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Article PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF SOMERSETSHIRE. ← Page 2 of 2 Article PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF SOMERSETSHIRE. Page 2 of 2 Article PROVINCIAL GRAND MARK LODGE OF KENT. Page 1 of 2 →
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Provincial Grand Lodge Of Somersetshire.
Proposed by Bro . E . TURNER PAYNE , Prov . Grand Treasurer , seconded by Bro . G . RICKS , P . M . 135 , P . P . G . J . . — "That the sum of £ 21 be contributed from the funds of this Prov . Grand Lodge in aid of the Royal Masonic Institution for Girls , in order to complete the qualification of the R . W . the Prov . G . Master as Vice-Patron , and that the same be placed upon the list of the brother who may represent thc province at the next
ensuing annual festival of this most deserving Institution . " Proposed by Bro . XV . ADAMS , I . P . M . Lodge 291 , Taunton ; seconded by Bro . Col . ADAIR , P . P . G . M .: "That an educational grant of £ 15 each be made to Rose Baker Oakley , aged fifteen-and-a-half years , and Florence Baker Oakley , aged thirteen-and-a-half years , orphan daughters of the late Bro . W . Oakley , P . M ., P . P . G . S . W ., who died at Taunton on the 6 th May , 1 SS 0 , leaving the
children totally unprovided for . Proposed by Bro . NOSWORTHY , P . M . S 15 , P . P . G . O . ; seconded . by Bro . Dr . WOODFORDE : " That for thebenefit of Freemasonry in general , and this P . G . L . in particular , it is advisable there should be a more definite time fixed for the annual meeting of P . G . L ., and the R . W . Bro . the Provincial Grand Master be asked to take the matter into his favourable consideration . "
Proposed by Bro . COMMANS , P . M . 53 ( on behalf of Bro . Inskip ); seconded by Bro . Col . ADAIR , P . P . G . M .: "That the members of this P . G . Lodge desire to place on record their deep regret at the loss sustained by the decease of Bro . Dr . Samuel Bryant , P . P . G . S . W ., and their fervent hope that the example of so bright an ornament to Freemasonry may stimulate younger members of the Craft to follow in the footsteps of such a distinguished and
zealous Mason ; that a copy of the resolution be entered in thc minutes of this P . G . L ., and sent to the representatives of the deceased brother , with an assurance of their deep sympathy . " Proposed by Bro . E . TURNER PAYNE , P . G . Treasurer seconded by .-Bro . ASHLEY : "That inasmuch as the chair of the R . W . the P . G . M . for Somerset ! has now been endowed with the full sum qualifying for vice-patron of the Roval Masonic Institution for Boys , it is in the opinion
of this P . G . Lodge advisable that the future donations of the province to the said Institution should be applied in the endowment of the chair of the D . P . G . M . " The V . W . D . P . G . M . announced that Bro . Capt . Perkins intended going up as a Steward for the Benevolent Institution , so that the Province of Somerset would now have a Steward for each of the Charities . The customary alms were then collected , and amounted
to £ 7 10 s . sd . Bro . E . TURNER PAYNE , P . G . Treas ., proposed that this sum should be placed in the hands of the W . M . ( Bro . F . Seale ) ofthe Lodge of "Perpetual Friendship , " in Bridgwater , to be devoted to the fund now being raised fo ' r the building of a mission church in his large and populous parish , vvhich he understood comprised the poorest district in Bridgwater . Bro . J . C . SMALL , P . G . S . W ., seconded the motion , vvhich
was unanimously agreed to . Bro . Rev . F . S . P . SEALE , in returning thanks , observed that the alms had been given directly in charity . The people who would receive it were certainly the poorest and most need y in the town ; and , as regarded himself , as thc W . M . for the time being of the lodge vvhich had had the honour of entertaining them that day , he could not but feel that it vvas a great privilege to have their alms given to thatwhich
at the present time vvas the nearest and dearest object of his heart . The V . W . D . P . G . M . proposed a vote of thanks to the visitors , coupled with the names of Bros . Homfray , D . P . G . M . of Monmouthshire , and Terry , Secretary of the Benevolent Institution . Bro . Capt . PERKINS seconded the vote of thanks , which vvas agreed to with acclamation , and Bros . HOMFRAY and
TERRY suitably acknowledged the compliment . Bro . COMMANS , P . M . 53 , next proposed a resolution expressive of the deep regret with which the brethren of the Prov . G . Lodge had learnt the cause of thc enforced absence of the R . W . P . G . M ., the Right Hon . Earl of Carnarvon ; their sincere hope that his lordship would speedily be restored to health , and also that they would have the gratification of welcoming him amongst them next year .
Bro . J ELLEY , P . P . S . G . W ., seconded the motion , and it was unanimously agreed to , after which the lodge vvas closed . The banquet was afterwards held in the Assembly-room of the Royal Clarence Hotel , and the brethren who partook of it , numbering about one hundred , spoke in very praiseworthy terms of the excellent catering of Uro . James Leaker , of the Perpetual Friendship Lodge , and not only
of the quality of the viands and wines supplied , but likewise of the efficiency of the staff of waiters engaged . Great appreciation vvas evinced of the admirable performance of some selections of music with vvhich the company was favoured at intervals until the commencement of the toast-list . The chair was occupied by the V . W . D . P . G . M ., Bro . R . C . E . ELSE , who first proposed the toast of- "The
Queen and Craft , " and afterwards " The Health Ml the M . W . G . M ., the Prince of Wales , " making special allusion to the fact that several of those present had the gratification recently of witnessing the grand ceremony in which His Royal Highness took part in laying the foundationstone of the Truro Cathedral , and to the ease , sublimity , courtesy , and every other fraternal attribute which His Royal Highness had displayed on that anci many other
. The V . W . D . P . G . M . next submitted "The Pro G . M ., D . G . M ., and the Ofiicers of Grand Lodge Present and Past , " remarking that the Pro G . M ., the Earl of Carnarvon , occupied much the same position with regard to the Provincial Grand Lodge as His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales did with regard to the Grand Lodge , his numerous and important duties being of such a nature as
sometimes to preclude the possibility of his attending the loelge meetings . They vvere fortunate , however , on that occasion in having present a very worthy and excellent member of the Grand Lodge in the person of their much-esteemed P . P . G . M ., Colonel Adair . ( Loud applause . ) Bro . Colonel A . W . ADAIR said hevvas very sorry that the
Grand Officer who vvas referred to vvas unable to be present to respond to the toast himself . They heard with much regret of the cause of his absence , and they , one and all , he vvas quite sure , cordially hoped he would be present with them at that annual gathering . ( Applause . ) He was afraid that the D . G . M . was not sd well known amongst Masons in that province as in the North , arid in places
Provincial Grand Lodge Of Somersetshire.
more nearly bordering on the metropolis , but he could assure them that to know his lordship personally vvas to love him , and to see him discharging his Masonic duties was to admire him . His lordship vvas admirably backed up by a very efficient body of officers , who did their duty well and efficiently . HisJ ( the speaker ' s ) position in Grand Lodge , which he attended only in his capacity of P . P . G . M ., was now only that of a spectator of the work done there ' by
others , * but if at any time he could render any small service there to the Province of Somerset he should only be too happy to do so . ( Applause . ) The V . W . D . P . G . M . in proposing the next toast , "The Health of the R . W . P . G . M ., the Rt . Hon . the Earl of Carnarvon , " again referred to the much regretted absence of his lordship , and remarked that they vvere all deeply sorry for it , first , because the brethren of the province knew very
well in how excellent and efficient a manner his lordship discharged the duties of his office , that they had that day missed the eloquence of his lordship , and also the instruction vvhich he had always given them at the banquet ; but more than all they regretted that the cause of his enforced absence vvas that of somewhat serious illness . Unfortunately , that vvas not the first occasion when his lordship had been attacked with illness about the time the Prov . G .
Lodge vvas . about to be held , for they would remember that last year he vvas so severel y attacked with gout as to be unable to leave his bed . His lordship ' s present condition of health vvas , he regretted to learn , very unsatisfactory . It was his lordship ' s intention to have left this country in November , and the P . G . L . meeting was fixed for that day in the hope that his lordship would have attended it , as he at one time fully intended doing . The weather had ,
however , been so very inclement lately that it vvas no doubt found necessary to hasten his lordship ' s departure , and he had gone to Madeira . He sincerel y trusted that the Great Architect would ere long renew his health and strength , and that it would be the last occasion for many years to come when he ( Bro . Else ) would have to occupy the scat he then did . The V . W . D . P . G . M . said he was sure he would be
excused for taking a liberty with the printed toast list , and asking them at that stage to drink the health of one to whom some reference had just been made in connection with the Grand Lodge , but who vvas far better known amongst them in connection with the Province of Somerset . Need he mention the name of the brother to whom he alluded ? ( Cries of "No , " followed by loud applause . ) He would not venture to say more in his presence than that he
proved to be one of the most popular Grand Masters ever appointed in any province in England . ( Hear , hear , and loud applause . ) The toast having been responded to with great enthusiasm , Bro . Colonel ADAIR , P . P . G . M ., responded . Heremarked that nothing would have induced him to have given up the collar life once held but that he felt he coulel not do as much work in connection with the office as he wished to do . It
afforded him great delight to be amongst them again in Prov . G . Lodge , and especially under the banner of the Perpetual Friendship Lodge ; for having attended one of its installation banquets , it reminded him of old days , and he had great pleasure in revisiting them that day . He assured them that he felt very deeply their kindness towards him , and the cordial welcome he had received , and he thanked them for it from thc bottom of his heart . He
now wished to ask them to drink , with the enthusiasm it merited , " Thc Health of the Deputy , " who had so admirably and efficientl y on that day , as on previous occasions , discharged the duties that had been entrusted to him . ( Loud applause . ) Whilst they all much regretted the absence of the R . W . P . G . M ., it must be a source of comfort and consolation to them all to know that his lordship ' s duties never failed to be most zealously and ably performed by his
Deputy , for whom they all entertained the greatest esteem . ( Loud applause . ) The V . W . D . P . G . M ., who vvas heartily applauded , in responding , said he could not lay the flattering unction to his soul that he eleserved anything like that which had been spoken in his praise . One ofthe greatest distresses , to him , vvas to know that when the R . W . P . G . M . was not present his lordship would be represented by so unworthy a Mason as himself . ( Cries of " No . " ) He shoulel be happy at
any time to stand aside for one who would more fittingly and more worthily fill the position —[ A voice : "He can ' t be found " ]—but , on the other hand , so long as the P . G . M . willed that he should occu ' py so proud a position , so long Would he endeavour to discharge his duty zealously and faithfully . ( Loud applause . ) Bro . Else proceeded to allude in feeling terms to the loss of one of their old cornerstones of Masonry in the decease of HID . Dr . Bryant , and
to their ranks having been thinned by other eminent brethren having gone to the Grand Loelge above , lie also alluded to the regretted absence through ill-health of their illustrious brother , General Doherty , In conclusion the D . P . G . M . proposed the toast of "The Provincial Grand Officers . " Bro . J , C . SMALL , P . G . S . W ., Bro . J . C . HUNT , P . G . Secretary , and Bro . Dr . WOODFORDE , Taunton , responded .
Bro . Col . ADAIR next proposed the toast of "The Visitors , " vvhich vvas acknowledged by Bro . PLATT . The D . P . G . M . then submitted thc toast of "The W . M ., Officers , and Members of the Receiving Lodge , ' Perpetual Friendship , ' No . 13 s , " and alluded to the perfection of the arrangements made both in connection with the fitting up of the Town-hall as a lodge-room , and the banquet . Alluding to the fact that the Provincial Grand
Lodge vvas held in Bridgwater a few years ago , he stated that two other lodges in the province had applied in the first instance , but afterwards withdrew thc applications . Bridgwater vvas centrally situated , and after the capital reception given them that day he had no doubt that the Provincial Grand Lodge would some clay or other be held there again , especially when the town vvas possessed of the additional railway accommodation which vvas being applied
for , and which he understood there vvas now a good chance of being soon obtained . ( Hear , hear , and applause . ) Uro . Rev . F . S . P . SEALE , W . M . No . 135 , in responding to the last toast , observed that it had given the brethren of the Perpetual Friendship Lodge great pleasure to entertain them there that day , and it was especially
gratifying to him that they had done so during Ins year of office . He must not , however , take credit to himself for the preparations made for their reception , and which the D . P . G . M . had been pleased to say had so nearly reached perfection , and he ought to mention that the work had for the most part been undertaken by Bros , Small and Ricks . They were also indebted to Bro . Lucette for conducting the
, " and Bro . H . M . KEMMIS , W . M . of the Rural Philanthropic Lodge , Highbridge , suitably responded . The remaining toasts vvere "The Health of Bro . Leaker , the Host , " with thanks to him for his excellent catering ; and "The Brethren who took part in singing the Anthems , Sec , " in lodge . The D . P . G . M . also acknowledged the indebtedness of the brethren to those gentlemen who had favoured them that afternoon with the instrumental music .
Province music . Allusion had been make to the railway accommodation to Bridgwater , and he vvas certainly afraid that a large number of people , judging from the appearance of the railway station , must form a very poor opinion of the town . They had had a most happy , genial gathering there that day , and from al ! they had heard he thought it might fairly be said that in every sense Masonry was prospering . Bro . G . RICKS also responded . The D . P . G . M . next proposed '" The other Lodges of the
Provincial Grand Mark Lodge Of Kent.
PROVINCIAL GRAND MARK LODGE OF KENT .
The Provincial Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons of the Province of Kent held its annual meeting , under the auspices of the Excelsior Lodge , No . 22 G , of vvhich Bro . J . Smyth is W . M ., being also W . M . of the Florence Nightingale , No . 44 , at the Masonic Hall , William-street ,
Woolwich , on i uesday , the 2 nd inst ., and vve are pleased to say that the attendance of the brethren , both those residing in the neighbourhood and from different parts of the province , vvas fully commensurate with the expectations of the promoters of the festival , and , as vvill boseen by the following list of those present , there is every prospect of the Degree becoming even more popular than it is now in this old
county of Kent—the Garden of England . The chair was filled b y Bro . the Rev . j . T . Robinson , the R . W . Prov . G . M . M . of Kent , who opened the Grand Lodge in due form . The minutes of the last meeting vvere read and passed , and then the following brethren were appointed by the Grand Master as his officers for the ensuing year : Bro . I . G . Podevin , P . M . i . S 2 Prov . D . G . M .
„ C . Coupland , P . M . 226 Prov . S . G . W . „ Dr . E . Fenn , P . M . 152 Prov . J . G . W . „ G . Kerr , W . M . 255 Prov . G . M . O . „ Major Gordon , R . A ., S . W . 44 ... Prov . G . S . O . „ Captain E . Svveney , J . W . 44 ... Prov . G . J . O . „ Rev . C . A . Solbe , Chap . 226 ... Prov . G . Chap . „ L . Finch , P . M . 129 Prov . G . TreaS .
, J . Hancock , S . W . 6 Prov . G . R . of M „ H . M . Baker , W . M . 152 ... ... Prov . G . Sec . „ W . Watson , Sec . 237 Prov . S . G . D . „ Dr . F . P . Davies Prov . J . G . D . „ - L . B . Biggs , S . O . 237 Prov . J . G . D . „ T . W . Kirkbride , 225 Prov . G . D . C . „ C . J . Long , Sec . 255 Prov . G . S . B .
„ C . Buckland , 226 Prov . G . Std . B . „ ] . G . Kerr , S . D . 255 Prov . G . I . G . „ W . H . Hodgkin , W . M . 26 7 ; T . J . ") Pulley , W . M . 266 ; Dr . C . , Prov . G . Stvvds . Holttum , S . W . 262 ... ) „ R . T . Rolfe Prov . G . Tyler . Bros . Eastes , Pap-e , and Ellerm were elected Auditors .
and Bros . Fenn , Luckey , Smith , and Lester , thc Committee for General Purposes . The sum of £ 10 10 s . was then voted to the funds of the Boys' School , and there being no further business before Grand Lodpe it was closed in due form . Among the brethren present , not above mentioned , were Bros . F . Binckes , G . Sec . England ; D . Dewar , A . G .
Sec ; J . Smyth , W . M . 226 and 44 ; R . Brown , 6 ; G . Page , 129 ; G . Kennedy , 22 G ; \ V . Moulds , 26 ; J . Scully , 226 and 44 ; C . H . Godwin , 44 ; T . Alexander , 44 ; T . Holleyman , 22 G ; S . Clarke , 44 ; J . Lackland , 22 G ; E . Denton , 44 ; \ V . A . Weston , S . W . 22 G ; D . C . Capon , 226 ; T . Ovcnden , 226 ; T . Hosegood , 226 ; A . Penfold , J . W . 226 ; G . R . Nicholls , 22 G ; and . C . Jolly , 22 G ( Freemason ) .
_ The banquet took place at Bro . De Grey's house , the Freemasons' Arms , and vvas most elegantly served , the menu comprising all thc delicacies of the season . The usual loyal and Masonic toasts were given by thc Puov . GRAND MASTER . "The Health of the Grand Officers of the Grand Mark Lod < jc of England" vvas coupled with the name of Bro . Binckes , the Grand
Secretary , whose name , Bro . Robinson said , vvas a household name in Masonry . I Ie was not only Grand Secretary of tho Mark Degree in England , but Secretary of the Boys ' School Institution . He was the mainspring of Mark Masonry , and with the toast he coupled his name , and also thatof Bro . Dewar , Assistant Grand Secretary . ( Applause . ) Bro . BINCKES , after referring to the eloquent and
eulogistic terms in vvhich the Grand Master had spoken of him personally , said that in the earlier times , when the onus of the work of carrying on the Degree in the face of great opposition vvas laid on the shoulders of a few earnest Masons , who were determined to do that work , he had , Ecrhaps , borne with them the heat and burden of the day , ut that did not entitle him to claim the title of "
mainspring of the Degree , " so eulogistically accorded him by the Grand Master , although , when he looked back a quarter of a century and remembered the work done then and since then , he could not help thinking some of the qulogiums vvere not altogether out of place . ( Hear , hear . ) He vvas proud to say that year by year Mark Masonry vvas increasing in popularity and in numbers ; and so long as lie
vvas spared he should do all in Ins powcr-to make it a position second to none of the grades in Masonry , and make it strong , healthy , and prosperous . ( Applause . ) He must not , however , forget the subject of the toast , and was extremely sorry to say how much they missed the services of the late Deputy Grand Master , Lord Donoughmore , who was at present deeply engaged with his estates in Ireland ,
and could not , therefore , undertake the responsible duties of that ofiice . They had an excellent substitute in the person of Lord Henniker , who vvas doing his duty in such 3 manner that he felt sure they would hear something grand of him before long . The Province of Kent always gave hi "
( Bro . Binckes ) a warm welcome , and he had for many years felt a great gratitude for the reception lie always received from the " Men of Kent " ancl thc " Kentish Men . He did not . know which was which of his good friends oj the Craft , Arch , arid Mark Masonry of the " Garden ot Englarid , " ( Loud cheers . ) After paying a graceful tribute
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Provincial Grand Lodge Of Somersetshire.
Proposed by Bro . E . TURNER PAYNE , Prov . Grand Treasurer , seconded by Bro . G . RICKS , P . M . 135 , P . P . G . J . . — "That the sum of £ 21 be contributed from the funds of this Prov . Grand Lodge in aid of the Royal Masonic Institution for Girls , in order to complete the qualification of the R . W . the Prov . G . Master as Vice-Patron , and that the same be placed upon the list of the brother who may represent thc province at the next
ensuing annual festival of this most deserving Institution . " Proposed by Bro . XV . ADAMS , I . P . M . Lodge 291 , Taunton ; seconded by Bro . Col . ADAIR , P . P . G . M .: "That an educational grant of £ 15 each be made to Rose Baker Oakley , aged fifteen-and-a-half years , and Florence Baker Oakley , aged thirteen-and-a-half years , orphan daughters of the late Bro . W . Oakley , P . M ., P . P . G . S . W ., who died at Taunton on the 6 th May , 1 SS 0 , leaving the
children totally unprovided for . Proposed by Bro . NOSWORTHY , P . M . S 15 , P . P . G . O . ; seconded . by Bro . Dr . WOODFORDE : " That for thebenefit of Freemasonry in general , and this P . G . L . in particular , it is advisable there should be a more definite time fixed for the annual meeting of P . G . L ., and the R . W . Bro . the Provincial Grand Master be asked to take the matter into his favourable consideration . "
Proposed by Bro . COMMANS , P . M . 53 ( on behalf of Bro . Inskip ); seconded by Bro . Col . ADAIR , P . P . G . M .: "That the members of this P . G . Lodge desire to place on record their deep regret at the loss sustained by the decease of Bro . Dr . Samuel Bryant , P . P . G . S . W ., and their fervent hope that the example of so bright an ornament to Freemasonry may stimulate younger members of the Craft to follow in the footsteps of such a distinguished and
zealous Mason ; that a copy of the resolution be entered in thc minutes of this P . G . L ., and sent to the representatives of the deceased brother , with an assurance of their deep sympathy . " Proposed by Bro . E . TURNER PAYNE , P . G . Treasurer seconded by .-Bro . ASHLEY : "That inasmuch as the chair of the R . W . the P . G . M . for Somerset ! has now been endowed with the full sum qualifying for vice-patron of the Roval Masonic Institution for Boys , it is in the opinion
of this P . G . Lodge advisable that the future donations of the province to the said Institution should be applied in the endowment of the chair of the D . P . G . M . " The V . W . D . P . G . M . announced that Bro . Capt . Perkins intended going up as a Steward for the Benevolent Institution , so that the Province of Somerset would now have a Steward for each of the Charities . The customary alms were then collected , and amounted
to £ 7 10 s . sd . Bro . E . TURNER PAYNE , P . G . Treas ., proposed that this sum should be placed in the hands of the W . M . ( Bro . F . Seale ) ofthe Lodge of "Perpetual Friendship , " in Bridgwater , to be devoted to the fund now being raised fo ' r the building of a mission church in his large and populous parish , vvhich he understood comprised the poorest district in Bridgwater . Bro . J . C . SMALL , P . G . S . W ., seconded the motion , vvhich
was unanimously agreed to . Bro . Rev . F . S . P . SEALE , in returning thanks , observed that the alms had been given directly in charity . The people who would receive it were certainly the poorest and most need y in the town ; and , as regarded himself , as thc W . M . for the time being of the lodge vvhich had had the honour of entertaining them that day , he could not but feel that it vvas a great privilege to have their alms given to thatwhich
at the present time vvas the nearest and dearest object of his heart . The V . W . D . P . G . M . proposed a vote of thanks to the visitors , coupled with the names of Bros . Homfray , D . P . G . M . of Monmouthshire , and Terry , Secretary of the Benevolent Institution . Bro . Capt . PERKINS seconded the vote of thanks , which vvas agreed to with acclamation , and Bros . HOMFRAY and
TERRY suitably acknowledged the compliment . Bro . COMMANS , P . M . 53 , next proposed a resolution expressive of the deep regret with which the brethren of the Prov . G . Lodge had learnt the cause of thc enforced absence of the R . W . P . G . M ., the Right Hon . Earl of Carnarvon ; their sincere hope that his lordship would speedily be restored to health , and also that they would have the gratification of welcoming him amongst them next year .
Bro . J ELLEY , P . P . S . G . W ., seconded the motion , and it was unanimously agreed to , after which the lodge vvas closed . The banquet was afterwards held in the Assembly-room of the Royal Clarence Hotel , and the brethren who partook of it , numbering about one hundred , spoke in very praiseworthy terms of the excellent catering of Uro . James Leaker , of the Perpetual Friendship Lodge , and not only
of the quality of the viands and wines supplied , but likewise of the efficiency of the staff of waiters engaged . Great appreciation vvas evinced of the admirable performance of some selections of music with vvhich the company was favoured at intervals until the commencement of the toast-list . The chair was occupied by the V . W . D . P . G . M ., Bro . R . C . E . ELSE , who first proposed the toast of- "The
Queen and Craft , " and afterwards " The Health Ml the M . W . G . M ., the Prince of Wales , " making special allusion to the fact that several of those present had the gratification recently of witnessing the grand ceremony in which His Royal Highness took part in laying the foundationstone of the Truro Cathedral , and to the ease , sublimity , courtesy , and every other fraternal attribute which His Royal Highness had displayed on that anci many other
. The V . W . D . P . G . M . next submitted "The Pro G . M ., D . G . M ., and the Ofiicers of Grand Lodge Present and Past , " remarking that the Pro G . M ., the Earl of Carnarvon , occupied much the same position with regard to the Provincial Grand Lodge as His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales did with regard to the Grand Lodge , his numerous and important duties being of such a nature as
sometimes to preclude the possibility of his attending the loelge meetings . They vvere fortunate , however , on that occasion in having present a very worthy and excellent member of the Grand Lodge in the person of their much-esteemed P . P . G . M ., Colonel Adair . ( Loud applause . ) Bro . Colonel A . W . ADAIR said hevvas very sorry that the
Grand Officer who vvas referred to vvas unable to be present to respond to the toast himself . They heard with much regret of the cause of his absence , and they , one and all , he vvas quite sure , cordially hoped he would be present with them at that annual gathering . ( Applause . ) He was afraid that the D . G . M . was not sd well known amongst Masons in that province as in the North , arid in places
Provincial Grand Lodge Of Somersetshire.
more nearly bordering on the metropolis , but he could assure them that to know his lordship personally vvas to love him , and to see him discharging his Masonic duties was to admire him . His lordship vvas admirably backed up by a very efficient body of officers , who did their duty well and efficiently . HisJ ( the speaker ' s ) position in Grand Lodge , which he attended only in his capacity of P . P . G . M ., was now only that of a spectator of the work done there ' by
others , * but if at any time he could render any small service there to the Province of Somerset he should only be too happy to do so . ( Applause . ) The V . W . D . P . G . M . in proposing the next toast , "The Health of the R . W . P . G . M ., the Rt . Hon . the Earl of Carnarvon , " again referred to the much regretted absence of his lordship , and remarked that they vvere all deeply sorry for it , first , because the brethren of the province knew very
well in how excellent and efficient a manner his lordship discharged the duties of his office , that they had that day missed the eloquence of his lordship , and also the instruction vvhich he had always given them at the banquet ; but more than all they regretted that the cause of his enforced absence vvas that of somewhat serious illness . Unfortunately , that vvas not the first occasion when his lordship had been attacked with illness about the time the Prov . G .
Lodge vvas . about to be held , for they would remember that last year he vvas so severel y attacked with gout as to be unable to leave his bed . His lordship ' s present condition of health vvas , he regretted to learn , very unsatisfactory . It was his lordship ' s intention to have left this country in November , and the P . G . L . meeting was fixed for that day in the hope that his lordship would have attended it , as he at one time fully intended doing . The weather had ,
however , been so very inclement lately that it vvas no doubt found necessary to hasten his lordship ' s departure , and he had gone to Madeira . He sincerel y trusted that the Great Architect would ere long renew his health and strength , and that it would be the last occasion for many years to come when he ( Bro . Else ) would have to occupy the scat he then did . The V . W . D . P . G . M . said he was sure he would be
excused for taking a liberty with the printed toast list , and asking them at that stage to drink the health of one to whom some reference had just been made in connection with the Grand Lodge , but who vvas far better known amongst them in connection with the Province of Somerset . Need he mention the name of the brother to whom he alluded ? ( Cries of "No , " followed by loud applause . ) He would not venture to say more in his presence than that he
proved to be one of the most popular Grand Masters ever appointed in any province in England . ( Hear , hear , and loud applause . ) The toast having been responded to with great enthusiasm , Bro . Colonel ADAIR , P . P . G . M ., responded . Heremarked that nothing would have induced him to have given up the collar life once held but that he felt he coulel not do as much work in connection with the office as he wished to do . It
afforded him great delight to be amongst them again in Prov . G . Lodge , and especially under the banner of the Perpetual Friendship Lodge ; for having attended one of its installation banquets , it reminded him of old days , and he had great pleasure in revisiting them that day . He assured them that he felt very deeply their kindness towards him , and the cordial welcome he had received , and he thanked them for it from thc bottom of his heart . He
now wished to ask them to drink , with the enthusiasm it merited , " Thc Health of the Deputy , " who had so admirably and efficientl y on that day , as on previous occasions , discharged the duties that had been entrusted to him . ( Loud applause . ) Whilst they all much regretted the absence of the R . W . P . G . M ., it must be a source of comfort and consolation to them all to know that his lordship ' s duties never failed to be most zealously and ably performed by his
Deputy , for whom they all entertained the greatest esteem . ( Loud applause . ) The V . W . D . P . G . M ., who vvas heartily applauded , in responding , said he could not lay the flattering unction to his soul that he eleserved anything like that which had been spoken in his praise . One ofthe greatest distresses , to him , vvas to know that when the R . W . P . G . M . was not present his lordship would be represented by so unworthy a Mason as himself . ( Cries of " No . " ) He shoulel be happy at
any time to stand aside for one who would more fittingly and more worthily fill the position —[ A voice : "He can ' t be found " ]—but , on the other hand , so long as the P . G . M . willed that he should occu ' py so proud a position , so long Would he endeavour to discharge his duty zealously and faithfully . ( Loud applause . ) Bro . Else proceeded to allude in feeling terms to the loss of one of their old cornerstones of Masonry in the decease of HID . Dr . Bryant , and
to their ranks having been thinned by other eminent brethren having gone to the Grand Loelge above , lie also alluded to the regretted absence through ill-health of their illustrious brother , General Doherty , In conclusion the D . P . G . M . proposed the toast of "The Provincial Grand Officers . " Bro . J , C . SMALL , P . G . S . W ., Bro . J . C . HUNT , P . G . Secretary , and Bro . Dr . WOODFORDE , Taunton , responded .
Bro . Col . ADAIR next proposed the toast of "The Visitors , " vvhich vvas acknowledged by Bro . PLATT . The D . P . G . M . then submitted thc toast of "The W . M ., Officers , and Members of the Receiving Lodge , ' Perpetual Friendship , ' No . 13 s , " and alluded to the perfection of the arrangements made both in connection with the fitting up of the Town-hall as a lodge-room , and the banquet . Alluding to the fact that the Provincial Grand
Lodge vvas held in Bridgwater a few years ago , he stated that two other lodges in the province had applied in the first instance , but afterwards withdrew thc applications . Bridgwater vvas centrally situated , and after the capital reception given them that day he had no doubt that the Provincial Grand Lodge would some clay or other be held there again , especially when the town vvas possessed of the additional railway accommodation which vvas being applied
for , and which he understood there vvas now a good chance of being soon obtained . ( Hear , hear , and applause . ) Uro . Rev . F . S . P . SEALE , W . M . No . 135 , in responding to the last toast , observed that it had given the brethren of the Perpetual Friendship Lodge great pleasure to entertain them there that day , and it was especially
gratifying to him that they had done so during Ins year of office . He must not , however , take credit to himself for the preparations made for their reception , and which the D . P . G . M . had been pleased to say had so nearly reached perfection , and he ought to mention that the work had for the most part been undertaken by Bros , Small and Ricks . They were also indebted to Bro . Lucette for conducting the
, " and Bro . H . M . KEMMIS , W . M . of the Rural Philanthropic Lodge , Highbridge , suitably responded . The remaining toasts vvere "The Health of Bro . Leaker , the Host , " with thanks to him for his excellent catering ; and "The Brethren who took part in singing the Anthems , Sec , " in lodge . The D . P . G . M . also acknowledged the indebtedness of the brethren to those gentlemen who had favoured them that afternoon with the instrumental music .
Province music . Allusion had been make to the railway accommodation to Bridgwater , and he vvas certainly afraid that a large number of people , judging from the appearance of the railway station , must form a very poor opinion of the town . They had had a most happy , genial gathering there that day , and from al ! they had heard he thought it might fairly be said that in every sense Masonry was prospering . Bro . G . RICKS also responded . The D . P . G . M . next proposed '" The other Lodges of the
Provincial Grand Mark Lodge Of Kent.
PROVINCIAL GRAND MARK LODGE OF KENT .
The Provincial Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons of the Province of Kent held its annual meeting , under the auspices of the Excelsior Lodge , No . 22 G , of vvhich Bro . J . Smyth is W . M ., being also W . M . of the Florence Nightingale , No . 44 , at the Masonic Hall , William-street ,
Woolwich , on i uesday , the 2 nd inst ., and vve are pleased to say that the attendance of the brethren , both those residing in the neighbourhood and from different parts of the province , vvas fully commensurate with the expectations of the promoters of the festival , and , as vvill boseen by the following list of those present , there is every prospect of the Degree becoming even more popular than it is now in this old
county of Kent—the Garden of England . The chair was filled b y Bro . the Rev . j . T . Robinson , the R . W . Prov . G . M . M . of Kent , who opened the Grand Lodge in due form . The minutes of the last meeting vvere read and passed , and then the following brethren were appointed by the Grand Master as his officers for the ensuing year : Bro . I . G . Podevin , P . M . i . S 2 Prov . D . G . M .
„ C . Coupland , P . M . 226 Prov . S . G . W . „ Dr . E . Fenn , P . M . 152 Prov . J . G . W . „ G . Kerr , W . M . 255 Prov . G . M . O . „ Major Gordon , R . A ., S . W . 44 ... Prov . G . S . O . „ Captain E . Svveney , J . W . 44 ... Prov . G . J . O . „ Rev . C . A . Solbe , Chap . 226 ... Prov . G . Chap . „ L . Finch , P . M . 129 Prov . G . TreaS .
, J . Hancock , S . W . 6 Prov . G . R . of M „ H . M . Baker , W . M . 152 ... ... Prov . G . Sec . „ W . Watson , Sec . 237 Prov . S . G . D . „ Dr . F . P . Davies Prov . J . G . D . „ - L . B . Biggs , S . O . 237 Prov . J . G . D . „ T . W . Kirkbride , 225 Prov . G . D . C . „ C . J . Long , Sec . 255 Prov . G . S . B .
„ C . Buckland , 226 Prov . G . Std . B . „ ] . G . Kerr , S . D . 255 Prov . G . I . G . „ W . H . Hodgkin , W . M . 26 7 ; T . J . ") Pulley , W . M . 266 ; Dr . C . , Prov . G . Stvvds . Holttum , S . W . 262 ... ) „ R . T . Rolfe Prov . G . Tyler . Bros . Eastes , Pap-e , and Ellerm were elected Auditors .
and Bros . Fenn , Luckey , Smith , and Lester , thc Committee for General Purposes . The sum of £ 10 10 s . was then voted to the funds of the Boys' School , and there being no further business before Grand Lodpe it was closed in due form . Among the brethren present , not above mentioned , were Bros . F . Binckes , G . Sec . England ; D . Dewar , A . G .
Sec ; J . Smyth , W . M . 226 and 44 ; R . Brown , 6 ; G . Page , 129 ; G . Kennedy , 22 G ; \ V . Moulds , 26 ; J . Scully , 226 and 44 ; C . H . Godwin , 44 ; T . Alexander , 44 ; T . Holleyman , 22 G ; S . Clarke , 44 ; J . Lackland , 22 G ; E . Denton , 44 ; \ V . A . Weston , S . W . 22 G ; D . C . Capon , 226 ; T . Ovcnden , 226 ; T . Hosegood , 226 ; A . Penfold , J . W . 226 ; G . R . Nicholls , 22 G ; and . C . Jolly , 22 G ( Freemason ) .
_ The banquet took place at Bro . De Grey's house , the Freemasons' Arms , and vvas most elegantly served , the menu comprising all thc delicacies of the season . The usual loyal and Masonic toasts were given by thc Puov . GRAND MASTER . "The Health of the Grand Officers of the Grand Mark Lod < jc of England" vvas coupled with the name of Bro . Binckes , the Grand
Secretary , whose name , Bro . Robinson said , vvas a household name in Masonry . I Ie was not only Grand Secretary of tho Mark Degree in England , but Secretary of the Boys ' School Institution . He was the mainspring of Mark Masonry , and with the toast he coupled his name , and also thatof Bro . Dewar , Assistant Grand Secretary . ( Applause . ) Bro . BINCKES , after referring to the eloquent and
eulogistic terms in vvhich the Grand Master had spoken of him personally , said that in the earlier times , when the onus of the work of carrying on the Degree in the face of great opposition vvas laid on the shoulders of a few earnest Masons , who were determined to do that work , he had , Ecrhaps , borne with them the heat and burden of the day , ut that did not entitle him to claim the title of "
mainspring of the Degree , " so eulogistically accorded him by the Grand Master , although , when he looked back a quarter of a century and remembered the work done then and since then , he could not help thinking some of the qulogiums vvere not altogether out of place . ( Hear , hear . ) He vvas proud to say that year by year Mark Masonry vvas increasing in popularity and in numbers ; and so long as lie
vvas spared he should do all in Ins powcr-to make it a position second to none of the grades in Masonry , and make it strong , healthy , and prosperous . ( Applause . ) He must not , however , forget the subject of the toast , and was extremely sorry to say how much they missed the services of the late Deputy Grand Master , Lord Donoughmore , who was at present deeply engaged with his estates in Ireland ,
and could not , therefore , undertake the responsible duties of that ofiice . They had an excellent substitute in the person of Lord Henniker , who vvas doing his duty in such 3 manner that he felt sure they would hear something grand of him before long . The Province of Kent always gave hi "
( Bro . Binckes ) a warm welcome , and he had for many years felt a great gratitude for the reception lie always received from the " Men of Kent " ancl thc " Kentish Men . He did not . know which was which of his good friends oj the Craft , Arch , arid Mark Masonry of the " Garden ot Englarid , " ( Loud cheers . ) After paying a graceful tribute