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Article PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF HERTFORDSHIRE. Page 1 of 2 Article PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF HERTFORDSHIRE. Page 1 of 2 Article PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF HERTFORDSHIRE. Page 1 of 2 →
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Provincial Grand Lodge Of Hertfordshire.
PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF HERTFORDSHIRE .
The annual meeting of the Provincial Grand Lodge was held atthe Shire Hall , Hertford , on Wednesday , under the banner of the Hertford Lodge . The R . VV . Bro . T . F . Halsey , M . P ., Prov . G . M ., presided , and in addition to the following Prov . Grand Officers , there was a large attendance of brethren from lodges in the province and ai a distance :
—Bros . F . H . Wilson lies , M . D ., D . P . G . M .,- F . Shillitoe , 449 , S . G . W . ; Rev . Lewis Deedes , G . C . ; George Finch , 404 , G . C . ; F . Sumner Knyvett , G . T . ; John E . Dawson , G . S . ; H . Balderson , J . G . D . ; J . Knight , G . Supt . of Works ; *) . Terry , G . D . of C . The Lodge having been duly opened , the minutes of the Prov . Grand Lodge held
on the iGth July , 1 SS 1 , were read and confirmed , and the roll of Prov . Grand Officers and of lodges was called . On the motion of Bro . T . S . Carter , Bro . F . Sumner Knyvett was unanimously re-elected Prov . Grand Treasurer . The following brethren were appointed Prov . Grand Officers for the ensuing year , and were duly invested in their respective offices : —
Bro . F . H . Wilson lies , P . M . 404 ... Prov . G . D . P . M „ L E . Cussans , VV . M . 403 ... Prov . G . S . W . „ " VV . H . Hobson , P . M . 504 ... Prov . G . J . W .
>• g * ' * ™ , ' - ? ? de ; j > ' * * 4 ° * j Prov . G . Chaps „ Rev . C . C . Ewbank , . 149 3 F . Summer Knyvett , P . G . S ., 404 Prov . G . Treas „ R . B . Croft , S . W . 403 Prov . G . Reg .
„ John E . Dawson , P . P . S . G . W ., P . M . 404 Prov . G . Sec . Frederick Levick , P . M . 404 ... Prov . G . S . D . „ VV . E . Gompertz , jun ., VV . M . S 69 Prov . G . J . D . ,, I . S . Taylor , P . M . 409 Prov . G . S . of VV „ James Terry , P . M . 1327 ... Prov . G . D . of C „ George F . Cook , Treas . 15 S 0 ... Prov . G . A . D . C .
„ ohn 1 'islier , \ v . ill . 1327 ... rrov . ij . awo . a „ E . R . P . Francis , J . VV . 403 ... Prov . G . Org . „ Thomas Woodman , W . M . 1757 Prov . G . Purst . „ Frank Hall , Sec . 403 Prov . G . A . Purst Bros . Samuel Neale , Frederick Taylor , "V Alex . J . Small Joseph Hunt ( p Q g d W . J . Morris , 1 . D . Medcalf , l Hertford , 403 J
Bro . Thomas Wright , 403 7 . Prov . a T , ers . „ Charles Thomas , 1580 ) J The PROV . G RAND MASTER brought under the notice of Prov . Grand Lodge the subject of the contributions to the Fund of Benevolence , proposed by Bro . J . M . Clabon , P . G . D . atthe Ouarterly Communication of Grand Lodge held on the 7 th June , on which occasion the question was postponed in order that an opportunity might be afforded to the Prov .
Grand Lodges ot considering whether any increase should be made to the quarterage at present paid to Grand Lodge . After some discussion , a resolution was proposed approving the increased payment by Prov . Grand Lodges suggested by Bro . J . M . Clabon , whereupon an amendment was moved and subsequently carried to the effect that the matter be referred to the respective lodges in the province for an expression of opinion thereon , in order that the
Prov . Grand Master might be in a position to communicate to Grand Lodge the feeling of the province on the subject . The report of the Board of Finance was then presented by the Prov . Grand Treasurer and adopted , and the following resolutions were passed : 1 . On the motion of Bro . T . S . Carter " That twenty guineas be voted from the funds of Prov . Grand Lodge to the Royal Masonic Institution for Girls . " 2 . On the motion of Bro . J . Terry , " That £ 10
be voted to the Hertford Lodge towards defraying the expenses of entertaining Prov . Grand Lodge . " 3 . On the motion of Bro . J . E . Cussans , "That ten guineas be voted from the funds of Prov . Grand Lodge to the General Infirmary at Hertford . " 4 . On the motion of Bro . F . Sumner Knyvett , "That the sum of £ 30 be voted from Prov . Grand Lodge to refund to Bro . George Lambert , the amount he advanced to the late Bro . Thomas Thomas , the Prov . Grand Tyler . " 5 . On the motion of Bro . John E . Dawson , " That the publication of the Prov . Calendar be
continued , " the usefulness of which was strongly referred to by the Prov . Grand Master . Bro . J AMES TERRY , Prov . Grand Director of Ceremonies , moved , pursuant to notice , the desirability of establishing a Charity Organisation for the province , which was favourably received , and a Committee , composed of the Prov . Grand Master , D . Prov . Grand Master , Grand Treasurer , Grand Secretary , and the various W . M . ' s of lodges and
Principals of chapters in the province , was appointed to frame rules for carrying out the proposal . The Prov . Grand Lodge having been closed with the usual ceremonies , the brethren afterwards partook of an excellent banquet in the Assembly Room , the evident forethought displayed in the arrangements eliciting the hearty appreciation of the brethren . Bro . T . F . Halsey , M . P ., Prov . Grand Master , presided ,
and on his right and left were V . W . Bro . Shadwell H . Clerke , G . Sec ; VV . Bros . Raynham VV . Stewart , P . G . D . ; George Lambert , Past G . Swd . Br . ; VV . Clark , P . G . P . ; A . C . S . Paul " , P . P . G . Salop ; F . H . Wilson , lies , M . D ., D . P . G . M . ; John 11 . Dawson , P . G . Sec ; Thos . S . Carter , P . P . J . G . W ., P . M . 403 ; Bros . Abel Smith , M . P ., 403 ; Hon . Baron Dimsdale , 403 ; Rev . Lewis Deedes , P . M . 403 , P . G . C . ; Rev . C . C . Ewbank , 449 , P . G . C . ; A .
Stradling , W . M . 574 ; J . E . Cussans , 403 , P . G . W . ; W . H . Hobson , 504 , P . G . J . W . ; K . Sumner Knyvett , 404 , P . G . T . ; F . Levick , 404 , P . G . S . D . ; VV . E . Gompertz , jun ., SG 9 ; P . G . J . D . ; J . S . Taylor , P . M . 409 , P . G . Supt . ; VV . [ . Terry , P . M . 1327 , P . G . D . C ; G . F . Cook , 15 S 0 , P . G . A . D . C ; ] . Fisher , 1327 , P . G . S . B . ; E . K . P . Francis , 403 , P . G . O . ; T . Woodman , 1757 , G . P . ; F . Hall , 403 , A . G . P . ; S . Neale . 403 , G . S . ; F . Taylor , 403 , G . S . ; A . J . Small , 403 , G . S . ; J . Hunt , 403 G . S . ; VV . J . Morris , 403 , G . S . ; T . D . Medcalf ,
, 403 , G . S . ; T . Wright , 403 , P . G . T . ; C Thomas , 15 S 0 , P . G . T . ; George Mickley , P . M . 449 , P . P . G . J . D . ; J . J . Hatton , VV . M . 504 ; VV . F . Crutch , P . M . 127 S ; Geo , Young , S . VV . 1757 * VV . Gilbert , 1327 . P . f . G . J . W . ; John Royes , S . VV . 1327 j C . B . Cheese , P . G . A . D . C , ' W . M . SGn ; R . Shillitoe , P . M . 449 , P . P . G . J . VV . ; Chas . , r ? r : ii- 1 . wr i \ T . -c ~ . l ,. l , „ l ) .... r . ii- l > VI . . ™ PP milieu \ i / ..
rv . , v . »» . ijou , juun » uuuu , . ..... , ^ -j , . G . S . B . ; VV . R . Dixon , S . VV . SO 9 ; C . Willoughby Reynolds , VV . M . 1479 ; Thos . Kent , P . M . 1479 , P . P . G . J . D . ; T . S . Holland , S . VV . 8 G 9 ; J . R . Cocks , Treas . and P . M . 403 , P . P . J . G . W . ; J . Shilcock , P . M . 44 'j , P . P . J . G . W . ; C . Drummond , P . M . 403 . P . P . G . S . B . ; | . Cutbush , P . M . 1585 , P . P . G . A . D . C . ; Percy VV . Tay ! or , ' P . M . 409 , P . P . J .
Provincial Grand Lodge Of Hertfordshire.
G . W . ; J . Boatwright , P . M . 403 , P . P . G . S . of W . ; H . Campkin , P . M . 403 , P . P . G . S . D . ; H . W . Heard , P . M . 449 , P . P . G . J . D . ; Edgar Bowyer , P . P . S . G . W . ; Stephen Austin , P . P . S . W ., P . M . 403 ; Robt . T . Andrews , P . P . J . W ., P . M . 403 ; VV . Warrener , P . M . 403 , P . P . J . D . ; Geo . F . Cook , Treas . and P . M . 13 S 0 ; Geo . Young , 979 , I . P . M ., S . W . 1757 ; Geo . Turner , 70 ; J . W . Newman , I-, 27 ; William Lewis , 13 S 5 , D . C ; George Webster ,
55 ; I . VV . Ramsay , M . D ., P . M . 259 ; L . J . Myers , W . S . 1479 ; VV . Cosens , 31 ; J- D . Medcalf , P . M . 403 , R-l - j . D . ; George T . Big-ley , M . C . 8 G 9 ; H . Radcliffe , P . M . S 5 S ; VV . Smith , I D . 409 ; J . J . Dorman , 403 ; VV . Sworder , S . D . 449 ; John H . Rose , 1 G 77 ; Henry Hughes , SGg ; lames Poulton , 403 ; C . H . K . Gilbertson , 403 : J . F . VV . Wells , 403 ; j . G . Burnard , 403 ; F . Roberts , 403 and others .
, After the dinner had been served , and grace sung , The PROV . G . M . proposed " The Oueen and the Craft , " which was received \ vith _ great applause , and was drunk , as were all the succeeding toasts , with Masonic honours . The PROV . G . M . next proposed " The Health of His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales , the Most VVorshipful Grand Master . " He felt convinced that he had only to
mention the name of the Most Worshipful Grand Master to ensure that the toast would be received with the enthusiasm which it so much deserved . During thc period—a long period now—he had presided over the Grand Lodge , Masonry , as they all well knew , had made great strides ; and some of them also knew that on the occasion of Grand Lodge meeting to congratulate Her Majesty on her escape from the attack of a would-be assassin , the crowd of
Masons who attended was so great that many brethren from this province were unable to obtain admission . They had heard something during the day of a proposal to increase their payments and subscriptions to the Fund of Benevolence , but the large attendance on the occasion in question made onc almost fear that they would shortly be called upon to face the question of whether it would not be necessary lo erect a larger Masonic hall . But he would
not go into that question at that time , it being one for the future rather than the present moment , but they must all rejoice at the continued prosperity which is marking the progress of the Craft , not only in its numbers—for an increase merely in numbers was not the best test of its prosperity—but in its increased efficiency , tbe largely increased amounts given to their charitable institutions , and the good feeling and enthusiasm that seemed to pervade all the
brethren , from Grand Lodge to all the private lodges . They must all hope and trust that spirit would continue and prosper still more , and that the Most Worshipful Grand Master would be spared for very many years to come to preside over a body whose welfare he knew His Royal Highness had very much at heart , and in whom he was very greatly interested . The toast met with an enthusiastic reception .
The PROVINCIAL GRAND MASTER said he had next to propose a toast which came nearer home to them , inasmuch as they had some of the brethren present to whom it referred . He begged to propose " The Most Worshipful the Pro Grand Master , the Deputy Grand Master , and the rest of the Grand Ollicers , Present and Past . " He said it was not necessary for him to say much respecting the Most VVorshipful the Pro Grand Alaster . They all kne . v how
efficiently the Earl of Carnarvon discharged the duties of the ollice " when it was necessary for him to preside in the absence of the Most VVorshipful Grand Master . They were acquainted with the great interest he took in the progress of the Craft , and the command of language he possessed in whicli to clothe his thoughts when he addressed them . 'They also knew the ability of the Earl of Lathom , the Deputy Grand Master , who was a true Mason , and in every
respect well calculated to uphold the interests of the Craft . The merits of the rest of the Grand Oflicers were well known to those to whom he was speaking , and they were also acquainted with the zeal and enthsiasm they displayed , as well as the courtesy with which they met the members of the various lodges . They were honoured with the presence of the Grand Secretary , on whose shoulders most of the labour of the Grand Lodge fell . It gave them very great
pleasure to have this officer present , and he could not but remember that on the last occasion the Provincial Grand Lodge met in Hertford , the Grand Secretary ' s predecessor in his office installed him as Provincial Grand Master . It must be gratifying to them all that on the next occasion of visiting Hertford they were honoured with the presence of the present Grand Secretary . Bro . Lambert , whose name was a household word amongst them , was also present ;
and Bro . Raynham Stewart , whose name was well known to them . Bro . Clark , also , whose name was well known , was present , and he ( the Provincial Grand Master ) felt sure that when such brethren came to visit them , they would give them such a hearty welcome that they would be induced to come again . He coupled with the toast the name of the Grand Secretary . The toast was received with loud applause . Bro . Col . SHADWELL H . CI . ERKE , Grand Sec , on rising
to respond to the toast , was received with great applause . After returning his thanks for the very kind way in which the toast had been received , he said the Provincial Grand Master had referred to the more important Grand Lodge Officers in such a manner that it was quite unnecessary , and would be even presumptuous , for him to say anything about them . He might , however , just be allowed to state that they looked up to Lord Lathom for assistance and
guidance in all matters of doubt and difficulty , and it was very much in this way that they maintained the prestige of the Grand Lodge of England . He was sorry that all the Grand Lodge Officers were not there on that occasion . All the officers of Grand Lodge felt it to be a very high honour to be appointed to their respective places , and they might be looked to in the future , as in the past , to put their shoulders to the wheel to further the interests of Masonry .
It was exceedingly gratifying to them to lind that their merits were appreciated , and that they were always so cordially received . Personally , he thanked them for their cordial reception . This was the first time he had visited Hertford ; this had not arisen through the default of the Provincial Grand Master , but from the fact that his
engagements being so numerous he had hitherto been unable to accept an invitation . He experienced a great deal of pleasure in coming to Hertford , and this partly arose from the fact that he had a personal acquaintance with many members of the Provincial Grand Lodge , whom he was happy to meet . He congratulated the Provincial Grand Master on the position he held . The province was not large ; it was
Provincial Grand Lodge Of Hertfordshire.
far from that ; but numbers , as the Provincial Grand Master had said , were not a test altogether of prosperity . There was in this province a strong fraternal feeling , a bond of unity , which was unsurpassed in any Grand Lodge in England . ( Great applause . ) 'They were fortunate in having to preside over them in this province a gentleman who was beloved and esteemed by every one ; but while this was the case , he had to turn to the Provincial Grand Master , and
congratulate him on presiding over such a province as Hertfordshire . The D . P . G . M ., Bro . J- * . H . Wu . so . v ILES , M . D ., said the pleasing duty devolved on him to propose the next toast , which was " The Health of the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master . " He said this province was fortunate in being presided over by a gentleman who took the greatest possible interest in Masonry in all its branches ,
and in addition to his intimate knowledge of thc Craft and ability in it , he was possessed of a large share of courtesy and kindly feeling , which was shown to every Brother in the province . He trusted that he would be enabled for many years to come to preside over them . When the Provincial Grand Master was installed eight years previously , eight lodges in the province were handed over to his care
and now the number of lodges had increased to eleven . He ventured to think that the example set by the Provincial Grand Master had had a good deal to do , not only with this increase in the number , but with the increased general efficiency of the Craft . He now asked them to drink the health of the Provincial Grand Master with the greatest cordiality . The toast was received with the greatest enthusiasm .
lhe PROVINCIAL GRAND MASTER said he had to thank them most cordially tor the very kind reception they had given to the toast of his health . He could only say that he telt this kindness very deeply , and he ventured to hope that the Provincial Grand Lodge , coming back to Hertford after an absence of seven or eight years , would entitle him to say that he had in some degree fulfilled the promises he made —that he wonld endeavour to do his duty—when last he had
the honour of addressing them and returning thanks in that room as their Provincial Grand Master . He specially thanked them for their cordial reception on this occasion , but he was afraid hc must have given the local brethren some considerable amount of trouble . ( " No , no . " ) He could assure them it was unavoidable . At the time when it was originally appointed tbat the Provincial Grand Lodge should meet , he was reduced to a diet of beef tea ; he
could hardly swallow , and was only able to make his wants known by means of the deaf and dumb alphabet , with which fortunately he was acquainted . He knew how inconvenient it was to postpone a meeting at so short a notice , and his first thought was to ask his Deputy to take his place , bu t he iound that Bro . Wilson lies would be unable to be present on the day originally fixed , and , therefore , there was no alternative but to postpone the meeting . He knew by
experience that postponed meetings sometimes turned out failures , but he was happy to say that the result had not followed on this occasion . ( Great applause . ) He bad to thank the local brethren for thc most kind and cordial manner in which Ihey had received him , and he sincerely trusted that as long as he had the honour to preside over thc Provincial Grand Lodge they would go on prospering in the future as they had done in the past . Bro . lies had
mentioned the increase of lodges in the province , and , although they never could hope to see their numbers so large as in some provinces in the North of England , he ventured to think that for a small country province they stood in a remarkable good position , and he hoped that before long at least one more lodge would be added to their roll . He also ventured to think that although they were small in numbers , they stood second to none in a true Masonic
spirit , as was shown by their contributions to the various Institutions belonging to them . He had only to repeat that as long as he had the honour to preside over the province he should endeavour faithfully to do his duty in maintaining its efficiency ; and he not only trusted that it would continue to prosper , but he was sure it would do so . The PROV . G . M . said he was sure the next toast would be well received . It was " ' The VVorshipful Deputy
Provincial Grand Alaster , and the rest of the Provincial Grand Officers , Present and Past . " It had been his good fortune that ever since hc had the honour of presiding over thc province he had been most ably and efficiently supported by the Provincial Grand Lodge Officers who had served under him , and he trusted that would always be the case . As to their Worshipful Deputy Provincial Grand Master , he did not think it was necessary for him to say much
about him ; he was known to all in the province , but he would venture to say that no Grand Master ever had been better served or had more useful work done for him , nor had there ever been a more efficient Deputy . He was most indefatigable in visiting the lodges iii the province , and even those lodges that were situated at a distance from his home were not forgotten . He was also diligent in reporting to him the condition of the lodgesand in
, maintaining their efficiency . In fact , he looked on Bro . lies as a model Deputy , and as to his efficiency , he did not think there was a brother in the province who could hold a candle to him in respect of the excellent manner in which he conducted their various ceremonies . He trusted that the newly-appointed officers would look up to him , and frame their conduct according to the example he set them ; if they did that , and took him as their model in
everything , the cause of Masonry would prosper and flourish in thc province in the future as it had done in the past . Thc toast was received with great applause . The DEPUTV PROVINCIAL GRAND MASTER ( Bro . F . H . Wilson lies , M . D . ) on rising to return thanks for the toast , was received with great applause . He said that by attending there in such large numbers the past officers of the province were showing that their zeal for Masonry bad
not goneoutwith their term of office , but that they were still to the front . There were many present on whom the Provincial Grand Master had conferred the purple , but there were also present many on whom his predecessor had conferred it , and he wished particularly to call attention to their distinguished and esteemed Bro . Stephen Austin , who was in the room . They had heard something that night
about old members , and they might well look up to and esteem a brother who was as a father in his lodge . Bro . Stephen Austin had been for fifty-three years a subscribing member of his lodge , and although he was not now as physically able as had once been , he was as zealous as ever in the cause of Masonry , and he came there that night to welcome the Provincial Grand Master on this his second official visit to Hertford . He desired to return thanks on
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Provincial Grand Lodge Of Hertfordshire.
PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF HERTFORDSHIRE .
The annual meeting of the Provincial Grand Lodge was held atthe Shire Hall , Hertford , on Wednesday , under the banner of the Hertford Lodge . The R . VV . Bro . T . F . Halsey , M . P ., Prov . G . M ., presided , and in addition to the following Prov . Grand Officers , there was a large attendance of brethren from lodges in the province and ai a distance :
—Bros . F . H . Wilson lies , M . D ., D . P . G . M .,- F . Shillitoe , 449 , S . G . W . ; Rev . Lewis Deedes , G . C . ; George Finch , 404 , G . C . ; F . Sumner Knyvett , G . T . ; John E . Dawson , G . S . ; H . Balderson , J . G . D . ; J . Knight , G . Supt . of Works ; *) . Terry , G . D . of C . The Lodge having been duly opened , the minutes of the Prov . Grand Lodge held
on the iGth July , 1 SS 1 , were read and confirmed , and the roll of Prov . Grand Officers and of lodges was called . On the motion of Bro . T . S . Carter , Bro . F . Sumner Knyvett was unanimously re-elected Prov . Grand Treasurer . The following brethren were appointed Prov . Grand Officers for the ensuing year , and were duly invested in their respective offices : —
Bro . F . H . Wilson lies , P . M . 404 ... Prov . G . D . P . M „ L E . Cussans , VV . M . 403 ... Prov . G . S . W . „ " VV . H . Hobson , P . M . 504 ... Prov . G . J . W .
>• g * ' * ™ , ' - ? ? de ; j > ' * * 4 ° * j Prov . G . Chaps „ Rev . C . C . Ewbank , . 149 3 F . Summer Knyvett , P . G . S ., 404 Prov . G . Treas „ R . B . Croft , S . W . 403 Prov . G . Reg .
„ John E . Dawson , P . P . S . G . W ., P . M . 404 Prov . G . Sec . Frederick Levick , P . M . 404 ... Prov . G . S . D . „ VV . E . Gompertz , jun ., VV . M . S 69 Prov . G . J . D . ,, I . S . Taylor , P . M . 409 Prov . G . S . of VV „ James Terry , P . M . 1327 ... Prov . G . D . of C „ George F . Cook , Treas . 15 S 0 ... Prov . G . A . D . C .
„ ohn 1 'islier , \ v . ill . 1327 ... rrov . ij . awo . a „ E . R . P . Francis , J . VV . 403 ... Prov . G . Org . „ Thomas Woodman , W . M . 1757 Prov . G . Purst . „ Frank Hall , Sec . 403 Prov . G . A . Purst Bros . Samuel Neale , Frederick Taylor , "V Alex . J . Small Joseph Hunt ( p Q g d W . J . Morris , 1 . D . Medcalf , l Hertford , 403 J
Bro . Thomas Wright , 403 7 . Prov . a T , ers . „ Charles Thomas , 1580 ) J The PROV . G RAND MASTER brought under the notice of Prov . Grand Lodge the subject of the contributions to the Fund of Benevolence , proposed by Bro . J . M . Clabon , P . G . D . atthe Ouarterly Communication of Grand Lodge held on the 7 th June , on which occasion the question was postponed in order that an opportunity might be afforded to the Prov .
Grand Lodges ot considering whether any increase should be made to the quarterage at present paid to Grand Lodge . After some discussion , a resolution was proposed approving the increased payment by Prov . Grand Lodges suggested by Bro . J . M . Clabon , whereupon an amendment was moved and subsequently carried to the effect that the matter be referred to the respective lodges in the province for an expression of opinion thereon , in order that the
Prov . Grand Master might be in a position to communicate to Grand Lodge the feeling of the province on the subject . The report of the Board of Finance was then presented by the Prov . Grand Treasurer and adopted , and the following resolutions were passed : 1 . On the motion of Bro . T . S . Carter " That twenty guineas be voted from the funds of Prov . Grand Lodge to the Royal Masonic Institution for Girls . " 2 . On the motion of Bro . J . Terry , " That £ 10
be voted to the Hertford Lodge towards defraying the expenses of entertaining Prov . Grand Lodge . " 3 . On the motion of Bro . J . E . Cussans , "That ten guineas be voted from the funds of Prov . Grand Lodge to the General Infirmary at Hertford . " 4 . On the motion of Bro . F . Sumner Knyvett , "That the sum of £ 30 be voted from Prov . Grand Lodge to refund to Bro . George Lambert , the amount he advanced to the late Bro . Thomas Thomas , the Prov . Grand Tyler . " 5 . On the motion of Bro . John E . Dawson , " That the publication of the Prov . Calendar be
continued , " the usefulness of which was strongly referred to by the Prov . Grand Master . Bro . J AMES TERRY , Prov . Grand Director of Ceremonies , moved , pursuant to notice , the desirability of establishing a Charity Organisation for the province , which was favourably received , and a Committee , composed of the Prov . Grand Master , D . Prov . Grand Master , Grand Treasurer , Grand Secretary , and the various W . M . ' s of lodges and
Principals of chapters in the province , was appointed to frame rules for carrying out the proposal . The Prov . Grand Lodge having been closed with the usual ceremonies , the brethren afterwards partook of an excellent banquet in the Assembly Room , the evident forethought displayed in the arrangements eliciting the hearty appreciation of the brethren . Bro . T . F . Halsey , M . P ., Prov . Grand Master , presided ,
and on his right and left were V . W . Bro . Shadwell H . Clerke , G . Sec ; VV . Bros . Raynham VV . Stewart , P . G . D . ; George Lambert , Past G . Swd . Br . ; VV . Clark , P . G . P . ; A . C . S . Paul " , P . P . G . Salop ; F . H . Wilson , lies , M . D ., D . P . G . M . ; John 11 . Dawson , P . G . Sec ; Thos . S . Carter , P . P . J . G . W ., P . M . 403 ; Bros . Abel Smith , M . P ., 403 ; Hon . Baron Dimsdale , 403 ; Rev . Lewis Deedes , P . M . 403 , P . G . C . ; Rev . C . C . Ewbank , 449 , P . G . C . ; A .
Stradling , W . M . 574 ; J . E . Cussans , 403 , P . G . W . ; W . H . Hobson , 504 , P . G . J . W . ; K . Sumner Knyvett , 404 , P . G . T . ; F . Levick , 404 , P . G . S . D . ; VV . E . Gompertz , jun ., SG 9 ; P . G . J . D . ; J . S . Taylor , P . M . 409 , P . G . Supt . ; VV . [ . Terry , P . M . 1327 , P . G . D . C ; G . F . Cook , 15 S 0 , P . G . A . D . C ; ] . Fisher , 1327 , P . G . S . B . ; E . K . P . Francis , 403 , P . G . O . ; T . Woodman , 1757 , G . P . ; F . Hall , 403 , A . G . P . ; S . Neale . 403 , G . S . ; F . Taylor , 403 , G . S . ; A . J . Small , 403 , G . S . ; J . Hunt , 403 G . S . ; VV . J . Morris , 403 , G . S . ; T . D . Medcalf ,
, 403 , G . S . ; T . Wright , 403 , P . G . T . ; C Thomas , 15 S 0 , P . G . T . ; George Mickley , P . M . 449 , P . P . G . J . D . ; J . J . Hatton , VV . M . 504 ; VV . F . Crutch , P . M . 127 S ; Geo , Young , S . VV . 1757 * VV . Gilbert , 1327 . P . f . G . J . W . ; John Royes , S . VV . 1327 j C . B . Cheese , P . G . A . D . C , ' W . M . SGn ; R . Shillitoe , P . M . 449 , P . P . G . J . VV . ; Chas . , r ? r : ii- 1 . wr i \ T . -c ~ . l ,. l , „ l ) .... r . ii- l > VI . . ™ PP milieu \ i / ..
rv . , v . »» . ijou , juun » uuuu , . ..... , ^ -j , . G . S . B . ; VV . R . Dixon , S . VV . SO 9 ; C . Willoughby Reynolds , VV . M . 1479 ; Thos . Kent , P . M . 1479 , P . P . G . J . D . ; T . S . Holland , S . VV . 8 G 9 ; J . R . Cocks , Treas . and P . M . 403 , P . P . J . G . W . ; J . Shilcock , P . M . 44 'j , P . P . J . G . W . ; C . Drummond , P . M . 403 . P . P . G . S . B . ; | . Cutbush , P . M . 1585 , P . P . G . A . D . C . ; Percy VV . Tay ! or , ' P . M . 409 , P . P . J .
Provincial Grand Lodge Of Hertfordshire.
G . W . ; J . Boatwright , P . M . 403 , P . P . G . S . of W . ; H . Campkin , P . M . 403 , P . P . G . S . D . ; H . W . Heard , P . M . 449 , P . P . G . J . D . ; Edgar Bowyer , P . P . S . G . W . ; Stephen Austin , P . P . S . W ., P . M . 403 ; Robt . T . Andrews , P . P . J . W ., P . M . 403 ; VV . Warrener , P . M . 403 , P . P . J . D . ; Geo . F . Cook , Treas . and P . M . 13 S 0 ; Geo . Young , 979 , I . P . M ., S . W . 1757 ; Geo . Turner , 70 ; J . W . Newman , I-, 27 ; William Lewis , 13 S 5 , D . C ; George Webster ,
55 ; I . VV . Ramsay , M . D ., P . M . 259 ; L . J . Myers , W . S . 1479 ; VV . Cosens , 31 ; J- D . Medcalf , P . M . 403 , R-l - j . D . ; George T . Big-ley , M . C . 8 G 9 ; H . Radcliffe , P . M . S 5 S ; VV . Smith , I D . 409 ; J . J . Dorman , 403 ; VV . Sworder , S . D . 449 ; John H . Rose , 1 G 77 ; Henry Hughes , SGg ; lames Poulton , 403 ; C . H . K . Gilbertson , 403 : J . F . VV . Wells , 403 ; j . G . Burnard , 403 ; F . Roberts , 403 and others .
, After the dinner had been served , and grace sung , The PROV . G . M . proposed " The Oueen and the Craft , " which was received \ vith _ great applause , and was drunk , as were all the succeeding toasts , with Masonic honours . The PROV . G . M . next proposed " The Health of His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales , the Most VVorshipful Grand Master . " He felt convinced that he had only to
mention the name of the Most Worshipful Grand Master to ensure that the toast would be received with the enthusiasm which it so much deserved . During thc period—a long period now—he had presided over the Grand Lodge , Masonry , as they all well knew , had made great strides ; and some of them also knew that on the occasion of Grand Lodge meeting to congratulate Her Majesty on her escape from the attack of a would-be assassin , the crowd of
Masons who attended was so great that many brethren from this province were unable to obtain admission . They had heard something during the day of a proposal to increase their payments and subscriptions to the Fund of Benevolence , but the large attendance on the occasion in question made onc almost fear that they would shortly be called upon to face the question of whether it would not be necessary lo erect a larger Masonic hall . But he would
not go into that question at that time , it being one for the future rather than the present moment , but they must all rejoice at the continued prosperity which is marking the progress of the Craft , not only in its numbers—for an increase merely in numbers was not the best test of its prosperity—but in its increased efficiency , tbe largely increased amounts given to their charitable institutions , and the good feeling and enthusiasm that seemed to pervade all the
brethren , from Grand Lodge to all the private lodges . They must all hope and trust that spirit would continue and prosper still more , and that the Most Worshipful Grand Master would be spared for very many years to come to preside over a body whose welfare he knew His Royal Highness had very much at heart , and in whom he was very greatly interested . The toast met with an enthusiastic reception .
The PROVINCIAL GRAND MASTER said he had next to propose a toast which came nearer home to them , inasmuch as they had some of the brethren present to whom it referred . He begged to propose " The Most Worshipful the Pro Grand Master , the Deputy Grand Master , and the rest of the Grand Ollicers , Present and Past . " He said it was not necessary for him to say much respecting the Most VVorshipful the Pro Grand Alaster . They all kne . v how
efficiently the Earl of Carnarvon discharged the duties of the ollice " when it was necessary for him to preside in the absence of the Most VVorshipful Grand Master . They were acquainted with the great interest he took in the progress of the Craft , and the command of language he possessed in whicli to clothe his thoughts when he addressed them . 'They also knew the ability of the Earl of Lathom , the Deputy Grand Master , who was a true Mason , and in every
respect well calculated to uphold the interests of the Craft . The merits of the rest of the Grand Oflicers were well known to those to whom he was speaking , and they were also acquainted with the zeal and enthsiasm they displayed , as well as the courtesy with which they met the members of the various lodges . They were honoured with the presence of the Grand Secretary , on whose shoulders most of the labour of the Grand Lodge fell . It gave them very great
pleasure to have this officer present , and he could not but remember that on the last occasion the Provincial Grand Lodge met in Hertford , the Grand Secretary ' s predecessor in his office installed him as Provincial Grand Master . It must be gratifying to them all that on the next occasion of visiting Hertford they were honoured with the presence of the present Grand Secretary . Bro . Lambert , whose name was a household word amongst them , was also present ;
and Bro . Raynham Stewart , whose name was well known to them . Bro . Clark , also , whose name was well known , was present , and he ( the Provincial Grand Master ) felt sure that when such brethren came to visit them , they would give them such a hearty welcome that they would be induced to come again . He coupled with the toast the name of the Grand Secretary . The toast was received with loud applause . Bro . Col . SHADWELL H . CI . ERKE , Grand Sec , on rising
to respond to the toast , was received with great applause . After returning his thanks for the very kind way in which the toast had been received , he said the Provincial Grand Master had referred to the more important Grand Lodge Officers in such a manner that it was quite unnecessary , and would be even presumptuous , for him to say anything about them . He might , however , just be allowed to state that they looked up to Lord Lathom for assistance and
guidance in all matters of doubt and difficulty , and it was very much in this way that they maintained the prestige of the Grand Lodge of England . He was sorry that all the Grand Lodge Officers were not there on that occasion . All the officers of Grand Lodge felt it to be a very high honour to be appointed to their respective places , and they might be looked to in the future , as in the past , to put their shoulders to the wheel to further the interests of Masonry .
It was exceedingly gratifying to them to lind that their merits were appreciated , and that they were always so cordially received . Personally , he thanked them for their cordial reception . This was the first time he had visited Hertford ; this had not arisen through the default of the Provincial Grand Master , but from the fact that his
engagements being so numerous he had hitherto been unable to accept an invitation . He experienced a great deal of pleasure in coming to Hertford , and this partly arose from the fact that he had a personal acquaintance with many members of the Provincial Grand Lodge , whom he was happy to meet . He congratulated the Provincial Grand Master on the position he held . The province was not large ; it was
Provincial Grand Lodge Of Hertfordshire.
far from that ; but numbers , as the Provincial Grand Master had said , were not a test altogether of prosperity . There was in this province a strong fraternal feeling , a bond of unity , which was unsurpassed in any Grand Lodge in England . ( Great applause . ) 'They were fortunate in having to preside over them in this province a gentleman who was beloved and esteemed by every one ; but while this was the case , he had to turn to the Provincial Grand Master , and
congratulate him on presiding over such a province as Hertfordshire . The D . P . G . M ., Bro . J- * . H . Wu . so . v ILES , M . D ., said the pleasing duty devolved on him to propose the next toast , which was " The Health of the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master . " He said this province was fortunate in being presided over by a gentleman who took the greatest possible interest in Masonry in all its branches ,
and in addition to his intimate knowledge of thc Craft and ability in it , he was possessed of a large share of courtesy and kindly feeling , which was shown to every Brother in the province . He trusted that he would be enabled for many years to come to preside over them . When the Provincial Grand Master was installed eight years previously , eight lodges in the province were handed over to his care
and now the number of lodges had increased to eleven . He ventured to think that the example set by the Provincial Grand Master had had a good deal to do , not only with this increase in the number , but with the increased general efficiency of the Craft . He now asked them to drink the health of the Provincial Grand Master with the greatest cordiality . The toast was received with the greatest enthusiasm .
lhe PROVINCIAL GRAND MASTER said he had to thank them most cordially tor the very kind reception they had given to the toast of his health . He could only say that he telt this kindness very deeply , and he ventured to hope that the Provincial Grand Lodge , coming back to Hertford after an absence of seven or eight years , would entitle him to say that he had in some degree fulfilled the promises he made —that he wonld endeavour to do his duty—when last he had
the honour of addressing them and returning thanks in that room as their Provincial Grand Master . He specially thanked them for their cordial reception on this occasion , but he was afraid hc must have given the local brethren some considerable amount of trouble . ( " No , no . " ) He could assure them it was unavoidable . At the time when it was originally appointed tbat the Provincial Grand Lodge should meet , he was reduced to a diet of beef tea ; he
could hardly swallow , and was only able to make his wants known by means of the deaf and dumb alphabet , with which fortunately he was acquainted . He knew how inconvenient it was to postpone a meeting at so short a notice , and his first thought was to ask his Deputy to take his place , bu t he iound that Bro . Wilson lies would be unable to be present on the day originally fixed , and , therefore , there was no alternative but to postpone the meeting . He knew by
experience that postponed meetings sometimes turned out failures , but he was happy to say that the result had not followed on this occasion . ( Great applause . ) He bad to thank the local brethren for thc most kind and cordial manner in which Ihey had received him , and he sincerely trusted that as long as he had the honour to preside over thc Provincial Grand Lodge they would go on prospering in the future as they had done in the past . Bro . lies had
mentioned the increase of lodges in the province , and , although they never could hope to see their numbers so large as in some provinces in the North of England , he ventured to think that for a small country province they stood in a remarkable good position , and he hoped that before long at least one more lodge would be added to their roll . He also ventured to think that although they were small in numbers , they stood second to none in a true Masonic
spirit , as was shown by their contributions to the various Institutions belonging to them . He had only to repeat that as long as he had the honour to preside over the province he should endeavour faithfully to do his duty in maintaining its efficiency ; and he not only trusted that it would continue to prosper , but he was sure it would do so . The PROV . G . M . said he was sure the next toast would be well received . It was " ' The VVorshipful Deputy
Provincial Grand Alaster , and the rest of the Provincial Grand Officers , Present and Past . " It had been his good fortune that ever since hc had the honour of presiding over thc province he had been most ably and efficiently supported by the Provincial Grand Lodge Officers who had served under him , and he trusted that would always be the case . As to their Worshipful Deputy Provincial Grand Master , he did not think it was necessary for him to say much
about him ; he was known to all in the province , but he would venture to say that no Grand Master ever had been better served or had more useful work done for him , nor had there ever been a more efficient Deputy . He was most indefatigable in visiting the lodges iii the province , and even those lodges that were situated at a distance from his home were not forgotten . He was also diligent in reporting to him the condition of the lodgesand in
, maintaining their efficiency . In fact , he looked on Bro . lies as a model Deputy , and as to his efficiency , he did not think there was a brother in the province who could hold a candle to him in respect of the excellent manner in which he conducted their various ceremonies . He trusted that the newly-appointed officers would look up to him , and frame their conduct according to the example he set them ; if they did that , and took him as their model in
everything , the cause of Masonry would prosper and flourish in thc province in the future as it had done in the past . Thc toast was received with great applause . The DEPUTV PROVINCIAL GRAND MASTER ( Bro . F . H . Wilson lies , M . D . ) on rising to return thanks for the toast , was received with great applause . He said that by attending there in such large numbers the past officers of the province were showing that their zeal for Masonry bad
not goneoutwith their term of office , but that they were still to the front . There were many present on whom the Provincial Grand Master had conferred the purple , but there were also present many on whom his predecessor had conferred it , and he wished particularly to call attention to their distinguished and esteemed Bro . Stephen Austin , who was in the room . They had heard something that night
about old members , and they might well look up to and esteem a brother who was as a father in his lodge . Bro . Stephen Austin had been for fifty-three years a subscribing member of his lodge , and although he was not now as physically able as had once been , he was as zealous as ever in the cause of Masonry , and he came there that night to welcome the Provincial Grand Master on this his second official visit to Hertford . He desired to return thanks on