History of the Masonic Hall
The Masonic Hall Adelaide Street
After the ceremony was completed, the procession went by way of Warbreck Road, and Topping Street, to the site of the Masonic Hall, in Upper Adelaide Street, when the foundation stone was laid. The proceedings were similar to those at St. Paul's Church hymn being sung with the National Anthem.
In a recess covered over with a brass plate, and bearing an inscription to that on the stone, were placed copies of the papers and coins of the current year, after which the stone was placed in position with Masonic formalities. The inscription on the stone was:-
"This foundation stone was laid by
Right Hon. Lord Skelmersdale, P.G.W., P.Pr.G.W., West Lancashire
May 7th 1898"
He was also presented with a mallet by Bro. John Wray, P.M., chairman of the directors of the Masonic Hall, and a trowel by Mr Nuttall, on the latter of which was the inscription similar to that on the trowel which he received at the ceremony at St. Paul's Church. The procession was then formed in inverted order, the Heralds, the Provincial G. Standard Bearers taking the lead, followed by the Provincial Grand Master, and others according to rank, back to Christ Church Schools, when the Provincial Grand Lodge was closed.
There was a good attendance of the general public.