Provincial.

In this order the Brethren moved on to West Newton ( a distance of about a mile and a half ) , each clothed with the badge denoting his rank : the clothing was , generally speaking , remarkably good , that of the Officers of the Provincial Grand Lodge really superb . On arriving upon the ground , where the Lord Bishop of the diocess had just preceded them , there was an immense crowd of spectators , and it required the utmost exertion of the authorities to keep a space

clear for the performers in the ceremony . The Masonic Fraternity were received by the Lord Bishop , who was accompanied by the Worshipful the Chancellor and a large body of the clergy of the diocess with great affability and courtesy , and after a hymn ( composed for the occasion ) had been sung by the children and prayer offered up by the curate , the D . Prov . G . M ., Bro . Greaves , proceeded to assist his

lordship to lay the stone . His lordship spread the mortar with , an elegant silver trowel , and the stone was then lowered upon its resting-place . The Prov . J . G . W . then proved it with the plumb-rule , and pronounced it to be upright . The Prov . S . G . W . next proved it with the level , and pronounced it to be horizontal ; and the D . Prov . G . M . lastly proved the angles to be correct with the square . The D . Prov . G . M . then said : —

Having proved its correct adjustment by the aid of the plumb-rule , the level , and the square , I thus , and thus , and thus ( striking it thrice with the mallet ) , assist in laying the foundation-stone of St . Matthew ' s Church , and may the G . A . O . T . U . aid us in our united endeavours in this , the commencement of the work , and prosper the undertaking . " To which all the Brethi'en responded— " So mote it be ! "

" I now scatter this corn , and pour this wine , and this oil , as the emblems of plenty , ^ of gladness , and of peace ; and may the Grand Geometrician of the Universe , in His bountiful goodness , provide the Craftsmen , and the inhabitants of this neighbourhood with all the necessaries , the conveniences , and the comforts of this life during the continuance of the work , and for all time to come . "— " So mote it be "

" The Masonic ceremony of laying the foundation-stone being thus ended , we have now to pray that , upon this , a superstructure may be raised perfect alike in all its parts , and honourable to the builder ; and that at its completion it may be dedicated to the service of the Most High , and to the instruction , the piety , and the salvation of the people of this district through all generations . "— " So mote it be . " The Senior Prov . G . Chap ., the Rev . B . Porteus , then offered up the following prayer : —

" O Lord Almighty , Maker of the Universe and of all that is therein , we , Thy humble servants , earnestly desire Thy gracious acceptance of the solemn work in which we have been engaged . Look favourably , O Lord , upon our deed , and grant that upon this stone , laid level , and square , and true , in Thy name , and for Thy glory , a building may arise , perfect in all its parts , as meet for Thy worship and service ; and that it may be graced by Thy blessing , and hallowed by Thy spirit t Grant also , we beseech Thee , that in all churches of the land , Thy Holy

JName may be praised , and the Gospel of Thy Son Jesus Christ , preached ; and that the Word spoken by Thy ministers may never be spoken in vain . And , O Thou , who didst endow Thy Holy Apostle , St . Barnabas , with . singular gifts of the Holy Ghost , leavens not , we beseech Thee , destitute of Thy manifold gifts , nor of grace to use them to Thy honour . Glory be to Thee , with the Son , and the Holy Ghost ; one holy , blessed , glorious , and undivided Trinity , now , henceforth , and for ever . "— " So mote it be . "

The bishop then proved the stone with the usual implements , but without remark , and struck it three times with a mallet ; after which he ascended the same , and delivered to the multitude assembled a most excellent and interesting address , at the conclusion of which another hymn was sung by the village schoolchildren , and the bishop filially gave the parting blessing . The band now struck up a lively air , and West Newton presented an animated appearance . Tlio procession was then reformed , and the Brethren returned in the same order to Wigton , where the Prov . Grand Lodge was closed , and the evening spent in a