History of 100 Years of the Lodge of Truth No. 521 (1945) by H.L. Simpson

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of 100 LODGE (OF LRU TTT, No, 521, HUDDERSFIELD, YORKSHIRE (WEST RIDING), 1845-1945.

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HISTORY of 100 YEARS of

THE LODGE OF TRUTH, No. 921 Huddersfield, Yorkshire (West Riding)

1845 - 1945

BY

W. Bro. H. L. SIMPSON, P.P.G.D., of The Lodge of Harmony, No. 275

and Secretary of The Huddersfield and District Installed Masters' Association.

"Let Yesterday be a Lesson, To-day an Action, and To-morrow a Hope"

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SS

Seer

TR a: 3

Hrom or flan could by sont cen hes Lae when

warned forapprar. without inary severe censure unless ttappeared tothe master that pve necessity hindered him, CHARGE.

Old Block of Heading used for Lodge Summons, 1855 -1861

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To The Officers, Past Masters and Brethren of The Lodge of Truth, No. 521, IN PARTICULAR

and

The Masonic Historians and Brethren interested in the Masonic History of Huddersfield IN GENERAL

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Foreword.

When the Centenary Committee of The Lodge of Truth, No. 521, asked me if I would undertake the preparation of the History of the first 100 years of their Lodge, I readily accepted, because, although it meant devoting much time to it, I knew I should find it interesting, and that the time given would prove to be profitably and enjoyably spent as far as I was concerned. I was not disappointed, and I hope that you, my readers, will not be disappointed with the result of my efforts.

We had an interesting plan of campaign for the preparatory work. In most Lodges, perhaps in every Lodge, there is at least one Brother, at the time he is wanted, who knows where everything is, and who loves to do anything in any way connected with his Lodge and its records. Such a Brother is W. Bro. Norman Sykes, of The Lodge of Truth, who, by common consent, was "seconded for service" to assist me in my work, and nothing I could ask has been too much trouble. I am more than grateful to him for his splendid assistance: not only did he bring me what I wanted, but he even "paced me" in the reading of the Minutes, and placed little index papers in the pages containing salient information. The Lodge has every reason to be indebted to him for his devotion and his constructive work in the interests of his Lodge. He is a worthy successor to the late W. Bro. J. T. Spratt, to whom tribute must be paid for setting up The Lodge Journal and presenting it to the Lodge in 1917, after having written it up, year by year—a year on a page— from the formation in 1845, thus providing an invaluable précis of The Lodge's History in very convenient form. With this as my foundation, and W. Bro. Norman Sykes ready at hand with the supplementary information, my task was made very much easier, and the necessity for searching or enquiring elsewhere for information considerably reduced. Nevertheless, I did seek assistance from other sources and wish to acknowledge my indebtedness.

I made frequent and fruitful use of other printed Histories, including the Lodges of Peace, Huddersfield, Thornhill, Colne Valley, Albert Edward, and the manuscript histories in The Lodge of Harmony Minute Books.

I wish particularly to thank the following for their help, in every case, so ungrudgingly given :- The Lodge of Harmony, No. 275. The

Huddersfield Lodge, No. 290. Connaught Lodge, No. 3800.

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Bro. Sidney Kaye of The Lodge of Harmony, the Mayor of Huddersfield in 1944-45, for so kindly providing me with information as to the Mayors of Huddersfield since the Corporation obtained its Charter.

The Brethren of the respective Lodges to whom I sent enquiries to enable me to include in my Book a Roll of the Mayors of Huddersfield, with their Masonic Rank, Lodges, etc.

W. Bro. C. E. Frobisher, P.G.D., the Provincial Grand Secretary, for his prompt replies with factual information from the Provincial records.

W. Bro. F. R. Worts, P.P.G.D. (Goderich Lodge, No. 1211, and Lodge of Peace, No. 149), the Provincial Grand Librarian, who very kindly read my manuscript and gave me helpful hints.

and, last but not least, The Worshipful Master, Officers and Brethren of The Lodge of Truth for their courtesy and kindness to me on my many visits to the Lodge Premises and Meetings when seeking information and inspiration.

H. L. SIMPSON,

The Lodge of Harmony, No. 275.

HUDDERSFIELD, December, 1945.

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Introduction.

In preparing and presenting this History of 100 years of The Lodge of Truth, No. 521, the hope is expressed that it will be of interest not only to the Brethren of The Lodge of Truth itself, but also to the Brethren of Huddersfield and District, as a contribution towards the records of Freemasonry in the Town, as The Lodge of Truth is but the fifth out of eighteen Lodges in the Town and District to attain this distinction, the others preceding it being :-

The Lodge of Peace, No. 149, dating back to 1777. The Lodge of Harmony, No.275, " 1789. Huddersfield Lodge, No. 290, " " " 1793. Lodge Candour,

The Lodges No. 149 and No. 337 are outside the Town, at Meltham and Saddleworth respectively. The Lodge No. 275 originated in Halifax, but has had over 100 years in Huddersfield (from 1837), so The Lodge of Truth, No. 521, is really only the second Lodge formed in Huddersfield itself to attain its Centenary, and it was formed in 1845 when The Lodge of Harmony and The Huddersfield Lodge represented the masonic life of the Town, shortly after each had celebrated its Jubilee. It is interesting to observe that from each of these three Lodges, so closely united in those days of 100 years ago, there emanated a Provincial Ruler, viz.:- --

From The Lodge of Truth, No. 521 oo... The Rt. Hon. The Earl de Grey and Ripon, (afterwards The Most Hon. The Marquis of Ripon, K.G.). Provincial Grand Master 1861-1874

Grand Master 1870-1874

From The Lodge of Harmony, No. 275. W. Bro. Bentley Shaw, Deputy Provincial Grand Master 1870-1875.

From The Huddersfield Lodge, No. 290 Rt. Wor. Bro. Sir William P. Raynor, Kt., J.P. Deputy Provincial Grand Master 1915-1919. Provincial Grand Master

1919-1926.

and The Lodge of Truth has also supplied a Provincial Grand Secretary, namely, W. Bro. Samuel Guise, who became Provincial Grand Secretary of the Province of Warwickshire in 1932.

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Even as The Lodge of Truth had The Lodge of Harmony and Huddersfield Lodge as "its parents", so did The Albert Edward Lodge spring in 1878 from the "combined operations" of The Lodges of Harmony, Huddersfield and Truth. The Connaught Lodge, formed in 1917, was a Daughter Lodge of The Lodge of Truth, and Concord Lodge in 1920 was a Daughter Lodge of The Albert Edward Lodge.

It will thus be seen that The Lodge of Truth has had a very close relationship and association with the other Lodges in the Town throughout its first 100 years: these connections and associations are more fully dealt with in the narrative which follows, and the attention of the reader is directed to the lay-out and headings of the thirteen Chapters in the Contents.

H.LS.

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SUMMARY.

CONSTITUTION, LODGE NUMBERS, MEETING PLACES, Etc.

1845 December 3 LODGE CONSTITUTED AS " THE LODGE OF TRUTH, No. 763".

The preliminary Meetings leading up to the formation being at The Rose & Crown Inn, Kirkgate.

1845 December 3 Meeting Place : to WHITE HART INN. 1850 March 15 1850 April 5 Meeting at South Parade by special arrangement to celebrate removal to The George Hotel. 1850 May 3 Meeting Place : to GEORGE HOTEL.

1851 March 21 A private Meeting to settle the next removal was held at The Rose & Crown Hotel on 13 March, 1851.

1851 April 4 Meeting Place : to ROSE & CROWN HOTEL. 1855 September 7 1855 October 5 (onwards to date). HALL, FITZWILLIAM STREET. 1863 In the change of numbers by Grand Lodge, The

Lodge of Truth was changed from No. 763 to No. 521.

OTHER HUDDERSFIELD and DISTRICT LODGES 1845-1863.

The Lodge of Peace was No. 174 until 1863 and then No. 149.

The Lodge of Harmony’ was No. 342 until 1863 and then No. 275. Huddersfield Lodge was No. 365 until 1863 and then No. 290. Lodge Candour was No. 422 until 1863 and then No. 337. Holme Valley Lodge was No. 937 until 1863 and then No. 652.

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HISTORY OF 100 YEARS OF THE LODGE OF TRUTH, No. 521.

1845-1945.

Page FRONTISPIECE INTRODUCTION Mies SB. us es be 9 fb HW 9 SUMMARY OF CONSTITUTION, LODGE NUMBERS, AND MEETING PLACES ..._ ... vs a: 11 CONTENTS. Page CHAPTER I. FORMATION and EARLY YEARS. Preliminary Discussion — Formation Meetings -- Constitution — Founders — Collaboration with The Lodges of Harmony and Huddersfield Union Lodge of Instruction — Meeting Places : White Hart Inn and George Hotel — Some interesting Incidents ... 18 CHAPTER II. THE YEAR 1852 — A REMARKABLE YEAR. Rose & Crown Inn — Presentation of Chairs — Holmfirth Flood — Amazing amount of Business per month --- Lodge Banner presented — Initiation of Minor — New Room at Rose & Crown -- :33 Candidates — Address to W.M. 27 CHAPTER III. THE YEARS 1853 and 1854. Soiree in Masonic Clothing — Lord Goderich's Proposal and Ceremonies -- Infidel Lecture — Proposals for new Building and Removal ... a 34

CHAPTER IV. FREEMASONS' HALL, FITZWILLIAM STREET, 1855 onwards. Plans — Foundation Stone — First Meeting — Supper Room as Lodge Room —Resident Tylers — Lodge of Harmony accommodated — Gift of Snuff Box —Leases — Trust

Deeds — Trustees — Tenant Lodges and Side Degrees Annexe and Communicating Door — Alterations

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Page CHAPTER V.

THE YEARS 1855 to 1894.

Fitzwilliam Street Craft Meetings in R.A. Clothing — Installation of Earl of Ripon as Prov. G. M. — Re-numbering of Lodge — Inauguration of Children's Party P.G.L. Meeting under Banner of No. 521 — Visit of Duke of Albany — 40th Anniversary — Visit of R. Wor. Bro. T. W. Tew — Centenary of Lodge of Harmony -- Inauguration of Presentation of Bibles ... 49

CHAPTER VI.

THE LODGE'S JUBILEE 1895.

Full Account of Celebrations, 29th April, 1896 — Jubilee Circular and Programme — Officers present — Lodges represented — History by W. Bro. Reuben Williamson —

Congratulations and Greetings -- Bro. John Pyrah, Secretary 60 CHAPTER VIL. THE SECOND FIFTY YEARS 1895 — 1945.

A Period of Celebrations, Jubilees and Anniversaries — Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria — Petition to elect Honorary Member — Coronation of King Edward VIT — Lodge Banner painted — Death of King Edward VII — Constitution of Instruction Classes United Lodges — Lodge Journal — Lodge

Removals W. Bro. Samuel Guise, Provincial Grand Secretary (Warwickshire) — Charity Golf Cup won by Member of No. 521 -- Plans for Centenary Festtval ... 64

CHAPTER VIII. LODGE RECORDS, ROUTINE and RITUAL INSTRUCTION CLASSES.

Warrants and Workings — Lodge Banner and Books -- Lodge Records and Routine — Minute Books — Declaration Books -- Lodge Journal — Circulars -- Guard Books — Missing Records Instruction Classes — Union Lodge of Instruction — Monday Night Classes — Thursday Night Classes — Past Master's Jewel -- Record of Master's Year 77

CHAPTER IX. THE BY-LAWS OF THE LODGE.

Chronological Record --- Formation — Segregation of Benevolent Fund — "Tin-money" -- Revisions and Alterations — Manuscript Book 1892 by Bro. J. Lewis Sykes — Declaration and Acceptance by - - - Scale of Fees and Subscriptions 95

CHAPTER X.

CHRONOLOGICAL LIST OF GIFTS TO THE LODGE AND DONATIONS TO CHARITIES.

Gifts to the Lodge as recorded : and Donations to Masonic Charities ... 101

CHAPTER XI. MASONIC JUBILEES, GOLDEN WEDDINGS and OTHER ANNIVERSARIES OF THE MEMBERS : PORTRAITS AND PHOTOGRAPHS.

Prominent Personalities, Pen Pictures and Portraits 107

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Page CHAPTER XII. WAR AND PEACE.

Crimean Wart -- South African War — Great War 1914-18 -- World War 1939-45 __ Preservation of Records — Decomposition of Original Warrant — Warrant of Confirmation ig . 118

CHAPTER XIII. DAUGHTER LODGE, SIDE DEGREES,

SUPPORT TO OTHER LODGES.

Side Degrees — Knights Templar — Royal Arch — Mark Masons — Daughter Lodge Connaught No. 3800 — Other New Lodges in Huddersfield and District

— Installed Master Association . 123 CONCLUSION .. 134 LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS, COPY DOCUMENTS, ROLLS and LISTS. ILLUSTRATIONS, COPY DOCUMENTS, ROLLS: AND LIS Ts: ILLUSTRATIONS. I Old Block of Heading used for Circulars 1855-1861 Frontispiece Page II Photograph of Lodge Warrant (1845) 15 III First Page of Minutes 5 December, 1845 ... 21 IV Freemasons' Hall, Fitzwilliam Street 39 V Notice of Special Provincial Grand Lodge 15 October, 1883 53 VI Jubilee Circular (1896) 58 VII Jubilee Programme (1896) ... 59 VIII Photograph of Centenary Warrant (1945) ... 75 IX Specimen Page of Lodge Journal ... 86 X Fac-simile of Form of Lodge Banner Facing 88 XI Photograph of Past Master's Jewel ... 90 XII Board of Worship ful Masters 92 XIII Specimen Page of Manuscript By-Laws (1892) 97 XIV Declaration and Acceptance Page of By-Laws 99 COPY DOCUMENTS, ROLLS & LISTS. (1) Summary Sheet of Constitution, Lodge Nos. and Meeting Places 11 (2) Printed copy of Warrant of Constitution (1845) 16 (3) Printed copy of Centenary Warrant (1945) ... 76 (4) List of Number of Subscribing Members at each year end 78 (5) Roll of Worshipful Masters of the Lodge ... 93 (6) Roll of Members who have attained Provincial Rank 94 (7) Summary of Donations to Charities ... 106 (8) Printed Copy of Warrant of Confirmation (1945) ... 121 (9) Roll of Mayors of Huddersfield, with Masonic Rank, Lodge, etc. 132133 (10) Roll of Members 1845-1945 ... 135-139

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Warrant of Constitution, 3rd December, 1845,

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COPY OF WARRANT OF CONSTITUTION.

ZETTLANTD..G.M. WORSHIPFUL AND LOVING BRETHREN, We. THOMAS DUNDAS, EARL OF ZETLAND, BARON DUNDAS, OF ASKE, IN THE COUNTY OF YORK, &C., &C., &C., GRAND MASTER OF THE MOST ANCIENT AND HONOURABLE FRATERNITY OF FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS OF ENGLAND,

No. 763. SEND GREETING KNOW YE, THAT WE, by the Authority and under the sanction of the United Grand Lodge of England, vested in us for that purpose, and at the

humble petition of our night trusty and well-beloved brethren WILLIAM KILNER, WILLIAM SHAW, THOMAS ROBERT TATHAM, TITUS THEWLIS, JOSEPH BROOK, SAMUEL SHAW, THOMAS KENWORTHY ROWBOTHAM, AND OTHERS, DO

HEREBY CONSTITUTE the said Brethren into a Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons, under the title of denomination of

The Lodge of Truth

the said Lodge to meet at the White Hart Inn, Huddersfield, Yorkshire, on the first Friday in every month, empowering them im the said Lodge when duly congregated, to make, pass, and raise Freemasons, according to the ancient custom of the Craft in all ages and nations throughout the known world. AND FURTHER, at their said petition, and of the great trust and confidence reposed in every of the above-named Brethren, WE DO APPOINT the said WILLIAM KILNER, to be the first Master; WILLIAM SHAW, to be the first Senior Warden, and the said THOMAS ROBERT TATHAM to be the first Junior Warden, for opening and holding the said Lodge, and until such time as another Master shall be regularly elected and installed, strictly charging that every member who shall be elected to preside over the said Lodge, and who must previously have duly served as Warden 1n a warranted lodge, shall be mstalled in Ancient Form, and according to the Laws of the Grand Lodge, that he may thereby he fully invested with the dignities and powers of his office. AND WE DO REQUIRE you the said William K ilner, to take special care that all and every the said Brethren, are, or have been, regularly made Masons, and that you and they and all other the members of the said Lodge, do observe, perform, and keep the Laws, Rules, and Orders contained in the Book of Constitutions, and all others which may from time to time be made by our Grand Lodge, or transmitted by us or our successors, Grand Masters, or by our Deputy Grand Master for the time being. AND WE DO enjoin you to make such Bye-Laws for the government of your Lodge as shall to the majority of the members appear proper and necessary, the same not being contrary to or mconsistent with the general laws and regulations, and also on account of the proceedings 1n your Lodge, to be entered in a book to be kept for that purpose. AND YOU are in no wise to omit to send to us or our

successors, Grand Masters, or TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE RICHARD WILLIAM PENN CURZON HOWE, EARL HOWE, VISCOUNT AND BARON CURZON, OF PENN

AND BARON HOWE, G.C.H., Lord Chamberlain to Her Majesty Queen Adelaide, &c., &c., &C., OUT DEPUTY GRAND MASTER, or to the Deputy Grand Master for the time being, at least once in every year,

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a List of the Members of your Lodge, and the names and descriptions of all Masons initiated therein, and brethren who shall have joined the same, with the fees and moneys payable thereon. IT BEING our will and intention that this our WARRANT OF CONSTITUTION shall continue in force so long only as you shall conform to the laws and regulations of our Grand Lodge. AND YOU, the said William Kilner, are further required as soon as conveniently may be, to send us an account, in writing, of what shall he done by virtue of these presents. GIVEN under our hands and the Seal of the Grand Lodge, at London, this 3rd December, A.L. 5845, A.D. 1845.

BY COMMAND of the M. W. Grand Master, HOWE, D.G.M.

WILLIAM H. WHITE, G.S.

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CHAPTER 1.

FORMATION AND EARLY YEARS.

Preliminary Discussion — Formation Meetings — Constitution — Founders — Collaboration with The Lodges of Harmony and Huddersfield — Union Lodge of Instruction — Meeting Places : White Hart Inn and George Hotel Some interesting Incidents.

THE LODGE OF TRUTH, now No. 521 on the Register of the United Grand Lodge of England, held its Opening or First Regular Meeting at THE WHITE HART INN, in Cloth Hall Street, HUDDERSFIELD, Yorkshire, on the first Friday in the month of December, 1845, namely 5TH DECEMBER, 1845; it was constituted by a Warrant of Constitution from The United Grand Lodge of England dated 3rd December, 1845, and Numbered No. 763. No. 763 remained the Number until the Change of Numbers in 1863, when it became No. 521. The Minutes of that important and historic meeting are fully recorded in the first Minute Book of the Lodge; the then Secretary must have anticipated that, in 100 years from that time, someone would doubtless like information leading up to the formation of the Lodge; gratitude and thanks are due to him for his forethought. In the first Minute Book, preceding the record of the formal opening Meeting, are Minutes or Records of several preparatory Meetings, when the formation of the Lodge was planned and decided upon, commencing with a Meeting at the Rose and Crown Inn, Huddersfield, on Friday, the 11th November, 1815, followed by others on the 19th, 22nd, 26th and 29th November, and on the 3rd and 4th December preceding the Lodge opening. Excellent though those Records are of the preparatory Meetings, the Opening Meeting, and the subsequent Meetings, the Minutes are silent in regard to the CONSECRATION of the Lodge. A search at Provincial Grand Lodge has failed to reveal details of the Consecration: according to the MS. Prov. G. L. Minutes, P.G.L. did not hold any meeting between 21st May, 1845, and 3rd May, 1847. Subsequent Minutes of Prov. G. Lodge of a Meeting of Prov. G. Lodge, held "in the Lodge Room of the Lodge of Truth, No. 763 in the new Hall, Huddersfield, on Wednesday, the 21st day of July, by adjournment from Wednesday, the 7th day of July, 1852" state (inter alia) that there were Brethren present from many Lodges (Lodge numbers quoted), including Brethren of No. 763. At the end of the proceedings, it is stated that, "The Lodge of Truth No. 763, was then consecrated and dedicated in the usual Ancient and imposing Form and Ceremony."

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The Author interprets this as a reference to the DEDICATION of The Lodge premises of 1852 (and not the Consecration of The Lodge); an extension or New Room at The Rose and Crown Inn was dedicated on that day, the 21st July, 1852. (See Chapter II.) A more specific reference to the Consecration is contained in an inscription in the front of The Volume of The Sacred Law still in use by the Lodge; the following is a copy of the inscription : "Presented to The Lodge of Truth No. 763, Huddersfield, on its Consecration, December 1845 by Bro. J. Brook, P.M., Prov.G.D.C." Bro. Joseph Brook was a Past Master of The Lodge of Harmony, then No. 342: he was present at several of the preparatory meetings: he moved or seconded many of the resolutions: he was one of the Committee appointed to prepare a code of By-Laws: he was one of those chosen to apply for the Warrant: he was one of the Founders whose names appear on the Warrant. One of the many entries in the records of the preparatory Meeting on the 14th November, 1845, reads as follows :--- "The following Brethren kindly intimated their wish and intention to present to the Lodge the property opposite their respective names Bro. Brook The necessary Books, including Bible, Cash & Minute Books, Contribution Book &c. Also to print the Bye-Laws Bro. Jacques An essential number of Aprons. Bros. Kilner & Thewlis The necessary Jewels. Bro. Turner ... The Mallets. and other Brethren, donations of money."

The first Minute Book has a label inside :- BROOK, BOOKSELLER & STATIONER, HUDDERSFIELD.

From the foregoing it is assumed that the Bible, now in use, bearing the inscription quoted above, is the Bible promised by W. Bro. Joseph Brook on the 14th November, 1845. The Provincial Records show that W. Bro. Joseph Brook, of The Lodge of Harmony, No. 342, held the Office of Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies in 1845 and in 1846; as the inscription in the Presentation Bible quotes Bro. J. Brook as Prov.G.D.C., it certainly suggests that THE CON- SECRATION of The Lodge was in 1815. It will he observed that the preparatory Meetings were held at the Rose and Crown Inn, and, when formed, The Lodge held its Meetings at the White Hart Inn. The Rose and Crown Inn at that time was situate at the lower end of Kirkgate, and was an important posting and commercial house. It was eventually pulled down as part of a scheme for street improvements: incidentally, part of the site on which the Hotel stood is now occupied by the Palace Theatre. The White Hart Inn, where The Lodge of Truth held its Regular Meetings for the first 4-5 years of its existence, was in Cloth Hall Street, and the Meeting Room would be the same room as used by The Huddersfield Lodge, then No. 365--a large but rather low

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room, with a long table down the centre: the Brethren sat round the table, with the various symbols of the Lodge set out on the table. At the time of the formation in 1845 the two Masonic Lodges in the town were The Huddersfield Lodge (then No. 365), formed in 1793, and meeting at The White Hart Inn, and The Lodge of Harmony (then No. 312), which had been formed in Halifax in 1789, and moved to Huddersfield in 1837, and holding its Meetings at that time in a room in South Parade. So it is quite natural to find in the entries recorded of those preparatory Meetings that the formation of The Lodge of Truth was planned by enthusiastic Brethren of those two Lodges. At the preparatory Meetings some 14 Brethren attended, all of whom were from either The Lodge of Harmony or The Huddersfield Lodge. The Warrant was applied for by 10 of them, 5 from each Lodge. The following were the Founders :-

1 William Kilner (No. 342) First W.M. 5th Decem- ber, 18-15. 2 William Shaw (No. 365) (W.M. of No. 365 in 1813). 3 Thomas Robert Tatham (No. 342) Became W.M.4th

December, 18-16, and again in December, 1849.

4 Joseph Brook (No. 342) 5 Thomas Kenworthv Rowbotham (No. 342) 6 Titus Thewlis (No. 365) (W.M. of No. 365 in 1845.) 7 J. Booth (No. 365) 8 T. Firth (No. 365) 9 Samuel Shaw (No. 365) (W.M. of No. 365 in 1841.) 10 B. D. Eldridge (No. 342) 11 Abraham Turner (No. 365) 12 R. Jacques (No. 365) (W.M. of No. 365 in 1846.) 13 C. Smith (No. 365) (W.M. of No. 365 in 1849.) Suspended 3rd July, 1846. Afterwards made __ retribution and withdrew from the Lodge. 14 Moses Sharp (No. 365)

A photograph of the first page of the Minutes of the Opening Meeting on 5th December, 1845, is included herein, which shows the names of the Brethren who attended, including most, but not all, of the Founders, and 21 visiting Brethren.

The business conducted, as extracted from the Minutes, was as

follows:— (1) "Brother Rowbotham read the Dispensation for opening the Lodge."

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First Page of The Lodge Minutes, 5th December, 1845.

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(2) "The Lodge was then opened according to the Custom of the Craft in the first degree." (3) "Brother William Kilner, a past Senior Warden of the Lodge of Harmony then duly installed, and suitably acknowledged as the Master of the Lodge." (4) "The Worshipful Master was then pleased to appoint the following

Officers who were duly installed :- Bro. William Shaw, Senior Warden. Bro. T. R. Tatham, Junior Warden.

Bro. Jacques, Secretary. Bro. T. Thewlis was invested as Treasurer and Brother Rowbotham as Past Master." (5) "The whole of the Minutes of the proceedings of the promoters of the Lodge were then read, approved and adopted by the Lodge." (6) "Brother Benj. Taylor and Brother Peace be admitted Honorary Members of the Lodge.” (7) Propositions followed of Names of seven Joining Members and two gentlemen as Candidates for admission. (8) "The Lodge was then closed in Order and Harmony." The Worshipful Brother who presided at the Opening, and who was elected as an Honorary Member, W. Bro. Ben Taylor, was a Past Master of Huddersfield Lodge, No. 365, and also a prominent member of The Lodge of Harmony, No. 342. He himself became Worshipful Master of The Lodge of Truth, No. 763, three years later in 1849. He was not without a certain amount of experience in that connection, having been W.M. of Huddersfield Lodge, No, 365, on no less than six occasions, 1820, 1821, 1823, 1825, 1829 and 1830. It will be observed that : The First W.M., Bro. William Kilner, was from The Lodge of Harmony, No. 342. The First S.W., Bro. William Shaw, was from Huddersfield Lodge, No. 365. The First J.W., Bro. Thomas Robert Tatham, was from The Lodge of Harmony, No. 3 12. Bro. William Shaw, First S.W., did not succeed to the Chair: Bro. Thomas Robert Tatham, First J.W., was Master in the second year of the Lodge's existence, and occupied the Chair again later in 1850. There are Portraits adorning the walls of the Lodge Room of

Bro. Ben Taylor, who presided at the Opening: Bro. William Kilner, the First W.M.: Bro. William Shaw, the First S.W.

It would appear that another of the Founders from The Lodge of Harmony, No. 3 12, Bro. Thomas Kenworthy Rowbotham, took a very prominent part in the preliminary proceedings. He presided at the inaugural Meeting at The Rose and Crown: he read the Dispensation at the opening Meeting at The White Hart Inn: he apparently was satisfied to work for the scheme without himself going through the Chair of the new Lodge, as he was invested as the first Past Master; the early records include a Resolution of thanks to him for his exertions in promoting the establishment of The Lodge of Truth.

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The records reveal that of the Founders only Bros. William Kilner and Thomas Robert Tatham succeeded to the Chair, and Bro. Ben Taylor, who presided at the opening meeting. The Worshipful Master in the third year, 1848, was Bro. Julius Schlesinger, who was one of the seven initiates of the inaugural year, and Senior Warden in the year following. The second regular Meeting in January, 1846, saw more interest and support from The Lodge of Harmony, when seven of their members were admitted as Joining Members. At that Meeting a Code of By-Laws which had been prepared by a Committee of 8, 4 from The Lodge of Harmony and 4 from Huddersfield Lodge, were read, approved and adopted, and the Lodge set forth on its illustrious career; happily did they meet, as the Minutes for Ist July, 1846, say that a Festival of St. John was held as an Emergency Lodge, and as there was no business to transact, the Lodge was closed in order and harmony, and the Brethren "then sat down to a sumptuous Banquet, which did ample justice to Bro. Sharp's hospitality; and the evening was spent in a joyous ebullition of masonic feeling.” The Bro. Sharp referred to in that abstract would be Bro. Moses Sharp, one of the Founders, who was also the Landlord of the White Hart Inn. In 1846 the Brethren of the Lodge joined with the Brethren of the other Lodges in the Town to take part in the ceremony at the laying of the foundation stone of Huddersfield Station. After the influx of Joining Members in 1846, there was a falling-off in numbers during the next three or four years, the membership falling from thirty-three at the end of 1846 to twelve at the end of 1850: in fact, on two occasions in 1847-48 the Lodge was not opened because of "the paucity of members present." During this rather lean period the Lodge was often assisted by Visiting Brethren from The Lodge of Harmony and The Huddersfield Lodge. One such Brother was Bro. John Sykes, of Huddersfield Lodge, who joined in April of the inaugural year, 1846, and shortly afterwards took over the duties of Secretary. He was installed as Master in December, 1851, and was the Worshipful Master for that remarkable year 1852, to which a separate Chapter is devoted, the year which saw a great revival of enthusiasm and a big in flux of members. Another frequent and helpful visitor was Bro. William Smith, of Huddersfield Lodge, who often acted as Secretary, or one of the Deacons or other Offices. He was a great stalwart and his usefulness was by no means restricted to these early years, but continued in later years, and references to him and the appreciation shown of his many services will be found in later pages of this history. The close collaboration between the three Lodges, Harmony, Huddersfield and Truth, is shown particularly in these early years not only in the ordinary work and Meetings of the Lodge but also in special features. As early as February, 1847, it was proposed that the Lodge of Truth should confer with the other two Lodges in the Town to draw up a circular calling for the assistance of the Lodges in the Province

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in forming a general committee to determine what candidates for The Royal Masonic Benevolent Annuity Fund were most worthy of their support.

And on the 4th May, 1849, there was a most interesting pro- position touching on the combined or united work of these three Lodges. It was a proposition to the effect that The Lodge of Truth approved of the arrangements made by the Worshipful Masters of the three Lodges in Huddersfield respecting a proposed Lodge of Instruction and recommended the formation of a Committee to prepare a code of By-Laws. This became known as "The Union Lodge of Instruction" and is more fully explained in Chapter VIII.

There then occurred the first removal of Meeting Place, and from one or two items in the records inferences can he drawn which would possibly supply the reason for the removal. The Meeting Place previously was The White Hart Inn, and the Landlord was Bro. Moses Sharp, a Member of The Huddersfield Lodge, who was one of the original 14 who met to plan the formation of The Lodge of Truth. The records reveal that he was "struck off" the list of Members in 18-19 (just before the removal), and the Minutes in 1830 (Gust after the removal) contain notes of interviews and correspondence about a disagreement over the amount demanded by Pa). Sharp for the use of the rooms, and his threat to sue the Brethren of The Lodge of Truth. An Emergency Meeting was held on 15th March, 1850, to recommend removal to The George Hotel: this was sanctioned by the Province, and April, 1830, finds the Brethren of the three Huddersfield Lodges again uniting to mark a special occasion. On the Sth April, 1850, there were 4 Visitors from The Lodge of Harmony, No. 312, and 1 Visitors from Huddersfield Lodge, No. 365, who joined the 9 Members present of The Lodge of Truth, in a Meeting held at the Masonic Hall, South Parade. An account of this Meeting appeared in the Huddersfield Chronicle newspaper (on 13th April, 1850), which reported it as a gathering of the Craft embracing the three Lodges in this Town, to celebrate the removal of The Lodge of Truth from The White Hart Inn to The George Hotel. The Minutes which recorded 1 present, 9 Members and 8 Visitors, say that the Brethren retired to The George Hotel, where a substantial supper was provided in celebration of the removal of the Lodge, but the account in the Chronicle states that some FORTY Brethren partook of the supper. It also states that the Company enjoyed themselves until a moderate hour and separated in perfect harmony.

The Minutes also speak of thanks to The Lodge of Harmony for the use of their rooms. This is not an isolated occasion, but it is interesting to make special comment about it when the attention of the reader is drawn to the fact that, some 79 years later (in 1929), we find The Lodge of Harmony leaving their premises in South Parade and becoming tenants of the premises owned by the Trustees of The Lodge of Truth.

Thus in 1850 the Lodge Meetings were at The George Hotel, and although it was for but a brief spell—a matter of twelve months only—it was not without its items worthy of special comment. There was a little incident, which caused quite a lot of cor- respondence and consideration by the Province and by Grand Lodge, which happened at the August Lodge Meeting in 1850. When the Lodge opened there were 9 Brethren present, 3 from The Lodge of

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Truth, 4 from Huddersfield Lodge (including the dependable Brother William Smith) and 2 Fellowcrafts. The Lodge was opened in the Ist degree, and the 2 Fellowcrafts, after receiving the password, etc., etc., retired to be prepared, together with the Deacon, leaving 6 in the room. Another Brother retired leaving 5, and the Worshipful Master opened to the 3rd degree with 5 present. Another Visitor from Huddersfield Lodge arriving late entered, but on discovering only 5 present said it was illegal, and refused to stay. He re-entered with the 2 who had retired previously, making 8 in all (apart from the candidates) and, to avoid any chance of illegality, the Master re-opened in the 3rd degree with 8 present. The matter was submitted to the Province for an opinion, on the hypothesis, which was quoted in the submission, that "3 Rule a Lodge, 5 Hold a Lodge, and 7 or more make it perfect." The following is an extract from the reply of the Deputy Provincial Grand Master :-

"T have taken the opportunity to consult Masonic Savants concerning the subject of your inquiry, and find the old Masons maintain that in case of emergency three would be right in the third, but no doubt five. However to assure myself on the point, I transmitted your communication to Bro. Farnfield."

Bro. Farnfield in his reply, from the Free Masons Hall, London, stated

"I have no hesitation in saying that if I had been placed in the situation of Bro. Tatham, I certainly should have opened the Lodge in the 3rd Degree and proceeded with the work."

Bro. Farnfield added that he was "much pleased to hear of Brethren desirous of adhering to the Laws and Customs of the Craft."

This commendable desire to act and abide by the ancient and establi shed usages and customs, and to observe the regulations, caused another "little scene" within three months. At the November, 1850, Meeting an Entered Apprentice attended to be Passed, but the ever-reliable William Smith and William Kilner pointed out that notice of that intention had not appeared in the summons, and so it would be contrary to the Laws laid down in the Book of Constitutions. They went further and said it might subject the Lodge to erasure, and they would not be parties to it, and if the Worshipful Master persisted in the work, they would "take up their hats and go." (There is no mention of overcoats, so it must have been better November weather in 1850 than we have for the November Lodge these days.) The Worshipful Master took the wise course, and the Entered Apprentice waited another month, and was duly Passed on the Installation Night, but the Minutes say that the retiring Worshipful Master delivered an address to the Brethren, in which he gave a retrospect of the proceedings of the Lodge for the year, and also "animadverted" on the conduct of some of its members in impeding him in the discharge of his duties. At the following Meeting there were only 6 present (including 1 Visitor), and although this was more than 5, no risks were taken, as the Minutes say

"In consequence of the paucity of members the Lodge was not opened.” Then arose a difficulty once more about happy and suitable accommodation.

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In September, 1850, it was not possible to hold the monthly Meeting because the room was occupied, and again in March, 1851, the Lodge room was engaged and the Meeting could not be held, so a private Meeting was convened and took place at The Rose & Crown to consider the provision of another meeting place. First, the Brethren asked Bro. Wigney, the Landlord of The George Hotel, if he would accommodate the Lodge at the new George Hotel to which he was about to remove, which Bro. Wigney regretted he was not able to do; then it was decided to move to the Rose & Crown Hotel, where the first regular Meeting took place on 4th April, 1851. It so happened that the Secretary of the Lodge was Bro. Geo. Reid, who was also the Landlord of The Rose & Crown Hotel, and the following copy Dispensation is reproduced here to show the happy solution of that little problem :-

"Copy of Dispensation." To The Worshipful Master, Officers & Bretheren of the Lodge of Truth No. 763. I Charles Lee, Deputy Provincial Grand Master, acting under the Patent and Authority of the Right Honorable The Earl of Mexborough, Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master of West Yorkshire, Send Greeting. And whereas by Memorial presented to me bearing the signature of John Johnson, W.M. "dated April 16th 1851" it 1s notified unto me that the Bretheren of the aforesaid Lodge, being anxious to retain the services of their excellent Secretary, who 1s the Master of the Tavern to which the said Lodge has been recently removed have solicited me in accordance with the Constitutions to grant them dispensation. Now Know ye by virtue of the power delegated unto me, I do hereby grant Licence and dispensation authorizing George Reid Junior, the worthy Brother of the said Lodge to continue in the office of Secretary of the said Lodge as heretofore, and may he gain the good will of the Bretheren of the said Lodge and become a shining Light in Grven at Leeds, under my hand & seal this nineteenth day of April A.D. 1851. A.L. 5851, Charles Lee D.P.G.M. of West Yorkshire.

This was the penultimate period before moving to the present premises. Although the Lodge only met at The Rose & Crown for some 4 years, it was a period of outstanding interest in the annals of the Lodge, a period of wonderful enthusiasm, of growth and development; unique and interesting events are crowded into this comparatively short chapter of the life of the Lodge. When the Lodge moved to the Rose & Crown there were only 19 Members, but in less than 5 years the numbers had grown to 89. There were as many as 33 Initiations in one 'ear. Special Dispensations were frequent to sanction unusual happenings. A new hall (or extension) at The Rose & Crown was built and dedicated, a Lodge Banner was presented, a brother was initiated who ultimately became Provincial Grand Master, and later The Grand Master, and the initiation of another Brother, although under 21 years of age, was sanctioned and carried through; and during the period of tenancy there the planning and building of the new premises was decided upon; so we cannot help but conclude that this was almost an exciting era. At the Installation in 1851 there was quite a large attendance (for those days)-15 Members and 20 Visitors, including W. Bro. Bentley Shaw of The Lodge of Harmony, who became Deputy Provincial Grand Master. Bro. John Sykes became the Worshipful Master for what proved to be an historic year, and after the Installation the Brethren retired to the room under the Lodge room to supper and spent the evening in a convivial and masonic manner.

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CHAPTER II.

THE YEAR 1852 — A REMARKABLE YEAR.

Rose & Crown Inn — Presentation of Chairs — Holmfirth Flood — Amazing Amou nt of Business per Month — Lodge Banner presented — Initiation of Minor — New Room at Rose & Crown — 33 Candidates — Address to W.M.

ASEPARATE CHAPTER is needed to recount the facts and incidents of

this outstandingly busy year. The new Master started off with an Emergency Lodge within 11 days and transacted the following business :

Ballot to rectify a former irregularity. A Passing, and Two Initiations.

This took from 7 p.m. to 10-15 p.m., followed by an hour of harmony in the Commercial Room.

There was a big attendance again at the February Lodge, when the Lodge managed the following business in one evening :-

A Raising. 2 Passings. Production of New Lodge Seal. 3 Presentations of Chairs (WM) (SW) (JW). Propositions for 9 new Members.

The Minutes of the Presentations are well worth a perusal, and are reproduced here.

Extract from Minutes, 6th February, 1852. The W. Master, who had been instigated to the act, by his zealous and generous Senior Warden (Br. Robinson), then presented the Lodge with an Elegant and Splendid Masonic Chair, for the W.M. of the time being of the "Lodge of Truth," in which act he had been generously joined by the following Brethren, Br. John Sykes 4:2, W.M. Br. George Reid 10/-, Br. Geo. Thos. Wright 10/- Br. Walter

Bradley 10/-, Br. Richd. Dransfield 10/-, Br. M. Kemp 5/-, Br. Henry Baines 5/-.

Br. Thos. Robinson, The Senior Warden, then very modestly expressed his great pleasure in presenting the "Lodge of Truth,” with a Similar Chair for the Senior Warden feeling alike proud of all the other Furniture of the Lodge.

Br. Past Master Johnson, then in a similar and kind manner presented the Lodge with the 3rd Superb Chair for the J. Warden assuring the Brethren of his equal interest in everything which tended to the welfare of the "Lodge of Truth."

And here is the reproduction of the copy of a most interesting letter from the Deputy Provincial Grand Master :—

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Leeds, 13th Feb., 1852.

John Sykes, Esq. W.M. Worshipful Sir and Brother,

I duly recd. your favour with the impression of your intended Lodge Seal, and I commend yr. attention to the Constitutions, approve of the Design of your seal, and give you credit for your good taste as the Designer of it.

I am rejoiced to hear of the progress which the Lodge of Truth is making and I trust it will go on increasing in strength, and maintaining its respectability, until it becomes a great and flourishing Lodge, but be mindful not to multiply for the sake of the multiple, for already we have too many, who are only Masons in name.

I am right glad to find that you have been attentive to your Instructions, have gained great Masonic Knowledge, and have proved yourself worthy to take yr. Degree in the Craft, and it gives me great pleasure to learn that your Brethren rally round their Master, and have proved their Masonic Zeal for the Craft by the Spirited presentation to the Lodge, of the three Splendid Chairs, to which you refer.—This is well —this is good—this is cheering to dwell on, and I beg of you to accept of my hearty congratulations, and request you will present them to your Brethren. I was pleased to observe among the noble minded Contributors to their unfortunate Fellow Creatures, who have suffered by the appalling Catastrophe at HOLMFIRTH, "the W.M. for the LODGE of TRUTH," this is as it ought to Le and speaks something like practical Masonry and my heart was gladdened to see the honor of the Fraternity thus exhibited in a truly Righteous cause: and may you have the reward which good Works are sure to bring to the doer of them, and with fraternal regards.

Iam, Worshipful and Dear Sir, Yours very truly,

CHARLES LEE.

The Local Brethren will be particularly interested to read the reference to the Holmfirth Flood Catastrophe, which was so forcibly brought back to our minds anew last year (1944) when yet another flood disaster occurred in the same locality, following a cloudburst: and once again the Freemasons contributed towards the Holmfirth Relief Fund: the writer of this history, acting in his capacity as Secretary of the Huddersfield and District Installed Masters' Association, had to record details of the discussion and reference to the Deputy Provincial Grand Master for sanction for the local Lodges to help, and once again—like his predecessor of nearly 100 years ago-- the Deputy Provincial Grand Master gave his blessing to the course proposed. The Lodge Meeting of Friday, 5th March, 1852, was the kind of Meeting which a writer of Lodge History likes to discover, because it contained so many special features, including the letter from the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, quoted above.

The Minutes started by saying

"The Lodge was opened in ample Form at 4 p.m. having been called by Summons so early owing to great pressure of business." The Brethren continued their work for six hours until 10 p.m.. and adjourned until 6-30 p.m. on the Monday, the 8th March, 1852; and following that they held an Emergency Lodge, on the 18th March, to carry through a remaining Initiation. Other correspondence at this Meeting included letters from Grand Lodge and Provincial Grand Lodge regarding Certificates, and the checking up of names for the Returns.

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The next Minute stated "The Worshipful Master produced two very neat and proper Receipt Books printed and ruled purposely for the "Lodge of Truth" for the "Royal Benevolent Annuity Fund"—kindly presented by Bro. P. M. Josh. Brook." (Bro. Brook was a local stationer.) Then there were NINE ballots, 8 elected and 1 rejected. Next came a Passing, followed by a Raising, and then back to the First Degree for an Initiation. At that stage the Lodge adjourned for 20 minutes "that the Brethren might take refreshment." On resuming, 4 candidates were Initiated. Next, a donation of £5 5s. was voted to the Holmfirth Fund, and another resolution passed, viz: "That the sum of ten shillings be given to Bro. Antamhaet Zuky—a refugee." To wind up the evening's work the Lodge recorded 7 more Propositions for new candidates for Initiation. Business continued at the same brisk pace; April was a repetition of March. The Lodge of April 2nd, 1852, met at 3-30 p.m. After 4 hours’ work the Lodge went from "Labour to Refreshment" for a break of 20 minutes, and continued its labours until 9-45 p.m., when business was adjourned until the following Monday, to dispose of the unfinished items. At this Lodge also there were interesting letters. It had apparently been arranged to hold a Banquet on the 14th April "when his Lordship purposes being present." (Presumably this referred to the Right Honorable The Earl of Mexborough, Provincial Grand Master.) Members of the Lodge made special petition or application for two nominated candidates, a Mr. Henry Brook and a Mr. Charles Eastwood, the special reason being their strong desire to attend the Banquet on the 14th April. Approval was given; Mr. Brook was elected and initiated at that Meeting; and Mr. Eastwood was elected, but his initiation was carried forward and completed at the adjournment on the Monday. Then the Lodge proceeded to carry out, before the 7-15 adjournment for refreshment, business which in these days would take 5 or 6 months to complete, viz :- 1 Ballot (rejected), 5 separate Ballots followed by 5 Initiations, 4 Ballots (elected)—Initiations later,

and, after the adjournment for refreshment, a Passing, and other Lodge business. Each succeeding month seemed to vie with its predecessor. The month of May was certainly a "merry" one; it contains items which really must be mentioned. An even earlier start was made for the 7th May, 1852, Meeting, which opened at 2-30 p.m. owing to great weight of business; there was a short interval for refreshments, and again an adjournment at 10 p.m. until the following Monday. There seemed to be no attempt at turning out this "mass production" by "multiple ceremonies"; each part of the work was separately dealt with, and the Lodge moved "up" and "down" and "down" and "up" to suit the particular item of business, as the following précis will show :—

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The business commenced with a special letter, this time to nominate a Mr. John Kirk for a quick initiation, the reason being a strong desire on his part to be present at the forthcoming opening and dedication of a new Lodge Room (in July), he being at the same time both Architect and Builder. Up to the 2° and 3°, when 4 Fellowcrafts were separately raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason. Closed in 3° and 2° for Test Questions from 1° to 2°.

Opened in 2° for 3 separate Passings.

Four Raisings and three Passings (all separate) was not "bad going,” and no doubt the Brethren would welcome the short break when called from Labour to Refreshment. Back to labour again, for another Passing.

Back to the 1° for more Test Questions and up to the 2° for three more Passings.

Closed in the 2°. Then Mr. John Kirk was balloted for, unanimously elected and regularly Initiated. Another initiation followed.

The next item, because of its outstanding importance, is reproduced verbatim :- "The Worshipful Master in a very judicious and admirable speech presented the Lodge of Truth with a magnificent BANNER, on behalf of Bro. P. M. SCHLESINGER. Bro. P. M. Johnson proposed and Bro. P. M. Tatham seconded "That a vote of thanks be given to Bro. P. M. Schlesinger for his very munificent gift to The Lodge of Truth of a Banner so exquisitely beautiful.” (This is referred to further and in more detail in Chapter VIII.)

This was followed by another presentation, viz : a copy of the By-Laws beautifully bound in masonic binding as a companion to the Book of Constitutions. To finish off, up to the adjournment at 10 p.m., there were 3 propositions, 2 for Initiation and 1 for Joining. The writer's pen can hardly travel fast enough to put on record the special items of this month, for the adjourned Meeting on the Monday refused to be dull or ordinary. The Treasurer, Worshipful Master, Past Masters and Committee were "empowered to lend the sum of One Hundred Pounds on full and sufficient security to Bro. G. Reid at no less Interest than five per cent. per annum." (As Bro. Geo. Reid was the Landlord of the Rose & Crown it was probably to help towards the expense of the new room planned to be added.) The Lodge was opened to the 2°, "and the 2° Tracing Board was beautifully illustrated by the Worshipful Master." Finally, in the 1°, the Committee were authorised to purchase some Tracing Boards. There was yet another Meeting in this remarkable month of May—an Emergency Lodge on the 26th May, 1852, with over 30 Brethren present; and well there might be, because there was a

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unique happening, namely, the Initiation (by Dispensation and Licence) of a young gentleman not of the full age of 21 years (viz: 20 years and eight months). Before the year 1852 was out, 5 of the Initiates of 1852 had emigrated to Australia; this young gentleman and his brother were two of them. They were Mr. Tom Learoyd (elder brother) and Mr. Joe Learoyd (younger brother), Manufacturers of Huddersfield, and sons of a Mason; special application was made, because they intended leaving England in the course of the next month. Here is the copy of the Dispensation, as recorded in the Minute Book :-

May 21st 1852. Copy of Dispensation. To the Worshipful Master, Officers and Brethren of the Lodge of Truth No. 763. I, Charles Lee, Deputy Provincial Grand Master, acting under the Patent and Authority of the Right Honorable the Earl of Mexborough, Right Worshipful Grand Master of West Yorkshire, Send Greeting, and Whereas it hath been Certified unto me by Memorial dated the nineteenth day of this present Month of May bearing the Signature of John Sykes Worshipful Master of the Lodge of Truth No. 763 That Joe Learoyd is solicitous to become a Member of the Antient and Honorable Fraternity of Freemasonry but that the said Joe Learoyd is now of the Age of Twenty Years and Eight Months, is the son of a Freemason and is the Brother of a Freemason and is about to take his departure for Australia in the course of a few weeks and the said Worshipful Brother Sykes therefore prays that a dispensation may be granted on behalf of the said Joe Learoyd, to authorize his Initiation into the Mystic Art, notwithstanding that he hath not yet attained the full Age of Twentyone Years as required by the Constitutions of the Craft, therefore "Know Ye by Virtue of the power delegated to me, I do Hereby grant such License and Dispensation so prayed and do hereby render the Initiation of the said Joe Learoyd right and Legal, and may he prove himself a Worthy Brother Mason and in after days become a Shining Light in Masonry and Shed Lustre on his Mother Lodge. Given at Leeds this twenty first day of May A.D. 1852.

A.L. 5852. CHARLES LEE, D.P.G.M.

June followed, with its fair share of the quota of Ceremonies and other business, including an Initiation, three Passings (two of them in "multiple ceremony") and seven separate Raisings, all in one evening; the reception of two more Joining Members, and the presentation of a long and beautiful letter, written in the most felicitous terms and well chosen language, addressed to Bro. Schlesinger, who had presented the Lodge with its Banner, expressing the respectful, affectionate and grateful feelings towards him as a Past Master and Pioneer of the Lodge. (This letter is reproduced in full in Chapter VIII dealing with The Lodge Banner.) At the same Meeting presentations were made of Jewels for the Steward and for the Organist. Comments on that Meeting should not be left without recording here an interesting point that one of the Joining Members, Bro. Howell, was a member not only of The Lodge of Harmony, No. 312 (Huddersfield), but also of The Lodge of Harmony, No. 317 (Richmond). The month of July, 1852, saw the new Lodge Room at the Rose & Crown ready for occupation. Bro. John Kirk, the Architect and Builder, for whom special permission was given for a quick

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Initiation, managed it just in time. He was Initiated in May, Passed in June, and Raised on the 2nd July (except for the explanation of the Tracing Board). Three days later, on the 5th July, "the Lodge assembled for the first time in the new Hall." It must have been an appropriate and proud moment for Bro. Kirk, as the first business was the completion of his 3rd Ceremony, by receiving the address on the explanation and history of the 3° Tracing Board; the concluding Minute shows how the Members made "friends" with the new Hall, but kept the "old":-- "The Lodge was closed in Peace and Harmony at 8- 45 p.m., when the Brethren retired into the old Lodge Room, partook of an excellent supper, afterwards returned to the new Hall, when the Brethren appeared to enjoy the Harmony and conviviality of the evening." There now appear in the Minute Book two entries, which are reproduced below, concerning the DEDICATION of the new Hall, namely :--

"Lodge of Truth 763. Wednesday, 7th July, 1852.

The Lodge met in due Form in obedience to the P.G. Circular opened in the three degrees, after which The P.L. entered in due Form, the Officers taking their respective places the D.P.G.M. declared the P.L. adjourned to Wednesday, the 21st instant at 10-30 a.m. The P.L. retired and the Officers of this Lodge closed the same in the three degrees—in peace.

"Lodge of Truth 763. Wednesday, July 21, 1852. The Officers and Brethren of this Lodge met at 10-30 opened the Lodge in the three degrees. The P.G. Lodge entered in due Form, took their respective positions Transacted the Provincial Business, Dedicated the New Hall in pure Masonic Form, and then retired. The Officers of this Lodge returned to their Places and closed the Lodge in the third and in the second degrees, The W.M. then declared the Lodge adjourned to a future evening for further Business the Bretheren met accordingly and closed the Lodge finally."

Reference to the occasion of the visit by Provincial Grand Lodge on the 21st July, 1852, is made in the Opening Chapter, but it will be observed that the above Minute from the Lodge of Truth records uses only the word "DEDICATION" and makes no mention of "CONSECRATION." There is no record of the Provincial Banquet, but subsequent Minutes reveal a purchase of music for the musical Brethren to the amount of 30/- and payment of their dinner tickets at the Provincial Banquet; also a note of thanks for "the loan of a statuette of King Solomon for the occasion of the Provincial Banquet." Ceremonies of all Degrees continued at a brisk pace. Apparently the big influx of Members brought with it problems for dispensing instruction, for in October we read that "A very animated discussion arose amongst the Brethren respecting the appointment of a night weekly for the purpose of instruction.” Monday evening was set apart, and a Committee "formed to prepare Rules for the guidance and government of such Instruction Meeting."

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This momentous year was drawing to its close and the question of handling the fees and subscriptions of so many new Members must have been worrying the minds of some of the Brethren, for the Minutes of the Election Night record that Bro. Thewlis was elected Treasurer by acclamation. This was the final Lodge night for Bro. John Sykes, the Worshipful Master, who had had such a busy year. How many Worshipful Masters can say "During my year, I had 33 Initiations, 29 Passings and 23 Raisings, and 3 Joining Members" ? It is not surprising, therefore, to find the following Address recorded in the Minute

Book : - To Brother John Sykes Worshipful Master of the Lodge of Truth No. 763 for the Year of our Lord 1852. Worshipful Master, Impressed with the fact that your presidency over us in this Lodge is about to cease, allow us who have had the honor of being initiated into Freemasonry by you to offer this our humble address expressive of our gratitude for your kindness our appreciation of your Talents and of the energy displayed in promoting our instruction and the good of the Lodge generally. We feel convinced, Worshipful Sir, that to your energy ability and firmness in discharging the responsible and important duties which have devolved upon you is to be mainly ascribed the increase and increasing prosperity of the Lodge of Truth more particularly when compared with the period when you were so auspiciously elected its Master. We are wishful to make our appreciation of your valuable services and for this purpose beg your acceptance of this PAST MASTER'S JEWEL which we sincerely hope you will long be spared to wear in this our Lodge. Trusting you will still continue to guide us by your Counsel and stimulate us by your example. We again offer you our deepest sense of respect and esteem.

Walter Bradley Wm. Joseph William Lister Cross Marsh Thomas Fred Holroyd Kenyon Benj. Brown Thos. A. Bottomley Dan Sykes

Hervey Brook Charles Eastwood John Oakes Edwin Sykes John 'Kirk Robert Hallas

Robert Wilman Joe Wood Thomas Kitson Potter Joseph Green Eltoft Joseph Walker Joseph Sykes James

Radcliffe Robert The following are the names of Skilbeck William G. the Brethren who have been Dyson initiated by you and have since Joe Webb Tempest gone to Australia Alfred Palmer Richd. Dransfield J. F. Holmes Joe Dransfield Richd. Hy. Robinson Tom Learoyd Ahm. Hopkinson Joe Learoyd

Cc. J. Johnson

This Address, "signed by 33 Brethren, was presented to the Worshipful Master and audibly read by Bro. Marsh, at the same time presenting the Worshipful Master with a very chaste Past Master's Jewel for his valuable services for the past year." It is quite likely that W. Bro. W. Smith of The Huddersfield Lodge, to whom references have been made previously, attended frequently and assisted the Lodge at the Ceremonies, and as Prompter and Instructor, for one of the last acts of Bro. Sykes as Worshipful Master, or, perhaps more correctly, one of his first duties as I.P.M., was to present to "Bro. P.M. W. Smith of The Huddersfield Lodge, No. 365, with a beautiful portrait of himself by Bro. Young for the many valuable services he has rendered to The Lodge of Truth."

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CHAPTER III.

THE YEARS 1853 and 1854.

Soirée in Masonic Clothing — Lord Goderich's Proposal and Ceremonies — Infidel Lecture -- Proposals for new Building and Removal.

THE YEAR 1853, though not quite as "productive" as the previous year of new Members, did well by comparison by Initiating 20 new Members, Passing 1 S, and Raising 22, a total of 60 Ceremonies : it had also its extra-special items. Early in the year more evidence is seen of the close collaboration of the three Lodges in the Town, first, in a Vote of Thanks recorded to Bro. Lister, the Worshipful Master of The Lodge of Harmony, for the very efficient manner he had conducted the Business of the Chair at a Truth Lodge night in February; secondly, in the same month, the Worshipful Masters, Officers and Brethren, collectively and individually, of the Huddersfield Lodge and The Lodge of Truth, applied for a Dispensation, to hold a Ball or Soirée for Masons only, to appear in Masonic Clothing, and that the proceeds, after paying the necessary expenses, should go to the Building Fund of the Orphans Boys’ School. This was very readily agreed to by the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, as will be seen from the copy Dispensation below :-- CHARLES LEE, Deputy Provincial Grand Master, acting under the patent and authority of the Right Honble. the Earl of Mexborough, Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master of West Yorkshire, SEND GREETING to the Worshipful Masters, Officers and Brethren collectively and individually of the Huddersfield Lodge, No. 365 and the Lodge Truth, No. 763 conjointly, AND WHEREAS it hath been notified unto me by a memorial dated the 19th of this present month of February, and bearing the signatures respectively of Alfred Smith, W.M., of the Huddersfield Lodge, No. 365, and Bro. Jno. Sykes, P.M., (pro W.M. in his absence by his command) of the Truth Lodge, No. 763, that the Brethren of the said Lodges acting together in Brotherly Communion and with unity of purpose are minded to have a Masonic Soiree, confined to Freemasons and the Ladies, on Wednesday, the 9th of March next, in the Freemason's Hall, in Kirkgate, Huddersfield and have resolved that the proceeds of such Soirée shall be devoted to the "Fund for Building a School for the Orphan Boys of Freemasons. NOW KNOW YE that I am well pleased to behold Brethren acting together in unity; I am glad to observe the Brethren paying to the Ladies the attention so justly due to them, and I rejoice that the proceeds accruing are to be devoted to Charity and that a most noble and Masonic Charity, and I do hereby grant License and Dispensation unto the said Brethren of the said Lodges, and to all other Masonic Brethren of other Lodges who may think fit to attend the said Masonic Soiree to be and appear in Masonic Clothing and Costume on the occasion, at the time, and in the Hall, severally before-named, and I exhort the Brethren to show how beautiful is TRUE Masonry, for from it springs nothing but that which is good, kind, amicable, courteous, generous, benevolent, and let the Ladies receive from the Brethren those polite attentions which become all men, and well become the Free and Accepted Masons, and let Peace and Harmony reign through- out your ranks. Given at Leeds this 21st day of Febry. A.L. 5853, A.D. 1853. CHARLES LEE, D.P.G.M.

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A Minute in May states "That the sum of 2/6 he paid towards the expense of dispensation granted for the late Soiree," so it looks as if Huddersfield Lodge and The Lodge of Truth organised this on a strictly "50-50" basis. This was the commencement of a series of functions of this nature, often repeated in later years, resulting in substantial sums of money being raised for the benefit of Masonic Charities. On this occasion, only the Huddersfield Lodge, and not The Lodge of Harmony, joined with The Lodge of Truth; and although The Lodge of Harmony did, on occasions about that time, participate in such activities, it was then—and has continued throughout its history to be—the exception rather than the rule. A few months later, in April, 1853, there is recorded vet another very interesting letter in the Minute Book, which is thought worthy of reproduction :— April 28th 1853. To Thos. Robinson Esaqr. Worshipful! Sir and Brother, We the undersigned being Members of the Lodge of Truth No. 763 held at the Freemasons Hall, Kirkgate, Huddersfield, hereby nominate George Frederick Samuel Robinson commonly called VISCOUNT GODERICH, Member of Parliament, residing at No. 5 Whitehall Yard, London, aged 25 years, as a Candidate for Freemasonry, and we affectionately request that you will cause his Lordship's name to be inserted in the next summons for the regular Lodge Meeting of Friday the sixth of May, and issued seven days previous to such meeting as in accordance with Constitutions Page 85 Section 2. The reason why this Emergency is urged is that his Lordship cannot leave his Parliamentary duties for a longer Period than during his next visit to Huddersfield, about that time, and having long contemplated joining our honorable fraternity, his Lordship has

evinced a strong desire to become a Member of the Lodge of Truth, as expressed in a

letter from his Lordship to Br. Sykes, P.M. dated London April 27th 1853. We are Worshipl. Sir and Brother,

Yours very faithfully and fraternally,

G. T. Wright, S.W. John Sykes, P.M. ent, Thos. Tatham, P.M. Wm. Cross Marsh, J. \V.

. . Walter Bradley, S.D. Titus Thewlis, P.P.G.S.B. and P.M. Tae poe’ Michal’ Kemps Pal We William Hewitt Shepherd, Secy.

Thomas Abbey Bottomley, M.C.

Lord Goderich (afterwards more familiarly known to the Brethren as The Marquis of Ripon) was duly balloted for and unanimously elected on the 6th May, 1853. Lord Goderich was Member of Parliament for Huddersfield at that time, and quite young--only 25 years of age. The honour of Initiating this distinguished gentleman at an Emergency Lodge on the 17th May, 1853, fell to the lot of W. Bro. J. T. V. Hardy, who was a Past Master of Fortitude and Old Cumberland Lodge, No. 12, before coming to the Lodge of Harmony in 1852, and who became a Joining Member of The Lodge of Truth only three months before, in February, 1853. W. Bro. Hardy was the Head of the Huddersfield College, a man of literary attainment, and apparently well- skilled in the noble order, because his name often occurs in the Minutes, especially during 1853-1857, giving explanations of all three Tracing Boards and other Masonic work. As a matter of fact, he figured again at the Passing of Lord Goderich on 12th October, 1853, and

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"gave a full and beautiful illustration of the Second Tracing Board."

The Minutes do not reveal who took part in His Lordship's Raising Ceremony on 25th November, 1853, but it is most interesting to observe that when Lord Goderich reached the Chair, which he did in a very short time, viz., on Ist June, 1855, it was once more W. Bro. J. T. V. Hardy who had the honour of Installing him as Master of The Lodge. There is nothing to show why this Installation Ceremony was deferred from December, 1854, to June, 1855: perhaps Lord Goderich was away on Parliamentary duty: although the new Master was not Installed in December, 1854, all the other Officers were in fact then appointed and invested. It is important to note this, because they were also charged to work as a Committee, to make all the necessary arrangements for the laying of the Corner Stone of the new Masonic Hall in Fitzwilliam Street on the day of the Festival of St. John, and to arrange for a dinner to be held to celebrate both events.

Thus it will be seen that Lord Goderich became actively interested in the Lodge at a most important point in its history. Although the Foundation Stone was laid in the period between his election as Master and his Installation, the actual removal from The Rose & Crown Hotel to the new Hall in Fitzwilliam Street took place (on Sth October, 1855) during his year of Mastership.

Before proceeding to that new Chapter in the Lodge's history, the decision to move, as recorded in the Minutes, should be noted. There is no precise reason given for this removal, but inferences can be drawn from a perusal of some of the Minutes.

7th October, 1853. "The Worshipful Master with great pleasure informed the Brethren that, in conjunction with Past Masters Sykes and Johnson and others they had had an interview with Bro. Reid, on the subject of his having let his room for an improper purpose at the close of which Bro. Reid consented that such arrangement should be set aside."

It was also moved and seconded "That the best thanks of the Lodge are due and are hereby presented to those Brethren who so promptly came forward to prevent the room being desecrated by Infidel Lectures." Carried unanimously."

It is pleasing to note the unanimous decision of the Brethren at this attempted desecration of their Temple, and it apparently caused the Brethren seriously to think of moving. The Brethren of The Lodge of Harmony were apparently in full sympathy, and offered the Lodge of Truth shelter and accommodation, for it was moved and seconded and also carried unanimously

"that a vote of this Lodge be given to the Worshipful Master and Brethren of the Lodge of Harmony for kindly promising us the use of their room in case of emergency." 25th November, 1853. "That the Worshipful Master do call a Lodge of Emergency for the purpose agreeable to Constitution Clause I Page 94 of deciding the question of removing the Lodge, and to take the sense of the Brethren with respect to the new Hall offered to the Lodge on lease at a moderate rental and for our exclusive use. "

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That looks as if the Landlord of the Rose & Crown had repented of his error in attempting to let the room for an improper purpose, and, being desirous of retaining The Lodge of Truth as Tenants, was offering them new terms for exclusive use. 2nd December, 1853.

A Sub-Committee of seven was appointed to enquire into all the circumstances, and report on the 9th December. This report was apparently presented, probably verbally, for the Minutes say :- 9th December, 1853.

"The Brethren indulged in a very lengthened discussion on the subject of removing the Lodge, the general opinion being that the proposition for removal be not withdrawn until an agreement be drawn up, submitted to the Lodge, and if found satisfactory the same to be signed, sealed and delivered." 6th January, 1854.

"That the agreement to be drawn up by Bro. P.M. Robinson shall not be submitted to the Lodge later than the next Lodge Meeting, February 3rd." But there was no record of its production at the next Lodge Meeting. Perhaps the Brethren had their troubles temporarily diverted, for just at that time another Soirée was held, this time by all three Lodges, including The Lodge of Harmony. The Brethren were also collecting for an Organ Fund, which resulted in an organ being purchased. It seems that the meetings at the Rose & Crown continued the even tenor of their ways for a few months at any rate, but, whether it was on the old terms or on new terms, there is nothing to say. In August, however, this resolution appeared :-- 6th August, 1854.

"That the Surplus and Benevolent Fund of The Lodge be invested in the hands of Trustees for the purpose of building a new Masonic Hall." Unanimously. So the determination to move was still there, and there is a suggestion that the Brethren believed that "where there's a will there's a way." 4th September, 1854. "That the acting Master and the Remaining P.Ms. of this Lodge form the Trustees for the building of the new Masonic Hall."

The acting Master was W. Bro. G. T. Wright, who was officiating in the absence of Lord Goderich. 6th October, 1854.

"That the Worshipful Master, Bro. P.M. Robinson and Bro, P.M. Thewlis be the three whose names shall be inscribed upon the Lease for the new Hall." Unanimous.

(This is taken to refer to the Lease of the ground for the New Hall in Fitzwilliam Street). "That the decision of laying of the First Stone of the new Hall be left to the whole Lodge." Obviously plans were now well ahead. 37

Page 37

After so many unanimous resolutions on these important questions it is somewhat surprising to find some slight difference of opinion. 3rd November, 1854. "Proposed that the other two Lodges in the Town be invited to attend and assist us in laying the foundation stone of the new Masonic Hall, the Brethren to appear in plain clothing." "Amendment -That the Worshipful Master apply for a dis- pensation from the Provincial Grand Master to lay the foundation stone of new Hall in masonic costume and that the Provincial Grand Master be invited to attend and lay the foundation stone." The amendment was carried, there being four dissentients, and a Building Committee was appointed to make all the necessary arrangements. By Installation Night, 4th December, 1851, it was decided that the Corner Stone be laid on the day of the Festival of St. John. The recorded report of that Committee, as appearing in the Minutes, is reproduced at the beginning of the next Chapter of this History. After the Ceremony, the Brethren adjourned to their Lodge room at the Rose & Crown, and celebrated the Festival of St. John. A period of ten months elapsed between the laying of the Stone and the occupation of the premises for the first Meeting in the new Hall. The necessary legal notice to quit the Rose & Crown was decided upon at the Lodge Meeting held 5th January, 1855. It was during this period, viz., on 14th May, 1855, that W. Bro. W. Smith, P.M. of the Huddersfield Lodge, to whom references have been made earlier in this History, was made an Honorary Member of The Lodge. In July, 1855, the Landlord of the Rose & Crown (Bro. Reid) had a grievance. A letter was read from him "complaining that the money which he advanced to prevent Mr. Holyoak from delivering an Infidel Lecture in his room had only been partially advanced to him, when it was proposed that the question be adjourned 6 months." Unanimous." Before the expiration of that six period The Lodge had left the Rose & Crown, but there was a Resolution in August that "the difference if any be adjusted between Bro. Reid and ourselves." The Brethren were a little apprehensive of damage to their property; it was unanimously decided to move the organ away from the Rose & Crown at once to a room kindly offered by one of the Brethren. The Worshipful Master, Bro. Lord Goderich, was away in Scotland at the time of the removal of The Lodge to Fitzwilliam Street, but the Deputy Provincial Grand Master "allowed a dispensation of his presence when the motion for removal is made," and the Worshipful Master sent a cheque towards the Building of the new Hall; and on Friday, the 5th October, 1855, the Lodge held its first Regular Lodge Meeting in the new Premises.

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Hi Mi Lj

nn i

i}

fi Hii i

Hall, Fitzwilliam Street.

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CHAPTER IV.

FREEMASONS' HALL, FITZWILLIAM STREET, 1855 onwards.

Plans — Foundation Stone — First Meeting — Supper Room as Lodge Room — Resident Tylers — Lodge of Harmony accommodated — Gift of Snuff Box — Leases — Trust Deeds — Trustees — Tenant Lodges and Side Degrees — Annexe and

Communicating Door Alterations.

APERUSAL of the foregoing pages of this History will have revealed what an eventful period of 10-11 years it had been for. The Lodge, before settling down in The Freemasons' Hall at Fitzwilliam Street, where The Lodge has now continued its career for 90 years. Towards the end of the previous Chapter reference was made to the Report of the Officers of the Lodge, who formed the Committee, to carry out the arrangements for the laying .of the Foundation Stone. A copy of that Report, as contained in the Minutes of The Lodge Meeting of 5th January, 1855, is reproduced here :-- "That the newly elected officers of the Lodge beg to report that they did in accordance with a minute of the last regular lodge night make arrangements to carry out the ceremony of laying the corner stone of the New Freemasons Hall in Fitz- william Street and they take this opportunity of congratulating the Brethren on the numerous attendance at the Ceremony, and the able manner in which the stone was placed in its position by our respected Brother P.M. Wright. A Lead Case containing the Times and our two Local papers the Huddersfield Chronicle and the Huddersfield and Holmfirth Examiner, was deposited in a cavity in the stone and a copper plate was affixed to the stone with the following inscription engraved thereon. By the blessing of the great Architect of the Universe, in the 17th year of the reign of our beloved Sovereign Queen Victoria the corner stone of this Freemasons Hall for the Lodge of Truth No. 763, was laid by Bro. G. T. Wright, P.M. on Wed- nesday December 27th 1854 and in the year of Masonry 5854 in the presence of a Number of Past Masters, Officers and Brethren of the above Lodge. Brother W. H. Brooke, Architect. » J. Kirk, Contractor. » J. Radcliffe, Superintendent of Works. The foundation stone was apparently well and truly laid. The Committee had done their work well. We imagine that the familiar words would ring in their minds, with a wish of the heart going with them— that from "the foundation laid may a superstructure be raised honourable to the builders." At the Ceremony W. Bro. G. T. Wright, P.M., was presented by the Brethren with a handsome silver trowel bearing the following inscription :-- "Presented to Brother G. T. Wright, P.M., by Brethren of The Lodge of Truth, No. 763, on the occasion of his laving the Corner Stone of The Freemasons Hall, Huddersfield, as a mark of their esteem and an acknowledgment of valuable services rendered by him to the Craft. December 27th, 1854."

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Three of the Brethren were appointed conjointly as Treasurers to open a Banking Account at The West Riding Union Bank, to apply the Funds of the Lodge towards defraying the Expenses of the Lodge and the erection of the New Hall, any deficiency to be provided by them, they holding the Building as Security. A Committee of six Brethren was formed in May, 1855, to solicit subscriptions towards furnishing the new Lodge Room. There followed a notice of intention to propose that "the Brethren of The Lodge of Truth shall not receive their Copper nightly as at present, but that the same shall go towards the Funds of the Lodge." This motion "respecting the allowance of Tins" was withdrawn as "a better scheme was now going round." It is obvious that there was accommodation for a resident caretaker from the inception, as a Committee was appointed in July, 1855 "to recommend a good and proper party to live in New Masonic Hall.” That Committee met on the 18th July, 1855, "at the shop of Bro. P. M. Smith" (our Honorary Member and stalwart from The Huddersfield Lodge), and it was he who made the proposition, which was carried unanimously, that "Bro. J. Lee of the Huddersfield Lodge is a fit and proper person to recommend to The Lodge of Truth, No. 763, to reside in the new premises and to act as Tyler for that Lodge." His appointment was duly confirmed "on the usual terms, viz., Rent free, Coals, Gas, Water and Rates free." The Minutes of 3rd April, 1857, show the first application for a tenancy, when the Knight Templars, who had moved from Halifax to Huddersfield, were accepted at a Rent of £1 per annum. Meetings continued for the regular recurring work of the Lodge. In November, 1860, the Minutes will be found to contain an announcement of the "satisfactory settlement of the long vexed lease question." It will be of interest to learn that the idea of a cupboard with drawers (for aprons) was mooted in 1861, when one was ordered "to be erected in the Chamber Lobby, for holding the masonic clothing of such of our Brethren as wish to purchase a drawer." Apparently The Lodge of Harmony had similar ideas, as some of the apron drawers now in the lobby came from South Parade when The Lodge of Harmony moved here in 1929. It was about this time, 1861-1862, that The Lodge of Harmony were having some alterations carried out at South Parade, and on 4th April, 1862, the use of the Fitzwilliam Street rooms was offered to The Lodge of Harmony; and it gives the writer of this History much pleasure to include herein the following letter from his Mother Lodge :-

Huddersfield, 2nd May, 1862. W. Sir and Bro., On behalf of the Members of the Lodge of Harmony and myself allow me to remind you to thank the Brethren of the Lodge of Truth, at your meeting this evening, for their kindness and consideration in offering to us the use of their Hall and Premises in Fitzwilliam St. during the alterations in South Parade, and I wish to assure the Brethren through you that we esteem their favor all the more since it has come spontaneously.

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From present appearances I believe we shall soon have to avail ourselves of your offer and I trust that the cordiality existing amongst the Huddersfield Lodges may long continue to flourish and bear such goodly fruit. I am, W. Sir and Bro., Yours v. fraternally, GEO. W. RHODES, W.M. 342.

According to the Minutes of The Lodge of Harmony in July, 1862, they moved to Fitzwilliam Street and held Meetings there for a period of four months. The following is an extract from the History of The Lodge of Harmony, by W. Bro. A. J. H. Fletcher, which is written up in their Minute Book (in 1889—after 100 years) but of which there is no printed copy :--- "This is one of those instances of the interchange of fraternal courtesies which show how real is the indissoluble chain of sincere affection which binds all masons together." And on 5th December, 1862, the then Worshipful Master of The Lodge of Harmony with several of his Brethren attended here and presented to The Lodge of Truth "an elegant and beautiful silver snuff box, with an explanatory inscription engraved thereon, expressive of the comfort and pleasure they had experienced in using our Hall during the time theirs had been undergoing alterations and repairs." That snuff box is still here, and was handled recently by the writer to copy the inscription, which reads thus :-- "Presented to the Lodge of Truth, No. 763, by the Lodge of Harmony, No. 3-12, in acknowledgment of the hospitable accommodation afforded to them during the alterations to their Lodge Buildings, South Parade, Huddersfield. 1862." Then in 1865 the other member of this tripartite friendship, The Huddersfield Lodge, started enquiring about rooms at Fitzwilliam Street either as Joint Owners or as Tenants, but apparently these discussions did not reach an advanced stage, and no development ensued. From time to time throughout the Minutes it is stated that various Brethren acted as Trustees, and from 1864 to 1866 there were serious attempts made to draw up a proper Trust Deed. The Committee appointed in 1864 had not acted very quickly, and in January, 1866, steps were taken to obtain from a Bro. Batley, of Philanthropic Lodge, Leeds, a copy of the Trust Deed which he had prepared for that Lodge, which evidently was intended to be used as a pattern for other Lodges. Some discussion ensued at the next Meeting as to the number of Trustees, whether it should be 15, to be made up again to 15 when it falls to 6, or whether it should be 11 and when reduced to 5, 6 more be appointed: and the latter idea was decided upon in February, 1866, and instructions given for a Deed to be prepared. The first 11 Trustees were :-

D. 1893. Bro. T. S. Higgins, W.M. -- W.M. in 1866. D. 1892. Thos. Robinson, P.M. W.M. in 1833. D. 1886. » John Kirk, P.M. W.M. in 1858. D. 1886. » I W.G. Dyson, P.M. W.M. in 1859. D. 1870. » samuel Hardy, P.M. W.M. in 1861. S-O 1885. » J. W. Tempest, P.M. W.M. in 1862,

4,

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D. 1907. Allen Jackson, P.M. —W.M. in 1863. D. 1891. John Burgess, S.W. —became W.M. in 1867. D. 1899. George Marshall, J.W. --became W.M. in 1870. D. 1881. Joseph Hirst, --became W.M. in 1873. R. 1867. Charles Hare, --resigned in 1867. D. Died. R. Resigned. 5-0 Struck off.

and on the 4th January, 1867, the Trust Deed and the Lease of the Lodge were deposited with The West Riding Union Banking Company. It is interesting to note that Bro. Joe Lee (of Huddersfield Lodge), who was the original Tyler at Fitzwilliam Street appointed in 1855, was still doing yeoman service in 1866, and was being appre- ciated, as he was voted a gratuity of 2 in June, 1866, together with an increase in Salary from £8 to £10 p.a. But soon afterwards, in December, 1866, he tendered his resignation. A special meeting of the Trustees and a Committee of the Lodge considered the question of finding a suitable successor, and Bro. Henry Shaw was duly elected. Care had been taken, however, to pass an amendment of the By-Laws before making this decision, deleting the words "that the Tyler shall not be a Member of the Lodge," as Bro. Henry Shaw had been a Member since 1853. He held the office as Hallkeeper until October Ist, 1880. He was an ardent mason, and was also W.M. of The Prince Frederick Lodge, No. 307 (Loyal Halifax Lodge), in 1881, and as a matter of fact, he became W.M. of The Lodge of Truth in December, 1881; a special Dispensation had to he obtained to install him as W.M. of this Lodge when he was W.M. of another Lodge. Returning to the correct chronological course, in 1866 it became necessary to legislate for some "early" closing hours, which suggests that the Brethren were lingering somewhat after the Lodge Meetings. A. new By-Law was introduced on 2nd November, 1866, that "No refreshments shall be served after half past 11 o'clock and the Brethren shall disperse and the Lodge premises be closed not later than 12 o'clock." but this was not to apply to the occasion of Balls or Festivals. Towards the end of 1868 the Hallkeeper Brother, Bro. Henry Shaw, had illness in his family. The exact nature thereof is not stated, but it was such as to make it inconvenient for the Brethren to meet, and vet once again we find both The Lodge of Harmony and The Huddersfield Lodge coming to the assistance of their friends. The Lodge of Harmony placed their premises at the service of The Lodge of Truth, and The Huddersfield Lodge dispensed with their Instruction Meeting, resolutions of thanks to both Lodges for their kindness being recorded on 6th November, 1868, From the commencement of the occupation of the Fitzwilliam Street premises, it is understood that the Lodge Meetings were held in what is now known as the Supper Room; in 1868 discussions com- menced regarding a project to erect a Building or Extension on the vacant ground behind, but little progress was made for a year or two: the Minutes of August, 1872, refer to "animated discussion thereon," but by March, 1873, plans and specifications had been prepared and submitted, and Sub-Building-Committee appointed, who received powers to accept tenders for building a new Hall, amounting to £1,174; they were also empowered to borrow £1,200 from "some

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Equitable Building Society in the town." In July of the same year, 1873, the original lease, which was for 60 years, was converted to a 999 years lease from 25th March, 1873, at an Annual Ground Rent of £11 6s. Building operations proceeded according to plan, and the New Hall was opened on the last Friday in January, 1871, with "a masonic assembly." The next Minute of interest, affecting the Premises, was in March, 1874, when it was decided to advertise the cellar under the Masonic Hall to let, and the advertisement was to appear in the three Huddersfield Weekly Papers, so apparently the local Press Publications were different then from now. In 1876 there is reference in the Minutes to a nice gesture, when a unanimous and cordial vote of thanks was given to a Mr. Franklin, together with a cheque as a token of esteem and appreciation of his artistic talents in the monuments to his genius of the various artistic designs introduced by him into the new Lodge Room. In 1878 The Lodge of Truth offered the use of its premises to the newly- formed Albert Edward Lodge, at a Rental of £30 per annum, and at the same time the Rentals of other Tenants were revised

Mark Lodge, £6 p.a. Rose Croix, £5 p.a. Knight Templars, £5 p.a.

but these three were soon altered, in 1879, to £1 a Meeting, and there were many subsequent alterations and amendments in the Rents.

It would appear that, until 1881, there was a Standing Order that the Lodge Room should not he used for other than masonic purposes; after various propositions, amendments and suggestions at the Lodge Meeting on Ist April, 1881, a resolution was passed, by a small majority, that the Standing Order for exclusive use be rescinded, and that it be left to the Lodge Committee to decide any lettings.

In 1882 a fresh body of 11 Trustees was appointed. It is not clear why this happened. If the reader will turn to Page 42 he will find 11 Trustees appointed in 1866, with power to appoint 6 more when the number fell to 5. A perusal of that list will show that in 1882 seven of the 11 were still living: perhaps some were not attending: at any rate, not one of the first 11 is included in the second 11 appointed on 2nd June, 1882, who were :-

Joseph Varley, P.M. W.M. in 1874 Died 1913. J. W. Turner, P.M. W.M. in 1885 Honorary Member 1894, H. W. Wrigley, P.M. query P.M. of some other Lodge. J. Graham, W.M. W.M. in 1882 Resigned 1891. W. H. Jessop, S.W. W.M. in 1883 and 1894 Died 1921. J. E. Cooper, J.W. — struck off 1895. W.E. Jowett, S.D. W.M. in 1886 Died 1913. J. B. Matthewman, W.M. in 1884 Struck off 1900. J. Dews, Resigned 1893. Ed. Dyson, Died 1892. John Varley, Died 1890.

J. Littlewood, Resigned 1888.

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The Bro. H. W. Wrigley, as above, described as a Past Master, had not been through the Chair of The Lodge of Truth, At the Installation in 1881 he was appointed Purveyor, but he was called to appear before a Special Committee on Purveyor's Business in July, 1882, which makes his appointment as a Trustee the previous month a little surprising. His accounts were in an unsatisfactory state, and he was ordered to send in his key and his cash, and a Balance Sheet. There is a sequence of Minutes. Bro. Wrigley said he had nothing to see the Committee about, and if they desired to see him they must go to his place. A further order was made, with a threat to report him to be excluded. His account was eventually forthcoming, as it received a position of importance, having a page to itself at the end of the Minute Book, together with his resignation from Office.

It is doubtful whether the foregoing body of Trustees really functioned, or, if so, for long, as fresh Trustees were appointed in 1883, comprising 3 names from the first eleven, viz.: John Kirk, P.M. W.M. in 1858—Died in 1886. Allen Jackson, P.M. W.M. in 1863—Died in 1907. George Marshall, P.M. W.M. in 1870—Died in 1899.

and 6 from the second eleven, viz.:—

J. W. Turner, P.M. W.M. in 1885 J. Graham, P.M. W.M. in 1882— Resigned 1891. W. H. Jessop, P.M. W.M. in 1883 and 1894— Died 1921. W.E. Jowett, S.W. W.M. in 1886— Died 1913. J. B. Matthewman, J.W. W.M. in 1881— Struck off 1900. John Varley, IG. Died 1890. with the addition of : Henry Shaw, P.M. W.M. in 1881 Died 1911. James A. Woolven, initiated 1879 Died 1941.

The above body of Trustees managed the affairs until 1895, in which year all questions of Deeds, Titles, Trusts, Mortgages etc., etc., were overhauled, examined, and put on to an improved footing, thanks to the efforts of some of the Officers and Past Masters, and mainly to the legal ability of Bro. John Lewis Sykes, who had been initiated into the Lodge in 1890. In 1890, the then Mortgage period expired: in 1891 arrangements were made for a fresh mortgage of £1,600 at 4% through Laycock, Dyson and Laycock, and some further Trustees were suggested: they were not, however, formally appointed, and during 1895 the new arrangement took shape. It was decided in the August to pay off the existing mortgage, raise a new one, re-assign the Lodge Premises to surviving and new Trustees, and start a "Lodge Liquidation of Mortgage Account." Meetings of the Surviving Trustees (from the 1883 list) and Proposed New Trustees took place, who approved the new Draft Deed and a Loan from The Halifax Building Society of £1,500 at 34%2%; all this was duly confirmed at an Emergency Lodge held on 30th December, 1895, at which Meeting a special vote of thanks was passed to Bro. J. Lewis Sykes for his work in connection with these arrangements.

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The following who were members of the 1883 List of Trustees retired

Allen Jackson Geo. Marshall Henry Shaw J. B. Matthewman J. W. Turner and Josh. Graham.

Three members of the 1883 list continued as Trustees, viz.:—

W.Bros W. H. Jessop, W.E. Jowett,

Bro. J. A. Woolven, together with 15 additional or new members :— W. Bros. Jimmy Firth, P.M. Abram Graham, P.M. John Dawson P.M. George Jackson P.M. Samuel Crossley P.M. John Guest Thompson P.M. Bro. John Freeman Dyson WM Bros. John Davis John Pyrah

John Lewis Sykes John Frederick Cooke John Holrovd Torn Brook Tunnacliffe William Henry Jones Fred Marsland

The "Lodge Liquidation of Mortgage Account" was by no means dormant, as periodically one finds references in the Minutes of reductions taking place, e.g., in 1897 the Minutes give a List of Subscribers, sums of £2 2s., £1 1s., 10/6, etc., amounting in all on that occasion to £35 5s., "paid to the Bank." In 1899 the Minutes include as a special feature, Accounts, Subscription Lists and other details, showing Collections of £143 15s. towards a Fund promoted to defray the cost of The Banner (renovations), new Piano, installation of Electric Light (£65 10s.) and Share of Expenses for Provincial Grand Lodge at the Town Hall. By 31st January, 1902, the Mortgage of £1,500 had been reduced to £1,200, and during that year also alterations and renovations were carried out, which pleased the Brethren, for a spirit of rejoicing and thankfulness pervaded the Minutes in October, 1902, on the occasion of the re-opening after the alterations, and allusions were made to "the possession of such a beautiful building." A further alteration, which will surely interest the present-day reader, took place in 1906, sanctioned by the Minutes on 3rd August, 1906, "That part of the wall behind the W.M.'s chair be removed, and substituted by sliding doors, in order that the Billiard Room may be opened into the Lodge Room." Apparently what is now known as "the Annexe" was at one time the billard room,

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In 1906 there was an alteration of another kind, but not the first of its kind: the time had arrived for "renewals." On 7th September, 1906, it was decided to prepare a Supplemental Trust Deed, because the number of Trustees had been considerably depleted, and the following names were added : Bros. C. F. Arnold J. W. Mallinson J. Mosley F. E. Beckwith J. Russell T. Bean F. Milan T. McCulloch plus the Master and 2 Wardens for the time being. And on the 4th February, 1907, W. Bro. John Lewis Sykes, who had generously prepared the Supplemental Deed, was presented by the Brethren with a Past Master's Jewel in recognition of this and other past services rendered to the Trust. By the end of 1906 the Mortgage had been reduced to £950.

The roofing of the Corridor was carried out in 1907.

The telephone was installed into the premises in 1908, and the Lead Light Windows were given in 1908. In March, 1912, the Lodge decided that, in addition to the Trustees in the Deed of 11th December, 1906, all Members of the Lodge Committee for the time being be admitted to all Meetings of the Trustees, and be invested with the same power, other than the power of assignment or dealing with the legal estate of the Premises. From 1906 onwards, the Mortgage on the Premises was being steadily reduced, and in 1919 the goal was achieved, and at the Lodge on 6th June, 1919, "grateful thanks were expressed to the Chairman and Secretary of the Trustees for bringing about the extinction of the debt on the building," so that after 64 years from 1855 the building became literally the "Free-masons Hall,"- "free to good fellowship" and "free from mortgage." In the year 1925 the Trustees carried out some decorations and renovations of the Premises, the Lodge contributing £150 towards this from the Lodge Funds on 6th February, 1925, and later a much larger scheme of alterations and improvements, costing over £1,000 in 1928-1929; this was about the time The Lodge of Harmony came to these Premises as a Tenant Lodge, in addition to The Connaught and Concord Lodges. There were various removals and changes in the Town at this time (see page 71) and The Lodge of Harmony held its first Meeting, after removal here, on 6th February, 1930. In the years 1934-1935 the Trustees carefully overhauled their position in regard to Rents, Upkeep, etc., of the Premises, and arranged conferences with the Tenant Lodges to put the Rental Agreements on to a revised footing, and, at the same time, The Lodge of Truth raised the Subscription for its Members to £3 3s. per annum, to meet the increased Rent due from their Lodge as a Tenant to the Trustees as Landlords. Once again, in 1937, it became necessary to supplement the List of Trustees, because of the many deaths in their ranks in recent

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years. Of the previous list only W. Bro. T. Bean and Bro. J. A. Woolven were living or still resident in Huddersfield, and the following were appointed by Resolution dated 14th June, 1937 :— John William Shaw, James Wilkinson, Sidney Hampshire, Thomas Boardman Bolton. Thomas Gladstone Westmoreland, Percy Ainley, James Naylor, George Graham, Arthur Hudson, James Hollingworth, Lewis Schofield. But even this List did not obtain for long owing to further deaths and removals, and in 19.43 the following names were added :- Joe Stanley Ward, James Frederick Collard Cole, Norman Sykes, John Sugden, Charles Arthur Waddington, Fred Suthill, Percy Clarke Hayes, Geoffrey Gledhill, Arthur Thornton Green, David Eli Dyson. It is to be hoped that many years will elapse before it becomes again necessary to augment the List. Reference is made in other parts of this History to the use of the Premises during the recent World War by The Beaumont Lodge, No. 2035, as Temporary Tenants, while their premises at Kirkburton have been in use by the Military Authorities. The close of this Chapter of our History--in 1945— brings us also to the termination of the tenancy of the tenancy agreements of the Tenant Lodges, and, as we go to print, the Trustees and the Tenant Lodges are on the point of fixing up renewal terms for another 10 year period, which, it is earnestly hoped, will be a happy and successful one for all concerned.

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CHAPTER V.

THE YEARS 1855 to 1894.

Fitzwilliam Street — Craft Meetings in R.A. Clothing -- Installation of Earl of Ripon as Prov. G. M. -- Re-numbering of Lodge -- Inauguration of Children's Party — P.G.L. Meeting under Banner of No. 521 - Visit of Duke of Albany — 4.0th Anniversary — Visit of R. Won Bro. T. W. Tew — Centenary of Lodge of Harmony — Inauguration of Presentation of Bibles.

THE MINUTES of the o one Meeting at the new premises in Fitzwilliam Street on Friday, the 5th October, 1855, are clear and concise, and include :

(a) anote of thanks to W. Bro. Lord Goderich for his donation;

(b) a resolution to hold an Instruction Meeting every Tuesday, and again W. Bro. W. Smith appears--this time to he the Instructor; (c) that copies of the present and revised By-Laws be sent to every Member. Some of the Brethren were of the opinion that the proposed Revised By- Laws did not present those distinctive features of improvement as to warrant a deviation from the present By-Laws; as to the ultimate outcome of this, the attention of the reader is drawn to Chapter IX, dealing separately with a resume of the By-Laws. It is perhaps interesting to record that the first Worshipful Master to be Installed in the new Temple was Bro. W. C. Marsh, who had two Installing Masters to do his Ceremony, none other than two of the faithful friends from the Harmony and Huddersfield Lodges, W. Bro. Hardy, who had installed Bro. Lord Goderich, and the other the ever dependable W. Bro. W. Smith. At this Meeting a brother was proposed as a Joining Member from The Lodge of Harmony, No. 267, Liverpool, which makes THREE different Lodges of Harmony to supply Members to The Lodge of Truth :— No. 3-12 Huddersfield. No. 371 Richmond. No. 267 Liverpool. In January of 1856 The Lodge held its first Dance or Soirée, by Dispensation, in the new Premises. Then once again, on the 29th May, 1856, we find the three Lodges in the Town engaged in a joint effort, this time a Procession in Masonic Clothing and Costume for the Peace Celebrations after the Crimean War. (See Chapter XII.) The central meeting place to discuss the arrangements on this occasion was The Lodge of Harmony premises in South Parade.

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There was a very interesting happening in 1859, revealed by the records in the Minutes of Meeting, 7th October, 1859, The Provincial Grand Lodge had met at South Parade on Wednesday, 5th October, 1859, and the tale has been told and re-told in the Town that at that Craft Meeting a number of Royal Arch Masons entered the Meeting clothed in the Regalia of that Order. Some of the local Brethren felt doubtful about the legality or propriety of this, and W. Bro. W. C. Marsh of this Lodge took a bold step with the express purpose of drawing attention to this, and of trying to force a decision on the point, although he himself was of the opinion that it was incorrect. He attended the Lodge of Truth on Friday, 7th October, 1859 and demanded admission, in his Royal Arch Regalia. The Worshipful Master refused him admission, and advised Bro. Marsh to divest himself of Royal Arch Clothing and seek re-admission in Craft Clothing, which he did; and he asked the Secretary to make a Minute of his application and the refusal.

The sequel is not on record, so the Brethren of these days, well versed in Constitutional Law and Regulations, can debate the point, and say what they would have advised under the circumstances.

In 1861 the Brethren, in reply to a request for a decision, were informed that, because of the Craft being in mourning for The Earl of Mexborough, the dress for the Annual Ball would be plain dress, and that masonic clothing would not be worn.

The death of the Earl of Mexborough, who had been Provincial Grand Master of the Province of. Yorkshire (West Riding), led to the succession to that high office of The Earl de Grey and Ripon, who, as Lord Goderich, had been Initiated into and had been Master of The Lodge of Truth; strenuous efforts were made for the Provincial Meeting for his Installation to be held in Huddersfield. A specially- appointed Committee worked hard to secure to Huddersfield this honour, and Bro. William Cocking, P.M. of The Lodge of Harmony, was also thanked "for the untiring zeal he manifested in furthering the object."

In fact, the three Huddersfield Lodges must have combined once more, because the Lodge of Truth passed an account for £2 11s. being "one- third of the expenses in contending for the Installation being held at Huddersfield."

But it was not to be. The Leeds Committee sent representatives to The Lodge of Truth to say that Leeds possessed superior accommodation, and if Huddersfield would withdraw its claim, they would allow His Lordship to be installed in Leeds under the Banner of The Lodge of Truth, the Officers of the Lodge to open and close the Lodge; this was in fact carried out, but this salve was not sufficient to heal the wounds of the feelings of the Brethren of The Lodge of Truth. It might have been, but for a regrettable oversight on somebody's part in failing to allocate Banquet Tickets to the Members of The Lodge of Truth, which resulted in a letter of apology being sent by The Earl de Grey and Ripon, following upon remarks he himself made at the Ceremony, that he had learnt with the greatest regret that there had been a misunderstanding with reference to Banquet Tickets; he said that it was a source of great disappointment to him, not to meet the Brethren of his Mother Lodge at the Banquet, and he asked the Brethren not to permit it to produce any want of harmony and union, so that the matter could be speedily forgotten.

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That Ceremony of Installation was carried out in The Victoria Hall, Leeds, and though the Brethren went banquet-less, it did not stop them from remembering their own Tyler, to whom they paid 10/- for his extra services on that day.

In September, 1861, a presentation was made to W. Bro. Thomas Robinson, Prov.G.R., in commemoration of his many services (which included much legal work) to the Lodge, of a Portrait of himself and a Jewel an insignia of his Provincial Office. The presentation was made by W. Bro. T. R. Tatham, and if any of the Brethren would like to read a really fine and appropriate speech, they should ask the Secretary to let them read the Minutes of 6th September, 1861.

Then there is a most interesting Minute in July, 1862, when it was suggested that the Members by private subscription purchase a photographic album in which every Brother would be entitled to insert his "carte de visite" to remain the property of the Lodge as a matter of interest to posterity. Such an album has unfortunately NOT been produced along with the Minute Books and other records for the purpose of this History.

Readers well versed in the History of England will have learnt that King Edward VII—a prominent Mason and a great lover of the Craft married, when Prince of Wales, in the year 1863. The Brethren of the Lodge were desirous of showing some little mark of this auspicious occasion, which they did by passing this Resolution on 6th March, 1863 "That the Lodge be illuminated on the occasion of the marriage of H.R.H. The Prince of Wales."

It was in this year, 1863, also that the Grand Lodge of England re- numbered the Lodges, and although there is no specific mention of it in the Minutes themselves, the Minute Book is not exactly "silent" on the matter, because the heading of the entries on 4th September, 1863, reads thus "LODGE OF TRUTH 521 LATE 763."

In 1865 one of the several musical Brethren, who from time to time have been Members, Bro. Joe Wood, arranged a "Grand Masonic Concert" in the Lodge Room, the proceeds of which were to go towards the purchase of a Piano for the use of the Lodge. This project was successful, and the Piano was presented on the Ist February, 1867. What seemed to be a rather interesting innovation was referred to in the Minutes of January, 1866, when support was given to a special application from The Harrogate and Claro Lodge, No. 1001, in connection with the Provincial Grand Lodge to be held there, to be followed by a Banquet in the grounds to which Ladies would be admitted:, during the Banquet an instrumental concert was to be held, followed by a Vocal Concert in the Rooms. The Lodge seemed to be getting along quite happily at this stage when, suddenly, in 1 867, there arose some disputes about the raising of the Subscription from 2/6 to 3/6 a month "until the debt upon the Lodge be cleared." In fact, there was a threat of what might have been a serious matter. A notice of motion was given "That the Warrant be- returned to Grand Lodge, the building sold by Auction, the liabilities discharged, the Surplus if any handed over to the Masonic Charities, or otherwise as the Brethren may determine."

Page 51

Fortunately, however, that motion never became a proposition, and on the question of the raising of the Subscription, the Lodge did what it had done before with knotty problems; after discussion and a proposition, they passed an amendment that the question be postponed for six months; and, as had happened previously, wiser counsel seemed to prevail, or second thoughts proved best; the troubles seemed to be settled, when the six months' interval expired; no further reference is found.

In fact, the Lodge seemed too busy and prosperous to he thinking about "closing down." The year 1868 saw an influx of new Members, 16 Initiations, 16 Passings and 13 Raisings, so the Brethren had little time for anything but Ceremonies. Nevertheless, they found time for progressive business, and thoughts for the happiness of others. On 7th February, 1868, there was introduced what has been a happy and regular feature of this Lodge, namely, "The Juvenile Party" or "Children's Party."

The increase in work and membership showed up the need for more "space" in which to expand, and April, 1868, marked the commencement of the consideration of building extensions.

It would appear that about the end of 1868 the Brethren were interested in, and probably took some part in, the laying of the Foundation Stone of a Convalescent Home at Meltham, because they contributed £10 from the Lodge Funds towards the Expenses, and a little later a Committee of the Lodge conferred with Committees of The Lodge of Harmony and Huddersfield Lodge to make arrangements for the opening of The Convalescent Home.

The Minutes of 7th October, 1870, contain a request from a Brother tendering his resignation, and complaining about the tardiness of a Brother who had failed to deliver his letter; he wrote that "he hoped the delinquent Brother would be duly chastised by the Worshipful Master." There is no note as to whether such chastisement took place, but there is a Resolution that the resignation was NOT accepted.

From 1870 to 1880 the Lodge followed its normal course of Ceremonies, and the "happenings" during this period were in regard to the Premises, and Building Extensions, etc., dealt with in the previous Chapter. It was also a period in which Portraits of several early Members were presented, fuller details being recorded in Chapter XI.

In 1882 Provincial Grand Lodge accepted an invitation from The Lodge of Truth "under the Banner of No. 521" in Huddersfield. It was an important Meeting, at which the agreed revision of the amended Book of Constitutions was submitted for approval. This question of a Revised Book of Constitutions afforded another opportunity for the Brethren of the Town Lodges to unite, and the Master invited the Worshipful Masters of The Lodge of Harmony, Huddersfield and Albert Edward Lodges to form a Joint Committee for considering the revisions.

The Lodge was keeping the Province busy at this time on administrative matters. In December, 1882, a Special Dispensation was obtained to select and admit "a serving brother" for the better conduct and management of the Lodge. Thereupon followed what must have been a busy Installation Evening on Ist December, 1882,

JA)

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for between the hours of 6 and 9 p.m. the Lodge had two separate Initiations and the Installation. After the Minutes came one initiation: then the special Dispensation for the serving Brother (Mr. William Rice). Mr. Rice was balloted for, then he was Initiated, and towards the end of the evening he was duly elected Tyler. The newly- installed Worshipful Master (of treasured memory), Bro. William Henry Jessop—twice Master of the Lodge, six times Mayor of Huddersfield, and Freeman of the Borough started his year of Office by presenting all the Officers with Collars of Office. He was Worshipful Master for the opening and closing of the Lodge on the occasion of the visit of Provincial Grand Lodge on 10th January, 1883, already referred to.

Another important item in this year of 1883, and in the annals of Freemasonry in Huddersfield, was the Royal Visit on 15th October, 1883, of His Royal Highness the Duke of Albany. A special Provincial Grand Lodge Meeting was held at The Town Hall, on the occasion of the presentation of an Address of Welcome to His Royal Highness by the Provincial Grand Lodge of West Yorkshire and the Five Masonic Lodges of Huddersfield, viz :—

The Lodge of Harmony, No. 275. Huddersfield Lodge, No. 290; The Lodge of Truth, NG. S215 Thornhill Lodge, No. 1514. Albert Edward Lodge, No. 1783,

The special notice signed by the Duke of Albany appears in the Minute Book, of which there is a photograph on the previous page. upwards of 1,400 Brethren of the Province attended. A full and descriptive account, occupying 14 pages of the Minute Book, including speeches, is recorded, and is well-worth reading by anyone interested. "The false roof above the immense hall was examined to prevent cowans and intruders."

The Provincial Grand Master said that

"In all my life, except at the Great Hall in London, I have never witnessed such a grand and imposing sight as this. The place is literally crammed, and I am sure it is filled with the most loyal men in England." After the Meeting there was a procession, in Masonic Clothing, to the Station, with the Masters, Wardens and Brethren of the private Lodges walking four abreast, followed by the Officers of Provincial Grand Lodge, the latter lining the corridor to the Station.

The names of the Worshipful Masters of the five Huddersfield Lodges were :—

The Lodge of Harmony, No. 275 Percy F. J. Pearce. Huddersfield Lodge, No. 290 Wm. B. Wall. The Lodge of Truth, No. 521 William Hy. Jessop Thornhill Lodge, No. 1514 Allen Haigh. Albert Edward Lodge, No. 1783 William Fitton.

and co-operating in the arrangements were The Mayor (Bro. J. F. Brigg) and the Town Clerk (Bro. Jos. Batley); and Bro. Joshua Marshall presided at the Town Hall Organ.

Page 54

But all too soon after this great occasion of rejoicing and masonic splendour, came the very sad event when the five Huddersfield Lodges again met for the purpose of arranging another procession on 5th April, 1884 (less than 6 months after the other), on the occasion of a Special Service held at the Parish Church, Huddersfield, to show their sympathy at the great loss sustained by the death of His Royal Highness Prince Leopold, Duke of Albany, K.G., etc., etc., who died on 31st March, 1884..

It was arranged by the five Lodges that The Lodge of Harmony should hold a special Lodge of Emergency of the five Lodges at the Masonic Hall, South Parade, at 10 a.m.—then to attend the Funeral Service at the Parish Church and return to South Parade to pass a Vote of Condolence with Her Most Gracious Majesty The Queen, The Duchess of Albany and other members of The Royal Family. At that Meeting :-

The W.M. of The Lodge of Harmony, No. 275, was W.M. The W.M. of Huddersfield Lodge, No. 290, was S.W. The W.M. of The Lodge of Truth, No. 521, was J.W. The W.M. of Thornhill Lodge, No. 1514, was S.D. The W.M. of Albert Edward Lodge, No. 1783, was J.D.,

with other Brethren from The Lodge of Harmony, No. 275, and Huddersfield Lodge, No. 290, filling the other Offices. 170 Past Masters and Brethren attended, and by Special Dispensation they attended the Church in Masonic Clothing. Copies of the Replies from Whitehall and Esher on behalf of Her Most Gracious Majesty Queen Victoria and Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Albany are recorded in the Minute Book. The year 1885 marked the 40 years' anniversary of the Lodge, and although no special celebrations were made, the Lodge was visited on 2nd October, 1885, by W. Bro. Henry Smith, of St. Johns, Wakefield, P.M. of Airedale Lodge, No. 387, who had been appointed Deputy Provincial Grand Master of West Yorkshire on 24th April, 1885, and who made special mention in his address to the Brethren that the Lodge had attained its -10th Anniversary. In the various activities of the Lodge one notices repeated references to various Members of the Lodge who took prominent parts in the proceedings: and among these was Bro. George Marshall, who had been Master in 1870. In 1886 he attained Provincial Rank, and the Lodge presented him with the Clothing of his Appointment. This was done on the 7th May, 1886, which was also the occasion of a visit to the Lodge by Rt. Wor. Bro. Thos. Wm. Tew, J.P., P.G.D. of England, and Provincial Grand Master of West Yorkshire, who himself made the Presentation on behalf of the Lodge, and delivered one of his characteristic addresses to the Brethren of the Lodge. That Address is fully recorded, word for word, written up specially in the Minute Book by Bro. J. Quarterman, of Pontefract, on behalf of the Provincial Grand Master. In 1887 a Special Committee was appointed in connection with "The Queen Victoria Jubilee Presentation" to which the Brethren of the Lodge contributed. Reference is made in Chapter XI (dealing with Portraits) of an interesting evening's masonic work on Ist June, 1888, when the

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Brethren presented and unveiled the Portrait of an esteemed, beloved and departed Brother, W. Bro. Joe Wood, and on the same evening his own son, bearing the same name, had his 3rd ceremony: there was another presentation, namely of Provincial Clothing to the Secretary, Bro. J. W. Turner, P.M. Provincial Grand Deacon, whose work as Secretary was of a very high standard, as is evidenced by the excellent Minutes and records during his term of office. Bro. Turner has reproduced in the Minute Book, in his own masterly penmanship, copies of letters from various Brethren unable to attend that special evening, all of whom had a great affection for Bro. Joe Wood one of them referred to him as "Dear Little Joe—a Brick of 8 x 4 dimensions." These letters, which included a special one from the Provincial Grand Master R. W. Bro. Tew, came from France, Derby, St. Helens and Scarborough, the last- mentioned apologising for absence because they were having the "Hungarian Band" at the Grand Hall in the Spa.

One or two anniversaries and celebrations were now looming up. In 1889, at the invitation of The Colne Valley Lodge, 1645, some of the Brethren attended at Slaithwaite on the Whit-Tuesday to celebrate the centenary of Slaithwaite Church; and on 7th November of the same year, 1889, the Brethren of the Lodge attended to support their old friends The Lodge of Harmony, No. 275, in celebrating their Centenary, including a Special Service, at the Parish Church, Huddersfield, on the following Sunday.

Once again we find the Lodge recording and sending loyal messages of condolence to Her Most Gracious Majesty Queen Victoria, on 5th February, 1892, sympathising with Her Majesty on the death of H.R.H. The Duke of Clarence and Avondale, P.G.W. of England, and Provincial Grand Master for Berkshire, and also to H.R.H. The Prince of Wales, the Most Worshipful The Grand Master, and to Her Serene Highness The Princess Victoria Mary of Teck.

An interesting feature in the year 1892 was a visit by members of Thornhill Lodge who received special thanks for their part in "the musical part of the ceremony."

As is well-known by Brethren of the present day, The Lodge of Truth is one of those Lodges which follow the commendable custom of presenting a Bible to a Brother, when a son or a daughter is born to him. What is believed to be the first of such presentations is recorded on Sth May, 1893, when Bro. Alfred Gledhill, the recipient, was "much affected by the affectionate words of the Chaplain," who made the presentation, and who expressed the hope that the Bible would be appreciated by the youthful owner. Since that date the writer of this History has counted 87 "repeats" of the gift of the "Great Light" for the guidance of their youthful owners, who cannot fail to have benefitted from such an influence emanating from a Lodge of Truth. On Saturday, the 17th June, 1893, the Brethren of the Lodge took part in an Infirmary-cum-Masonic Ceremony at Halifax, sponsored and attended by Provincial Grand Lodge. The occasion was an Especial Provincial Grand Lodge in the Masonic Hall, St. John's Place, Halifax, followed by a Procession to the site of the new Infirmary for the laying of the foundation stone by the Provincial Grand Master (Rt. Hon. The Earl of Latham), and the Orders contained in the circular stated that

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"Black frock coats, Trousers and Ties, White Gloves and High Hats will be worn, with Full Masonic Craft Clothing and Jewels."

The specific mention of the trousers seems somewhat unusual.

In the separate Chapter devoted to the By-Laws reference is made to the book in which the Revised By-Laws were written up in 1892, and to the signatures thereto by the Brethren who were members at the time, and those Initiated or Joining later. There is one occasion in the Minutes of the Lodge, viz., on the 4th August, 1893, when the following is recorded :--

"Bro. Pilkington signed the By-Laws and was placed at the left hand of the S.W. and the Ancient Charge was given."

That suggests that an attempt was made to introduce such signing of the Book of By-Laws as part of the Ceremony. Such entry does not appear for subsequent Initiations.

Another interesting Minute appears in 1891, including some correspondence in regard thereto. Apparently The Huddersfield Savings Bank were opening up some new Ledgers, and found an account No. 75 in an old Ledger, the Passbook for which had not been submitted for many years. The account was first opened in 1856 in the name of W. C. Marsh (he was Master in that year), and had been transferred to Joseph Robinson in 1872 (he was Master in that year), and afterwards transferred to Wm. Geo. Dyson (a Past Master). The balance was £10 13s. 11d, and the Treasurer and Secretary of 1894 were authorised to obtain the amount, the usual mandatory resolutions required by Banks having been duly and properly recorded and transmitted.

In 1895 and 1896 there was much activity in connection with new Trust Deed, Mortgage, etc., but this is dealt with more fully in Chapter IV relating to the Premises. The Brethren had something else, very special, to occupy their minds, namely, the Masonic Jubilee of the Lodge, 50 years from the 3rd December, 1815. As early as January, 1895, the matter of proper preparation was mentioned in the Minutes; a Special Committee was appointed in May, 1893; it was finally decided that the Jubilee be celebrated at a Lodge of Emergency on Wednesday, 29th April, 1896. What form these Celebrations took will be related in the following Chapter.

Page 57

The Lodge Summons, for The Jubilee Festival (1896).

/58

Page 58

The front page of the Programme for the Jubilee Festival (1896).

Page 59

CHAPTER VI.

THE LODGE'S JUBILEE, 1895.

Full Account of Celebrations 29th April, 1896 __ jubilee Circular and Programme — Officers present — Lodges represented — History by W. Bro. Reuben Williamson — Congratulations and Greetings — Bro. John Pyrah, Secretary.

THE READER who has perused the foregoing pages of this History will no doubt readily agree with Bro. John Freeman Dyson, the Worshipful Master of The Lodge of Truth, in 1896, who, in the course of his remarks at the Jubilee Celebrations, and with pardonable pride, claimed that his Brethren were justly entitled to regard the past 50 years as an honorable history in Freemasonry. The Brethren had been looking forward with eager anticipation to this happy event. After carefully planned preparations, a suitable date for the Celebration was settled, namely, Wednesday, the 29th day of April, 1896. Distinguished members of Provincial Grand Lodge were invited, and friends, old and new, from other Lodges. Members were reminded that, as this would be a most important event in the History of the Lodge, their attendance was urged. An Emergency Lodge was convened; the Lodge was opened at 4-0 p.m. and the Festival Banquet arranged for 6-0 p.m. Illustrations are included at Pages 58 and 59 of: -

(a) The Lodge Summons, and (b) The front page of the Programme.

The two inside pages contained the details of the Programme, with the Words of the Hymns and Songs printed in full. The following is a précis PROGRAMME.

1. Lodge opened at 4-0 o'clock.

2, Processional Hymn (Hail ) during entry of the Officers of Provincial Grand Lodge.

3. Worshipful Master's address of Welcome. Song— Gounod's Nazareth—Bro. W. Riley, P.M. 4. History of the Lodge compiled and read by W. Bro. Reuben Williamson PPD.

Vocal Duet—Bros. Riley and Arnold.

5. Congratulations and "Hearty Good Wishes" by Visiting Brethren. 6. Recessional Hymn during retirement of Provincial Officers.

7. Lodge closed.

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The first point which strikes the historian on reading the Minutes is a note at the heading that the Lodge of Emergency was held "in the Upper Room known as the Old Lodge Room."

That was perhaps partly for sentimental memories,

the early

Meetings in 1855 onwards being held in that room, and probably the Banquet was to be in the later and present Lodge Room. The Officers on this historic occasion were

Bro.

W. Bro.

John Freeman Dyson John Davis Charles Frederick Arnold Rev. John Dunbar, P.P.G.C. George Jackson John Pyrah John William Mallinson John Holroyd Tom Brook Tunnacliff John Lewis Sykes William Henry Jones

W.M. S.W. J.W. Chaplain. Treasurer. Secretary. S.D. J.D. LG. D.C. A.D.C.

supported by 30 of the Past Masters and Brethren of the Lodge, including five Brethren of Provincial Rank. There were 21 Provincial Officers- the following Lodges :-

Wilson (America) Harmony Huddersfield Philanthropic Friendship Sincerity Mirfield Saville Zetland Ivanhoe Albert Edward

OOS

ZZAZAZAZAZAZAZZAZAZ

°

he

275 290 301 750 1019 1102 1231

. 1779 . 1783

including representatives of

and there were 35 other Visitors, Worshipful Masters, Past Masters and Brethren of various Lodges, including :-

St. Patrick, Newry The Three Grand Principles Harmony Huddersfield Devonshire Holme Valley Mirfield Duke of Edinburgh, Liverpool Defence Saville Brighouse Thornhill Albert Edward Clerkenwell Armitage

°

. 77 (America)

208 21D 290 625 652 1162 1182 1221 1231 1301 1514

. 1783 . 1964 . 2261

So that there were 23 different Lodges represented at the historic

gathering.

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The Provincial Grand Master (The Rt. Hon. W. L. Jackson) was unable to fulfil his promise to attend, because of the pressing emergencies of his Parliamentary and other duties. He sent a special letter of apology, as also did the Deputy Provincial Grand Master and others, identifying themselves in suitable terms with the spirit of the occasion. As will he seen from the Programme Précis, a History of The Lodge of Truth had been prepared by W. Bro. Reuben Williamson, P.P.G.D., and read by him at this Meeting. The Minutes say that "he read a concise consecutive and interesting sketch of the career of the Lodge and the salient features of its History beginning with its formation in 1845. With a graceful manner and in literary terms full of feeling he traced its difficulties, development and progress referring tersely to the character and services of its more eminent Past Masters : particularly he emphasised the honorable and proud distinction of Bro. George Frederick Samuel Robinson then Viscount Goderich's initiation by The Lodge of Truth 521 who was its Worshipful Master in 1855- 56, and who subsequently was elected R.W. Prov. G. Master of West Yorks, and Most Worshipful the Grand Master of England. He furnished the following facts There follows some BLANK space in the Minute Book, obviously reserved for the Secretary to write up the matter from Bro. Williamson's notes, but UNFORTUNATELY it was never completed, and the Minute Book remains BLANK. At a _ subsequent Meeting, a few days later, on the 4th May, 1896, a very hearty Vote of Thanks was given to W. Bro. Williamson, and it was also Resolved that the History be printed and bound, but no trace can be found of any such bound copy or of the manuscript or typewritten notes. The Brethren will appreciate how useful this record would have been to the writer of this present History, who has had to cover all the 100 years, including the 50 covered by Bro. Williamson. The loss of this valuable Lodge archive is most regrettable. After hearing the History read by Bro. Williamson, various Brethren rose to give speeches and messages of congratulations and greetings, including :- The Prov.G.S.Warden W. Bro. Harry Allen (Ivanhoe, No. 1779) The Prov. G. J .Warden W. Bro. J. A. Godwin (Zetland, No. 1311) W. Bro. C. L. Mason (Philanthropic, No. 301). W. Bro. W. Harrop (Huddersfield, No. 290). Chairman of the the Charity Committee. W. Bro. Ed. Armitage (Harmony, No. 275). In the course of his remarks, W. Bro. Harrop said that The Lodge of Truth had done itself credit by its generous support of the Charities. (There are ample evidences of this in the Minutes on many occasions.) And there were interesting points in the speech of W. Bro. Ed. Armitage (of The Lodge of Harmony, No. 275), who spoke as a Mason of over 50 years' unbroken membership, and said he had one son who was W.M. of his Mother Lodge near London, and another son who was J.W. of The Lodge of Harmony, No. 275.

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After this there followed an interesting presentation by the Provincial Grand Assistant Secretary, who handed to the Worshipful Master a copy of the Addresses of the late Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master, Bro. T. W. Tew. So ended the proceedings in the "Upper Room." In the absence of any notes or information as to the "after-proceedings" at the Banquet, it is left to the imagination of the reader to draw his own picture of that part of the Celebrations; doubtless they were appropriate to the festive occasion. This Chapter would not be complete without a special reference to the Secretary of the Lodge at the time of these Celebrations, and upon whom so much extra work would fall. It was none other than Bro. John Pyrah, known by present-day members of the Craft as the father of Bro. J. Faux Pyrah (of Huddersfield Lodge, No. 290), whose name is associated with the 150 years' History of The Huddersfield Lodge, No. 290. Bro. Faux Pyrah is a great friend of and frequent Visitor to The Lodge of Truth, and on several occasions has made presentations to the Lodge in commemoration of this association and his father's memory. Bro. John Pyrah received the eulogistic thanks of his Brethren at the next Lodge Meeting in May, 1896, for his services in connection with the Jubilee Festival, and the words of the Secretary's reply form a fitting finale to this Chapter of History :- "The Secretary briefly responded rejoicing with the Brethren that the spirit, hz.rmony and _ sentiments of the Festival throughout under the able and sagacious direction of our esteemed Worshipful Master had yielded results alike satisfactory and creditable."

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CHAPTER VII.

THE SECOND FIFTY YEARS 1895-1945.

A Period of Celebrations, Jubilees and Anniversaries -- Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria — Petition to elect Honorary Member — Coronation of King Edward VII — Lodge Banner painted — Death of King Edward VII — Constitution of Instruction Classes — United Lodges — Lodge Journal — Lodge Removals — W. Bro. Samuel Guise, Prov. G. Secy. (Warwickshire) — Charity Golf Cup won by Member of No. 521 — Plans for Centenary Festival.

HAVING GUIDED the reader through a retrospective journey of the first fifty years, what is there in prospect to interest him partic- ularly in the second half-century ? There are no changes of meeting-place to look for, as the Lodge has found its permanent home at Fitzwilliam Street, Trust Deeds have been put on to an established basis, the By-Laws have been well revised. What then is to be seen ? Well, The Lodge having passed its fiftieth anniversary, perhaps some of the Brethren Initiated in that period, will themselves have 50 years’ freemasonry to their credit. If so, we shall find Celebrations, Anniversaries, Golden Weddings, and various occasions for rejoicing, opportunities for presentations, kindly actions and expressions of Brotherly Love : also, unfortunately, the sadder periods, three periods of the ravages of War, but followed by Thanksgivings and the welcome return to Peace and, it is to be hoped, Goodwill among men. The first of such Celebrations occurred in 1897, when, in the Minutes of 4th June, the Lodge placed on record :- "its unswerving loyalty to Her Most Gracious Majesty Queen Victoria on the completion of the 60th year of her Auspicious Reign, and to offer up its gratitude to The Great Architect of the Universe for having permitted our beloved Sovereign thus wonderfully to preside over the destinies of her great and mighty Empire." Bro. A. Armitage, of The Lodge of Truth, was one of the Brethren who received Provincial Honours (Prov.G.D.C.) in commemoration of the above event, and his Provincial Clothing and Jewel were presented to him by the Brethren of The Lodge. In 1898 it was Resolved in open Lodge that each new Initiate should be presented with a copy of the Book of Constitutions, and as regards existing Members, any Member who required a copy could have one on payment of 1/-. One of the Brethren, often spoken about by Freemasons in the Town, was W. Bro. John Shoesmith. He was a member of The Albert Edward Lodge, No. 1783, and did much useful work in Freemasonry, particularly in Masonic instruction. He had assisted on many occasions at The Lodge of Truth, as well as at other Lodges.

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It is, therefore, not surprising to find in the Minutes of 29th May, 1899, that 35 of the Brethren signed and presented a petition to The Lodge, praying that he should be made an Honorary Member as a slight recognition of the great services rendered by him. This was carried unanimously, and in due course he was * balloted for and elected. There soon follows a practical example of Bro. Shoesmith's usefulness. In November, 1899, he gave an “Explanation of the 2' Tracing Board" (by no means as frequent in the Minutes as the Ic), he himself explaining "The Seven Liberal Arts and Sciences." In December there is a letter in the Minutes, which is worth reproducing : __

Watergate, Nov. 3/99. Dear Bro. Sykes, Some time ago I made an intimation that it was my intention to make a present of the value of £100 to The Lodge of Truth and I feel that before your year of office expires, I should like to complete my offer. I have therefore to ask you to accept on behalf of yourself as Master and the Officers and Brethren of the Lodge a piano by Bechstein and I enclose a cheque for £35 towards the reduction of the mortgage. Yours fraternally, F. Marsland, J.W."

A little arithmetic sum showed the Bechstein Piano to be worth £65. Later in the Minutes it was intimated that the Piano was not given to the Trustees but to the Members of The Lodge, and to be used for masonic purposes only; it was not to be moved constantly about from room to room. At the next Lodge Meeting the W.M. proposed the purchase of a cover for the piano to protect it. This resolution was carried; pleasure was expressed "in the W.M. (Bro. C. F. Arnold) being so thoughtful." The Minutes of 6th April, 1900, contain copies of a Resolution to His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, The Grand Master, expressing thankfulness to The Great Architect of the Universe that He in His Goodness had preserved the life of His Royal Highness when in extreme danger; and there is a reply from The Grand Secretary sending the thanks and congratulations of The Most Worshipful Grand Master on his providential escape from the recent attempt on his life. There then followed soon afterwards more entries affecting the Crown, and the loyalty of Freemasons to the Throne: this time, a special form of service at The Lodge, as in many others at that time, to commemorate the death of Queen Victoria. As the Brethren entered the Lodge on Ist February, 1901, they sang the Hymn "Lo, He comes with Clouds descending." After opening the Lodge, and the Minutes, another Hymn was "Great God what do I see and hear The end of things created."

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There followed a loyal resolution on the profound loss sustained by the lamented death of the beloved Queen, Patroness of the Order, and sympathy with His Majesty King Edward VII the Grand Master. The feelings of the Brethren were well expressed in well-chosen words in speeches, recorded in the Minute Book, by The Proposer, W. Bro. Reuben Williamson. The Seconder, W. Bro. Abram Armitage. Supported by W. Bro. C. F. Arnold W. Bro. J. F. Dyson. W. Bro. John Pyrah.

Before closing the Lodge, the third Hymn was sung, "Lead Kindly Light," and the fourth, as the Brethren retired, Now the Labourer's Task is o'er." The reader will remember from previous Chapters that The Most Noble The Marquis of Ripon, who had been Provincial Grand Master of West Yorkshire and Grand Master of England, was an Initiate in The Lodge of Truth, No. 521, and in April, 1901, we find the Brethren remembering him in a _ special way, by sending him their hearty congratulations on his Golden Wedding. In February, 1902, the Brethren were particularly interested in a Paper delivered by W. Bro. A. H. J. Fletcher, P.P.G.Reg., on a Visit to the U.S.A., more particularly to a Lodge where he had witnessed a Raising Ceremony, giving a description of the principal Masonic temple in the City. The time had now arrived for the Coronation of His Majesty King Edward VII. Plans had been made for a combined Social Evening with the Brethren of Albert Edward Lodge, No. 1783, hut it will be within the memory of many of the readers that, owing to the illness of His Majesty, the Coronation was postponed. In place of the contemplated Social Festivity, there was held in Huddersfield on the very day fixed for the Coronation, viz.: 26th June, 1902, an Emergency Lodge under the Banner of The Lodge of Harmony, No. 275, when the Masters of the six Lodges in the Town occupied the Chairs: and here is a copy of the Minutes of that historic Meeting, as recorded in The Lodge of Truth Minute Book An Emergency Lodge was held at 9-30 a.m. on Thursday, 26th June, 1902, at the Masonic Hall, South Parade, Huddersfield, under the banner of the Lodge of Harmony, No. 275, when the following Brethren occupied the respective Chairs :-

W.M. W. Bro. S. Kendall, W.M. 275. S.W. W. Owen, 290. J.W. J.W. Mallinson, 521. S.D. J. H. Laycock, 1514. J.D. G. Munroe, 1783. LG. A. Roberts, 2261.

The W.M. proposed the following resolution (to be entered on the Minutes of all the Lodges therein named) which was seconded by W. Bro. W. Owen, W.M. 290, supported by W. Bro. J. W. Mallinson, W.M. 521, and carried unanimously : The Worshipful Masters, Past Masters, Officers and Brethren of the Masonic Lodges Nos. 449, 275, 290, 521, 652, 1514, 1645, 1783, 2035, and 2261 in Huddersfield and District, in open Lodge assembled under the banner of the Lodge of Harmony, No. 275, at the Masonic Hall, South Parade, Huddersfield, on 26th June, 1902, the day fixed for the Coronation of His Majesty King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra, desire, before proceeding to attend a Service of Intercession, to record their loyalty and devotion to the throne and

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person of His Most Gravious Majesty, and their profound sorrow in the affliction which has befallen him. They pray that the Great Architect of the Universe may speedily restore him to health and preserve him in peace and happiness thro’ a long and prosperous reign." W. Bro. Marshall (275) proposed a resolution of sympathy with Her Majesty the Queen, the Prince and Princess of Wales and the rest of the Royal Family. This was seconded by W. Bro. Mallinson (1645) and unanimously carried. The Lodge was closed in peace and harmony at 10-0 a.m. and the Brethren walked in procession to a Special Service at the Parish Church by invitation of Bro. Rev. Canon H. Lowther Clarke. (Sgd.) J. W. Mallinson, Witnessed in open Lodge W.M. (sgd.) Fred E. Beckwith, Sec.

In September, 1902, there followed a resolution to His Majesty The King on his recovery from his illness and upon his Coronation. About this time each successive month seemed to have its own peculiar and special feature. October, 1902, was set apart for the re- opening of the Premises after alterations, and this was followed in the same month by a Special Social gathering to mark the occasion. "Happy Celebration" was the feature of the following Lodge in November, 1902, which marked the occasion of the Masonic Jubilee of W. Bro. Allen Jackson, which is more particularly summarised in Chapter XI. As a matter of fact, the next item of special interest to glean from the records is "a repeat order" of the above happy event, when, within four months, viz.: on the 6th March, 1903, the Brethren are again honouring a worthy member of the Lodge on completing 50 years' membership, this time W. Bro. Henry Shaw. On this occasion, unlike the former, the historical resume does appear in detail in the Minutes. Again it was W. Bro. Reuben Williamson who was the narrator. It is well worth while for any Brother interested to ask permission to read this most interesting narrative. The occasion is summarised and dealt with in the specific Chapter (Chapter XI) devoted to the special items of this nature. In 1904 it is recorded that the Lodge Banner was re-painted. This work was done by Bro. J. T. Spratt, who asked the Brethren to accept the work from him as a gift and as some acknowledgment of the many happy hours he had spent under the Banner of the Lodge. This was almost another 50 years' "Celebration," as the Banner was presented in 1852. In the Minutes of the Lodge Meeting in April, 1906, there are One or two interesting points in a Report by Bro. John Pyrah as Charity Representative of the proceedings at the Provincial Charity Meeting on 31st March, 1906, to commemorate the completion of the first £10,000 Investment for the West Yorkshire Educational and Benevolent Institution. At this Meeting the Lord Allerton "Presentation" and the Richard Wilson "Presentation" were started. The first £32 from the latter "Presentation" was to the widow of a former Member of The Lodge of Truth. In July, 1906, Bro. Pyrah figures in the Minutes again as the donor of a Portrait of Lord Allerton (now in the Supper Room). The year 1907 marked the passing of W. Bro. John Pyrah, whose name occurs frequently in this History, and of whom the Minutes say on 7th June, 1907 :—

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"He was a friend of every one of its Members. His services to freemasonry were always a labour of love with every goal reached worthy of the highminded, noble singleness of purpose which' always animated him." He was not only an eloquent exponent of Masonic Rites, but a Masonic scholar deeply versed in the literature and archaeology of the Craft, and the Local Representative of The Quatuor Coronati Lodge, of London. In November, 1907, there was a interesting presentation. It was made by W. Bro. James Mosley as a token of respect for W. Bro. Thomas Bean (then W.M.), who was the only candidate the donor had proposed in the Lodge. The gift was a complete set of Working Tools enclosed in a case bearing the following inscription :- "Lodge of Truth, No. 521." "Presented to the Lodge by Bro. James Mosley, P.M., as a token of his respect and esteem for the Worshipful Master, Bro. Thomas Bean, Nov. 1907." Next month a presentation was made by Bra. Thomas Bean himself, or rather by Bro. Bean on behalf of his Wife, who asked the Lodge to accept from her the gift of a Lectern and Stand to mark Bro. Bean's year of office as Worshipful Master. About this period there was some interesting history con- cerningW. Bro. John Holroyd, who had been Worshipful Master of The Lodge of Truth in 1903. In November, 1908, he had the honour of becoming Mayor of Huddersfield, and received the congratulations not only of his own Brethren but of the neighbouring Lodges: and thus he became one of several members of The Lodge of Truth who served as Mayor of the Borough. The Brethren attended the Parish Church with W. Bra. John Holroyd on 22nd November, 1908. When Bro. William Henry Wittrick was Installed as Worshipful Master on 4th December, 1908, he had the unique experience of having the Charge delivered to him by W. Bro. John Holroyd, who was then Mayor of the Town, which must have given an added dignity to that very impressive piece of ritual. Once more, in March, 1909, the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, Bro. Richard Wilson, attended to make a presentation, this time to present W. Bro. John Holroyd with a Past Master's Jewel as a special token of the esteem and regard of the Brethren. W. Bro, John Holroyd died (in 1911), whilst on a visit to London on business for the Town, and left with the Brethren the two great lessons of "Brotherly Love" and "Devoted Service." In October, 1909, the Provincial Grand Lodge once more met under the Banner of The Lodge of 'Truth. The Meeting was held in the Town Hall, the Officers of The Lodge of Truth opening and closing the Lodge. In June, 1910, the Brethren, like others throughout the country, were associating themselves with the profound grief into which the civilised world had been plunged by the lamented death of His Most Gracious Majesty King Edward VII; this was followed later, in July, 1911—the first Lodge Meeting after the Coronation—by a Resolution of Loyalty and Devotion to The Throne and the Person of His Most Gracious Majesty King George V.

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In the year 1913, a rather unusual thing happened—the Lodge closed down for two summer months (July and August). Correspondence in regard thereto is contained in The Lodge Committee Minute Book.

In 1915 the Brethren joined in the general satisfaction at the appointment of W. Bro. Sir William Pick Raynor, Kt., J.P. (of Huddersfield Lodge, No. 290), as the Deputy Provincial Grand Master (on 17th February, 1915).

During the War years, 1914-1918, it was not always possible to carry out the Agenda as planned, as sometimes candidates for Ceremonies were away with the Forces, some with the British Expeditionary Force, and were not able to get leave for their Ceremony. Other work was undertaken, and interest was maintained. On one such occasion, 4th May, 1917, the main item of business was a Summary of the Early History of the Lodge given by W. Bro. j. T. Spratt. The author of this History has been privileged to refer to the notes of that Address, which he found most interesting and helpful. In the Chapter (No. VIII) dealing with the Lodge Records, the Writer has made full reference to the splendid work, of such lasting value, carried out by W. Bro. Spratt in writing up all the details of The Lodge Journal from 1815 to 1917 (and later to 1923). It was at the Lodge in November, 1917, that the Journal, as completed to date, was presented to the Lodge and the following Resolution passed : -

"We, the Worshipful Master, Officers and Brethren of The Lodge of Truth beg to place on record our profound thanks and appreciation of the self-sacrificing labours of W. Bro. J. T. Spratt in compiling the Lodge Journal. That the Journal shall never be removed from the Lodge Premises without the sanction of the Worshipful Master for the time being. That W. Bro. Spratt be requested to write up the Journal after each Installation, and failing him, that it be an instruction from the Worshipful Master to his Secretary, to keep the Journal written up to date after each Installation."

The Writer of this History echoes the profound thanks and appreciation of the Worshipful Master and Brethren of 1917 for that most helpful and inestimable record.

On 2nd August, 1918, W. Bro. Spratt was presented with a Past Master's Jewel.

It was in the year 1917, at the Lodge Meeting on the Ist June, that the Petition was signed for the formation of a New Lodge--the daughter Lodge of Connaught ; the details of the discussions and formation meetings, etc., are recorded in Chapter XIII, Page 127, and the daughter Lodge of Connaught, No. 3800, started on its happy and prosperous career.

At the Installation Meeting in December, 1918, W. Bro. Richard Gill, who was attending as Chairman of the Charity Committee, announced to the Lodge the welcome news of the appointment of W. Bro. Sir William Pick Raynor as the Provincial Grand Master of West Yorkshire. An interesting happening in 1920 (January 11) was the attendance of some of the Brethren at the unveiling of a Memorial Tablet to the late W. Bro. Doctor Peter Macgregor, well-respected and beloved Practitioner and Mason of the Town.

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An Emergency Lodge held on 29th April, 1920, contained special reference and honour to Bro. J. A. Woolven, who received the congratulations of the Lodge on his having attained to the Chair as Chief Magistrate of the Borough. The Worshipful Master said it had been the good fortune of the Lodge on several occasions to provide the Mayors of Huddersfield from among its Members.* In replying, Bro. Woolven called attention to the fact that he and his predecessor, W. Bro. W. H. Jessop, a Past Master of No. 521, were now the two oldest Members of The Lodge of Truth.

The next Meeting, 7th May, 1920, was another occasion, when, by Dispensation, the Lodge balloted for and Initiated a Serving Brother.

Throughout its history the Lodge has been consistently kind to its members, and the occasions are numerous recording presentations made, not only at Jubilees and Special Anniversaries (such as Past Master's Jewels for special services rendered, and Provincial Clothing on attaining Provincial Rank), but also gifts as mementoes to Brethren who have had to leave the district for business or health reasons; for example, on Ist September, 1922, the Brethren presented a Silver Rose Bowl, suitably inscribed, to W. Bro. J. Mosley, P.P.G.D., on his removal to the South of England on account of his wife's health.

Another instance of this was in 1926. The Worshipful Master of that year apparently celebrated his Silver Wedding the same year, as on 6th August, 1926, there is a mention that he and his wife received a gift from the Brethren of Silver Candlesticks to commemorate the happy occasion.

The Minute Book for 1926 has two blank pages between the November and December Lodges marked in pencil "Leave for Town Hall Meeting." No doubt what was intended was to record the precis of a United Lodge held on the 20th November, 1926, at the Town Hall, Huddersfield, under the auspices of The Huddersfield and District Installed Masters' Association, organised specially for the local Freemasons to give a welcome to the new Provincial Grand Master, Viscount Lascelles, who had succeeded Sir William Pick Raynor in that Office. There was a large assembly of the Brethren from the eighteen Lodges in the Town and District, who gave enthusiastic support to the whole-hearted welcome extended to Viscount Lascelles by Sir William Pick Raynor on behalf of the Huddersfield Brethren; and the Brethren present will remember the address of His Lordship for its earnest impressiveness.

The year 1930 marked a revival or repetition of the close association between The Lodge of Truth and The Lodge of Harmony. The reader will recall the part played by members of The Lodge of Harmony at the formation of The Lodge of Truth, and the very close association in the early years, and how, on occasions, The Lodge of Harmony put their premises at the disposal of The Lodge of Truth, and how also The Lodge of Truth had accommodated The Lodge of Harmony during alterations at South Parade.

There were several changes and removals in 1929-30. The Albert Edward Lodge, No. 1783, who had been Tenants at Fitzwilliam Street for many years, moved into new Premises acquired by them at The Masonic Hall, Greenhead Road. Two of the tenant Lodges at South Parade (owned by The Lodge of Harmony, No. 275), viz.:

*In this connection see pages 132-133 of this History.

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The Huddersfield Lodge, No. 290, and The Unity Lodge, No. 3930, removed from South Parade to Greenhead Road; The Lodge of Harmony, No. 275, decided to sell their premises at South Parade, where they had been housed for so many years, and came to Fitzwilliam Street as Tenants of The Trustees of The Lodge of Truth, No. 521. The Lodge of Harmony, No. 275, held its last Meeting at South Parade on 9th January, 1930, and its first Meeting at Fitzwilliam Street (after the removal) on 6th February, 1930.

In November, 1931, there was a further interesting Meeting-- another United Lodge at The Town Hall on 3rd November, 1931, under the auspices of The Huddersfield and District Installed Masters’ Association, to provide the R.W. Bro. The Earl of Harewood with an opportunity of meeting the Huddersfield Freemasons. Prior to the opening of the Lodge a Reception was held, at which some 800 or more of the Brethren were individually presented to the Provincial Grand Master. After the United Lodge a Banquet was held at the Lodge of Truth Premises in Fitzwilliam Street.

In 1932 there is found the first of a little series of references to W. Bro. Samuel Guise, a Member of The Lodge of Truth, who left the Town in 1932 to take up an appointment as Provincial Grand Secretary of the Province of Warwickshire. He was Initiated into The Lodge of Truth, No. 321, in 1915, and occupied the Chair of his Mother Lodge in 1928. Later he joined The Freedom Lodge, No. 3914, at Birmingham, and became the Worshipful Master of the Lodge in the year 1937. It was also in 1937 that he had conferred upon him the Grand Lodge Rank of P.A.G.D.C., and he was promoted to Junior Grand Deacon (Past Rank) in 1944.

When leaving Huddersfield in 1932 he was presented with a Mahogany Cabinet, subscribed jointly by the Members of The Lodge of Truth, The Chapter of Truth, and The Hope Preceptory K.T.S., and in 1937 he had two other presentations, one of his Grand Lodge Clothing ("Undress") from his Mother Lodge, and the Jewel of his Office by The Lodges of Truth and Freedom jointly, the latter presentation taking place at The Freedom Lodge, when two Brethren from The Lodge of Truth attended.

It was during the year 1932 that The Huddersfield Royal Infirmary had its Centenary Celebrations, and the Brethren of the Lodge, along with others, were invited to a special Thanksgiving Service at The Parish Church.

Another practical example of fellowship is illustrated in the Minutes of 2nd December, 1932, when the Brethren presented an oak cabinet to W. Bro. J. W. Shaw as a token of their esteem, and yet another on 20th November, 1933, when a cabinet was presented to W. Bro. T. McCulloch on leaving Huddersfield for Worthing. At the Regular Lodge Meeting on the Sth April, 1933, the Lodge invited the Tenant Lodges of Harmony, Connaught and Concord to join with them in a United Lodge, and several Brethren from each Lodge attended. It was an Initiation Ceremony, the Initiation being carried out by Bro. A. Hudson, the Worshipful Master of The Lodge of Truth. The address in the N.E. Corner was given by Bro. J. Brook, the Worshipful Master of Concord Lodge, No. 4126, the W. T. by Bro. G. Beaumont, the Worshipful Master of The Lodge of Harmony, No. 275, and the Ancient Charge by Bro. Whitfield Senior, TheWorshipful Master of Connaught Lodge, No. 3800.

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There have been one or two similar united efforts at the other Lodges at which the Worshipful Master of The Lodge of Truth has participated. Once more in 1936 the Brethren are found passing a special resolution affecting the Crown, this time, on the 7th February, 1936, when sympathetic reference was made to the passing of another beloved King, His Majesty King George V, on the 20th January, 1936. And again in 1936 is another example of fraternal affection for a Member leaving the District when, on 15th June, 1936, W. Bro. J. W. Thickett was presented with a Walnut Sideboard, the Members of the Hope Preceptory (K.T.) joining with the Lodge in this presentation. Periodically throughout this Chapter of History from 1895 onwards, the Lodge has held regular Social Events, including Annual Picnics or Outings, and many and varied have been the places visited on these happy and instructive outings. Coming to the close of the second fifty years and to the year 1944, we find three interesting items. First, that it fell to the lot of a Member of The Lodge of Truth, Bro. Robert Hunter McConnell Trew, to have the honour of winning the Golf Charity Cup, played for annually by the Members of the various Lodges in the Province, as part of a happy and profitable scheme for adding to the Charitable Funds raised in the Province. Next, a remembrance by those old and close friends of No. 521, the Members of Huddersfield Lodge, No. 290, by a presentation made by their then Worshipful Master, Bro. G. W. Utley, at The Lodge of Truth Installation, 2nd December, 1944, of a copy of the History of the Huddersfield Lodge, No. 290, covering 150 years of their existence ; and lastly the submission to the Brethren of the Petition for a Centenary Warrant, which was duly approved, and signed, on behalf of the Brethren, by the Worshipful Master and Wardens. The request was officially granted, and a copy of the Centenary Warrant appears on Page 75 of this History. So the crowning event to form the fitting finale to this Chapter of Celebrations, Anniversaries and Rejoicings, is the Special Festival arranged to celebrate the Centenary of the Lodge, for which auspicious occasion the Brethren commenced their planning by appointing a Special Committee on the 27th April, 1944, known as "The Centenary Committee," comprising the following Brethren :— W. Bro. Lewis Schofield, W. F.C. Cole, W. Bro. Norman Sykes, W. Bro. Geoffrey Gledhill (Master in 1944-45), Bro. W. A. Bates (S.W. of 1944-45 and Master 1945-46) —co- opted 28th May, 1915. with W. Bro. Lewis Schofield as Chairman, and W. Bro. Norman Sykes as Secretary. This Committee met at intervals during the years 1944 and 1945, and although the actual 100 years' Anniversary Meeting of the Lodge would be the Installation Meeting of December, 1945, the Centenary Committee were desirous of selecting a date for the Festival out of the busy Installation season, a date when the Provincial Grand Master,

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his Deputy and Assistants would be able to attend. Accordingly a Resolution was passed in June, 1945, as follows :— "That the CENTENARY CELEBRATION should be held on SATURDAY, the Ist June, 1946, and that this date be communicated to the Provincial Grand Secretary."

Previously, at a Meeting held in May, 1945, the Committee decided to approach W. Bro. Harold L. Simpson, P.P.G.D., Past Master of The Lodge of Harmony, No. 275, to write a History of The Lodge of Truth, No. 521, covering the first 100 years from 1845 to 19.15; and the Committee expressed their wish to have the History printed and published in time for presentation at the Centenary Festival. Thus the Festival is AFTER the termination of the first 100 years’ period, and is an historic item in the next "century": it is, however, possible to include herein details of the arrangements made by the Committee for this eventful occasion, namely (1) Invitations to the Members on lines similar to the special circular sent out for the Jubilee Celebration (see Chapter VI) ; (2) Invitations to the following Brethren as Special Guests :— - The Provincial Grand Master, R. W. Bro. Sir Anthony Gadie, Kt., J.P., P.G.D. The Deputy Provincial Grand Master, W. Bro. Milbourne Edward Clark, J.P., P.G.D. The Assistant Provincial Grand Masters, W. Bro. Henry Clifford Smith, J.P., P.G.D. W. Bro. John Tait, M.B.E., P.G.D. The Provincial Grand Secretary, W. Bro. Charles Edward Frobisher, P.G.D. The Chairman of The Charity Committee of The Province of Yorkshire (West Riding), W. Bro. Percy Blackburn Henshaw, P.P.G.W. The Author of this History,

W. Bro. Harold Lawson Simpson, P.P.G.D. (of The Lodge of Harmony, No. 275).

(3) The seven guests above-named to be listed in due course on the Lodge Summons for election as Honorary Members of the Lodge ;

(4) Invitations to be extended to :- (a) the Masters of the following Lodges in the Town and

District :- The Lodge of Peace, No. 149. (Meltham). The Lodge of Harmony, No. 275. (Huddersfield). Huddersfield Lodge, No. 290. (Huddersfield). Holme Valley Lodge, No. 652. (Holmfirth). Thornhill Lodge, No. 1514. (Lindley). Colne Valley Lodge, No. 1645. (Slaithwaite). Albert Edward Lodge, No. 1783. (Huddersfield). Beaumont Lodge, No. 2035. (Kirkburton). Armitage Lodge, No. 2261. (Milnsbridge). Brooke Lodge, No. 3608. (Honley).

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Connaught Lodge, No. 3800. (Huddersfield).

Unity Lodge, No. 3930. (Huddersfield). Cambodunum Lodge, No. 3953. (Lindley). Salarden Lodge, No. 3971. (Milnsbridge). Concord Lodge, No. 4126. (Huddersfield).

(b) the Presidents of The Huddersfield and District Installed Masters' Association in 1945 and 1946: W. Bro. Henry Vincent Wood, J.P., P.A.G.D.C. W. Bro. Harry Wimpenny, P.P.G.D. (c) W. Bro. Thomas Smailes, P.P.A.G.D. (P.M. of Brooke Lodge, No. 3608)—The Almoner of The Lodge. (d) Brethren in the Town and District appointed as Officers of Provincial Grand Lodge (May, 1946) and (e) W. Bro. F. R. Worts, M.A., P.P.G.D.—Hon. Librarian of the Province of Yorkshire (West Riding).

(5) The Proceedings at the Festival to include :—

(i) A welcome to the Provincial Grand Master and his Officers ;

(11) A welcome to the Honorary Members ; (iii) Presentation of copies of the Published History ; (iv) Précis of the History by the Author ; (v) Special Donations to the Masonic Charities ; (vi) Hearty Greetings by the Visiting Brethren.

(6) A verbatim report of the proceedings, in the Lodge and at the Banquet to follow, to be bound and preserved as a permanent record.

(7) An Illustrated Brochure of the Festival, with details of the Business and Proceedings, and the Menu and Toast List at the Banquet to follow, to be handed to each Brother present. Thus each Brother attending and receiving a copy of the Brochure will have an interesting souvenir of the auspicious and historic occasion.

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6 (0,

Tp The Worphiphi! Master. Other Otters and Members of the Vrodge oF T rath No ser I nnd olf others’ hom tf may consent

GREETING

Wh if appears by the Records vE the Grand Hopge that om the 3” pag oF I December 1845 CGarrant of Constitution mag gumbo to recto Wrethren therem named authorising amd empowenng them ond thr regular bo aly aBonge nk Free ond Accepteh Madong at the CAhitr Hart Ian ond Aayge wos nomen Ghe Madge of Cruth and

763. the Reguster of the Grand Hodge of Gngland And whereas m consequence of the made m the numbers of Hodges an the year 1863 the amd lange became mn now stands on the Reqratre os 2° 521 mechng af Fermasons Holl tn the Coumby Gale or Pmommatan of i

of Bork, under the I

tHe lropce or Orutu

And proof has been of the extetence of the smd Aodge for One Yrorg vatmg from fhe 4!*nay of December 1845 AnD whiereag the Brethren the sain Madge desire to be peemiten fo wear a Iewel and have prayer our for that purpose

‘Dow “Kinin W tut Or halen the pur ronaideration Kane aceeped fo ther vequest and m virfue of Our‘ Prerogahve || Hereby gtor ap fo oll op ench of the Suharnbing Members of the smd Andge beng Master Masons permiaston fo wear mn all mw Meehnge suspended to the Lett breast fy

hie Rhbom nwt exceeding ane me} anda halFin breath a JEWEL or MEDAL of thepattem orpeniee I hoe afrendy Dosa CENTENARY JEWEL ®ut oall be worn only by those Brethren who ace bona fine Members of the smb tinge

and for sn Long mily ats fen shull pay the ahpulaten Sihacrphim fo the Funds thereof and be duly rehirney us such bo the Grand Googe of Gngland Given of Amidon this S" dy oF Derember AW 5945 AD 1945 ooo

“Gy Commmid oF Grand Master Honorable Che Gurl oF Harr K GC as, se, ge gs

Sitneg 6S

_—_———————

Photograph of the Centenary Warrant, 5th December, 1

945.

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COPY OF THE CENTENARY WARRANT.

Harewood, G. M.

TO THE WORSHIPFUL MASTER, WARDENS, OTHER OFFICERS AND MEMBERS OF THE LODGE OF TRUTH No. 521 and all others whom it may concern.

GREETING.

WHEREAS it appears by the Records of the Grand Lodge that on the 3rd day of December, 1845, a Warrant of Constitution was granted to certain Brethren therein named, authorising and empowering them and their regular Successor s to hold a Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons at the White Hart Inn, Huddersfield, Yorkshire, and which Lodge was named The Lodge of Truth and then numbered 763 on the Register of the Grand Lodge of England AND WHEREAS in consequence of the alteration made in the numbers of Lodges in the year 1863 the said Lodge became and now stands on the Register as No. 521 meeting at Freemasons’ Hall, Fitzwilliam Street, Huddersfield in the County of York, under the Title or Denomina- tion of THE LODGE OF TRUTH

AND WHEREAS satisfactory proof has been produced of the uninterrupted existence of the said Lodge for ONE HUNDRED YEARS dating from the 4th day of December 1845 AND WHEREAS the Brethren composing the said Lodge desire to be per- mitted to wear a COMMEMORATIVE JEWEL and have prayed our sanction for that purpose.

NOW KNOW YE that We having taken the Petition into our consideration have acceded to their request and in virtue of Our Prerogative DO HEREBY GIVE AND GRANT to all and each of the Subscribing Members of the said Lodge being Master Masons permission to wear in all our Masonic Meetings suspended to the left breast by a Sky Blue Ribbon not exceeding one inch and a half in breadth a JEWEL or MEDAL of the pattern or device that we have already approved as a CENTENARY JEWEL But such Jewel shall be worn only by those Brethren who are bona fide Subscribing Members of the said Lodge and for so long only as they shall pay the stipulated Subscription to the funds thereof and be duly returned as such to the Grand Lodge of England.

GIVEN at London this 5th day of December. A.L. 5945. A.D. 1945. By Command of the Most Worshipful Grand Master,

The Right Honorable The Earl of Harewood, K.G., etc., etc., Sydney A. White, G.S.

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CHAPTER VIII.

LODGE RECORDS, ROUTINE AND RITUAL INSTRUCTION CLASSES.

Warrants and Workings — Lodge Banner and Books — Lodge Records and Routine — Minute Books — Declaration Books -- Lodge Journal — Circulars — Guard Books — Missing Records — Instruction Classes — Union Lodge of Instruction --- Monday Night Classes — Thursday Night Classes — Past Master's Jewel — Record of Masters Year.

THE LODGE MEETING.

As is the custom with most of the Lodges in Huddersfield, the Lodge of Truth holds its Regular Lodge Meetings once a month, all the year round, the day of the Meeting being the first Friday in every month and the Installation Festival in December. It has a weekly Instruction Class held on the Monday evening, and also, as will be seen from Page 84, a Thursday night Instruction Class, held weekly during the winter months.

LODGE MINUTE BOOKS.

The Minute Books show the holding of the monthly Regular Lodge Meeting every month, without break or interruption, from the inception, except for the two months (July and August) in 1913 when the Lodge was closed; so with the numerous Emergency Lodge Meetings held—there have been well over 1,200 Lodge Meetings in the 100 years of existence. And during that period the number of Brethren initiated or joined has been 610 (534 Initiates and 76 Joining Members), an average of over 6 per annum, which is a record of which the Lodge can be justifiably proud, and a perusal of the Roll of the Worshipful Masters, at the end of this Chapter, shows that no less than 58 of the Brethren have attained Provincial Rank. A list is given on Page 78 of the number of Subscribing Brethren at the end of each year, which reveals that the numbers grew steadily during the first 12 years (1815-1856), and fluctuated in the 70's, 80's and 90's for over 60 years; from 1918 to 1929 the number was over 100. During the past ten years death has taken a heavy toll of he Members, much in excess of the intake, and the number has gradually declined to 70 at the end of 1944. A complete Roll of all the Members of the Lodge, 1845-1945, will be found in Pages 135 to 139 of this history. The Author has had the pleasure of perusing all the Minute Books, which are intact for the period, eight of them in all, viz. --

Page 77

LIST SHOWING THE NUMBER

OF SUBSCRIBING MEMBERS AT THE END OF EACH YEAR. (According to the Lodge Returns.)

1845/1869 1870/1894 1895/1919 1920/1944 Year I Number I Year Number I Year Number I Year I Number 1845 25 1870 91 1895 dz 1920 114 1846 33 I 1871 92 1896 75 1021 114 18¢7 18 I 1872 94 1897 79 122 113 1848 14 I 1873 97 1898 80 1923 116 1849 14 I 187e 97 1899 84 1924 114 1850. 12 I 1875 96 1900 89 1925 110 1851 18 I 1876 97 1901 84 1926 107 1852 52 I 1877 95 1902 85 1927 105 1853 63 I 1878 103 1903 90 1928 107 1854 78 I 1879 102 "1904 89 1929 104 1855 81 I 1880 99 1905 89 1930 98 1856 87 I 1881 86 1906 85 1931 95 1857 87 I 1882 81 1907 87 1932 89 1858 79 I 1883 76 1908 87 1933 88 1859 74 I 1884 83 1009 94 1934 84 1860 83 I 1885 80 1910 99 1935 77 1861 90 I 1886 q9 1911 88 1936 74 1862 91) I 1887 ge 1912 90 1937 TZ 1863 82 I 1888 q 1913 91 1938 73 186 78 I 1889 74 1914 91 1939 2 1865 75 I 1890 75 1915 89 1940 71 1866 68 1891 71 1916 95 1941 69 1867 66 I 1892 73 1917 98 1942 69 1868 84 I 1893 a2 1918 103 1943 70 1869 90 1984 70 1919 112 1944 70

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No. 1 1844 - 1857. 2 1857 - 1871. 3 1871-1885. 4 1885 - 1896. 5 1896 - 1908. 6 1908 7 1922 - 1936. 8 1936 -in use to-day.

The records therein have been such to enable practically the whole of the History to be gleaned and written up from them. In 1923 the Lodge decided to introduce a rather abbreviated form of writing up the Minutes, which it was thought would be the means of saving the time of those attending. This method was based on a specimen of Lodge Minutes prepared by W. Bro. T. McCulloch, and passed by the Lodge Committee on the 8th January, 1923. The Author makes two particular comments :- (a) To say how exceedingly useful it was to find in many periods MARGINAL SUBHEADINGS for the Minutes: it does help when preparing a History, and the wish is expressed that all future Secretaries will emulate the splendid example of their predecessors. (b) To say what a pity it is that the recording of the Names of the Brethren present, which was done meticulously and properly from the formation of the Lodge in 1845 came to a sudden stop on the 26th May, 1852. There was some excuse for the Secretary of 1852. He had certainly had a busy year of scribing: his Minutes of that year needed no less than 54 pages of the Minute Book, so perhaps he can be forgiven for the "error of omission." This most regrettable omission was taken as a precedent, and was unfortunately continued for no less than 89 years. The practice of recording the names of the Brethren present was not regularly resumed untilthe 7th March, 1941- never, it is hoped, to fail again. The History has had to be written without the picture of those present during that period, and the position has not been eased by the fact that many of the Attendance Registers are not available to provide the supplementary information.

MISSING RECORDS.

Bro. Reuben Williamson, who figured prominently on several occasions as the Lodge's Historian, made comment in one of his addresses that, when he was preparing his notes for the Jubilee he discovered that some of the records (he does not say which) were lost during the building operations and extensions at Fitzwilliam Street. It is perhaps interesting here to interpolate that another Lodge of Truth was concerned about its lost records. The Author learnt this from a letter he found in the Lodge Guard Book in 1936. It was dated the 2-1th October, 1936, and it was from the Secretary of The Lodge of Truth, No. 99-1 E.C.--a Lodge in Bombay founded in 1862. The writer was engaged on the History of his Lodge, and was enquiring of other Lodges of the name "Lodge of Truth" as to how and why they came to have that name, and, in the course of his letter, he remarked that the records for their first 25 years had been lost—ALL EATEN UP BY WHITE ANTS.

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The Author had hoped to spend some pleasurable and profitable hours perusing the Treasurer's Cash Books, because Treasurers' Cash Books of 50 to 100 years ago are often most revealing and picturesque; that pleasure, however, has been denied, as the Treasurer's records have not been traced prior to as recent a date as 1917 : perhaps some of them may yet be found, and every effort should be made to trace them: perchance they may vet turn up among papers at the offices or homes of some ex- Treasurers or ardent and enthusiastic members, who may have had the books in their possession, when working on behalf of the Lodge. It is obvious, from an inspection of the Lodge Journal - a specimen opening of which is included as an illustration at Page 86—that the Cash Records were available to W. Bro. J. T. Spratt in 1916 and 1917 when he wrote up the Lodge Journal, as the Columns in the Journal for the Abstract of the Finance are entered up, with the abstracted Totals of the various Receipts and Payments for EACH year from the inception 1846 to 1917 and onwards, except that from 1920 the figures appear to be for the Trustees' Finance only; from 1924 the Abstract of Finance has fallen away and is missing for some years. This summary of Figures from 1846 to 1917 in the Journal appears to he the Lodge's only financial record preserved for that period; this makes the Lodge Journal a very valuable and precious asset of the Lodge. What happened to those Cash Records after W. Bro. Spratt had used them ? Is there a parcel temporarily mislaid, or are they irrevocably lost ?

INSTRUCTION CLASSES.

The Lodge Instruction Class Minutes are much more complete, and are continuous from 1856, except for a break of six years from 1861 to 1867. There are evidences of Instruction Classes earlier than 1856. Reference is made in Chapter I to the "Union Lodge of Instruction" which was formed, under Dispensation from the Province, in 1849, at the instigation of the three Lodges in Huddersfield, viz.: The Lodge of Harmony, No. 342, Huddersfield Lodge, No. 365,

The Lodge of Truth, No. 763.

Here is a copy of the Dispensation which was granted : TO THE WORSHIPFUL MASTERS, THE WORSHIPFUL PAST MASTERS, THE WARDENS, OFFICERS AND BRETHREN OF THE LODGE OF HARMONY, No. 342—THE HUDDERSFIELD LODGE, No. 365, AND THE LODGE OF TRUTH, No. 763, individually and collectively, severally and conjointly.

I, CHARLES LEE, Deputy Provincial Grand Master, acting under the Patent and Authority of the Right Honourable The Earl of Mexborough, Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master of West Yorkshire, SEND GREETING and being anxious to promote the sound advancement of Masonic Knowledge and to foster the cultivation of our mystic Science, 1 DO HEREBY in compliance with the petition to me, addressed by you the Worshipful Masters, Officers and Brethren of the three Lodges aforesaid, and by virtue of the power and authority delegated to me, GRANT LICENSE AND DISPENSATION unto you to form, establish and conduct a joint genera! Lodge of Instruction for the end and object as aforesaid, to be holden on the Friday in every week, at the White Hart Inn, in Huddersfield. AND IDO HEREBY strictly and solemnly enjoin each and every of you to discharge the duties of Masonry in a constitutional manner according to the forms of the Order and the Laws of the Grand Lodge, so that pleasure and profit be the result of this joint general Lodge of Instruction that Masonic knowledge may grow and increase among you, and that Goodwill and Brotherly Love may take deep root with you and long flourish around you.

Page 80

Given at Leeds this twenty-second day of May A.D., 1849, A.L. 5849, under my hand and seal.

CHARLES LEE, Deputy Provincial Grand Master LS

of West Yorkshire.

This was, as the Dispensation suggests, a joint general Lodge of Instruction. Special By-laws and Regulations were drawn up and approved, and regular weekly meetings were held, principally at The White Hart Hotel, which was the meeting place of The Huddersfield Lodge, No. 365. From a perusal of the Minutes of The Lodge of Truth it would appear that the Union Lodge of Instruction was still functioning in 1859, as on Ist April, 1859, the Secretary was instructed to communicate with the Secretary of the "Union Instruction Meeting" to extend a cordial invitation to the members thereof, to hold their weekly meetings thereafter at the Fitzwilliam Street premises, should they feel so disposed and desirous. It has been generally admitted that W. Bro. W. Smith, of The Huddersfield Lodge, was one of the leading characters in connection with those Instruction Meetings, and it was he who asked the questions in the E.A. Lecture when the Seven Sections were worked in open Lodge (at The Lodge of Truth) on that evening, Ist April, 1859. The Minute Books of The Union Lodge of Instruction are in the custody of The Huddersfield Lodge, No. 290, who courteously allowed the Author access and use of them for examination. The first of those Minute Books, which covered a period from the Ist June, 1849, to 9th February, 1872, opens with a manuscript copy of the Dispensation as quoted on page 80. There then follows a manuscript copy of a Code of By-laws stated to be "For the regulation and government of The Union Lodge of Instruction Huddersfield" of which the following is a précis or synopsis :- (1) To be held every Friday at White Hart Inn at 7-30 open at 8-0 close by 9-30. (2) Annual contribution 2/6 per member. (3) Officers— Master. P.M. 2 Wardens. 2 Deacons. Treasurer. Secretary. Steward. 1.G. Tyler. Master for next Meeting elected at close, who appoints his Officers and names the business. (4) Brethren appointed Master and Wardens not attending pay fines 6d. for Master, 3d. for Wardens. (5) Membership limited to Master Masons who are Subscribing Members of a regular Lodge. (6) Visiting fee 6d. (7) Collection of dues.

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(8) Refreshments at termination of Meeting. (9) Secretary keep Minutes. (10) Salary of Tyler be 1/- a week. (11) Three weeks' Notice of any Alteration to By-laws.

(12) By-laws be read twice a year. (13) Emergencies not provided for to be decided by laws and usages of the Craft. At the end of those By-laws there appears this : JUNE 5th, 1849, THESE BY-LAWS ARE APPROVED. CHARLES LEE, D.P.G.M. and this is in the handwriting of the D.P.G.M. himself.

The following are the names of the Brethren who attended the first meeting, which was on the Ist June, 1849, at The White Hart Inn, Huddersfield :- Bro. William James Clarke, W.M. of (342) (Harmony) in the Chair. Bro. Ben Taylor, P.M. (342) and W.M. of (763) (Truth). Bro. James Peace, P.M. (342). Bro. Geo. Rice, S.W. (342). Bro. E. G. Lister (342). Bro. Wm. Shaw, P.M. (365) (Huddersfield). Bro. Titus Thewlis, P.M. (365). Bro. Wm. Smith, P.M. (365). Bro. Joseph Shires (365). Bro. T. R. Tatham, P.M. (763). Bro. John Johnson (763). Bro. W. Lorando Jones (266) (Prudence). The Dispensation was read : the By-laws which had been prepared by a Committee were approved: Bro. Wm. Smith was requested to provide the necessary books and a box to hold them. Bros. Ben Taylor and James Peace were made Honorary Members; Bro. Wm. Smith was appointed Secretary, and Bro. Wm. Shaw Treasurer. Bro. Ben Taylor was elected as the Master for the ensuing Meeting, and the Union Lodge of Instruction proceeded onwards according to plan. It continued to meet regularly each week, and worked some of the Sections of the E.A. Lecture, sometimes an Initiation Ceremony, and, very occasionally, the 3rd Degree Lecture. The Class or United Lodge had its own independent membership, and there are evidences of the attendance of Brethren from various Lodges. The subsequent Minute Books, although still printed as "The Union Lodge of Instruction," also bore the printed name of "The Huddersfield Lodge" and continued for 40 or 50 years: latterly the membership was mostly from Huddersfield Lodge, No. 290, and it would appear that, in process of time, those books and records became merged into the Huddersfield Lodge, No, 290, Instruction Classes Records, and in this Chapter the reader will learn about the separate Instruction Classes held by and at The Lodge of Truth. As mentioned in the opening paragraph of this Chapter, The Lodge of Truth has two established Instruction Classes, the main weekly Instruction Class for practices and rehearsals on the Monday night, and a Thursday night Class.

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It is interesting to trace the evolution and development of these Instruction Classes from the earliest days of the Lodge up to the present time.

The Lodge was formed in 1845, and reference has already been made to the Union Lodge of Instruction started in 1819, run jointly by The Lodges of Harmony, Huddersfield and Truth. Apart from that, there are evidences of Instruction Classes of the Lodges individually from their early days. There is a Minute Book with the Lodge of Truth records 1856-1861, and the first meeting therein recorded mentions the confirmation of the Minutes of the previous Meeting, so apparently that was not the first book. The Class night during that period was Tuesday at first, and then Monday (as from 1860). There were some Rules or By-laws made in 1857. The Classes in those days were not an integral part of the Lodge organisation. They had their own Rules, their own List of Members, and their own small Entrance Fee. They were often under the jurisdiction or supervision of an Individual Instructor, rather than under the Lodge. The Members of the Class held the various Offices, generally on a rota system, a Brother starting as I.G. moving to Secretary, J.D., S.D., J.W., S.W., Master and P.M.; and the Class Master for the night appointing the next I.G. to enter the rota. One of the Rules in 1857 provided for a fine of 6d. on the Master, and 3d. on S.W., J.W. and I.G. if absent, without providing a substitute. In 1882 the Class became a "Private Class" with Bro. J. W. Shoesmith (of Albert Edward Lodge, No. 1783) as Master, with Rules as in the former Class. This was held on a Tuesday, and in the following year, 1883, there was started a Class which met on a Thursday and was known as "The No. 2 Instruction Class"; this ran until 1885. When we come to 1893 we find a fresh renewal on a somewhat revised basis, with a specially-printed Minute Book titled "Bro. J. Shoesmith's Classes, Thursday Evenings," and there were two Instructors in charge:

Bro. Jno. W. Shoesmith, P.M. (1783) P.P.G.P.

Bro. W. A. Beevers, S.W. (1514).

and the Class was divided into two divisions, junior and Senior, the former meeting from 8 to 9 p.m., and the latter from 9 to 10 p.m.

The work of the Juniors was 3 Sections from the 1° Lecture and the Initiation Ceremony, and for the Seniors the remainder of the 1° Lecture, the Passing and Raising. Provision was made for promotion from the Juniors to the Seniors. Members absent without reason for four successive nights were struck off the List of Members. Rules were drawn up, a List of Members made (which included Brethren from other Lodges), and the Members signed the Rules. This Class ran for at least eleven years until 190¢. Features of this Class were the regularly-recurring presentations of silver mugs to Members with newly-born children (a forerunner to the presentation by the Lodge of Bibles), and a Dinner, annually from the inaugural Dinner of 1893.

One notices great enthusiasm in the Instruction Classes, especially about the period 1899-1900, when there were attendances of 40 to 50 Members, and the Class often adjourned to one of the larger rooms, viz.: the Billiard Room (now the Annexe) or the Supper Room. In about 1900 the night was altered to Friday. Also in 1900 there were held some Instruction Classes for the Royal Arch Chapter. But by 1901 the Class reverted to Thursday, with W. Bro. Shoesmith 83

Page 83

as Instructor—and this class was restricted to 15 working members. In 1902 Bro. W. A. Beevers was made an Honorary Member, and in 1904 there was a Special Dinner, and a Special Letter to Albert Edward Lodge, No. 1783, to commemorate the 25th Anniversary of W. Bro. J. W. Shoesmith in Freemasonry. During that period, in 1899, a separate Class and Minute Book were started titled "Bro. J. Shoesmith's Friday evening Class" with rather similar Rules, with an Entrance Fee of 1/-, and a membership limited to ten, but after twelve months or so there was a movement to unite the Thursday and Friday Night Classes, first with two Divisions, Junior and Senior, and later Juniors; it was decided, however, to limit the Class to Lodge of Truth Members only. The Class was then called the Junior (Instruction) Class (Thursday). It was about this time that W. Bro. J. T. Spratt began to take an active part, and he gradually succeeded W. Bro. J. W. Shoesmith, and became the Class Instructor. This Class held Annual Suppers, as distinct from Annual Dinners, and at the Annual Supper in 1906 a presentation was made to W. Bro. J. T. Spratt of a flower and fruit epergne as a token of esteem from the Members. This brings us to the last stage leading up to the present-day arrangements.

Another Minute Book opened in May, 1907, this time titled :-

"Bro J. T. Spratt's Instruction Class (Thursday Evening) Lodge of Truth."

This Class held its Annual Dinners, and at the Dinner in 1908 further recognition of W. Bro. J. T. Spratt's services was made by the presentation to him of a music cabinet. In 1910 the Senior and Junior Sections were definitely merged into one. In February, 1912, a Special Meeting was called which recommended that the status of the class should be fixed properly by the Lodge. This went in turn before the Lodge Committee, and then before Open Lodge on the Ith April, 1912, which date marks the official adoption by the Lodge of the Thursday Night Class, the Special Resolutions for the Constitution of the Class being recorded in full in the Lodge Minute Book, including :- . Special thanks to W. Bro. Spratt for his services. 2. Meet every Thursday October to April.

3. The Worshipful Master to be Official Head, and a Prompter to be appointed annually.

4. The Worshipful Master to decide on the work to be undertaken.

5. That both Monday and Thursday night Classes be notified on the Lodge circular.

6. That a Class Secretary be appointed annually.

7. That the Minutes of both Classes be in the same Minute Book.

There are some interesting features or customs in connection with this Thursday night Class. It has been a regular custom to hold a light supper on the first meeting of the session, for Members only. At the close of the session it has been the prerogative of the Members of the Class to ask the Past Masters to retire, and they themselves, under the guidance of the S.W., nominate an Instructor for the next

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session, which nomination is forwarded to the Lodge Committee, and then to the Lodge for final approval. At the close of the session a supper or dinner is held, to which are invited the Worshipful Masters and Instructors of the Lodges in the Town, and this has been a very interesting annual function.

Throughout the history of the Classes there has been close collaboration with other Lodges, particularly The Thornhill Lodge, No. 1314, and there were frequent interchanges of visits, Brethren from No. 521 Class going to Thornhill to work Tracing Boards, Lectures, etc., with similar visits by the Thornhill Brethren to The Lodge of Truth. This was particularly noticeable in the period 1919-1921.

LODGE COMMITTEE MINUTES.

The Lodge Committee Minute Books are available from 1892 and contain the usual records of Lodge Committee business, passing of accounts for payments, etc., but nothing of an cutstanding nature calling for special comment, which is not otherwise covered by the general history as revealed from the Regular Lodge Minutes and other records.

LODGE JOURNAL.

As an off-set to the missing records, referred to on Page 79, the Author wishes to refer most particularly to a really wonderful asset of the Lodge known as The Lodge Journal, and feels he cannot find words adequately to express his tribute to the magnificent work done by the late W. Bro. J. T. Spratt in compiling this Journal; he did this in the years 1916 and 1917, and presented it to the Lodge on the 2nd November, 1917. It is a factual précis of the happenings and events of the Lodge throughout the whole of -its existence, W. Bro. Spratt having written it up from the Minutes and Records from the inception of the Lodge. The Journal was apparently specially printed by William Henry Cook, Ltd., Lithographic and Letterpress Printers, of Huddersfield Ref. No. 9083-27th November, 1916. It contains 100 pages, specially ruled in columns, vide the specimen page herein; each page thus gives at a glance the History of one year. The years 1852, 1853, 1831, etc., were so full of events as to run into continuation pages, so that No. 1 Journal finishes a little before the 100 years, but No. 2 Journal follows (as a reprint), and all future Secretaries of the Lodge cannot have a better standard and style as to how the job should be done than to refer to W. Bro. Spratt's 80 odd pages in No. 1 Volume. At the front of the book is an alphabetical thumb index, giving the names of ALL the Members of the Lodge, from its inception, with the year of Initiation or Joining, the year as Worshipful Master, and the year of cessation of Membership, by Resignation, Death, etc.—a most valuable, comprehensive, and ready Record.

JOURNAL INDEX. There is also another index—a separate Alphabetical Thumb Index Book, prepared by W. Bro. Spratt, which is an Index to his Journal, giving either Name or Event, or Particular Matter (under its appropriate Index letter) and, by it, the date or year. It is a very useful Index Precis of Events, especially up to 1916, and the Secretaries who write up the Journal will earn the appreciation of future Historians if they will continue the good work and keep the Index up to date,

Page 85

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Page 86

including the filling up of a few gaps when apparently its value was not fully appreciated.

THE LODGE WORKING.

Another Past Master of the Lodge did a very good piece of work, of lasting and permanent value, a place for which must be found in an account of the Lodge Records, viz.: W. Bro. G. Percy Riley, who prepared a copy of the Lodge Ritual, had it typed and approved by the Past Masters, and at the regular Lodge Meeting on 3rd March, 1922, he presented it to the Lodge, when it was proposed and passed that it be adopted as the Standard Working of the Lodge. The typewritten sheets are sectionalised, with a thumb index, and are contained in a Bound Cover—marked "Not to be removed from The Lodge Premises."

The opening page reads as follows :March

1922.

This transcribed Ritual of the Ceremonies, Lectures and First Degree Tracing Board, in use at The Lodge of Truth, No. 521 in the year 1921, was compiled and presented to the Lodge by W. Bro. G. P. Riley (W.M. 1918-19).

The following Brethren assisted in the compilation and passed it as correct.

(Signed) Bean P.P.G.W. Thomas McCulloch P.P.G.D. Joseph T. Spratt P.P.G.D. John W. Thickett P.M. John W. Shaw P.P.A. G. D.C.

The record contains authenticated alterations since 1922. BY-LAWS.

A separate Chapter (No. IX) has been devoted to a synopsis of the history of the By-laws of the Lodge.

DECLARATION BOOKS.

These are complete and in a good state of preservation, three Volumes, ViZ.:- 1816 to 1880. 1880 to 1923. 1923—date.

an interesting collection of autographs of those of fond memory and our Brethren of to-day.

LODGE GUARD BOOKS.

In preparing the History of the Lodge the Author found it most interesting to turn over and peruse the pages of the Lodge Guard Books; being in chronological order they provided some interesting material, and showed the periods and changes for the different styles of the Lodge Circulars, Notepaper, Menu Cards, etc. There are eight of these Guard Books.

87

Page 87

No. 1 1855- 1861. 2 1862- 1868. 3 1868- 1874. 4 1874- 1893. 5 1893- 1915. 6 1915- 1929. 7 1929- 1939. 8 1939—date.

And in them are pasted Lodge Circulars, Lists of Members, Printed Accounts, Social Event Invitations, Dance Programmes, Menu Cards, interesting correspondence, newspaper cuttings, etc.-- a most interesting collection, containing much of permanent value; altogether a commendable

custom. THE LODGE BANNER.

A reference is made in Chapter II, in that memorable year of 1832, to the handsome gift to the Lodge of the Lodge Banner by W. Bro. Schlessinger. The pride of the Brethren in possessing such a handsome Banner so early in the career of the Lodge can be imagined: the Lodge was then only seven years old. The delight of the Brethren is well expressed by the then Worshipful Master—Bro. John Sykes— and below is reprinted the Worshipful Master's letter of appreciation and thanks to W. Bro. Schlessinger, "agreeable to the Minute passed on the 7th May, 1852."

Copy of Letter forwarded to Br. P. M. Schlessinger agreeable to Minute passed on the Seventh of May 1852. Lodge of Truth No. 763. Hudd. May 31st 1852. Worshipful Past Master and Dear Br. Schlessinger, I am deputed by the Brethren of this your Mother Lodge to perform a task towards you which may be more easily conceived than accomplished. To have been requested by them as their W.M. to be the organ of their respectfull, affectionate and gratefull greetings towards you as a Past Master and Pioneer of that Lodge which they Love and rally round to support, is an honor conferred upon me greater than I can express; I consider it as one of the highest compliments my masonic zeal can ever aim at attaining. Most Worthy Past Master, much as I esteem and much as I respect you as a Brother Mason and as an example for every succeeding Master to imitate, still you must on this occasion be convinced that I am not speaking merely my own sentiments, but that I am endeavouring to utter the feelings and to express the sensations of every Brother in the "Lodge of Truth- in particular and in this our Town in general (who have visited our Lodge and seen the Gift) in addressing you Individually. From the fact of your having labored so long and indefatigably for the Interests of this Lodge and for your unwearied care and superintendence, we take this opportunity of tendering you our heartfelt thanks and of expressing ourselves most closely attached to you by sentiments of gratitude and esteem and impressed as we are, with the conviction that we owe much to you for your constant anxiety and unabating zeal, for the welfare of this Lodge, and of the Brethren Collectively and Individually, but when we direct our attention for a moment to the other Fact, that after such services, as have been so imperfectly described, your nobleness of heart should induce you to present to the Lodge you have so well served, that Chaste, Elegant and Beautiful Banner, we are exceedingly astonished and which had agreeably surprised even your Most Intimate Brethren and alike cemented our Esteem and Admiration. Let me assure- you Worthy Past Master, that both on my own part and the Brethren of the Lodge of Truth, we should be unworthy of so Noble a Gift and your fraternal! esteem could we not receive it with as cordial a confidence. As long as ever it will hang together on our walls, the recollection of your extraordinary kindness and regard shall be most lively, and shall animate our Spirits to similar deserve.

Page 88

The Lodge Banner.

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Page 89

It shall be our constant Moniter in all our future duties.

In it we shall find a perpetual admonition to practise, with still greater activity those Philanthropic and Benevolent Principles of Masonry which you so well and truly carried out when the Lodge was honoured with your Presidency. As Masons and Brethren we always stand upon a Level by the principles which we are taught, we are all of the same Family high and low—rich and poor created by the same Almighty Architect. Still however Masonry teaches us to shew respect and honor to each man to whom respect and honor are due, according to the respective Characters of each individual; and when Individualls deserve well of the whole fraternity it displays that additional lustre, that Masons unite heart and hand to evince conjointly their high estimation of meritorious services. We therefore Worthy Past Master, behold in you that worthy character who calls forth the respect and approbation of the whole Lodge, who forsaking your own comforts in your resident Town, and, as it were, earn your station in society deigned to turn your noble mind with all its energies to promote the welfare and happiness of this particular Lodge.

These are the sentiments, Worthy Past Master, which I on behalf of myself and the Brethren of the Lodge of Truth, communicate as our feelings towards you on further receiving so noble a Gift, impressed with the conviction that to you we owe obligations which we can never forget. Our chief desire is that you may see that Banner waive over the Lodge you have assisted in rearing, and as flourishing and as exemplary a Lodge and composed of Good Intelligent Men and Masons. With the sincerest attachment and an affection truly fraternal--with a just return of Soul for all that you have conferred upon us in regard to all the kindness you have exhibited towards us, begging you to accept our deepest thanks, together with every good wish for yourself and the Craft in general.

Believe me to be, Worshipfull Past Master

and on behalf of My Brethren Yours very faithfully and Fraternally,

JOHN SYKES, W.M. Julius Schlessinger, Esqr., Bradford.

Soon after the Lodge celebrated its Jubilee the Brethren had in mind their treasured Banner, and decided that it too should celebrate its 50 years of service; a fund was formed in 1902, and, as already mentioned in Page 67, the Banner was re-painted in 1904. The design facing the previous page is a copy of the front page of the Lodge Circular, as at present in use, with which all Brethren are familiar. It has been in use for this purpose since 24th July, 1896, except that there was a temporary period of disuse in that connection from 25th March, 1902, to February, 1909. The Banner depicted well conveys a general impression of the actual Lodge Banner, although it is not correct in every particular. The colourings are excellent representations of the real Banner, so are nearly all the emblems, though at the bottom of the Banner certain emblems (the Sand-glass, the Lewis, the Seven Stars and the Pentalpha) occupy different positions from those in the illustration; and there is a further emblem "Skull and Crossbones" on the real Banner not reproduced in the illustration; that re-arrangement was done to suit the shape of the illustrated Banner, and that is where the main difference lies: in the illustration the Banner is "shield shape" whereas the actual Banner is rectangular, the latter being reproduced excellently in Illustrations VI and VII on pages 58 and 59.

PAST MASTER'S JEWEL.

As will be seen from the photograph of the Past Master's Jewel, the Lodge Banner Device has been used as the basis of the Past Master's Jewel, and provides a unique and very pleasing Jewel, of

Page 90

Past Master's Jewel.

Page 91

which the Past Masters of the Lodge can be justly proud. The present form of Jewel has been in use since the following Minute, passed at the Lodge Committee on 29th December, 1930 :- "The Worshipful Master on retiring from the Chair shall be presented with a Past Master's Jewel at the expense of the Lodge."

RECORD OF MASTER'S YEAR. The Past Master of the present day has another reason to be a proud and happy man, as, in addition to a Jewel, the outgoing Master is the recipient of a most interesting bound diary record of events of his year. It is apparently the job of the Senior Warden to collect the material each year for his Worshipful Master, and it can easily be imagined with what joy and delight that little act of service is done, knowing as he does that in a comparatively short time he, too, will receive such a record, which he will treasure all his life, and ever bring back to his mind the happy days when he was in the Chair of his Mother Lodge. BOARD OF WORSHIPFUL MASTERS. On Page 92 is found a photograph of the Lodge's Board of Worshipful Masters, which is a handsome piece of craftmanship carried out by Bro. J. W. Wilkinson, a worthy son of a worthy sire, and the Lodge is fortunate to have had. both father and son to do exquisite work in connection with their premises and furnishings.

Page 92

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Page 93

Date

1846 1847 1848 1849 1850 1851 1852 1853 1854 1855

1856 1857 1858 1859 1860 1861 1862 1863 1864 1865 1866 1867 1868 1869 1870 1871 1872 1873 1874 1875 1876 1877 1878 1879 1880 1881 1882 1883 1884 1885 1886 1887 1888 1889 1890 1891 1892 1893

1894

ROLL OF THE WORSHIPFUL MASTERS OF THE LODGE.

Name

William Kilner Thomas Robert Tatham Julius Schlesinger Benjamin Taylor Thomas Robert Tatham John Johnson John Sykes Thomas Robinson George Thomas Wright George Frederick Samuel Robinson, The Most Hon the Marquis of Ripon K. G William Cross Marsh Walter Matthewson John Kirk William George Dyson Thomas Abbey Bottomley Samuel Hardy Joe Webb Tempest Allen Jackson Henry Baines William George Dyson Thomas Sellars Higgins John Burgess Edwin Woodhouse Joe Wood George Marshall Reuben Williamson Joseph Robinson Joseph Hirst Joseph Varley Joshua Marshall Thomas Jackson John William Hinchliffe Thomas Mansford Benton Hiram Burley John Lunn Henry Shaw Joseph Graham William Henry Jessop John Byram Matthewman John William Turner William Eastwood Jowett Abraham Armitage Abraham Graham John Dawson George Jackson Samuel Crossley John Henry Sterry Jimmy Firth William Henry Jessop

Date

1895 1896 1897 1898 1899 1900 1901 1902 1903 1904 1905 1906 1907 1908 1909 1910 1911 1912 1913 1914 1915 1916 1917 1918 1919 1920 1921 1922 1923 1924 1925 1926 1927 1928 1929 1930 1931 1932 1933 1934 1935 1936 1937 1938 1939 1940 1941 1942 1943 1944

1945

93

Name

John Guest Thompson John Freeman Dyson John Davis John Pyrah John Lewis Sykes Charles Frederick Arnold John William Sawden John William Mallinson John Holrovd James Mosley Frederick Edward Beckwith Samuel Russell Thomas Bean James Edward Battye William Henry Wittrick Albert Banks Frederick Guest Thompson Thomas McCulloch Joseph Thomas Spratt Frank Shaw Edward Lister Lockwood Ernest Barrett Robert Perkins George Percy Riley Abram Turner George Frederick Tinker John William Thickett Harry Senior Wortley James Wilkinson Thomas Boardman Bolton Sidney Hampshire Wadsworth Brook Harry Bradley Samuel Guise Sani Newsome Thomas Gladstone Westmoreland Percy Ainley John William Shaw James Naylor George Graham Arthur Hudson James Hollingworth Lewis Schofield Joe Stanley Ward James Frederick Collard Cole Norman Sykes John Sugden Charles Arthur Waddington Percy Clark Haves Henry Cyril Skillington Geoffrey Gledhill

Page 94

BRETHREN OF THE LODGE OF TRUTH No. 521

who have attained

PROVINCIAL RANK OF THE PROVINCE OF YORKSHIRE (West Riding).

Name Benjamin Taylor Samuel Shaw William Kilner Thomas Robert Tatham John Sykes Thomas Jennings Wigney Joe Wood George Thomas Wright William Cross Marsh Walter Matthewson Henry Baines George Frederick Samuel Robinson

(Lord Goderich), The Rt. Hon.

The Earl de Grey and Ripon, afterwards The Most Hon. The Marquis of Ripon, K.G. Thomas Robinson William George Dyson John Kirk Thomas Abbey Bottomley Thomas Sellars Higgins Joshua Marshall Joseph Webb Tempest John Burgess Allen Jackson Reuben Williamson Edwin Woodhouse George Marshall John William Turner Jimmy Firth William Henry Jessop John Dawson Abraham Armitage George Jackson John Pyrah Charles Frederick Arnold John Holroyd Henry Shaw John Lewis Sykes Joseph Varley John William Mallinson James Mosley Frederick Edward Beckwith Joseph Thomas Sprats Samuel Russell Thomas Bean Frederick Guest Thompson James Albert Woolven Thomas McCulloch Frank Shaw George Percy Riley Edward Lister Lockwood John William Shaw

Abram Turner Greorge Frederick Tinker John William Thickett Harry Senior Wortley James Wilkinson Thomas Boardman Bolton Thomas Gladstone Westmoreland Lewis Schofield

Rank and Year of Office J.D. 1830, 1831 (through Huddersfield 290). S.D. 1847. S. of Wks. 1848, 1849 (through Harmony 275). Regr. 1852. J.D. 1854. Regr. 1855. Org. 1855, 1859. S.D. 1856. Steward-Year not known. No record of Steward-Stewards in Province 1848 to 1860. Purst. 1858 (through Nelson of the Nile 264), Provincial Grand Master 1861/1874.

GRAND MASTER 1870/1874.

Regr. 1860, 1861,. J.W. 1862. D.C. 1862, 1863. Purst. 1863. S. of Wks. 1864. Purst. 1865. S.D. 1867. Purst. 1869. D.C. 1870. Org. 1870. A.D.C. 1873. Purst. 1873. J.D. 1876. J.D. 1884. J.W. 1886 (through Philanthropic 304). J.D. 1886. J.D. 1888. St.B. 1889. S.D. 1890. S.W. (Past) 1917. A.D.C. 1894, D.C. (Past) 1897. D.C. (Past) 1902. St.B. 1905. A.D.C. 1908. S.W. (Past) '1927. J.W. 1909. S.D. (Past) 1911. S.D. 1912. S.D. (Past) 1912. A.D.C. 1914. S.D. 1916. D.C. (Past) 1917. S.D. (Past) '1918. A.D.C. 1919. J.W. (Past) 1919. Treas. 1921. S.D. (Past) 1921. S.D. (Past) 1923. S.D. (Past) 1924. S.D. (Past) 1926. A.D.C. 1928. A.D.C. (Past) 1929 (through Connaught 3800).

A.D.C. 1930. A.D.C. 1932. A.D.C. 1934. A.D.C. 1936. A.D.C. (Past) 1937. Dep. D.C. 1938. St.B. 1941, St.B. 1944,

OTHER JURISDICTIONS.

Samuel Guise

Prov. G. Secy. (Warwickshire) 1932. P.A.G.D.C. 1937. P.G.D. 1944.

Page 95

CHAPTER IX.

THE BY-LAWS OF THE LODGE.

Chronological Record — Formation — Segregation of Benevolent Fund — "Tin- money" — Revisions and Alterations — Manuscript Book 1892 by Bro. J. Lewis Sykes — Declaration and Acceptance by Members — Scale of Fees and Subscriptions.

THE FOLLOWING summary gives a chronological record of the History of the By-Laws, the date given in each case being the date of the confirmatory minute of the approval of the By- Laws or alterations thereto : -

FIRST BY-LAWS 2nd January, 1846. SECOND BY-LAWS 20th November, 1855. THIRD BY-LAWS 6th August, 1870. Alteration 20th January, 1887. FOURTH BY-LAWS 4th November, 1892. Alteration to Fees and Subscription 2nd August, 1918. Alteration to Fees 7th November, 1919. Alteration to Subscription 6th July, 1934. Alteration re ballot and number of black balls 7th March, 1941. FIFTH BY-LAWS Sth September, 1941.

As the reader will have noticed, the first By-Laws of the Lodge were drafted by a Committee formed from the Founder Members, and this first set of By-Laws was read, approved and adopted at the second regular meeting of the Lodge on 2nd January, 1846, and these held good for close on 10 years, a revised set being approved on the 20th November, 1855, and this latter set of By-Laws is fully recorded in manuscript in the Minute Book for that date. There is also recorded in the Minutes of that Meeting a copy of a letter dated 9th November, 1855, from the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, W. Bro. Charles Lee, which is reproduced here :—

“The following letter received by Bro. P. M. Wright from the R.W.D.P.G.M. Bro. Chas. Lee was read to the Brethren. Leeds 9 Nov. 1815. Worshipful and Dear Sir,

I have examined the draught of your Bye-Laws and find no objection thereto and all that is necessary to be done, is to separate your Bye-Laws relative to what you term your Benevolent Fund, from the Bye-Laws which relate to the Craft, for with Benefit Funds and Sick Club the Grand Lodge of England doth not interfere, they are appendages to a Lodge over which the Grand Lodge has no control and of which it doth not take cognizance, and as regards the application or misapplication of the Funds thereof the Grand Lodge will not interfere, and hence it becomes necessary that they be distinct and separate from the Bye-Laws relating io the Government and well being of the Craft.

95

Page 96

You can retain your Bye-Laws relating to your Benevolent Fund and regulate them according to the pleasure of your Lodge, but they form no part of the Bye-Laws of the Fraternity. Benevolent Funds may be established in Lodges for the purpose of granting aid to Brethren in distress, but such Fund ceases to be a Benevolent Fund when the Contributors thereto are expectant to receive the value of their contributions in case they may require it, in sickness or infirmity and your Fund is to be exclusively confined to the Contributors thereto. I think you ought to throw open your Lodge to parties who may wish to be in our Fraternity but who do not think it needful to become members of your Benefit Society and perhaps few if any would object to become participatory thereof, but the option ought to be allowed and hence I would suggest that your kth Law should provide that such members as do not think proper to become members of your Benevolent Society should pay 1/- per month and make a separate Law that all members of your Benevolent Association shall pay 1/6 per month. With good wishes,

Tam, my dear Sir and Brother, Yours most truly,

CHARLES LEE D.P.G.M."

The sound advice and recommendations contained in that most interesting letter were duly acted upon, as there are evidences in the Minute Book of Law No. 4 in its original form, and with the latter part relating to Benevolence ruled out. Until that line of demarcation was drawn, that is, during the first 10 years, it would appear that the By-Laws and Contributions were serving a dual purpose including Benevolence. One of the Resolutions at the time of founding the Lodge, passed at the inaugural meeting at The Rose and Crown on 14th November, 1845, read as follows :--- "That the Contributions of the Lodge be 2/6 per month, sixpence to be received back by the member if present, in refreshment. The residue to be appropriated to the general objects of masonry including a Benevolent Fund."

In the revised Law No. 4 in 1855 the Contribution remained the same, viz. 2/6 per month, and the sixpence return for refreshment, if present, continued, but the new Law provided for the residue to be devoted to the objects of the Institution and to defraying the general expenses. Some separate and distinct provisions were made at the Meeting in November, 1855, for benefits to be paid to members, during the time they were unable to follow their ordinary profession or business by sickness or bodily infirmity, subject to certain conditions which were laid down. It may be interesting to record that the Fees provided for in

the November, 1855, By-Laws were :—

Sa ds Proposition 1 1 ce : ae ; 14 6 Initiation, Passing and Raising in-cluding Grand Lodge Certificate and Register Fees JOINING MEMBERS. Proposition 1 1 For Joining 212

Those By-Laws served for close on 15 years, and they were again revised on the 6th August, 1870.

96

Page 97

Specimen Page of Manuscript By-Laws (1892).

Page 98

After about 17-20 years there were repeated evidences of a desire on behalf of the Brethren to improve the By-Laws. A Committee set up in 1887 made a report, and in 1890 it was decided that the By-Laws be revised, but all the formalities were not carried out until later. In February, 1891, a final decision was reached on a matter which had been raised several times from 1883 to 1891, for a revision of the By-Law relating to "Tin-money"—the amount returned for refreshments, and this was the end of that arrangement. The revision of the By-Laws was approved in March, 1891, but when the copy was submitted to Provincial Grand Lodge, they asked for the production of the Original By-Laws. These previous By-Laws, instead of being in a Book, had been framed and hung on the wall of the Lodge Room. This was not only "against the wall," but against the Regulations; and, after proper Minutes and confirmation, a Book was duly written up, and was forwarded to the Provincial Grand Master on Gth January, 1893, containing the By-Laws as re-drawn and passed at the Lodge on 4th November, 1892. The following is an extract from the Minutes of that Meeting: "That the existing By-Laws of this Lodge be abrogated and the proposed By-Laws as submitted to and approved by this Meeting be adopted and that such adopted By-Laws be writtten in a suitable book to be provided for that purpose and after confirmation at a subsequent Regular Lodge Meeting forwarded to the R. W. Provincial Grand Master for his approval." A suitable book was provided for that purpose. To say that the By- Laws were suitably written therein would not be doing justice to a wonderful piece of caligraphy. This will be appreciated when it is pointed out that the Secretary at that time was Bro. John Lewis Sykes, prominent Solicitor in this Town; and this well-bound book of super-quality paper is spaced, written, engrossed and engraved as only Lawyers can ; it is a joy to handle such a book, and a delight to see such penmanship. The book was so planned and designed to leave space for subsequent revision of the By-Laws, and will still last for many years, though one doubts whether any subsequent secretary will ever emulate successfully the excellent example of the erudite of 1892. There appears at the end of the 1892 By-Laws, and after each recorded Alteration or Revision of the By-Laws, a Section for the Signatures of the members, headed and ruled as follows :-

"We the undersigned being members of the Lodge of Truth No. 521 of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons duly constituted under the Grand Lodge of England have hereunto subscribed our names in token of our acceptance of the foregoing By-Laws which we individually and collectively pledge ourselves to abide by support and maintain as in duty bound the same having been approved in open Lodge sanctioned by the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master of West Yorkshire and confirmed by the Most Worshipful Grand Master of England.

Date of Initiation or Joining

98

Page 99

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Page 100

Such a record with the names, addresses, occupation and date of initiation or admission and the signatures (with a "miss" here and there)—of every subscribing member living on 8th November, 1892, or admitted since, is invaluable to any historian, and a priceless archive of the Lodge. It is of passing local interest to observe that this beautiful record of the Secretary of 1892, when sent up to the Province for certification, was countersigned by the Provincial Grand Registrar of that year, who was another of Huddersfield's eminent lawyers, W. Bro. William Ramsden (afterwards Sir William Ramsden) of The Lodge of Peace, No. 119; and again in 1918, when the book was once more submitted to the Province for a Certificate approving certain alterations to the By-Laws, the Certificate was countersigned by yet another Huddersfield lawyer as Provincial Grand Registrar, this time W. Bro. A. W. Denton, of the Lodge of Harmony, No. 275, (who incidentally was one of the Sponsors into Freemasonry of the writer of this History) ; the Deputy Provincial Grand Master who signed the Certificate was none other but Huddersfield's own Sir William Pick Raynor, whose characteristic signature adds further Huddersfield adornment to this beautiful book. The By-Laws dated 1892 served the Lodge for well-nigh 50 years, apart from some specific alterations to the amounts of Fees and Subscriptions. Not until 1941 were the By-Laws again revised; this set, the fifth, is now in use. The following tabie shows the variations in Fees and Subs-

criptions :— Initiation Joining Fee. Ree; Subscription. (including Proposition Fee). 2nd January, 1846, 4 14 6 2 20 2/6 a month. 20th November, 1855, 5 15 6 ay ol) 2/6 a month. 4th November, 1892, 1010 5 5 3/- a month. 2nd August, 1918, 12-120 6 6 220 p.a. 7th November, 1919, 210 0O 10 10 O 220 p.a. 6th July, 1934, 3 30 p.a. Sth September, 1941, 210 0O 10 10 O 3 30 p.a.

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CHAPTER xX.

CHRONOLOGICAL LIST OF GIFTS TO THE LODGE AND DONATIONS TO CHARITIES.

Gifts to the Lodge as recorded : and Donations to Masonic Charities.

AS WILL be seen from the heading, this Chapter is devoted to summarising gifts and donations, two different classes or kinds; both exemplify the "Grand Principles", the former denoting the Brotherly Love of the Brethren for their Mother Lodge, and the latter Relief in the help given to the various Masonic Charities. Throughout the 100 years of its history there have been numerous gifts to the Lodge of all manner of things, impedimenta, furniture, accessories, equipment, jewels, portraits, etc. etc. This part of the Book is devoted to a listing of such as are recorded in the Minutes, or from other available evidence. The list may not be complete; there will probably have been gifts to which precise reference has not been made in the records. The list makes interesting reading; it shows the extent of the love and loyalty of the Brethren for their Mother Lodge, and to whom the Brethren in general are indebted for the little comforts and useful articles. which are sometimes taken so much for granted. As often as a gift is recorded, there is a hearty and invariably unanimous vote of thanks to the donor. This desire to help the Lodge has been very prominent throughout the years. It began as soon as the Lodge started, or even before; at the preparatory Meetings, before the formation, useful gifts were made, with which the list is commenced, and others will be observed coinciding with the opening of the premises in Fitzwilliam Street in 1855. Here is the list, as imposing as it is interesting: ---

GIFTS TO THE LODGE.

Date. Description. Donor. 1845. November Print of By-Laws and necessary Books. Bro. J. Brook. do. Necessary Jewels. Bro. Kilner and Bro. Thewlis. do. The Gavels. Bro. A. Turner. do. 2/2/- each. Eight Brethren. do. Essential number of Aprons. Bro. R. Jacques. do. Emblems of W.M. and Wardens. Bro. Cocking. db. Cash Box. do. do. 5/5/-. Bro. Tatham. December (at the Consecration)—The Volume 01 the Sacred Law (in use at the Lodge at present). Bro. J. Brook (Prov.G.D.C.).

1

Page 102

Date. 1847. June 1852. February

do. do. March May November 1853. January do.

June 1855-56. do. do. cb, do do. do. do. cb. do. cb, Library. 1858. November

1860. December

1861. January 1862. December

1865.

July

1867. February 1874. July August

1875. February 1876. July

1882. December 1884. September 1885. February

August 1887. February

1888 June 1889. February

Description. Sword for the IG.

Worshipful Master's Chair.

Senior Warden's Chair. Junior Warden's Chair, Printed Receipt Books. Lodge Banner. Rough Ashlar.

Masonic floor cloth. Elegant Stone Tobacco Box with Masonic Emblems. A beautiful square. Brass Kettle. Kettle-stand, Bell and Boot-jack. Dressing Glass. Moulding round Instruction Room.

Portrait—Duke of Sussex. Chart of Masonic Emblems.

Chart and Book of Explanations. Ink. Stand. Bro. A. Palmer. Monitor or Timepiece. Umbrella Stand. Money towards formation of a Masonic Several Brethren.

Perfect Ashlar---(as a token of fraternal regard).

Elegantly bound Book of Constitutions, and two other Masonic Books.

Portrait of Earl de Grey and Ripon. Silver Snuff Box.

Tobacco Box. Set of Fish Carvers.

Piano—subscribed by the Brethren. Decorative Gift. Portrait of W. Bro. Allen Jackson. Worshipful Master's Chair (now in use).

Portrait of W. Bro. John Kirk.

Officers' Collars. Photograph of W. Bro. Joe Wood. Silver-mounted Snuff Box as a memento of many pleasant evenings.

Entered Apprentice Apron.

"Freemasonry at Bottom Eastwood."

Portrait of W. Bro. Joe Wood.

Silver Salver for use of S.D.

Donor. Bro. T. R. Tatham.

Bro. J. Sykes and Brethren. Bro. T. Robinson. Bro. J. Johnson. Bro. J. Brook. Bro. .T. Schlesinger. Bro. J. Radcliffe.

Bro. W. C. Marsh.

Bro. H. Baines. Bro. J. Sykes. Bro. M. H. Hirst. Bro. H. Baines. Bro. J. Kirk. Bro. J. Jowett. Bro. T. Robinson. Bro. T. R. Tatham. Bro. G. T. Wright.

Bro. Heslop. Bro. G. N. Nelson.

Bro. J. Kirk, W.M.

Bro. T. Robinson.

Bro. W. C. Marsh.

The Lodge of Harmony.

Bro. T. C. Ledgard.

Bro. M. Joseph (St. Johns Lodge 80).

Bro. Franklin. By himself after presentation.

Bro. W. C. Marsh.

By himself after presentation.

Bro. W. H. Jessop. Bro. T. J. Wigney. Bro. M. Joseph (St. Johns Lodge 80). Bro. J. Turpin.

Rt. W. Bro. T. W. Tew (Prov.G.M.).

The Brethren.

Bro. M. Joseph (St. Johns Lodge 80)

Page 103

Date. 1896. April

1899. December

1901. November

1902. October

November 1904

September November

do.

1906. Jul 1907. November

December 1908

November 1909. September 1910.

December 1911.

January April

June September November

December 1913.

1918. October

1922. March

1928.

June

1930. February Pedestals.

November 1931

August 1932,

1937.

June

1944. December

Description.

Addresses of W. Bro. T. W. Tew.

Bechstein Piano (£65) and £35 towards Mortgage.

Copy of 1853 Book of Constitutions in- scribed "Lodge of Truth No. 763."

Picture of Jacob's Ladder. Painted Panels in Lodge Room.

Two Painted Panels in Lodge Room. Portrait of Bro. William Shaw (1st Senior Warden). Portrait of W. Bro. Abraham Armitage.

Portrait of Lord Allerton.

Complete set of Working Tools in a case. Lectern and Stand.

Lead Light Windows. Safe. Chairs for the Instruction Room.

Book on Freemasonry. Portrait of W. Bro. H. Shaw (58 years a member). Portrait of W. Bro. J. Davis. Portrait of W. Bro. J. Firth. Five Volumes of Music. Three Pedestals.

Safe. Bro. J. W. Mallinson. Portrait of W. Bro. W. H. Jessop.

Copy of the Ritual as prepared by Donor and approved by P.M.'s

Photograph of Viscount Lascelles—Prov. G.M.

Master's and Wardens’ Chairs and Huddersfield Lodges. D.C's. Baton.

"Cartoons" of Architecture, Music, Sculp-

ture and Painting (in Lodge Room).

Pair of Silver Compasses.

Picture of King Solomon's Temple—(in

memory of the late W. Bro. John Pyrah).

150 years' History of Huddersfield Lodge, 1793-1943.

108

Donor.

The Province at Jubilee Festival.

Bro. F. Marsland.

Bro. J. Davis.

Bro. J. T. Spratt. do.

Bro. J. T. Spratt. Bro. Hy. Shaw (his nephew). By himself after presentation.

Bro. J. Pyrah.

Bro. J. Mosley. Wife of Bro. T. Bean.

Bro. F. G. Thompson. Bro. J. W. Mallinson. Bro. A. Banks.

Bro. J. Davis. By himself after presentation. The family. His widow. Bro. F. G. Thompson. Thursday night Class.

By himself after presentation.

Bro. G. P. Riley.

Rt. W. Bro. Lord Lascelles.

By Harmony and

Bro. J. L. Sykes.

Bro. J. T. Spratt. Bro. L. Schofield.

By his son, Bro. J. Faux Pvrah, Hud. dersfield Lodge.

W.M. and Brethren of Huddersfield Lodge.

Page 104

DONATIONS TO THE CHARITIES.

Coming to the second part of this Chapter, the attention of the reader is called to the Illustration Page at the end of the Chapter, which shows a classified Summary of the Donations to Charities, which the Author has compiled from the data he has been able to obtain. In some Lodges it is possible to refer to old Cash Books kept by the Lodge and by Charity Members, kept, it is true, in many and varied styles, but containing much interesting information. Unfortunately no such books are available in the Lodge of Truth; the only book or record found to date is the one in use at present by the Charity Member, which only goes back a matter of 32 years or so; the books of the Treasurer of the Lodge do not take us any further back than 1917. That was the year when W. Bro. J. T. Spratt completed his work on the Lodge Journal, and presented it to the Lodge; and, as the Author points out in Chapter VIII dealing with the Lodge Records, it is clear from the entries in the Journal that W. Bro. Spratt had before him in 1916-17 the Cash Records for Lodge Finance and Charities, as the column in the Journal for Finance is completed every year from 18-16 to 1917. Most of the specific factual information in the Summary of Donations has been obtained from the Abstracts supplied, on request, from Provincial Grand Lodge, but there are blank periods in the Provincial Record, and, for those blank periods the figures in the Lodge Journal Abstract of W. Bro. Spratt have been used. The following explanations will assist the reader in his perusal of the Summary of Donations. The Royal Masonic Institution for Girls was founded in 1788, and the Royal Masonic Institution for Boys was founded in 1798. The Royal Masonic Benevolent Institutuion for aged Masons was established in. 1842 (and for Widows in 1849). When The Lodge of Truth was formed in 1845, all three Institutions were in existence. The Province are not able to supply figures prior to 1875, although The West Yorkshire Charity Committee was formed in 1859, so for the two periods from 1846 to 1859, and 1860 to 1874, the figures in the summary have been taken from the Journal Abstract, but, being Totals only, they are not allocated as between the Charities. There are Minutes constantly occurring in those periods of Donations by the Lodge to the different Charities, e.g. £52-10-0 to the Boys School in 1869. Although the Provincial figures supplied start with the year 1875, their records are blank for 1880, 1881, 1882, 1883: there were donations each year during that period, as the Journal Abstract reveals. The West Yorkshire Benevolent and Educational Fund was established in 1897, from which date all columns in the Summary come into use. There is a further point to be borne in mind, namely, that it is possible that the Provincial figures do not represent the TOTAL donations, as it is not clear that their figures would include sums sent direct from the Lodge to any of the Charities. Subject to those contingencies, and possible errors and Omissions, the Summary reveals a minimum of £6,093 to Masonic Charities; this is a splendid testimony to the generosity of the Brethren; moreover, it should be noted that this total does not include the amount contributed to the Masonic Million Memorial Fund (1919-1938): but in the total is the amount contributed by the Brethren in connection with the splendid work they did for the Sick and Wounded Soldiers and Prisoners of War during the 1911-1918 World War. Their activities in this connection, by way of entertaining the troops, are mentioned more particularly in Chapter XII.

Page 105

The Summary shows that from the first, the Brethren have always been ardent in their support of the Second Grand Principle; the reader will recall, (Chapter IX) how at the very formation-- the Benevolent Fund was an integral part of the By-laws, and a special "segregation" was arranged at the instigation of Provincial Grand Lodge; so it can truly be said that from the foundation laid at the North-East corner of the Lodge the Brethren have raised a worthy "Benevolent" Superstructure.

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Page 106

SUMMARY OF DONATIONS TO CHARITIES.

Period

1846

Sela Se 1859

Per Abstract supplied by Provincial Grand Lodge

Per Lodge Journal Abstract

West Yorkshire R.M.

Benevolent & Benevolent RMI. Educational Institution

(unallocated) Fund Boys

8

1860

1874

1875

1879

1880

wis 1883

1884

1895

1896

1920

1921

pen 1944

TOTALS

In addition to the above The Lodge contributed to the "Masonic Million Memorial Fund" 126 |15 I 4 And in 1914-18 The Lodge contributed to the Local Funds for

Sick & Wounded Soldiers and Prisoners of War 467 118 I LODGE VOTES HELD IN PERPETUITY £ 6687 I 9 7

Details R.M.I. Girls

256 48 37 481 114 67 9 1

Chair Gift of Brethren S.W. Chair J.W. Chair Treasurer Secretary

*The figure for the 1943 Boys Festival will be amplified by some further Tax repayments.

Page 107

CHAPTER XI.

MASONIC JUBILEES, GOLDEN WEDDINGS AND OTHER ANNIVERSARIES OF THE MEMBERS PORTRAITS AND PHOTOGRAPHS.

Prominent Personalities, Pen Pictures and Portraits.

THERE ARE some beautiful Oil Paintings adorning the walls of the Lodge Room, and other Portraits and Photographs in the Supper

Room, in the Hall and Instruction Rooms; many relate to members of The Lodge of Truth, and some to The Lodge of Harmony and other Tenant Lodges; surrounding them are many interesting paragraphs of history. So here "Let us praise famous men." Some of these memorials testify to outstanding Masonic service, some relate to special occasions like Masonic Jubilees and other Anniversaries, of which there have been many in the History of The Lodge of Truth. In this Chapter an attempt is made to give the Brethren a "pen picture" of only some of the salient facts; a much larger volume than this would be needed adequately to describe the noble deeds and lives of these Brethren.

The following analysis of Names and Events will form some kind of key or ready reference to the detailed paragraphs which follow:

SUMMARY OF PORTRAITS, JUBILEES AND CELEBRATIONS.

Name. Initiated. W.M. Masonic Golden Anniversary. Portrait Jubilee: Wedding. W. Kilner Pounder 1846 185m (First Master) W. Shaw Pounder — 1904 B. Taylor Hon. Member 1846 1848 2 1851 A. Jackson 1852 1863 1902 1874 H. Shaw 1853 1881 1903 1913 1911 (60 years) Marquess of Ripon 1853 1855 1901 W. Smith Hon. Member 2 1852 T. Robinson 1850 1853 1861 V. G. Dyson 1852 1859, 1865 1866 W. C. Marsh 1852 1856 1868 I. Kirk 1852 1858 1876 T. Wood 1852 1869 1888 G. Marshall 1860 1870 1881 J. Marshall 1868 1875 Query. E. Woodhouse 1861 1868 1911 1918 (50 years Chair) 1. A. Woolven 1879 — 1929 1939 (60 years) J. W. Sawden 1884 1901 1934 G. Jackson 1883 1890 1916 J. W. Shoesmith Hon. Member 1910 1904 = (25 years) J. Wilkinson 1909 1923 1939 H. Goddard 1898 1939 A. Armitage 1879 1887 1904 1904 (25 years) N. H. Jessop 1879 = 1883, 1884 1918 . L. Sykes 1890 1930 (40 years) . Bean 1897 1907 1934 T. B. Bolton 1894 1924 1944

(No. 165)

Page 108

From the above summary it will be seen that two Brethren attained their 60th Masonic Birthday—a remarkable record; that no less than six Brethren celebrated their Masonic Jubilee—another rare record; and six Brethren enjoyed the commemoration of their Gold en Wedding.

W. BRO. WILLIAM KILNER.

It is fitting that we should commence with W. Bro. William Kilner, who was the first Worshipful Master of The Lodge of Truth in 1845-46. He was a Past Senior Warden of The Lodge of Harmony, and received his Provincial Rank through that Lodge, holding the office of Superintendent of Works for two years, 1848 and 1849, soon after becoming Master of Truth. His Portrait hangs in the Lodge Room, quite appropriately, in the North-East corner, and was pre- sented in 1856; the Resolution passed on 5th December, 1856, states :

"That this Lodge deeply impressed with the estimation in which our Bro. P. M. Kilner is held amongst us Resolve that he be requested to allow his Portrait an oil painting to be taken by Bro. Howell and to be hung up in the Lodge Room the funds to be raised by voluntary subscriptions."

W. BRO. WILLIAM SHAW.

Having mentioned above a Founder Member from The Lodge of Harmony, the next to refer to is a Founder Member from Huddersfield Lodge, who was the first Senior Warden of the Lodge of Truth. He only remained a Member of the Lodge for five years, and did not go through the Chair. He was Uncle to Bro. Henry Shaw, who is referred to on Page 109 of this Chapter. Bro. Henry Shaw made the gift to the Lodge of his Uncle's portrait on the 4th November, 1904, although it is not clear as to where this portrait is now. The Minute says that W. Bro. Henry Shaw made the presentation "In a very humorous speech."

W. BRO. BEN TAYLOR.

Having referred to the firstWorshipful Master and the first Senior Warden, Founder Members from Harmony and Huddersfield Lodges respectively, let us now look at a Brother who was a prominent member of both these Lodges, and gave of his valuable experience at the time of the formation of The Lodge of Truth. Although not one of the Founder Members named in the Petition, he actually presided as the Master for the opening of the First Meeting on the Sth December, 1845. He was a very ardent Mason, having previously been Master of the Huddersfield Lodge on six occasions, 1820, 1821, 1823, 1825 1829, 1830, and was Provincial Junior Deacon in 1830 and 1831. He was one of the Brethren who took part in the arrangements for bringing The Lodge of Harmony from Halifax to Huddersfield in 1837, and was honoured by The Lodge of Harmony in 1866 on the occasion of his Masonic Jubilee. His Portrait hangs in the Lodge Room, presented in 1851 (it is not clear by which Lodge it was presented), but it 1s believed to be the property of The Lodge of Harmony. It gives the Author much pleasure to place on record that, when he was Initiated into The Lodge of Harmony, No. 275, in 1919, it was the respected grandson of W. Bro. Ben Taylor, namely, W. Bro. Lewis Taylor, who performed the Initiation Ceremony, thus affording yet another interesting link in the history of the Lodges in Huddersfield.

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Page 109

W. BRO. ALLEN JACKSON.

The first Member of The Lodge of Truth to have the unique distinction of a Masonic Jubilee was W. Bro. Allen Jackson, P.P.G.D., who was one of the 33 candidates Initiated into the Lodge during the outstandingly busy year of 1852, his being the last Initiation of that historic year, on the date of the year "never to be forgot," namely, November Sth. So we find special honour done to him 50 years later at the Lodge Meeting of 7th November, 1902. W. Bro. Jackson occupied the Chair of the Lodge in 1863. He served on the Town Council from 18741 880, and he was one of the Founder Members of Albert Edward Lodge in 1875. He was renowned as a ritualist but, as sometimes happens, he had little opportunity to display his skill during his own year of Mastership, as there were no candidates that year, but the Lodge Journal reveals that, of the seven Initiations in the following year, Bro. Jackson did six of them, as well as Passings and Raisings, and several others in years to follow. He attained the rank in Provincial Lodge of Junior Grand Deacon, and the Members, like the Author, will have noticed his name on the Mark Masons Lodge Board in the Supper Room. If they will allow their eyes to travel round the walls of the Supper Room they will see his Portrait (presented in 1874). It fell to the lot of W. Bro. Reuben Williamson, the Lodge "historian," to "open up" the "special business" on 7th November, 1902. He gave "an interesting resume" of the history of W. Bro. Jackson's connection with the Lodge, which will be found entered "at the end of these Minutes."* The "special business" was then handed over to the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, Bro. Richard Wilson; he attended for the specific purpose of presenting to Bro. Jackson on behalf of Master, Officers and Brethren, a cheque and gold pin in commemoration of the unique event in the masonic career of "such an honoured and old member.” W. Bro. Jackson, in replying, said that he had tried during his career to carry out to the best of his ability one of the tenets of the craft, to be happy himself and to communicate happiness to others and said that he had never missed an Installation Ceremony, and hoped to be present at many others. So it seems certain that he indeed derived happiness from his Freemasonry. If one thinks of all the Brethren, who must have enjoyed seeing him at more than fifty Installations, he indeed gave happiness to many. As further evidence of the esteem in which he was held through out the Town and District, there were congratulatory letters (recorded in the Minute Book) from The Lodge of Harmony, No. 275, Huddersfield Lodge, No. 290, Thornhill Lodge, No. 1514, Albert Edward Lodge, No. 1783.

W. BRO. HENRY SHAW. A very close "second" in the race for the Masonic Jubilee honours was W. Bro. Henry Shaw, who attained the distinction only four months later than W. Bro. Allen Jackson. He was initiated into

*Once again the Author passes on to the readers his regrets at his inability to find "at the end of the Minutes" the interesting historical resumé referred to in the resolution.

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Page 110

the Lodge on the 4th March, 1853, and occupied the Chair in 1881. The reader will recall (see page 43) that a special Dispensation was obtained to enable him to be Installed, because he was at the time just at the end of his year as Master of another Lodge (Prince Frederick Lodge at Hebden Bridge). The memento he received from the Brethren at the Lodge Meeting on 6th March, 1903, to commemorate the happy event was a Silver Tea Service. Before making the Presentation the Worshipful Master had called upon W. Bro. Reuben Williamson to give the history of Bro. Shaw's fifty years' connection with the Lodge, the account of which occupies eight pages of the Lodge Minute Book.

W. Bro. Henry Shaw had no fewer than FOUR very near relatives in the Founding Members of The Lodge of Truth, viz.:— -

His Father, Bro. Sam Shaw, Past Master of Hudders- field Lodge, No. 290. His Uncle, Bro. William Shaw, do. His Uncle, Bro. R. Jacques, then Master Elect of Huddersfield Lodge, No. 290. His Uncle, Bro. N. Barrow, of Huddersfield Lodge, No. 290.

For a period of fourteen years from 1867 to 1880 (just before he became Worshipful Master) Bro. Hy. Shaw was Tyler of the Lodge and Hallkeeper of the Lodge Premises. On the same night as his Installation he was elected as Lodge Representative on the Charity Committee. He later served the Lodge as Treasurer, and on one or two occasions as a Past Master Purveyor, so there is ample evidence of his all-round ability and suitability for almost every kind of office, especially offices where he was serving his Brethren. At the age of 75, at the time of his Jubilee, no brother, says Bro. Williamson, was "more regular in his attendance to his duties or more ready to defend its honour, or to promote its welfare." But good as it is up to that point, Bro. Shaw's fine record did not stop there, as the Brethren did him further honour in April, 1911, eight years later, when at the age of 83 Bro. Shaw had completed 58 years of Masonry. The Brethren had subscribed the sum of 08 19s. spent on his Portrait, which was presented to him by the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, who at the same time conferred on him the rank of P.P.G.D. The Lodge presented him with his Provincial Clothing in June, 1911. W. Bro. Shaw lived to enjoy his 60th Masonic Anniversary and was again congratulated on 7th March, 1913. The Minutes say that he attended the Lodge Installation on 5th December, 1913, "being received with evident pleasure by the assembled Visitors and Brethren." This fine Masonic career came to an end by Bro. Shaw's "passing" on the 3rd September, 1914.

THE MOST HON. THE MARQUESS OF RIPON, K.G. References to this distinguished Brother have already been made earlier in the book, in the introduction and particularly in Chapters II and V. He was first of all known to the Brethren of the Lodge as Bro. George Frederick Samuel Robinson, Lord Goderich, afterwards as The Earl de Grey and Ripon, and later as The Marquess of Ripon.

Page 111

The Lodge of Truth is justifiably proud that a Brother Initiated in the Lodge rose to become not only the R. W. Provincial Grand Master of the Province of Yorkshire (West Riding) but the Most Worshipful The Grand

Master.

Here is a summary in dates of the steps in his rapid rise to those

exalted positions :-

6th May, 1853.

17th May, 1853.

12th October, 1853.

25th November, 1853.

2nd December, 1853. 3rd November, 1834. 1st June, 1855.

22nd May, 1861.

27th April, 1870.

In 1871.

2nd Sept., 1874.

Proposed for membership in The Lodge of Truth, No. 763, as Mr. George Frederick Samuel Robinson (Lord Goderich).

Initiated as a Member of The Lodge of Truth, No. 763.

Passing Ceremony in The Lodge of Truth. Raising Ceremony in The Lodge of Truth. Appointed Senior Warden for the ensuing year. Election as Master of the Lodge.

Installation as Worshipful Master of The Lodge of Truth, No. 763

Provincial Grand Lodge met at Leeds, under the Banner of The Lodge of Truth, No. 7C3,

and the Right Hon. The Earl de Grey and Ripon Installed Provincial Grand Master. (In succession to the Right Hon. The Earl of

Mexborough.)

The Right Hon. The Earl de Grey and Ripon Installed Most Worshipful Grand Master. (In succession to the Right Hon, the second Earl of Zetland, K.G.)

The Earl de Grey and Ripon was raised to the rank of the 1st Marquess of Ripon.

The Most Hon. The Marquess of Ripon, M.W. Grand Master and R. W. Prov. G. Master, resigned, having withdrawn from the Craft.

Note : He was suceeded as Grand Master by H.R.H. Albert Edward, Prince of Wales, K.G. (afterwards King Edward VII), and he was succeeded as Provincial Grand Master by Colonel Sir Henry Edwards, Bart., C.B. (P.M. of The Lodge of Probity, No. 61).

Many are the references in the annals of Provincial Grand Lodge and in the Minute Books of The Lodge of Truth to special occasions, of interest to The Lodge of Truth or to the Brethren of Huddersfield, of which the following are a few extracts :--

5th October, 1859.

P. G. L. at Huddersfield. Foundation Stone of the Mechanics Institute laid by The Earl and Countess de Grey and Ripon.

11

Page 112

30th March, 1864. P. G. L. at Huddersfield. W. Bro. Bentley Shaw (P.M. of The Lodge of Harmony, No. 275) appointed and invested as Deputy Prov. G.M.

(Thus, for a period of 10 years, 1864-1874, both the Prov. G.M and the Deputy Prov. G.M. were from Lodges in Huddersfield.)

19th April, 1865. P. G. L. at Huddersfield. Foundation Stone of The Mechanics Jnstitute at Lockwood laid by the R.W. Prov. G.M. The Right Hon. The Earl de Grey and Ripon.

5th October, 1865. The Right Hon. the Earl de Grey and Ripon Installed Grand Superintendent of Royal Arch

Masons of West Yorkshire, at Halifax.

15th May, 1867. P. G. L. at Huddersfield. Address of Condolence to the Earl de Grey and Ripon on the death of his mother the Dowager Duchess.

28th October, 1868. P. G. L. at Meltham. Foundation Stone of Convalescent Home at Meltham laid by the Earl de Grey and Ripon.

2nd May, 1870. P. G. L. of Emergency at Huddersfield. Vote of Condolence to Earl de Grey and Ripon and his family on the murder of Mr. Vyner by brigands in Greece.

22nd January, 1873. P. G. L. at Harrogate. Congratulatory Address to The Marquess of Ripon on attaining his majority.

Although the Marquess of Ripon had not continued his membership of Freemasonry, the Brethren of his Mother Lodge nevertheless remembered him on two special anniversary dates, viz.:— In 1901 when the Brethren sent him congratulations on his Golden Wedding; In 1903 when the Brethren sent their congratulations on the 50th

anniversary of his Initiation.

There are one or two Portraits of this distinguished Brother on the walls of the premises, as Provincial Grand Master and also as Grand Master.

W. BRO. W. SMITH.

At the close of that remarkable year of 1852, at the Installation on 3rd December, 1852, there was a presentation of the Portrait of W. Bro. Wm. Smith for his services to the Lodge. At that time he was not actually an enrolled member, hut he had been a very frequent, almost regular visitor during the early years, and had often acted as Secretary or Deacon or in one of the other offices. He was made an Honorary Member in 1855. He did much to instruct and educate

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the Brethren and to elevate Freemasonry in the Town. He was mainly instrumental for the formation of The Union Lodge of Instruction (for the three Lodges), and was looked upon as the Chief Instruction Master. His strong personality fitted him for that posh on, and he was an outstanding authority in those days on all matters of ritual and procedure. It is not known where the Portrait presented in 1832 is nowadays, but there is a Portrait of W. Bro. W. Smith in the Lodge Rooms at Greenhead Road, presented in 1874 by the Brethren of the Huddersfield Lodge. The Portrait there shows W. Bro. Smith as a Past Master of Lodges Nos. 290, 521, 652, and Worshipful Master of Lodge No. 1462.

W. BRO. T. ROBINSON.

The Minutes contain the record of the Presentation of this Brother's Portrait, the present whereabouts of which are not known. The presentation was made on the 6th September, 1861, and in the Minutes there is recorded verbatim a very fine speech by W. Bro. T. R. Tatham, well worth the trouble of any Brother interested turning it up. W. Bro. Robinson joined The Lodge of Truth in 1850 from The Lodge of Harmony, and had an outstanding Masonic career. After occupying the Chair of The Lodge of Truth in 1853, he was twice Provincial Grand Registrar in 1860 and 1861, and in the following year he held the office of Provincial Grand Junior Warden. The presentation in 1861 included not only his Portrait but the Jewel of his Office as Provincial Grand Registrar.

W. BRO. WILLIAM GEORGE DYSON.

Bro. Dyson was another of the Initiates of the 1852 year. He was Master of the Lodge on two occasions, first in the year 1859-60 and then again 1864-65, and in the intervening years he was twice Provincial Director of Ceremonies in 1862 and 1863. In the latter term of Mastership the Brethren honoured him (in September, 1866) by presenting him with a Portrait of himself, and also with the Jewel and Insignia of his Rank as P.P.G.D.C.

W. BRO. WILLIAM CROSS MARSH.

Many of the Brethren will have noticed the handsome chair at present in use as the Worshipful Master's chair in the Lodge Room, and those who have read the inscription on the hack will have noticed that it was presented (in 1873) by W. Bro. W. C. Marsh, whose name appears on other occasions in the List of Gifts in Chapter X. He was one of the early Initiates (1852), was Worshipful Master in 1856, and became an Honorary Member in 1878. It is fitting to find him as a Donee instead of Donor on 3rd January, 1868, on which occasion Bro. Marsh was presented with a Portrait of himself, and a Jewel, the Presentation being carried out by a very distinguished local Brother, W.Bro. Bentley Shaw, at that time the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, and a frequent visitor to The Lodge of Truth This is yet another example of a Member of The Lodge of Harmony being happily arid closely associated with activities in The Lodge of Truth.

W. BRO. JOHN KIRK. The name of Bro. John Kirk figures prominently in this history, particularly in regard to the use of his talents as an Architect for the benefit of the Lodge and its Building Schemes, as well as his all-

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round masonic knowledge. He was yet another of the 1852 initiates and was Master in 1858. He had the appropriate rank in Provincial Grand Lodge of Supt. of Works. His Portrait was presented to him on 7th July, 1876, and arrangements were made for it to be hung in the Lodge Room.

W. BRO JOE WOOD. W. Bro. Joe Wood was yet another of the Brethren Initiated in 1852, who helped to make history for The Lodge of Truth, and gave much pleasure to the Brethren by his musical talents. He was Master in 1869, and attained the Rank of Provincial Grand Organist, an office which he held on two occasions, 1855 and 1859. In March of 1888 a Portrait Committee, specially appointed, commissioned a Mr. Gallimore to paint the portrait of the late Bro. Joe Wood at a "cost of not more than Fifty guineas," and that the "said Portrait be hung in the Supper Room, and be considered as part of furniture of Supper Room." As a matter of fact, it now hangs in the Lodge Room. Most of the Brethren subscribed towards the cost, and a special feature was made on Ist June, 1888, Lodge night, with a Banquet after the Lodge, and the presentation after the Banquet. In fact there was more than one special feature about this evening, as the late W. Bro. Wood's own son, bearing the same name, Bro. Joe Wood, himself a Professor of Music, had his Raising Ceremony on this evening and was present, as a Master Mason, at the unveiling of his father's portrait. The Minutes say that the presentation was made by Bro. W. H. Jessop, P.M. "in a eulogistic and feeling manner, which was supplemented in equally feeling language by Bro. Allen Jackson, P.M." The History of The Huddersfield Lodge, No. 290, states that the Brethren of that Lodge, of which Bro. Joe Wood was also a Member, presented him with a Portrait and an Hluminated Address in 1879. He was noted for his consummate skill as a musician, and as a witty speaker with a fund of humorous tales. He died in 1884.

W. BRO. G. MARSHALL. If the Brethren have studied the Portraits hung in the Supper Room they will have noticed one there of W. Bro. G. Marshall. W. Bro. G. Marshall was Initiated in the Lodge in 1860 and occupied the Master's Chair in 1870. This Portrait was presented to him by the Brethren in 1881, but there is no detailed record thereof in the Minutes.

W. BRO. JOSHUA MARSHALL.

Another of the Portraits in the Supper Room is that of W. Bro. Joshua Marshall, aname well known in the Town, and another Brother famous for his skill as a musician. He was the Provincial Grand Organist in 1870, within two years of his Initiation, and before he occupied the Chair of the Lodge in 1875. He was welcomed and respected in the other Lodges in the Town. It is not known, from the records, just when his Portrait was presented or when it came into the possession of the Lodge.

W. BRO. E. WOODHOUSE.

W. Bra. Edwin Woodhouse was Initiated into the Lodge in 1861, and served as Worshipful Master in 1868. The records show

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that he resigned in 1869—probably because he left the Town. He later became a Member of Philanthropic Lodge, No. 301, Leeds, and was honoured, through that Lodge, with the rank of Provincial Junior Warden in 1886. He was popular and well-liked, because he was _ specially mentioned by some of the Visiting Brethren who spoke at Jubilee Celebrations of other Brethren. He apparently lived to see his 50th Masonic anniversary, though away from his Mother Lodge as there is a Resolution in the Minutes on Sth July, 1918, mentioning the fact that 50 years ago the Chair was occupied by Bro. Edwin Woodhouse, of Leeds, and it was Resolved "That the Secretary be instructed to send him a letter of con- gratulation accompanied with the hearty good wishes of all the Brethren."

BRO. J. A WOOLVEN.

Another of the Brethren of The Lodge of Truth with a very fine record in the Town, and a long connection with his Lodge, was Bro. J. A. Woolven, who was Initiated in 1879, and died in 1941, with over 60 years' Masonic membership.

The occasions on which he received special congratulations were several. On 9th April, 1920, he received the congratulations of the Lodge on being appointed Mayor of Huddersfield, and in 1921 he received the Provincial Rank of Senior Deacon (Past). The Honorary Freedom of the Borough was conferred upon him in 1934. On July Ist, 1927, the Lodge offered congratulations to him in respect of the high honour conferred on him in France when he was made a Member of The Legion of Honour (Chevalier de la Legion d'Honneur) : this was in connection with his efforts as Mayor of the Town in 1921, when he opened a Subscription List for the adoption by Huddersfield of two communes in France, Hermies and Havrincourt, with the result that each village was provided with domestic water supply, including pumps, windmills, etc., as well as cloth and clothing and sewing machines. At the Lodge on April 5th, 1929, which marked the occasion of Bro. Woolven's Jubilee, he received a special Address of Welcome from the Worshipful Master, and the hearty congratulations of the Brethren, followed by a Complimentary Dinner: and on the 7th April, 1939, in order to mark the occasion of his 60 years' membership, the Brethren presented an Illuminated Address. Bro. Woolven was not able to attend in person, but his son-in-law, Bro. Amos Brook Hirst, deputised for him, and received this honoured gift on his behalf.

W. BRO. J. W. SAWDEN. Yet another of the Members of The Lodge of Truth who lived to be able to say that he had been a Freemason for 50 years, although he died five months later, was W. Bro. J. W. Sawden, who was Initiated on 4th January, 1884, and attained his Jubilee in 1934. He occupied the Chair in 1901.

W. BRO. G. JACKSON. W. Bro. G. Jackson, who was Initiated in 1883, and occupied the Chair in 1890, did not live to celebrate a Masonic jubilee; he died in 1919, but on 4th August, 1916, the Brethren recorded a special resolution of congratulations to him on his Golden Wedding.

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W. BRO. J. W. SHOESMITH.

In March, 1901, W. Bro. J. W. Shoesmith attained his 25th Masonic anniversary, not with The Lodge of Truth, of which he was a Joining Member and an Honorary Member (see page 65), but with his Mother Lodge, Albert Edward, No. 1783, and congratulations were sent to him acknowledging the deep debt of gratitude for the many valued services rendered to The Lodge of Truth; and in June, 1910, the Brethren were again remembering Bro. Shoesmith, when they sent him their congratulations on the attainment of his Golden Wedding.

W. BRO. JAMES WILKINSON. Another Brother to attain his Golden Wedding was the much beloved Bro. James Wilkinson, who in his own inimitable and quiet way did much good work for his Lodge, including Ritual and Instruction Class Work; and particularly in regard to the Premises, which have many permanent memorials to his exquisite craftmanship as Cabinet-maker. He was Initiated in 1909, and occupied the Chair of the Lodge in 1923: To mark the occasion of his Golden Wedding, the Brethren presented him. with a Silver-gilt Fruit Bowl on the 7th August, 1939.

BRO. HARRY GODDARD. This Brother, who was Initiated in 1898, did not attain the Chair, nor figure much "in the news" in the records; but he was the recipient of Hearty Greetings sent to him on the 4th August, 1939, to help him to enjoy his Golden Wedding. At the time of the writing of this History, Bro. Goddard is No. 2 on the present List of Members of the Lodge.

W. BRO. A. ARMITAGE. Another 25 years' celebration or recognition was that of W. Bro. Abraham Armitage, who was Initiated in 1879, and became Master in 1887. In 190-4, after 25 years' membership, he was honoured by his Brethren, who in August started a special Subscription List, and in November (November 4, 1904) he was presented, again by the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, Bro. Richard Wilson, with his Portrait in Oils. The Deputy Provincial Grand Master pointed out that it was not merely the fact of having been a Member for 25 years which had induced the Brethren to honour him, but during the whole of that period he had been a modest, unassuming, hardworking member of the Lodge, who was seldom absent from the Instruction Class, and never absent from the Regular Lodge. The Portrait was handed back to the Lodge as a gift, and Bro. Armitage received a reproduction for his own use. Some further information about this Brother was gleaned from a Masonic Journal extract, pasted in The Lodge of Truth Guard Book, which reported Bro. Armitage as a Patriotic Brother who had served with the Volunteer movement in early years to aid the defence of his country. The Portrait mentioned above, which adorns the South Wall of the Lodge, was lent out, by request, for exhibition at the City Galleries, Leeds, in September, 1905.

W. BRO. WILLIAM HENRY JESSOP. Another of the fine Portraits adorning the walls of the Lodge Room is that of W. Bro. William Henry Jessop, who twice occupied

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the Master's Chair, first in 1883, and again in 1891. He thus had the unique distinction of having been Worshipful Master of his Lodge more than once, and Mayor of his native Town more than once : as a matter of fact he was Mayor of Huddersfield twice for three years (six times in all) in 1897, 1898, 1899, and again in 1916, 1917, 1918, and was made a Freeman of the Borough on 18th September, 1918. He was also twice the recipient of Provincial Honours, first as Provincial Senior Deacon in 1890, and secondly as Provincial Senior Warden (Past) ce Lo, A Fund was raised to present him with his Portrait, and the Presentation was carried out by the Deputy. Provincial Grand Master, R. W. Bro. Sir William P. Raynor, on the 4th October, 1918.

W. BRO. JOHN LEWIS SYKES.

References have been made in the course of this History to the work of W. Bro. J. Lewis Sykes, principally in connection with By-Laws, Trust Deeds, etc. He died in 1935 without attaining his Masonic Jubilee, having been Initiated in 1890. Nevertheless, he had special mention, in the Minutes, of his 10th anniversary, which he himself recognised on 7th November, 1930, by presenting to the Lodge a baton, suitably inscribed, for the use of the Director of Ceremonies.

W. BRO. TOM BEAN.

W. Bro. T. Bean played a prominent part in the History of the Lodge during his period of membership; particularly in the Instruction Classes. He was also one of the Founders of The Huddersfield and District Installed Association. Master of the Lodge in 1907, he was well-beloved of his Brethren; in 1934 he had the joy of celebrating his Golden Wedding, and was presented by the Brethren with a clock to commemorate the occasion.

W. BRO. THOMAS BOARDMAN BOLTON.

The Trustees of The Lodge of Truth, No. 521, can make the proud boast that they have as their Chairman a Brother with more than 50 years' Masonic service to his credit, as W. Bro. T. B. Bolton, their present Chairman, was Initiated into Freemasonry on the 28th February, 1891. He shares with Bro. H. Goddard the distinction of being the only two of the Brethren mentioned in the summary at the opening of this Chapter who are still Members of the Lodge. W. Bro. Bolton's Mother Lodge was Integrity Lodge, No. 165 (Manchester), and his Masonic Membership has comprised 18 years before coming to Huddersfield, to take up Medical Practice here, and 34 years with The Lodge of Truth, No. 521, since he became a Joining Member on the 4th August, 1911. He was Master in 1921, and served as Prov. Dep. D.C. in 1938.

OTHER PORTRAITS AND PHOTOGRAPHS.

There are other Portraits and Photographs in various parts of the premises, e.g., one of Lord Allerton, presented to the Lodge in 1903 by Bro. John Pyrah, on the walls of the Supper Room. There are photographs of several of the Provincial Grand Masters, Deputies and Assistants; and to complete a most interesting collection, there are numerous photographs of Past Masters of the Lodge of both early and recent years.

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CHAPTER XII

WAR AND PEACE. Crimean War — South African War — Great War 1914-1918 — World War 1939-1945 of Records — Decomposition of Original Warrant — Warrant of Confirmation.

THROUGHOUT 100 years of existence, the Lodge has had a number of aaa events occasioned by the fact that the Country has been at War; there have been also the consequential Peace Rejoicings and Thanksgivings after the cessation of hostilities. The first of these was in 1856, to which reference has already been made in Chapter V. On the 29th May in that year the Members of the three Lodges in the Town joined in a public procession, on the occasion of the celebration of peace after the Crimean War, Dispensation having been granted for the Brethren of those Lodges, and all other Brethren who may join them, to appear in Masonic Clothing and Costume and to walk in Masonic Order and Procession. We imagine how the Brethren would heartily endorse the words with which the Deputy Provincial Grand Master concluded his Dispensation "May Goodwill abound, peace reign triumphant and Brotherly Love flourish." and that is a wish and a prayer at the time of writing this History, at the close of the diastrous and terrible World War of 1939-1945. At the 1856 Celebration the mustering and marshalling of the Procession took place in Fitzwilliam Street, and at the termination of the Procession the Brethren adjourned to the Lodge of Harmony premises in South Parade to "a cold collation." This Celebration was carried out at a total cost of £12 12s., if it is correctly assumed that the cost was borne as to one-third by each Lodge. The Minutes contain little or no information touching on the South African War, 1899-1902, as affecting the Lodge; but there is a reference in 1900 to subscriptions in response to an Appeal by Provincial Grand Lodge for The South African War Masonic Relief Fund. And in 1908 the Brethren of the Lodge, along with Brethren of other Lodges in the Town, attended a Special Service at the Parish Church on 26th April, 1908, for the benefit of The Veterans’ Association, For this function the Brethren assembled at South Parade for the Procession to the Church. Regalia was not worn. Then came the First World War of 1914-1918. During this period there are frequent references in the Minutes of splendid work

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done by the Brethren of the Lodge in supporting Funds for the Sick and Wounded Soldiers at the Hospitals in the Town, and entertaining them at the Lodge Premises, e.g., a Balance Sheet presented 3rd March, 1916, showed the cost of dinners and entertainments provided for 51 wounded soldiers on 12th January, 1916, and 80 on 28th January, 1916; and there were many similar functions in the following months of 1916; and during the succeeding war years.

During this War of 1914-1918 the Brethren of the Lodge contributed, among other things, to a Fund for the relief of Belgian Refugees: in fact, they had a box which they handed round at the Instruction Classes. In December, 1914, there was a resolution at the Instruction Class that the lettering on the box he altered from "Belgian Relief Fund" to "War Relief Fund." That box has been in continuous use since 1914-1918, and still bears the lettering, somewhat faded; in fact, one of the Brethren told the Author that, when he was a Junior Brother, he put his pennies in as the box came round, and thought the letters were BAR Relief Fund, and wondered whatever it could mean ! Actually, it is much different from that, as the proceeds of each week's collection are put to the Lodge's own Charitable Fund, for the relief of their own Brethren, when deserving cases arise.

In 1918 an Emergency Lodge was held in order to Initiate a candidate during his limited number of days’ leave before returning to "the firing line." Another such Emergency Lodge was held on 8th November, 1918—just three days before the Armistice—to ballot for and Initiate an Officer candidate then home on leave and due to return to France on 23rd November, 1918.

Then came the welcome news of the Armistice, and there is an appropriate Minute of "humble and deep thankfulness to the Great Architect of the Universe for the Great Victory which He has vouchsafed to us," followed later by a Resolution on 4th July, 1919, when the Worshipful Master expressed the gratitude of the Lodge for the signing of the Treaty of Peace between this Nation and Germany. In the year 1918 an application to Provincial Grand Lodge to Initiate a minor was refused, and the correspondence disclosed the fact that there had only been two instances of such a Dispensation in the past 30 years. At the end of hostilities in 1918, after the Armistice on 11th November, 1918, the Lodge held a Special Social of Celebration on the 23rd November, 1918, There is a copy of the Menu in the Lodge Guard Book, the details of which will not be without interest :—

MENU. Peace Soup

Submarines interned British Bulwarks Turkish Delight and Zeppelins

Spuds a la Empire Americaine Tartelette Colonial Cheese Allied Salad Italian Cream

Armistice a la Francais.

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During the Second World War of 1939-1915, when Lodges in some parts of the Country were severely damaged and even destroyed by enemy aircraft raids, the Lodges in Huddersfield were fortunate to have no damage at all. One effect or disturbance, however, was the requisitioning by the Military Authorities of The Masonic Premises at Kirkburton of The Beaumont Lodge, No. 2035, and for a period from September, 1940, to the time of writing this History, The Beaumont Lodge, by arrangement with The Lodge of Truth Trustees, have held their Meetings at The Freemasons' Hall, Fitzwilliam Street. Another effect of this War was an appeal from Grand Lodge and Provincial Grand Lodge, an appeal which was generously responded to by Brethren throughout the country, to surrender their Jewels for melting down for the national effort. As mentioned above, Lodges in Huddersfield were fortunately free from bomb damage, but precautions were advised for the protection of Warrants of Constitution and Masonic Records. In the case of The Lodge of Truth the method adopted was to place The Warrant of Constitution, The Declaration Books, The Lodge Minute Books and The Instruction Class Minute Books into two lined wooden cases, which in turn were put into a brick and concrete structure erected under the cellar steps, to which the Author of this history has made frequent visits when literally "delving into the archives." It was on one of these visits, a special one made by W. Bro. Norman Sykes of The Lodge of Truth for the purpose of unpacking the Warrant of the Lodge, to have it photographed for one of the illustrations to this book, that a discovery was made which was not only disappointing, but almost heartbreaking. For, on re-opening the special sealed container which had been made to hold the Warrant, it was found that during its six years of protected and precautionary storage, some kind of internal chemical action had taken place, and the Warrant (but for the Seal) and all its wrappings were unrecognisable and irreparable, every semblance of print or ink having vanished, and the whole fabric being limp, rotted and decomposed: even the Seal, which it is hoped can be preserved, was apt to fall away on being handled. The discovery was made on Thursday, the 6th September, 1945, shortly before the Brethren of The Lodge of Harmony, No. 275, were meeting for their monthly Lodge Meeting, on which occasion the Assistant Provincial Grand Master, W. Bro. H. Clifford Smith, J.P., P.G.D., was present; at the interval between the Ceremony and supper the Worshipful Mager of The Lodge of Truth, No. 521, along with W. Bro. N. Sykes (No. 321), and W. Bro. H. L. Simpson (No. 275), took the Assistant Provincial Grand Master to the cellar scene of this disastrous discovery. It seemed tragic that the well- intentioned precautionary measures should have such a sequel, and that it should have happened on the very eve of the Centenary Festival of the Lodge. The only course open to the Lodge was to apply for a Warrant of Confirmation. The necessary procedure to obtain this was duly followed, the Petition being signed at the Regular Lodge on 5th October, 1945; the Warrant of Confirmation was issued, dated 7th November, 1945. The following is a printed transcription of its text: -

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COPY OF THE WARRANT OF CONFIRMATION. Harewood, G. M. TO ALL AND EVERY OUR RIGHT WORSHIPFUL WORSHIPFUL AND LOVING BRETHREN WE HENRY GEORGE CHARLES EARL OF HAREWOOD KNIGHT OF THE MOST NOBLE ORDER OF THE GARTER 8c. &c. &c. &c. GRAND MASTER

OF THE MOST ANCIENT AND HONOURABLE FRATERNITY OF FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS OF ENGLAND

SEND GREETING WHEREAS it appears by the Records of the Grand Lodge that a Warrant of Constitution bearing date 3rd December, 1845, was granted to certain Brethren therein named authorising them to open and hold a Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons at the White Hart Inn, Huddersfield, in the County of York and which was then registered in the Books of the Grand Lodge as No. 763 AND WHEREAS by the general alterations in the numbers in the year 1863 it became and is now registered in the Books of Grand Lodge as No. 521 under the Title or Denomination of No. 521 THE LODGE OF TRUTH AND WHEREAS the Brethren composing the said Lodge have by their Memorial represented to us that their Warrant has been destroyed by chemical action and they have prayed us to grant them a Warrant of Confirmation in lieu thereof — — - NOW KNOW YE that WE being satisfied of the reasonableness of the said request and from the confidence reposed in the Brethren do hereby grant this Our WARRANT OF CONFIRMATION unto our right Trusty and Well Beloved Brethren Geoffrey Gledhill, William Austin Bates, Arthur Thornton Green, Thomas Boardman Bolton, Lewis Schofield, James Frederick Collard Cole, Norman Sykes, and Others composing the said Lodge authorising and empowering them and their Successors to continue to assemble and hold a Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons at Freemasons' Hall, Fitzwilliam Street, Huddersfield in the County of York, on the first Friday in January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, and December and to make pass and raise Free Masons according to the Ancient Custom of the Craft in all Ages and Nations throughout the known World And further at their said Petition and of the great trust and confidence reposed in everyone of the above named Brethren WE DO APPOINT the said Geoffrey Gledhill to be the MASTER the said William Austin Bates to be the SENIOR WARDEN and the said Arthur Thornton Green to be the JUNIOR WARDEN for opening and holding the said Lodge and until such time as another Master shall be regularly elected and installed strictly charging that every Member who shall be elected to preside over the said Lodge and who must have previously duly served as Warden in a Warranted Lodge shall be installed in Ancient Form and according to the Laws of the Grand Lodge that he may thereby be fully invested with the dignities and powers of his Office AND WE DO REQUIRE you the said Geoffrey Gledhill to take special care that all and every the said Brethren are or have been regularly made Masons and that you and they and all other the Members of the said Lodge do observe perform and keep the Laws Rules and Orders contained in the BOOK OF CONSTITUTIONS and all others which may from time to time be made by our Grand Lodge or transmitted by us or our Successors Grand Masters or by our Deputy Grand Master for the time being AND WE DO ENJOIN you to make such By Laws for the government of your Lodge as shall to the majority of the Members appear proper and necessary the same not being contrary to or inconsistent with the General Laws and Regulations of the Craft a copy whereof you are to transmit to us AND WE DO REQUIRE you to cause all such By Laws and Regulations and also an Account of the proceedings in your Lodge to be entered in a Book to be kept for that purpose AND you are in nowise to omit to send to us or our Successors Grand Masters or to Our DEPUTY GRAND MASTER for the time being at least once in every year a List of the Members of your Lodge and the names and descriptions of all Masons initiated therein and Brethren who shall have joined the same with the fees and moneys payable thereon IT BEING OUR WILL and intention that this Our WARRANT OF CONFIRMATION shall continue in force so long only as you shall conform to the Laws and Regulations of Our Grand Lodge GIVEN under OUR HAND and the SEAL of the GRAND LODGE at LONDON this 7th day of November. A.L. 5945. A.D. 1945. BY COMMAND OF THE MOST WORSHIPFUL GRAND MASTER Sydney A. White, G.S. William H. Darrell, A. G. M. For D.G.M.

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Freemasons will not easily forget that the War delivered a sad blow to this country, to the Royal Family, to Grand Lodge and to Freemasonry, when—on the 25th August, 1942—our beloved Grand Master—Most Worshipful Bro. Air Commodore H.R.H. The Duke of Kent, K.G.—gave his life for his country whilst on active service.

Throughout the length and breadth of the land there were feelings of relief and thankfulness when the hostilities in Europe ceased. The Author had the pleasure of being present at the Lodge at their first Meeting (1st June, 1945), after VE-day (Victory in Europe Day-8th May, 1945), and heard the Worshipful Master make appropriate reference to the Victory in Europe; he said that we should lift up our hearts in thanksgiving to the Great Architect of the Universe for his goodness. He recalled the black days of 1940, the miracle of Dunkirk and the Victory of the Royal Air Force in the crisis of the Battle of Britain, and the many other victories which followed, when it seemed that the Hand of Providence was guiding our destinies. He then referred to the tasks of the future in laying the foundations for a sound and lasting Peace, and prayed that the Grand Masonic Principles of Freedom and Equality will dwell in the hearts of all men. Within three months of that momentous event came the great and glorious news of the cessation of hostilities in Asia, and the surrender of the last of the aggressor nations, Japan, to the victorious Allies. What were known as VJ-1 and VJ-2 days (Victory over Japan) were recognised in Great Britain on August 15th and August 16th, 1945. Thus with grateful hearts we thank the Great Architect of the Universe, and rejoice to find the World once more "at peace," before our Lodge Centenary is reached. After the vicissitudes of the past 100 years, we look forward to the future with hope and confidence. and pray that no such Chapter as this will be necessary in our next historical record.

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CHAPTER UXiIII.

DAUGHTER LODGE, SIDE DEGREES, SUPPORT TO OTHER LODGES.

Side Degrees — Knights Templar — Royal Arch — Mark Masons — Daughter Lodge Connaught 3800 - Other New Lodges in Huddersfield and District — Installed Masters' Association.

HOPE PRECEPTORY (No. 4). The earliest reference to "side degree activity" in the premises was in 1857 when the Knights Templar were accepted as Tenants, viz:--The Hope Preceptory, formed in 1793, and meeting previously in Halifax. Among the names on the Board or L ist of this Order in the Supper Room one notices several members of The Lodge of Truth, viz:— Bros. J. Kirk, Reuben Williamson, Abraham Turner, W. C. Marsh, T. Robinson, J. T. Spratt, T. Bean, J. W. Thickett, A. H. Hardisty.

ROYAL ARCH CHAPTER (No. 521).

The first reference to the Royal Arch Chapter was in 1865. At the February Meeting a Resolution was passed at the Lodge "That a Royal Arch Chapter be attached to this Lodge, to be called "The Chapter of Truth, No. 521."

This Resolution was carried at the second attempt: in the first instance it was proposed by a Past Master who was not a Royal Arch Mason, and some of the Brethren thought it would be unconstitutional, so they decided to be on the safe side by having a fresh Proposer.

This being a History of 100 years of the Craft Lodge, no attempt has been made here to enlarge on the history and activities of The Royal Arch Chapter attached to the Lodge. As in many cases, the Chapter bears the same number as the Lodge, viz., No. 521, and naturally one finds that many of the Members of the Chapter have been, and are, Members of The Lodge of Truth, hut, of course, there are Members of the Chapter from other Lodges in the Town. As much as the Author would like to see an even closer contact and continuity as between Lodges and Chapters, and as much as he feels that the Royal Arch Chapter is an outstandingly important part of the life of a complete Freemason, it is considered that the History of The Truth Royal Arch Chapter, No. 521, is really a matter supplementary to this Craft Lodge History, rather than for embodiment herein.

MARK MASTER MASONS LODGE (NO. 137).

The first reference in the Lodge Minutes to Mark Masonry was on the 6th October, 1871, when it was Resolved

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"That a Mark Masons Lodge be at The Lodge of Truth and that four Meetings be held during the year."

There is a Board in the Supper Room with the names as from 1871, and among them can be seen Members of 521 Craft Lodge, viz:

Bros. T. S. Higgins, Allen Jackson, J. W. Turner, J. F. Dyson, J. L. Sykes, J. Pyrah.

ROSE CROIX CHAPTER (Prince of Wales No. 69).

It is not clear exactly when the Rose Croix first commenced their Tenancy, but it was probable at or soon after its formation in 1876: the first reference in The Lodge of Truth Minutes and Records is in June, 1878, when there was a Minute "revising the Rent."

IN HUDDERSFIELD AND DISTRICT.

The Lodge of Truth was concerned directly or indirectly in the formation of many of the Lodges subsequently formed in Huddersfield and District.

HOLME VALLEY LODGE No. 652.

The first of these was The Holme Valley Lodge, which was originally No. 937, and now known as No. 652, and which was consecrated in 1855.

As was the case with The Lodge of Truth, we find prominent Brethren of The Lodge of Harmony and The Huddersfield Lodge among the Founders, some of whom were, by this time, also Members of The Lodge of Truth. In fact, W. Bro. William Kiiner, formerly of The Lodge of Harmony, and the first Worshipful Master of The Lodge of Truth, was one of the Holme Valley Lodge Founders. So also was W. Bro. Wm. Smith, of Huddersfield Lodge, and of The Lodge of Truth—whose name is frequently mentioned in this History as an Instructor. Others of the Founders were W. Bro. Bentley Shaw (Harmony), who became Deputy Provincial Grand Master— and W. Bro. James Peace (Harmony), who was for a period an Honorary Member of The Lodge of Truth.

These Brethren united to support other Masons living in the Holme Valley Area, such as Bro. Cookson Spencer Floyd, Solicitor, Bro. Joseph Mellor, Manufacturer, and Bro. John Burton, Schoolmaster, to start a Lodge in that centre.

THORNHILL LODGE, No. 151-4.

In 1874 another Lodge was founded in the Town itself— Thornhill, No. 1514—a Lodge which, from its inception, was very closely identified with The Lodge of Truth, especially in their activities at the Instruction Classes: although the Thornhill Lodge is generally regarded as being a "daughter Lodge" of The Huddersfield Lodge, No. 290.

Before the actual formation, several enthusiastic Brethren, Members of Huddersfield Lodge mainly, and also Members of The Lodge of Truth, had been meeting together in private houses for Masonic Instruction every Monday evening. The Thornhill Lodge has records of the Meetings, and out of this association of the Brethren sprung the desire for a Lodge of their own, and the Warrant was granted in August, 1874, on the petition of the following Brethren:—

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B. Hutchinson, P.M.

Allen Haigh John Sykes C. H. Walker Jabez Brook Thomas Shaw Ellis Netherwood Rev. R. C. Wilford George Horsfall Crosland Hirst

Huddersfield Lodge, No. 290. Huddersfield Lodge, No. 290. Lodge of Probity, No. 61. Lodge of Probity, No. 61. Lodge of Harmony, No. 275. Huddersfield Lodge, No. 290. Lodge of Truth, No. 521. Lodge of Probity, No. 61. Lodge of Truth, No. 521. Huddersfield Lodge, No. 290.

G. F. Tinker Huddersfield Lodge, No. 290.

It will be observed that there were two Brethren of The Lodge of Truth among the Founders. The Bro. G. F. Tinker, although the same christian names as well as surname, was not the same Bro. G. F. Tinker who was a Member of The Lodge of Truth,

At The Lodge of Truth on 5th June, 1874, thirty of the Brethren present signed a petition supporting the application for this new Lodge.

The formation of this Lodge commenced another close Masonic association and friendship in the Town. The Thornhill Lodge got off to "'a flying start," as by the lst September, 1876, we find recorded in The Lodge of Truth Minutes that "The seven sections of the first lecture were worked by the Brethren of The Thornhill Lodge."

which is "good going" for a new Lodge.

It was a common occurrence about that time for expositions of ritual to be given by Members of other Lodges in interchanges of visits : the Lodges of Harmony, Huddersfield and later Thornhill did this frequently at The Lodge of Truth.

In Chapter VIII the reader will observe that several of the Brethren of Thornhill Lodge were Members of The Lodge of Truth Instruction Classes, and the members of the Classes of the respective Lodges made frequent reciprocatory visits to one another's Class.

COLNE VALLEY LODGE, No, 1615.

On the 2nd June, 1876, a recommendation is recorded of a petition, signed by the Brethren, to Grand Lodge to grant a Warrant for the founding of a Masonic Lodge at Slaithwaite. The Warrant of Constitution for this Lodge was dated :3rd October, 1876, the Founder members for which were from the Lodges of Peace, Candour and Huddersfield.

ALBERT EDWARD LODGE, No. 1783.

The next Lodge to be formed in the Town was The Albert Edward Lodge, founded on the 8th October, 1878. Though not "a daughter Lodge" of The Lodge of Truth, Members of The Lodge of Truth played a conspicuous part in the preliminary proceedings leading up to the formation. Many references have already been made to the united Masonic actions by the Lodges Harmony, Huddersfield and Truth. This is yet another example, and these three together were responsible for the setting up of The Albert Edward Lodge. A meeting was held at Fitzwilliam Street on the Ist May, 1878, attended by

13

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W. Bros. Allen Jackson, George Marshall, J. W. Turner, Joseph Varley; Bros. John Lunn, Jimmy Firth, H. Burley, J. Graham, J. E. Cooper (all of The Lodge of Truth, No. 521, Huddersfield); and Bro. William Dawson, of Huddersfield Lodge, No. 290, and Bro. T. Sellers, of The Lodge of Truth, No. 1458 (Manchester).

These Brethren decided to convene a Meeting of the Members of all the Lodges in Huddersfield, which was duly held on 27th May, 1878, and, after suggesting the names of "Fitzwilliam" and "Unity," the name "Albert Edward" was decided upon, doubtless due to the fact that the recently installed Grand Master was H.R.H. Albert Edward, Prince of Wales. The next move is gathered from a Minute in The Lodge of Truth Minute Book, in June, 1878, when the Lodge offered its premises "to the proposed new Lodge Albert Edward," and at the July, 1878, Lodge Meeting it is noted that "The Petition for the new Albert Edward Lodge was recommended and carried.”

The Founders included nine Members of The Lodge of Truth, three Members of Huddersfield Lodge, one Member of The Lodge of Harmony, and one member of Colne Valley Lodge, as follows :-

Ruddoch Harmony (No. 275) Allen Jackson Truth (No. 521) George Sykes Huddersfield (No. 290) George Marshall Truth (No. 521) J. W. Turner Truth (No. 521) Bro. William Fitton Huddersfield (No. 290) Geo. Gardiner Truth (No. 521) G. H. O Donkersley Colne Valley (No. 1645) J. Lunn Truth (No. 521) Jimmy Firth Truth (No. 521) B. S. Stewart Truth (No. 521) Henry Shaw Truth (No. 521) H. Burley Truth (No. 521) William Dawson Huddersfield (No. 290)

W. Bro. T. Ruddock (of No. 273) was the first Worshipful Master Installed by W. Bro. W. G. Dyson, a Past Master of The Lodge of Truth, two Lodge of Truth Members, viz., W. Bros. A. Jackson and G. Sykes, becoming the first Wardens, and another Lodge of Truth Member, W. Bro. Geo. Marshall, the first Treasurer.

The Albert Edward Lodge was a Tenant Lodge at the Fitzwilliam Street Premises for many years (except for a break, 1881 to 1883, when it met at The Queen Hotel), until it removed to its own premises at Greenhead Road in 1929,

BEAUMONT LODGE, NO. 2035.

The above Lodge was founded at Kirkburton, on the outskirts of Huddersfield, on 15th February, 1881. The Lodge of Truth gave their support in obtaining the sanction of Grand Lodge, as per resolution passed on 4th January, 1884. .A cordial invitation was extended to the Lodge of Truth for their Members to attend the laying of the corner stone of their Masonic Hall at Kirkburton, which took place on Saturday, 8th September, 1888.

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It would appear that one of the methods of raising money for their Building Fund by Beaumont Lodge was to hold a Bazaar in the Fitzwilliam Street premises, as the Minutes of 6th November, 1891, disclose the payment of a cheque to the Lodge of Truth for £5 5s., "being £3 3s. for Rent of Masonic Rooms for Bazaar recently held," and an addition of £2 2s. to The Lodge of Truth Funds, for the generous manner in which the Beaumont Lodge had been treated.

The Author wonders whether the Brethren of Beaumont Lodge are aware of a very interesting link with The Lodge of Truth. The five-pointed star (Pentalpha) which adorns the ceiling of their Lodge Room at Kirkburton was originally in the Masonic room of The Lodge of Truth at The Rose and Crown Inn in Huddersfield (1851 to 1855): when the Rose and Crown Inn was demolished as part of the street improvement scheme the Pentalpha referred to was saved from the demolition, and was eventually transferred to Beaumont Lodge for use in their premises.

During the Second World War, 1939-1945, the Beaumont Lodge has been holding its meetings at Fitzwilliam Street, owing to its own premises at Kirkburton being requisitioned and used by the Military Authorities.

DAUGHTER LODGE——-CONNAUGHT LODGE, No. 3800.

This being a Daughter Lodge of The Lodge of Truth a fuller account of its formation is given below. By the courtesy extended to the Author by the Connaught Lodge in allowing him to make extracts from their first Lodge Committee Minute Book it is possible to include n this History a precis of the proceedings leading up to the formation of The Connaught Lodge, No. 3800, which was consecrated on the 28th September, 1917, and which held its first Regular Lodge Meeting on the 26th October, 1917.

In the early part of 1917 the idea of forming a new Lodge was in the minds of several Brethren, and a deputation consisting of W. Bro. C. F. Arnold, P.P.G.D.C., Bro. G. F. Tinker and Bro. Geo. B. Hallas, all Members of The Lodge of Truth, No. 321, waited on their Worshipful Master, Bro. R. Perkins, with proposals to forward a Petition for a new Lodge, and asked the Worshipful Master to bring the matter before the Lodge. The Worshipful Master summoned a Meeting of his Lodge Committee, attended by the Worshipful Master, nine Past Masters, two Wardens and Secretary, who decided in a unanimous resolution to support the proposal : the Lodge Committee received a deputation of five of the Promotors :-

W. Bro. J. E. Sykes Thornhill (No. 1514) Bro. A. S. Cockroft Armitage (No. 2261) Bro. G. F. Tinker, G. B. Hallas and A. E. Hill, all of Truth (No. 321).

to hear their views. A Meeting of the Promotors followed on 30th May, 1917, to sign the Founders’ Petition, which was presented to The Lodge of Truth in open Lodge on Friday, Ist June, 1917, and, on a unanimous Resolution of the Brethren present, proposed by the Worshipful Master, Bro. R. Perkins, and seconded by W. Bro. Allen Jackson, the Petition was signed on behalf of The Lodge of Truth by the Worshipful Master and Wardens.

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The following is a List of the FOUNDERS :-

Sir William Pick Raynor, P.G.D. (Eng.), Deputy Provincial Grand Master (No. 290) (and No.

1645)

William Henry Jessop, P.P.G.W. (Mayor of Huddersfield)

Charles Frederick Arnold, P.P.G.D.C.

John William Mallinson, P.P.G.D.C. George Frederick Tinker, George Boothroyd Hallas, Gladstone Battye,

John William Shaw, Herbert Hadfield Hill, Albert Ernest Hill William Percival Peace, John. Edward Sykes,

P.M. of (No. 521) P.M. of (No. 521) P.M. of (No. 521) S.D. of (No. 521) J.D. of (No. 521) Organist of (No. 521) I.G. of (No. 521) M.M. of (No. 521) M.M. of (No. 521) M.M. of (No. 521) P.M. of (No. 1514)

Ernest Henry Holly Wade, P.M. of (No. 1514) John Hallas, J.W. of (No. 1 783) Peter Hastings, S.D. of (No. 1783) Arthur Sam Cockroft, S.D. of (No. 2261)

A series of ten Founders' Meetings took place in the months of May to September, 1917, at which the preliminary essential matters were settled, amongst which were the following :-

FIRST OFFICERS. WM. W. Bro. C. F. Arnold (No. 521) I.P.M. W. Bro. J. E. Sykes (No. 1514) S.W. Bro. G. B. Hallas (No. 521) J.W. Bro. A. S. Cockroft (No. 2261) Chaplain W. Bro. Sir William P. Raynor, D.P.G.IVI. (No. 290) Deputy Chaplain W. Bro. J. W. Mallinson 521) Supt. of Works W. Bro. W. H. Jessop (No. 521) Treasurer Bro. John Hallas (No. 1783) Charity Steward W. Bro. E. H. H. Wade (No. 1514) D.C. Bro. Peter Hastings (No. 1783) Secretary Bro. J. W. Shaw (No. 521) Organist Bro. Gladstone Battye (No. 521) Registrar Bro. G. F. Tinker (No. 521) S.D. Bro. Oliver Dyson (No. 521), not a founder J.D. Bro. H. H. Hill (No. 521) LG. Bro. A. E. Hill (No. 521) Tyler Bro. W. P. Peace (No. 521)

NAME OF LODGE. "A long discussion took place with regard to the name of the Lodge, several names being suggested and ultimately it was decided to name the Lodge 'THE CONNAUGHT LODGE." (4.6.17)

MEETINGS. Lodge Meeting on fourth Friday and Instruction Class on Monday at The Freemasons' Hall, Fitzwilliam Street, Huddersfield, and Tenancy Agreement agreed with The Lodge of Truth Trustees.

RITUAL AND WORKING. Standard Working adopted (10.7.17) as prepared by Sub- Committee comprising Bros. Arnold, Wade, Hallas, Cockroft and Hastings, and copy be kept in the safe for reference.

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The Brethren frequenting the Premises cannot fail to have noticed the handsome Past Masters’ Boards and framed Lists of all the Tenant Lodges. In The Lodge of Truth Minutes of 4th October, 1918, there is mention of a request by R. W. Bro. Sir William P. Raynor for the Worshipful Master and Brethren of The Lodge of Truth to sanction the placing in the Supper Room of a Past Masters’ Board which he had recently presented to Connaught Lodge, although strictly speaking this would be a Trustees’ matter rather than a Lodge of Truth matter, the Minutes say that the sanction was granted. It is interesting to put on record that the following Lodge of Truth Members, who were among the Founders of Connaught Lodge, became Masters of The Connaught Lodge :-

Bro. C.F. Arnold 1917 (W.M. of No. 521 in 1900) G.B. Hallas 1918 and 1926 J. W. Shaw 1920 (W.M. of No. 521 in 1932) H.H Hill 1922 A. E. Hill 1923 W. P. Peace 1924

so that W. Bro. C. F. Arnold and W. Bro. J. W. Shaw were each Worshipful Master of their Mother Lodge and the Daughter Lodge.

OTHER LODGES.

There were other Lodges formed besides those referred to above, but which are not mentioned in detail, as there was no particular connection with The Lodge of Truth, viz.:

Armitage, No. 2261, Milnsbridge (daughter Lodge of Thornhill, No. 1514 (founded 1888).

Brooke, No. 3608, Honley, founded 1912.

Unity, No. 3930, Huddersfield (daughter Lodge of Huddersfield, No. 290), founded 1919. (Bro. J. A. Woolven (No. 521) was one of the Founders of Unity Lodge.)

Cambodunum, No. 3953, Huddersfield (daughter Lodge of Thornhill No. 1514), founded 1919.

Salarden, No. 3971, Milnsbridge (daughter Lodge of Armitage Lodge, No. 2261), founded 1919.

and, lastly, The Concord Lodge, No. 4126, which was consecrated on 15th September, 1920, all the twenty Founders being from Albert Edward Lodge, No. 1783, and as The Albert Edward Lodge was at that time a Tenant Lodge in the Truth Premises, The Concord Lodge also became one of the Tenant Lodges, and has continued so up to the present time.

HUDDERSFIELD AND DISTRICT INSTALLED MASTERS' ASSOCIATION.

The Author is the Secretary of the above Association, comprising eighteen Lodges in the Town and District (of which The Lodge of Truth is one), and feels that the History of a Lodge in Huddersfield would not be complete without some reference to the part it has played in connection with the work of such an Association, especially as one of the Members of this Lodge, W. Bro. T. Bean, was one of the "Founders," an initial Vice-President, and one of the early Presidents.

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The Association was formed in 1920 at the request of the Provincial Grand Master, R. W. Bro. Sir William P. Raynor, Kt., P.G.D., and W. Bro. T. Bean (No. 521), along with W. Bro. F. C. Watkinon (of No. 290 and No. 3930) and W. Bro. C Wheawill (No. 1514), were asked to co-operate to form the Association.

At an informal Meeting at The Queen Hotel, Huddersfield, on Saturday, 6th November, 1920, eleven prominent Freemasons in the Town met to formulate the Scheme, including :-

W. Bro. T. Bean, of The Lodge of Truth, No. 521, W. Bro. G. B. Hallas, of The Lodge of Truth, No. 521, and Connaught Lodge, No. 3800,

and the Association was formed at a well-attended and representative Meeting at South Parade on the 11th December, 1920.

W. Bro. Bean was one of a Committee of five formed to draft the Rules. The objects of the Association were defined as follows :-

To provide a means for a joint discussion by the Installed Masters of matters of interest to the Craft, and for presenting the results of their deliberations to the Lodges.

To provide machinery for convening the Members of the Huddersfield and District Lodges for the consideration of important subjects, and in cases of emergency, to agree upon combined action, and notify the same to the Freemasons of the Town and District.

To attract and interest Brethren by means of Papers and Lectures upon the History, Antiquities and Symbols of the Craft.

The Meetings are held half yearly, often in The Lodge of Truth Premises, Fitzwilliam Street, and sometimes at The Masonic Hall, Greenhead Road.

The administration is in the hands of an Executive Committee, comprising the President (who holds office for one year), three Vice- Presidents leading up to the Presidency, Treasurer and Secretary, and one Representative from each of the eighteen Lodges, and the Past Presidents.

The following chart shows the details of the representation on the Committee, Presidents, etc., of the Truth Members :-

W. Bro. T. Bean Vice-President 1921-1922, President 1923. W. Bro. J. Mosley Representative 1921-1922. W. Bro. C. F. Arnold Representative 1921 Vice-President 1923- (also representing Connaught 3800) 1925—President 1926. W. Bro. G. B. Hallas Representative 1924—Vice-President 1927- (also representing Connaught 3800) 1929 President 1930. W. Bro. J. L. Sykes Representative 1926-1928. W. Bro. J. T. Spratt do. 1928-1930. W. Bro. W. Brook do. 1930-1934—died 31 Jan. 1934. W. Bro. G. F. Tinker do. 1934-1936—died 18 June, 1936. W. Bro. G. Graham do. 1936-1939—died 6 Mar., 1939. W. Bro. J. S. Ward do. 1939 to 1945.

and to the above list should be added the name of W. Bro. Herman

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Hinchliff, who--though now a Member of The Wharncliffe Lodge, No. 1162 was formerly a Member of The Lodge of Truth. He was Initiated into The Lodge of Truth in 1904, so now has over 40 years' Masonic membership to his credit, and in the year 1943, at the age of 83, he was a genial and popular President of the Association.

The Lodge of Truth has taken its part, along with the other Lodges in the Association, in several United Lodges held under the auspices of the Association, of which the following are brief details : -

15th November, 1926. United Lodge in the Town Hall to welcome the Provincial Grand Master, R.W. Bro. The Viscount Lascelles, K.G. At the reception preceding the Meeting, W. Bro. Tom Bean was one of the presenting Officers, and W. Bro. C. F. Arnold was one of the speakers at the Lodge supporting the address of welcome.

30th October, 1934. United Lodge at Fitzwilliam Street. 1° Trac- ing Board worked, Bro. H. Goulden of The Lodge of Truth being one of the responders.

12th February, 1935. United Lodge at Greenhead Road. 2° Lecture worked. Bro. John Sugden of No. 521 was one of those taking part, and W. Bro. G. F. Tinker acted as D.C.

20th March, 1935. United Instruction Class at Greenhead Road. W. Bro. Tinker again acting as D.C. and Bro. G. Gledhill (W.M. in 1944-45) did part of the work.

26th May, 1936. United Lodge at Uppermill (Candour, No. 337). 1° Tracing Board worked, and Bro. H. Goulden was one of the responders.

HUDDERSFIELD FREEMASONS AS MAYORS OF HUDDERSFIELD. Having found, in the course of preparing the History of the Lodge, that several Members of The Lodge of Truth had held the high and important office of Mayor of the Borough, the Author has prepared a Roll of all the Mayors of Huddersfield since it received its Charter in 1868, collating the information, which he has obtained from the various Lodges in the Town and District, concerning the Masonic connection of those Mayors of the Borough who have been Members of the Craft. The Roll is included herein as a fitting close to this Chapter concerning the Lodges in general as well as The Lodge of Truth in particular.

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Name.

Charles Henry Jones, J.P.

Wright Mellor, J.P., D.L.

Henry Brooke, J.P. David Sykes, J-P.

John Fligg Brigg, J.P.

Joseph Woodhead, J.P.

Alfred Walker, J.P.

‘Thomas Denham, J.P.

John Varley, J.P. Joseph Brooke, J.P. Godfrey Sykes, J.P.

Reuben Hirst, J.P.

John Joshua Brook, J.P.

John Lee Walker, J.P.

William Henry Jessop, J.P.

George William Hellawell, J.P.

Robert MacShaw, J.P.

Ernest Woodhead, M.A,., J.P.

Frederick Calvert,

Richard Henry Inman, J.P. Benjamin Broadbent, C.B.

Owen Balmforth, J.P.

J.P.

ROLL OF MAYORS OF HUDDERSFIELD.

Year of Mayoralty.

1868 1868-69 1869-70 1870-71 1871-72 1872-73 1883-84 1886-87 1873-74 1874-75 1875-76 1881-82 1882-83 1876-77 1877-78 1878-79 1879-80 1880-81 1884-85 1885-86 1887-88 1888-89 1889-90 1890-91 1891-92 1892-93 1893-94 1894-95 1895-96 1896-97 1897-98 1898-99 1916-17 1917-18 1899-1900 1gc0-O1 IgoI-02 1902-03 1903-04 1904-05 1905-06 19c6-07 1907-08

Masonic Lodge _of which : Member.

Harmony 275

(?) Harmony 275

Harmony 275

(?) Truth 521

Huddersfield 2g0 Huddersfield 290

‘Truth 521 Connaught 3800 (Founder Member)

Harmony 275

Year of Mastership ot Lodge.

1872

L886

T8ygo0 rgo00

1883 (Truth) rS9q (Truth)

1899

Rank in Provincial

Grand Lodge.

S.W. 1884

J.W. 1895 S.W. Igor

$.D. 1890 SAV. (Past) 1917

J-W. (Past) 1904,

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Page 134

CONCLUSION. The real traditions and history of the Lodge are not so much in the special items, which have been enumerated and elaborated in the foregoing Chapters of this History, but more in the ordinary month-to- month Minutes, in the ordinary recurring records of 100 occasions when Brother So-and-So was Installed into the chair of King Solomon according to ancient custom, the 534 Initiations, the 1068 entries of Bro. A.B. answering the Test Questions and being Passed, and Raised. Those whether specially mentioned in the preceding pages or not—are the Brethren who have made the history of the Lodge. The leaves of the Declaration Books can be turned over, like turning over the pages of a family photograph album,. and there one can see portrayed the many great men, men it was a pride and a pleasure to know, men of civic deeds and high reputation, and it can be summed up in the words of that well- known verse :-- "The lives of great men all remind us We can make our lives sublime And, departing, leave behind us Footprints on the sands of time." Their lesson to us is that we, like they, must live respected so that we may die regretted: we, like they, at our Initiation, were brought from "darkness to light": we, like they, can see in our Freemasonry a Great Light, especially in this world of to-day, emerging from the darkness of war; we can see the Lodge as a "Great Light" in the Masonic World, a blazing torch for us to carry forward through the days and years to come : and as the Master's "light" is never extinguished, so may the torch of The Lodge of Truth be carried high, as a radiant symbol for Freemasonry, from generation to generation.

H.L.S.

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THE LODGE OF TRUTH, No. 521.

Roll of Members, 1845--1945.

NOTE: § in front of the Numbers denotes the Names of the Existing Members at the date of the too years' Anniversary, 5th December, 1945.

Date of I I I Date of No. Name pe iol! DO Name ee Initiation Joining I Initiation Joining 845 I 1852 1 I Kilner, William Founder I 66 I Svkes, Joseph Jun. 9g 2 Shaw, William Founder 67 I Howell, Samuel I jul. 2 3. Tatham, Thomas Robert Founder I 68 I Johnson, Christopher James I Jul. 2 4 I Brook, Joseph Founder 69 I Radcliffe, James Jul.’ § 5 Rowbotham, Thomas 70 I Skilbeck, Robert Aug. 6 Kenworthy Founder 71 I Dyson, William George Aug. 6 6 I Thewlis, Titus Founder 72 I Tempest, Joe Webb Aug. 9 7 Booth, Joseph Founder I 73 I Palmer, Alfred |) Sep. 3 ; 8 Firth, Thomas Founder 74 I Young, James Ock x 9 Shaw, Samuel Founder 75 I Holmes, Joseph Francis Oct.. z 10 ©Eldridge, Benjamin Dickson I Founder 76 I Robinson, Richard Henry z 11 Turner, Abraham Founder 77 I Hopkinson, Abraham Oct. 25 Jacques, Robert Founder 78 I Hallas, Robert Jet. 25 13. Smith, Christopher Founder 79 I Jackson, Allen Nov. 5 14 Sharp, Moses Founder So I Turpin, John Dee. 13 — Taylor, Ben Hon. Member 1853 — I Peace, James Hon. Member 81 I Kilner, Jacob Thomas Jan. 7 1846 82 I Hardy, John Theodore 15. Brook, Joseph (Junior) jan: 2 Vesey I Feb. 4 16 Brook, Frederick Smith jan. 2 83 I Cox, William Harris Feb. 4 17. Wigney, Thomas Jennings jan. 3 84 I Shaws, Henry Mar. 4 18 I Marshall, William Jan. 2 85 I Coates, Jeremiah White Mar. 4 1g I Kilner, John Dickinson Jan. 2 86 I Wilkinson, Henry Apr. 1 20 Edwards, Richard Jan. 2 87 I Burman, James Apr. 1 21 Cocking, John Jan, 2 88 I Jowett, Isaac 22 I North, Johnson |} Jan, 2 8g I Robinson, Joseph May 6 23. Johnson, Edward I Jan. 2 go I Roebuck, Henry May 6 24 I Bardasono, Gabriel Feb. 6 gt I Robinson, George 25 Schlesinger, Julius Mar. 6 Frederick Samuel I May 17 26 Besnard, John Irwin I Mar. 13 92 I Brooke, William Henry Jun. 3 27. Sykes, John Apr. 3 93 I Watkinson, William jul. i 25 Turner, David Apr. 3 94 I Moore, George jul. 1 29 ©Mason, John May 1 95 I Dyson, James Sep. 2 30s Rice, George May 1 96 I Dore, John Read Sep. 2 31 Matthewson, Matthew Aug. 7 g7 I Garnett, George Belt Sep. 29 1849 g8 I Wood, Samuel Sep. 29 32 Johnson, John Feb. 2 99 Berry, Thomas Nov. 4 I r850 roo I Berry, John Nov, 4 33 I Kettle, Benjamin Mar. 1. tor I Hebblethwaite, Samuel 34 I Reid, George (Junior) May 3 William I Nov. 4 35 I Lodge, Frank May 3 roz2 I Hardy, Edward Nov. 4 36 I Sykes, Edward Oct. 4 103 I Marcus, G. D. Dec. 2 37 I Robinson, Thomas Dec: 6 I 1854 I 18st 104 Latham, Richard Jan. 6 38 |.Shepherd, William Hewitt Apr. 4 tos I Faulkner, William Jan. 6 39 George Thomas Aug. I roo I Damman, Karl Mar. 3 40 Kemp, Michael Sep. 5 107 I Hebblethwaite, George Hirst I Apr. 7 41 I Robinson, James Nov. 6 I yo8 I Robinson, William Kay Apr. 7 2 Baines, Henry Noy. 6 I tog I Hardy, Samuel I Apr. 7 43 I Dransfield, Richard Dec. 19 tro I Higgins, Thomas Sellers I Apr. 7 44 I Bradley, Walter Dee. 19 rir I Walker, William May = § 1852 x12 I ‘turner, John Jun. 2 45 I Marsh, William Cross Mar. 5 113.) thomas, John Jun. 2 46 I Kenyon, Thomas Mar. 5 I I Ellam, William jul 7 47 I Brown, Benjamin I Mar. § 115 I Lrierley, Jesse jah. 3 48 I Sykes, Dan Mar. 5 116 I Benton, Thomas Mansfard Aug, 4 49 I Dransfield, Joe I Mar. § 117 I Claveguin, Edward Oct. 6 50 I Wilman, Robert Mar. 8 1855 51 I Wood, Joe Mar, 18 rr8 I Oldroyd, Adam Jan. 5 52. Potter, Thomas Kitson Apr. 2 I I Webster, Henry Case Jan. 5 53. Lister, Joseph William Apr. 2 || 120 I Longton, Frederick Jan § 54 Bottomley, Thomas Abbey Apr. 2 121 I Booth, Joe Edwin Jan. 5 55 I Holroyd, Frederick Apr. 2 I a2 I Smith, Henry Apr. 6 56 Brook, Henry Apr. 2 I 123 I Christie, James May 4 57 I Eastwood, Charles Apr. 2 I 124 I Hirst, Matthew Henry jun. 1 55 I Oakes, John Apr. 13 125 I Nelson, George Noble jun, 1 59 I Sykes, Edwin Apr. 13 I Dyson, Edward Jun. 1 60 I Kirk, John May 7 127 I Johnson, Thomas Dec. 7 61 I Eltoft, Joseph Green May 7 128 I Parker, Edwin Dec. 7 62 I Learoyd, Tom ~ I May 26 1856 63 I Learoyd, Joe May 26 129 I Aldrich, Charles Jan. 4 64 I Walker, Joseph I May 26 130 I Roberts, William Feb: 1 65 I Foster, Christopher I jun. 4 || 131 I Willis, Frederic May 2

I i se iti = 125

Page 136

No.

rgi

94 195 96

BEG

200 201

202

204

Name

Johnson, William Henry Hopkinson, John Liebmann, C. H. J. Bramson, Louis Hanson, John William Webb, Thomas Rymer Hare, Charles Kershaw Crosland, Thomas Pearson McKean, John Terry, George Henry Pairlamb, Matthew Crossley, John Edward Senior, James Hirst, Joseph

Walton, Alfred Armstrong Horsfall, George Garner, Richard Roberts, Charles

Eastwood, Robert Marshall, George Rietveld, Leendert

Hendrik Nicolaas

Wig,ney, James Townend Mallinson, George Balderson, John Jessop, Alfred Beaumont, Mark Tbeson, James Exton, Hugh Nicholson, Charles

Stockwell, James

Blackburn, Joseph Elliott, Reynolds John « Prince, James Turner Sinclair, James Clark, John Woodhouse, Edwin Ott, John Godfrey Alfred Stott, Ishmael Lawton, James Kinder Pock", George

Gill, William Smith Mach, Albert Mills, Thomas Jackson, Thomas Burgess, John Anderson, Samuel

Francis Crow

Taylor, Alfred Ledgard, Thomas Cooper

Garner, John Burley, Hiram Williamson, Reuben Naylor, Arthur Conacher, Peter

Learoyd, Tom Martins, Francis Richard North, James Stewart, Benjamin Shaw Haigh, Edward Iredale, Thomas Stancliffe Chrimes, Joseph Thomson, James

Crowther, Zaccheus Bagshawe, Alfred Charming Child, Edward Ogden Greenwood, John

Morton, Charles Varley, Joseph Heppenstall, Richard -Lofthouse, Alfred Hirst, James Hopkinson, Law

Wood, James Greenwood, James

Date of

No.

Initiation Joining

May May

Oct. Oct. Oct. Nov.

Dec.

Jan. Jan. Jul. Aug. Sep.

Feb. May Jul. Nov.

Jan. Feb

Feb

I May I May May May Aug. Sep.-17 j Oct.

I Dec,

May May

May Jul. Aug. Dec. Dec.

Jan.

Jun,

\Marf Mar.

Jun. Jun. Jun. Nov.

Feb. Marf May Oct.

May May Sep. Nov. Dec. Dec,

Jan.

1856 2 2 Jul. 3 3 3 7 Dec. 8 /857 2 2 3 a 4 1858 5 7 5 1860 6 3 3 May 4 4 4 4 3 5 7 1861 4 3 3 Max 3 5 2 6 6 Dec. 1862 3 Mar. ie 6 6 1864 4 4 4 3 3 3 4 1865 Jan. 3 3 5 2 uA 6 6 1866 2 2 4 5 1867 2) 3 6 1 6 6 1868 3

3

6

6

205 206 207

209 210 211

213 214 215 216 217 218 219 220

221 222 223

225 226 227 228 229

230 231 232

234

235 236 237 238

239 240

241 242

244 246

247 248

250 251 252 253 254 255 256 257 258

259 260 21 262 263

264

265 266

267

269 270

272 1273 274 275 276 277

278 279

136

Name

Chadwick, William Henry Nutter, Richard Fearnlev, John Mellor, Joel Crosland, Henry Morton, Emmanuel Roberts, Richard Henry Marshall, Joshua Hinchliffe, John Shaw, John Freeman, John Ibrook Holdsworth, Joseph Nowell, Joseph Dove Jackson, Thomas NiTrigley, Henry Woodhouse Marsden, Richard Thomas

Roberts, Joe Netherwood, Ellis Haigh, Thomas Henry Murgatroyd, Charles Briggs Buckley, John Barker, Edwin Burgess, Thomas Branch, Frederick Medmer Bower, Joseph Henry

Walton, Charles Langdon, William Graham, Joseph Dews, Joshua Wild, Henry

Lunn, John France, Alfred Phillips, Richard Booth, James Webb

Platts, Henry Hopkinson, John Addy Sugden, Herbert Hopwood, James Midgley, Albert Turner, John William Hughes, Edward Heatley, William Henry

Gardiner, George Sugden, Robert White, Ramsdell Firth, Jimmy Turner, Charles Sutton, Robert Sykes, John Whiteley Spence, Robert Shepherd ay, George Thomas Smith, Edward Heald, Edward Thornton, William

Woffenden, Joss Armitage, William Hirst, James Binns Hinchliffe, James Fisher, Leonard

Pugh, John Lister Pool Langdon, William Harwood, Jacob

Graham, Tom Davies, John Taylor Todd, William Beaumont, Joseph Kaye Moffatt, James Romulus

Cooper, John Edward Dyson, Edward Graham, Abraham Partridge, Henry Rhodes, George Hill, David

Cottam, George Henry Booth, George

Date of

Initiation Joining

Aug. Sep.

Oct. Oct. Dec.

Oct. Dec.

Feb.

Apr. Sep. Nov.

Jan, Feb.

May

Feb. Apr. Jun. Jul. Julf

Dec. Dec.

Jan. Feb. Apr. Apr. Apr. Apr. May

Ma’ Jun.

Aug. Noy. Feb.

May May Aug.

Jun,

Jan. Feb. Feb. May

Feb.

Feb. Apr. MaY Aug.

Feb.

1868

WwW WwW

1869 Feb.

mw wv OO

Jul.

1870

1871

oo

Mar.

1872

Dec,

an

1873

KH

Nov.

NI

1874

a Seo oO)

1875 Feb. Apr.

Af

1876

Jul. 1877

1878

Page 137

280 Bl 282 283 284, 285 286 287 288 aD

290 291 22 BB 294 295 26 297 298

299 300 301 302 303

304 305

306 307 308

309 310 311 312 313 314

315 316 317 318 319

320 321 a2 323 324 Psy a5 327 Alexander 328

329 330 331 332 3B Smithson 334 333 336

337 338 339 340 Al 342

343 344

345 346 347 348 349 350 354

Name

Coney, Thomas Worth Dawson, John Rotherv, Charles North, William Eastwood, John Cooke, Robert Eccles, James Fairlamb, Matthew Jowett, William Eastwood Wood, Humphrey

Divine, Edward Jessop, William Henry Matthewman, John Byram Woolven, James Albert Sykes, Joseph WrigglesNyorth* Erson, Edward George Leger Moxon, Godfrey Brierley, James Armitage, Abraham

Barker, John Crosland. James Seholes, James Varlet', John Moxon, George

Frost, Joe Littlewood, Joshua Broadhead, David Richards, John Elletson Kendrew, John

Haigh, James Banks, George Sterry, John Henry White, John William Lamb, William Rice, William

Clayton, Henry Taylor, Alfred John Tz.ckson, George E. heard. Joe Thomas Harz... Charles Kershaw

Sawden. John William Greenwood, Tom Alfred Wood, JamesMar B utterwoi th, Samuel Crossley, Samuel Walker, Benjamin Wood, William Beaumont, Ernest

‘Wray, Robert

Daft on, Seth Swahow, Joseph Harrison, Thomas Field, Herman Wilkinson, Frederick

Lancaster, Joe Johnson, Thomas Davis, John

Heigh, Robert Davidson Bagshaw, Thomas Sissons, George Henry Bernin, Christopher Rowley, John William Thompson, John Guest

Dyson, John Freeman Cornish, Matthew

Borstal], Jonas Joughin, Henry Edward Dyson, William Wood, Joe

Gledhill, Alfred Mallory, James

Batley, Herbert North

352 , Smith, Hedlev Marshall

Date of

Initiation Joining

Mar. Apr. May May

Jun. Jun.

Oct. Oct.

Mar. Mar. Mar. Apr.

Jun.

Sep. Sep.

Jan,

Oct: Nov. Nov.

Jan. Marf

Mar. Aug.

Feb. Mar. Nov. Nov. Dee. I Dec.

Apr.

Nov.

Feb. Mar.

Jul.

Mar. Oct.

Feb. Mar. Apr. Jul. Aug. Oct. Dec.

uk ARAN

a

NOOANR A

Fwon u

NA

1878 May 3 Jun. 7 1879 Apr. 4 1880 Mar. 5 188 r 1882 1883 May 4 Jul. 6 Dec. 7 2884 1885 1886 May 7 May 7 1887 1888

No. Name B Mallinson, Tom 354 Dunbar, John (Rev.) 355 Ryland, John 356 Cooper, Henry 357 Renshaw, Fred 358 France, Alfred 359 Arnold, Charles Frederic 360 Johnston, Alexander Jamieson 361 Mallinson, John William 362 Pyrah, John 363 Sykes, John Lewis 364 Challand, Arthur William 365 Hardy, Albert Edward 366 Oldlield, Thomas Davison 367 Exley, Smith 368 Cooke, John Frederick 369 Carter, Joseph Wrigley 370 Holding, Ralph Albert

371' Holroyd, John 372 Tunnacliffe, Tom Brook 373 Shaw, Fred

374 lilkington, Edmund Houghton 375. Jones, William Henry 3 Marsland, Fred 377 Crosland, Jolla Pearson 378 Varlev, William Richard 379 Crowther, Godfrey Vernon 380 Oldham, Gerald “Vain/sky Bl Holland, Victor 382 Booth, Edwin BB Mosley, James 384 Stephenson, Tom 385 Threappleton, George 386 Klosterman, Frank

387 Scholes, John 388 Beckwith, Frederick Edward

38g Needham, Thomas 390 Stewart, Robert 391 Russell, Samuel 392 Butterworth, John William BB Millard, Albert Reed 394 I3attye, James Edward 395 Bean, Thomas 6 Mitchell, Daniel Bairstow 7 Milan, Frederick 398 Whitteron, Alfred

399 jl Banks, Albert §400 1 Brier, John 4ol Wittrick, William Henry 402 , Thompson, Frederic Guest

'403 Magee, James 404 Matthewman, Fred 405 Fletcher, John Herbert 406 Sykes, Joe S97 Goddard, Harry 408 McCulloch, Thomas 409 Spratt, Joseph Thomas 410 Evans, William Bailey 4u Jackson. Albert Edward 472 Broadbent, Thomas William 413 Hampshire, William 414 Wood, Walter 415 Riley, James Ashton 416 Garton, James

417 Shoesmith, John §418 I Shaw, Frank

419 Lockwood, Edward Lister 420 Downey, William James 421 Hughes, Arthur Francis 422 I Pearce, John William 423 Dean, Joe Beverley

Date of

Initiation Joining

Feb.

May Oct

Jun.

Jul. Aug. Oct. Nov.

Mar. Apr.

Mar. Apr. Jun. Jun.

Feb. May

Jul. Sep.

Feb. Aug. Aug. Aug. Dec.

Feb. Mar. Mar.

Jul. Oct. Oct. Dec.

Marf Jun.

Sep. Nov.

Feb. Feb. Feb. Feb. Mar. Apr. Sep. Oct. Dec.

Feb. Mar. May Sep.

NNO

U1 oo WO 4 NI ABO ™~

RR NwWwwnhd

Ou

AAA

ua On Nu

1889

Apr.

1890

Mar.

21

189r

1892

1895 Jan.

1894

1895

1896

1897

1898 Jan.

1899

Jul. 1900

7

7

Page 138

Date of Date of

No. Name No. Name Initiation Joining Initiation Joining Igor 1916 424 Sykes, Henry Apr. 5 491 Ainlev, Percy May 5 425 Bentley, Charles William Apr. 5 1 492 Lunab, Arthur Aug. 4 426 Barrett, ri-nest Jul. 5 "493 Lumb, Rupert Bates Oct. 6 1902 494 Kaye. Joseph Oct. 6 426 ' Perkins, Robirt Mar. 1017 427 Moran, James Pat-,:ck Apr. 4 495 Appleyard, Edgar Snowden Jun. il 428 Moxon, Charles Henry Jun. 6 #26 Cragg, Thomas Ely un + 49 Moseley, Fred Aug. 7 497 Haigh, George William Jul. 6 430 Chappell, Frederick Dec. 5 Ic §498 Lacy, George Reginald Aug. 3 1903 1499 Turner, George Oct. 19 431 Sykes, James . Feb. 6 Ilo Herbert, Alfred Edwin Nov. 2 432 Jackson, Robert Feb. 6 Sol Idle. Waiter Dec. 7 433 Rhodes. John Arthur Mar, 6 1 1918 434 Riley, George Percy Mar. 6 Bates, William Austin Jan. 435 ; Turner, Abram ful. 3 503 Tunnacliffe, Walter Jan. 21 436 Garthwaite, Joe Oct. 2 504 Turner, Charles Frederick Aug. 1904 505 Haigh, Arthur Ronald Sep. 6 437 Horton, Lewis Mar. 4 506 Hardistv, Arthur Hobson Sep. 438 Moyle, Richard Rowland Sep. 2 1x07 Naylor, James Nov. T 439 Hinehlifl, Herman Nov. 4 508 Haigh, I,eslie Vernon Nov. i8 1905 1919 440 Pogson, Joseph Jan. 6 509 Bates, Jarnes Jan. 6 441 Senior, Lewis Farrar Jun. 2 510 Graham, George Jan. 6 442 Tinker, George Frederick Nov. 3 Sil Lister, Albert Edward Feb. 7 1906 512 Leitch, James Watson Feb. Jo 443 Dyson, John Edward 513 Townend, Ronald Mar. 1 Iredale Aug. 3 » 014 Perkins, Alexander Grant Mar. 444 Baxter, William Oct. 5 515 Smith, Francis EE ee §445 Thickett, John William Oct. 5 ' 516 Roberts, John Edmund May 2 1907 5171 Briggs, Albert May 5 446;)-Rattye, Arthur-Henry. Feb: 5I8 Hinchliffe, Herbert Jul. 4 447 1 Hallas, George Boothroyd Apr. 5 519 Hadfield, Thomas Henry Aug. 1 448 . Battye, Gladstone Jul. S J 520 Kershaw, Wilfred Aug. 1 449 ,. Shaw, John William Oct. 4. "1521 Bentley, Frank Oct. 3 1908 1322 Dyson, George Herbert 450 Dyson, Oliver May 1 Dodwell Oct. 3 1909 1920 451 Gelder, Arthur Jan. 4 1,523 Gardner, William James Jan. 2 452 Balmford, John Alfred Jan. 4 1524 Sutcliffe, William Melville Jun. 4 453 Rayner, Thomas Henry ‘Jan. 4 525 Haigh, Albert Jun. 4 4A Wortley, Harry Senior Feb. 8 136 Greenhalgh, James Jul. 2 4B Wilkinson, James feb. 8 §527 Thompson, Henry Wright Aug. 6 S456 Ruston, Albert Ernest Mar. 5 §528 Driffield, Launcelot Victor Oct. I 457 Hampshire, Sidney Mar. 5 Ten 458 Bedford, Harry Maer. 5 gy Whitehead, Luke Firth Jan. 459 Jardine, William Thomas May 530 Lindley, Samuel May 6 46° Calbert, Lawrence Bracken Oct. r 531 Chatterton, George William Jun. 3 461 Crampton, Reuben Oct. 1 1922 1910 532 Dyson, John Andrew Hon. M. Jan. 6 462 Hill, Alfred Feb. 4 Leonard Feb, 3 463 Spurdens, George Frederick Apr. I 934 Garton, George Stanley a 8 464 Pott, Robert Oliver May 6 §585 French, Edward Fleming Jun. 2 465 Dyson, Ernest Nov. 4 1536 Hudson, Arthur Nov. 3 466 Owen, George William Nov, 4 st. 1923 1911 1537 Cole, Percy William Jan. 5 467 Todd, John Hall Jan. 6 ae ee ae Marson, ERIS, 9 nstall, Eric 3loss ar. 468 Graham, Abraham Mar. : 54° Hirst, William Ernest S469 Bolton, Thomas Boardman Sep. x Llewllyn Aug. 3 1912 1924 470 Marsden, Sykes. Feb. 2 4 Hollingworth, James Feb. 1 ae ee : 542 Castle, Stanley Apr. 4 2 §543, Schofield, Lewis May 2 473 Brook, Wadsworth Apr. 4 ou Ward, Joe Stanley Sep. 5 Ait Beaumont, John Charles Aug. 2 545 Hawksworth, Wilfred Oct. 3 i Haigh, Walter Dyson Och: 546 Warrington, John Taylor Oct. 3 ‘i 1913 1925 Bas Woodhead, Arthur Feb; a §547 Pearson, John Olivaut Jul. 3 477 Lavcock, Guy Vivian Feb. 7 1926 478 Bradley, Harry Nov: 7 548 Hirst, Fred Apr. 2 479 Bolton, Harry Nov. 7 1927 480 Cheetham, William Dec. 5 go Pattimore, Thomas Edward Jan. 7 1914 g5se Cole, James Frederick 481 Hill, Herbert Hadfield Feb. 6 I Collard Mar. 4 moe Walker, Herbert Steel Feb. 6 155! Cotton, Joseph Hirst Jul. 1 483 Lunn, George Robert Mar. 6 1928 Bt Westmoreland; Thomas 552, Swift, Ernest Radcliffe Jan. 6 Gladstone — Jul. 3 553 Nicholson, Alfred Apr. 6 7 dots i §554I Taylor, James Jul. 6 485 Hill, Albert Ernest Jan. 1 1929 §486t Guise, Samuel Mar. 5 1555 Smith, James Feb. 1 §556, Sykes, Norman Jun. 487 Newsome, Sam Jan. 7 % Sugden, John Aug. 2 488 Preston, Joe Feb. 4 §558j Goulien, Horace i Oct. 4 489 Peace. William Percival Mar. 3 49° Quilliam, Alexander Paul Mar. 3

Page 139

sD 360

562 Fred

Name

Date of

Wood, Andrew Forbes Fraser, Robert

Waddington, Charles Arthur Snowden, Herbert

Stabil% Freeman, Harry

Hayes, Percy Clarke Skillington, Henry Cyril Schofield, Rennie Brook, A Han

Gledhill. Geoffrey Whittaker, John Arthur Kendal, Fred

Mayall, Arthur Green, Arthur Thornton

Dyson, David Eli Clegg, James Stanley

Broadbent, Harold Lloyd Pontefract, Bryan Bradley, Roy

Pemberton, William Joseph Swallow, Harold Willkinson, Thomas Arthur

Briggs, Arthur Wilkinson, John William Berry, Ralph Noel

J _ ——" I No. Initiation Joining initiation 1930 May 2 é dik 6 §085 1931 Feb. 6 Mar. 6 5 Apr. A 8 Jul. 3 S20 1932 ss Feb. 5 i May © Jun, 3 593, Nov. 4 . 1933, Jan. Mar. 3 56 i Thi ee 6 §595 i Thic 1934 ae Apr. 6 Oct. 5 1935 8598 Apr. 5 1§599 Aug, 9 McConnell 7936 8 Feb. 6 Mar. 6 §6or Aug. 7 (08 1937 504 “Reb. Ss Mar. 5 Jun. 4 605 1938 on Feb. 4 §607 Apr. 1 Aug. 8609 '§610

Name

Sunlev, Arthur

§586, Brook, Norman

§587 , Whittaker, William Eric 3 §588 . Edwards, Leslie Watson

Quarmby, Harry Thorpe, -Cyril Clifford

Crossley, Frank

Graham, Eric Green, Ernest Alderson

Stott, Norman kett, Herbert Whiteley, Harold Blackburn, Raymond

Stott, Harold Trew, Robert Hunter

Burton, Gilbert

Shaw, George Richard Smith, Horace Avison, Philip Hall, Charles Cameron

Eastwood, Dyson Jones, Thomas George Fretwell, Eric

5 8608 . Kilvington, George

Smith, Arthur Ellis, Francis fArthur

Sep. Oct.

Jan. Jun. Jul.

Aug- Feb.

Jun, Oct.

Jan. May Jul. May

Jun. Nov.

Feb. May Jun. Sep.

Jan. Junf

Aug. Oct.

© wn

“Ibo

Date of

1938

1939

7941

1942

wm Ato

1943

NI

at

1944

mt U1 Rout

uw

1945

Jul.

Joining

Page 140

SWINDLEHURST & NICHOLSON, LTD., PRINTERS, 43, MARKET STREET, HUDDERSFIELD.

Page 141

The Edition of this History is limited to 100 copies only of which this is

Niimher


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