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Installation Of Sir George Elliot, Bart., M.P., As Provincial Grand Master Of South -Wales (E.D.)
INSTALLATION OF SIR GEORGE ELLIOT , BART ., M . P ., AS PROVINCIAL GRAND MASTER OF SOUTH -WALES ( E . D . )
On Wednesday , 4 th April , a large and influential gathering of Freemasons took place at Aberdare , under the banner of St . David ' s Lodge , on the occasion of the installation of Sir George Elliot as R . W . P . G . M . for E . D . of South Wales . The ceremony took place in the Temperance Hall , which was fitted up as a lodge-room . At one end ,
upon the platform , which was draped with crimson and purple cloth , fringed with gold , was placed the throne , enriched by a zone of imitation marble , surmounted by a crown . Banners and bannerets were tastefully arranged at various points , and the open spaces of the platform at each end were filled with flowering plants and shrubs from the floor nearly to the ceiling . Imitation marble
pillars graced the walls all round tbe interior , and the gallery was covered with crimson drapery . The windows were all draped with blue and chocolate-coloured drapery , looped up with orange-coloured rosettes , the whole having a very striking effect . Soon after one o ' clock the brethren assembled in large numbers , notwithstanding the unfavourable state of the weather , as the rain came down in
torrents . At 1 . 30 Prov . Grand Lodge was opened by Bro . vEneas Mclntyre , Q . C ., Grand Registrar , supported by Co ) . Burdett , P . G . M . of Middlesex , as D . P . G . M . ; J . B . Monckton , President of Board of General Purposes ; J . C . Parkinson , J . P ., P . G . D . ; and Thos . Fenn , P . G . D ., who acted as Director of Ceremonies .
An announcement was then made that the D . P . G . M . of Monmouthshire , with over twenty of his P . G . Officers , was at the door waiting admission . Capt . S . Geo . Homfray was then introduced by Bro . Fenn , and took his seat on the dais , and was saluted according to ancient custom . The warrant of installation was then read .
A deputation , consisting of P . M . ' s of the province , was then formed to wait upon the P . G . M . elect . Sir George Elliot was then introduced , and after being invested and installed , was saluted . He then appointed the following brethren as his officers : — J . E . Price Prov . G . S . W . John Rogers Prov . G . J . W .
Rev . J . W . Jones Prov . G . Chap . Rev . W . Watkins Prov . G . Chap . J . Jones Hewson Prov . G . Reg . Evan Jones Prov . G . Sec . T . G . Glass Prov . G . S . D . D . Hopkins Prov . G . J . D . J . R . Robinson Prov . G . S . of Wks . D . Watson Prov . G . D . C .
W . P . Garrett Prov . G . A . G . D . C . R . Webb Prov . G . S . B . A . S . Streeve Prov . G . O . G . H . White Prov . G . Purst . Geo . Bullerwell Prov . G . Tyler . G . H . Noel , J . Williams , H . Briscoe , W . Dobbs , W . T . Canton , and W .
Young Prov . G . Stewards . Contributions were then voted for Masonic charities , and cordial votes of thanks accorded to Bro . Mclntyre for the able manner in which he had performed the installation ; Bros . Col . Burdett and J . B . Monckton for their presence , and to Bro . Fenn for the ability displayed by him in conducting the ceremony .
Prov . Grand Lodge was then closed by Bro . Sir George Elliot , and the brethren proceeded to St . Elvan ' s Church , were an excellent sermon was preached by Bro . the Rev . J . W . Jones , P . G . Chap . Amongst the numerous brethren present , numbering over 400 , we noticed Bros . Capt . S . G . Homfray , Past A . G . D . C . and D . P . G . M . Monmouthshire ; C . W . Newmarch ,
D . P . G . M . Gloucestershire ; Rev . W . L . Stradhng ; T . Marsden ; W . B . Broad , P . G . O . Monmouthshire ; C . Olliver , P . G . W . Monmouthshire ; R . C . Chambers , P . G . W . Monmouthshire ; W . Williams , P . G . S . D . Monmouthshire ; W . Watkins , P . G . S . Wks . Monmouthshire ; J . Piggford ; J . Richards ; G . Phillips ; W . Brown , of Homfray Lodge * , W . H . Rees , J . T . Davis , J . Bidder , J . Westren , of Neath
Lodge * , W . D . Preswell , of Pleiades Lodge , Devon ; S . Hern , S . Weichert , C . Manders , J . Newton , J . Woodman , T . Haynes , of Bute Lodge , Cardiff ; C . Miles , Neyland , Sladen , Rosser , White , Livingston , Williams , Mitchel ) , Andrews , Perrin , Roberts , Davis , D . C . Jones-Clare , of Caradoc Lodge , Swansea ; and Bro . F . Binckes , Secretary Boys' School .
Banquet was held in the Maiket Place , which had been tastefully decorated and fitted up for the occasion . The P . G . M . presided . Dinner being over , the P . G . M . gave " The Queen and the Craft , " which was heartily responded to . He then proposed "The M . W . G . M ., H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , " and suggested that it should be given with " three times
three . " The next toast , " The Pro G . M ., D . P . G . M ., and G . Officers " was coupled with the names of Bro . Monckton , Mclntyre , and Fenn . Bro . J . B . Monckton , in response , said he esteemed it a distinguished honour to reply to this toast , for it was a pleasure to represent one ' s highly esteemed colleaguesofficers of the Grand Lodge—even for a few moments .
In their names he begged cordially and briefly to respond to the kind remarks of the Provincial Grand Master . But he was compelled to allude to a further and greater pleasure * , he alluded to the privilege of being present in the eastern division of South Wales on this most
interesting and most auspicious occasion . There were many present older in Masonry than himself , and although his connection dated many years ago , he could not remember having attended a meeting which had given him greater Masonic pleasure and satisfaction than that ol to-day . These might appear somewhat formal words , but it was
Installation Of Sir George Elliot, Bart., M.P., As Provincial Grand Master Of South -Wales (E.D.)
not because this was a Provincial Grand Lodge met , to do ordinary provincial work , nor because the lodge was gathered together on an , exceptional occasion , installing the new Grand Master , . but it was because there was such devoted loyalty , to the man whom they rejoiced to see placed over them that induced him to pronounce this an extraordinary occasion . They who had come from the
metropolis had been more and more astonished as the day had gone on , and he would tell them frankly that when he was invited to be present at this installation , he thought he was coming to a new country place called Aberdare , and that they would have to get on as best they could . He had no conception when he arrived at the little place called Aberdare that he was going to see such splendid
and business-like preparations as were witnessed in the two buildings that day . ( Cheers . ) And when he heard it whispered that a great deal of the go od taste displayed was to be attributed to a young Mason , and a member of the youngest lodge in the province , he affirmed that there must be a great deal in Masonry that could evoke such enthusiasm from a young brother ; but that good taste of
the young brother would have gone for little without kindly fraternal hands to assist . ( Cheers . ) It would have been most ungracious to come here and enjoy the hospitality and Masonic pleasures of the day if he failed in the names of those afar off to acknowledge the manner in which they had received the toast . of the Grand Officers . He , in conclusion , wished prosperity to all present . ( Cheers . )
Bro . Mclntyre then said the Craft looked with the greatest affection upon their Queen , as well as upon His Royal Highness the Prince who took his chief title from the principality in which they were then assembled , as the chief ruler of the Craft . The Prince of Wales reflected credit upon Freemasonry throughout the whole of England , and particularly in Wales whose title he bore . But when they
began to look nearer home , when they found a gentleman whom theyjall knew personally presiding over Freemasonry amongst those with whom he also was personally acquainted , and among whom he laboured , as Sir George Elliot did , they could not but look upon him with an intensified fraternal feeling as their ruler , and hail him as such with all the warmth of feeling and loyalty at their
command . He felt it to be a high honour to propose , as he now did , " The Health of Sir George Elliot" and a very great pleasure to wish him long life and prosperity . ( Cheers . ) He could not desire to see Sir George Elliot more happily circumstanced than he was then , surrounded by neighbours and friends , nor could he doubt but that he would be at all times as warmly supported , because he
would always be found maintaining their Masonic rights and privileges , seeking to retain their regard , and always desirous of promoting good feeling amongst them . ( Cheers . ) Every man present knew Sir George , and had long known him , and he was quite sure that as years rolled on they would come to regard him as their Masonic ruler with even more affection in the future than they had
done in the past , for they would find him a man whose kindness of heart and true Masonic feeling would animate every brother of every lodge in the province , in the exercise of those very qualities which he possessed in so eminent a degree . He proposed with much pleasure " Health and Long Life to the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master . " ( Loud cheers . ) The toast was
drunk with " three times three . " The Provincial G . M ., who was warmly rcccivcd . saidthat he spoke the feelings of his heart when he declared how proud he felt at hearing his name mentioned so kindly and received so warmly as had then been the case . It was surely f . om no personal excellence on his part , at least , he was not able to discover it himself if it were so . It
seemed to him that there must be some secret worth about him which had brought about this great result , and all he could say was , that he was ignorant of it . Masonry had its secrets to the outer world , and those who wei eprivilegedto exercise the lights of brotherhood , saw in the system something which they could not explain , but which brought about results of which the outer world knew
nothing . Whether this arose from its moral , social , or religious aspect , he could not tell , but there the something was amongst them which drew them together in the bonds of brotherhood , and friendly intercourse , and he supposed he must look to that something for an explanation of the very kindly way in which he had been received by them . If it were possible for the world to be made acquainted
with all they themselves knew and felt , he thought the great acquisition to the Craft which had characterised it of late years , would be even still greater , and the momentum which it had recehed be still further accelerated . Speaking of himself , if he could bc at any time a medium of Masonic strength between a brother and a biother , or between a province and a province , he should esteem it a
pleasure to exercise his functions in that behalf , and could only say that throughout his Masonic life he should deem it his duty to further their interests to the fullest extent of his ability . He said this not in a moment of festivity , nor was it a feeling of a common moment only . It arose from a desire to exercise towards Masonry a solid sentiment of fidelity and enduring
usefulness at all times , and as long as his Masonic life lasted . ( Loud cheers . ) The P . G . M . then proposed " The Health cf the Installing Master , Bro . Mclntyre , " which was drunk with three times three . Bro . Mclntyre responded to the toast , and thanked them heartily for the kindness they had shown towards him
since his advent into South Wales . He had not been long amongst them , but he had made more friends during that short time than he could ever have been made aware of . lie invited those who were eligible to attend Grand Lodge to visit them in London , and to sec if they would not be received with befitting hospitality . He assured them that this would be the case . He hoped they would visit Grand Lodge often , and would thus help , by giving them in
Installation Of Sir George Elliot, Bart., M.P., As Provincial Grand Master Of South -Wales (E.D.)
London an insight of what Masonry was in the provinces , to further the interest of Freemasonry and the welfare of mankind . Bro . J . C . Parkinson said : As a P . M . of the Aberdare Lodge , and as one who is connected with the adjacent Province of Monmouthshire by the closest ties of friendship and of material interest , I have peculiar
pleasure in proposing the toast of " Our Visiting Brethren , " and in asking you to pay special honour to the other Provincial Grand Lodges here represented . The St . David ' s Lodge of Aberdare deems it a high honour that this Provincial Grand Lodge should have been held under its banner , and I am only expressing the feeling of its members , and of the Eastern Division of South Wales
generally , when I say that we shall always refer with pride to the number of visiting brethren who have assembled , many of them from long distances , to testify their interest in the occasion . And as no innocent pleasure is ever entirely lost , but abides to enrich the memory and sweeten reflection , so the pleasant fruits of this meeting will remain with us ,
when this day shall become historical , and when South Wales Masons will date incidents as they happened before or after this great fraternal gathering at Aberdare . We trace in our mind ' s eye our visitors to their homes . We see them disinterestedly arranging their private concerns , perhaps for weeks beforehand , so as to enable them to be with us to-day ; and we all know from personal experience
of the struggles , of the turmoils , and the exactions of this work-a-day world , how much may be involved in keeping an engagement , the end and aim of which is to serve no interest , but to pay a semi-public homage to abstract principles , for I place the vast attendance to-day upon no lower ground . There has been no doubt a generous desire to pay honour to the new Provincial Grand Master on his
formally assuming the dignities and responsibilities of his high position ; but beyond and above this has been the resolve of ei ery man present to testify his deep attachment to the Order , and his determination to uphold it at all times and in every practical way ; for Freemasonry , apart from its mysteries and solemn rites , which we all value so highly , is a voluntary association , wherein men arc
pledged solemnly to principles which arc clearly defined . A Mason's first obligation is absolute obedience to law , and throughout our elaborate symbolic system the vital truths of religion , and the duties of toleration and of charity , as well as those stringent rules which are at the foundation of social order , are enforced with great and increasing solemnity , and the discipline of the Craft
might be compared not inaptly to the institutions which form nations , make themselves self-contained and endow them with lasting power . Our form of Masonic government , our zealously guarded rights , our absolute obedience to our constitutional head and the wise limitations of his power , our reverence for law , our perfect system of representation , our respect for tradition , our free exercise cf
private judgment , and our enlightened conservatism , all tend to foster a love for good government , and are brought home to the mind and made familiar by illustration to every working Mason . These are the principles our visitors represent and share , and in the name of which we bid them hearty welcome . There are other and equally important sides to Freemasonry upon which I have not
touched . Of its beneficent and far-reaching charity we know our neighbours and friends to be most efficient exponents ; and for that we thank them , satisfied that they reap their reward not merely in the successful , but not ungenerous rivalry , but in the highest sense of duty performed and obligation discharged . I give you " The Visitors , " coupling with the toast the name of Col . Francis
Burdett , P . G . M . of Middlesex , and Capt . Geo . Homfray , D . P . G . M . of Monmouthshire . Bro . Burdett briefly responded to the toast . He said that Sir George Elliot had held office as his deputy for Middlesex , and he received Sir George ' s resignation with great regret . He could assure them that no member of the province was a greater lover of Masonry , or had the
Craft more at heart , than Sir George , and the more they knew of him the more they would like him . ( Cheers . ) Bro . Capt . George Homfray thanked them sincerely for the kind reception which they had given him , and also thanked his Provincial Grand Officers for mustering in such force as they had done that day . Although Sir George had been installed at Aberdare , they did not forget
that he had a large stake in the county of Monmouth , and it had been the wish , this being so , that as many as possible should attend the installation from his province . He assured Sir George that they would always bc found co-operating in every way to further the cause they all had in hand . He thanked Bro . Parkinson for the kind way in which he had spoken of him , and for the readiness
with which he at all times held out the right hand of fellowship to him , and for the assistance he had given him whenever he desired it . " The Health of Bro . Fenn" was proposed and responded to , and several other toasts were proposed and duly responded to , amongst them being that of " The Masonic Charities , " to which Bro . Binckes , Secretary to
the Boys School , responded in his usual forcible manner . A correspondent writes : —Theie are few social positions in England which are more indicative of high standing than that of Proviniial Grand Master of the Fraternity of Freemasons . From the time , now more than sixty years ago , when the Duke of Sussex , as the chief of one portion of the Fraternity in England , and the Duke of Athol , as
representative of the other branch , agreed to a solemn act of union , and the Craft worked henceforth under one constitution , ils position of trust and dignity have been filled by men of the highest station . Freemasonry has been the special care of the reigning family . Their late Royal Highnesses George IV . ( when Prince Regent ) , the Duke of Sussex , the Duke of York , the Duke of Kent , and the Duke of Clarence , afterwards William IV ., all filled high
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Installation Of Sir George Elliot, Bart., M.P., As Provincial Grand Master Of South -Wales (E.D.)
INSTALLATION OF SIR GEORGE ELLIOT , BART ., M . P ., AS PROVINCIAL GRAND MASTER OF SOUTH -WALES ( E . D . )
On Wednesday , 4 th April , a large and influential gathering of Freemasons took place at Aberdare , under the banner of St . David ' s Lodge , on the occasion of the installation of Sir George Elliot as R . W . P . G . M . for E . D . of South Wales . The ceremony took place in the Temperance Hall , which was fitted up as a lodge-room . At one end ,
upon the platform , which was draped with crimson and purple cloth , fringed with gold , was placed the throne , enriched by a zone of imitation marble , surmounted by a crown . Banners and bannerets were tastefully arranged at various points , and the open spaces of the platform at each end were filled with flowering plants and shrubs from the floor nearly to the ceiling . Imitation marble
pillars graced the walls all round tbe interior , and the gallery was covered with crimson drapery . The windows were all draped with blue and chocolate-coloured drapery , looped up with orange-coloured rosettes , the whole having a very striking effect . Soon after one o ' clock the brethren assembled in large numbers , notwithstanding the unfavourable state of the weather , as the rain came down in
torrents . At 1 . 30 Prov . Grand Lodge was opened by Bro . vEneas Mclntyre , Q . C ., Grand Registrar , supported by Co ) . Burdett , P . G . M . of Middlesex , as D . P . G . M . ; J . B . Monckton , President of Board of General Purposes ; J . C . Parkinson , J . P ., P . G . D . ; and Thos . Fenn , P . G . D ., who acted as Director of Ceremonies .
An announcement was then made that the D . P . G . M . of Monmouthshire , with over twenty of his P . G . Officers , was at the door waiting admission . Capt . S . Geo . Homfray was then introduced by Bro . Fenn , and took his seat on the dais , and was saluted according to ancient custom . The warrant of installation was then read .
A deputation , consisting of P . M . ' s of the province , was then formed to wait upon the P . G . M . elect . Sir George Elliot was then introduced , and after being invested and installed , was saluted . He then appointed the following brethren as his officers : — J . E . Price Prov . G . S . W . John Rogers Prov . G . J . W .
Rev . J . W . Jones Prov . G . Chap . Rev . W . Watkins Prov . G . Chap . J . Jones Hewson Prov . G . Reg . Evan Jones Prov . G . Sec . T . G . Glass Prov . G . S . D . D . Hopkins Prov . G . J . D . J . R . Robinson Prov . G . S . of Wks . D . Watson Prov . G . D . C .
W . P . Garrett Prov . G . A . G . D . C . R . Webb Prov . G . S . B . A . S . Streeve Prov . G . O . G . H . White Prov . G . Purst . Geo . Bullerwell Prov . G . Tyler . G . H . Noel , J . Williams , H . Briscoe , W . Dobbs , W . T . Canton , and W .
Young Prov . G . Stewards . Contributions were then voted for Masonic charities , and cordial votes of thanks accorded to Bro . Mclntyre for the able manner in which he had performed the installation ; Bros . Col . Burdett and J . B . Monckton for their presence , and to Bro . Fenn for the ability displayed by him in conducting the ceremony .
Prov . Grand Lodge was then closed by Bro . Sir George Elliot , and the brethren proceeded to St . Elvan ' s Church , were an excellent sermon was preached by Bro . the Rev . J . W . Jones , P . G . Chap . Amongst the numerous brethren present , numbering over 400 , we noticed Bros . Capt . S . G . Homfray , Past A . G . D . C . and D . P . G . M . Monmouthshire ; C . W . Newmarch ,
D . P . G . M . Gloucestershire ; Rev . W . L . Stradhng ; T . Marsden ; W . B . Broad , P . G . O . Monmouthshire ; C . Olliver , P . G . W . Monmouthshire ; R . C . Chambers , P . G . W . Monmouthshire ; W . Williams , P . G . S . D . Monmouthshire ; W . Watkins , P . G . S . Wks . Monmouthshire ; J . Piggford ; J . Richards ; G . Phillips ; W . Brown , of Homfray Lodge * , W . H . Rees , J . T . Davis , J . Bidder , J . Westren , of Neath
Lodge * , W . D . Preswell , of Pleiades Lodge , Devon ; S . Hern , S . Weichert , C . Manders , J . Newton , J . Woodman , T . Haynes , of Bute Lodge , Cardiff ; C . Miles , Neyland , Sladen , Rosser , White , Livingston , Williams , Mitchel ) , Andrews , Perrin , Roberts , Davis , D . C . Jones-Clare , of Caradoc Lodge , Swansea ; and Bro . F . Binckes , Secretary Boys' School .
Banquet was held in the Maiket Place , which had been tastefully decorated and fitted up for the occasion . The P . G . M . presided . Dinner being over , the P . G . M . gave " The Queen and the Craft , " which was heartily responded to . He then proposed "The M . W . G . M ., H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , " and suggested that it should be given with " three times
three . " The next toast , " The Pro G . M ., D . P . G . M ., and G . Officers " was coupled with the names of Bro . Monckton , Mclntyre , and Fenn . Bro . J . B . Monckton , in response , said he esteemed it a distinguished honour to reply to this toast , for it was a pleasure to represent one ' s highly esteemed colleaguesofficers of the Grand Lodge—even for a few moments .
In their names he begged cordially and briefly to respond to the kind remarks of the Provincial Grand Master . But he was compelled to allude to a further and greater pleasure * , he alluded to the privilege of being present in the eastern division of South Wales on this most
interesting and most auspicious occasion . There were many present older in Masonry than himself , and although his connection dated many years ago , he could not remember having attended a meeting which had given him greater Masonic pleasure and satisfaction than that ol to-day . These might appear somewhat formal words , but it was
Installation Of Sir George Elliot, Bart., M.P., As Provincial Grand Master Of South -Wales (E.D.)
not because this was a Provincial Grand Lodge met , to do ordinary provincial work , nor because the lodge was gathered together on an , exceptional occasion , installing the new Grand Master , . but it was because there was such devoted loyalty , to the man whom they rejoiced to see placed over them that induced him to pronounce this an extraordinary occasion . They who had come from the
metropolis had been more and more astonished as the day had gone on , and he would tell them frankly that when he was invited to be present at this installation , he thought he was coming to a new country place called Aberdare , and that they would have to get on as best they could . He had no conception when he arrived at the little place called Aberdare that he was going to see such splendid
and business-like preparations as were witnessed in the two buildings that day . ( Cheers . ) And when he heard it whispered that a great deal of the go od taste displayed was to be attributed to a young Mason , and a member of the youngest lodge in the province , he affirmed that there must be a great deal in Masonry that could evoke such enthusiasm from a young brother ; but that good taste of
the young brother would have gone for little without kindly fraternal hands to assist . ( Cheers . ) It would have been most ungracious to come here and enjoy the hospitality and Masonic pleasures of the day if he failed in the names of those afar off to acknowledge the manner in which they had received the toast . of the Grand Officers . He , in conclusion , wished prosperity to all present . ( Cheers . )
Bro . Mclntyre then said the Craft looked with the greatest affection upon their Queen , as well as upon His Royal Highness the Prince who took his chief title from the principality in which they were then assembled , as the chief ruler of the Craft . The Prince of Wales reflected credit upon Freemasonry throughout the whole of England , and particularly in Wales whose title he bore . But when they
began to look nearer home , when they found a gentleman whom theyjall knew personally presiding over Freemasonry amongst those with whom he also was personally acquainted , and among whom he laboured , as Sir George Elliot did , they could not but look upon him with an intensified fraternal feeling as their ruler , and hail him as such with all the warmth of feeling and loyalty at their
command . He felt it to be a high honour to propose , as he now did , " The Health of Sir George Elliot" and a very great pleasure to wish him long life and prosperity . ( Cheers . ) He could not desire to see Sir George Elliot more happily circumstanced than he was then , surrounded by neighbours and friends , nor could he doubt but that he would be at all times as warmly supported , because he
would always be found maintaining their Masonic rights and privileges , seeking to retain their regard , and always desirous of promoting good feeling amongst them . ( Cheers . ) Every man present knew Sir George , and had long known him , and he was quite sure that as years rolled on they would come to regard him as their Masonic ruler with even more affection in the future than they had
done in the past , for they would find him a man whose kindness of heart and true Masonic feeling would animate every brother of every lodge in the province , in the exercise of those very qualities which he possessed in so eminent a degree . He proposed with much pleasure " Health and Long Life to the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master . " ( Loud cheers . ) The toast was
drunk with " three times three . " The Provincial G . M ., who was warmly rcccivcd . saidthat he spoke the feelings of his heart when he declared how proud he felt at hearing his name mentioned so kindly and received so warmly as had then been the case . It was surely f . om no personal excellence on his part , at least , he was not able to discover it himself if it were so . It
seemed to him that there must be some secret worth about him which had brought about this great result , and all he could say was , that he was ignorant of it . Masonry had its secrets to the outer world , and those who wei eprivilegedto exercise the lights of brotherhood , saw in the system something which they could not explain , but which brought about results of which the outer world knew
nothing . Whether this arose from its moral , social , or religious aspect , he could not tell , but there the something was amongst them which drew them together in the bonds of brotherhood , and friendly intercourse , and he supposed he must look to that something for an explanation of the very kindly way in which he had been received by them . If it were possible for the world to be made acquainted
with all they themselves knew and felt , he thought the great acquisition to the Craft which had characterised it of late years , would be even still greater , and the momentum which it had recehed be still further accelerated . Speaking of himself , if he could bc at any time a medium of Masonic strength between a brother and a biother , or between a province and a province , he should esteem it a
pleasure to exercise his functions in that behalf , and could only say that throughout his Masonic life he should deem it his duty to further their interests to the fullest extent of his ability . He said this not in a moment of festivity , nor was it a feeling of a common moment only . It arose from a desire to exercise towards Masonry a solid sentiment of fidelity and enduring
usefulness at all times , and as long as his Masonic life lasted . ( Loud cheers . ) The P . G . M . then proposed " The Health cf the Installing Master , Bro . Mclntyre , " which was drunk with three times three . Bro . Mclntyre responded to the toast , and thanked them heartily for the kindness they had shown towards him
since his advent into South Wales . He had not been long amongst them , but he had made more friends during that short time than he could ever have been made aware of . lie invited those who were eligible to attend Grand Lodge to visit them in London , and to sec if they would not be received with befitting hospitality . He assured them that this would be the case . He hoped they would visit Grand Lodge often , and would thus help , by giving them in
Installation Of Sir George Elliot, Bart., M.P., As Provincial Grand Master Of South -Wales (E.D.)
London an insight of what Masonry was in the provinces , to further the interest of Freemasonry and the welfare of mankind . Bro . J . C . Parkinson said : As a P . M . of the Aberdare Lodge , and as one who is connected with the adjacent Province of Monmouthshire by the closest ties of friendship and of material interest , I have peculiar
pleasure in proposing the toast of " Our Visiting Brethren , " and in asking you to pay special honour to the other Provincial Grand Lodges here represented . The St . David ' s Lodge of Aberdare deems it a high honour that this Provincial Grand Lodge should have been held under its banner , and I am only expressing the feeling of its members , and of the Eastern Division of South Wales
generally , when I say that we shall always refer with pride to the number of visiting brethren who have assembled , many of them from long distances , to testify their interest in the occasion . And as no innocent pleasure is ever entirely lost , but abides to enrich the memory and sweeten reflection , so the pleasant fruits of this meeting will remain with us ,
when this day shall become historical , and when South Wales Masons will date incidents as they happened before or after this great fraternal gathering at Aberdare . We trace in our mind ' s eye our visitors to their homes . We see them disinterestedly arranging their private concerns , perhaps for weeks beforehand , so as to enable them to be with us to-day ; and we all know from personal experience
of the struggles , of the turmoils , and the exactions of this work-a-day world , how much may be involved in keeping an engagement , the end and aim of which is to serve no interest , but to pay a semi-public homage to abstract principles , for I place the vast attendance to-day upon no lower ground . There has been no doubt a generous desire to pay honour to the new Provincial Grand Master on his
formally assuming the dignities and responsibilities of his high position ; but beyond and above this has been the resolve of ei ery man present to testify his deep attachment to the Order , and his determination to uphold it at all times and in every practical way ; for Freemasonry , apart from its mysteries and solemn rites , which we all value so highly , is a voluntary association , wherein men arc
pledged solemnly to principles which arc clearly defined . A Mason's first obligation is absolute obedience to law , and throughout our elaborate symbolic system the vital truths of religion , and the duties of toleration and of charity , as well as those stringent rules which are at the foundation of social order , are enforced with great and increasing solemnity , and the discipline of the Craft
might be compared not inaptly to the institutions which form nations , make themselves self-contained and endow them with lasting power . Our form of Masonic government , our zealously guarded rights , our absolute obedience to our constitutional head and the wise limitations of his power , our reverence for law , our perfect system of representation , our respect for tradition , our free exercise cf
private judgment , and our enlightened conservatism , all tend to foster a love for good government , and are brought home to the mind and made familiar by illustration to every working Mason . These are the principles our visitors represent and share , and in the name of which we bid them hearty welcome . There are other and equally important sides to Freemasonry upon which I have not
touched . Of its beneficent and far-reaching charity we know our neighbours and friends to be most efficient exponents ; and for that we thank them , satisfied that they reap their reward not merely in the successful , but not ungenerous rivalry , but in the highest sense of duty performed and obligation discharged . I give you " The Visitors , " coupling with the toast the name of Col . Francis
Burdett , P . G . M . of Middlesex , and Capt . Geo . Homfray , D . P . G . M . of Monmouthshire . Bro . Burdett briefly responded to the toast . He said that Sir George Elliot had held office as his deputy for Middlesex , and he received Sir George ' s resignation with great regret . He could assure them that no member of the province was a greater lover of Masonry , or had the
Craft more at heart , than Sir George , and the more they knew of him the more they would like him . ( Cheers . ) Bro . Capt . George Homfray thanked them sincerely for the kind reception which they had given him , and also thanked his Provincial Grand Officers for mustering in such force as they had done that day . Although Sir George had been installed at Aberdare , they did not forget
that he had a large stake in the county of Monmouth , and it had been the wish , this being so , that as many as possible should attend the installation from his province . He assured Sir George that they would always bc found co-operating in every way to further the cause they all had in hand . He thanked Bro . Parkinson for the kind way in which he had spoken of him , and for the readiness
with which he at all times held out the right hand of fellowship to him , and for the assistance he had given him whenever he desired it . " The Health of Bro . Fenn" was proposed and responded to , and several other toasts were proposed and duly responded to , amongst them being that of " The Masonic Charities , " to which Bro . Binckes , Secretary to
the Boys School , responded in his usual forcible manner . A correspondent writes : —Theie are few social positions in England which are more indicative of high standing than that of Proviniial Grand Master of the Fraternity of Freemasons . From the time , now more than sixty years ago , when the Duke of Sussex , as the chief of one portion of the Fraternity in England , and the Duke of Athol , as
representative of the other branch , agreed to a solemn act of union , and the Craft worked henceforth under one constitution , ils position of trust and dignity have been filled by men of the highest station . Freemasonry has been the special care of the reigning family . Their late Royal Highnesses George IV . ( when Prince Regent ) , the Duke of Sussex , the Duke of York , the Duke of Kent , and the Duke of Clarence , afterwards William IV ., all filled high