Provincial Grand Chapter Of West Yorkshire.

symbolisms accurate and perfect in the minutest particular of Him who is the Apocalypse , and who is rl- ** c-ilvd a *** "He who was and is and shall be , " with other matters illi sfn'ive of Sacred truths . I ask you to contemplate these symbols so well arranged in this chapter , and tn think out for yourselves the marvellous significence of the past , the present , and the future , nnd to utter in your hearts the opening prayer of the Holy Royal Arch . Companions , I exhort you to cultivate this grand universal science , in

hopes thereby the more to extend your aid to , and to promote the happiness of , all our brethren , and to link mankind together by the indissoluble bonds of friendship , peace , and harmony . Accept my thanks for your kindly greeting and salutation . Comp . Geo . Hy . Locking , P . Z ., Z . 495 , Prov . G . Treas ., presented his balance sheet , which showed the balance in the W . R . U . Bank , Dewsbury , on 30 th April , to be £ 208 13 s . gd . Moved by Comp . LOCKING , Prov . G . Treas . ; seconded by Comp . SMITHSON , and resolved , "That the balance sheet be adopted . "

Proposed by Como . G . H . LOCKING , Prov . G . Treas . ; seconded by Comp . WILLIAM G AUKROGER , P . Z . 61 , P . P . G . J ., and resolved , "That Comp . Henry Oxley , P . Z . 495 , be elected Prov . G . Treas . for the ensuing year . The Grand Superintendent then appointed and invested his officers for the ensuing year as follows : Comp . Richard Carter , J . P ., P . Z . 1513 ... ... Prov . G . H . „ George Brook , P . Z . 242 ... ... ... Prov . G . J . „ Henry Smith , P . Z . 3 87 ... ... ... Prov . G . S . E . „ William C . Lupton , P . Z . 302 ... ... Prov . G . S . N . „ Henry Oxley , P . Z . 495 ... ... ... Prov . G . Treas . „ Frederick Cleeves , P . Z . 904 ... ... Prov . G . Reg . „ Joseph Dobson , P . Z . 289 ... ... Prov . G . P . Soj . „ John Wm . Bailey , P . Z . 304 ... ... Prov . G . ist A . S . „ Thomas Riley , P . Z . 1001 ... ... Prov . G . 2 nd A . S . „ J . E . Darling , P . Z . 139 ... ... ... Prov . G . S . B . ,, Joseph Hartley , P . Z 7019 ... ... Prov . G . Std . Br . „ Tudor G . Trevor , P . Z . 306 ... ... Prov . D . of C . „ Wm . Greaves , P . Z . 287 ... ... Prov . A . G . D . C . „ Geo . Fredk . Carr , Org . 289 ... ... Prov . G . Org . „ Herbert G . E . Green , P . Z . 164 ... ... Prov . A . G . S . E . „ J . R . Welsman . P . Z . 600 ... ... * *) „ John Gerrard , P . Z . 154 ... f Prov . G . Stwds . „ H . C- Pickersgill , P-Z . 837 ... ... 1 „ Thomas Richards , P . Z . 208 ... ... J

,, Samuel Barrand , Janitor 304 ... ... Prov . G . Janitor . Comps . LAXTON , P . Z . 275 , and Capt . TUPMAN , 837 , on behalf of their chapters invited the Grand Superintendent to hold the November Convocation under their respective banners . The Grand Superintendent said he vvould shortly decide . It was moved by Comp . T . BATEMAN FOX , P . Z . 208 , P . P . G . J . ; seconded by Comp . J . C . MALCOLM , P . Z . 306 , P . P . G . Reg ., and resolved , " That the heartiest vote of thanks be accorded to the Z . and companions of Chapter

No . 1001 , for their excellent arrangements for the comfort of the companions . " Dinner was afterwards provided in the dining-room , and was partaken of by 80 companions , the Grand Superintendent presiding .

Provincial Grand Mark Lodge Of West Yorkshire.

PROVINCIAL GRAND MARK LODGE OF WEST YORKSHIRE .

The half-yearly meeting of Mark Masons of the Province of West Yorkshire was held under the banner of the Prince Edward Lodge , No . 14 , at the Masonic Hall , Eastwood , on Wednesday , the Sth inst ., when the following brethren assembled : Bros . C . Letch Mason , Prov . G . M . ; Rev . T . C . Smyth , D . D ., Past Grand Chaplain of England , Deputy Prov . G . M . ; Francis Smith , Prov . S . G . W . ; J . W . Monckman ,

P . P . G . W ., as Prov . J . G . W . ; J . A . Thornton , Prov . G . M . O . ; Richard Nelson , as Prov . S . G . O . ; Henry Smith , Prov . J . G . O . ; Rev . J . H . Evans , Prov . G . Chap ., * George Normanton . P . G . Inspector of Works England , Prov . G . Treas . ; Thomas Gaukroger , Prov . G . Reg . ; William Cooke , P . S . G . O . of England , Prov . G . Sec ; VVm . Ackroyd , Prov . S . G . D . ; J . E . Craven , as Prov . J . G . D . ; Thomas Myers , Prov .

G . Inspector of Works ; VV . F . Tomlinson , P . P . G . O ., as Prov . G . D . of C . ; lohn P . Hewitt , Prov . A . G . D . of C .,- John G . Green , Prov . G . S . B . ; A . F . Fit 2 patric , Prov . G . Std . Br . ; G . F . Carr , Prov . G . Org . ; Henry Oxley , as Prov . G . I . G . ; Kendall and Collinson , Stwds . ; Thomas Marshall , P . P . G . O . ; Barrand , and Thos . Hodgson , as Prov . G . Tylers .

The Prov . G . Lodge was duly opened , and the Prov . G . M . and Dep . Prov . G . M . vvere saluted . The PROV . G . MASTER , in replying to bis salutation , said : Accept my very sincere thanks for the hearty reception you have accorded to the Prov . G . Lodge this day . It has been our privilege to assemble under the banner of " Prince Edward " several times—first in August , 1872 , and again in

August , 1875 , September , 1 S 79 , and September , 1 SS 2 , and this is the first occasion on which we have met here during the time I have had the honour of being your Provincial Grand Master . The Lodge of Prince Edward , No . 14 , has the proud distinction of being high on the roll of lodges in this province , a position , I feel sure , it does not in any degree undervalue . Bro . Craven , in his " History of Freemasonry at Bottoms , " states , " The Mark

lodge is one of the oldest , if not the oldest , in the province . At the time of the formation of the Grand Mark Lodge , it was a disappointment to ' Prince Edward' that it vvas not given No . I on the list of the Grand Mark Lodges , as it had been led to expect such a distinction . The date of its creation is not known . " "Several Mark lodges have sprung up from the 'Bottoms' Mark lodge .

I am assured that at one time it was considered the chief and most important Mark lodge—that brethren came to it from all parts of the county , and that it had between 80 and 90 members . I can recollect when it vvas attended by Mark Masons from Leeds , Bradford , Wakefield , Huddersfield , Halifax , Rochdale , and Oldham . " Such , brethren , are the words of one well-known to you , and who can speak much more confidently of the

past of " Prince Edward " than I can . I see at the end of 18 S 7 you only had iS members , since then I understand you have had several additions , and I trust lhat the lodge vvill go on adding good men and true , till we see it one of the strongest and most active in the province . It is not my intention to address you at any length to-day , my worthy and esteemed Deputy , the Rev . Dr . Smyth , P . G . Chap . England , has kindly consented to deliver an

address , to which vve are all looking forward with pleasure . 1 must , however , trouble you with a few matters of detail . On the 29 th January last , with the assistance of Bros . C . F . Matier , P . G . W ., A . G . Sec . ; Robert Berridge , P . G . O ., G . D . of C . ; and R . R . Bryant , I had the pleasure of consecrating the Danum Lodge , No . 39 8 , at Doncaster . This makes the eleventh lodge on . the roll of West Yorkshire . Since we last met at Wakefield in October last we have lost our much respected Bro . F . Barber , of the Brit-

Provincial Grand Mark Lodge Of West Yorkshire.

annia Lodge , Shefhela . At that meeting he was appointed Junior Warden of the province . Bro . Barber left immediately Provincial Grand Lodo * e vvas closed , as he was proceeding to America the next day . None of us who then saw his happy face , and bade him a safe and prosperous journey thought it was the last time vve should meet on this side of the grave . To fill the vacancy thus caused I appointed Bro . William Delancy , the first

Master of Danum Lodge , and I am sure you will all join with me in wishing himHong life and happiness , and success and prosperity to the junior lodge of the province . Grand Mark Lodge has recently taken a most important step in securing the lease for 49 years of Bacon ' s Hotel , adjoining the Freemasons' Hall , in Great Queen-street , London . The importance of this step is hardly realised in the provinces . Those of us vvho know

thepresent head-quarters of the Grand Mark Lodge will not fail to see the great advantage that vvill accrue to Mark Masonry , and I believe it is the one step of all others that will tend to the greater prosperity of the Order and raise its prestige still higher . To no one does Mark Masonry owe so deep a debt of gratitude as it does to our lamented and highly esteemed Bro . the late Canon Portal , whose recent loss vve are mourning . Canon Portal

vvas a Past Grand Master of the Order , and up to the day of his death the President of the Board of General Purposes . He took a most active irtterest in all that concerned the welfare of Mark Masonry , and in losing him vve have lost a " good brother and true . " I have just'issuedan appeal on behalf of our Masonic Charities . I do not ask any large contributions , but I do ask that each lodge will endeavour to do something . I firmly believe that

hereafter our Chanties will form a prominent feature in the Masonic Chari - ties of England , and that their benefits will be as highly esteemed as those of the larger ones . Let us , therefore , gradually strengthen our voting power , so that when the hour of necessity arrives vve may be able to assist a brother in distress , or help in the education of the orphans of our less

fortunate brethren . One word more and I have done . According to the laws of Mark Masonry and the terms of my appointment as your Provincial Grand Master , it vvill devolve on you to-day to nominate a brother for the office of Provincial Grand Master for the ensuing three years . Whoever that may be rests entirely in your own hands . One object alone vve all have—the welfare and prosperity of Mark Masonry in West Yorkshire .

The roll of lodges being called , all were found represented with the exception of two . The PROV . GRAND REGISTRAR read a report of the state of the several lodges in the province .

The P . S . G . W ., Bro . F . SMITH , proposed , and the P . J . G . W ., Bro . MONCKMAN , seconded , and Bro . the Rev . T . C . SMYTH , D . D ., Past Grand Chap ., supported , "That this meeting recommends tothe M . W . G . M . M . M . the re-appointment of the Provincial Grand Master for a further period of three years , " which vvas carried unanimously .

Bro . the Rev . T . C . SMYTH , D . D ., Past Grand Chap ., Dep . Prov . G , Master , then read the following address :

I have often spoken , on occasions like the present , of Freemasonry as a source of edification apart from the social enjoyment involved in it , and the tie of the brotherhood by which it binds together the various nations of the world . At the present time I would touch , in few words , on the lessons which are taught through the journey of life by its different Degrees , especially alluding to those truths which Mark Masonry tends to inculcate . The neophyte in the Order is first directed to make himself acquainted with

the principles of moral truth and virtue as a sure foundation upon which to " erect a superstructure perfect in all its parts , and honourable to the builder . " The Craftsman is next admonished on this basis to " extend his researches into the hidden mysteries of nature and science , " for no knowledge of the liberal arts and sciences can avail to make him a genuine Mason , acceptable in the sight of God and man , if his mental attainments do not rest on the sure ground of truth and virtue . In the Third Degree , with a

mind well constituted and a life that has been squared on the principles taught to the Entered Apprentices , he is led to reflect on the close of existence , and is shown that " to the just and upright man death can have no terrors , compared with the sting of falsehood and dishonour . " Some may be present who have not been exalted to the Holy Order of Royal Arch Masonry , and therefore I confine myself now to observing that he who has been so privileged is conducted on to reflections upon that eternity , of

which death is the portal , to the thought of Him , with whom one day is as a thousand years and a thousand years as but one day . "The Alpha and Omega , the beginning arid the end , the first and the last , who was , and is , and shall be , the Almighty , " and with whom the faithful Mason may hope to inherit everlasting life and happiness . Between the Second and Third Degrees comes our Honourable Order , affording us a striking dramatic illustration in regard to the practical duties of this life , and a proof

that patient continuance in well doing , though it may for a time be despised and unrecognised , will , sooner or later , receive a recompense . And I cannot but observe on the present occasion that those who estimate the work of Mark Masonry as teaching this great and cheering lesson must feel how lasting a debt of gratitude is due to him who has recently passed away from amongst his fellow workmen to receive his wages at his Master ' s hands . As the Editor of the Freemason has justly observed— " It is given

to few men to make trial of their ability in so many varied spheres of Masonic labour , and to win very high distinction in them all , " as vvas granted to Bro . Canon Portal . Only preferred to his highest honours a short while since in constitutional Masonry as Grand Chaplain and Principal Sojourner in the Supreme Grand Chapter , he may well be considered the reviver of the Mark Degree in the form which it it has now assumed , and to him T . G . O . O . T . U . was pleased to grant the satisfaction accorded in his

life to very few—of seeing his labours well rewarded and his work appreciated . Bi \ t above all , and ccavniing all with a halo of never-failing briohtness , is the sure reward in another world awaiting one , who , up to the extent of opportunity given him , has thought well and laboured well for God and man . How often it happens that men like our noble Grand Master are not permitted to see the happy consummation of their life work with mortal eyes in accordance with the rule that " one soweth and another

reapeth , " but a state there is in which " he . that soweth and he that reapeth shall rejoice together , " and " every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour . " No feeling will there be of failure , no bitter cry "Alas ! alas ! my labour is lost ; " but we shall obtain a recompense for things that were done when we have been buried for centuries , the fruit of the outermost branches of the tree which we had planted and had left a sapling . Brilliant as has proved the success of Mark Masonry even already , as revived by him whose loss we deplore , its grandest prosperity has yet to come '; the work

goes on although the worker has passed away . Let us take our share then in striving to advance it , although it may not be given to us , as it was to him , to act a great part in promoting its interests . We may not , like him , be privileged to witness the fruit of our labours , but if in following his bright example we strive to work as faithful Craftsmen we shall not fail , sooner or later , to receive the Great Overseer ' s approving smile and approving mark , as fitted for a place in the spiritual structure , even the " House not made with hands , eternal in the Heavens . "

On the conclusion , a hearty vote of thanks was accorded to the Prov . Grand Master , also to the brethren of Prince Edward Lodge for arrang ing for the provincial meeting . Invitations were given from Bradford , Sheffield , and Halifax for the next meeting of Provincial Grand Lodge . The Provincial Grand Lodge was then closed , and the brethren afterwards sat down to tea , and spent an enjoyable evening .

BERKELEY HOTEL ( late St . James ' s ) , 1 , Berkeley-street and 77 . " * f . dilly , London , W . First class accommodation for residents , with a Restaurant new ^ attached for high class luncheons and dinners , at fixed prices . and a la ca —C . DIETTE , Manager . —[ ADVT . 1