The Wakefield New Masonic Hall.

as an architectural ornament to Zetland Street —( applause ) . Could the Freemasons of Lodge Unanimity of 1766 be present here to-day , they would have rejoiced to see this clay , and be glad . The noblest memorial we can erect to their memories is this new Masonic Hall , illustrating , as it does , the increase of the lodges in this town , the growth of Masonic principles , and the commercial prosperity of "Merrie Wakefield" which they all had at heart so

, much to developc . On the excellency of Freemasonry I need not here dilate . Suffice it to say that its foundation stone is benevolence , whilst Charity is its cope-stone . Its three pillars are " Wisdom , strength , and purity , " symbolical of " Faith , hope , ancl mercy , " and that Charity which , like its sister Mercy , blesses him that gives as well as him that receives . Freemasonry is the handmaid of religion , it is the friend of the Church , and in its relations with the

State a staunch supporter of constitutional principles , whilst within its portals are sedulously cultivated the seven liberal arts ancl sciences—( applause . ) But the other day the Freemasons laid the foundation stone of a Freemasonry institution at Pontefract . On the 16 th April , under the presidency of H . R . H . the Prov . Grand Master of Oxfordshire , £ 13 , 500 was subscribed in Freemasons' Hall towards this year ' s maintenance of our orphan Masonic irls ;

g on the 8 th of May , £ 785 was awarded from the Fund of Benevolence towards the poor ancl distressed Freemasons , ancl on the 20 th of May , our Royal Grand Master , the Prince of Wales , laid the foundation stone of a new cathedral at Truro for a new Bishopric , for which we have to thank the late Government —( applause ) . These we may take as evidence of the growth of Masonic

principles in England . I sec no limits to the usefulness ancl the influence of Freemasonry . I believe that it will continue to prosper in this as well as other countries so long as the brethren realise and adorn those principles which Freemasonry upholds , ancl those vital truths which Freemasonry proclaims , and that with a consistent unfolding of our teaching , I can see no horizon , humanly speaking , to the progress ancl perpetuation of our ancient ancl honourable fraternityexcept that end which time alone must fix to all

, institutions earthly and transitory . May the great Architect of the Universe prosper the work we have undertaken ; may no accident happen to the workmen engaged in its construction under the skilful architect , ancl may we here all be permitted to rejoice in its completion ancl dedication to Freemasonry—( applause ) . Under these circumstances the Prov . Grand Master of this province has permitted us to assemble round this spot to lay with Masonic

ceremonial the foundation stone of the new Masonic Hall for the advancement and welfare of the brethren who shall enter within its symbolic enclosures , that they may promote the faithful development , of the genuine and unchangeable principles of our useful ancl benevolent Institution . The Worshi pful Masters of Wakefield will , I know , make this lodge a temple symbolic of that immaterial and beatific temple not made with handseternal in the heavens

, , and , though this building must one clay succumb to time , ancl like the walls of the old Rectory house crumble into ruin , yet may it in the interim increase the knowledge of the wonderful works of the Almi ghty Creator , ancl the happiness of tho brethren who assemble and who are initiated within its walls—( applause ) .