Provincial.

The painting is rich and brilliant in effect , yet so beautifully subdued in tone as to produce a breadth ahd harmony seldom met with in this class of portraiture , The picture is life-size , and framed in a massive gilt frame , with Masonic ornaments at the top . Friday , the 12 th September , having been fixed for the inauguration of the portrait , a strong muster of the members of the Lodge and Chapter , with numerous visitors from the neighbouring Lodges , attended at the Castle Hotel for the purpose of witnessing the pleasing ceremony .

The Lodge was opened at five o ' clock by Bro . Dilworth , the W . M . On the conclusion of the ordinary business of the Lodge , Bro . Thomas Mason , jun . ( Mayor of Newcastle ) , Prov . J . G . D . and P . M . of 674 , after removing the covering from the portrait , addressed the W . M . and Brethren as follows : — " Worshipful Master and Brethren , having taken considerable interest in this portrait , and having made all arrangements respecting it , I have felt it my duty , and a very gratifying one it is , on behalf of the subscribers , to present to this Lodge this

beautiful portrait of the R . W . D . Prov . G . M . for Staffordshire , our worthy Bro . Thomas Ward , as a lasting memorial of the estimation in which he is held , particularly by the Brethren composing the Sutherland Lodge of Unity ( 674 ) , the Companions of the Chapter attached to that Lodge , and in the province generally . For some time past a strong desire has been manifested in Lodge and Chapter that we should pay some mark of regard to our worthy Brother ; and one evening after Lodge , -when I had the honour to fill the Chair , Bro . Ward having retired , the

subject was mooted , and after some discussion it was decided to have his portrait placed in the Lodge-room . A subscription was commenced , and in less time than I take in relating the fact every Brother present had become a subscriber . It was most gratifying that in a very short time a sufficient sum was subscribed ; indeed , several Brethren expressed their willingness to double their subscriptions if required . I must here express my thanks to the subscribers for their kindness and valuable advice . The cry now was , Let us have a work of art worthy of

the object / A talented provincial artist , Mr . John Emery , of Shelton , was intrusted with the work , and I do not think , even if we had employed a Royal Academician , that we should have had a more truthful picture or a better work of art . Many parties competent to give a correct opinion have expressed their unqualified approbation , and I do hope we shall all be perfectly satisfied , and never regret the choice made ; and when it becomes a memento of our dear Brother , may we all love and revere his memory . The Brethren of 674 are deeply

indebted to our R . W . Brother for the manner in which he has for a long period upheld the interests of their Lodge . For two years he presided in the most efficient manner over this Lodge , and on all occasions most cheerfully performed any duty , and in chapter his services are invaluable . It appears as if time had no effect on his efforts and zeal for our Order . Whenever he visits our Lodge I feel ( and I hope I am speaking the feelings of every member ) that his presence gives an air of importance and solemnity to our assembly which otherwise it would not

have . I am reminded on those occasions of those beautiful precepts which are inculcated in the various Degrees , and that I am expected not only to do my duty in Lodge , but to carry out the principles of Freemasonry in every relation in life when practicable . I know of no institution the tendency of which is more calculated to make a man a better man than Freemasonry : may we all copy the bright example of our worthy Bro . Ward . I will not attempt to paint his portrait in language , for were I possessed of the powers of the greatest orator that

ever adorned this country I should fail in giving a truthful portraiture , and I know I shall best consult our good Brother ' s wishes at the present moment if I let the act we have done speak for itself . I know it has made a deep impression on his heart—an impression that will never be eradicated in this world ; but this I must assure him , that what we have done has been done without flattery ,

without vanity , without hypocrisy . With a pure Masonic feeling we have endeavoured to repay a debt of gratitude and respect to one who so eminently deserves every honour wo could possibly pay him . I must apologize to the subscribers for the very feeble manner in which I have discharged my duty ; but sometimes it is most difficult to express what is nearest the heart . It only remains for me , sir , to present you with that charming portrait , for the Lodge , to be preserved and