Grand Lodge Of Mark Master Masons Of England And Wales.

modated the brilliant assemblage ; and the most spacious banquettmg . room could scarcely provide seats at table for those who remained to support the highly esteemed Grand Master . As , iu the Craft decrees , Freemasonry has benefitted and largely increased by Royal Patronage , and the adhesion of some of the highest and noblest in the land , so in Mark Masonry princely favour and the connection of the

brightest ornaments of " pure and simple Masonry " with the Order has enhanced its prestige , and caused earnest consideration of the important position it ought ever to have held in the past of English Freemasonry . The guiding spirits of former years , who would not let difficulties damp their ardour , and foresaw the great esteem in which the Mark Degree would somo day be held , must have been amply

rewarded for their past labours , and cheered and stimulated for future exertion , by the spectacle which they beheld on this occasion , and more particularly at the moment when His Royal Highness the Duke of Albany , after the performance of an elaborate consecration ceremony , dedicated and constituted " The Grand Master's Lodge of Mark Master Masons , " of which the three first principal Officers are

the Earl of Lathom , Lord Henniker , and the Earl of Kintore , respectively , with Captain N . G . Philips as Deputy Master . Grand Lodge having been opened in ample form , the M . W . G . M . M ., and his Deputy , were respectively saluted with Grand honours . The minutes of the Grand Lodge , held on the 6 th June last , were read and approved . A report from tbe General Board was brought up ,

from which it appeared that ten new Lodges had been granted dnring the past six months , and the registered advancements to the degree had reached a total of 16 , 733 . Several important changes in the Provinces had taken place , all of which received approval . The fourteenth Anniversary Festival in aid of the Mark Benevolent Fund had been held in July last , when the amount of contributions reached a

total of £ 553 . The Educational Branch of the Fund had so completely fulfilled the expectations formed on its foundation that an extension of its benefits was agreed upon . Several Grants , which had been made to distressed Mark Masons , or the widows of Mark Masons , were confirmed . Each of the Funds had benefitted by investments , and each showed respectable balances in hand . The report in its

entirety was received , and its recommendations fully adopted . The Right Hon . Lord Henniker M . W . G . M . M . was nominated by Bro . Capt . Thomas Hargreaves P . G . D . as Grand Master for the ensuing year . The following Stewards of the last Benevolent Fund Festival were presented by the Grand Master with Charity Jewels , after the expression of thanks for their services , aud congratulations from the

Grand Master on the successful results of their exertions , viz . : — Emanuel Hunts and Isle of Wight , Emerson Kent , George 265 , Glnsspool 265 , Godson 40 , Goodenough 255 , Hodges 257 , Homfray P . G . M . Monmouth , Hudson 164 , Huet 32 , Hughes 247 , Inglis 7 , Lardner 223 , Lewis 271 , Lovegrove 214 , Manwaring 104 , Meek 284 , Mildred 104 , Moorland 225 , Ousey 239 , Pulley 54 , Ramsey Old Kent ,

Spice 3 , Thorp 194 , Venn Old Kent , White 266 . At this moment the arrival of H . R . H . the Duke of Albany was announced , and a deputation was formed to receive and escort him into Grand Lodge . His Royal Highness was most enthusiastically received on his entrance , Bro . Wilhelm Ganz G . Org . playing the National Anthem . On takinsr his position as Past Grand Mark Master the Dnke was sainted with Grand honours . After a short interval the M . W . Grand Master

addressed his Royal Highness , expressing the loyalty and devotion of the Mark Masters under his rule towards the Throne , and the kindly regard which they at all times entertained towards tho members of the Royal Family generally , and , having relation to his connection with the Mark degree , to His Royal Highness in particular . To mark in some plight t ' egren their good wishes towards him , ancl

also towards his amiable consort the Duchess of Albany , the several Lodges of the Order , as well abroad ( and henco the delay in presentation ) as at home , had united to provide a suitable wedding gift , the acceptance of which he , the Grand Mark Master , now hoped would be agreeable to his Royal Highness . The

present , which consisted of two vory handsome and elaboratelychased silver potpourri jars , with covers , and a wine flagon of chaste design in massive silver , was then unveiled , and the Grand Master read the inscription , which had been engraved on each article , to the following effect : —

" Presented to H . R . H . the Duke of Albany , K . G ., M . W . P . G . M ., by the Mark Master Masons of England and Wales and the Colonies and Dependencies of tha British Crown , on his marriage . 1882 . " With a few further brief remarks , the Grand Master closed a most forcible address of congratulation and wishes for tho long life nnd happiness of his Royal Highness and the Duchess . In response , his

Royal Highness , who appeared to be much affected by the heartiness of his welcome , thanked the Grand Master aud the members of the Order generally for this earnest of their esteem and kindly regard towards the Dnehess and himself . He had promised , when be accepted the position of Past Grand Master , that what active work he could undertake on behalf of tho Mark degree he

would carry out . Until this occasion , no fitting opportunity had arisen , bnt on this day , when he had that before him which , beyond all its intrinsic worth , became so valuable , as the outcome of strong brotherly affection , he should bo able to discharge some portion at least of his promise . His Royal Highness resumed his seat amidst great applause .

The Grand Master having temporarily vacated the throne , it was assumed by his Royal Highness tho Dnke of Albany , K . G ., M . W . P . G . M ., as Consecrating Officer , for the purpose of consecrating the Grand Master's Lodge of Mark Master Masons . The ceremony was rendered throughout in admirable style , the addresses of the Consecrating Officer , with dedication and constitution , being delivered

with much effect . Bro . Wilhelm Ganz presided at the organ , and tho anthems and chants were beautifully rendered by Bros . Sexton , Hodges , Abercrombie , Beckett , Dalzell , De Lacey , and Moore . On the completion of the consecration ceremony , Bro . Captain Philips was installed as Deputy Master into the chair of A . of the new Lodge , of which the Right Hou . tho Earl of Lathom M . W . P . G . M . is the first

Grand Lodge Of Mark Master Masons Of England And Wales.

Master . The Officers of the Lodge were then invested with the collars of office , viz . : — Bro . The Right Hon . Lord Henniker Senior Warden The Earl of Kintore Junior Warden C . F . Matier Master Overseer Colonel Shadwell H . Gierke Senior Overseer

Lord Arthur Hill Junior Overseer Rev . R . F . Sanderson Chaplain Frederick Davison Treasurer Frederick Binckes Secretary Donald M . Dewar Registrar of Marks Robert Berridge Senior Deacon

William Roebuck Junior Deacon Alfred Williams Director of Cer Wilhelm Ganz Organist Thomas Cabitt Inner Guard R . Paulton Spice Steward 0 . H . Driver „ C . T . Speight Tyler

The only business transacted by the new Lodge was the election of His Royal Highness the Consecrating Officer , and several Past Grand Masters as honorary members , and twenty-eight proposals for joining having been given , the Lodge was closed . On the resumption of Grand Lodge , His Royal Highness retired , having to catch an early train , and his departure was marked by much enthusiasm . Brother His Highness the Rajah Rampal

Singh was introduced to Grand Lodge ancl took his position on the dais . An application for a Provincial Lodge for "Nottinghamshire was received , and an invitation to hold a Moveable Grand Lodge at Nottingham given Brother Woodall , Prov . G . M . of N . and E . York , on behalf of his Province , also invited the Grand Mark Lodge to hold a Moveable Grand Lodge at York , under the banner of the York Lodge . After apologies for absence had been read by the Grand Secretary , Grand Lodge was closed in ample form .

The banquet that followed this long afternoon s work was very largely attended , a difficulty being found in securing accommodation for all who desired to be present . It was exceedingly well served , and the menu gave entire satisfaction . After grace had been sung by the choir above named , the usual Loyal and Masonic toasts were given by the Most Worshipful Grand Mark Master ,

Lord Henniker . In response to the toast drank in his own honour , the Most Worshipful G . M . M . acknowledged the kind . ness with whioh he was at all times received by the members of the Order , in behalf of which time and distance had not prevented bis attendance when absolutely necessary . It was a great pleasure to him to be able to record so satisfactory a progress as the Order ia

now making . It appeared as though more and more vigour were infused into it day after day . The proceedings which had just taken place were of a most gratifying description , and placed the position and influence of the Order beyond all donbt or fear of diminution . He could not omit to offer a meed of praise to all his Officers , and especially to those of the executive , as Bros . Binckes , Dewar , and

others , who had mado his exalted office so light and pleasurable to himself . For the toast of the M . W . Past Grand Masters , the R . W . Bro . W . W . B . Beach , M . P ., responded , and to many of the older Mark Masons present it was good to hear that worthy brother again addressing them . He referred to a period of repose during which bis armour had been unbuckled , although the cause of Mark Masonry

had not been forgotten . Now , as the " trumpet to the war horse , " was the call to assist in the proceedings of this day , and again he buckled on his armour . It was , indeed , a great plasure to him to be present to note such great progress , and he could not do otherwise than in this moment of success , refer to those who had helped towards it in the past . He paid a tribute of great respect to ,

and admiration for , the Most Worshipful the Rev . Canon Portal , whose earnest services and zealous labour had so consolidated the Order , and he conld not forget many indefatigable brethren who had worked for the best interests of the degree , when it had all its difficulties to encounter . After a brief reference to the elision of the Mark decree from the ceremonies of " pure and simple " Masonry as

a great mistake of the past , Bro . Beach terminated a brilliant speech by congratulating the rulers and members of Mark Masonry on its ability to stand alone , as a worthy ancl important part of true Freemasonry . Amongst the other principal toasts was that of Success to the Mark Benevolent Fund , proposed by Bro . the Rev . W . Randall Grand Chaplain in a very effective speech , in the course of which

the speaker took np the key note of Bro . Beach ' s remarks as to the connection of Mark Masonry with the Craft , and supported tho views so frequently expressed that in the Mark degree only is to be found that which connects Speculative with Operative Freemasonry . He pointed out what had been done by Mark Masons for Charity even in their least prosperous years , and was glad to think that now fortune

had attended thoir efforts , such Charity was readily increased . With the toast he coupled tho name of Bro . Binckes , whose response was as effective as any of its many predecessors in relation to the same subject . To tho last toast , that of the "Visitors , his Highness the Rajah Rampal Sing replied in very tolerable English , although the speaker offered as an apology that it was not his mother tongue . His Highness stated his great love for Freemasonry , than which

he thought nothing could better combine the nations of England and India . It was his pride and boast to be one of the Order of Mark Masons , and as far as iu him lay , it would be always his endeavour to instil the principles of the Craft whenever opportunity afforded . The Rajah ' s remarks were received with much applause . This terminated the evening's proceedings , and the large party broke up , well satisfied with both labour and refreshment .

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