FREEMASONRY IN WEST LANCASHIRE. On Wednesday at noon last, the Provincial Grand Lodge of the Freemasons of West Lancashire was held at the Adelphi Hotel, Lime-street, Liverpool; the Right Worshipful the Provincial Grand Master, Sir T. G. Fermor-Hesketh, Bart, M.P., on the throne. There were about 400 brethren present from all parts of the province, and amongst them were Captain the Hon F. Stanley, M.P., P.G.S.W., and the following brethren from Preston:-Major Wilson, P.M.; J. J. Greaves, W.M.; T. Nevett, S.W.; Richard Robinson, P M., Dr. Smith, P.M.; Kinsella, W.M.; Rev. Jas. Taylor; M.A., Bamber Bridge; H. H. Whitehead, P.M.; R. Bee, J.W.; James Worsley, P.M.; G Lawson, P.M.; Ward, D. Wilson, &c. It was found that all the lodges, with the exception of three, were represented. The three in contumacy were fined 20s. each. Brother Amer, the P.G. treasurer, presented his accounts. A vote of thanks was carried unanimously to Brother Amer for the assiduous and zealous attention he had paid to the duties of treasurer of the province for many years past, and was suitably responded to Brother Lord Skelmersdale then proposed, and Brother Captain the Hon. F. A. Stanley, M.P., seconded, that Brother Armstrong be appointed treasurer. It was also pro-posed and seconded that Brother George Sumner and Brother Dodds respectively be treasurer. Brother Armstrong was elected, there being 76 votes for him, against 70 votes for Brother Turner and 6 for Brother Dodds. Five petitions for relief were relieved with a sum of £5 in each case. Brother Alpass, P.G. secretary, said he was happy to be able to report that the progress and prosperity of Freemasonry in the province had during the past year been very satisfactory. Since the last meeting a number of new lodges had been consecrated, and old ones had increased. Brother Lord Skelsmersdale then presented a set of massive silver vessels for use in the consecration of new lodges. A hearty vote of thanks was moved to his lordship for his very handsome present. The motion was seconded and carried unanimously. After a little further business had been gone through the P.G. Lodge resolved itself into a court of Governors of the West Lancashire Educational Institution, when Brother S. Mott, honorary secretary, brought up the report of committee of the institution for the year ending December, 1870. One of the principal features of the report was the marked increase in the sums received in fees from lodges and chapters, and subscriptions and donations from brethren personally. The report was unanimously adopted, and grants varying from £8 to £10 each were made for 34 children at present upon the foundation, and similar grants for ten more children placed upon the foundation of the institution by special vote at the meeting, making in all 44 children for whose education liberal provision is made. In the course of the day Brother the Hon. F. A. Stanley, M.P., was re-elected Provincial Grand Senior Warden, and Major Thomas Wilson, of Cooper Hill, Walton-le-Dale, Provincial Grand Junior Warden. The brethren shortly afterwards separated.
LOCAL INTELLIGENCE
Date: Saturday, Oct. 14, 1871
Publication: Lancaster Gazetter
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