Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Consecration Of The Earl Of Sussex Lodge, No. 2201.
names of the Master and two Wardens designated in the petition were Bro . W . Gerard Ford Deputy Provincial Grand Master of Sussex to be Master , Bro . the Right Hon . W . T . Marriott , Q . C , M . P ., P . G Steward , to be Senior Warden , and Bro . R . Clowes P . Prov . S . G . W . Essex , to be Junior Warden .
The Deputy Provincial Grand Master Bro . Ford , opened the Lodge at about 11 * 30 , Bro . Smith occupying the chair of Senior Warden , and Bro . Hudson that of Junior Warden . The Lodge having been opened in the three degrees , the whole assembly by command of the W . M . stood to order , and ou tho entrance of the Provincial Grand
Master , the Duke of Connaught , he was hailed by the brethren with tbe greatest enthusiasm . On the approach of His Royal Highness Bro . Ford vacated the chair , whioh was then taken by the Provincial Grand Master . After the brethren assembled had sung the hymn " Hail , Eternal , by whose aid , " fche Right Worthy Provincial Grand
Master rose and said : Brethren , a year has now elapsed since your most Worshipful Grand Master installed me as your Provincial Grand Master . I regret that since thafc time my absence upon duty in India has prevented me from coming among you , but I have now great pleasure in coming here for the purpose of inaugurating this new
Lodge . I am sure that nnder the able guidance of Bro . Ford all snecess will attend the new Lodge . I selected Bro . Ford for the office to replace a much loved and deeply-lamented brother , Bro . Bnrrell , and I am sure that under Bro . Ford the Lodge will rise to a position worthy of this place , and attain a high position among the Lodges of
this country . I will now proceed to commence this ceremony . The Provincial Grand Secretary then addressed His Royal Highness , informing him that certain brethren had petitioned to be constituted into a Masonio Lodge , whereupon the Presiding Officer directed that fche brethren referred to should appear before him , and they were
accordingly ranged in order in front of the pedestal . The Provincial Grand Secretary then read the petition and also the warrant , whioh had in consequence beeu granted by the Grand Master , stating the names of the Master and Wardens chosen for the first year . His Royal Highness inquired of the brethren before him whether they
Btill approved of the appointment of the officers named in the warrant , and they having signified their assent in Masonio form , the Prince called upon the Provincial Grand Chaplain for an oration regarding the principles of Freemasonry . The Provincial Grand Chaplain said that time would not permit him to enlarge npon the principles of
Masonry , or on the import of Masonic words , but he might be allowed to congratulate the brethren of the Lodge now being erected on the fact that it commenced its career in the Jubilee year of the reign of her Most Gracious Majesty Queen Victoria , and would be one of the Jubilee Lodges of the Province of Sussex . It was also a subject of
congratulation to-day that they had the advantage of the presence of the Right Worthy Provincial Grand Master H . R . H . the Duke of Connaught , and he was quite sure that under the care and guidance of Bro . Ford , the new Lodge would enjoy a large measure of snecess . He would not dilate there on the principles of Freemasonry , which
was familar to all of those present , but the occasion would remind them of the day when they were brought np to the pedestal seeking and asking for light , and they should now ask themselves whether they had since that day acted up to the principles which were then imparted and explained to them . Those principles were embodied
in the volnme of the sacred law , and if Masons acted up to that law , no brother could possible err . It was there duty to rejoice with them thafc rejoiced , and to weep with them that wept . There was just one other thought : this happened to be the Provincial clay of St . Swithin . Their Lodge had met in sunshine , and he prayed that the sun from
Heaven might shine upon the Lodge , ancl that the brethren constituting ^ might form a Lodge abiding in prosperity and happiness . The oration was succeeded by the singing of the anthem " Behold how good and joyful a thing it is for brethren to dwell together in Unity . " The more solemn part of the ceremony was then proceeded
with by the Duke of Connaught , and it is not from any spirit of flattery , because the P . G . M . ia an exalted personage , it is simply an honest admission of the truth to say , thafc we never heard the dedication prayers or fche invocation delivered in so devotional , heartfelt and impressive manner as that in which they came from His Royal
Highness ' s lips on this occasion * and from a reference to the ceremony which he made in a speech at a later period , it was plain that he was acutely alive to the solemnity of the occasion . Ifc is sufficient to say , that fche whole ceremony was conducted to its close with the greatest earnestness and precision , and after dedicating , fche
Lodge in ancient form , the Provincial Grand Master declared it to be dul y constituted , and the ceremony was brought to a close by the singing of the hymn , " Glory be to God on High . " By command of the Right Worthy Provincial Grancl Master , Bro . Col . Shadwell H . Clarke , Grand Secretary , assumed the Master ' s chair , and
proceeded to install Bro . Gerard Ford P . M . 271 P . G . D . and Deputy Provincial Grancl Master , to be Master of tho Earl of Sussex Lodge , a ceremony which , it is needless to say , he performed with tho greatest precision . The newly-installed W . M ., then proceeded to invest his Officers , as follow : —Bros . Gen . Randolph as I . P . M ., Rt . Hon . W . T .
Marriott , Q . C , M . P ., P . G . Steward , S . W ., R . Clowes P . P . G . W Essex J -W ., V . P . Freeman Secretary , W . II . Halletfc Treasurer , Ford S . D ., Major Hancock J . D ., H . Kemball-Cook D . C , H . E . Prico I . G ., C W . Hudson and C . B . Warre Stewards , Hughes Tyler . Tho ceremony was brought to a close by the Grand Secretary reciting in a masterly
wanner the three orations to the Master , tlio Wardens , and the brethren of the Lodge . It was proposed by the S . W ., and seconded oy the W . M ., that H . R . H . the Duke of Connaught and Bro . Shadwell Gierke be entered on the books as hon . members of the Lodge in recognition of the part they had taken in tbe ceremonies insfc brought
-o a close . H . R . H . and the Graud Secretary having acknowledged S ° cotupliment , tho thanka of the Brethren wore tendered to the ¦ worsh ipful Master for a very handsome banner which had been preented
s by him to tho Lodge , and , in replying , the W . M , tenders ^ ro Harriot and tho other Officers for their co-operation with him , - •nu expressed a hope that this noble little army that had just been ' ¦ "" roJod would march under that glorious bauniu * for many , muuy
Consecration Of The Earl Of Sussex Lodge, No. 2201.
years . The Lodge was then closed , and tho company adjourned to luncheon . The musical arrangements were under the management of Bro . H . S . Gates Prov . G . Organist . In proposing the toast of the Queen and the Craft , Bro . Ford said that it was tho first time in hia life thafc he had had to propose Her Majesty's health in th *»
presence of one of her sons . In proposing the health of the M . W . G . M . the Princo of Wales , the Chairman said ifc was unnecessary for him to expatiate ou the Grand Master ' s Masonic excellencies , as they were so well known to all the Brethren , but he must inform them that the Duke of Connanght would make a point of informing
the Prince of all that had taken place that clay . He was sure thnt the Prince would take great interest in hearing of their doings . The Prince of Wales , thoy would remember , came clown to Brighton last year , when the brethren had tho pleasure of seeing him instal their Right Worshipful Provincial Graud Master , bnt for which ceremony
the Duke of Connaught would not have been before them now . He concluded by saying that he thought the Prince of Wales was tha pride of Freemasons both there and throughout fche world . The Chairman said ho would now proceed to give them toast number three on the list of toasts , the Mosb Worshipfnl Pro Grand Master
the Right Hon . the Earl of Carnarvon , the Right Worshipful Deputy Grand Master the Right Hon . the Earl of Latham , and Officers of the Grand Lodge , past and present . The toast was one whioh waa always honoured in Masonic meetings , where the services of r . he Earl of Carnarvon , the Earl of Latham , and the other Grand Officer- *
were always recognised . He was sorry to see that the Eul of Carnarvon found it would be necessary for him to go to the antipodes on account of his health . As regarded tho Grand Officers as a body , they knew that in the past , aud they hoped that for the future , they would always have the right man in the right place . The Officers of
the Grand Lodge were often among them at Brighton . By their presence , and their precept , and their example the brethren of the Province benefitted a great deal . They were glad to have their good advice , and glad also to follow it . Bro . Fenn , Chairman of the Board of General Purposes , whose name the Chairman had associated with
the toast , said that in obedience to the W . M . he rose to respond to the compliment which had been paid to the Grand Officers . He had hoped that the Chairman would have connected the name of Bro . Clarke with the toasfc , because , after the prominent part he had taken in the proceedings of the day , he had much more claim to the
honour . Tho Earl of Carnarvon and the Earl of Lathom must both regret their absence on this occasion , bub on behalf of the Grand Officers , he was sure he was speaking their sentiments in saying that they were extremely happy to have been present on an occasion which must be very dear to His Royal Highness . He would not , as
time was short , detain them by auy lengthened remarks , but he was sure that all tho Grand Officers , whether present or unavoidably absent , would watch the future progress of this Lodge with the greatest interest . The Chairman next rose to propose the health of the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master ll . K . H . the Duke of
Connaught and Strathearn , & c . The Province was honoured by having His Royal Highness as its chief , and he ventured to think that His Royal Highness ' s gratifications in being connected with the Province of Sussex was second only to that of the brethren in having such a ruler . His Royal Highness was only here for a short time ;
he was going back to the Indian climate , where they all hoped he would enjoy health ancl happiness . However , the Chairman said he trusted that he might soon again return to these shores , and that they might again have the pleasure of seeing him presiding over them . His Royal Highness had done the speaker the honour to
depute him to act for His Royal Highness in his absence . He felt himself unworthy of the position , especially after having seen him perform the work he had done that day . Ho was only echoing the sentiments of the whole of the Province when he said that the brethren bid His Royal Highness most loyal and paternal welcome ,
and considered it a great kindness on his part to come among them . He would only add that they heartily , sincerely , aud Masonically wished the Right Worthy Provincial Grand Master long lifn and happiness . Iu reply , the Duke of Connaught said : Worthy Master and brethren , I find it difficult to find words in which sntficiently to
express how deeply I feel the very hearty manner in which you have received me here in this Province . Having been away ever since the time when I was appointed Grand Maater , yoci will naturally feel some disappointment at my not being among jon but the reception you have given me to-day has shown mo how ,
kindly and how very warmly you look upon one who has the honour to stand afc the head of this Province . The ceremony of to-day lias been one of the most interesting ceremonies I havo over witnessed , and tho important part that your Provincial Grand Master was enabled to take in the ceremony has impressed him , and J hop- v " ¦>
-impressed us all , with the deep solemnity of tho ceremony we were then engaged in . Few things could be more striking than u > see the whole of tho ceremony . It was very gratifying to be ablo to coma hero to-day to show yon how truly and thoroughly I have tho interests of all Masons in the Province at heart . The Duke again rose to
propose the next toast . He said a most pleasing task had devolved upon him ; it was thafc of proposing tho health of the Worthy Deputy Provincial Grand Master Bro . Gerard Ford P . G . Deacon , and also tho health of tho Officers of the Provincial Grand Lodge , present and past . He was very pleased to have been asked to propose the toasfc , and to
be able to thank his Worshipful Brother , Bro . Ford , for having so ably carried out tho business of the Province in his ( tho Master ' s ) absence . From Bro . Ford ' s and Bro . Ford ' s family ' s connection with Masonry , he had every confidence in his attachment , judgment , and therefore ifc afforded him ( the Provincial Grand Master ) tho very
greatest pleasure fco be able to givo his health , more especially as ho was also Master of the new Lodge , which they had that day inaugurated . Ho was sure-that Bro . Ford was ready to promote 1
anything th ** . ' , was for tho good of the Graft , and he did not know ai'vi'hii'g that could give him greater pleasure than the prosperity of t ' ae l . o'ige of which Bro . Ford was the firsfc Master . His Royal iiiguucao Vr ' uuii on to aay that ha would now be allowed tocongratu-
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Consecration Of The Earl Of Sussex Lodge, No. 2201.
names of the Master and two Wardens designated in the petition were Bro . W . Gerard Ford Deputy Provincial Grand Master of Sussex to be Master , Bro . the Right Hon . W . T . Marriott , Q . C , M . P ., P . G Steward , to be Senior Warden , and Bro . R . Clowes P . Prov . S . G . W . Essex , to be Junior Warden .
The Deputy Provincial Grand Master Bro . Ford , opened the Lodge at about 11 * 30 , Bro . Smith occupying the chair of Senior Warden , and Bro . Hudson that of Junior Warden . The Lodge having been opened in the three degrees , the whole assembly by command of the W . M . stood to order , and ou tho entrance of the Provincial Grand
Master , the Duke of Connaught , he was hailed by the brethren with tbe greatest enthusiasm . On the approach of His Royal Highness Bro . Ford vacated the chair , whioh was then taken by the Provincial Grand Master . After the brethren assembled had sung the hymn " Hail , Eternal , by whose aid , " fche Right Worthy Provincial Grand
Master rose and said : Brethren , a year has now elapsed since your most Worshipful Grand Master installed me as your Provincial Grand Master . I regret that since thafc time my absence upon duty in India has prevented me from coming among you , but I have now great pleasure in coming here for the purpose of inaugurating this new
Lodge . I am sure that nnder the able guidance of Bro . Ford all snecess will attend the new Lodge . I selected Bro . Ford for the office to replace a much loved and deeply-lamented brother , Bro . Bnrrell , and I am sure that under Bro . Ford the Lodge will rise to a position worthy of this place , and attain a high position among the Lodges of
this country . I will now proceed to commence this ceremony . The Provincial Grand Secretary then addressed His Royal Highness , informing him that certain brethren had petitioned to be constituted into a Masonio Lodge , whereupon the Presiding Officer directed that fche brethren referred to should appear before him , and they were
accordingly ranged in order in front of the pedestal . The Provincial Grand Secretary then read the petition and also the warrant , whioh had in consequence beeu granted by the Grand Master , stating the names of the Master and Wardens chosen for the first year . His Royal Highness inquired of the brethren before him whether they
Btill approved of the appointment of the officers named in the warrant , and they having signified their assent in Masonio form , the Prince called upon the Provincial Grand Chaplain for an oration regarding the principles of Freemasonry . The Provincial Grand Chaplain said that time would not permit him to enlarge npon the principles of
Masonry , or on the import of Masonic words , but he might be allowed to congratulate the brethren of the Lodge now being erected on the fact that it commenced its career in the Jubilee year of the reign of her Most Gracious Majesty Queen Victoria , and would be one of the Jubilee Lodges of the Province of Sussex . It was also a subject of
congratulation to-day that they had the advantage of the presence of the Right Worthy Provincial Grand Master H . R . H . the Duke of Connaught , and he was quite sure that under the care and guidance of Bro . Ford , the new Lodge would enjoy a large measure of snecess . He would not dilate there on the principles of Freemasonry , which
was familar to all of those present , but the occasion would remind them of the day when they were brought np to the pedestal seeking and asking for light , and they should now ask themselves whether they had since that day acted up to the principles which were then imparted and explained to them . Those principles were embodied
in the volnme of the sacred law , and if Masons acted up to that law , no brother could possible err . It was there duty to rejoice with them thafc rejoiced , and to weep with them that wept . There was just one other thought : this happened to be the Provincial clay of St . Swithin . Their Lodge had met in sunshine , and he prayed that the sun from
Heaven might shine upon the Lodge , ancl that the brethren constituting ^ might form a Lodge abiding in prosperity and happiness . The oration was succeeded by the singing of the anthem " Behold how good and joyful a thing it is for brethren to dwell together in Unity . " The more solemn part of the ceremony was then proceeded
with by the Duke of Connaught , and it is not from any spirit of flattery , because the P . G . M . ia an exalted personage , it is simply an honest admission of the truth to say , thafc we never heard the dedication prayers or fche invocation delivered in so devotional , heartfelt and impressive manner as that in which they came from His Royal
Highness ' s lips on this occasion * and from a reference to the ceremony which he made in a speech at a later period , it was plain that he was acutely alive to the solemnity of the occasion . Ifc is sufficient to say , that fche whole ceremony was conducted to its close with the greatest earnestness and precision , and after dedicating , fche
Lodge in ancient form , the Provincial Grand Master declared it to be dul y constituted , and the ceremony was brought to a close by the singing of the hymn , " Glory be to God on High . " By command of the Right Worthy Provincial Grancl Master , Bro . Col . Shadwell H . Clarke , Grand Secretary , assumed the Master ' s chair , and
proceeded to install Bro . Gerard Ford P . M . 271 P . G . D . and Deputy Provincial Grancl Master , to be Master of tho Earl of Sussex Lodge , a ceremony which , it is needless to say , he performed with tho greatest precision . The newly-installed W . M ., then proceeded to invest his Officers , as follow : —Bros . Gen . Randolph as I . P . M ., Rt . Hon . W . T .
Marriott , Q . C , M . P ., P . G . Steward , S . W ., R . Clowes P . P . G . W Essex J -W ., V . P . Freeman Secretary , W . II . Halletfc Treasurer , Ford S . D ., Major Hancock J . D ., H . Kemball-Cook D . C , H . E . Prico I . G ., C W . Hudson and C . B . Warre Stewards , Hughes Tyler . Tho ceremony was brought to a close by the Grand Secretary reciting in a masterly
wanner the three orations to the Master , tlio Wardens , and the brethren of the Lodge . It was proposed by the S . W ., and seconded oy the W . M ., that H . R . H . the Duke of Connaught and Bro . Shadwell Gierke be entered on the books as hon . members of the Lodge in recognition of the part they had taken in tbe ceremonies insfc brought
-o a close . H . R . H . and the Graud Secretary having acknowledged S ° cotupliment , tho thanka of the Brethren wore tendered to the ¦ worsh ipful Master for a very handsome banner which had been preented
s by him to tho Lodge , and , in replying , the W . M , tenders ^ ro Harriot and tho other Officers for their co-operation with him , - •nu expressed a hope that this noble little army that had just been ' ¦ "" roJod would march under that glorious bauniu * for many , muuy
Consecration Of The Earl Of Sussex Lodge, No. 2201.
years . The Lodge was then closed , and tho company adjourned to luncheon . The musical arrangements were under the management of Bro . H . S . Gates Prov . G . Organist . In proposing the toast of the Queen and the Craft , Bro . Ford said that it was tho first time in hia life thafc he had had to propose Her Majesty's health in th *»
presence of one of her sons . In proposing the health of the M . W . G . M . the Princo of Wales , the Chairman said ifc was unnecessary for him to expatiate ou the Grand Master ' s Masonic excellencies , as they were so well known to all the Brethren , but he must inform them that the Duke of Connanght would make a point of informing
the Prince of all that had taken place that clay . He was sure thnt the Prince would take great interest in hearing of their doings . The Prince of Wales , thoy would remember , came clown to Brighton last year , when the brethren had tho pleasure of seeing him instal their Right Worshipful Provincial Graud Master , bnt for which ceremony
the Duke of Connaught would not have been before them now . He concluded by saying that he thought the Prince of Wales was tha pride of Freemasons both there and throughout fche world . The Chairman said ho would now proceed to give them toast number three on the list of toasts , the Mosb Worshipfnl Pro Grand Master
the Right Hon . the Earl of Carnarvon , the Right Worshipful Deputy Grand Master the Right Hon . the Earl of Latham , and Officers of the Grand Lodge , past and present . The toast was one whioh waa always honoured in Masonic meetings , where the services of r . he Earl of Carnarvon , the Earl of Latham , and the other Grand Officer- *
were always recognised . He was sorry to see that the Eul of Carnarvon found it would be necessary for him to go to the antipodes on account of his health . As regarded tho Grand Officers as a body , they knew that in the past , aud they hoped that for the future , they would always have the right man in the right place . The Officers of
the Grand Lodge were often among them at Brighton . By their presence , and their precept , and their example the brethren of the Province benefitted a great deal . They were glad to have their good advice , and glad also to follow it . Bro . Fenn , Chairman of the Board of General Purposes , whose name the Chairman had associated with
the toast , said that in obedience to the W . M . he rose to respond to the compliment which had been paid to the Grand Officers . He had hoped that the Chairman would have connected the name of Bro . Clarke with the toasfc , because , after the prominent part he had taken in the proceedings of the day , he had much more claim to the
honour . Tho Earl of Carnarvon and the Earl of Lathom must both regret their absence on this occasion , bub on behalf of the Grand Officers , he was sure he was speaking their sentiments in saying that they were extremely happy to have been present on an occasion which must be very dear to His Royal Highness . He would not , as
time was short , detain them by auy lengthened remarks , but he was sure that all tho Grand Officers , whether present or unavoidably absent , would watch the future progress of this Lodge with the greatest interest . The Chairman next rose to propose the health of the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master ll . K . H . the Duke of
Connaught and Strathearn , & c . The Province was honoured by having His Royal Highness as its chief , and he ventured to think that His Royal Highness ' s gratifications in being connected with the Province of Sussex was second only to that of the brethren in having such a ruler . His Royal Highness was only here for a short time ;
he was going back to the Indian climate , where they all hoped he would enjoy health ancl happiness . However , the Chairman said he trusted that he might soon again return to these shores , and that they might again have the pleasure of seeing him presiding over them . His Royal Highness had done the speaker the honour to
depute him to act for His Royal Highness in his absence . He felt himself unworthy of the position , especially after having seen him perform the work he had done that day . Ho was only echoing the sentiments of the whole of the Province when he said that the brethren bid His Royal Highness most loyal and paternal welcome ,
and considered it a great kindness on his part to come among them . He would only add that they heartily , sincerely , aud Masonically wished the Right Worthy Provincial Grand Master long lifn and happiness . Iu reply , the Duke of Connaught said : Worthy Master and brethren , I find it difficult to find words in which sntficiently to
express how deeply I feel the very hearty manner in which you have received me here in this Province . Having been away ever since the time when I was appointed Grand Maater , yoci will naturally feel some disappointment at my not being among jon but the reception you have given me to-day has shown mo how ,
kindly and how very warmly you look upon one who has the honour to stand afc the head of this Province . The ceremony of to-day lias been one of the most interesting ceremonies I havo over witnessed , and tho important part that your Provincial Grand Master was enabled to take in the ceremony has impressed him , and J hop- v " ¦>
-impressed us all , with the deep solemnity of tho ceremony we were then engaged in . Few things could be more striking than u > see the whole of tho ceremony . It was very gratifying to be ablo to coma hero to-day to show yon how truly and thoroughly I have tho interests of all Masons in the Province at heart . The Duke again rose to
propose the next toast . He said a most pleasing task had devolved upon him ; it was thafc of proposing tho health of the Worthy Deputy Provincial Grand Master Bro . Gerard Ford P . G . Deacon , and also tho health of tho Officers of the Provincial Grand Lodge , present and past . He was very pleased to have been asked to propose the toasfc , and to
be able to thank his Worshipful Brother , Bro . Ford , for having so ably carried out tho business of the Province in his ( tho Master ' s ) absence . From Bro . Ford ' s and Bro . Ford ' s family ' s connection with Masonry , he had every confidence in his attachment , judgment , and therefore ifc afforded him ( the Provincial Grand Master ) tho very
greatest pleasure fco be able to givo his health , more especially as ho was also Master of the new Lodge , which they had that day inaugurated . Ho was sure-that Bro . Ford was ready to promote 1
anything th ** . ' , was for tho good of the Graft , and he did not know ai'vi'hii'g that could give him greater pleasure than the prosperity of t ' ae l . o'ige of which Bro . Ford was the firsfc Master . His Royal iiiguucao Vr ' uuii on to aay that ha would now be allowed tocongratu-