Consecration Of St. Osyth's Priory Lodge, No. 2063, At Clacton-On-Sea, Essex.

CONSECRATION OF ST . OSYTH'S PRIORY LODGE , No . 2063 , AT CLACTON-ON-SEA , ESSEX .

The above new lodge was consecrated on Tuesday , the nth inst ., at the Public Hall , Clacton , by Bro . the Right Hon . Lord Brooke , M . P ., P . G . M . Essex , in the presence of , and assisted by , a grand gathering of Masons , both from the Metropolis and surrounding lodges . The following brethren signed the petition : VV . Bros . Sir John H . Johnson , P . M . 99 ; Walter J . Nunn , P . M . 1592 , Z . 100 S , P . P . G . S . D . Suffolk ; C . R . Young , P . M . 13 ;

Abel Penfold , P . M . 913 , P . Z . and Treas . 913 ; Chas . Hempson , P . M . 1799 , P . P . G . A . D . C . Essex ; John Mann , P . M . 51 , P . P . G . Sec . Essex ; W . M . Foxcroft , W . M . 177 ; Bros . Fred . J . Nunn , 433 , 697 , and 1799 ; W . W . Daniell , 51 and 6 97 ; W . Wrench Towse , 1799 ; H . Finer , J . W . 1799 ; F . Wallis , S . W . 1799 ; W . Agate , 913 ; P . B . Harris , 1799 ; Jacob Phillips , S 6 t ; G . H . Riches , 1 799 ; and T . H . Baker , 133 and 1391 .

The R . W . P . G . M ., accompanied by his Deputy , V . W . Bro . Fred . A . Philbrick , O . C ., G . Reg ., opened Grand Lodge , assisted by the following brethren : liros . Richard Clowes , P . M . and Sec . 650 , P . P . G . S . W ., as S . W . ; W . Sowman , P . M . 51 , P . P . G . J . W ., as J . W . ; the Rev . W . M . Jones , P . G . C , as Chap . ; T . J . Railing , P . G . Sec , as Sec ; Albert Lucking , P . G . D . C , as D . C ; and D . Bartlett , P . M . 1343 , P . G . Purst ., as I . G .

The music was performed by the following brethren : Bros . G . F . Smith , jun ., P . G . Org . ; Chas . Osmond , P . M . 51 , P . P . G . O . ; John J . C . Turner , P . M . 51 , P . P . G . O . ; Edmund Gowers , S . W . and Org . 1024 , P . P . G . O . ; and A . S . B . Sparling , J . VV . r . The PROV . GRAND MASTER then said that that was the first ' occasion he had had the pleasure of being at Clacton-on-Sea , and he need hardly express to them the great delight it gave him to be there on that important

and auspicious occasion—an occasion which he was confident would be remembered for some time to come in the annals of Freemasonry in this town . It gave him the greatest pleasure to consecrate a new lodge In this important Province of Essex , and still more so when the first Master of that lodge was to he his friend Sir John Johnson —( applause)—who he had reason to believe would be acceptable in the hig hest degree to the St . Osyth's Priory Lodge . ( Applause . ) It was most satisfactory to find that Freemasonry was

increasing and finding favour with such rapid strides , and it was always a pleasure to him to consecrate a new lodge , especially when , as in this case , want of a new lodge was so clearly apparent . He had every confidence that the lodge would be supported in a suitable and becoming manner , and he was sure that Bro . Sir John Johnson would in every way prove himself a most efficient Master , and that be would have the zealous support of those who would

have the pleasure of serving under him . ( Applause . ) In conclusion , the Prov . Grand Master expressed his gratitude to the brethren of the province for supporting him in such large numbers , and his entire satisfaction with the arrangements that had been made for their reception . He congratulated the brethren of the St . Osyth ' s Priory Lodge on its first appearance , which augured well for its future success . ( Applause . ) He then proceeded with the ceremony of consecration , which he performed in . a very able and

impressive manner . The oration was delivered by the Rev . VV . MORGAN JONES ( Rector of Marks Tey ) , Prov . Grand Chaplain . The reverend brother said—It is impossible for me , brethren , in the brief space of a few minutes , to say anything that can at all adequately describe the many high and ennobling principles upon which Freemasonry is founded . Happily , however , it falls to my lot to offer these few and very imperfect observations to those , and to those alone , who know these principles , and

who have pledged themselves to maintain and carry them out . What , then , is assigned to me is the pleasing duty , not of informing the ignorant , but of reminding the instructed ; so that , by being reminded , we may be helped to carry into practice what we know and believe . And among those principles which we acknowledge and believe are—the supremacy of God as the Great Architect and Ruler of the Universe ; the duty and privilege of dedicating all our actions to His glory ; and the fulfilling of all right claims from our felluw creatures , chiefly of Masons . As an art , doubtless , Masonry derives its

great antiquity from the first building up of the heavens and the earth ; and it is with us a belief beyond all possibility of doubt , that the Builder of the heavens and the earth is the First and Grand Architect , whom we reverently worship , whose works we admire , and whose aid we constantly invoke . But when we think of the grandeur of that vast structure ; when we see everywhere the perfection of adaptation in every part , and mark the Supreme wisdom of this Divine Master Builder , a feeling of awe , wonder , and admiration comes upon us . We who , in our meaner sphere , are also builders , are

convinced that any imitation is impossible . There can be no excellency of structure such as He has shown ; and the nearest approach which we can possibly make must consist in this , and only this , that the meaner buildings which we erect are heartily , duly , and properly dedicated to Him who is alone in power , and who has no equal as the First Builder . No Mason , wise and ingenious , skilful and diligent though he may be , can find any pleasure or reward in his work , or in his reflections upon it , unless that work is thus heartily and sincerely dedicated to Him , who is this first and incomparable Builder . In this

respect , then , we may dedicate work , where we cannot possibly copy work . We may do lhat which , because of its nature , we are sure we may dedicate , and which we are as sure He will accept and approve . Foremost in th ? traditions and annals of our Masonic history we have the name and the example of the highest earthly architect and builder—the Royal Solomon . Of him we read that he "built a house to the name of the Lord his God . " Assuming no claims as ar . imitator of the Great Architect , and impressed wilh the infinite skill and wisdom of that Divine Builder , our chief architect

built and dedicated this house . Human architect and builder though he was , this building of his cannot be fitly or fully described . It is far beyond my power to tell fully of the wisdom and strength of its solid foundations . But this we do know , that in the work there were under him those superior officers who had the chief work to do in the carrying out of the magnificent design . They were men fitted for the work , of great skiU and science , of firm will , of persevering spirit , and without them the work could not have been carried out . They were as essential in their higher sphere as , in their lower one ,

were the hewers of wood and the drawers of water . And these superior officers directed the work . They exercised their authority , they maintained among all subordinate officers all due obedience , in order that the grand scheme might be carried out , and which when finished was dedicated to the g lory of God ; and though in the mind of the Royal Architect , there was the sense of filial satisfaction in his mind from having carried out the wishes of David his father , there can be no doubt that the prominent Idea with him was , first of all , that what he did was for the glory of God ,

and , further , that in doing as he did he was securing the truest and highest happiness of his people . These were the worthy motives that actuated him in his grand undertaking , and these were the unquestionable ends which he secured . It is in this respect that this kingly builder is a true exponent and a bright example of the exalted principles and virtues of Freemasonry ; and occupying , as he does , an exalted position in our traditions , he is for us all a most worthy pattern to imitate . It is impossible , brethren , for any one of us seriously to ponder the whole structure of our mysteries and secrets without observing how constantly we are led to

contemplate and admire Ihe works of the Creator ; how , in this erection cf the heavens and the earth , His evident aim is the happiness and well-beiny of mankind , and also , how , in the vows we take , and the conditions we accept , we consent that we will do the same . In few words , among the many good purposes of Masonry , there are three most prominently set before us—namely , the Glory of God , the maintaining and increasing of self-respect , and [ lie securing , by right means , the happiness of our fellow creatures . It is impossible to ab-. de firmly by the instructions we receive without finding our minds constantly occupied in looking at and admiring the skill and goodness of the great and Almighty Builder , and .-eeini ; the glory that surrounds His Throne , striving earnestly to make that glory even more manifest b y dedicating all our works to Him . And equally impossible is

Consecration Of St. Osyth's Priory Lodge, No. 2063, At Clacton-On-Sea, Essex.

it seriously to contemplate the principles of our Order without seeing how they all aim at disposing a man to cultivate and intensify a worthy relf-respect , which is so necessary to a solid foundation , and a worthy superstructure . Its contemplation leads , a man to examine every stone in the building up of his own character and destiny . And chiefly it is most clear that at the very threshold , as well as in the inner circle , we are taught the grand principles of brotherly love , relief , and truth . We are taught the duty of scrupulously seeking , by every means , the happiness and comfort of others , and chiefly

of Masons . These , brethren , should be the distinguishing and the essential characteristics of every Masonic lodge . If a brother be overtaken in a fault ( and who may not ?) and wanders from the straight path of virtue and rectitude , let there be a general anxiety to restore such a one in the spirit of meekness and with the tenderest spirit of compassion . If a brother is in distress ( and there are always some who are so ) , let us be ready to enter into and feel for his troubles . As he is taught to look to us in his distress , let him not look in vain . In so extensive a Brotherhood as ours isthere are always

, some who need help , keeping quietly , perhaps , the sorrow which is sapping away their life . Let us not fail to help them . Thus by a reverent contemplation of the first great Builder , and by seeking His glory , whether in the Consecration of a Lodge , or the Consecration of a Life and all its actions—by aiming continually at a true and growing selfrespect , and by a kind and pitiful spirit , we shall truly proclaim and carry out the principles of our Order , we shall lay a good foundation and raise a superstructure worthy of its Builder . As a body of Masons , brethren , and under the rule of our estimable

Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master , we must truly congratulate ourselves upon the proceedings of this day . The spread of true Masonry is the spread of light and blessing . We do hear of opinions to the contrary , but they are few , and are the result of ignorance . Our principles claim respect from all , for they are the principles of truth and virtue ; they are wise and good . And because they are so , we who range under its banner are thankful that Masonry , instead of decreasing in influence , is increasing in power and might . Ils strong arm of support is waxing stronger every day ; its heart of

pity finding increased exercise , and its true and beneficent sympathies spreading further and wider . And to us , who kuow and appreciate the exalted principles of our Order , it is especially gratifying that they are extending in our own province . We are thankful that this new lodge is being consecrated to-day , and heartily wish it God-speed . May the principles of our Order be thoroughly and heartily maintained in it . May brotherly love , relief , and truth ever prevail among its members ; and while we trust that they may

never know for themselves the bitterness of sorrow , or feel the sharp arrows of adversity or misfortune , may they ever extend the hand of brotherly love and pity towards all those brethren who are feeling those adversities . Ar . d finally , brethren , maintaining these principles , each for himself , may we carry them out with confidence and perseverance until we are summoned from our labours below to higher service above , in that grand and heavenly Temple , where the sublime source of all love , virtue , and truth—the world ' s Great Architect—lives and reigns .

At the conclusion of the consecration ceremony the W . M . designate , W . Bro . Sir John Henry Johnson , P . M . 99 , was impressivel y installed into his office by the V . W . D . P . G . M ., who afterwards invested his officers for the year as follows : W . Bros . T . D . Hayes , P . M . and P . Z . 913 , acting I . P . M . ; W . J . Nunn , P . M . 1592 , Z . 1008 , P . P . G . D . Suff ., S . W . ; C . R .

Ycung , P . M . 13 , J . VV . ; John Mann , P . M . 51 , P . P . G . Sec . Essex , Treas . ; Bro . Fred . J . Nunn , 1799 , Sec . ; W . Bro . W . M . Foxcroft , W . M . 177 , S . D . ; Bros . VV . T . Hook , J . D . 1642 , J . D . ; W . Cattermole , 1663 , I . G . ; and Henry Hart , 160 , Tyler ; Henry Finer , J . W . 1799 , and T . H . Baker , T 333 » Stewards .

Votes of thanks were passed to the R . W . P . G . M ., V . W . D . P . G . M ., and the other Prov . Grand Officers for the part they had taken in the proceedings of the day , and they were elected honorary members of the lodge . ' Several brethren were proposed as joining members , and two or three candidates for initiation ; and the visitors present having offered their congratulations , the interesting proceedings , " which all through passed without a hitch , were brought to a close . Among the brethren present were , beside those above mentioned ,

The Right Hon . the Lord Brooke , R . W . P . G . M . ; V . W . Bro . Fred . A . Philbrick , O . C ., D . P . G . M . ; W . Bros . Fredk . Binckes , Sec . R . M . I . B ., P . G . Stwd . ; Andrew Durrant , P . M . 276 , P . G . Treas . ; Thos . J . Railing , P . M . and Sec . 51 , P . G . Sec . ; A . Lucking , W . M . 160 , P . G . D . C ; Richard Clowes , P . M . and Sec . 6 50 , P . P . S . G . W . ; the Rev . F . B . Shepherd , P . M . 276 , P . P . G . C . ; Wm . Clarke , P . G . P . Eng ., P . G . D . C . Suff . ; George Corbie , P . M . 453 , P . P . J . G . W . ; John Mann , P . M . 51 , P . P . G . Sec . Essex ; Wm . Herbage , W . M . 2005 , Prov . G . R . ; T . J . D . CramphornI . P . M . 1024 .

, P . G . J . D . ; W . V . Willson , I . P . M . 160 , P . G . S . B . ; the Rev . W . Morgan Jones , S . D . 697 , P . G . C ; the Rev . E . H . Crate , P . M . 697 , P . P . G . C ; Alfred Buck , P . M . 45- ? , P . P . G . W . ; H . Harper , P . M . 160 , P . P . G . S . B . ; Robt . Martin , P . M . and Treas . 453 , P . P . G . D . ; J . Child , P . M . 453 , P . P . G . S . of W . ; John J . C . Turner , P . M . 51 , P . P . G . O . ; D . Bartlett , P . M . 1343 , P . G . P . ; Thomas Rix , P . M . 697 , P . P . G . S . B . ; Edmund Gowers , S . VV . 1024 , P . P . G . O . ; F . Whitmore , P . M . 276 , P . P . G . W . ; A . C . Veley , P . M . 276 , P . P . G . W . ; J . E . Wiseman , P . M . 433 , P . P . G . A . D . C ; Geo . Motion .

P . M . 453 , P . P . G . D . ; R . D . Poppleton , P . M . 433 , P . P . G . D . ; Thos . Eustace , P . M . 697 , P . P . G . S . B . ; Alfred Richardson , W . M . 1977 , P . A . D . C ; G . A . Eustace , P . M . 6 97 , Sec . 1977 , P . G . S . B . ; R . Haward Ives , W . M . 51 , P . G . Stwd . ; John Hutley , W . M . 1024 , P . G . Stwd . ; Adam Smith , W . M . 433 ; J . VV . Hair , 276 , P . P . G . R . ; Surgeon-Major H . Helsham , W . M . 1803 ; Robt . Smith , W . M . 6 97 ; F . Suthery , W . M . elect 276 ; G . Harvey , P . M . 6 97 ; Fred . Wiseman , P . M . 1733 , P . P . G . W . ; W . W . Morgan , W . M . 211 ; F . Reichter , 51 ; H . J . Skingley , 51 ; J . H . Miller , 51 ; F . H . Williams , 6 97 ; E . G . Lewis , P . M . 754 ; R . Turrell , 913 ; W .-Agate , 913 ;

J . G . Potton , 697 ; John Clark , 697 ; W . P . Collins , 1240 ; A . l « . Hart , 6 97 ; W . M . Foxcroft , W . AI . 177 j Chas . E . Bland , 51 ; James Salmon , 1339 ; George Railing , 51 ; J oshua Street , P . M . 697 ; F . E . Morris , 51 ; W . Beasley , 1524 ; R . C Pollard , 1 799 ; E . J . Aeworth , P . M . 133 ; W . J . London , 1339 ; J . Hanly , 51 ; W . Wood , 276 ; R . Ford , 697 ; W . S . Ling , P . M . 433 ; J . T . Bailey , J . W . 6 97 ; John Howe , 697 ; J . Coates , 1312 ; W . Carter , 1799 ; F . Wallis , 1 799 ; A . G . Rickarby , W . M . 1799 ; S . Munson , Tyler 51 ; Henry Hart , Tyler 2063 ; and C . Jolly , 913 , J . VV . 1472 ( Freemason ) .

The brethren then adjourned to the Royal Hotel , where over 100 sat down to banquet , elegantly served by the host , Bro . Wallis . The new Worshipful Master presided in a most genial and happy manner , and he was supported on his right and left by the R . W . P . G . M ., V . W . D . P . G . M ., and a distinguished array of Grand and Prov . Grand Officers .

The WORSHIPFUL MASTER gave "The Queen and the Craft . " Sir John said it was a great many years since he gave the toast of the Queen from the chair of a lodge , and therefore it was with the greatest pleasure he gave it now . He believed the Queen had no more loyal subjects in her kingdom than the people of East Essex , and particularly the Freemasons of that district . ( Applause . )

In giving "The M . W . the Grand Master of England , H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , " Sir J said he did not think it had ever been sufficientl y appreciated what an enormous benefit ithad been to Masonry that his Royal Highness should have accepted the high position that he did in the Craft . But the Prince of Wales had for them a local interest , because the

lifeboat at Clacton-on-Sea , which had already done such excellent service—( applause)—was one of those presented by the Freemasons of England as a thank-offering for the safe return of his Royal Highness from his tour in India . ( Applause . ) Both toasts were drunk with much enthusiasm , Bro . Sparling singing the National Anthem , and Bro . Turner * ' God Bless the Prince of VVales . "

The WORSHIPFUL MASTER then proposed "The Pro Grand Master , the Earl of Carnarvon ; the Deputy Grand Master , the Earl of Lathom ; and the Present and Past Officers of Grand Lodge , " specially alluding to the fact that Lord Lathom had twice done signal service for Freemasonry