Freemasonry In Norfolk*

this volume , ten are on the roll , the number of those that have been erased being five . In addition to these 52 lodges 0 [ English Constitution enumerated by Bro . LK STRANGE reference is made to the lodge warranted at Norwich by the

Grand Lodge of Ireland in 1745 , respecting which Bro . Dr . CI -IETWODE CRAWLEY gave sundry particulars in Vol . VIII . of Ars Onatitor Coronatornm last year . On the subject of this Irish lodge , however , he is unable to furnish any particulars for

the simplest of all reasons , that as far as he and others have ljeen able to ascertain , there are none to furnish . But as regards those of English origin , Bro . LE STRANGE has been able to bring together what , considering the absence of so many ol

the records , may be looked upon as a fair amount of valuable information . He has , too , been careful to note everything of striking interest , and more particularly what is calculated to throw lig ht upon the manner in which our lodges conducted their proceedings in olden time .

Respecting the further portions of the history , in which the origin and progress of Provincial Grand Lodge , Royal Arch Masonry , & c , are traced , we must reserve such remarks as it mav seem desirable to make for a further article .

Consecration Of The Baring Lodge, No. 2602, At Cromer.

CONSECRATION OF THE BARING LODGE , No . 2602 , AT CROMER .

The eig hteenth Masonic lodge of the Province of Norfolk was consecrate d at the popular seaside resort of Cromer , on Monday , th ; 16 th inst . The lodge being opened , the consecration ceremony was most ably and impressively performed by Bro . Edw » rd Letchworth , F . S . A ., Grand Secretary , assisted by Bros . Hamon Le Strange , P . G . D ., D . P . G . M ., as S . W . ; Sir Francis G . M . Boileau , Bart ., P . P . G . W ., as J . W . ; H . Wimble , M . A ., P . P . G . C , as Chaplain ; G . Baxter , P . P . S . G . W ., as D . C ; and other prominent Masons .

The commodious lodge-room at Tucker s Hotel was filled , seats being place din every avsiUble corner , and it is worthy of note that of the 17 lodges in the province , 15 of the Worshipful Masters were present to wish the infant lodge prosperity . The following oration by the A CTING CHAPLAIN WIS l ' stened to with

rapt attention : Brethren , —It is the custom , on the erection of any stately edifice , that in words should be set forth the motive and principles that originated and carried it out . Thus , as we see in Holy Writ , our G . M ., King Solomon , with much prayer and supplication , set forth in the presence of his people , the motives that led his father David to make such goodly store for building a House to the Lord , and called upon them to obey His commandments , to fear Him , and walk in His ways .

Even so , it behoves me , in accordance with our ancient Constitutions , to set before you in brief measure , somewhat of the nature and principles of the Craft , thit we may be justified thereby in the solemn act we are about to perform this day . For as King Solomon , while acknowledging that heaven , yea , the heaven of heavens , could not contain their Architect and Maker , yet ventured to build Him a House wherein he prayed He would deign to dwell , and in very sooth the glory of the Lord , the Shekinah , that Light which is the object of our research , and

the centre of our system filled that House ; even so are we about to consecrate to T . G . A . O . T . U . a lodge wherein we shall supplicate His spec ' ul assistance upon our undertakings . Here for time to come will be that point from which no M . M . can err ; here to E . A ., to F . C , and to M . M . in turn , that teaching will be revealed which spans the whole of life , from the hour when he is received into Masonry as a helpless babe , to that solemn moment when , with one lone star to illumine the tomb of transgression , and point him to hope , he learns that one day , all alone , he must

lie down to die . Such , my brethren , is the extent of Freemasonry , so solemn is our present undertaking . It is well then , to review , if but briefly , the nature and principles of that Order , which is viewed with such varied and mingled feelings , that some governments persecute it , a great hierarchy denounces it , and many people not initiated . n its secrets regard it as but a Society for temporal benefit , with lofty pretentions , and accessories of pomp and ceremony that provoke a ¦ mile . But , my brethren , Freemasonry is more than this . Undoubted as are the

benefits that are to be derived from it , we should not find in its rank princes and tradesfolk , nobles and artisans , every grade and profession , represented if this were all . It deals with something higherthan mere temporal benefit , and in its definition strikes a higher note . Freemasonry is a system of morality veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols . A system of morality—this carries it at once into a higher region , brethren , and deals with the higher nature of man . As St . Paul 1 'iught that the body should be the Temple of the indwelling Spirit , and ,

therefore , pure and holy ; as Paul's Master taught , the house when swept and garnished , must be filled at once with high and lofty thoughts and aims , so teaches in all humility , the Mason in that Temple where he derives aid and encouragement for his course through life—where he learns to practice as a Mason in lodge , and a man in the world , every public as well as private virtue ; to regard all mankind whatever their race , rank , or creed , as equal , especially those linked by the mystic lie ; above all , to practice in its deepest and broadest sense divinest Charity—that

Uiarity which believes all things possible in the upward progress of humanity , that hopes full success to perseverance and a steadfast soul , that thinks no evilin a word , the love of God and man—and all this not for outward show to be seen of men , but as here , in the quiet and secrecy of our lodge—in the safe and sacred repository of our heart , the purposes of Freemasonry are to be carried out . And how rich a store of symbolic meaning do we inherit from the forefathers of our Craft , level and plumb rule , gavel and ladder , gauge and square , have all their deep lessons , but it is not for me in this assembly ot Masters of the Craft to in-< ilr ,, r-4- •., ... •.. . . r . . ., "IIC .- £ .,. _ 7 in tnese out to remina ot tnem win lorm 01 inc

"'¦"'•™ things , you —tney part teachings of this lodge , where our children ' s children will bless this auspicious day , ? tney learn from every legend , every charge , every symbol of the Craft , how to become better citizens , better subjects , better men , how to discharge their duties : ° God , to iheir neighbour , to themselves , and the Craft . Nor if we enquire into 'he anti quity of our Order need we fail to find both answer and encouragement . Voiding too rash speculation and enthusiasm on the one hand , and too great scepticism on the other , can we not read many a lesson of the wisdom and P'ety of the fathers of our Craft in the part , which Bible teaching , signs , and ymbols have in our ritual ? do they not stamp the whole system with a

Consecration Of The Baring Lodge, No. 2602, At Cromer.

higher character as they direct our solemn attention to that Volume of the Sacred Law whose place is ever before the Master ' s chair ' : And , again , if we search into our origin , while claiming much in common with societies of the most ancient date , let us be content to see that we are most closely linked with those great Masonic and architectural guilds that are the glory of the middle ages . When the Masonic year 5000 passed , in which all Christendom expected the Judgment Day , a wave of thankful enthusiasm swept over

Europe that showed itself in stately cathedral and holy fane . Then rose Masonry to a place of dignity under bishep and abbot . Then under Lozinga arose tho stately pile at Norwich . Soon , hosvever , they drew apart , and out of their independence and sense of the dignity and beauty of the Craftsman ' s art , out of the high morality that wrought the loftiest pinnacle , out of hunnn ken with thc same care as that work which all men might plainly see , arose thc Freem ison , who wandered where he would to do his appointed task , sure of brotherly love and

relief , sure of truth in answer to the true signs and symbols which he bore as his credentials , even as he was true himself to his art . Then arose the orders as we have them now—the E . A ., the F . C , the M . M . designers and builders oi fanes that are the glory of the world , men who increased i n knowledge and . vided to science that philosophy and sacred symbolism which is our heritage to-diy . Yes , my brethren , we are to-day linked to these forefathers of the Craft by an indissoluble bond , a chain that will not break . Though operative no longer , wc

can claim to be their successors , and in all essential points our ritual contains and preserves their ancient symbols and their ancient signs . The principles of brotherly love , relief , and truth , do they not stand forth still as the grand principles on which our Order continues to be based ; - ' Hov miny a lesson fron symbol does the true Mason learn to fit him for life here and hereafter . Djes he not learn how it is necessary to obey before he can commend ? Ho . v slow and gradual every step must be , how impossible it is to rise , no matter what the

rank or station of the man , except from beginnings that are humble , and by patience in learning ? Does not the chequered pavement of our lodge instruct us of the shadow as well as the sunshine that falls on life , while we know that there we find ready sympathy , and , if required , relief ? And when men reproach us for the secrecy of our Order , shall we not point out to them how valuable is that quality which our system fosters ? For whom is there such honour as the man who can keep counsel , for whom such contempt as the man whom men feel they cannot trust ? And , above all , have we not that brotherly love one to another which

is far more than the relief that comforts the orphan and dries the mourner's tears , which expresses itself in sympathy , in good will , in courtesy , in all the relations of life , making us considerate one towards another , respecters of the honour of those dear to our brethren , mindful in small matters as well as in great , and which , passing beyond the limits of race , rank , politics , or creed , joins all good men together in one bond—the dominant thought , the keynote of which is the brotherhood of man and the truest progress of humanity ? Such , my brethren , is Freemasonry .

At the conclusion of the ceremony of consecration , B-o . R . Fenner was installed W . M . by the Grand Secretary . The Worshipful Master then appointed and invested his ollicers as follows : Bros . Jas . Francis , W . M . 180 S , as acting I . P . M . ; lis . Lovelace , P . M . 1808 , S . W . ; H . W . Churchyard , S . W . iS , S , J . W . j J . C . R ie , J . W . ISJS , Sec . ; Sir Kenneth H . Kemp , Birt ., P . M . 52 , Treas . ; VV . G . Sandford , 93 , S . D . ; J . Clarke , 93 , J . D . ; W . P . ice , I . G . j and-W . Smith , Tyler .

The musical part of the consecration was most ably carried out under the directorship of Bro . J . H . Brockbmk , P . P . A . G . Sec . Several names of candidates for initiation and brethren as joining members were proposed , and , after appointing a Committee to frame by-laws , the lodge was closed . The brethren then adjourned to the Hotel de Paris , when a great number sat down to the banquet , amongst whom , in addition to the lounders and

Consecrating Officers , were—Bros . Chas . Strickland , 1808 ; R . P . Noverre , P . M . 52 , P . P . G . Reg . ; Benjamin B . Morgan , W . M . 213 ; Edward Austin , W . M . S 07 : W . G . Crotch , S 07 ; G . H . L . Blake , W . M . 313 ; Edward R . Woodward , J . W . 213 ; E . R . Adams , 373 ; Henry J . Gidney , P . M . 102 j C . R . Dewhirst , P . M , 102 ; J . A . Anderson , 102 j B . Cook , P . M . 102 ; J . H . Brockbank , 93 ; W . Churchyard , 1 S 0 S ; Johnson Foster , 943 ; G . W . G . Barnard , P . M . 9 + 3 P . G . Sec . ; H . J . Brookes , 93 ; Hy .

, Thouless , P . M . 93 ; George Sharley , I . P . M . 180 S , P . G . C . j J . Spurrell , S . W . 102 ; Hy . Sadler , P . M . 214 S , Grand Tyler ; Cubitt Page , W . M . 93 ; Chas . Hall , W . M . 100 ; Thos . Peake , W . M . 107 ; C . B . Cross , W . M . 943 ; Walter Waring , J . W . 52 ; Sir Kenneth Kemp , Bart ., P . M . 52 ; Ambrose Goddard , 99 6 , 2237 , P . P . G . W . ; Edgar Smith , W . M . 1114 ; E . Reeve , W . M . 52 ; Ernest F . Jarvis , 807 ; R . F . Aldis , 102 ; G . O . Maynnrd , W . M . 1193 ; Robert Wortley , P . M . 102 ; William Welsford , W . M . 1500 ; C . Payne , P . M . 119 V P . E .

Hansell , S . D . 52 ; Thomas H . Morse , I . G . 52 ; E . Skinner , J . D . 1300 ; W . E , Smith , J . D . 487 , 1300 ; S . Haward , 1500 ; Fred Mills , 943 , P . P . G . I . G . •S M , Mills , 52 , P . P . S . G . W . ; J . B . Pearce , P . M . 52 , P . P . G . S . of Wks . j H . G Barwell , 52 , P . P . S . G . W . ; H . W . Youell , P . M . 313 , P . P . S . G . D . ; VV . P Eversley , 52 , P . P . J . G . W . ; L . Spence , P . M . 100 ; G . Dunkley , P . M . 18 93 , P . P . G . D . C . ; J . B . Aldis , P . M . 52 ; S . F . Creswell , W . M . 102 ; H . J . Sparks P . M 996 , P . S . G . W . ; and W . H . Smith , 93 , P . P . G . S . of Wks .

The toast list included " The Oueen and the Craft ; " " The M . W . G . M ., H . R . H . thePiinceof Wales , K . G ., & c . ; '" "The M . W . Pro G . M ., Bro . the Earl of Lathom , G . CB . j" and" Ihe R . W . Deputy G . M ., Bro . the Earl of Mount Edgcumbe , and the rest of the Grand O . fi .-ers , Present and Past , " which was given by the W . M . and responded to by Bro . E . LETCHWORTH , Grand Secretary .

The W . M . next submitted " The R . W . P . G . M ., the D . P . G . M ., and the Grand Officers of the Province of Norfolk , " to which Bro . HA . MO . V LI ; STRANGE , D . P . G . M ., responded . He remarked that he was sure that Lord Suffield , P . G . M ., would take a very great interest in the ne , v leidge and that illness alone prevented him from being present , but he felt sure that when he was restored to health he would ofien visit the lodge when at his country seat , Gunton Hall .

" The Consecrating Officers " was given by the W . M . and responded to by Bros . E . LETCHWORTH and Sir FRANCIS BOILEAU , Ban . "TheW . M . of the Baring Lodge" was given by Bro . HAMON LI ; STRANGE , D . P . G . M ., and responded to by Bro . R . FENNER . "The Visitors" proposed by the W . M ., responded to b y Bros . G , BAXTER and H . J . SPARKS .

"The Officers of the Baring Lodge" was given by theW . M ., and responded to by Bros . J . LOVELACE , S . VV ., and Sir KENNETH KE . MT , Bart ., Treas . Bro . Sir FRANCIS BOILEAU , Bart ., gave "The Chaplain , " and in doing so spoke in the very highest terms of the oration delivered by him at the consecration .

Bro . Rev . H . WIMBLE responded . "The Masonic Charities " was proposed by Bio . H . J . S I ' AKKS , P . P S . G . W ., and responded to by Bro . VV . P . EVEUSLEV , P . P . J . G . W . The Tyler ' s toast concluded the business of the evening .