Consecration Of The Mistley Lodge, No. 2339, Manningtree.

province . In these days of increased facilities of communication it was not , perhaps , surprising that in the portion of the county which bordered on the great Metropolis there should be much Masonic activity , but he was glad that there , in the extreme north , verging on the confines of the neighbouring Province of Suffolk , there was such a zeal for their ancient Craft to warrant the consecration of that new lodge , which was being started under auspices which he was sure would entitle

the founders to look for permanent success on their undertaking . That that success might attend them he was sure they all earnestly hoped , and success would attend them if , keeping the principles of Freemasonry steadily before them , they adhered to them with fidelity , zeal , and discretion . Having been connected for many years with Freemasonry , he said , without fear of contradiction , that it was

an honour to any man , however illustrious his position , to be received into Masonry ; therefore , in founding that new lodge , while the founders undertook a great and good work , they must ever remember that it was not b y numbers alone that the success of Masonry could be promoted—it was by the quality of the members who were initiated that the interests of Freemasonry would be advanced in the best and highest sense .

The Provincial Grand Secretary having read the petition and warrant , and the petitioners having signified their approval of the officers named in the warrant , the Acting Chaplain , Bro . the Rev . E . H . CRATE , addressed , ' the brethren on the nature and principles of the Institution . After some preliminary observations he

said—It is not as the outside world supposes , merely the excellency of that secrecy by which our unity is preserved , which is the only boast of Masons , or the only glory of Masonry . By no means . Masonry , when properly studied and properly laboured in , has a higher boast , a more exalted glory . She boasts of her antiquity , dating from the grand architecture of the heavens and the earth . She boasts her descent as the daug hter of the Great Architect of all things ; and as the twin sister of religion . Love was her

parent , her other name is Charity . The central point of all her innumerable lines , squares , and circles is the love of God . And upon this central point she builds her faith ; from it she derives her hope of glory , here and . hereafter ; and by it she squares her conduct in strict justice and universal Charity . I will only add that loyalty is also a distinguishing characteristic of every true Mason . Why is it that we , as a secret Society , enjoy the protection of the laws of our land ? Because , respecting the Masonic Order ,

notwithstanding all its secrecy of brotherly union , our rulers are fully assured from the best authority of its moral purity , its religious sincerity , and its political integrity . They are well informed of our sentiments , they are equally acquainted with our practice . They know and are firmly assured that we love our Queen and Constitution ; that we are ever ready to rally round the Throne , and to support with our persons , with our property , and with our lives , that noble , royal , and illustrious personage who now sways the British

Empire . And when the G . A . O . T . U . shall see fit to remove from her the earthly crown which in this life graces her royal brow , and places upon her head that heavenl y diadem she so richly deserves ( as far as human merit can deserve ) , we will ( I know I speak for all true Masons , with equal zeal exalt our voice to hail our Grand and Royal Master , the Prince of Wales , in her stead . And now , brethren , allow me to ask one question of the rulers of the business we are here met to transact to-day—What is your aim and

intention in the constitution of the Mistley Lodge ? Is it , first of all , the glory of the G . A . O . T . U . in the uniting a Society in the bonds of morality , virtue , and religion ? Is it that you may the more diligently follow and fulfil the pious intentions of the first establishes of Masonry amongst men ? And is it your sole pursuit and intention , by propagating the knowledge of our mystic art , to ensure the real and good happiness , not only of the brethren , but , as far as possible , of all mankind ? If so , we heartily bid you God

speed in the constitution ol your lodge . My last words shall be to the members of this newly-constituted lodge . Suffice me to urge you , my brethren , to make manifest proof to all around you that wisdom , not folly ( or even pleasure alone ) , has here indeed builded her house in the consecration of the Mistley Lodge . May all the choicest blessings of the G . A . O . T . U . rest upon you ; with a numerous company of worth y brethren may He bless you , and with corn and wine and oil may He continually sustain them and their families and their households . May He descend by the three grand rounds of the hol y

Patriarch's ladder—faith , hope , and Charity—and give you all that lively trust and confidence which guided all the future conduct of Jacob . I indulge the hope , brethren , that these sentiments which I have ventured , though so feebly and imperfectly , to enunciate may abide with us till death , and rise with us when , with all worthy brethren throughout the world , we meet at the right hand of the Eternal G . M ., and join that immovable lodge where truth and love shall form the eternal union , in which lodge of the true , the faithful , and the perfect may we all have a happy meeting .

The ceremony of consecration was then proceeded with , and at its conclusion the D . P . G . M . installed Bro . J . T . Bailey , P . M . and Treas . 6 97 , P . P . G . P ., as the first W . M ., who in his turn invested his officers for the ensuing year as under Bros , the Rev . T . S . Raffles , S . W . ; Robert Brooks , J . W . ; W . Mustard , Treas . J Joseph Ashdown , S . W . 697 , Sec . ; J . R . Butler , S . D . ; S . S . Parsons , J . D . ; C . E . Garrard , I . G . ; Lockey and Spencer , Stewards ; and Arthur Wri ght , Tyler .

Before the closing of the lodge , the W . M . proposed a vote of thanks to the D . P . G . M ., and said he was very grateful to him for having a second time placed him in the chair of K . S .

The S . W ., Bro . the Rev . T . S . RAFFLES , seconded the motion , which was carried b y acclamation , and briefly acknowledged . The musical portions of the ceremony were ably carried out b y Bros . Osmond Cowers , Coombs , and Motuni . About ioobrethren afterwards dined together at the White Hart Hotel , a splendid repast being well served . The W . M . presided , and was supported by the Deputy P . G . M . and the other distinguished brethren .

"The Queen and the Craft , " "The M . W . G . M ., H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , " and "The Grand Officers" were proposed by the W . M . Bros . PHILBRICK and RALLINU responded for the Grand Officers , the latter brother remarking that for a long time past , owing to the many zealous Masons residing in the district , he had had an idea that a lodge would have to be started in that corner of the province , and he was pleased to see one consecrated under such favourable auspices .

The W . M . next proposed "The Prov . G . M ., Lord Brooke , M . P ., " and also coupled with the toast the name of Lad y Brooke . The W . M . also gave "The D . P . G . M . and the rest of the Prov . Grand Officers , Present and Past . "

_ I he D . P . G . M ., in response , said they had that day seen the launching of anew ship , and he was sure they all wished that it mi ght have a career of long-continued success . On the part of the Provincial Grand Officers he welcomed the addition of the Mistley Lodge to the roll of lodges in the province . He urged the brethren of the new lodge to hold a high standard before them , and to begin the work as they intended to continue . With regard to the province generally , he contended

that no province was more loyal to the true principles of Masonry than Essex . Alluding to the presence of a distinguished Suffolk Mason ( Bro . N . Tracy , P . G . Sec . Suffolk ) , the D . P . G . M ., amid much applause , said he could assure that worthy brother that it was in no spirit of hostility that they had planted that new lodge so close to the border that day , but rather that directly their Suffolk friends crossed it they should meet with a heartv Masonic welcome .

Bros . LENNOX BROWNE , E . H . BAILY , SADLER , and CLOWES also responded . The other toasts were " The Worshipful Master , " proposed b y Bro . the Rev . T . S . Raffles ; " The Visitors , " proposed by the W . M ., and responded to b y several visiting brethren ; "The Officers of the Lodge , " proposed by the W . M ., and acknowledged by the various officers ; " The Masonic Charities , " proposed by the W . M ., and responded to by Bros . Renshaw and Tracy ; and the T yler ' s toast .

During the dinner a telegram conveying " Hearty-good wishes " was received b y the W . M . from the Trinit y Lodge , Rayleigh , who were at the time holding their installation meeting . Among the brethren present on the occasion , in addition to those who took part in the ceremony , were :

Consecration Of The Mistley Lodge, No. 2339, Manningtree.

Bros . F . Sackett , P . D . G . J . ; Heorge Corbie , P . P . J . G . W . ; Joseph Sadler , P . G . Treas . ; N . Tracy , P . G . Sec . Suffolk ; E . Dorling , P . P . G . Sec . Suffolk ; A . J . H . Ward , P . G . Reg . ; Geo . Everard , P . P . A . G . S .: R . Haward Ives , P . P . A . G . S . ; W . P . Lewis , P . P . G . D . ; ] . P . Lewin , P . P . G . S . of VV . ; J . E . Wiseman , P . P . A . G . D . of C . ; G . J . Westfield , P . P . G . S . B . ; Thomas Rix , P . P . G . S . B . ; John Dmvnes , P . P . G . P ; William Strutt , P . A . G . P . ; A . A . Bennett , P . P . G . Reg . Suffolk ; E . J . Bro . vn , P . P . S . G . D . Suffolk ; Rev . Thomas Lloyd , P . P . G . C . Staff . ; G . A . Eustace , P . P . G . Std . Br . ; C .

Blyth , P . P . A . G . P . ; VV . O . Ward , P . P . G . P . buff . ; G . Riches , P . P . A . G . P ; J . Winter Parker , W . M . ojo ; Courtenay Warner , W . M . 2356 ; J . R . Jarvis , VV . M . 276 ; J . G . Renshaw , W . M . 6 97 ; William Rudrum , W . M . 1977 ; Frederick C . Atkinson , W . M . 376 ; W . E . Bridgeland , VV . M . 1000 ; Arthur Taylor , VV . M . 333 ; M . VV . Meade , I . P . M . 1977 ; Geo . Canler , I . P . M . 1799 ; W . R . Bloom , P . M . 1 799 ; VV . Shurmur , P . M . 1471 ; H . Wilkinson , S . W . 1799 ; S . D . Ablitt , S . W . 51 ; E . J . Hardcastle , J . W . 6 97 ; W . F . Reed , J . VV . 2063 J J- Hardwick , J . VV . 959 ; E . J . Chapman , J . VV . 650 ;

M . Comte de Melgund , b . U . 1 S 37 ; J . startling , S . U . 20 O 3 ; | . bpeller , b . U . 1677 ; fc .. J . Gunn , 650 ; J . B . Winter , 650 ; G . VV . Cooper , 650 ; Chas . Nunn , 616 ; John South , 114 ; F . J . Motum , 697 ; R . A . Mann , 697 ; John Coope , 697 ; James Barnes , 697 ; O . J . W . Evans , 697 ; Richard Percy Cloves , 2201 ; S . J . Sparling , J . D . 2063 ; C . H . Mann , 2063 ; M . H . Page , Sec . 2063 ; Chas . MacColla , 2063 ; Fredk . Rose , 2063 ; R . C . Pollard , 1799 ; VV . G . Cooper , 650 ; G . Gritnsey , 650 ; J . T . Ward , 653 ; Francis B . Capon , 51 ; and Robt . Aldous , 332 . The lodge was furnished by Bro . George Kenning .

Consecration Of The Corinthian Lodge, No. 2350.

CONSECRATION OF THE CORINTHIAN LODGE , No . 2350 .

Another lodge was added to the roil of lodges of the Province of West Lan ^ cashire on Saturday , the Sth inst ., by the consecration and dedication of the Corinthian Lodge , No . 2350 on the register of the Grand Lodge of England , and the 101 st in the list of West Lancashire lodges . The ceremonies took place at the Pennington Memorial School , Hindley . Bro . W . Goodacre , Past Grand

Sword Bearer , Prov . G . Sec , performed the ceremony , and he tvas assisted by Bros , J . J . Lambert , P . M . 1387 , P . P . G . R ., as S . W . ; John C . Robinson , P . M ! 249 , 2294 , Prov . A . G . D . C , as J . W . ; Rev . R . Tebbs , 1335 , as Chap . ; Ralph Betley , P . M . 1335 , P . A . G . Sec , as Sec ; J . D . Murray , P . M . 1335 , P . P . G . D . C , as D . C ; and Dr . J . N . Patterson , P . M . 484 , Prov . D . G . D . C , as I . G .

The founders were Bros . C . Beazer , P . M . 1335 ; S . Mossop , W . L . Rothwell , Thos . Milligan , P . M ., P . P . G . D . ; R . Rothwell , W . Hibbert , Jos . Rothwell , R . Christian , and J . Laithwaite . The following were visitors :

Bros . Jas . Bnndle , P . P . G . S . of VV . ; E . C . Cooper , P . P . G . D . C ; J . Preston , P . P . G . D . C ; Thos . Vernon , VV . M . 2290 ; Capt . John Boothe , P . M . 37 ; J . E . Barton , P . M . 1335 ; H . Broughton , P . M . 146 ; J . H . Smith , S . VV . 2269 ; J . Brown , W . M . 17 S ; Thos . Margeson , Sec . 2269 ; VV . T . Schofield , Prov . J . G . D . East Lancashire ; H . Riddlesworth , W . M . 1335 ; J . Howarth , P . M . 1302 ; Thos . Marwood , VV . M . 1354 ; P . Aspinall , S . VV . 4 S 4 ; Hy . Bowden , I . P . M . 1335 ; Col . VV . E . M . Tomlinson , M . P ., P . M . 1335 , P . P . G . W . ; and F . G . Goodacre , W . M . 2231 .

After the lodge had been opened in the Three Degrees , Bro . GOODACRE addressed the brethren on the motive of the meeting , The ceremony was then proceeded with , and the following oration was delivered by the ACTING CHAPLAIN : Brethren , —The lodge , which we are about to consecrate is to be known henceforth as the Corinthian . The very name is suggestive , for it speaks to us of beauty , and it

brings us at once face to face with what must ever be the distinguishing characteristic of Masonry—moral beauty . As we look out on this world in which we dwell , and behold the wonders of nature and the beauty of the universe , we are reminded that all beauty is originally derived from the Great Architect , and in its various kinds and different degrees is but an emanation from His own all perfect nature . Even that lowest kind of beauty which consists in mere external form , and which is so frail and fleeting a thing

that it melts away like the colours of the rainbow , or is exhaled like the dew of the morning—even this is , nevertheless , His beneficent gift—the finish of the Divine Master ' s hand . Then there is the beauty of external nature , which was doubtless intended to be a source of pure and natural delight to innocent man—leading the reflecting mind beyond itself to that great Being who created it , and which one might always reflect on with profit . But these reflections on nature will only be profitable in so far as they lead

us into contact with nature ' s God . To shut Him out from the universe is as though one should admire the brilliancy of light and the warmth of day , but overlook the sun , the source of both . Again , in our ascent towards the ideal beauty , we come to the beauty of intellectual objects . Here we have something more refined—something more subtle and more akin to moral beauty than anything in external nature . In the genius—the perception—and the wisdom of man , and in the intense delight with which he dwells upnn

intellectual objects , we have some traces of the Divine Image . But the one central idea of Masonry is moral beauty—the beauty of virtue . For , be it remembered , Masonry is not merely a mystic art , it is a great moral teacher , every step in which is destined to lead man to higher and better things . It speaks to us of brotherly love , of peace , of order , and of harmony , and what can be more beautiful than these ? How grand to see man dealing squarely with his fellow man ! How beautiful to see brother espousing the cause of brother , when that cause is a worthy one ! And here , mark you , is something

that will last . Other forms of beauty will fade and die away , but moral beauty will continue pleasing to both man and his Maker when all else is gone . Hence the very name Corinthian is at once a call to meditate on all that is beautiful in nature , and also a call to frame our lives in harmony with the mind of Him who is the Author of all that is ennobling within us and around us . May , then , the Lodge Corinthian be as a beacon light , guiding those who shall rally round its standard through the darkness of night to the light of eternal day .

The ceremony of consecration was then completed , and the W . M . designate , Bro . C . E . Beazer , was presented to the Installing Master , Bro . Goodacre , by Bro . J . Murray , D . C , and upon the completion of the ceremony he invested his officers as follows : Bros . T . Brayton , S . W . ; S . Mossop , J . W . ; J . Rothwell , Treas . ; W . L . Rothwell , Sec . ; R . Christopher , S . D . ; J . Laithwaite , J . D . ; R . Rothwell ,

I . G . ; D . Dove and W . Hibbert , Stewards ; J . M . Ashurst , P . M ., D . C ; and J . Ashmore , Tyler . After the delivery of the addresses , five candidates were proposed for initiation , The lodge was closed with the usual formalities , and the brethren adjourned to an excellent banquet . The lodge was furnished b y Bro . George Kenning .

PROGRESS OF HUMANITY . —In its wider sense , and its more philosophical bearing , it refers to the human race in its actual and relative condition . As Freemasons , children of the li ght , brethren of the mystic tie , we are bound to uphold and to aid all that fairly tends to the real enlightenment and peaceful progress of our race . But in so doing , and in advocating this great and general and binding truth in the abstract , we are to be on our guard lest , lured into error by the deceiving lights of a fictitious sentiment or of a pseudo-philosophy , we fall , in the

concrete , into any of those hurtful mists which have brought such delusions upon the minds and strivings of men . At this present time we often hear " humanity " spoken of as almost a reli gion per se ; and on this mistaken theory of humanity has been built up the dangerous teaching of an independent morality of human perfectibility in itself and b y itself . But the well-instructed Freemason avoids carefully the "facilis descensus Averni , " and basing all his religious faith and practice in God ' s Word , avoids the two extremes of hyper-dogmatism and hyperidealism . —Kenning ' s Cyclopaedia of Freemasonry .