Provincial Grand Mark Lodge Of West Yorkshire.

possible in order to give more time for the pleasures which were before them , yet he could not let the opportunity pass without mentioning to the brethren —some of whom , perhaps , would not know—the honour which had been conferred upon their R . W . Prov . G . M ., B-o . Mason . Through the death of Bro . R . Eve a vacancy had occurred upon the . Board of General Purposes . To fill that vacancy their Provincial Grand Master had been

nominated by his Royal Highness the M . W . G . M ., and he ( Bro . Barker ) was sure that they would all join in congratulating their Provincial G . Master upon his appointment . It was a well-deserved honour for Bro . Mason , and it was also a compliment to the province over which he had so long and so ably presided . Bro . Barker concluded by expressing his thanks for their cordial salutation to himself .

On the motion of Bro . G . H . PARKE , P . G . Treas ., seconded by Bro . W , W . C LAYTON , G . Std . Br ., a hearty vote of thanks to the W . M . and brethren of Prince Leopold Lodge for their excellent arrangements was carried by acclamation . : Bro . W . B . SMITH , W . M . 352 , said how pleased they were to see so

good a gathering , and hoped that the brethren and ladies would carry away with them only pleasing memories of their Ripon visit . Bro . Smith then explained the programme for the day , which comprised luncheon at the Unicorn , followed by a visit to Fountain's , with tea on their return . This completed the business , and Prov . G . Lodge was closed .

AH then adjourned to the Unicorn Hotel , where covers were laid for about 180 . Amongst the guests of the Prov . G . Master , in addition to the Mayor and Mayoress , were the Lord Bishop of Ripon ( Dr . Boyd Carpenter ) , and Mrs . Boyd Carpenter , also Dr . Freemantle , Dean of Ripon . The toast list was very brief .

After " The Health of the Queen "haa been loyally drunk , the PROV . G . MASTER proposed " The Visitors . " He specially referred to their distinguished guest , the Bishop , who , though not a Freemason himself , had many relatives and friends members of their community . He was sure the brethren would give his lordship and Mrs . Boyd Carpenter , as well as the Mayor and Mayoress , not forgetting the Dean , a thoroughly hearty Welcome . ... This the brethren did , and , on rising to respond for the toast ,

The Bishop of RIPON had a very enthusiastic reception . He said that he could not address them as brethren in a Masonic sense , as he had taken no Degree in Freemasonry . He could not even claim to be a step-brother , but hoped he might venture to call himself a brother-in-law .

He thought that the common and free law of this great and glorious realm of England established a brotherhood between himself and them . After receiving the invitation of their Prov . G . Master , who filled the ( to himself ) important position of Chairman to the Lay Helpers' Society in his diocese , he wondered as to the reason which had induced Bro . Mason to ask him to

their meeting . He knew that Freemasons were most inclusive in their charitable efforts and most exclusive as to their secrets , and after mature and careful consideration the chief reason for his being present amongst them seemed to him to be—that no good Mason could do without a Carpenter . In that spirit of co-operation he would join v ith them in trying to build the house , and he could also unite with them in any plan which had

—as he believed Freemasonry had—lor its object the welfare of our kind and the dignity and progress of the human race . For himself and his fellow visitors he heartily thanked the brethren . The Dean of RIPON also spoke . Bro . R . WILKINSON , Mayor of Ripon , then proposed "Health and a long reign to their Provincial Grand Master , Bro . C . Letch Mason . " This toast was received enthusiastically .

Bro . MASON , in a few brief words , returned thanks . He also proposed that they should drink the health of , and express their thanks to , the Mayor and Mayoress and the W . M ., Bro . W . B . Smith , and brethren of the Prince Leopold Lodge for the excellent arrangements made for their comfort . This was seconded by the DEPUTY , and carried with great applause . The last toast was " The Ladies , " proposed by Bro . T . ROWBOTHAM , P . S . G . W .

Luncheon over , the brethren and ladies were conveyed in wagonettes to Studley , where , after enjoying the sylvan bsauty ol the park , they were met by the Rev . G . W . Jarrod , who as cicerone took them round and briefly described the extensive ruin of that ancient pile built by the Cistercians of old , and known by the name of Fountains . This the party thoroughly enjoyed , and though the time was brief they made the most of it , inspecting

the mill , the ancient bridge , and the stately Jacobean Hall . Mr . Jarrod proved an excellent guide and instructor , and the whole party showed their appreciation of his services by a very warm and hearty vote of thanks . With many a lingering look the brethren , with their friends , then left the attractive scene , and betaking themselves to the carriages were driven back to Ripon .

Tea awaited the party on their return , after which vehicles were provided conveying all who wished it to the railway . Thus ended a most enjoyable and successful day ; the weather throughout was delightful , and the arrangements of the Ripon brethren , conspicuous amongst whom was Bro . W . B . Smith , the W . M ., were universally appreciated . Not only did

the brethren of Prince Leopold welcome their expected guests , but theyknew also how to speed them on their parting way , and we are quite sure that the happy memory of the Ripon visit will linger long and pleasantly amongst the Mark Masons of West Yorkshire and the ladies by whom they were accompanied .

Provincial Grand Lodge Of Cumberland And Westmorland.

PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF CUMBERLAND AND WESTMORLAND .

The annual communication of the above Provincial Grand Lodge was held on Friday , the 14 th instant , at Maryport , under the banner of Lodge of Perseverance , No . 371 . The bright sunny weather that had prevailed for more than a fortnight in the lake district , induced a large muster of visitors lo the flourishing little Solway seaside town , and suffice it to say that the place put on its festival garb for the occasion , in spite of its being

market day . To the members of the Craft , moreover , the appearance amongst them of their populir R . W . Prov . Grand Master , Lord Henry Bentinck , M . P ., so soon after his lordship's return from South Africa , where , with Lady Henry Bentinck , he had almost from the commencement of the war been actively engaged in a mission of mercy , was looked forward to with the liveliest interest , and everyone was delighted to observe that his lordship was the picture of robust health !

Provincial Grand Lodge Of Cumberland And Westmorland.

Provincial Grand Lodge was summoned to assemble at the spacious hall of Perseverance Lodge in Eiglesfield-street , whilst the adjoining drill shed of the local Artillery Volunteers was utilised as clothing room , and for the dispensing of an abundance of light refreshments . It was about half-past one ( half-an-hour behind time ) when Provincial Grand Lodge was opened , the Prov . G . Master being supported by : Bros .

Colonel Sewell , D . L .. P . G . D . Eng ., D . P . G . M . ; G . White , P . S . G . W .-J ohn Barr , P . P . S . G . W ., as P . J . G . W . ; Rev . W . A . Warren . M . A ., P . ' 2943 , P . G . Chap . ; W . F . Lamonby . P . P . S . G . W .. P . A . G . D . C . Eng . G . Dalrymple , P . G . Std . Br . Eng ., P . G . Sec ; R . ] . Nelson , P . P . S . G . W ., P . G . Treas . ; Jas . Gardiner , P . P . J . G . W . ; A . Tavlor , P . P . S . G . W . ; J . Paterson , P . P . J . G . W . ; C . Gowan , P . P . J . G . W . ; ] . Dickinson ,

P . P . J . G . W . ; E . J . Burgess , P . P . J . G . W . ; H . Bewes , P . P . J . G . W . ; and many other Present and Past Prov . Grand Officers . Bro . j . Armstrong , P . P . J . G . W ., of Cheshire , was also present as a visitor . The calling of the roll of lodges showed that the whole of the 17 lod ges in Cumberland and five in Westmorland were represented , and to add to this pleasing incident of the vitality of Masonry in the two Lake counties ,

a deputation of the founders of the warranted new lodge at Alston , No . 2749 , was also present . In the course of the day it was announced that the Prov . G . Master had arranged to consecrate the new lodge on the 2 nd prox ., this bringing up the total strength of the province to 23 lodges . The minutes of the half-yearly meeting , held at Whitehaven in May ,

having been read and confirmed , the P . G . Treasurer submitted the annual statement of accounts , showing a balance in hand of £ 60 19 s . 5 d ., a very satisfactory state of affairs when it is considered that the province contributed from its funds the substantial donation of 500 guineas to the Boys ' School three years ago . Bro . Nelson , it is needless to say , was again re-elected P . G . Treasurer with at clamation . The Prov . G . Officers were then invested as follows :

Bro . J . W . Hayton , P . M . 1532 ... ... Prov . S . G . W . „ G . W . Scott , P . M . 9 62 ... ... ... Prov . J . G . W . " ^^HI '? , ? 11 ^ 1073 ] Prov . G . Chaps . ,, the Rev . H . J . Allen , 11 9 ... ... J r ,, R . J . Nelson , P . M . 129 ... ... Prov . G . Treas . „ T . de Rome , 129 ... ... ... Prov . G . Reg . „ G . Dalrymple , P . M . 119 ... ... Prov . G . Sec . ,, S . L . Burns Lindow , I . P . M . 119 ... ... Prov . S . G . D . „ J . Gray , P . M . 310 ... ... ... Prov . J . G . D . „ J . Noble , P . M . 2285 ... ... ... Prov . G . D . C . „ R . Robertson , P . M . 1989 ... ... Prov . A . G . D . C . „ W . Tully , P . M . 1221 ... ... ... Prov . G . S . B . „ G . Johnston , P . M . 371 ... ... - 1 Prov G Std Brs „ J . VV . Carmichael , P . M . 962 ... ... J U > btd- brs > „ J . Kassell , P . M . 1074 ... ... ... Prov . Asst . G . Sec „ I . Sibson , W . M . 371 ... ... ... Prov . G . Org . „ E . Griffin , P . M . 1390 ... ... ... Prov . G . Purst . „ F . Freeby , P . M . 1073 ... ... ... Prov . A . G . Purst . „ O . Procter , W . M . 1074 ... ... " | „ ] . M . Aird , W . M . 327 ... ... ... I „ j . Young , VV . M . S 72 ... ... - i Prov G Stwds „ J . Fletcher , P . M . 1267 ... ... j-1 rov . U . Stwds . ,, L . Ferguson , W . M . 1400 ... ... | „ W . Dixon , P . M . 1660 ... ... ... J

The election of 1 reasurer and Secretary to the Provincial Educational and Benevolent Fund was followed by the election of five representative members of the province to serve on the Committee of the Fund , which resulted in a wearisome and interesting debate , regardless of the little time remaining . It was , however , incidentally reported that during the year to for

past the Committee had voted over ^ 80 sundry appeals assistance . To this may be added several other votes , recommended that day by the ordinary Charity Committee . Bro . J . DICKINSON gave notice of motion that at the next Prov . Grand Lodge he would move that a sum of 50 guineas be voted to the Prov . Grand Secretary , as some recognition of his valuable services .

The DEPUTY PROV . GRAND MASTER made an announcement , which was received with mingled feelings of surprise and deep regret , namely , the approaching resignation of Bro . George Dalrymple as Provincial Grand Secretary . Bro . Col . SEWELL , in moving a vote of thanks to Bro . Dalrymple for his most valuable and self-denying services during several years past , explained that the unfortunate break-down in his health was the principal cause of the

retirement . The vote of thanks was cordially seconded by the PROV . GRAND MASTER and supported by Bro . LAMONBY , the latter of whom ventured to hope that the recognition of Bro . Dalrymple's services would be of a more tangible and general character than was indicated by the notice of motion given by Bro . Dickinson .

The resolution of thanks , it goes without saying , was agreed to in the heartiest possible manner , whilst it is pleasant to know that Bro . Lamonby ' s suggestion for a testimonial , to which every lodge and brother thereof in the province will have an opportunity of contributing , will be given effect to without delay .

The Provincial Grand Lodge was then closed , when the brethren were marshalled in order of procession , and proceeded to St . Mary ' s Church , headed by the fine band of the M iryport Artillery Volunteers . The beautiful church , with its strong surpliced choir , had been cheerfully placed at the disposal of the Provincial Grand Lodge by the Rev . ESampson , M . A ., the Vicar .

The congregation was a crowded one , irrespective of its Masonic element . Prayers were read by the Vicar , and the lessons respectively by Bro , W . F . Lamonby ( formerly honorary lay reader in the Diocese of Melbourne ) and Bro . Rev . A . Warren , M . A ., P . P . G . Chap ., the latter of whom , well known in the Diocese of Carlisle as a most attractive pulpil orator , also preached an eloquent sermon from I . Peter , c . xvii , v . i 5 i " Love the Brotherhood . "

The customary offertory at the conclusion of the service , realised £ > > of which £ 5 is to be presented to the organ lund of St . Mary ' s Church . The procession having returned to the Masonic Hall , an adjoarnme " was made to the co-operative hall for banquet , at 4 . 30 p . m . . The Prov . G . M . presided , but in consequence of the protracted proceedings in Prov . Grand Lodge , there was no speaking , as his lordship and thc great majority of those present had to leave by train at six o ' clock , in oroe to reach their homes—some at a great distance—the same night .