col . E . S . Tozer , P . M . 226 S , and Rd . Hodgson , P . M . 448 , P . P . G . Ds . ; Wm . Towers , P . M . 306 , P . G . Supt . of Wks ; G . W . Hawksley , P . M . 139 , Charles Gott , P . M . 302 ,

Reuben Castle , P . M . 750 , T . C . Hope , P . M . 302 , T . R . Vaux , P . M . 20 S , J . H . Bolton , P . M . 173 6 , and I . Lane Fox , P . M . 20 S , P . P . G . Supts . of Wks .-, Tom Twivy , P . M . 1018 , P . G . D . of Cers . ; Ellis Foulds , P . M . 910 , P . Dep . G . D . of C . ; A . W . Fretwell , P . M . 242 , Chas . E . Bygrave , P . M . 2091 , and Wm . Harrison , P . M . 265 , Prov . Asst . G . D . of Cers . ; Austin Roberts , P . M . 448 , J . W . Monckman , P . M . 1018 , T . J . Pickles , P . M . 25 S , Geo . Buckley , P . M . 61 , Wm . Fitton , P . M . 2035 , W . D . Ouarmby , P . M . SoS , Thos . Norfolk , P . M . 600 , Jno . Dawson ,

P . M . 521 , G . P . Sunderland , P . M . 1730 , Thos . Heaton , P . M . 265 . Daniel White , P . M . 149 , \ . R . Fawcett , P . M . 1214 , Joseph Best , P . M . 302 , Wm . Oddy , P . M . 3 S 7 , Joseph Wrigglesworth , P . M . 17 S 3 , Abm . Armitage , P . M . 521 , W . Pick Raynor , P . M . 290 , W . Greenwood , P . M . 439 , Jas . Millington , P . M . 1221 , Chas . Middleton , P . M . 2069 , and Joe Sykes , P . M . 1514 , P . P . G . Ds . of Cers . ; John Haley , P . M . 1034 , P . G . S . B . ; Geo . Scarborough , P . M . 61 , Herbert Columbine , P . M . i 22 i , and W . J . Morris , P . M . 173 6 , P . P . G . S . Bs . ; Ben Child , P . M . 25 S , and Wm . E . Turner ,

P . G . Std . Brs . ; Wm . Laycock , P . M . 110 S , T . M . Holmes , P . M . 1545 , Robert Fisher , P . M . 1221 , John Hey , P . M . 3 87 , Wm . Haigh , P . M . 12 S 3 , John Spencer , P . M . 40 S , Wm . Moyer Tate , P . M . 30 ( 1 , Geo . Illingworth , P . AI . 25 8 , and Hy . Beaumont , P . M . 1301 , P . P . G . Std . Brs . ; E . Rowe Dickenson , P . M . 30 S , P . G . Org . ; Wm . Ash , P . M . 1019 , Tom Buckland , P . M . 1231 , C . F . Brindley , P . M . 2491 , and Wm . Gadsby , P . M . 2 ) 9 , P . P . G . Orgs . ; Geo . Hy , Schofield , P . M . IS 42 P . A-iSt . G . Sec . ; J . Matthewm in , P . M . 1019 , and J . R . Barton , P . M . 30 ( 1 ,

P . P . Asst . G . Sees . ; Elias Heaton , P . M ., 3 S 7 , P . G . Purst . ; A . E . Powolny , P . M . 1211 , Geo . Althorp , P . M . 101 S , Win . Co ^ kcrolt , P . M . 307 , V . W . Turner , P . M . 408 , Thos . Gaukrogcr , P . M . 307 , Jno . Shoesmith , P . AI . 1783 , Edwin Billin-iton . P . M . 14 G 2 . J . A . Heastie , P . AI . 652 , Chas . Cromick , P . M . 2330 , and Geo . Thompson , P . M . 1001 , P . P . G . Pursts . ; ] no . T . Goodall , P . AI . 1301 , A . Alderson , P . AI . 1302 , Win . Senior , P . M . 1513 , Alf re . 1 L .-a-h , P . M . 43 - ; , Walter Davey , P . AI . 1001 , and George Siones , P . M . 14 ( 12 , Prov . G . Stewards ;

Thomas Leighton , Tyler 139 ; and Thos . Chester , Tyler 904 , Asst . to P . G . Tyler . Also W . . Masters , Past Masters , acting Wardens , and brethren from Lodges 61 , 1 . 19 , M 9 , 154 . 208 , 242 , 25 S , 264 , 265 , 275 . 2 S 9 , 290 , 302 , 304 , 306 , 307 , 30 S , 337 , 3 80 , 3 S 7 , 401 , 40 S , 439 , 448 , 45 8 , 495 , 521 , Goo , 603 , 652 , 750 , Sio , 827 , S 37 , 904 , 910 , 971 , 974 , itoi , 101 S , 1019 , 1034 , 10 4 2 , 1102 , 1108 , 1211 , 1214 , 1221 , 12 3 , 1239 , 12 S 3 , 1301 , 1302 , 1462 , 1513 , 1514 , 1 5 , 1542 , 1545 , 16 45 , 16 4 8 , 173 6 , 1779 , ' 783 . 35 . 2 o 6 9 . - ° 9 h ~~ S 9 , 22 G ' , 226 S , 2 3 21 , 2330 , 2491 , 255 8 , 266 9 , 26 77 , 26 95 , and 2 S 56 .

The acting Prov . G . Master , Bro . Richard Wilson , P . G . D ., Dep . Prov . G . Master ; the acting Dtp . Prov . G . Master , Uro . Henry Smith , P . G . D ., P . D . P . G . M ., and the Officers of Prov . G . Lodge entered at four o ' clock , and solemn prayer was offered and a portion of Holy Scripture read by tlie Prov . G . Chaplains . The acting I ' rov . G . Master , the acting Dep . Prov . G . Master , and thc Prov . G . Oflicers , Present and Past , were then saluted , and the roll of lodges was called .

The roll of Present Prov . G . Ollicers was called , and the roll of Past Prov . G . Officers noted . Apologies were announced from the Piov . G . Master , from Bro . William Blackburn , P . P . G . D ., Chairman of the Charity Committee , and upwards of 50 Past Prov . G . Officers , W . Masters , Past Masters , Wardens , and brethren . The minutes of the annual meeting held at Dewsbury on the 17 th April , were read and confirmed .

The ACTING PROV . G . MASTER , addressing the brethren , said : Brethren , the oldest authentic record which we have of a regular meeting of speculative Masons in West Yorkshire was that of the holding here of a meeting by thc old lodge from York in 1713 , when iS gentlemen of the neighbour )] jod are said to have been initiated . After a somewhat long period we have the founding of the Hope Lodge , No . 302 , in 1794 , followed at intervals by the forming of the present Bradford lodges , in all eight , including the Eccleshill Lodge , NJ . 1034 . We are to-day met for the first time under the auspices of the Acacia Lod ge ,

No . 3 , which was consecrated on 2 S-. h Septembir , iSSj , by our late R . W . P . G M ., Bro . Thos . Wm . Tew . Bradford has excellent reason to be proud of the result of its enterprise in the formation of new lodges . Whilst in sone of ( he very large centres of industry in the province there has been a sprinkling of failures during the last century , lodges having died out or collapsed from one cause or another , Bradford stands out exceptionally strong , every lodge when once planted here having gone forward and continued to prosper to the present day .

This speaks well for the judgment and foresight of the b .-etiren wiio hive in past ages taken the initiative in forming lht ' . su loigcs . They evidently desired to have in view an undoubted prospect of success bufore launching any new enterprise , and their circumspection in this direction has b ^ -en amply justilijd by the result . Whilst recommending our brethren not to err on the side of over-caution , an 1 so

nipp le laudable and commendable progress , yet we trust that full and weighty consideration will be given to the prospect of future stability an * I pro . purity , as well as to assumed requirements fur the present , when seeking to est io lish new lodges . It may , perhaps , be interesting to mention in passing an important event which uccurri-1 just 50 years ago , viz ., thc visit of the then M . W . Grand . Master of England , the late Lord Zetland , accompanied by the Grand Lodge , for the purpose

Provincial Grand Lodge Of West Yorkshire.

of laying the foundation-stone of that noble structure , St . George ' s HaU . Since that time a large number of brethren have participated in the work of Freemasonry in this city , and have passed away . Our registers bristle with the names of earnest , zealous , and gifted Bradford brethren , who have distinguished themselves by their deep devotion to the welfare of the Craft and their town and country ; and we need not to remind you that the high standard reached by those

who have gone is well maintained to-day by a large body of brethren , with tha Mayor at the head , who arc now working as actively and are equally interested in our well-being . Sii . ce we last met in April , H . R . H . the Duke of Connaught and Strathearn , K . G ., & c , has , a ; you know , been installed Most Worshipful Grand Master by the M . W . Pro G . M ., Earl Amherst , with fitting pomp and ceremonial , at the Albert Hall , London , on the 17 th July last , in the presence of 9300

brethren . West Yorkshire Masonry was well represented on that occasion . We have every confidence in the King ' s successor ; he is an old and tried Mason , and we shall with great cheerfulness accord him the loyalty which is always oJTered to its Grand Master by brethren in West Yorkshire . On 2 g ' . h July we dedicated the new Alasonic Hall at Lesds , and we were very gratified with the result of that day ' s ceremony and proceedings . On the Sth October we opened ths new

premises of the St . Lawrence Lodge , No . 2330 , at Pudsey , and we congratulate that lodge on the care and foresight which has enabled them to buy and adapt premises which are so suitable . On 22 nd October we consecrated a new lod ge , the Regent Lodge , No . 28 5 6 , at Barnsley , assisted by a large number of Prov . Grand Ollicers , and in the presence of many influential members of the Craft . On 5 th October our P . D . P . G . M ., Bro . Hy . Smith , attained his 80 th year , and as

the Charity meeting was held that day we took the opportunity to present him on your behalf with an address cf congratulation and hearty good wishes . You will all be glad with me to see him as acting Deputy to-day . Next month the Masonic year practically closes , and the momentous question of electing the Worshipful Master exercises our minds in a greater or lesser degree . May the G . A . O . T . U . give us wisdom to select the best man and the most deserving , if

t at can be done with due regard to seniority and past work in the lodge . Gaod Treasurers , and good Secretaries , too , will , I hope , be found , and I trust those selected or elected will make a resolve to carry out their respective duties in the most efficient and prompt manner . As a general rule the work only wants doing once , and it is often easier to do it at the beginning than at the end when driven into a corner . There is a strong desire throughout the province to exercise more

care in admissions , and we are doing all we can to foster that desire . Not enough care , however , is taken in ascertaining if a candidate for Freemasonry from another town is of good repute and position , and lodges sometimes fail to send circulars as is required by Prov . Grand Lodge Bye-law 30 . And f regret to say that the lodge to whom the circular of enquiry is directed omits or declines sometimes to reply to the questions asked . The circular is confidential , and ,

therefore , there should be no doubt that it will be regarded as such ; but at any time if the Secretary or Worshipful Master prefers to do so , he can report to the D . Prov . Grand Master or Prov . Grand Secretary , from whom enquiry circulars can always be obtained . I have tried to interest my officers in the work of Prov . Grand Lodge by calling on them for assistance and advice on every possible occasion ; and the response has been so cheeif' ^ 1 , and the result so beneficial in

creating an attachment to work together for the best interests of the province , that it has given pleasure to us all and been a strength to me , for which I am very grateful . Our Librarian has also been very active in his department , and as his work is seen by you all , particularly in the Reprints and in the Alemoirs of W . Bros . Gaukrogcr and Lingard , I feel certain you will approve of it . Alany of you will join me in sorrow at the death of W . Bro . W . W . Clayton ,

P . M . 1311 , P . P . G . D ., who was interred yesterday . A suggestion was thrown out at one lodge visited by me , which I shall pass on to the Grand Lodge for their consideration : " That a statue of King Edward VII . be presented to the nation by the Masonic Fraternity . " Britannia Lodge , No . 139 , some months ago invited Prov . Grand Lodge to meet in Sheffield next April , and they desire it so much

that 1 hope to be able to accept it . Brethren , in exercising my duties as Deputy , and from my experience in visiting the lodges , I can assure you that there is such an interest in , and a devotion to , Freemasonry in West Yorks , that we need not fear any effort too great for our strength , if it commends itself to the wisdom of the brethren . It is a pleasure to meet you all here to-day , and I greet you with hearty good wishes .

Bro . H . S . CHILDE , the Vice-Chairman of the Charity Committee , said that , according to the notice on the agenda paper , the business he had to bring before the brethren was to ask them to concur in the suspension of By-law 51 , in order that a grant might be made to Bro . Mark Scott , 1211 , Leeds .

Ihe AiTiNG PKOV . GRAND MASTER said : I am bound to express my opinion , and I must say that I have known Bro . Mark Scott for a long time . He has done good work for the Corporation and in other directions , and he is deserving ol the grant being made to him . Bro . CHILDE , after expressing regret for the absence of Bro . \ V . Blackburn , the Chairman ol the Charity Committee , through illness , said that

last April and May , in London , the Committee elected nine cases , and one case was presented under the Heaton testimonial . A fortnight ago they elected two boys and one girl , so that on the whole the Charity Committee thought they had done fairly good work . It was his duty to request the brethren this year to do what they could to qualify themselves for Stewardships for the Boys' School , because the Charity Committee were of opinion

that , so far as the province was concerned , it was the Boys' School turn . He had to thank the ( brethren of the province for the handsome support they had given to the Charities during the past year , and hoped that they would not think the Committee were pressing them too hard with respect to next year . As the acting R . W . Prov . Grand Master had said , there was no limit to what they could do , if thc Charity Committee only worked the

brethren properly . He regretted that he had not been able to attend so many lodges as he should have done . He trusted , however , that next year he would be able to visit the lodges more frequently , and that there would not be a decrease of subscriptions in consequence . So much for the past . With regard to next April and May , the Committee had a heavy list before them . They already had 12 cases on tlie list for those elections , and whether

the cases could be elected depended largely upon how they would " shell out" and subscribe . The list was the heaviest they had had , and he was sure the brethren would help the province to keep to the front , as it had always done . Bro . Childe concluded by proposing the adoption . of the report , and that the sum of £ 20 be granted to Bro . Mark Scott , in accordance with the petition which had been presented .

Bro . \ V . V . S . Miniso . v , P . G . I ) ., in seconding the resolution that the grant be made , remarked that he fully sympathised with Bro . Scott in the position in which he was placed . The Committee would require strong support in carrying the cases , it being the heaviest list known since he had

bten connected with the Charity Committee of West Yorkshire . He would urge upon the Charity members of the lodges to do their best to get subscriptions not only from the lodge funds , but from private members . In the absence of the Chairrnan , the cause of which he regretted , he had to thank the brethren for the manner in which they sent in the voting papers for the