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THE SYKES LODGE OF FREEMASONS No 1040 HISTORICAL RETROSPECT OF FIFTY YEARS SINCE THE CONSECRATION OF THE LODGE AND DIRECTORY 1919 Compiled by Bro Alexander Theodore Brand, P.M. P. Prov G.S.W., P Prov. G.J., N & E Yorks DRIFFIELD
FOREWORD FIFTY years having elapsed since the Consecration of the Sykes Lodge, which took place on the 21st December, 1864, it was decided to observe 1915 as the Jubilee Year of the Lodge, and as Provincial Grand Lodge held its’ Annual Meeting at Driffield on the 20th July of that year in recognition of the event it was thought desirable of a retrospective narrative of the formation, consecration and annals of the Lodge during the half century of its existence, together with the Directory of the Lodge brought fully up to date. Although the materials for this historical record, derived as they are from the Minutes of the Lodge, are somewhat meagre, still enough has been gleaned to permit of a more or less connected story, which it is hoped will prove interesting to the Members of the Lodge, and also be of service to the historian of the future who may write a similar record on the completion of its Centenary. Bro Egbert Fox-Thomas, P.G.D. (Eng.), Provincial Charity Representative, who is the gifted Editor of the “Provincial Year Book,” has kindly written an Introduction, which will be greatly appreciated as one of the most interesting features of the publication. The addition of illustrations of the Provincial Grand Master, the Officers of the Jubilee Year and the Warrant of the Lodge, has been made in the hopes of making the Record more complete, and acceptable to the Members of the Lodge. A.T. BRAND, P.M. P.S. – It had been intended to publish this Directory in 1915, but, owing to the difficulties caused by the War, the publication has been postponed until now. This delay has not been without its advantages, since it has enabled the compiler to add the names of no less than fifty initiates, and to include a short account of the formation of the Sykes Royal Arch Chapter, which has been kindly written by the present First Principal, M.E. Comp T.N. Conder. A.T.B. Driffield, E. Yorks 1st December, 1919
E FOX-THOMAS, P.G.D., Eng.
INTRODUCTION
THE MOST HON. THE MARQUESS OF ZETLAND, K.T., R.W. Provincial Grand Master from 1874. The labour, patience and time involved in the writing of a Lodge History, or the bare compilation of records, the quest of “missing links,” such details as Christian names, or even initials, of past Members is so little valued, because not generally understood, that the opportunity to express appreciation of such effort, as in the present instance, is a great pleasure. The name of the first Master of the Sykes Lodge – Bro. M.C. Peck, P.G. St. B.Eng. – recalls the industry and zeal of his forty years’ invaluable service as Provincial Grand Secretary. His uniform care, leaving nothing to chance, is illustrated by the fact that the promoters of the proposed Sykes Lodge evidently were determined that their petition, endorsed by no fewer than three Lodges – Humber, Minerva and Camalodunum – should not “prove a slip.” Not that there was much cause for anxiety, seeing that the petition was officially recommended by the Provincial Grand Master – the Earl of Zetland – to himself, and also granted by him as Grand Master of England. In the same year, 1864, he laid the Foundation Stone of the new buildings in connection with Freemasons’ Hall, London, the tenth ceremony of a similar character, outside the Province, in his long and beneficent reign of twenty-six years as Grand Master, and thirty-four years as Provincial Grand Master. The oldest Warrant known, dated 1st February, 1731, issued under the authority of Lord Kingston, Grand Master of Ireland, was so carefully framed that all existing Lodge Warrants have been drafted upon similar lines. The importance of preserving a photographic representation of Lodge Warrants cannot be over-estimated. This will be especially apparent to the Members of the Sykes Lodge, after the cloud-burst of 1910, recorded by Bro. Brand, when “the safe was invaded by muddy water and the Minute and other books and papers were irreparably damaged.” Another illustration recently occurred at the last meeting of a Chapter (2256) in the Province of Essex. Some years ago, the Charter disappeared, and all efforts to discover its whereabouts proved futile. A petition was in consequence presented to the Committee of the Supreme Grand Chapter for a Charter of Confirmation, which was granted in 1914, and the Chapter has worked under it ever since. A few weeks ago the original Charter was received at the headquarters of the Order in a registered envelope, bearing the Brighton postmark, but no indication of the sender – merely a memorandum, “Found in the lining of a bag!” Another Province in England has secured from each Loge therein a full-sized photographic copy of its Warrant, all of which are now preserved in the Muniment Room of that Province. The Warrant of the Sykes Lodge, in 1864, only two months after of the Kingston Lodge, Hull, being the thirtieth within that brief period, made a total of 17 Lodges in the Province, with an aggregate of 1,200 Members, compared with 40 Lodges and about 3,400 Members in 1919, the exact total at the moment is not ascertained, owing to the change of Provincial year for Lodge Returns. From 1814 to 1864, the Grand Lodge of England warranted about 700 Lodges. As the last enumeration of Lodges, when gaps were filled up, occurred in 1863, it is possible to form a fairly accurate estimate of totals when the Sykes Lodge was erected. The year 1863 closed with 997 Lodges. In 1864, 2 London, 33 Country and 16 Foreign Lodges were founded, but 1 Country and 9 Foreign Lodges were erased, leaving 153 London, 570 Country and 315 Foreign, or a nett total of 1,038 Lodges under the Grand Lodge of England. In 1850, the Province of North and East Yorkshire had only 10 Lodges, today there are 40. In 1850, there were 747 Lodges in the English Jurisdiction, while in November, 1919, the latest warranted Lodge was numbered 4030, of which 128 have been warranted during the last 12 months, or an increase of 3,511 Lodges with an inclusive Craft total of about 154,000 subscribing Members. Masonic benevolence has progressed in similar proportion. Contributions to the three Central Charities amounted to £11,911 in 1864 and £271,267 donated by 16,339 Stewards and Lodges in 1919. The R.M. Benevolent Master, realised £90,288, the Province contributing £18,882, of which amount the Sykes Lodge and Members subscribed £315. It is encouraging to all, notwithstanding the difficulties which almost of necessity arise within any comparatively confined area, that the Sykes Lodge Jubilee Report presents so many indications of vitality and enthusiasm. If the “private occupation” of the half century of W. Masters, representing at least 25 callings in the way of business or profession, be a criterion of the general membership, the diversified personnel of the Lodge is the condition most favourable in the attainment of some of the principal ideals of the Order. During many years it has been my privilege to visit the Sykes Lodge occasionally and observe increasing excellence. Fourteen years ago, I had the pleasure to install Bro. Brand – author of the present history – in the Chair he again occupied in 1915, the Lodge Jubilee year. In their day and generation many Brethren have builded well, but all will agree that no Member of the Lodge has done more to deserve the present and repeated recognition of his continued and devoted labours on behalf of No 1040. That this and other honours have been paid to one to whom honour is so justly due, must be equally gratifying to the recipient of the Lodge. In a variety of ways and Masonic Orders he has rendered valuable services in North and East Yorkshire. The publication will speak for itself both now and in years to come. I hope that Bro. Brand may continue his good work with pleasure to himself and benefit to the Lodge he so conspicuously represents. E. FOX-THOMAS, P.G.D., Eng St. Ann’s, Harrogate, 24th November, 1919. HISTORICAL RETROSPECT In the year 1864, several Brethren residing in, or near, Great Driffield, being desirous of establishing a Lodge of Freemasons in that place, for the conveniency of their respective dwellings, and other good reasons, decided to send a Petition to the Grand Master of England. Having received the cordial support of the Humber and Minerva Lodges of Hull and Camalodunum Lodge of Malton, they sent off their Petition, accompanied by recommendations from these Lodges to the Rt. Hon. the Earl of Zetland, at that time Provincial Grand Master of North and East Yorks., and also Grand Master of England. The Petition was favourably received and a Warrant of Constitution was in due time issued, bearing the date of 15th October, 1864, the place of meeting being the Bell Hotel, and the day of meeting the first Thursday in each month. Mr Christopher Sykes, younger brother of Sir Tatton Sykes, Baronet, of Sledmere, who was not at that time a Freemason, was chosen as the “Patron” of the Lodge, and, on his accepting the position, his patronymic was adopted as the name of the new Lodge, which was styled the Sykes Lodge, the number assigned to it by the Grand Master being 1040. The Petitioners and Founders of the Lodge were: - Bro. David Hornby, Driffield Bro. Thomas Hornby, Driffield Bro Francis Danby, Kilham Bro Henry Onslow Piercy, Lowthorpe Bro William Lovel, Nafferton Bro John Holliday, Barmston all members of the Londesborough Lodge: - Bro. Charles George Bond, Malton of the Camalodunum Lodge and Bro. Michael Charles Peck, Hull Bro. Thomas Walton, Hull of the Minverva Lodge: - Of these all, except Bro. Charles G. Bond and Thomas Walton, are named in the Warrant. It had been decided that Bro. Michael C. Peck should be the first Master, Bro. David Hornby the First Senior Warden, and Bro. Thomas Hornby, the first Junior Warden. Accordingly these principal Officers’ names are incorporated in the Warrant. The first meeting of the Lodge was one of Emergency, and was held at the Bell Hotel, on Wednesday, 30th November, 1864. A Code of Bylaws was drawn up, and, strange to say, the day of meeting was altered to the first Wednesday in each month, and this date has remained unchanged to the present time. It was also resolved to purchase the necessary furniture and Jewels etc. Several Candidates and Joining Members were proposed, seconded and balloted for. Among the former was Mr Christopher Sykes, the “Patron” of the Lodge. At this meeting there were present: - Bro. M.C. Peck, W.M. Elect Bro. D. Hornby, S.W. Elect Bro. T. Hornby, J.W. Elect Bro G.W. Harrison Bro. F. Danby Bro. W. Lovel Bro. T. Carter The following, completing the membership of the Lodge, were not present: - Bro. Lord Londesborough Bro. J.O. Piercy Bro. J. Holliday Bro. R. Goodlass Bro. W.C. Laybourne Bro. J. Turner Bro. Rev J. Davidson Bro. H. Leslie Although balloted for and accepted as a member of the Sykes Lodge, Mr Christopher Sykes was regularly initiated in the Constitutional Lodge, at Beverley, on the 20th December, 1864, and became a Joining Member of the Sykes Lodge. The next meeting of the Sykes Lodge was a regular one, and was held on Wednesday, 21st December, 1864, at the Bell Hotel, Market Place, Driffield. This was the real birthday of the Sykes Lodge, for on this date the Lodge was consecrated and dedicated, the Master was duly installed and the Officers invested. On account of the historical interest attached to this meeting, the Minutes are here given in full. SYKES LODGE, No. 1040. At a regular Lodge held this day, 21st December, 1864, pursuant to summons, there were present: - MEMBERS W. Bro. M.C. Peck, W.M. Bro. D. Hornby, S.W. Bro. Thos Hornby, J.W. Bro. Geo W. Harrison Bro. Rev. Jas, Davidson, M.A. Bro. Thos Carter Bro. Wm Lovel Bro. Chr Sykes Bro. Henry Leslie, Mus. Doc. Bro. H.O. Piercy Bro. Jon Turner Bro. W.C. Laybourne VISITORS W. Bro. Geo Marwood, Deputy Prov. Grand Master W. Bro. R.E. Harrison, W.M., Minerva L., 250, Hull W. Bro. Thos Forge, W.M., Constitutional L., 294, Beverley W. Bro. Geo R. Wrangham, W.M., Londesborough L., 734, Bridlington W. Bro. Thos Walton, P.M., P.J.P.G.D., 250, Hull W. Bro. Rev H.W. Kemp, B.A., P.P.G.C., 250, Hull W. Bro. J. Fearne Holden, P.M., 250, Hull W. Bro. Edward Lucas, P.M., 250, Hull W. Bro. Robt Stamford, P.M., P.P.G.St.B., 294, Beverley W. Bro. Geo Fox, P.M., P.S.P.G.D., 734, Bridlington Bro. Walter Reynolds, 250 Bro. Thos Dale, J.W., 250 Bro. J.H. Peart, D.C., 250 Bro. C. Cheesman, 250 Bro. Jno Harrison, 250 Bro. Tom Turner, Secy., 294 Bro. J. Boyes, I.G., 294 Bro. Thos Smailes, 294 Bro. John Rennard, 734 Bro. John Booth, 734 Bro. R.R. Kemp, 734 Bro. E.S Newmarch, 734 Bro. John Ogle, 660 Bro. Joseph Sowray, 660 Bro. Edward Taylor, 660 Bro. W. Johnson, P.G.T., 57 The visitors having taken their seats, Bro. Dr Leslie played a March upon the harmonium kindly lent by him, when a procession entered the Lodgeroom in the following order:- Tyler with Sword The Brethren of the Sykes Lodge The Wardens with Level and Plumb The W.M. Elect carrying the Warrant The Worshipful Deputy Prov. Grand Master The W. Deputy Prov. Grand Master having taken the Chair, was supported by the W. Master of the Miverva Lodge as Senior Warden, and the W. Master of the Londesborough Lodge as Junior Warden; when the Lodge was opened in the Three Degrees of Craft Masonry. W. Bro. Thos Walton, P.J.P.G.D., as Director of Ceremonies then, having briefly explained the formation of this new Lodge, requested the W.D.P.G.M. to consecrate the same according to ancient custom. The Petitioners being then placed on the W. Side of the Pedestal, the Petition was read aloud by the W.M. Elect, which was then presented to the W.D.P.G.M and by him approved. The Secretary pro tem, Bro. Walter Reynolds, then read the Minutes of the Lodge held on 30th November, which were confirmed by the W.D.P.G.M. The W. Deputy Provincial Grand Master then proceeded to dedicate and consecrate the new Lodge with the accustomed ceremonies of the Craft, an account of which it is not lawful to write, after which he addressed the Brethren on their duties. The Lodge was then lowered to the Second Degree, and subsequently opened in the Past Master’s Degree, when a Lodge of Installed Masters having been formed, Bro. M.C. Peck was duly admitted to that Degree. The Past Master’s Degree having been closed, the Brethren were admitted, who saluted Bro. M.C. Peck, the first Worshipful Master of the Sykes Lodge, No 1040, in the Three Degrees in the due form. The Lodge was then lowered to the First Degree, when the Worshipful Master invested his Officers as follows: - Bro. David Hornby Senior Warden Bro. Thomas Hornby Junior Warden Bro. George Wm Harrison Treas. and Junior Deacon Bro. Francis Danby Secretary Bro. Rev James Davidson chaplain Bro. William Lovel Senior Deacon Bro. Thomas Carter Director of Ceremonies Bro. Henry Leslie, Mus. Doc. Organist Bro. Henry Onslow Piercy Inner Guard The ballot box was then prepared for the following gentlemen: - Mr Alfred Scotchburn, Mr Robert Kirby, and Mr Edward Harrison, who were accepted as candidates for Freemasonry. The ballot box was next prepared for Bros. Gilbert Wilkinson, Walter Reynolds and Wm W. Batty, who were accepted as Joining Members of this Lodge. Mr Alfred Scotchburn was then regularly initiated into the mysteries of Freemasonry by the W. Deputy Prov. Grand Master, Bro. J.H. Peart, D.C., of the Minverva Lodge, delivering the Charge at Initiation. The following Brethren were then proposed as Joining Members: - Bros. Robert Eunson Harrison, W.M., J, Fearne Holden, P.M., Francis Jackson, J.D., J.H. Peart, D.C., and Chas. Cheesman (all of the Minverva Lodge, No 250, Hull), proposed by the Worshipful Master, seconded by the Treasurer; Bro. John Boocock (of the Londesborough Lodge, No 734, Bridlington), proposed by the Senior and seconded by the Junior Warden. The following Brother was proposed as an Honorary Member by the Worshipful Master, seconded by the Senior Warden: - Bro. George Marshwood, Deputy Prov. Grand Master. Hearty good wishes having been expressed, the Lodge was then closed in form and with solemn prayer. (Signed) WALTER REYNOLDS, pro Secy. (Signed) M.C. PECK, W.M. Thus it will be seen that Bro. G.W. Harrison held two offices, kept separate in 1867, viz, Treas. and J.D. No Steward was appointed till 1866. The Lodge held meetings regularly after this on the third Wednesday of each month, and candidates were duly initiated, the first being Dr Alfred Scotchburn, and Joining Members admitted, or affiliated as it is termed in Scotland. At the meeting held on 15th February, 1865, Bro. Christopher Sykes, who had been initiated in the Constitutional Lodge, Beverley, was duly passed to the Second Degree. On 15th March, 1865, the Bylaws as agreed to were passed and ordered to be printed after they had been approved of by Grand Lodge. It seems to have been felt that the accommodation at the Bell Hotel was insufficient for the increasing membership, and at this meeting it was resolved that steps should be taken to secure a more commodious rendezvous. At the General Election of 1865, Bro. Christopher Sykes was returned M.P. for the Borough of Beverley, and at the meeting held on 16th August, 1865, a letter of congratulation from the Brethren of the Sykes Lodge on his election, and Bro. Sykes letter in reply were read. On 6th April, 1865, Bro. Sykes was duly raised in the Constitutional Lodge, Beverley. In accordance with the resolution passed on the 15th March, 1865, steps were taken to find a more suitable place of meeting and they were successful. On 20th September 1885, the first meeting took place in the new premises, then called the New Road School Room, now known as the Congregational School Room, Exchange Street, and these were continuously occupied until the present Temple was opened in 1871. The next meeting of interest was held on the 17th January, 1866, when the second Installation was held, Bro. David Hornby, S.W., being duly installed W.M., and Bro. Christopher Sykes, “Patron” of the Lodge was invested S.W. It is interesting to record that Bro. Sykes was also invested S.W. of the Constitutional Lodge in the same year. At the meeting held on 19th September, 1866, an Almoner was appointed under the designation of “Relieving Officer,” but this office of Almoner was not recognised as a regular one until 1879. On 16th Jan., 1867, Bro. Christopher Sykes was duly installed W.M. of the Sykes Lodge by Bro. Dr. J. Pearson Bell, Dep. Prov. Grand Master. There seems to have been a keen rivalry between the Constitutional and Sykes Lodges for the possession of Bro. Sykes. He was “Patron” of the latter Lodge, but M.P. for Beverley. Honours, it will be admitted, were fairly evenly divided by the rival Lodges as the following statement would suggest: - BEVERLEY DRIFFIELD Initiated Passed Raised Senior Warden Senior Warden Master M.P. “Patron” In July, 1868, the old Baptist Chapel, in Chapel Lane, now known as King Street, was acquired at a cost of £90 for conversion into a Masonic Temple. This building is of considerable antiquity, having been built in the year 1788, the cost of the Chapel and site being £267. At the time of its purchase by the Brethren of the Sykes Lodge, therefore, it was eighty years old, and is, consequently, over one hundred and thirty years old at the present time. The necessary alterations were completed by the end of 1870, and on 18th January 1871, the new Masonic Hall was consecrated and dedicated by Bro. Dr. J. Pearson Bell, Dep. Prov Grand Master of North and East Yorkshire, who also installed the W.M. Elect, Bro. Thomas Hornby, who had occupied the Chair in 1868. The cost of the alterations was £310. On 28th April, 1875, H.R.H. The Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII), was installed W.M. Grand Master of England, at the Royal Albert Hall. In 1878 an event of great Masonic international interest took place. The Grand Orient of France (corresponding to our Grand Lodge of England), at this time made a radical alteration in its Constitution. Originally its avowed Principles were the Existence of God, the Immortality of the Soul, and Human Solidarity. These Principles it now rescinded, ignoring the G.A.O.T.U., and substituting the following Principles – Absolute Liberty of Conscience and Human Solidarity. In consequence of this change, the Grand Lodge of England, viewing with profound regret this step taken by the Grand Orient of France, and considering such alteration to be opposed to the tradition, practice and feelings of all true and genuine Masons, from the earliest to the present time, and to be the removal of the first and most important ancient Landmark of our Order, which is a belief in T.G.A.O.T.U., resolved to refuse recognition to all Masons who should be initiated in Lodges which either deny or ignore that belief. It further ordered that all Masters of Lodges holding under the Grand Lodge of England be directed to refuse admission to any foreign brother unless, firstly, he is duly vouched for, or unless his certificate shows that he has been properly initiated in a Lodge professing belief in T.G.A.O.T.U., or, secondly, unless he himself shall acknowledge this belief to be an essential Landmark of the Order. This Decree of the Grand Lodge of England was homologated by the Grand Lodges of Scotland and Ireland, and is of course still in force; but it is of further interest to know that a revulsion of feeling has lately taken place in France, and a new Grand Lodge, called The Independent and Regular National Grand Lodge of France and of the French Colonies, has been erected, professing the ancient belief in T.G.A.O.T.U., as its first Principle. This new French Grand Lodge has been received into full fraternal fellowship by the Grand Lodge of England, the negotiations having been carried through by the Pro Grand Master, the Rt Hon Lord Ampthill. To return to the Sykes Lodge – In 1879, for some reason unknown, the Installation took place in February instead of January as before, and it was resolved to hold the Installation in future in the month of February. In 1880, the Londesborough Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, No 734, which was erected at Bridlington in 1872, was transferred to Driffield, and its meetings were held at the Masonic Hall of the Sykes Lodge, permission having been granted by the Lodge at the meeting held on the 16th February, 1880. Most of the Members of the Sykes Lodge became Members of the Chapter, which continued to meet regularly until 1893, when it was re-transferred to Bridlington, where it still remains. In 1881, several of the Sykes Brethren, who were Mark Master Masons, petitioned the Grand Mark Master of England for a Warrant of Constitution for a Lodge to be called the Drifelt Lodge of Mark Master Masons. A Warrant was granted in due course, and the new Lodge, numbered 291, was consecrated and dedicated at the Masonic Hall, Driffield, on the 18th October, 1881, by Bro. J.W. Woodall, Prov Grand Mark Master of North and East Yorkshire. The Sykes Brethren also became Members of the Drifelt Mark Lodge, which held its meetings regularly at the Masonic Hall. In 1889 the Prov Grand Mark Lodge held its annual Meeting at Driffield under the Banner of the Drifelt Mark Lodge. In 1895 the Drifelt Mark Lodge No 291, was transferred to Bridlington where it is now attached to the Londesborough Lodge, the name having been changed to Londesborough, but the number 291 has been retained. In 1882 the election of the W.M. of the Sykes Lodge, made in January, was not confirmed at the next meeting. In March following, another Master was elected by the small majority of 4 (15 to 11), who was duly installed in April. In July, 1882, the Bylaws were revised, and a decision to hold the Installation Meeting in the month of April henceforth was embodied in them. The Installation of 1883 was accordingly held in April, and this date has been adhered to ever since as the regular date of Installation of W.M. In 1881 the present Banner of the Lodge was presented by the Senior Warden, Bro. Thomas Dixon. Since the erection of the Lodge in 1864 up to 1892, meetings had been regularly held, and events had pursued a normal and more or less humdrum course, but in this year of 1892 a dire calamity befell the Sykes Lodge. If it had been possible one would have gladly suppressed this episode, but a veracious history of the Lodge demands at least an allusion to what may justly be termed the tragedy of 1892. Without going into particulars, it may be shortly stated that such irregularity and unmasonic conduct on the part of one or two brethren occurred at the regular meeting on the 18th May, that the Master made application to Prov Grand Loge for an inquiry into the matter. The result of an investigation, held at York, on the 10th June, 1892, was that Lord Zetland, Prov Grand Master, declared the Lodge suspended for the space of six calendar months, dating from the 6th day of July. At a meeting held on the 25th January, 1893, the ban of suspension was removed, the Prov Grand Secretary, who was the first Master of the Sykes Lodge, urging that “the memory of the past should be wiped out, forgiven, and forgotten,” a mere counsel of perfection impossible of attainment, for such an episode can never be erased either from the memories of the Brethren of the Sykes Lodge nor from the Records of the Lodge, however much we may wish it to be forgotten. Quod scriptum manet. Nothing worthy of note occurred in the years subsequent to the suspension, the ordinary business of the Lodge being conducted, and little activity being evinced. In 1901, Prov Grand Lodge honoured the Sykes Lodge by conferring the dignity of Junior Grand Warden on Bro. E.F. Taylor, P.M., in acknowledgment of generous support of the Masonic Charities. In this year Her Gracious Majesty, Queen Victoria, died and a letter of condolence was sent to the Grand Master of England, King Edward VII., who soon afterwards resigned his position as Grand Master and was succeeded by his brother, H.R.H. The Duke of Connaught and Strathearn, the present Grand Master, who was installed at the Albert Hall on the 17th July 1901. In 1902 an invitation was sent to Prov Grand Lodge to hold its annual Meeting at Driffield in 1903, and this was graciously accepted. On the 15th July, 1903, Prov Grand Lodge met at Driffield under the Banner of the Sykes Lodge, the W.M. Bro. William Ross, receiving the honour of the Collar of the Senior Grand Deacon, whole Bro. Herbert Shepherdson, P.M., was invested Pro Grand Treasurer. In 1904, what may be termed the Renaissance of the Sykes Lodge occurred. After a long term of torpidity the Lodge entered upon a period of renewed vitality, which it has been able to continue to maintain up to present time, at which the membership of the Lodge stands higher than at any previous period of its history. Bro. James Alec Charles Gibbs, Mayor (now Lieut-Colonel), Duke of Wellington’s Regt., became a joining member of the Lodge, and being invited to fill the Chair, accepted the office of Master. On the 20th April, 1904, Bro Gibbs was duly installed W. Master of the Sykes Lodge by Past Masters of the Lodge. Bro. Gibbs at once made his influence felt, and his zeal, tact bonhomie and administrative ability soon aroused enthusiasm among his Officers and the Brethren generally, which resulted excellent and efficient work in the Temple, and a transformation of the Temple itself. During Bro. Gibbs year of office, the Sykes Lodge acquired considerable fame in this North East corner of the Province, and the Lodge meetings were attended by Brethren of Sister Lodges who were not slow to express their admiration and appreciation of the work they witnessed. Though resident in York and busily engaged in his profession, Bro. Gibbs missed no meetings, but gave his services unreservedly until his removal to Ireland curtailed his willing efforts. During 1904 seven candidates, five of whom were military officers, were initiated, and four brethren, one a military officer, joined the Lodge. Very many reforms and improvements were carried out, some of which it may prove interesting to record. The Warrant of the Lodge, faded and defaced by damp was renovated and re-engraved. A new tessellated carpet was laid down. The Temple was thoroughly ventilated on modern principles, and the walls were re-coloured. The lighting was greatly improved and the atmosphere purified by the substitution of a few efficient incandescent lights for numerous naked flame burners. A wicket was made in the Lodge door for the convenience of the Inner Guard. The three Tracing Boards, drawn and coloured by Bro. Peck, P.M., which had hung exposed on the walls, and which had suffered greatly from damp, were renovated, re-framed and placed upon a suitable oaken easel. The old Working Tools, much discoloured from exposure, were re-plated and enclosed in a carved oaken case. The Obligation Pedestal was removed altogether, and the unsightly boxes hitherto used by the Master and Wardens, were replaced by beautiful carved oaken Pedestals. Carved mahogany columns for the W.M. and Wardens were provided, as well as carved candle holders for the principal Officers. The Perfect Ashlar was suspended upon an oaken tripod in front of the S.W.’s pedestal, while a new Rough Ashlar of Kemnay granite was placed on an oaken column in front of the J.W. pedestal. The old ponderous Wardens’ columns were gilded, inscribed with B., and J., and placed one of each side of the inner door of the Temple. Many photographs of groups of Officers, and of Grand and Prov Grand Masters and others were hung in the Temple, and photographs of all Past Masters since the consecration of the Lodge (save one), were also hung round the Lodge, so that we feel that though no longer present with us in the flesh, they are with us in spirit. Bylaw No 1 was altered to read that the Lodge would be in vacation during the months of July an August each year. In 1905 an important structural alteration was made. The door of the Lodge which had been situated in the South West was removed and re-erected in the North West. A much-needed iron safe was procured for the safe-keeping of the Minute Books and other valuable archives of the Lodge. A Directory of the Lodge, 1864 to 1905, was compiled by Bro. Dr Brand. In 1905, there were seven initiates and one joining member. In 1906 the Lodge was honoured by the bestowal of the Collar of the Senior Grand Warden upon the Master, Bro. Dr Brand. In October of this year Bro. Major Gibbs, P.M., was married, and the Brethren presented him with a suitably engraved E.P. Silver Afternoon Tea-Tray. In 1908 a Ball was successfully held in aid of the Central and Provincial Charities, and this has been repeated annually until 1915, when the devastating continental war had so thoroughly discouraged all gaiety. In 1909 Bro. Major Gibbs was invested Prov Grand Registrar. In 1910 the Brethren of the Sykes Lodge subscribed the handsome sum of £51 3s 6d for Central and Provincial Charities. In this year a disaster befell the Masonic Temple which was flooded several feet deep, much damage being done by a flood following a severe thunderstorm and cloudburst on the 20th May. The safe was invaded by the muddy water and the Minute and other Books and papers irreparably damaged. In 1911 Bro. S.T. Paterson, P.M., was presented by the Sykes Brethren with an Oak Afternoon Tea-Tray on the occasion of his marriage. The Lodge Bylaws were revised and re-printed, and the Lodge subscription was increased by fifty per cent. The Temple was re-painted and decorated. In 1912 the Lodge Directory, compiled by Bro. Dr Brand, was completed to the end of 1911 and printed. A Lodge Library was founded. Bro W. Parkinson, P.M., was honoured by receiving the brevet rank of Past Prov Gd. Sword Bearer. In 1913 Bro Rev C.H. Coates, W.M., generously presented a fine American Organ to the Lodge. Bro. Coates was this year invested Prov Grand Chaplain. Greatly needed lavatory accommodation was provided at the Lodge. In 1914, all the Lodge Trustees having decreased with the exception of Bro. Peck, ten new Trustees were appointed. An invitation to Prov Grand Lodge to hold its Annual Meeting at Driffield, in 1915, was accepted. Bro. W. Scotchburn, P.M., received the brevet rank of Past Prov Grand Standard Bearer. On 5th August, England declared war on Germany. In 1915 an extraordinary occurrence took place. On 5th June, about 1.30pm, a German air-ship (Zeppelin) passed over Driffield and dropped two explosive bombs. The first of these fell in the centre of the town, providentially in the middle of a garden mostly surrounded by brick walls. No lives were lost, the only casualty being a slight wound of the forehead sustained by an aged woman. The garden was wrecked, and the walls were deeply pitted by the shell fragments. All the glass in the in the windows of surrounding buildings over a considerable area was broken, and in many cases, even the window frames, while several doors were burst open by the concussion caused by the explosion of the bomb. The door of the Masonic Temple, which is situated near to where the bomb fell, was burst open and the fanlight over it was shattered. The tiles on the roof of the Temple were dislodged and many broken. In the interior all the incandescent gas mantles and several glass chimneys were also broken, but no further damage was done. The second bomb fell in a grass field just outside the town, forming a deep crater of considerable size. The Lodge Secretary, having made application to the East Coast Raid Committee, for compensation, reported later that the claim had been paid in full. The Lodge, having been consecrated in 1864, attained its Jubilee in 1914, but the date being so late in the year, viz., 21st December, it was decided to celebrate this event in 1915, which is held to be the Year of Jubilee. On 21st April, Dr Brand was installed Master (for the third time), and, to mark the half century of the Lodge, all the Officers (save the Tyler) were chosen from the ranks of the Past Masters. Of the thirteen Past Master Officers no less than eleven hold Pro Grand rank. On 21st July, the marriage of the W.M. (Bro. Dr Brand) took place, and the Brethren of the Lodge presented him with a large E.P. Silver Afternoon Tea-Tray as a wedding gift, and in commemoration of his Mastership during the Jubliee Year of the Lodge. They also presented a Gold Watch-Bracelet to his bride. Provincial Grand Lodge, having accepted the invitation to meet at Driffield in 1915 under the banner of the Sykes Lodge, held its Annual Meeting there on the 20th July. At the investment of the new Officers, Bro. S.T. Paterson, P.M., Junior Warden, was invested with the Collar of Prov Grand Treasurer. A short account of a suggestion of the Prov Grand Master during his address to the assembled Brethren, a Roll of Honour of Members of the Sykes Lodge who are serving their King and Country in the present war with Germany, was prepared and has been suspended in the Lodge Room. A copy of the Roll will be found at the end of this History. MEETING OF PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE The Annual Convocation of the Provincial Grand Lodge of North and East Yorkshire was held in the Assembly Rooms, Driffield, on the 20th July, 1915, on the invitation of the Sykes Lodge, No 1040, the present being observed as the Jubilee Year of the Lodge, with Past Masters as Officers, and Bro. Dr A.T. Brand, P Prov G.S.W. as W Master for the third time. Although not easy of access from the Northern area of the Province, there was a large and representative attendance from all parts, it being estimated that 300 Brethren were present. The Most Hon The Marquess of Zetland, K.T., the Prov Master, presided, and was supported by the Rt Hon Lord Bolton, Past Deputy Prov Grand Master (who acted for the Dep Prov Grand Master, Bro. Major Miles J. Stapylton, who is serving with H.M. Forces in France). The Annual Balance Sheet was presented, revealing large balances to credit, and several recommendations were made as to their disposal. The Report of the Prov Charity Representative was presented which shewed great vitality and generosity to the various Central Charities on the part of the Lodges of the Province. Several Committees were appointed, and the Prov Grand Officers for the year were appointed and invested. On the proposition of the W.M. of the Sykes Lodge (Bro. Dr At.T. Brand), seconded by the I.P.M. (Bro. D.W. Purdon), Bro. S.T. Paterson, P.M., Junior Warden, was unanimously elected Prov Grand Treasurer, and duly invested with the Collar of that Office. The R.W. Provincial Grand Master then delivered an Address, from which several extracts having local interests are taken: - BRETHREN Within a few weeks of our last Annual Meeting the country was plunged into the most terrible and cruel war the world has ever known. Many of our Brethren have answered the call of duty and are serving their King and country. Some, alas, have given up their lives, others have returned wounded, and large numbers are still serving. I am sure I voice your heartfelt desire when I tender most sincere condolence to the families who are in anxiety or mourning the loss of dear ones. We pray that the Most High will watch over and preserve our dear Brethren, and all sailors and soldiers serving so cheerfully, and hasten the time when an effectual and lasting peace may be established. The scheme introduced in some Lodges, of having a “Roll of Honour” to record the names of its members who have joined the Forces, has my hearty support. Driffield, where we meet today, called “Drifelt” in Domesday Book (1086), is an agricultural market town and known as the capital of the Yorkshire Wolds. It was, at one time, the royal residence of Aeldrid, King of Northumbra, who was buried in or near the church of Little Driffield, in 705. Seven miles north-west of Driffield, is Sledmere, the home of the Sykes family. The late Mr Christopher Sykes, younger brother of the late, and uncle of the present, Baronet was Patron of the Sykes Lodge, named after him. Mr Sykes, who was a personal friend of my own, and became an ardent Mason, was initiated in and, later W Master of the Lodge in 1867. The same year he was appointed Prov Grand Senior Warden. The Warrant of the Sykes Lodge was granted by my late uncle, the second Earl of Zetland, installed Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of England, on the 15th October, 1844. The Sykes Lodge was consecrated by W Bro. George Marwood, then Dep Prov Grand Master, on the 21st December, 1864, and consequently attained its 50th year of existence in December 1914, but as the date falls so late in the year, it was decided to celebrate its jubilee in 1915, hence out Meeting today under its Banner. The present Temple, acquired in 1868, was originally a Baptist Chapel, built in 1788. It was opened and dedicated in 1871, by W Bro. J.P. Bell, D.P.G.M. In 1903, Provincial Grand Lodge held its Annual Communication at Driffield, on the 15th July. A feature of the membership of the Sykes Lodge is the comparatively large number of Military Brethren, including eight Commissioned Officers of the Duke of Wellington’s West Riding Regiment, the Royal Berkshires and the Yorkshire Regiment, four of whom remain subscribing members. Of these, Lt-Col J.A.C. Gibbs, W Master in 1905, was invested at Prov Grand Registrar in 1909, was severely wounded at Mons, Belgium, on the 24th August last, and is a prisoner of War at Credfeld, Germany, while W Bro. H.W. Southall, W.M. in 1910, and Bro. Capt Sidney Cranswick, Past Senior Warden are serving with the Expeditionary Force in France. The Master, Bro. Dr A.T. Brand, P.P.G.W., now occupies the Chair for the third time. His son, Capt H.D.F. Brand, R.A.M.C., on active service in France, was recently admitted a member of the Lodge. It is a noteworthy feature, that all the Officers, with the exception of theTyler, are Past Masters of the Lodge, ten of whom hold Provincial Rank. We congratulate the Lodge upon the fact that it is in a flourishing condition and its membership greater than at any previous period. In conclusion I tender our best thanks to the Brethren of the Sykes Lodge for their hospitality today. All the arrangements for our comfort and convenience have been perfect. The Provincial Grand Lodge was then closed in due form and with solemn prayer. A Dinner was subsequently held at the Buck Hotel and well attended. The Prov Grand Master occupied the Chair. On account of the War there were no Masonic toasts. With regard to Membership of the Lodge, at the end of 1866, the number of Brethren appears to have been 46, but of these, 10 had resigned by the end of 1867, and after this date resignations were numerous and few Members comparatively few, so that the Membership dwindled; but Masonic work continued to be regularly carried on, and today the Membership is 100, including two Honorary Members and a Serving Brother. This number is the highest ever attained. Altogether there have been 212 initiates, 65 have joined from other Lodges (given an average of 5 new Members, each year since the erection of the Lodge); 10 members re-joined, and there have been 8 Honorary Members, a total of 295. Of the Founders of the Lodge one only now remains alive, Bro. Peck, the first Master, who resigned membership in 1892. The first loss by death was that of Bro. David Hornby, who was a Founder and first S.W., being Master in 1866, and who died in 1867. Regarding the personality of the Members, we have had as outstanding Brethren, Bros. MC. Peck, for over 40 years, Prov Grand Sec; Lord Londesborough; Rev James Davidson, Vicar of Nafferton; Christopher Sykes, “Patron” of the Lodge, and for many years M.P. for Beverley, East Yorkshire, and Buckrose; George Marwood, Dep P.G. Master, who consecrated the Lodge; Edward Horner Reynard, Squire of Sunderlandwick, and his son Fred Reynard, the present Squire; Dr J Pearson Bell, Dep P.G. Master, who consecrated the Temple; and many local celebrities. One member whom we lost by death in 1909 was Bro. H.O. Piercy, W.M., in 1870, one of the Founders, who remained a member until his death, and who never spared his efforts, or his purse, to promote the success of the Lodge, and whose charming personality endeared him to all with whom he came in contact. The Droyen of the Lodge is Bro. Henry Holgreaves, of Whitby, who was initiated in 1877, and was Master in 1883. The Provincial Grand Lodge has conferred Collars upon 28 of our Members, the rank ranging from S.G.W. to A.G. Pursuivant. Of these there have been: - 3 S.P.G.W., 2 J.P.G.W., 4 P.G. Chap., 2 P.G. Treas., 1 P.G. Secy., 1 P.G.A.S., 1 P.G. Reg., 1 P.G.S.D., 1 Asst D.C., 3 P.G. Swd. B., 3 P.G. St. B., 4 P.G.P., 2 P.G.A.P. Grand Lodge has conferred brevet rank of P.G.J.D. Eng. on one Member, Bro. Col J.A.C. Gibbs, in recognition of work done in Holland, where he formed the Prisoner of War Lodge, Willem van Orange, and was its first W.M. With regard to Charities, the Sykes Brethren hold 36 votes for the P.G. Educational Fund, and 36 for the P.G. Fund of Benevolence, none of which are ever required as no elections are necessary. With regard to Charities, the Sykes Brethren hold 36 votes for the P.G. Educational Fund, and 36 for the P.G. Fund of Benevolence, none of which are ever required as no elections are necessary. For the Central Charities, the Lodge has 52 votes in perpetuity, and the Brethren have 245 Life votes, making a total of 297. A detailed list of Members and their votes is shewn below. During all these latter years the Lodge has continued to flourish, Candidates and Joining Members rapidly increasing its membership, much enthusiasm being evinced by those younger Brethren, which augurs well for the future. In the Annals will be found detailed records of the more interesting transactions of the Lodge form the Consecration up to the present time. PROVINCIAL EDUCATIONAL AND BENEVOLENT FUNDS (LIST OF LODGE, AND LIFE VOTES OF SUBSCRIBING MEMBERS)
EDUCATIONAL FUND FUND OF BENEVOLENCE Brand, A.T. 10 4 Clark, G.T. 4 - Coates, Rev C.H. - 4 Gage, M 4 - Gibbs, J.A.C. 4 4 Holtby, J. 4 - Jefferson, T.P. 4 - Parkinson, W. - 4 Paterson, S.T. - 4 Purdon, D.W. - 4 Simpson, G.R. - 4 Sokell, J.T. - 4 Ullyott, J.F. - 4 White, J.M. 4 - SYKES LODGE 2 - 36 36 SYKES LODGE, No 1040. DRIFFIELD CENTRAL CHARITIES GIRLS BOYS WIDOWS MEN SYKES LODGE 3 3 15 31 Brand, A.T. 3 3 17 25 Burton, T.J. - - 3 3 Clayton, W. 3 3 - - Coates, Rev C.H. 7 3 7 15 Dipple, E.R. - - 3 3 Eccles, C.H. - - - 6 Forrest, J. - - - 6 Gibbs, J.A.C. - - 8 8 Jefferson, T.P. - 3 3 5 Parkinson, W. - - 4 12 Powell, H. - - 3 3 Purdon, F.K. - - 3 3 Riley, C. - - 14 24 Shepherdson, H. - - 3 3 Turner, W.H. - - 3 3 Tutty, J.E.S. - - 3 3 Burton, Mrs M.E. - - 6 - Parkinson, Mrs E. - - 6 - Riley, Mrs C. - - 6 - Riley, Miss E. - - 6 - 16 15 113 153 TOTAL 297 The Sykes Lodge is now qualified as Vice-President of the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution. ROLL OF HONOUR Of the Members of the Sykes Lodge, No 1040, who have served in H.M. Forces during the War, 1914-1918 W. Bro. Colonel J.A.C. GIBBS, C.B. Wounded, Prisoner of War Bro. Colonel R.N. BRAY Bro. Major J.C. BURNETT Bro. Captain H.D.F. BRAND Bro. Captain S. CRANSWICK Bro. Lieut. H.C. GODFREY Bro. W. BROADHURST Bro. W.L. ULLYOTT Bro. J.F. ULLYOTT Bro. Lieut. J.H. HARDMAN, M.C. Bro. J.H. HARPER Bro. A.RILEY Bro. S. RILEY Bro. G.H. WELLS Bro. Lieut. C.Y. ECCLES Bro. Lieut. F.K. PURDON Bro. E. ADAMS W. Bro. Major A.T. Brand, V.D. Bro. Lieut. H.M. SHEPHERSON, M.M., M.C. Bro. H.A. JEFFREYS Bro. Lieut. W.G. LANGDALE Bro. D.T. POOK Bro. F. HELLEWELL Bro. J.L.B. REES Bro. Lieut. T.J. BURTON, Jun., Killed in action, March, 1918 Bro. Lieut. F.G.E. FORD Bro. Lieut. T.E. MATTHEWS Bro. Lieut. G.S. SHEPHERDSON Bro. Lieut. G. OSMAND Bro. F.G. ROE Bro. Lieut. H.A. JONES Bro, Lieut. J.C. HAWKINS, U.S.A. Bro. Lieut. H.L. FRENCH, U.S.A. Bro. Lieut. F.S. ANDERSON, U.S.A. Bro. Lieut. W.N. RUTLEDGE, U.S.A. Bro. N. GLOVER Bro. Lieut. W.G. MARSHMAN Bro. E.R. DIPPLE Bro. H. MALE W. Bro. J. FORREST Bro. A.H. BURKS Bro. T.N. DURRANS Bro. Capt P.A. BROOKSBANK Bro. G.W. JEFFERSON Bro. G.E. HUMPHREY W. Bro. Lieut. W. SCOTCHBURN Bro. T.J. BURTON, Sen. Bro. J.R. REED Bro. A. WATSON W. Bro. J.T. SOKELL Bro. Capt. G.A. SCOTT Bro. Lieut. R.D. ULLYOTT Bro. Lieut. J.D. ROBINSON DIRECTORY OF THE LODGE OFFICERS OF THE LODGE 1915-1916 JUBILEE YEAR W. Bro. Dr A.T. BRAND, P.P.G.S.W., Worshipful Master W. Bro. W. SCOTCHBURN., P.M., P.P.G.St.B., Senior Warden W. Bro. S.T. PATERSON, P.M., P.G.Treas., Junior Warden W. Bro. Rev. C.H. COATES, P.M., P.P.G.C., Chaplain W. Bro. D.W. PURDON, I.P.M., Treasurer W. Bro. T.N. CONDER, P.M., P.P.G.A.S., Secretary W. Bro. Col. J.A.C. GIBBS, P.M., P.P.G.Reg., Director of Ceremonies W. Bro. H. SHEPHERDSON, P.M., P.P.G.Treas., Senior Deacon W. Bro. J.T. SOKELL, P.M., P.P.G.Swd.B. Junior Deacon W. Bro. W. PARKINSON, P.M |
