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Article FREEMASONRY IN MONMOUTHSHIRE. Page 1 of 1 Article FREEMASONRY IN MONMOUTHSHIRE. Page 1 of 1 Article FREEMASONRY IN MONMOUTHSHIRE. Page 1 of 1
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Freemasonry In Monmouthshire.
FREEMASONRY IN MONMOUTHSHIRE .
INSTALLATION AT PONTYPOOL . On Monday there was a Masonic festival at Pontypool , it being the anniversary ofthe Kennard Lodge , No . 125 S , established , under very favourable auspices , twelve months ago . The installation of Bro . Henry Martyn Kennard , of Grumlin-hall , ( after whom the Lodge has Been named ) , as XV . M ., was the occasion which attracted
an imposing assemblage ofthe craft from all points of the compass , every Lodge in Monmouthshire , and several in the neighbouring provinces , being well represented . There were not fewer than eighty brethren present , all of whom , we believe , were also at the banquet , in our report of which will be found a list ol the company . The Lodge is held at the large room of the Clarence
Hotel . The Masonic furniture is not only complcle in every respect but sumptuous in its character . The working is highly creditable to lhe officers , from tbe W . M . down to the O . G .. and it is evident that the brethren at Pontypool are as zealous and earnest in the interests of lhe craft as they are persevering and proficient in the discharge of lheir duties . The two Newport Lodges , as
will be seen , mustered m great strength , anil to facilitate the return ofthe brethren after the banquet a special train from the Pontypool station , at ten p . m ., was placed at their service . Shortly after two p . m ., the lodge was opened in due form , the W . M ., Bro . Bartholomew Thomas , occupying the chair .
After the minutes had been read and confirmed , it was proposed by Bro . Bartholomew Thomas , and seconded by Bro . Kennard : — "That an address of condolence be sent to the widow and family of our late beloved Provincial Grand Master , Bro . John Etherington Welch Rolls , Esq ., deceased ; ami that the W . M . elect and Secretary be requested to forward the same as soon as
possible . " It was also proposed by Bro . Thomas , seconded bv Bro . Griffiths : — " That the W . M . elect , Bro . H . M ' . Kennard , Esq ., is in every way qualified to fill the vacant office of P . G . M . for this county , and lhat a committee of the principal officers be formed to take immeeliate steps to bring Bro . Kennard ' s name before
the Grand Master of England . " Proposed by the S . \ V ., seconded by the J . W , : — " That a cordial and hearty vote of thanks be given lo Bro . Bartholomew Thomas for the very able manner in which he has fulfilled the duties of his office as W . M . of this lodge during the past year , and for his faithful and energetic services on our behalf ; that this resolution be
entered on the minutes , and a copy thereof sent b y the Secretary to Bro . Thomas . " Proposed by the W . M ., seconded by Bro . Treharne : — " That a similar vote of thanks be given to the Secretary , Bro . Williams , of 16 , Dock-street , Newport , for the very great trouble taken by him during the past year , and the great efficiency wilh which he has discharged his onerous duties . "
There being one candidate for initiation into the rites and mysteries of lhe order , the impressive ceremony was ably peiformed by the W . M . Then came the grand ceremonial ofthe day , ihe installation , which was undertaken , as it always should be , by the retiring W . M . Bro . Bartholomew Thomas acquitted himself of the task with great credit to himself and
satisfaction to all the'brethren , and , wc need not add , with punctilious regard to the ancient landmarks of ihe Order . Duly installed in the chair of King Solomon , Bro . Kennard , in suitable terms , expressed his sense of the high honour conferred upon him . The following appointments were then made : —Bros . Bartholomew Thomas , P . M . ; C . II . Oliver . M . C ;
II . Griffiths , S . W . ; R . Woolley , J . W . ; Ebenezer Prosscr , Treasurer ; W . Williams , . Secretary ; W . Dover , Assist-Secretary : J . L . Treharne , S . D . ; Wm . II- Lloyd , J . D . ; II . Haskins , Organist ; Win . Bunning , I . G . ; Edward Jones and Thomas Waite , Stewards ; Joseph Ellis , Tyler . At this stage of the proceedings Bro . Lewis S . Demay ( K . T ., No . 10 , Irish Constitution , P . M . 120 , P . G . I . W .
North Down ) , advanced , and , addressing the chair , offered for the acceptance of the lodge a massive medallion in solid gold . He desired to present this valuable jewel to the Kennard Lodge as a token of regard to his brother R . Wolley , on his accession to the office of Junior Warden . The W . M . thanked Bro . Demay for his handsome present , and promised that the medallion should be
handed down as an heirloom ofthe lodge . Wc may add that lhe jewel which Bro . Demay vouches to bc 230 years old , for eighty years of which period it has remained in his own family , is in a splendid state of preservation . It is supposed to belong to the Royal Arch degree , but the legend , which is in Latin , would seem to point in another direction . At all events , the
medallion is unquestionably very ancient and of meat value , and the Kennard Lodge m . iy well bc congratulated on its acquisition . The remainder of the lodge business having been disposed of ( including propositions for three new members ) , the Brethren adjourned at five o ' clock to the Town-hall , where
THE BANQUET was laid out , by Bro . Beachani , of the Montague . It seems lhat Pontypool was by no means insensible of the importance of the Masonic Festival , the very mystery of which , as a matter of course , excited the usiial amount of curiosity . And now that we have left the solemn duties
ofthe lodge , and entered the convivial atmosphere of ihe dining-room , wilh its decorations , iis flowers , its banners , and last , though not least , its veritable geniality , we may be allowed to quote an olf-hand opinion from the pen of one of the best men in Pontypool , touching the Masonic gathering on Monday . " I hope " ( saysour good friend )
Freemasonry In Monmouthshire.
" you and the other Masons enjoyed yourselves yesterday . I almost wished I had been one to join you , as you appeared a merry lot of fellows and likely to warm up with a glass of wine . " The writer of this report would have hesitated at the last sentence did he not know that the words were not the words of waggery , but a genuine expression of the writer ' s sentiments . As to the
ornamentations of the Town-hall , let the local scribe do duty , and let us add that , inasmuch as he is an experienced scribe , his report maybe relied upon : — " Over the centre window , in the front ofthe hall , was the motto ' audi vide tace , ' in gold letters on a ground of evergreens , and surmounted by a crown worked in blue and gold . This window as well as the portrait of the late C . H . Leigh ,
Esq ., at the opposite end of the room , was framed in draperies of pink muslin , powdered with golel stars . Beneath the above motto , and immediately above the platform , was the name " Dc Grey and Ripon ; " on the right of this " Queen and Craft , " on the left of it " Prince of Wales . " Outside these again were " Brotherly Love , " and " Relief and Truth . " These were on white grounds ,
with blue borders ami corners of red roses ; and similar tablets about the walls bore the names of " Dalhousie , " " Kennard , " " Zetland , " " Lyne , " and " Naas . " Small bannerets , interspersed between them , bore Masonic emblems , emblazoned in gold . From the roof a number of large flags were suspended . The platform was covered widi choice exotic plants , from the stoves belonging to Mrs . Banbury Leigh , Park-house , and Bro . R . Greenway ,
Esq ., of Glentonvacn-house . The bam ] uet itself was most creditable to the catering and taste of Mr . and Mrs . Beacham . The tables were very elegantly laid out , crowded with delicac ' es of every kind in season , interspersed with vases of choice flowers . It was really a pretty sight , and a great many people went to have a peep at it . Mr . Beacham had evidently spared no pains to give satisfaction . " Bro . XV . II . Haskins acted as pianist with his well-known skill .
The chair , as a matter of course , was taken by Bro . H . M . Kennard , the newly-elected W . M . He was supported on the right by Bros . Jukes , P . P . G ., Chaplain foi Herefordshire ; Williams , P . G ., Secretary ; Pickford , P . G ., Treasurer ; Thomas Williams , P . G . A . D . C . On the left by Bros . Bartholomew- Thomas , P . M ., 471 and 1258 , and P . G . S . D . ; E . Wells , P . P . S . G . W ' . ; Demav ,
P . M ., 120 ; Hellyer , P . G . 'Pursuiv . ; Oliver , P . G . D . C ; Higginson , P . P . S . G . D . ; lames , W . M ., W , Davies , P . M ., 396 ; Gbsden , W . M ., SiS ; Ware , W . M ., Bute Lodge , 960 , Cardiff ; Chambers , W . M ., 6 S 3 ; Hunt , P . M ., 36 . Vice-chairs—Bros . Griffiths , S . W ., 125 S ; and Waite , 125 S ; also the following Brethren , all of lhe Kennard Lodge , 125 S : —Bros , Woolley , E . Prosser ,
Treherne , Haskins , Watkin , W . II . Lloyd , Bunning , O . D . Thomas , R Greenway , G . J . Jacob , Edward Jones , C . Herbert , Thos . Mitchell , ' XV . Richards , W . Sand brook , XV . Prosser , XV . Davies , E . Fowler ( jun . ) , Titus Lewis , XV . Dovey , Wm . Williams , ( jun . ) , anel Wm . Wood ; II . Fletcher ( SS 6 ) , T . XV . Jacobs , ( 960 ) ; the following members of 1038 : —N . Bradley , XV .
Campbell , J . Doneveley , John Morgan , and E . Phillips ; the following members of S 18 - . —P . Morgan , W . Saunders , J . Smith , W . Davies , J . L . Gorviii , C B . Williams , C . Tucker , and E . Price ; the following members of 471 : —Jacob James , IL f . Gratte ( S . W . ' ) , XV . Randal (( AV . ) , A . P . Williams , " C . D . Phillips , W . II . Pickford , C . P . Evans . ( . ( ames , S . T . Hallen , II . Bailey ,
Wm . Oliver , G . Fothergill ( P . G . Slew . ) , W . Watkins ( P . G Slew . ) , G . Hoskins . Thos . Phillips , D . L . ( ames , R . II . R ' chird- - , P . A . F . Villicrs , G . Pcrkis , and ( . Gobbctt ; Bro -. G . B . Passadora , 6 S 3 , D . Bor . lcssa , 6 S 3 , f . Partridge , 6 S 3 ; ( . Rogers , 3 P ; fo > eph Brooks , 4 , Dublin ; G . A . Brown , 998 ; E . Jones . ' 96 a ; R . Cook , 19 ; Wm . Harris , Tenby : El . Heath , London ; J .
Kennedy , and W . Belcher , Birmingham . The W . M . introduced the usual loval and craft toasts , with suitable observations , which called forth the traditionary loyalty of the craft . In proposing the health of "Her Majesty , " or , to hi precise , "The Q-. iecn and Craft , " he said , " Monarch * themselves have been promoters of the art , and have not thought it derogatory
from their dignity to exchange the sceptre for the trowel ; have patronised onr mysteries , and even joined in our aescmblics . " In giving " The Prince of Wales and all the Royal Family , " l . c characterise . 1 the heir apparent as Brother Albert Edward , Prince of Wales , the future King of England . The next toast was "The M . W ., the G . M ., the Earl
de Grey and Ripon , the R . W . the Earl of Carnarvon , D . G . M ., and the Grand Lodge of En land . Bro . W . WELLS proposed the next toast , "ThcV . W ., the D . G . P . M ., and the P . G . Lo Ige of Monmouthshire . " He spoke in term ; of high appreciation of the I ) . P . G . M ., and with a brief , but feeling allusion to the bereavement which Masonry in Mo . invr . uks ' . ire had lately sustained ,
he called on the bicthren u do justice to the toast . Bro . W . Pic : crn : to , who ha-, for so many years held the responsible post of P . G . Treasurer , was called upon t ) respond . He did so with delicacy and goo 1 taste . Glancing off lo Freemasonry in general , the worthy brother , as he always tier-:, alighte 1 on the charities . It is well known that Pro . Pickford is a regular beggar
futile Masonic charities . lie never misses a Masooic dinner : he never forgets his mission--his mis . ion is charity , and his appcri is generally irres-siole . He tells a plain , unvarnished talc , docs Bro . Pickford . This is the tale he told al lhe Town-hall . Ponlypool . First ( sail Bro . Pickford ) as to our charkies . The number of age I
Brethren receiving annuities lasi year was Q . i . The girls ' school has been rebuilt , and the pupils are increased to 100 . The boys ' school now accommodates 115 pupils . So far as to the charities , which commend themselves to the sympathies of every true Mason . I entreat every Brother to be prompt in paying his contribution towards the maintenance of these noble institutions . Our lodges
Freemasonry In Monmouthshire.
have increased from 723 in 1 S 44 ., to 1 , 310 in 1869 . The number of certificates of newly-made Masons have increased from 1 , 584 to 7 , 000 per annum . The income of the craft ha "; increased in proportion , and that income amounted to over . £ 38 . 000 in 1 S 69 . Now , brethren ( continued the speaker ) , the e is no landmark that forbids the presence of ladies nt o . ir banquets ( loud cheers ) , and
I hope lhe time is near at hand when they shall grace every Masonic table in the land ( hear , hear ) . Worshipful Master , I am proud to think it has been our good fortune to be honoured by having a gcn . leman of your position to preside over us , who is capab'e , willing , desirous , and anxious to work for the good of the craft ( applause ) . Before he sat down Bro . Pickford wished to mention a
circumstance , which , although a matter of history , might not be generally known . He found that there was a Masonic lodge at Pontypool as early as 1732 . In that year Sir Robert de Cornwall was appointed P . G . M . for the Counties of Worcester , Gloucester , Monmouih , and Hereford . No . 160 , Hiram Lodge , was at Pontypool , and its location was the Red Lion Inn . Doubtless some
of the Brethren would be able to throw further light on the subject . The I . PAL proposed the next toast , viz .: — "The W . M ., 125 S , " and spoke in terms of high commendation ofthe manner in which Bro . Kennard had discharged bis lodge duties , and the brig ht promise his conduct gave of his . Masonic future . He made especial allusion to Bro .
Kennard as the probable Grand Master of this province . Bro . KENNARD , W . M ., acknowlejged the compliment in a speech characterise . ! by modesty and good sense . The next toast proposal by the W . M , was lhat of " The Installing Master , Bro . Thomas . " Bro . Kennard acknowledged the deep obligation ofthe Kennard Lodge to Bro . Thomas for his services as XV . M . in the first year
ofthe lodge ' s existence . The speaker enlarged on the difficulties of acquiring the Masonic ritual , and exhorted the officers of the lodge to " gird up their loins" and " quit themselves like men " in the ensuing Masonic campaign at Pontypool . Before he sat down he bail a pleasing duty to perform . As a slight recognition of the services of Bro . B . Thomas a fund had been contributed
wherewith a service of plate had been purchased , which the Kennard Lodge desired to present to Bro . Thomas . The W . M . expressed his regret lhat the testimonial was not of more intrinsic value , bnt it was generally understood that Bro . Thomas desired that the Masonic testimonial should be a testimonial to his wife as well as to himself , lie therefore selected a tea and coffee service , on
which was inscribed , " Presented to Bro . Bartholomew Thomas , P . M ., by the members of the Kennard Lodge , 125 S . as a slig ht recognition of his services as their first W . M . 20 th ' June , 1 S 70 . " Bro . B . THOMAS most feelingly returned thanks . In the course of his remarks , he said lhat during lhe past year he had initiated , as Master ofthe Kennard Loilgs , twenty
good men and true . He had also been Master of the Silurian , and taking collectively lhe initiations during his Masonic experience , he could say that he had initiated as many candidates as years he had live I in the world . ( Cheers . ) He concluded by re ' . terr . t ' . ng his unfeigned thanks . "The Lvlges of Mr . i'ur . ith shire , " p-oposcd by Bro . DEMAY , was respa ide . l to by Bro . G JiUEN ,
Abergavenny . Bro . GRIFFITHS , S . W ., proposed "The Visitors , " to which Bros . WAKE , W . M . of lhe Bute Lodge ; CllAMUKRS , W . M ., Isca , 6 S 3 ; DEM .-W , 120 ; T . WILLIAMS , 6 ' 3 j ; Du ' ir . s , Abcrsyc . ian , ai I a brother f . -. mi Lio-uinster , aU Past Masters , relumed thanks . Bro . II . J . GllATTi-:, as S . W . of the Silurian , responded on behalf
ofthe W . M . of that lodge , who was unavoidably absent . Referring to Bro . Pickford's remarks as to the antiquity of Masonry at Pontypool , Bro . DAVIES said he had bought the furniture of a Masonic lodge at Pontypool for lire-con , and that furniture now remained at Brecon . It might still be proved that Pontypool was the mother lodge of the province . Bv Bro . IIELLIEK : "The Officers and Brethren of the
Kennard Lodge , 1 , 2 53 , responded to by Bros . GRIFFITH and WOOLLEY . By Bro . THOMAS WILLIAMS : "The newly-initiated brethren , viz ., Bro . Win . Richards , Ganvliflaith ; Bro . Mitchell , i , 2 iS : Bros . C . D . Phillips , A . P . Williams , anil W . II . Pickford , 471 . " The occasion was remarkable , inasmuch as three " Lewises , " the sons of Master Masons , were received as " entered apprentices" at the
same 11111 : 1 . The succeeding toasts wove : " The Secretary , " " The Vocalists an 1 Instrumentalists , " "The Ladies , " in connection with which toa-t ih ; W . M . look occasion 10 acknowlc Ige the ban Isome kin lnes-i of Mrs . Leigh in sendin : ' the choices : plants in her c msjrvatorv to grace the
ban [ net hall . Bro . J AC-ills iv-pon led . " I ne health or Bro . Dcin . i ; - ' . a . i'l tha . iks lo him for his handsome present lo the lo Ige . " "The Masinic Cnrkies " was r . lo-pienlly given by Bro . Tin ' s I . t . wis , a . ' icr which the Tyler ' s toast , "To all distressed Masons & :., brou -lit lhe mcetie . g to a close .
Bro . Carpenters article ; reports of the Annual Communication of Grand l . o ' gc of New Vi rk , lhe Grand Comma ' . i I cry of Michag . in , Lodge 160 ( Rochford ) , the "OMGlo ' o . ; " picnic ; " Cl .-ve .-l 1 : 1 I , ' Lin's lo Abhy liex Lodge ( Irel . m 1 ) , & .:., X : c ., stm 1 over til nea week . THE L-.- ') 111 on Lodge . No . I 32 <\ will be c
lliccrated at the Red Lion ( Intel . Hampton , Middlesex , on a Satuvday in July , and lhe 1 'iov . ( . ] . See ., Bro . Little will prob . ib' . v perform the C 2 _ -j moiv . The first W . M . is Bro . J . T . Moss , and the Wardens Bros . S . Wickens and W . Harvey . This will make twelve lodges in Middlesex .
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Freemasonry In Monmouthshire.
FREEMASONRY IN MONMOUTHSHIRE .
INSTALLATION AT PONTYPOOL . On Monday there was a Masonic festival at Pontypool , it being the anniversary ofthe Kennard Lodge , No . 125 S , established , under very favourable auspices , twelve months ago . The installation of Bro . Henry Martyn Kennard , of Grumlin-hall , ( after whom the Lodge has Been named ) , as XV . M ., was the occasion which attracted
an imposing assemblage ofthe craft from all points of the compass , every Lodge in Monmouthshire , and several in the neighbouring provinces , being well represented . There were not fewer than eighty brethren present , all of whom , we believe , were also at the banquet , in our report of which will be found a list ol the company . The Lodge is held at the large room of the Clarence
Hotel . The Masonic furniture is not only complcle in every respect but sumptuous in its character . The working is highly creditable to lhe officers , from tbe W . M . down to the O . G .. and it is evident that the brethren at Pontypool are as zealous and earnest in the interests of lhe craft as they are persevering and proficient in the discharge of lheir duties . The two Newport Lodges , as
will be seen , mustered m great strength , anil to facilitate the return ofthe brethren after the banquet a special train from the Pontypool station , at ten p . m ., was placed at their service . Shortly after two p . m ., the lodge was opened in due form , the W . M ., Bro . Bartholomew Thomas , occupying the chair .
After the minutes had been read and confirmed , it was proposed by Bro . Bartholomew Thomas , and seconded by Bro . Kennard : — "That an address of condolence be sent to the widow and family of our late beloved Provincial Grand Master , Bro . John Etherington Welch Rolls , Esq ., deceased ; ami that the W . M . elect and Secretary be requested to forward the same as soon as
possible . " It was also proposed by Bro . Thomas , seconded bv Bro . Griffiths : — " That the W . M . elect , Bro . H . M ' . Kennard , Esq ., is in every way qualified to fill the vacant office of P . G . M . for this county , and lhat a committee of the principal officers be formed to take immeeliate steps to bring Bro . Kennard ' s name before
the Grand Master of England . " Proposed by the S . \ V ., seconded by the J . W , : — " That a cordial and hearty vote of thanks be given lo Bro . Bartholomew Thomas for the very able manner in which he has fulfilled the duties of his office as W . M . of this lodge during the past year , and for his faithful and energetic services on our behalf ; that this resolution be
entered on the minutes , and a copy thereof sent b y the Secretary to Bro . Thomas . " Proposed by the W . M ., seconded by Bro . Treharne : — " That a similar vote of thanks be given to the Secretary , Bro . Williams , of 16 , Dock-street , Newport , for the very great trouble taken by him during the past year , and the great efficiency wilh which he has discharged his onerous duties . "
There being one candidate for initiation into the rites and mysteries of lhe order , the impressive ceremony was ably peiformed by the W . M . Then came the grand ceremonial ofthe day , ihe installation , which was undertaken , as it always should be , by the retiring W . M . Bro . Bartholomew Thomas acquitted himself of the task with great credit to himself and
satisfaction to all the'brethren , and , wc need not add , with punctilious regard to the ancient landmarks of ihe Order . Duly installed in the chair of King Solomon , Bro . Kennard , in suitable terms , expressed his sense of the high honour conferred upon him . The following appointments were then made : —Bros . Bartholomew Thomas , P . M . ; C . II . Oliver . M . C ;
II . Griffiths , S . W . ; R . Woolley , J . W . ; Ebenezer Prosscr , Treasurer ; W . Williams , . Secretary ; W . Dover , Assist-Secretary : J . L . Treharne , S . D . ; Wm . II- Lloyd , J . D . ; II . Haskins , Organist ; Win . Bunning , I . G . ; Edward Jones and Thomas Waite , Stewards ; Joseph Ellis , Tyler . At this stage of the proceedings Bro . Lewis S . Demay ( K . T ., No . 10 , Irish Constitution , P . M . 120 , P . G . I . W .
North Down ) , advanced , and , addressing the chair , offered for the acceptance of the lodge a massive medallion in solid gold . He desired to present this valuable jewel to the Kennard Lodge as a token of regard to his brother R . Wolley , on his accession to the office of Junior Warden . The W . M . thanked Bro . Demay for his handsome present , and promised that the medallion should be
handed down as an heirloom ofthe lodge . Wc may add that lhe jewel which Bro . Demay vouches to bc 230 years old , for eighty years of which period it has remained in his own family , is in a splendid state of preservation . It is supposed to belong to the Royal Arch degree , but the legend , which is in Latin , would seem to point in another direction . At all events , the
medallion is unquestionably very ancient and of meat value , and the Kennard Lodge m . iy well bc congratulated on its acquisition . The remainder of the lodge business having been disposed of ( including propositions for three new members ) , the Brethren adjourned at five o ' clock to the Town-hall , where
THE BANQUET was laid out , by Bro . Beachani , of the Montague . It seems lhat Pontypool was by no means insensible of the importance of the Masonic Festival , the very mystery of which , as a matter of course , excited the usiial amount of curiosity . And now that we have left the solemn duties
ofthe lodge , and entered the convivial atmosphere of ihe dining-room , wilh its decorations , iis flowers , its banners , and last , though not least , its veritable geniality , we may be allowed to quote an olf-hand opinion from the pen of one of the best men in Pontypool , touching the Masonic gathering on Monday . " I hope " ( saysour good friend )
Freemasonry In Monmouthshire.
" you and the other Masons enjoyed yourselves yesterday . I almost wished I had been one to join you , as you appeared a merry lot of fellows and likely to warm up with a glass of wine . " The writer of this report would have hesitated at the last sentence did he not know that the words were not the words of waggery , but a genuine expression of the writer ' s sentiments . As to the
ornamentations of the Town-hall , let the local scribe do duty , and let us add that , inasmuch as he is an experienced scribe , his report maybe relied upon : — " Over the centre window , in the front ofthe hall , was the motto ' audi vide tace , ' in gold letters on a ground of evergreens , and surmounted by a crown worked in blue and gold . This window as well as the portrait of the late C . H . Leigh ,
Esq ., at the opposite end of the room , was framed in draperies of pink muslin , powdered with golel stars . Beneath the above motto , and immediately above the platform , was the name " Dc Grey and Ripon ; " on the right of this " Queen and Craft , " on the left of it " Prince of Wales . " Outside these again were " Brotherly Love , " and " Relief and Truth . " These were on white grounds ,
with blue borders ami corners of red roses ; and similar tablets about the walls bore the names of " Dalhousie , " " Kennard , " " Zetland , " " Lyne , " and " Naas . " Small bannerets , interspersed between them , bore Masonic emblems , emblazoned in gold . From the roof a number of large flags were suspended . The platform was covered widi choice exotic plants , from the stoves belonging to Mrs . Banbury Leigh , Park-house , and Bro . R . Greenway ,
Esq ., of Glentonvacn-house . The bam ] uet itself was most creditable to the catering and taste of Mr . and Mrs . Beacham . The tables were very elegantly laid out , crowded with delicac ' es of every kind in season , interspersed with vases of choice flowers . It was really a pretty sight , and a great many people went to have a peep at it . Mr . Beacham had evidently spared no pains to give satisfaction . " Bro . XV . II . Haskins acted as pianist with his well-known skill .
The chair , as a matter of course , was taken by Bro . H . M . Kennard , the newly-elected W . M . He was supported on the right by Bros . Jukes , P . P . G ., Chaplain foi Herefordshire ; Williams , P . G ., Secretary ; Pickford , P . G ., Treasurer ; Thomas Williams , P . G . A . D . C . On the left by Bros . Bartholomew- Thomas , P . M ., 471 and 1258 , and P . G . S . D . ; E . Wells , P . P . S . G . W ' . ; Demav ,
P . M ., 120 ; Hellyer , P . G . 'Pursuiv . ; Oliver , P . G . D . C ; Higginson , P . P . S . G . D . ; lames , W . M ., W , Davies , P . M ., 396 ; Gbsden , W . M ., SiS ; Ware , W . M ., Bute Lodge , 960 , Cardiff ; Chambers , W . M ., 6 S 3 ; Hunt , P . M ., 36 . Vice-chairs—Bros . Griffiths , S . W ., 125 S ; and Waite , 125 S ; also the following Brethren , all of lhe Kennard Lodge , 125 S : —Bros , Woolley , E . Prosser ,
Treherne , Haskins , Watkin , W . II . Lloyd , Bunning , O . D . Thomas , R Greenway , G . J . Jacob , Edward Jones , C . Herbert , Thos . Mitchell , ' XV . Richards , W . Sand brook , XV . Prosser , XV . Davies , E . Fowler ( jun . ) , Titus Lewis , XV . Dovey , Wm . Williams , ( jun . ) , anel Wm . Wood ; II . Fletcher ( SS 6 ) , T . XV . Jacobs , ( 960 ) ; the following members of 1038 : —N . Bradley , XV .
Campbell , J . Doneveley , John Morgan , and E . Phillips ; the following members of S 18 - . —P . Morgan , W . Saunders , J . Smith , W . Davies , J . L . Gorviii , C B . Williams , C . Tucker , and E . Price ; the following members of 471 : —Jacob James , IL f . Gratte ( S . W . ' ) , XV . Randal (( AV . ) , A . P . Williams , " C . D . Phillips , W . II . Pickford , C . P . Evans . ( . ( ames , S . T . Hallen , II . Bailey ,
Wm . Oliver , G . Fothergill ( P . G . Slew . ) , W . Watkins ( P . G Slew . ) , G . Hoskins . Thos . Phillips , D . L . ( ames , R . II . R ' chird- - , P . A . F . Villicrs , G . Pcrkis , and ( . Gobbctt ; Bro -. G . B . Passadora , 6 S 3 , D . Bor . lcssa , 6 S 3 , f . Partridge , 6 S 3 ; ( . Rogers , 3 P ; fo > eph Brooks , 4 , Dublin ; G . A . Brown , 998 ; E . Jones . ' 96 a ; R . Cook , 19 ; Wm . Harris , Tenby : El . Heath , London ; J .
Kennedy , and W . Belcher , Birmingham . The W . M . introduced the usual loval and craft toasts , with suitable observations , which called forth the traditionary loyalty of the craft . In proposing the health of "Her Majesty , " or , to hi precise , "The Q-. iecn and Craft , " he said , " Monarch * themselves have been promoters of the art , and have not thought it derogatory
from their dignity to exchange the sceptre for the trowel ; have patronised onr mysteries , and even joined in our aescmblics . " In giving " The Prince of Wales and all the Royal Family , " l . c characterise . 1 the heir apparent as Brother Albert Edward , Prince of Wales , the future King of England . The next toast was "The M . W ., the G . M ., the Earl
de Grey and Ripon , the R . W . the Earl of Carnarvon , D . G . M ., and the Grand Lodge of En land . Bro . W . WELLS proposed the next toast , "ThcV . W ., the D . G . P . M ., and the P . G . Lo Ige of Monmouthshire . " He spoke in term ; of high appreciation of the I ) . P . G . M ., and with a brief , but feeling allusion to the bereavement which Masonry in Mo . invr . uks ' . ire had lately sustained ,
he called on the bicthren u do justice to the toast . Bro . W . Pic : crn : to , who ha-, for so many years held the responsible post of P . G . Treasurer , was called upon t ) respond . He did so with delicacy and goo 1 taste . Glancing off lo Freemasonry in general , the worthy brother , as he always tier-:, alighte 1 on the charities . It is well known that Pro . Pickford is a regular beggar
futile Masonic charities . lie never misses a Masooic dinner : he never forgets his mission--his mis . ion is charity , and his appcri is generally irres-siole . He tells a plain , unvarnished talc , docs Bro . Pickford . This is the tale he told al lhe Town-hall . Ponlypool . First ( sail Bro . Pickford ) as to our charkies . The number of age I
Brethren receiving annuities lasi year was Q . i . The girls ' school has been rebuilt , and the pupils are increased to 100 . The boys ' school now accommodates 115 pupils . So far as to the charities , which commend themselves to the sympathies of every true Mason . I entreat every Brother to be prompt in paying his contribution towards the maintenance of these noble institutions . Our lodges
Freemasonry In Monmouthshire.
have increased from 723 in 1 S 44 ., to 1 , 310 in 1869 . The number of certificates of newly-made Masons have increased from 1 , 584 to 7 , 000 per annum . The income of the craft ha "; increased in proportion , and that income amounted to over . £ 38 . 000 in 1 S 69 . Now , brethren ( continued the speaker ) , the e is no landmark that forbids the presence of ladies nt o . ir banquets ( loud cheers ) , and
I hope lhe time is near at hand when they shall grace every Masonic table in the land ( hear , hear ) . Worshipful Master , I am proud to think it has been our good fortune to be honoured by having a gcn . leman of your position to preside over us , who is capab'e , willing , desirous , and anxious to work for the good of the craft ( applause ) . Before he sat down Bro . Pickford wished to mention a
circumstance , which , although a matter of history , might not be generally known . He found that there was a Masonic lodge at Pontypool as early as 1732 . In that year Sir Robert de Cornwall was appointed P . G . M . for the Counties of Worcester , Gloucester , Monmouih , and Hereford . No . 160 , Hiram Lodge , was at Pontypool , and its location was the Red Lion Inn . Doubtless some
of the Brethren would be able to throw further light on the subject . The I . PAL proposed the next toast , viz .: — "The W . M ., 125 S , " and spoke in terms of high commendation ofthe manner in which Bro . Kennard had discharged bis lodge duties , and the brig ht promise his conduct gave of his . Masonic future . He made especial allusion to Bro .
Kennard as the probable Grand Master of this province . Bro . KENNARD , W . M ., acknowlejged the compliment in a speech characterise . ! by modesty and good sense . The next toast proposal by the W . M , was lhat of " The Installing Master , Bro . Thomas . " Bro . Kennard acknowledged the deep obligation ofthe Kennard Lodge to Bro . Thomas for his services as XV . M . in the first year
ofthe lodge ' s existence . The speaker enlarged on the difficulties of acquiring the Masonic ritual , and exhorted the officers of the lodge to " gird up their loins" and " quit themselves like men " in the ensuing Masonic campaign at Pontypool . Before he sat down he bail a pleasing duty to perform . As a slight recognition of the services of Bro . B . Thomas a fund had been contributed
wherewith a service of plate had been purchased , which the Kennard Lodge desired to present to Bro . Thomas . The W . M . expressed his regret lhat the testimonial was not of more intrinsic value , bnt it was generally understood that Bro . Thomas desired that the Masonic testimonial should be a testimonial to his wife as well as to himself , lie therefore selected a tea and coffee service , on
which was inscribed , " Presented to Bro . Bartholomew Thomas , P . M ., by the members of the Kennard Lodge , 125 S . as a slig ht recognition of his services as their first W . M . 20 th ' June , 1 S 70 . " Bro . B . THOMAS most feelingly returned thanks . In the course of his remarks , he said lhat during lhe past year he had initiated , as Master ofthe Kennard Loilgs , twenty
good men and true . He had also been Master of the Silurian , and taking collectively lhe initiations during his Masonic experience , he could say that he had initiated as many candidates as years he had live I in the world . ( Cheers . ) He concluded by re ' . terr . t ' . ng his unfeigned thanks . "The Lvlges of Mr . i'ur . ith shire , " p-oposcd by Bro . DEMAY , was respa ide . l to by Bro . G JiUEN ,
Abergavenny . Bro . GRIFFITHS , S . W ., proposed "The Visitors , " to which Bros . WAKE , W . M . of lhe Bute Lodge ; CllAMUKRS , W . M ., Isca , 6 S 3 ; DEM .-W , 120 ; T . WILLIAMS , 6 ' 3 j ; Du ' ir . s , Abcrsyc . ian , ai I a brother f . -. mi Lio-uinster , aU Past Masters , relumed thanks . Bro . II . J . GllATTi-:, as S . W . of the Silurian , responded on behalf
ofthe W . M . of that lodge , who was unavoidably absent . Referring to Bro . Pickford's remarks as to the antiquity of Masonry at Pontypool , Bro . DAVIES said he had bought the furniture of a Masonic lodge at Pontypool for lire-con , and that furniture now remained at Brecon . It might still be proved that Pontypool was the mother lodge of the province . Bv Bro . IIELLIEK : "The Officers and Brethren of the
Kennard Lodge , 1 , 2 53 , responded to by Bros . GRIFFITH and WOOLLEY . By Bro . THOMAS WILLIAMS : "The newly-initiated brethren , viz ., Bro . Win . Richards , Ganvliflaith ; Bro . Mitchell , i , 2 iS : Bros . C . D . Phillips , A . P . Williams , anil W . II . Pickford , 471 . " The occasion was remarkable , inasmuch as three " Lewises , " the sons of Master Masons , were received as " entered apprentices" at the
same 11111 : 1 . The succeeding toasts wove : " The Secretary , " " The Vocalists an 1 Instrumentalists , " "The Ladies , " in connection with which toa-t ih ; W . M . look occasion 10 acknowlc Ige the ban Isome kin lnes-i of Mrs . Leigh in sendin : ' the choices : plants in her c msjrvatorv to grace the
ban [ net hall . Bro . J AC-ills iv-pon led . " I ne health or Bro . Dcin . i ; - ' . a . i'l tha . iks lo him for his handsome present lo the lo Ige . " "The Masinic Cnrkies " was r . lo-pienlly given by Bro . Tin ' s I . t . wis , a . ' icr which the Tyler ' s toast , "To all distressed Masons & :., brou -lit lhe mcetie . g to a close .
Bro . Carpenters article ; reports of the Annual Communication of Grand l . o ' gc of New Vi rk , lhe Grand Comma ' . i I cry of Michag . in , Lodge 160 ( Rochford ) , the "OMGlo ' o . ; " picnic ; " Cl .-ve .-l 1 : 1 I , ' Lin's lo Abhy liex Lodge ( Irel . m 1 ) , & .:., X : c ., stm 1 over til nea week . THE L-.- ') 111 on Lodge . No . I 32 <\ will be c
lliccrated at the Red Lion ( Intel . Hampton , Middlesex , on a Satuvday in July , and lhe 1 'iov . ( . ] . See ., Bro . Little will prob . ib' . v perform the C 2 _ -j moiv . The first W . M . is Bro . J . T . Moss , and the Wardens Bros . S . Wickens and W . Harvey . This will make twelve lodges in Middlesex .