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Article THE GRAND CHAPTER OF QUEBEC AND THE GRAND MARK LODGE OF ENGLAND. ← Page 2 of 2 Article PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF HERTS. Page 1 of 2 Article PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF HERTS. Page 1 of 2 →
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The Grand Chapter Of Quebec And The Grand Mark Lodge Of England.
enquiry anent the same , of date May 3 rd ult ., to our Grand Representative near your Grand Lodge , but to this date , June 23 rd inst ., I have neither received an acknowledgment thereof , nor a replv thereto ; but in the latter part of May ult . there appeared in several of the leading secular newspapers published in the cities of Montreal , P . Q ., and Toronto , Ontario , articles to the effect that on the 25 th day of May ult" the anniversary of Victoria Lodge , No . 301 ,
. Montreal , of Mark Master Masons , under the Grand Lodge of England , was held in the city of Montreal , and was presided ' over by YV . Bro . William Ross ; that leading officers of another Mark Master Masons Lodge , E . R ., in the city of Montreal , namely , the ' Henniker' " ( named it would appear in honour of your lordship and presumably with your consent ) , " were also present thereat ; that the Secretary read a communication covering a patent and warrant horn
the Grand Mark Mason Lodge in England appointing R . W . Bro . William Badgley , District Grand Master for Quebec Province , and that he was proclaimed as such ; that the said District Grand Master then appointed R . VV . Bro . VV . H . Hutton to be his Deputy ; and Bro . J . O . Mathews his Secretary , and he announced that he would hold his first District Grand Lods ? c during the month of June inst . U examining the published report of the half-yearly
pon communication of your Grand Lodge , held June Gth , 1 SS 2 , 1 find that , while in the body of the proceedings , the last warrant then reported to vour Grand Lodge as having been issued , is numbered " 29 s , " yet in the list of lodges on your registry , given at the end of the same proceedings , appears the following , viz .: " 301 , Victoria , Montreal , date of
P . Q ., Canada , fourth Tuesday in every month , Constitution , Sth May , 1 SS 2 , " ( upwards of five years after the formation of the Grand Chapter of Quebec ) . In The ( London , Eng ., ) Freemason of date May 26 th , 1 SS 3 , I find also the statement that " two new provinces have been constituted by your Grand Lodge at Montreal
and Tasmania . " * These published reports not only remain uncontradicted , but the principal statements thereof have , in answer to enquiries thereanent by the Grand Superintendent of Quebec , for the District of Montreal , been declared to be correct by at least two of those whose names appear thtrein . In view of this most unfraternal and unjustifiable
invasion of our Grand Jurisdiction of the Grand Chapter of Quebec , by the Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons of England , & c . —an invasion which , in my opinion , is unparalleled in its enormity by aught of like nature in the history of the Masonic Fraternity—I , therefore , hereby resign the position of Honorary Grand Warden of _ said Grand Lodge , and request you to direct your Grand Secretary to delete my name from the roll of officers of
your Grand Body ; and I also herewith return isy Commission as Grand Representative of your Grand Mark Lodge near the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch M asons of Quebec , and I also hereby further inform you that , unless all these unwarrantable acts of invasion of a friendly nationality are apologised for and cancelled by you and your Grand Lodge , I shall deem it my duty to advise the M . E . Grand Z . of our Grand Chapter of Quebec to revoke
the Commission of our Grand Representative of Quebec , at your Grand Lodge , —to declare the said Victoria and Henniker Mark Lodges , and the aforementioned District Grand Lodge , in the city of Montreal , to be irregular bodies , and their officers and members to be clandestine Mark Master Masons , and that he further declare Masonic non-intercourse with the Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons of Englandand with all Masons of
, its obedience , and that he make a solemn appeal to all regular and covenant-keeping Grand Chapters , and to all law-abiding and loyal Mark Master Masons and lodges of such , throughout the world , to uphold and sustain the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Quebec , in condemning the said flagrant invasion of her jurisdiction ; and , in the defence of their own rights , as well as ours , and
those of the Craft in general , faithfully and fraternally to support Quebec in the vindication and maintenance of her exclusive sovereign authority within this province . — Yours , & c , J . H . GRAHAM , P . G . Z . G . C of Ouebec , and Late Gr . Rep . of Gr . L . of M . ltf . M . of Eng ., & c , near the Gr . C . of O .
Richmond , P . Q ., Canada , May , 3 rd , 18 S 3 . M . W . Bro . the Rev . Canon Portal , M . A ., Gr . Rep . of the M . E . Gr . Chapter Royal Arch Masons of the Province of Ouebec , near the M . W . the G . L . of M . M . M . of England , & c . Dear Sir and M . W . Brother , A rumour has just reached me , causing me much anxiety , to the effect that the M . W . the G . L . of M . M . M . of
England and YVales , & c , which I have the honour to represent at the M . E . the Gr . Chapter of Ouebec , has issued a Warrant for the establishment of a lodge of M . M . M . in the city of Montreal , and within the sovereign jurisdiction of our Grand Chapter of Quebec . I do not deem it possible that such can be the case , but being desirous of knowing the actual facts relating thereto , I at once addressed mvself to you , as our Gr . Rep . nea r
that Gr . Body , begging you to be pleased to ascertain and communicate the same to me at your earliest convenience , so that if such as not been done , we may avert a deplorable event , and if , unhappily , the rumour is correct , I may take such steps as honour and Masonic duty demand of me , and that I may be so enabled to submit the matter to our M . E . Gr . Z ., and to our Grand Chapter , as that whatever action may be taken anent the same shall accord with our duties and obligations as a Sovereign Gr . Chapter of Royal Arch
Ma-ons . An early reply , giving all the facts pertaining to this important matter , will very greatly favour , —Y'ours truly and fraternally , JOHN H . G RAHAM , P . G . Z . C . C of Oueber , and Gr . Rep . of G . L . of M . M . M . ofEngland , YVales , & c , & c . Care of Frederick Binckes . Esq ., Gr . Sec . of G . L . of M . M . M ., & c , No . 8 a , Red Lion-square , Holborn , W . C , London , England .
Provincial Grand Lodge Of Herts.
PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF HERTS .
The Grand Lodge for the Province of Herts was held on Monday , the 16 th inst ., and advantage was taken of the circumstance to complete the work to which had been devoted the fund raised amongst the Freemasons of England towards the restoration of what is now St . Alban ' s Cathedral , but which was originally not a cathedral , but an abbey church , part of a celebrated monastery founded in 701 by Offa , King of Mercia . The bishopric of St .
Albans , it will be remembered , was established ( out ol the dioceses of London , Winchester , and Rochester ) by an Act of Parliament passed in 1 S 75 . Hence the necessity of " restorin" - " the abbey church so as to provide a cathedral for the new bishopric . The connection of St . Albans with Freemasonry is cceval with St . Alban , the first martyr in Great Britain , who was buried on a hill near the town , where a monastery was erected to his memory , who is claimed as being a founder of Freemasonry in this country .
On Monday , Provincial Grand Lodge was opened in the Town Hall by the R . W . Bro . T . F . Halsey , M . P ., Prov . Grand Master of Hertfordshire , supported by the following Prov . Grand Officers : Bros . F . H . Wilson lies , Prov . CM . ; J . E . Cussans , P . G . S . W .,- VV . Hobson , P . G . J . W . ; F . S . Knyvett , P . G . Treas . ; R . B . Croft , P . G . Reg . ; J . E . Dawson , P . G . Sec ; James Terry , P . G . D . C ; G . l < . Cook , P . G . A . D . C ; E . Francis , P . G . Org . ; T . Woodman , P . G . Purst . ; I . Hunt , P . G . Stwd . ; Edwards , P . P . G . K . ;
I . Purrott , P . P . G . S . B . ; Chas . E . De Keyser , f . r . U . J . W . j Francis Sillitoe , P . P . G . S . W . ; G . Mickley , P . P . G . D . ; J . Fisher , P . P . G . Swd . Br . ; H . Cox , P . P . G . Sup . YV . ; Rev . C . E . Mayo , M . A ., P . P . G . Chap . ; YV . H . Rowe , P . P . G . S . W . ; Thomas Kent , P . P . G . J . W . ; Hy rtalderson , P . P . G . J . D . ; T . S . Carter , P . P . G . J . W . ; Rev . YV . H . VV . Casely , P . P . G . Chap . ; James Cutbush , P . P . G . A . D . C ; F . Venables , P . P . G . Purst . ; C . Laccy , P . G . D . ; Dr . F . Webster , P . P . G . J . D . ; Dr . Livingston , P . P . G . J . W . ; and
F . D . R . Copestick , P . G . D . There were also on the dais Bros . Colonel Sir Francis Burdett , Bart ., R . W . Provincial Grand Master Middesex ; John Havers , P . G . J . W . ; Rev . YV . O . Thompson , M . A ., Grand Chap . ; Edgar Bowyer , Assist . Grand Std . Br . ; and L . Deedes , M . A ., P . P . G . Chap . There was alsoa very large attendance of brethren from the lodges in the province as well as many distinguished visitors , including Bros . Mann , and manv others from other provinces . There
were about 200 brethren in Provincial Grand Lodge . When the lodge had been opened Bro . TEKRY , Prov . D . C ., called upon the brethren to salute the Provincial Grand Master with seven ; Col . . Burdett , R . W . P . G . M . Middlesex , also with seven ; Bro . John Havers , P . G . W . Eng ., with five ; and Bros . Rev . VV . O . 'Ihompson , Grand Chap ., and Edgar Bowyer , G . Std . Br ., with three . The minutes of the Provincial Grand Lodge held 13 th July , 1 SS 2 , having been read , the roll of the lodges in the ibrovince was then called over , and was very numerously
responded to . Bro . Knyvett was re-elected Prov . Grand Treasurer , and briefly returned thanks for the continued confidence of the Provincial Giand Lodge . The appointment and investiture of Grand Officers was then proceeded with by the Provincial Grand Master , who in reappointing Dr . lies to be Deputy Provincial Grand Master said that without the assistance of Dr . lies he should have found it very difficult to carry on his work . The following is the list of Provincial Grand Officers for thp vpar ;
Bro . Isaac Newton Edwards Prov . G . S . W . „ Edward Swain , M . D ., Prov . G . J . YV . „ Rev . C . C Eivbank , M . A . ... Prov . G . Chap . „ Rev . Philip Deedes , M . A . ... Prov . G . Chap . „ F . S . Knyvett Prov . G . Treas . „ Edward Taylor Prov . G . Reg . „ J . E . Dawson Prov . G . Sec .
„ C . Miskin frov . u . a . u . „ J . T . Rowe Prov . G . J . D . „ W . R . Dixon Prov . G . S . of W . „ James Terry Prov . G . D . C ,, C . VV . Allen Prov . G . A . D . C „ C . K . Killick Prov . C . Swd . Br . „ George Gaffe Prov . G . Org . „ George Y'oung Prov . G . Purst . „ John Noyes Prov . G . A . Purst . Bros . G . C Barnes , L . J . Myers , J . B . ) Nirhnl . H . Slade . YV . Wells . >¦ Prov . G . Stwds .
and A . E . Ekins J Bro . Thos . Wright ) Prov . G . Tylers . „ Chas . Ihomas ... ) The DEPUTY PROV . GRAND MAST ER said that , in accordance with a resolution passed at the last meeting of Prov . Grand Lodge , a meeting had been held to consider the subject of charity organisation in the province . It was attended by the R . W . Prov . Grand Master and several
brethren , and ihe question was considered , and a code of rules drawn up for the approval of this Prov . Grand Lodge . If this Charity Organisation Society were established it would be purely voluntary on the part of lodges and members ; but it had been found that a great deal of voting power in the province had been lost for the want of organisation , and the object of this society was that these votes
should be collected together , so that the work of the province mig ht befacilitated in its endeavours to carry their candidates at elections . But if any one were individually interested in any particular case it was not intended that the society should in any way interfere with individual efforts . The proposed code of rules had been circulated , and he now proposed that they should be taken as read . Bro . 1 ' ERRY : Ihe rules having been read , I move that
they be adopted . The proposition having been seconded , it was suggested that the rules should contain an authority to the coumnU . ee to appoint an Hon . Secretary , and with this amendment the rules were adopted , some other suggested improvements being left for the consideration of the committee . On the motion of the P KOV . GRAND TREASURER , the accounts , which had been duly circulated , were taken as read , after which they were adopted , and ordered to be
entered on the minutes . The following resolutions were then carried : — Proposed by Bro . T . S . CARTER , P . P . J . G . W ., P . M . and Sec , and seconded by Bro . CUSSANS , P . G . S . W . — " That the sum of Twenty Guineas be voted from the funds of Provincial Grand Lodge to the Rojal Masonic Benevolent Institution , " and tnat the amount be placed on W . Bro . R . B . Croft's list . Proposed by Bro . JAMES TERRY , Prov . G . D . C , P . M . 1327 , and duly seconded— "That the sum of Ten Pounds
Provincial Grand Lodge Of Herts.
be voted to the Halsey Lodge towards defraying the expenses of entertaining Provincial Grand Lod <» e . " Proposed by YV . Bro . F . H . WILSON ILES , D . P . G M ., and duly seconded— "That the sum of Ten Guineas be voted from the funds of Provincial Grand Lodo-e to the St . Alban's Hospital and Dispensary . " "
Proposed by Bro . J E . DAWSON , Prov . G Sec P . M 404 . and duly seconded— "That the . publication of the Provincial Calendar be continued . " The Secretary , Bro . DAWSON , reported that since the last meeting of Provincial Grand Lodge , the M W nranj
Mas er had gran ed a Warrant , dated 30 th October , 1 SS 2 , lor the Earl of Clarendon Lodge , No . 19 S 4 , to be held at the rreemasons' Hall , Watford ; and that the new lodr / e was duly consecrated on the 13 th December , 1 SS 2 , bv the V - H : ° - ? : homas . P- Halsey , M . P ., Provincial Grand master tor
Hertfordshire , W . Bro . F . H . Wilson IIP < T «• " Dep . P . G . M ., being installed as the first Master bv * the V . W . Bro Col Shadwdl H . Clerke , Grand Wary Provincial Grand Lodge was then suspended and proceeoed to the Abbey to witness the unveiling of the puloit erected by the Freemasons . It is scarcel y necessary to say that the inhabitants of St . Albans turned out in la ™ to witness
numoers tne processon of the Freemason * clothed in the badges of the Order-first the I , " £ 2 ^ and then the Past and Present Provincial Grand Officers and Grand Officers of England , conducting the R . w ! Prov Grand Master . At the entrance to the Cathedral the brethren opened their ranks between which the Grand Master and Grand Officers of the provincenLtj ^ Zl
sacred edihce , the brethren following them in admirable order The prayers were said by the rector , the Rev ? YV J Laurence , M . A ., and Bro . the Rev . P Deedes M . A Prov . . Grand Chap . The proper Psa ^ s appointed tor the service were cxxn , exxxm , which were chanted h „ the choir The first lesson ( II . Chron ., vi . chap toTi { was read by the Rev . VV . H . VV . Caselv . P . JwT r'Ui
Chap ., and the second ( St . Luke x . chap ., verses " * to 1 * 1 by the Rev . L . Deedes , M . A ., Past Prov Grand C & , 1 ' , h Af te ^ h ?/ ingin ? ° Km a " them ' * 'a-sed beThou a , ^ the R . W . PROV GRAND MASTER unveiled the pulpit , and , standing in front of it , said , addressing the Kev W I Laurence : It is now my duty on behalf of H ™» R „»„„ ' L
of fc-ngland tp offer for the acceptance of the autho . ities of this cathedral a pulpit which has been subscribed for bvall ranks of Freemasons , from our Grand Master downwards I will now ask you , acting on behalf of the cathedral authorities , to accept this pulpit in the name of the Craft with their earnest prayer that from it may be Donred fnrH '
, lor many generations a living stream of hol y counsel-of warning to the backsliding , and of cheering words f , desponding arid repentant sinners , and that as the water flowed from the rock at the bidding of Moses , so from this pulpit the words of life may flow from generation to generation . s tJ The Rev . W . J . LAUREN CE : In the name of the authorities of this cathedral I accept the pulpit at your hands with thanks . ' ' '
The new pulpit is a massive structure in grey marble and stone , and , as pulpits go , has claims to beauty . As a mat ter . of course , it looks intensel y modern in the midst of the antiquities by which it is surrounded ; but in a buildup embracing architecture of every aire—from , h „ fi ™ . „/ T °
Normans to that of Edward IV . —it cannot be ami « if with the restoration of the cathedral , the style of the Vir tonan age should enter into the work . The sermon was preached b y Bro . the Rev W ( 1 THOMPSON , M . A ., Grand Chaplain , from the text "To open their eyes , and to turn them from darkness to lieht " Acts XXV ! ., JS . " "
The offertory collection after the sermon amounted to £ 31 12 s . Sid ., which is to be appropriated for building a new boys' school in the parish . """"»¦{ , a . At the conclusion of the service the brethren returned in heir previous order to the Town Hall , where Prov . Grand Lodge was resumed , and after a few remarks upon the Masonic work which had just been completed , Prov " Grand Lodge was closed , and the brethren adjourned to the banouet room .
At the conclusion of the dinner winch followed the closing of the Provincial Grand Lod ge , the PROV . GRAND MASTEI rose and said that the first toast he had to propose he need hardly say was that which was always welf received in an assemblies of Englishmen and doubl y so in all assemblies of Freemasons , namely , "The Queen and fho rr , ( r »
The next toast was "The Health of the M . W Grand Master the Prince of Wales / ' The Prince of Wales had not been enabled to attend Provincial Grand Lodge on this occasion . He ( the Chairman ) and the other Prov . Grand Ulhcers had had hopes that H . R . H . would have been there , because he was one of the first to respond to the appeal when it was proposed recently to raise this
tuna ; tnose present however were aware that the Grand Master had a great Masonic meeting at Y ' ork this week to which he had proceeded on that very day ; it was therefore impossible for him to come to St . Albans . He ( the Chairman ) thought they mi ght congratulate themselves on the advance which the Craft had marlrsin ™ H w w
, had presided over them , and he trusted that H . R . H . might long be spared to rule over the Craft . If any assurance had been wanting of the interest the Prince took in their Order , and the attention he paid to its business , it would be found in the graceful manner in which an alteration which was not quite popular in the Craft had recently been rescinded . '
1 he CHAIRMAN said the next toast he had to ask them to drink was Hat of " The Right Hon . the Earl of Carnarvon , M . W . Pro Grand Master , " and he intended along with it to propose " The Health of the Right Hon . the Earl of Lathom , R . W . Deputy Prov . Grand Master , and the rest of the Grand Officers , Present and Past . " It had been hoped that both the Earl of Carnarvon and Lord
Lathom would have been there that evening . Had I hey been present it must have been necessary to propose these toasts separately , but as they had both expressed to him ( the Chairman ) their great regret at being unable to be present , and therefore could not reply personally , he thought he might put the toasts together . He went on to say that he thought they were the right men in the right
places . He thought that anyone would be persuaded of that who saw Lord Carnarvon preside at the special Grand Lodge that had been held recentl y in London . In Lord Lathom they knew they had an efficient Grand officer . They knew what a careful selection the Grand Master made made , and that none were appointed but such as would justify H . R . H . ' s selection . By the manner in which the other
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The Grand Chapter Of Quebec And The Grand Mark Lodge Of England.
enquiry anent the same , of date May 3 rd ult ., to our Grand Representative near your Grand Lodge , but to this date , June 23 rd inst ., I have neither received an acknowledgment thereof , nor a replv thereto ; but in the latter part of May ult . there appeared in several of the leading secular newspapers published in the cities of Montreal , P . Q ., and Toronto , Ontario , articles to the effect that on the 25 th day of May ult" the anniversary of Victoria Lodge , No . 301 ,
. Montreal , of Mark Master Masons , under the Grand Lodge of England , was held in the city of Montreal , and was presided ' over by YV . Bro . William Ross ; that leading officers of another Mark Master Masons Lodge , E . R ., in the city of Montreal , namely , the ' Henniker' " ( named it would appear in honour of your lordship and presumably with your consent ) , " were also present thereat ; that the Secretary read a communication covering a patent and warrant horn
the Grand Mark Mason Lodge in England appointing R . W . Bro . William Badgley , District Grand Master for Quebec Province , and that he was proclaimed as such ; that the said District Grand Master then appointed R . VV . Bro . VV . H . Hutton to be his Deputy ; and Bro . J . O . Mathews his Secretary , and he announced that he would hold his first District Grand Lods ? c during the month of June inst . U examining the published report of the half-yearly
pon communication of your Grand Lodge , held June Gth , 1 SS 2 , 1 find that , while in the body of the proceedings , the last warrant then reported to vour Grand Lodge as having been issued , is numbered " 29 s , " yet in the list of lodges on your registry , given at the end of the same proceedings , appears the following , viz .: " 301 , Victoria , Montreal , date of
P . Q ., Canada , fourth Tuesday in every month , Constitution , Sth May , 1 SS 2 , " ( upwards of five years after the formation of the Grand Chapter of Quebec ) . In The ( London , Eng ., ) Freemason of date May 26 th , 1 SS 3 , I find also the statement that " two new provinces have been constituted by your Grand Lodge at Montreal
and Tasmania . " * These published reports not only remain uncontradicted , but the principal statements thereof have , in answer to enquiries thereanent by the Grand Superintendent of Quebec , for the District of Montreal , been declared to be correct by at least two of those whose names appear thtrein . In view of this most unfraternal and unjustifiable
invasion of our Grand Jurisdiction of the Grand Chapter of Quebec , by the Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons of England , & c . —an invasion which , in my opinion , is unparalleled in its enormity by aught of like nature in the history of the Masonic Fraternity—I , therefore , hereby resign the position of Honorary Grand Warden of _ said Grand Lodge , and request you to direct your Grand Secretary to delete my name from the roll of officers of
your Grand Body ; and I also herewith return isy Commission as Grand Representative of your Grand Mark Lodge near the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch M asons of Quebec , and I also hereby further inform you that , unless all these unwarrantable acts of invasion of a friendly nationality are apologised for and cancelled by you and your Grand Lodge , I shall deem it my duty to advise the M . E . Grand Z . of our Grand Chapter of Quebec to revoke
the Commission of our Grand Representative of Quebec , at your Grand Lodge , —to declare the said Victoria and Henniker Mark Lodges , and the aforementioned District Grand Lodge , in the city of Montreal , to be irregular bodies , and their officers and members to be clandestine Mark Master Masons , and that he further declare Masonic non-intercourse with the Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons of Englandand with all Masons of
, its obedience , and that he make a solemn appeal to all regular and covenant-keeping Grand Chapters , and to all law-abiding and loyal Mark Master Masons and lodges of such , throughout the world , to uphold and sustain the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Quebec , in condemning the said flagrant invasion of her jurisdiction ; and , in the defence of their own rights , as well as ours , and
those of the Craft in general , faithfully and fraternally to support Quebec in the vindication and maintenance of her exclusive sovereign authority within this province . — Yours , & c , J . H . GRAHAM , P . G . Z . G . C of Ouebec , and Late Gr . Rep . of Gr . L . of M . ltf . M . of Eng ., & c , near the Gr . C . of O .
Richmond , P . Q ., Canada , May , 3 rd , 18 S 3 . M . W . Bro . the Rev . Canon Portal , M . A ., Gr . Rep . of the M . E . Gr . Chapter Royal Arch Masons of the Province of Ouebec , near the M . W . the G . L . of M . M . M . of England , & c . Dear Sir and M . W . Brother , A rumour has just reached me , causing me much anxiety , to the effect that the M . W . the G . L . of M . M . M . of
England and YVales , & c , which I have the honour to represent at the M . E . the Gr . Chapter of Ouebec , has issued a Warrant for the establishment of a lodge of M . M . M . in the city of Montreal , and within the sovereign jurisdiction of our Grand Chapter of Quebec . I do not deem it possible that such can be the case , but being desirous of knowing the actual facts relating thereto , I at once addressed mvself to you , as our Gr . Rep . nea r
that Gr . Body , begging you to be pleased to ascertain and communicate the same to me at your earliest convenience , so that if such as not been done , we may avert a deplorable event , and if , unhappily , the rumour is correct , I may take such steps as honour and Masonic duty demand of me , and that I may be so enabled to submit the matter to our M . E . Gr . Z ., and to our Grand Chapter , as that whatever action may be taken anent the same shall accord with our duties and obligations as a Sovereign Gr . Chapter of Royal Arch
Ma-ons . An early reply , giving all the facts pertaining to this important matter , will very greatly favour , —Y'ours truly and fraternally , JOHN H . G RAHAM , P . G . Z . C . C of Oueber , and Gr . Rep . of G . L . of M . M . M . ofEngland , YVales , & c , & c . Care of Frederick Binckes . Esq ., Gr . Sec . of G . L . of M . M . M ., & c , No . 8 a , Red Lion-square , Holborn , W . C , London , England .
Provincial Grand Lodge Of Herts.
PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF HERTS .
The Grand Lodge for the Province of Herts was held on Monday , the 16 th inst ., and advantage was taken of the circumstance to complete the work to which had been devoted the fund raised amongst the Freemasons of England towards the restoration of what is now St . Alban ' s Cathedral , but which was originally not a cathedral , but an abbey church , part of a celebrated monastery founded in 701 by Offa , King of Mercia . The bishopric of St .
Albans , it will be remembered , was established ( out ol the dioceses of London , Winchester , and Rochester ) by an Act of Parliament passed in 1 S 75 . Hence the necessity of " restorin" - " the abbey church so as to provide a cathedral for the new bishopric . The connection of St . Albans with Freemasonry is cceval with St . Alban , the first martyr in Great Britain , who was buried on a hill near the town , where a monastery was erected to his memory , who is claimed as being a founder of Freemasonry in this country .
On Monday , Provincial Grand Lodge was opened in the Town Hall by the R . W . Bro . T . F . Halsey , M . P ., Prov . Grand Master of Hertfordshire , supported by the following Prov . Grand Officers : Bros . F . H . Wilson lies , Prov . CM . ; J . E . Cussans , P . G . S . W .,- VV . Hobson , P . G . J . W . ; F . S . Knyvett , P . G . Treas . ; R . B . Croft , P . G . Reg . ; J . E . Dawson , P . G . Sec ; James Terry , P . G . D . C ; G . l < . Cook , P . G . A . D . C ; E . Francis , P . G . Org . ; T . Woodman , P . G . Purst . ; I . Hunt , P . G . Stwd . ; Edwards , P . P . G . K . ;
I . Purrott , P . P . G . S . B . ; Chas . E . De Keyser , f . r . U . J . W . j Francis Sillitoe , P . P . G . S . W . ; G . Mickley , P . P . G . D . ; J . Fisher , P . P . G . Swd . Br . ; H . Cox , P . P . G . Sup . YV . ; Rev . C . E . Mayo , M . A ., P . P . G . Chap . ; YV . H . Rowe , P . P . G . S . W . ; Thomas Kent , P . P . G . J . W . ; Hy rtalderson , P . P . G . J . D . ; T . S . Carter , P . P . G . J . W . ; Rev . YV . H . VV . Casely , P . P . G . Chap . ; James Cutbush , P . P . G . A . D . C ; F . Venables , P . P . G . Purst . ; C . Laccy , P . G . D . ; Dr . F . Webster , P . P . G . J . D . ; Dr . Livingston , P . P . G . J . W . ; and
F . D . R . Copestick , P . G . D . There were also on the dais Bros . Colonel Sir Francis Burdett , Bart ., R . W . Provincial Grand Master Middesex ; John Havers , P . G . J . W . ; Rev . YV . O . Thompson , M . A ., Grand Chap . ; Edgar Bowyer , Assist . Grand Std . Br . ; and L . Deedes , M . A ., P . P . G . Chap . There was alsoa very large attendance of brethren from the lodges in the province as well as many distinguished visitors , including Bros . Mann , and manv others from other provinces . There
were about 200 brethren in Provincial Grand Lodge . When the lodge had been opened Bro . TEKRY , Prov . D . C ., called upon the brethren to salute the Provincial Grand Master with seven ; Col . . Burdett , R . W . P . G . M . Middlesex , also with seven ; Bro . John Havers , P . G . W . Eng ., with five ; and Bros . Rev . VV . O . 'Ihompson , Grand Chap ., and Edgar Bowyer , G . Std . Br ., with three . The minutes of the Provincial Grand Lodge held 13 th July , 1 SS 2 , having been read , the roll of the lodges in the ibrovince was then called over , and was very numerously
responded to . Bro . Knyvett was re-elected Prov . Grand Treasurer , and briefly returned thanks for the continued confidence of the Provincial Giand Lodge . The appointment and investiture of Grand Officers was then proceeded with by the Provincial Grand Master , who in reappointing Dr . lies to be Deputy Provincial Grand Master said that without the assistance of Dr . lies he should have found it very difficult to carry on his work . The following is the list of Provincial Grand Officers for thp vpar ;
Bro . Isaac Newton Edwards Prov . G . S . W . „ Edward Swain , M . D ., Prov . G . J . YV . „ Rev . C . C Eivbank , M . A . ... Prov . G . Chap . „ Rev . Philip Deedes , M . A . ... Prov . G . Chap . „ F . S . Knyvett Prov . G . Treas . „ Edward Taylor Prov . G . Reg . „ J . E . Dawson Prov . G . Sec .
„ C . Miskin frov . u . a . u . „ J . T . Rowe Prov . G . J . D . „ W . R . Dixon Prov . G . S . of W . „ James Terry Prov . G . D . C ,, C . VV . Allen Prov . G . A . D . C „ C . K . Killick Prov . C . Swd . Br . „ George Gaffe Prov . G . Org . „ George Y'oung Prov . G . Purst . „ John Noyes Prov . G . A . Purst . Bros . G . C Barnes , L . J . Myers , J . B . ) Nirhnl . H . Slade . YV . Wells . >¦ Prov . G . Stwds .
and A . E . Ekins J Bro . Thos . Wright ) Prov . G . Tylers . „ Chas . Ihomas ... ) The DEPUTY PROV . GRAND MAST ER said that , in accordance with a resolution passed at the last meeting of Prov . Grand Lodge , a meeting had been held to consider the subject of charity organisation in the province . It was attended by the R . W . Prov . Grand Master and several
brethren , and ihe question was considered , and a code of rules drawn up for the approval of this Prov . Grand Lodge . If this Charity Organisation Society were established it would be purely voluntary on the part of lodges and members ; but it had been found that a great deal of voting power in the province had been lost for the want of organisation , and the object of this society was that these votes
should be collected together , so that the work of the province mig ht befacilitated in its endeavours to carry their candidates at elections . But if any one were individually interested in any particular case it was not intended that the society should in any way interfere with individual efforts . The proposed code of rules had been circulated , and he now proposed that they should be taken as read . Bro . 1 ' ERRY : Ihe rules having been read , I move that
they be adopted . The proposition having been seconded , it was suggested that the rules should contain an authority to the coumnU . ee to appoint an Hon . Secretary , and with this amendment the rules were adopted , some other suggested improvements being left for the consideration of the committee . On the motion of the P KOV . GRAND TREASURER , the accounts , which had been duly circulated , were taken as read , after which they were adopted , and ordered to be
entered on the minutes . The following resolutions were then carried : — Proposed by Bro . T . S . CARTER , P . P . J . G . W ., P . M . and Sec , and seconded by Bro . CUSSANS , P . G . S . W . — " That the sum of Twenty Guineas be voted from the funds of Provincial Grand Lodge to the Rojal Masonic Benevolent Institution , " and tnat the amount be placed on W . Bro . R . B . Croft's list . Proposed by Bro . JAMES TERRY , Prov . G . D . C , P . M . 1327 , and duly seconded— "That the sum of Ten Pounds
Provincial Grand Lodge Of Herts.
be voted to the Halsey Lodge towards defraying the expenses of entertaining Provincial Grand Lod <» e . " Proposed by YV . Bro . F . H . WILSON ILES , D . P . G M ., and duly seconded— "That the sum of Ten Guineas be voted from the funds of Provincial Grand Lodo-e to the St . Alban's Hospital and Dispensary . " "
Proposed by Bro . J E . DAWSON , Prov . G Sec P . M 404 . and duly seconded— "That the . publication of the Provincial Calendar be continued . " The Secretary , Bro . DAWSON , reported that since the last meeting of Provincial Grand Lodge , the M W nranj
Mas er had gran ed a Warrant , dated 30 th October , 1 SS 2 , lor the Earl of Clarendon Lodge , No . 19 S 4 , to be held at the rreemasons' Hall , Watford ; and that the new lodr / e was duly consecrated on the 13 th December , 1 SS 2 , bv the V - H : ° - ? : homas . P- Halsey , M . P ., Provincial Grand master tor
Hertfordshire , W . Bro . F . H . Wilson IIP < T «• " Dep . P . G . M ., being installed as the first Master bv * the V . W . Bro Col Shadwdl H . Clerke , Grand Wary Provincial Grand Lodge was then suspended and proceeoed to the Abbey to witness the unveiling of the puloit erected by the Freemasons . It is scarcel y necessary to say that the inhabitants of St . Albans turned out in la ™ to witness
numoers tne processon of the Freemason * clothed in the badges of the Order-first the I , " £ 2 ^ and then the Past and Present Provincial Grand Officers and Grand Officers of England , conducting the R . w ! Prov Grand Master . At the entrance to the Cathedral the brethren opened their ranks between which the Grand Master and Grand Officers of the provincenLtj ^ Zl
sacred edihce , the brethren following them in admirable order The prayers were said by the rector , the Rev ? YV J Laurence , M . A ., and Bro . the Rev . P Deedes M . A Prov . . Grand Chap . The proper Psa ^ s appointed tor the service were cxxn , exxxm , which were chanted h „ the choir The first lesson ( II . Chron ., vi . chap toTi { was read by the Rev . VV . H . VV . Caselv . P . JwT r'Ui
Chap ., and the second ( St . Luke x . chap ., verses " * to 1 * 1 by the Rev . L . Deedes , M . A ., Past Prov Grand C & , 1 ' , h Af te ^ h ?/ ingin ? ° Km a " them ' * 'a-sed beThou a , ^ the R . W . PROV GRAND MASTER unveiled the pulpit , and , standing in front of it , said , addressing the Kev W I Laurence : It is now my duty on behalf of H ™» R „»„„ ' L
of fc-ngland tp offer for the acceptance of the autho . ities of this cathedral a pulpit which has been subscribed for bvall ranks of Freemasons , from our Grand Master downwards I will now ask you , acting on behalf of the cathedral authorities , to accept this pulpit in the name of the Craft with their earnest prayer that from it may be Donred fnrH '
, lor many generations a living stream of hol y counsel-of warning to the backsliding , and of cheering words f , desponding arid repentant sinners , and that as the water flowed from the rock at the bidding of Moses , so from this pulpit the words of life may flow from generation to generation . s tJ The Rev . W . J . LAUREN CE : In the name of the authorities of this cathedral I accept the pulpit at your hands with thanks . ' ' '
The new pulpit is a massive structure in grey marble and stone , and , as pulpits go , has claims to beauty . As a mat ter . of course , it looks intensel y modern in the midst of the antiquities by which it is surrounded ; but in a buildup embracing architecture of every aire—from , h „ fi ™ . „/ T °
Normans to that of Edward IV . —it cannot be ami « if with the restoration of the cathedral , the style of the Vir tonan age should enter into the work . The sermon was preached b y Bro . the Rev W ( 1 THOMPSON , M . A ., Grand Chaplain , from the text "To open their eyes , and to turn them from darkness to lieht " Acts XXV ! ., JS . " "
The offertory collection after the sermon amounted to £ 31 12 s . Sid ., which is to be appropriated for building a new boys' school in the parish . """"»¦{ , a . At the conclusion of the service the brethren returned in heir previous order to the Town Hall , where Prov . Grand Lodge was resumed , and after a few remarks upon the Masonic work which had just been completed , Prov " Grand Lodge was closed , and the brethren adjourned to the banouet room .
At the conclusion of the dinner winch followed the closing of the Provincial Grand Lod ge , the PROV . GRAND MASTEI rose and said that the first toast he had to propose he need hardly say was that which was always welf received in an assemblies of Englishmen and doubl y so in all assemblies of Freemasons , namely , "The Queen and fho rr , ( r »
The next toast was "The Health of the M . W Grand Master the Prince of Wales / ' The Prince of Wales had not been enabled to attend Provincial Grand Lodge on this occasion . He ( the Chairman ) and the other Prov . Grand Ulhcers had had hopes that H . R . H . would have been there , because he was one of the first to respond to the appeal when it was proposed recently to raise this
tuna ; tnose present however were aware that the Grand Master had a great Masonic meeting at Y ' ork this week to which he had proceeded on that very day ; it was therefore impossible for him to come to St . Albans . He ( the Chairman ) thought they mi ght congratulate themselves on the advance which the Craft had marlrsin ™ H w w
, had presided over them , and he trusted that H . R . H . might long be spared to rule over the Craft . If any assurance had been wanting of the interest the Prince took in their Order , and the attention he paid to its business , it would be found in the graceful manner in which an alteration which was not quite popular in the Craft had recently been rescinded . '
1 he CHAIRMAN said the next toast he had to ask them to drink was Hat of " The Right Hon . the Earl of Carnarvon , M . W . Pro Grand Master , " and he intended along with it to propose " The Health of the Right Hon . the Earl of Lathom , R . W . Deputy Prov . Grand Master , and the rest of the Grand Officers , Present and Past . " It had been hoped that both the Earl of Carnarvon and Lord
Lathom would have been there that evening . Had I hey been present it must have been necessary to propose these toasts separately , but as they had both expressed to him ( the Chairman ) their great regret at being unable to be present , and therefore could not reply personally , he thought he might put the toasts together . He went on to say that he thought they were the right men in the right
places . He thought that anyone would be persuaded of that who saw Lord Carnarvon preside at the special Grand Lodge that had been held recentl y in London . In Lord Lathom they knew they had an efficient Grand officer . They knew what a careful selection the Grand Master made made , and that none were appointed but such as would justify H . R . H . ' s selection . By the manner in which the other