Provincial Grand Mark Lodge Of Monmouthshire.

PROVINCIAL GRAND MARK LODGE OF MONMOUTHSHIRE .

The annual meeting of the Provincial Grand Mark Lodge of Monmouthshire was held under the banner of the Keystone Lodge , No . iog , on Monday , the 29 th ult ., at the Masonic Hall , Newport . The proceedings were rendered additionally attractive from the fact that R . W . Bro . Capt . S . Geo . Homftay , the D . P . G . M . of the Province of Monmouth in Craft Masonry , was to be installed the Prov .

Grand Mark Master , and the R . W . Bro . R . C . Else , P . G . M . M . M . of Somerset , was to undertake the duty of Installing Masler . Amongst the distinguished brethren present was V . W . Bro . Frederick Bincltes , Past Grand Warden and the Grand Mark Secretary of England , and the knowledge of his presence on the occasion had drawn together an unusually large assembly of brethren from this and the adioininrr provinces . The brethren present at the lodge

were as follows : Bros . Capt . S . G . Homfray , Prov . G , M . M . ; MajorA . T . Perkins , D . P . G . M . M . M . ; A . J . lSincIair , W . M . ; William Watkins . P . M . and Past G . Std . Br . Eng ; G . Beavis . S . W . ; T . G . Jones , S . O . ; Rev . D . Bowen , Chap . ; Alfred Taylor , P . M . ; J . H . Pettingell , Reg . ; P . J . Reley , S . D . ; Henry John Groves , Org . ; H . Fletcher , Tyler ; B . de Angulo , Hy . Allen , H . Shute . F . H . Phillips , G . Hazall , A . Thornton , C . Cullum , D . P . Phillips , T . W . Mitchell , A . MacMahon , W . J . Dix , P . Prov . G . M . Sec ;

E . T . Evans , G . A . Stephens , of the Grand Lodge of Ireland ; Decimus Fitt ; J . L . Hunter Little , W . M . St . John , P . Prov . G . J . W . ; Herbert Reece Langleyl ; H . Marsh , P . M . St . John's , P . Prov . G . J . O ., P . G . Std . England ; T . Harrhy , P . M . St . John's , P . G . J . W . ; Henry Harris , St . John ' s , P . P . G . O . ; John Jones , I . P . M . St . John ' s , J . O . ; T . G . Thomas , St . John ' s ; T . H . Tomkins , St . John ' s , P . G . S . B . ; J . G . Hedges , Ashlar ; S . O . Peglar , S . O . St . John ' s ; lohn Lewis , P . M . Ashlar , P . G . S . W . ; J . H .

Fowler , Ashlar , P . G . S . O . ; D . Evans , J . D . Ashlar ; J . J . Williams , J . O . Ashlar ; J . R . Davies , M . O . Talbot ; J . H . Taylor , P . G . M . Talbot , I . G . ; G . Golding , W . M . Ashlar ; A . D . Marks , P . M . Langley , Prov . G . Sec . ; J . Mackintosh , Ashlar ; and E . H . Davies , P . P . G . J . 0 . Visitors : Bros . A . Dochitt . S . D . Bridgwater ; Wm . Nott , P . G . M . O . Wilts . ; Wm . Rowe , Langley , P . P . G . J . O . ; C . W . Radway , Royat Cumberland , P . G . D . ; R . B . Carter , Royal Cumberland , P . P . G . W . ; John Walker , Prov . G . M . M . M .

Gloucester , P . M . Cheltenhamand Keystone ; J . R . Ford , D . P . G . M . M . M . Somerset ; R . V . Smith , W . M . Cheltenham and Keystone ; W . C . Banfield , S . W . Canynges ; C . J . Hill , Somerset , P . P . G . P . ; R . C . Else , P . G . M . M . M . Somerset ; T . Rule Owen , W . M . Picton Castle ; J . T . Hallam , Carnarvon , P . G . S . W . ; W . M . Locke ; and others . The order of proceedings embraced a lengthy programme , which was speedily and ably gone through , especially that of the installation ceremony , including that of the obligation , investment , and induction of the Prov . Grand Master into the chair of A . The following is the first list of

the officers appointed by the R . W . Bro . Capt . S . George Homfray , Prov . G . M . M . M .: „ Major A . Thrale Perkins ... Dep . Prov . G . M . „ J . C . Hunter Little Prov . G . S . W . „ Alfred Taylor Prov . G . J . W . „ Rev . O . Bowen ... ... Prov . G . Chap . „ J . Porter Fowler ... ... Prov . G . M . O . „ J . O . Marsh Prov . G . S . O . j .. Andrew McMahon ... ... Prov . G . I . O .

, " Giles Golding Prov . G . R . of M Samuel Davies ... ... Prov . G . Treas . „ Edwin J . Whitley Prov . G . Sec . „ J . Davies ... ... ... Prov . G . A . Sec . „ George Beavis ... ... Prov . G . S . D . „ J . Jewel Williams ... ... Prov . G . J . D . I . Holman Dunn ... ... Prov . G . l . of W „ J . G . Hedges Prov . G . Swd . B

„ S . O . Peglar Prov . G . Std . B . „ H . R . Hudson .,. Prov . G . D . of C „ T . W . Mitchell Prov . G . A . D . C . „ J . G . Thomas Prov . G . l . G . .. A . Thornton ... ... ... 1

» R ?™ el Ev * I Prov . G . Stwds . Willianm Parsons ... firu » . u . « u » , „ J . N , Barnett J „ Hy . Fletcher ... ... ... Prov . G . Tyler . The lodge was closed in due form , after which the brethren repaired to the Westgate Hotel , where the banquet

took place . Host Dean , proprietor of the hostelry , placed on the tables a sumptuous spread , laid out in the most attractive style , the menu being of the choicest character . Every attention was given to secure the comfort of the guests , numbering nearly 100 of the brethren . Right and left of the President , the R . W . Bro . S . George Homfray , P . G . M . M . M ., were Bros . A . T . Perkins , D . P . G . M . M . M . ; John Walker , P . G . M . M . M . Gloucestershire ; Fred . Binckes , P . G . Warden and G . Mark Sec . England ; R . C . Else ,

P . G . M . M . M . Somerset ; Col . Chas . Lyne , D . P . G . M . M . M . ; Thos . M . Humphries , P . P . G . S . W . Staffordshire ; William Watkins , Past G . Std . Br . Eng . ; R . V . Vassar-Smith , P . P . G . D . M . M . M . Gloucestershire ; C . W . Radway , P . G . D . Eng . ; E . H . Davies , P . P . G . j . O . ; S . G . Homfray , jun . ; Thos . Harrhy , P . P . G . J . W ., j . O . j Marsh , Past G . Stwd . Eng . ; and others . In due course the PROV . GRAND MASTER proceeded with the toast list , first giving "The Queen and Mark

Masonry . " As loyal subjects of her Most Gracious Majesty they all hoped she might long be spared to reign over them . The National Anthem was then given , Bro . H . I . Groves accompanving on the pianoforte . ' The R . W . P . G . M . ' M . M . next gave "His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales , M . W . G . M . M . nominate . " They Were very pleased to find that his Royal Highness was taking such a deep interest in Masonry , and on the occasion of his Royal Highness being installed as the Grand Mark Master , he ( the President ) should make it his dutv to represent Monmouth . ( Applause . ) It their good

Secretary ( Bro . Binckes ) who was present with them—( cheers)—would kindly let him know how far or to what extent he could afford accommodation , he had no doubt that a considerable number of Mark Masons from this province would attend the installation . ( Hear , hear . ) W . Bro . W . WATKINS , P . M . ion , Past Grand Mark Senior Warden , said he was highly honoured with the next toast , " The M . W . G . M . M . M ., the Eail of Kintore . " As Mark Masons they were much indebted to his lordship for what he had done for the Mark Degree . It was highly gratifying to know that they would have as his successor H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , in whom they would have a

Provincial Grand Mark Lodge Of Monmouthshire.

most distinguished brother who has expressed himself as highly interested in the advancement of Mark Masonry . ( Applause . ; R . W . Bro . Col . LYNE , Prov . G . Master of the Craft for Monmouthshire , gave "The R . W . D . G . M . M . M ., the Lord Egerton of Tatton , and Officers of the Grand Mark Lodge , Past and Present . " He felt it a great honour to propose this toast , and to couple with it the names of the

Provincial Grand Master of Gloucester , and the Provincial Grand Secretary of England . ( Applause and musical honours . ) They all felt it a high honour for these distinguished brethren to come amongst them on such an interesting occasion . It was a rare circumstance that a Provincial Grand Master was supported by such excellent representatives of the Mark Degree as they found there that night . ( Hear , hear . ) Referring to Bro . Binckes , Col . Lyne

said he had done and was continually doing a vast amount of goodto the cause of Masonry . ( Applause . ) And he was sure that when he rose to respond he would be well received , and both the brethren whose names he had coupled with the toast would reply much more ably than he had done in proposing it . On rising , R . W . Bro . WALKER and V . W . Bro . BINCKES were well received . The former thanked the brethren most

heartily on behalf of theGrand Lodge for the manner in which they had honoured the toast . He regretted that only one supporter from his own lodge was present , but had hoped several more would have been there . Owing to the weather and other causes they were prevented from being present to do honour to their distinguished Bro . Homfray . Bro . BINCKES remarked that the frequency and facility afforded him to respond to this toast was the very cause of

difficulty to him . He was so frequently called upon at Provincial Grand Lodge meetings to reply to this toast that he was almost at a loss for words to change the phraseology of his utterances . It was gratifying to him to note the manner in which this comprehensive toast was received amongst Masons . In conversation with an eminent actor , he had expressed an opinion that it must be very monotonous to go through the same performance night after night

for a long series of nights . His reply was , " We feel we have a different audience night after night to play to ; " and so he might say he had to return thanks for this and other toasts to different companies of brethren . Alluding to the toast , he remarked that their Grand Master , Lord Egerton of Tatton , could look back over a long retrospect , and of him it may be said that there never was a brother who had met with such an amount of success in his duties , and who

discharged them more faithfully than he had done . ( Hear , hear . ) He ( the speaker ) had had a long experience in connection with the Mark Degree—twenty-eight years associated with this Order , and heshould complete his twentyfifth year in June next , a quarter of a century in an official position , and even now he was not quite prepared to be laid on the shelf . When he looked back upon Mark Masonry and saw what it was as compared with what it is

now , and noted the progress it had made , he was more than gratified . In this province the Order had prospered very much indeed , and he said this without indulging in an invidious comparison . He hoped they would date a new starting point in regard to Mark Masonry in the Province of Monmouthshire . When he looked round those tables , and saw so many who worked so actively in the cause , there was every reason to anticipate greater prosperity .

Their excellent brother , the P . G . M . of Somerset , had done much for the Order . They had elected a progressive Prov . Grand Master for Monmouthshire , and they had taken the first opportunity to incorporate the name of his Royal Highness with the toast since his election as the Grand Master nominate . Taking the hint already given by the Prov . Grand Master , that at the installation of his Royal Highness he would be there , no doubt he would be

attended by a very large number of brethren from that province . Speaking eulogistically of the way in which the Provincial Grand Master of Gloucester carried out his duties , Bro . Binckes remarked , that looking back over a long life , he had reason to congratulate himself on the success which had been attained in Mark Masonry , and in fact it had exceeded their most sanguine anticipations . They had now 400 lodges ,

and over 20 , 000 registered members , and he questioned if there was any other branch of their Order which could show such progress . He congratulated the brethren of the provinces represented on the progress which had been made in Mark Masonry , and hoped the time was not distant when Mark Masonry would be recognised among the essential Degrees of Freemasonry . ( Applause . ) R . W . Bro . ELSE proposed " The R . W . Bro . S . Homfray ,

P . G . M . M . M . of Monmouthshire . " This was the toast of the evening , and he felt it a very high compliment to be entrusted with it . He most sincerely congratulated the Prov . G . M . on his election , and paid a high tribute to the ability which he displayed in all that appertained to Masonry . His appointment was an augury of greater progress in the future . In the matter of the Charities , for some time past Bro . Homfray and he had been going hand in hand .

shoulder to shoulder , and in all that they had undertaken they had succeeded . Hence it was he felt so much pleasure in seeing him inducted to the chair of A ( Hear , hear . ) The PROV . GRAND MASTER returned thanks in well selected terms for the honour which had been accorded to him , and also for the way in which his name had been received , also thanking the visiting brethren for the kindness evinced towards him .

A number of other toasts followed , including "The Mark Benevolent Fund and other Masonic Charities , " coupled with the name of our well respected and beloved Frederick Binckes , Secretary of the Royal Masonic Institution for Boys , who responded in such a telling speech that he even eclipsed all his former efforts on behalf of the various

Charities in connection with this and other degrees . Other toasts were duly acknowledged and responded to . Throughout the evening the proceedings were enlivened with sentiment andsong , and a mote convivial gathering has not been held in this province in connection with Mark Masonry .

Presentation To Bro. E. Turner Payne, Of Bath.

PRESENTATION TO BRO . E . TURNER PAYNE , OF BATH .

At the last Grand Lodge for the Province of Somerset Bro . E . Turner Payne , of Bath , retired from the office of P . G . Treasurer , which for a quarter of a century he had held , to . his own honour and the advantage of tbe Craft . On

Presentation To Bro. E. Turner Payne, Of Bath.

nis retirement he received at the hands of the D . P . G . M ., on behalf of the province at large , a richly illuminated address in recognition of Ins Masonic services and virtues . A happy suggestion of Bro . J . L . Stothert's , that those brethren who had been associated with Bro . Payne in P . G . Lodge should combine to present him with some memorial of his official connection with the province , resulted in the appointment of a Committee to carry it out , the task being to

Deputed ijros . J . L . btotheit , T . P . Ashley , and C . F . Marshall , three Past Wardens and members of the two oldest lodges in Lord Carnarvon ' s jurisdiction . The response to the appeal was both generous and general , and with the money subscribed the Committee purchased a silver centre piece . On Tuesday afternoon , the 23 rd ult ., Bro . Payne accepted the invitation of the Committee to meet the subscribers at

the Grand Pump Room Hotel , and receive the reward of distinguished merit . The attendance was numerous and representative . In the chair was Lord Carnarvon's popular Deputy , Bro . R . C . Else , and supporting him were the a ^ ° r \ rT ^ > Bro " A > Ha , nm "nd . who , though not a P . G . Officer , is an old member of the Craft , and was present by special invitation ; Bros . E . Turner Payne , P . P . G . Treas . ; C . L . Fry Edwards ( his successor in office )

, T . P . Ashley , J . L . Stothert , and C . F . Marshall . There were also present Bros . Col . J . R . Ford , C . W . Radway , C . W . Oliver , R . D . Commans , J . S . Bartrum , C . Milsom , J . Rubie , J . S . Turner , R . B . Cater , C . W . Radway , J . H . Wilson , B . H . Watts , I . Sumsion , Cannings Collins , G . Helps , T . S . Keene , J . A . Timmins , Lawson Howes , J . V . Watts , W . A . Humphries , A . G . Williams , G . Yates , and others .

Bro . Rt / BIE apologised for the unavoidable absence of the W . M . of the Royal Cumberland Lodge , Bro . W . Peach . The DEPUTY GRAND MASTER , having expressed regret at the absence of the P . G . M ., the Earl of Carnarvon , addressed the brethren upon the interesting nature of the gathering , recalling to their minds the incidents we have summarised above . The Committee had successfully

accomplished the object for which they were appointed , and they had assembled that day to put the top stone to their labours by asking Bro . Payne ' s acceptance of the testimonial which had been subscribed . Addressing himself to Bro . Payne , Bro . Else , on behalf and in the name of the Past and Present P . G . Officers , assured him of the esteem and love they felt for him , and of their high sense of the value of his services as Treasurer of the province during

the long period of twenty-five years . The fulfilment of his duties had been such as to endear him to the heart of every Mason . Personally he acknowled ged the loyal suppott he had given to Wm , and he prayed that the G . A . O . T . U . might grant him many years of peaceful , healthful , and honourable retirement . The centre piece was then unveiled and formally presented . It is a handsome silver ornament representing the

vine and its branches , with richly cut frosted glasses for flowers and fruit . On the tripod base are three shields beautifully embossed and engraved with Bro . Payne ' s crest and monogram , and the following inscription -. " Presented to Bro . E . Turner Payne , P . G . S . D . of England , on his retirement from the office of P . G . Treasurer , by many Somersetshire P . G . Freemasons , Past and Present , in token of their sincere regard and of their appreciation of the

valuable services he has rendered the Craft as Treasurer for the long period of 25 years . 18 S 6 . " Bro . ASHLEY said several letters explanatory of their absence had been received from a large number of brethren , including Col . Adair , P . P . G . M . ( who spoke in most affectionate language of Bro . Payne and hearty appreciation of his services ) , Bro . Jelley , Bro . Hunt , P . G . Sec , and Bro . Edmund White , the oldest S . W . in the provincewho

, wrote that whatever reward they bestowed on Bro . Payne could not exceed his deserts . Bro . COMMANS related some interesting- Masonic recollections , the incident which had a special interest for the meeting being his mention of the fact that he had the honour and pleasure of nominating Bro . Payne as Provincial Grand Treasurer in succession to the late Dr . Falconer . He paid a glowing tribute to his zealous and efficient

performance of the duties , adding that no testimonial the brethren could give him could be too handsome or valuable . Bro . OLIVER followed with equally cordial testimony , adding that he was the only survivor of a very small company of Masons who resolved to nominate Bro . Payne for the Treasurershi

p . Bro . STOTHEKT endorsed the sentiments of the previous speakers , and stated that the number of subscribers to ihc testimonial was 105 ; had the subscription not been limited to Past or Present Provincial Grand Officers , but thrown open to the province , the result would have been a more handsome acknowledgement of Bro . Payne ' s merits and kindliness .

Bro . PAYNE , who was cordially received , expressed his pleasure at receiving at the hands of the D . P . G . M . so handsome a work of art , of great intrinsic value and high artistic merit , the spontaneous gift of so many eminent members of the Craft in the province . He should regard it with pride and satisfaction , and hand it down to his children , who would see in it a memorial of the kindly fraternal feeling which his brethren entertained for him .

Incidentally mentioning that during his tenure of office the number of lodges in the province had been doubled , and the contributions to the Charities had been multiplied by five , he expressed a fervent hope that under the benign rule of the Earl of Carnarvon , and his most excellent Deputy , the Craft would continue to flourish , and that for generations to come the brethren would join in joyful celebration of the annual festival .

The P . D . G . M . having informed Bro . Payne that a record of the gift with the names of the subscribers would be forwarded to him , The MAYOR added a few kindly words to mark his appreciation of his esteem for Bro . Payne , as a citizen , as a public official , and as a private friend . He proposed s vote of thanks to the D . P . G . M . for his attendance . Bro . PAYNE seconded the motion , which , being heartily

endorsed , was briefly acknowledged . At the instance of Bro . COMMANS , seconded by Bro . Col . FORD , due recognition was made of the labours of the Committee , on whose behalf Bro . MARSHALL returned thanks . The Mayor was cordiall y thanked for his presence , as were the brethren from a distance , and Bro . Radway for kindly placing the room at the disposal of the Committee .