Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Laying The Foundation Stone Of St Anne's Church, Bagshot.
LAYING THE FOUNDATION STONE OF ST ANNE'S CHURCH , BAGSHOT .
Monday last was a day to be remembered by the inhabitants of the usually quiet little town of Bagshot , in Surrey , when the foundation stone of the new church of St . Anne was laid by the R . W . Bro . the Duke of Connaught , K . G ., Past Grand Warden of England , with full Masonic honours . Bright were the beams of the noonday sun , when the little knot of brethren
who had assembled at Waterloo Terminus got clear away from town on that abnormally foggy morning , when London and its surroundings were wrapped in a dense mist that was rendered all the more uncongenial by comparison with the pellucid atmosphere a few miles out . At Clapham Junction , at Wimbledon and Surbiton and Woking , little knots of cheery-visaged
passengers were taken up , the neatly-folded little wallets they carried bespeaking the object of their mission , whilst at Brookwood , Frimley , and other intermediate stations en route the company was augmented by parties of holiday-looking folk , whose hilarity told of something most unusual " in the wind . " On arriving at Bagshot Station the platform assumed an
animated and populous aspect , and an old inhabitant was overheard to declare that " never afore had such a turn out been witnessed . " As the visitors wended their way through the quaint , sleepy , little town the amused inhabitants crowded to the doors and windows with complacent interest depicted on their countenances ; in fact , the whole country-side seemed on the alert ,
in anticipation of an unusually festive scene . Carriages of every make threaded the sandy bye-roads , raising a dust which was at times unpleasant ; but on every side there were abundant signs that the day was one of universal holiday . The expectation of a Royal visit , albeit the illustrious personages
who were to take a prominent part in the day ' s programme reside close by , appeared to whet the appetite for what was to follow , for the gaily-dressed belles of Bagshot wore their prettiest ribbons and the rosy-faced swains turned out in their " best bibs and tuckers , " as though in anticipation of a summer gala day .
The old church of St . Anne , which was of a type possessing little or no architectural beauty—indeed it had long been cruelly dubbed " the ugliest church in Surrey "—had fallen into a sad state of disrepair , and considering all the circumstances it was felt that as large a sum would be needed to render it seemly and decent as a place of worship as it would to effect a
comp lete substitution . Accordingly , the esteemed vicar , the Rev . F . A . P . Lory , appealed to his friends to assist him in the laudable work of erecting a new church , and the response given by all classes must have been to him of a most gratifying nature . Just two years ago a bazaar of useful and ornamental work was organised by the ladies of the neighbourhood , with the
substantial result that £ 1630 was realised as a neuclus of a building fund . To this was added a round £ 100 by her Most Gracious Majesty the Queen , and £ 300 by their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Connaught ; a hundred guineas by Mr . H . P . Leschallars ; £ 400 ( for bells ) by Mrs . Michael Waterer ; £ 400 by the Commissioners of Woods and Forests ; and
other amounts to a total of £ 1500 . With this aid the vicar was enabled to place his scheme in working order , and the designs having been drawn by Mr . Henry A . Cheers , architect , of London and Bagshot , the contract was entrusted to Mr . Joseph Higgs , builder , of Dorset-square , London . The estimated cost of the structure when completed , is about £ 5000 , towards or
which nearly ^ 3000 been received promised , irrespective of the amount collected at the ceremony on Monday last . The new church . will be of the early English style of architecture , and will consist of a nave , transepts , north and south aisles , and chancel , with a tower at the west end surmounted by a spire 120 feet in height . The building will be of brick ,
with Bath stone dressings on the outside , whilst the interior will be plastered , with an open roof of pitched pine . The seats will be open benches of approved design in stained wood , and accommodation will be afforded for 450 adults ; and the site is to be enclosed by a boundary wall with neat
iron palisading . Situated on an eminence , on what is known locally as the Mill Hill , it commands an extensive view of rich landscape on all sides , including Bagshot Park , the pretty demesne of the Duke and Duchess of Connaught , and just now when the country side is donning its spring livery the aspect is delightful in the extreme .
The brethren on their arrival soon after two o ' clock mustered in the rooms of the Mechanics' Institute , and having clothed proceeded to an upper chamber , where Prov . Grand Lodge of Surrey was opened in due form by the R . W . Bro . General Studholme-Brownrigg , C . B ., the Provincial Grand Master . There was a very large gathering under the banners of the
Prov . Grand Lodge , the Wey Side Lodge , No . 1395 , the Brownrigg Lodge , No . 1638 , and others , and the display of purple was greater than we have witnessed for many a long day . The hall was a primitive looking affair , inadequate to the accommodation of more than half those who sought admission , and a majority of those who did succeed were packed upon a
schoolroom-like gallery of planks ; whilst on a stage that had evidently been erected for the convenience of local histrionics , Provincial Grand Officers were content to find rather conspicuous positions . Bro . Charles Greenwood , Prov . Grand Secretary , was called upon to act as Prov . Grand Senior Warden , and Bro . W . C . Beaumont as Prov . Grand Junior Warden . The
gathering included amongst others the following : Bro . General Studholme Brownrigg-, C . B ., Prov . G . M ., supported by Bros , the Rev . C . W . Arnold , Deputy Prov . G . M . j Chas . Greenwood , P . G . S . B ., Senior Warden ; W . C . Beaumont , P . G . S . W ., acting- as Junior Warden ; the Rev . Richard Milner , Prov . G . Chap . ; \ V . A . Barrett , Prov . G . Reg . ; Geo . Price , Prov . G . Treas . ; Chas
Greenwood , jun ., 410 , Prov . G . Sec ; J . B . Boucher , 1872 , S . D . ; W . Youldon , 1638 , J . D . ; A . E . Taylor , 1851 , Prov . G . Supt . of Works ; H . E . Francis , Prov . G . Dir . of Cers . ; J . H . Askham , 1564 , Asst . Dir . of Cers . ; Compton , 1929 , Organist ; Geo . Westall , 1714 , Sword Bearer ; W . J . Kemp , 13 C 2 , Pursuivant ; F . A . Manning , 1861 , Standard Bearer ; and C . T . Speight , Tyler . Amongst the Grand Officers and brethren
Laying The Foundation Stone Of St Anne's Church, Bagshot.
present-were Bros . Colonel Shadwell H . Gierke , Grand Secretary ; Matrnus Ohren P . G . D . o £ C . ; H . Sadler , Grand Tyler ; W . | . Lendrin , P . P . G . P . ; N . G . Philips P . G . D . ; Rev . H . P . Bent , P . G . C . ; H . Bolting , 1395 , P . P . G . S . ; R . Eve , P . G . S . W Hants and Isle of Wight ; ] . Noel Borr , P . P . G . S . B . and Sec . 570 ; C . H . Woodward ' P . G . J . D . ; G . N . Money , P . P . G . S . W . ; Geo . Payne , I . P . M . 1564 , P . G . S . ; G W * Lister , S . W . 41 ; H . Summers , VV . M . ( Royal Albert ); G . GodsonP . M . 69 S . '
, Bradley , P . M . 414 ; F . G . Cook , W . M . 1971 ; S . J . Pulley , P . M . 1714 ; 1 . L Hickley , S . W . 1046 ; W . A . Laver , P . M . 1362 ; J . Mew , I . P . M . 1562 ; W . W Ridley , 1101 ; J . Collins , 1101 ; W . J . James , 1101 ; S . G . Dundas , W . M .-ITOJ . W . Squire , 3 ; J . G . Horsey , I . P . M . 1 S 92 ; Geo . Turner , W . M . i ; J . Hardy ' 1595 ; Arthur W . Calhs , 1395 ; Andrew Rogers , 1 5 C 4 ; S . P . Coaker , 1564 ; A . H . 103 i ivi 103 uavid
cowers , s ; vv . ^ ane , vv .. s ; VV . Cable , 1 G 3 S ; Edward W Cox 463 ; John Knight , P . M . 1046 ; G . Mesher , 1564 ; R . Tozer , 1714 ; G . W . Parker , ' P . M . 215 ; J ames Edwards , 1 S 92 ; Francis Carter , 1 S 92 ; J . M . Norman , 161 S W Pile , W . M . 1 S 92 ; T . Adams , W . M . ; Byron H . Ridge , 1347 ; Thos . L . Lock , J . wi 1347 ; A . F . Asher , S . D . 1395 ; R . Bunce , Sec . 1714 ; and others .
Prov . Grand Lodge having been opened prayer was said by the Prov . Grand Chaplain , Bro . the Rev . J . M . Milner , and after a few simple formalities a procession was formed , the brethren marching two abreast in the direction of the site , on their arrival there they entered the enclosure . The clergy and choir in their surplices had robed at the vicarage and included his Grace the Lord Bishop of Winchester ( who with Mrs . Harold Browne , the Rev . Robert Browne , his lordship's chaplain , had been guests
of their Royal Highness ' s at Bagshot Park ) , the Rev . F . M . Middleton , rural dean and Vicar of York Town j the vicar , the Rev . F . A . P . Lory , and his curate , the Rev . E . M . Salmon ; the Bishop of Ballarat , the Rev . J . M . Freshfield , Vicar of Windlesham ; Rev . R . Flint , Vicar of Sunningdale ; Rev . Newton Spencer , Vicar of Emly and rural dean ; Rev . W . Basset , Rector of Frimley ; Rev . A . Kinch , Rector of Farnborough ; Rev . W . Suthey , Curate of Farnborough ; Rev . C . B . Fendall , of Windlesham ; and others .
The bishop of the diocese took his seat at the table in front of the stone , the clergy and choir occupying the platform in rear , whilst the brethren were ranged round in accordance with rank , the Prov . Grand Officers being in the centre . The Duke and Duchess on their arrival were welcomed with respectful salutations which they graciously acknowledged , and her Royal Highness was escorted to her seat by Bro . General Brownrigg , who sat
between her and her Royal husband on the left of the bishop .. Accompanying the Royal party were Col . Sir H . El phinstone and Lady Elphinstone , Gen . Sir D . Lysons and Lady Lysons , the infant Princess Margaret , Mr . Edward Miles , treasurer of the building fund ; Col . Lempriere , R . E . ; Gen . Smythe , C . B . ; and a large gathering of resident gentry of the district . When the assemblage was seated the scene within the half raised walls of
the building was exceedingly picturesque , the sun shining brightly over all , and with beams as fervent as on an ordinary July day . The necessary preliminaries having been arranged the opening sentences of the service were said by the bishop , the responses being given by the Rev . E . M . Salmon . Then followed Psalm Ixxxiv ., " O how amiable , " by the choir , ably led by
Mr . G . P . More , who presided at the harmonium , the lesson for the day , Ezra iii , io , 11 , being read by the rural dean , the Rev . F . M . Middleton . Prayer was then offered for the work undertaken and the preservation of all those who were engaged in it , after which Psalm cxxvii ., " Except the Lord build the house , " was sung .
The PROV . GRAND MASTER then advanced to the stone , and addressing his Royal Highness said : Knowing the deep interest which you and her Royal Highness take in the laying of the foundation stone and the building of theedifice which we have come here to complete , I beg on my part and on
behalf of the Freemasons of Surrey that you will do us the honour of performing the ceremony of laying this stone with the test of the plumb , the level , and the square . We trust that you will find it well and trul y laid , for which purpose I have the honour to place this trowel in your hands . He then handed to the Duke a magnificent silver trowel , suitably inscribed in commemoration of the event .
His Royal Highness the Duke of CONNAUGHT , K . G ., Past Grand Warden , in reply , said ; My lord bishopandbrethren . be it known unto you that we be lawful Masons , true and honourable to the laws of our country . Although not ourselves operative Masons , yet we have , from time immmemorial , been associated with the erection of buildings , to be raised for the benefit of mankind , the adornment of the world , and the glory of
the Great Architect of the Universe . We have amongst us , unseen from the eyes of all men , secrets that may not be unveiled , and which no man has discovered ; but these secrets are lawful and honourable , and not repugnant to the laws of either God or man . They were entrusted to the Masons of ancient days , and they have been faithfully transmitted to us ; and it is our duty to convey them unimpaired to our latest posterity . Unless
our Order had been honourable , and our calling just , it would not have lasted all these centuries , nor should we have had so many illustrious brothers in our Order , ready to promote our laws and to further our interests . We are assembled here to-day , in the midst of all you here present , for the erection of a house to the glory and the worship of the Most
High , which we pray God may bless and prosper as it seems good to him . ( So mote it be . ) As it is the duty of all Masons in any undertaking to invoke the blessing of the Great Architect of the Universe , I will call upon you to unite with our Grand Chaplain in an address to the Throne of Grace . The PROV . GRAND CHAPLAIN having offered prayer ,
H . R . H . the Duke of CONNAUGHT said : It is my will of pleasure that the foundation-stone of this church be laid , and Bro . the Prov . Grand Secretary will read the inscription on the plate . The PROV . GRAND SECRETARY then read " This foundation-stone was laid by their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Connaught with Masonic honours , A . D . 1883 . Henry A . Cheers , architect . "
The PROV . GRAND TREASURER deposited coins of the realm and other articles in the cavity of the stone , after which mortar was spread , and the stone lowered to its resting place .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Laying The Foundation Stone Of St Anne's Church, Bagshot.
LAYING THE FOUNDATION STONE OF ST ANNE'S CHURCH , BAGSHOT .
Monday last was a day to be remembered by the inhabitants of the usually quiet little town of Bagshot , in Surrey , when the foundation stone of the new church of St . Anne was laid by the R . W . Bro . the Duke of Connaught , K . G ., Past Grand Warden of England , with full Masonic honours . Bright were the beams of the noonday sun , when the little knot of brethren
who had assembled at Waterloo Terminus got clear away from town on that abnormally foggy morning , when London and its surroundings were wrapped in a dense mist that was rendered all the more uncongenial by comparison with the pellucid atmosphere a few miles out . At Clapham Junction , at Wimbledon and Surbiton and Woking , little knots of cheery-visaged
passengers were taken up , the neatly-folded little wallets they carried bespeaking the object of their mission , whilst at Brookwood , Frimley , and other intermediate stations en route the company was augmented by parties of holiday-looking folk , whose hilarity told of something most unusual " in the wind . " On arriving at Bagshot Station the platform assumed an
animated and populous aspect , and an old inhabitant was overheard to declare that " never afore had such a turn out been witnessed . " As the visitors wended their way through the quaint , sleepy , little town the amused inhabitants crowded to the doors and windows with complacent interest depicted on their countenances ; in fact , the whole country-side seemed on the alert ,
in anticipation of an unusually festive scene . Carriages of every make threaded the sandy bye-roads , raising a dust which was at times unpleasant ; but on every side there were abundant signs that the day was one of universal holiday . The expectation of a Royal visit , albeit the illustrious personages
who were to take a prominent part in the day ' s programme reside close by , appeared to whet the appetite for what was to follow , for the gaily-dressed belles of Bagshot wore their prettiest ribbons and the rosy-faced swains turned out in their " best bibs and tuckers , " as though in anticipation of a summer gala day .
The old church of St . Anne , which was of a type possessing little or no architectural beauty—indeed it had long been cruelly dubbed " the ugliest church in Surrey "—had fallen into a sad state of disrepair , and considering all the circumstances it was felt that as large a sum would be needed to render it seemly and decent as a place of worship as it would to effect a
comp lete substitution . Accordingly , the esteemed vicar , the Rev . F . A . P . Lory , appealed to his friends to assist him in the laudable work of erecting a new church , and the response given by all classes must have been to him of a most gratifying nature . Just two years ago a bazaar of useful and ornamental work was organised by the ladies of the neighbourhood , with the
substantial result that £ 1630 was realised as a neuclus of a building fund . To this was added a round £ 100 by her Most Gracious Majesty the Queen , and £ 300 by their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Connaught ; a hundred guineas by Mr . H . P . Leschallars ; £ 400 ( for bells ) by Mrs . Michael Waterer ; £ 400 by the Commissioners of Woods and Forests ; and
other amounts to a total of £ 1500 . With this aid the vicar was enabled to place his scheme in working order , and the designs having been drawn by Mr . Henry A . Cheers , architect , of London and Bagshot , the contract was entrusted to Mr . Joseph Higgs , builder , of Dorset-square , London . The estimated cost of the structure when completed , is about £ 5000 , towards or
which nearly ^ 3000 been received promised , irrespective of the amount collected at the ceremony on Monday last . The new church . will be of the early English style of architecture , and will consist of a nave , transepts , north and south aisles , and chancel , with a tower at the west end surmounted by a spire 120 feet in height . The building will be of brick ,
with Bath stone dressings on the outside , whilst the interior will be plastered , with an open roof of pitched pine . The seats will be open benches of approved design in stained wood , and accommodation will be afforded for 450 adults ; and the site is to be enclosed by a boundary wall with neat
iron palisading . Situated on an eminence , on what is known locally as the Mill Hill , it commands an extensive view of rich landscape on all sides , including Bagshot Park , the pretty demesne of the Duke and Duchess of Connaught , and just now when the country side is donning its spring livery the aspect is delightful in the extreme .
The brethren on their arrival soon after two o ' clock mustered in the rooms of the Mechanics' Institute , and having clothed proceeded to an upper chamber , where Prov . Grand Lodge of Surrey was opened in due form by the R . W . Bro . General Studholme-Brownrigg , C . B ., the Provincial Grand Master . There was a very large gathering under the banners of the
Prov . Grand Lodge , the Wey Side Lodge , No . 1395 , the Brownrigg Lodge , No . 1638 , and others , and the display of purple was greater than we have witnessed for many a long day . The hall was a primitive looking affair , inadequate to the accommodation of more than half those who sought admission , and a majority of those who did succeed were packed upon a
schoolroom-like gallery of planks ; whilst on a stage that had evidently been erected for the convenience of local histrionics , Provincial Grand Officers were content to find rather conspicuous positions . Bro . Charles Greenwood , Prov . Grand Secretary , was called upon to act as Prov . Grand Senior Warden , and Bro . W . C . Beaumont as Prov . Grand Junior Warden . The
gathering included amongst others the following : Bro . General Studholme Brownrigg-, C . B ., Prov . G . M ., supported by Bros , the Rev . C . W . Arnold , Deputy Prov . G . M . j Chas . Greenwood , P . G . S . B ., Senior Warden ; W . C . Beaumont , P . G . S . W ., acting- as Junior Warden ; the Rev . Richard Milner , Prov . G . Chap . ; \ V . A . Barrett , Prov . G . Reg . ; Geo . Price , Prov . G . Treas . ; Chas
Greenwood , jun ., 410 , Prov . G . Sec ; J . B . Boucher , 1872 , S . D . ; W . Youldon , 1638 , J . D . ; A . E . Taylor , 1851 , Prov . G . Supt . of Works ; H . E . Francis , Prov . G . Dir . of Cers . ; J . H . Askham , 1564 , Asst . Dir . of Cers . ; Compton , 1929 , Organist ; Geo . Westall , 1714 , Sword Bearer ; W . J . Kemp , 13 C 2 , Pursuivant ; F . A . Manning , 1861 , Standard Bearer ; and C . T . Speight , Tyler . Amongst the Grand Officers and brethren
Laying The Foundation Stone Of St Anne's Church, Bagshot.
present-were Bros . Colonel Shadwell H . Gierke , Grand Secretary ; Matrnus Ohren P . G . D . o £ C . ; H . Sadler , Grand Tyler ; W . | . Lendrin , P . P . G . P . ; N . G . Philips P . G . D . ; Rev . H . P . Bent , P . G . C . ; H . Bolting , 1395 , P . P . G . S . ; R . Eve , P . G . S . W Hants and Isle of Wight ; ] . Noel Borr , P . P . G . S . B . and Sec . 570 ; C . H . Woodward ' P . G . J . D . ; G . N . Money , P . P . G . S . W . ; Geo . Payne , I . P . M . 1564 , P . G . S . ; G W * Lister , S . W . 41 ; H . Summers , VV . M . ( Royal Albert ); G . GodsonP . M . 69 S . '
, Bradley , P . M . 414 ; F . G . Cook , W . M . 1971 ; S . J . Pulley , P . M . 1714 ; 1 . L Hickley , S . W . 1046 ; W . A . Laver , P . M . 1362 ; J . Mew , I . P . M . 1562 ; W . W Ridley , 1101 ; J . Collins , 1101 ; W . J . James , 1101 ; S . G . Dundas , W . M .-ITOJ . W . Squire , 3 ; J . G . Horsey , I . P . M . 1 S 92 ; Geo . Turner , W . M . i ; J . Hardy ' 1595 ; Arthur W . Calhs , 1395 ; Andrew Rogers , 1 5 C 4 ; S . P . Coaker , 1564 ; A . H . 103 i ivi 103 uavid
cowers , s ; vv . ^ ane , vv .. s ; VV . Cable , 1 G 3 S ; Edward W Cox 463 ; John Knight , P . M . 1046 ; G . Mesher , 1564 ; R . Tozer , 1714 ; G . W . Parker , ' P . M . 215 ; J ames Edwards , 1 S 92 ; Francis Carter , 1 S 92 ; J . M . Norman , 161 S W Pile , W . M . 1 S 92 ; T . Adams , W . M . ; Byron H . Ridge , 1347 ; Thos . L . Lock , J . wi 1347 ; A . F . Asher , S . D . 1395 ; R . Bunce , Sec . 1714 ; and others .
Prov . Grand Lodge having been opened prayer was said by the Prov . Grand Chaplain , Bro . the Rev . J . M . Milner , and after a few simple formalities a procession was formed , the brethren marching two abreast in the direction of the site , on their arrival there they entered the enclosure . The clergy and choir in their surplices had robed at the vicarage and included his Grace the Lord Bishop of Winchester ( who with Mrs . Harold Browne , the Rev . Robert Browne , his lordship's chaplain , had been guests
of their Royal Highness ' s at Bagshot Park ) , the Rev . F . M . Middleton , rural dean and Vicar of York Town j the vicar , the Rev . F . A . P . Lory , and his curate , the Rev . E . M . Salmon ; the Bishop of Ballarat , the Rev . J . M . Freshfield , Vicar of Windlesham ; Rev . R . Flint , Vicar of Sunningdale ; Rev . Newton Spencer , Vicar of Emly and rural dean ; Rev . W . Basset , Rector of Frimley ; Rev . A . Kinch , Rector of Farnborough ; Rev . W . Suthey , Curate of Farnborough ; Rev . C . B . Fendall , of Windlesham ; and others .
The bishop of the diocese took his seat at the table in front of the stone , the clergy and choir occupying the platform in rear , whilst the brethren were ranged round in accordance with rank , the Prov . Grand Officers being in the centre . The Duke and Duchess on their arrival were welcomed with respectful salutations which they graciously acknowledged , and her Royal Highness was escorted to her seat by Bro . General Brownrigg , who sat
between her and her Royal husband on the left of the bishop .. Accompanying the Royal party were Col . Sir H . El phinstone and Lady Elphinstone , Gen . Sir D . Lysons and Lady Lysons , the infant Princess Margaret , Mr . Edward Miles , treasurer of the building fund ; Col . Lempriere , R . E . ; Gen . Smythe , C . B . ; and a large gathering of resident gentry of the district . When the assemblage was seated the scene within the half raised walls of
the building was exceedingly picturesque , the sun shining brightly over all , and with beams as fervent as on an ordinary July day . The necessary preliminaries having been arranged the opening sentences of the service were said by the bishop , the responses being given by the Rev . E . M . Salmon . Then followed Psalm Ixxxiv ., " O how amiable , " by the choir , ably led by
Mr . G . P . More , who presided at the harmonium , the lesson for the day , Ezra iii , io , 11 , being read by the rural dean , the Rev . F . M . Middleton . Prayer was then offered for the work undertaken and the preservation of all those who were engaged in it , after which Psalm cxxvii ., " Except the Lord build the house , " was sung .
The PROV . GRAND MASTER then advanced to the stone , and addressing his Royal Highness said : Knowing the deep interest which you and her Royal Highness take in the laying of the foundation stone and the building of theedifice which we have come here to complete , I beg on my part and on
behalf of the Freemasons of Surrey that you will do us the honour of performing the ceremony of laying this stone with the test of the plumb , the level , and the square . We trust that you will find it well and trul y laid , for which purpose I have the honour to place this trowel in your hands . He then handed to the Duke a magnificent silver trowel , suitably inscribed in commemoration of the event .
His Royal Highness the Duke of CONNAUGHT , K . G ., Past Grand Warden , in reply , said ; My lord bishopandbrethren . be it known unto you that we be lawful Masons , true and honourable to the laws of our country . Although not ourselves operative Masons , yet we have , from time immmemorial , been associated with the erection of buildings , to be raised for the benefit of mankind , the adornment of the world , and the glory of
the Great Architect of the Universe . We have amongst us , unseen from the eyes of all men , secrets that may not be unveiled , and which no man has discovered ; but these secrets are lawful and honourable , and not repugnant to the laws of either God or man . They were entrusted to the Masons of ancient days , and they have been faithfully transmitted to us ; and it is our duty to convey them unimpaired to our latest posterity . Unless
our Order had been honourable , and our calling just , it would not have lasted all these centuries , nor should we have had so many illustrious brothers in our Order , ready to promote our laws and to further our interests . We are assembled here to-day , in the midst of all you here present , for the erection of a house to the glory and the worship of the Most
High , which we pray God may bless and prosper as it seems good to him . ( So mote it be . ) As it is the duty of all Masons in any undertaking to invoke the blessing of the Great Architect of the Universe , I will call upon you to unite with our Grand Chaplain in an address to the Throne of Grace . The PROV . GRAND CHAPLAIN having offered prayer ,
H . R . H . the Duke of CONNAUGHT said : It is my will of pleasure that the foundation-stone of this church be laid , and Bro . the Prov . Grand Secretary will read the inscription on the plate . The PROV . GRAND SECRETARY then read " This foundation-stone was laid by their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Connaught with Masonic honours , A . D . 1883 . Henry A . Cheers , architect . "
The PROV . GRAND TREASURER deposited coins of the realm and other articles in the cavity of the stone , after which mortar was spread , and the stone lowered to its resting place .