The Liverpool Cathedral Chapter House.

The Liverpool Cathedral Chapter House .

FOUNDATION STONE LAID BY H . R . H . THE DUKE OF CONNAUGHT , M . W . G . M .

THE laying of the foundation stone of the Chapter House of Liverpool Cathedral not only maintains the traditions connecting the Freemasonry of to-day with the works of our ancient operative brethren , but is specially notable as a tribute to the memory of a beloved and revered member

of the Order , whose zeal for Masonry and unselfish and devoted exertions , both as Pro Grand Master and as ruler of the province , is thus fittingly commemorated . The inception of the idea arose primarily from the desire of the Province of West Lancashire to perpetuate the memory of

the late Earl of Lathom , and of an equally strong Avish to be associated , as a body , with the erection of the noble pile Avhich Sir Gilbert Scott has designed . The filial affection also of the present Earl of Lathom , AVIIO not only succeeded to the title but to the Masonic office held by his fatherand

, the esteem and regard in which he is held by his brethren , has largely contributed to the success of the undertaking . We are indebted to the Liverpool daily Press for the following account of the proceedings .

Photo llnll'tonet , Lin . ilrd THE M . W . GRAND MASTER LAYING THE FOUNDATION STONF .

The attendance was both large and representative , and the grand stand—erected in the form of a square , the most fitting symbol of Masonry—enabled all congregated to view the stone-laying . The assembling of Masons , members of the Cathedral Committeeand many other church people was

, well managed , several marquees being provided , in which the officers of the Grand Lodge donned their chains and aprons before proceeding in processional order to the platform , where special chairs were placed for the Grand Master , Earl Amherst , Pro Grand Master , and the Earl of Lathom ,

Provincial Grand Master . Before proceeding to the Lime Street terminus to meet his Royal Highness , the Provincial Grand Master opened the Provincial Grand Lodge at the Masonic Hall , Hope Street , where the attendance exceeded the capacity of the lodge

room . Lord Lathom thanked the brethren for gathering in such large numbers to support the Grand Master and himself

on an occasion which both had at heart . He vacated the chair in favour of Bro . Robert Wylie , Deputy Provincial Grand Master , AVIIO briefly explained the processional arrangements . The brethren formed in twos in the hall , followed by the Provincial Grand Officers , all forming fours in Hope Street , thus marching , headed by mounted police ,

to the Cathedral site on St . James ' s Mount . Here , beneath a rapidly-brightening sky , and with the band of the Navy League , Lancashire Sea-Training Home , Liscard , playing selections , the arrival of the Grand Master was awaited by a concourse rich in colours and contrasts , purple and gold , pale

blue and silver regalia composing the centre front , with a broad background consisting partly of the clerical black , parti } - of a Avhite-surpliced choir , and partly of ladies in summer attire of many hues . His Royal Highness , AVIIO appeared in excellent health , mounted the dai ' s to the strains

of the National Anthem . His Royal Highness travelled down from London in the ordinary 10 . 30 train from Euston , which arrived at Lime

Street at 2 . 22—just two minutes behind the scheduled time . The Lord Mayor , dressed in his civic robes , was present on the platform to extend a welcome to him on behalf of the city , and Lord Lathom received him as the representative of the Masons of the district . Bro . Sir Edward Letchworth , Grand Secretary , accompanied Lord Lathom , and the Lord

Mayor was attended by his secretary ( Mr . Percy E . Corkhill ) . On being presented by the Earl of Lathom , the Lord Mayor told his Royal Highness that he wished to convey the loyal affection of nearly three-quarters of a million inhabitants , and the heartiest welcome to the city and port of Liverpool .

For some time before the arrival of the train a large crowd of people collected outside and in the vicinity of the Northwestern Hotel to witness the departure of the Duke and party to the scene of the great Masonic function . A number of open carriages were in waiting , and in these the company , escorted by the police , were driven away at a brisk pace , his