Provincial Grand Lodge Of Hertfordshire.

PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF HERTFORDSHIRE .

The annual gathering of the brethren of this flourishing province was held at tlie Town Hall , Kitchin , under the banner of the Cecil Lodge , No . 440 , ° n "' < " l 6 th mst-Provincial Grand Lodge was opened shortly after three o ' clock by Bio . Rev . Prov . G . M . T . F . Halsey , M . P ., and brethren of the and

a large attendance of the province manv * visitors . Among thc numerous brethren present were " : Bros , the R . W . Prov . Grand Master T . F . Halsey , M P . ; Edgar Bowyer , P . M . 15 S 0 , Prov . S . G . W . ; R . R . Shillitoe , P . M . 449 , Prov . S . J . W . ; Rev . W . H . W . Caseley , Chap . 15 S 0 , P . G . 'Chap . ; F . Sumner-Knyvett , | P . M ., Prov . G . Treas . ; E . F . Foord , 402 , Prov . G . Reg . ; R . H .

Halford , P . M . 15 S 0 , Prov . S . G . Deacon , H . Cos , P . M . isSo , Prov . Grand Supt . of Works ; James Terry , P . P . 1 G . W ., P . M . 1327 , Prov . G . D . of C . ; Thomas Perry , P . M . S 69 , Prov . Asst . G . D . of C ; W . J . Fitch , P . M . 449 , P . P . G . Org ., acting Org . ; J . Gibb , 15 S 0 , and Alfred Eade , Prov . G . Stewards ; Thomas Thomas , and T . WrightProv . Grand Tylers . Members : Bros . E . Swain ,

, P . M . S 03 ; T . Sparter , P . P ., J . G . W . ; R . R . Shillitoe , P M . 440 ; C . E . Keyser , W . M . 404 ; Edgar Bowyer , P . M . 15 S 0 , P . G . S . W . ; G . D . Groom , 449 , P . P . S . G . D . ; Henry Hollis , P . M . 504 , Prov . Grand Sword Bearer ; W . H . Rowe , P . M . 504 , P . Prov . S . G . W . ; Robert Pegg , 440 , Grand Steward ; Rev . C . E . Mayo , M . A ., P . Prov . G . Chap . ; Rev . W . O . Thompson , P . Prov . G . Chap .,

Chap and Treas ., 1757 . . . Amongst the numerous visitors the following brethren signed their names : Bros . G . S . Bigley , D . C . S 69 ; C . J . Smith , 14 CG , P . J . G . W ., Sussex ; E . P . Freeman , 732 , P . Grand Sec , Sussex ; E . Aspinwall , 132 S ; J . E . Hasford , P . M . 177 ; Rev . Richard Morris , LL . D . Chap ., 1185 ( head Master Royal Masonic Boy ' s Schools ); G . Hill-Smith ,

P . M . 449 ; J . Durrant , 449 ; Hugh Smyth , ' 449 ; W . Clarke , G . Purst ., 114 ; C . B . Cooper , 449 ; John Smyth , G . Amberland P . M . 475 ; G . H . Stephens , J . D . 1623 ; A . H . Loveys , 13 S 5 ; Charles F . Hogard , P . M . 205 , P . Prov . Grand Supt . of Works , Essex ; Frederick Binckes , P . M ., P . Grand Steward , Secretary Boy ' s School ; W . J . Crutch , I . G . 15 S 0 ; and others .

In the regretable absence of W . Bro . F . H . Wilson-IIes , M . D . the Deputy Prov . Grand Master , Bro . George Lambert , P . M ., Grand Sword Bearer , acted as Deputy Grand Master . The Prov . G . Sec , Bro . J . E . Dawson proceeded to read the minutes of the last Provincial Grand Lodge held at Hatfield , under the banner of the Cranboume Lodge , 15 S 0 . These were unanimously confirmed . Bro . of

Prov . G . Sec . read a letter from the Rev . W . C . Talbot , Hatfield , in reply to that sent to him in the name of the Prov . Grand Lodge , thanking him for his kindness in allowing the brethren the use of the parish church and schoolrooms on the occasion of their visit there on the 23 rd July , 1 SS 0 . The reply was as follows : "Hatfield , 15 th September , 1 SS 0 . Dear Sir , —On my return from the

Continent I found your letter of the 31 st of July , enclosing a copy of a minute passed at a meetingof the Prov . Grancl Lodge of Herts , at Hatfield on the 23 rd July . 1 am much obliged by the recognition accorded by the Freemasons assembled for such little accommodation as I was able to alford them . It gave me much pleasure to do so , and I only regret that 1 was not personally present to welcome them . I am , Dear Sir , yours faithfully , W . C . TALBOT . —

J . E . Dawson , Esq . " Letters were also read from several officers and brethren who were unable to attend . The roll of Provincial Grand Lodge was next called . Bro . F . Sumner-Knyvett , P . M . 404 , was unanimously reelected Prov . Grand Treasurer , and returned thanks for the honour accorded him . The R . W . Prov . Grand Master next proceeded to the investment of thc Prov . Grand Lodge Officers for thc year as follows :

R . W . Bro . Thomas Frederick Halsey , M . P Prov . G . M . W . Bro . F . H . Wilson-IIes , M . D . ... Prov . D . G . M . Bro . Francis Shillitoe , 449 Prov . G . S . W . „ Charles E . Keyser , 404 Prov . G . J . W . „ Rev . Lewss Dcedes , 403 •] Prov . G - Chaps . „ Rev . George Finch , P . M . ... ) ' „ F . Sumner-Knyvett , P . M . 404 ... Prov . G . Treas . „ J . B . Scriven , P . M . 409 Prov . G . Reg . „ J . E . Dawson , P . P . S . G . W ., P . M .

and Sec . 404 Prov . G . Sec . „ Thomas H . Darton , 449 Prov . G . S . D . ,, Henry Balderson , W . M . 1757 ... Prov . G . J . D . „ lames Knight , W . M . 1327 ... Prov . G . S . of W „ James Terry , P . P . J . G . W ., P . M . 1327 ( Sec . R . M . B . I . ) ... Prov . G . D . of C ,. Clement B . Cheese , S . W . S 6 9 ... Prov . Asst . D . C . „ Alfred H . Debenham , S . W . 1479 Prov . G . Swd . B

„ Wm . James Fitch , P . P . G . O ., P . M . 449 Prov . G . Org . „ John Enerby , W . M . 13 S 5 ... Prov . G . Purst . „ 1 " . S . Hellier , W . M . 15 S 0 ... Prov . G . A . Purst „ Edward Swain , P . M . 449 , G . Hill '" ) Smith , 449 ; G . P- Groom , ( p Q s d P . M . 459 ; Armigel Wade , t

P . M . 449 ; Frank Hall , 403 . J " Thomas Thomas } Prov . G . Tylers . ,, 1 . Wright ... ... ... ... ) •" The usual salutes were accorded by the brethren , Bro . lames Terry , Prov . G . Director of Ceremonies , proving , is usual , a most efficient officer , directing the whole of the

proceedings in so perfect a manner that they passed off without a hitch . 1 lie report of the Board of Finance for the year was submitted b y Br 0 . F . Sumner-Knyvett , P . M ., Prov . Grand treasurer , and duly audited . These were unanimously received and adopted , Bro . the Prov . G . W . congratulating lu- r ° ' Grand Lodge upon the satisfactory position of their financial affairs , there being £ 120 invested in Consols a " ? . , a anc ? hand of nearly £ 50 . 1 he

following motions were next discussed , each of them ii & upon the finances of Prov . Grand Lodge : By Bro . T . S . CARTER , P . P . J . G . W ., P . M . 403 : That Pm n * tw enty guineas be voted from the funds of Bov -n ! - * i ? e t 0 the R ° y Masonic Institution for -iml ^ 'i ¦ vas unanimously carried , the amount by amendment . , duly carried , being placed upon the list of R „ n ' , wl 10 '" tends serving as Steward . . „ 7 £ ro' J AMES TERRV , Prov . G . Dir . of Cer ., P . M . * - " i' ° - * ' That the sum of £ \ o be voted from the funds

Provincial Grand Lodge Of Hertfordshire.

of Grand Lodge to the Cecil Lodge , No . 449 , towards defraying the expenses of entertaining Prov . Grand Lodge . By Bro . EDGAR BOWYER , Prov . S . G . W ., P . M . 15 S 0 That the sum of ten guineas be voted from the funds of Prov . Grand Lodge to the Hitchin Infirmary . By Bro . GEORGE LAMBERT , Grand Sword Bearer ( in the absence , through illnes , of Bro . F . H . Wilson-IIes , M . D ., D . P . G . M . ) : That the sum of fifty guineas be

voted from Prov . Grand Lodge towards a fund being raised for the benefit of Bro . Thomas Thomas , the Prov . Grand Tyler . In a thoroughly exhaustive speech Bro . Lambert explained the circumstances of Bro . Thomas , stating that the Watford and Berkhampstead Lodges had formed a joint committee to consider the best means of securing the object in view . The vote was cordially agreed to , power being added to

sell Consols to the amount voted . By Bro . J E . DAWSON , Prov . G . Sec , P . M . 404 : That the publication of the Provincial Calendar be continued . Bro . Prov . Grand Secretary explained that in the past year this work had not only realised sufficient to pay for its production , but had also cleared Prov . Grand Lodge postal , & c , expenses in addition . It was thereupon unanimously agreed to continue the

publication of this useful and well arranged calendar . Bro . the R . W . PROV . GRAND MASTER then drew attention to the absence of their esteemed Deputy Prov . Grand Master , through illness . He had received from Bro . Wilson-lies a long and voluminous report of the condition and working of tlie whole of the lodges in the province . He would not read it , as it was very lengthy , but would congratulate the brethren upon the fact of having such a

Deputy Grand Master . ( Cheers . ) One who has visited the whole of the lodges , and who , speaking without cither fear or favour , is able to report as the result of his experience that the Province of Herts could bear a very favourable comparison with provinces of the same size , or even larger . ( Cheers . ) This concluded the business , and Prov . Grand Lodge was closed in due form , and with a prayer by the Chaplain .

Ihe banquet took place at the Sun Hotel , Hitchin , where , shortly after live o ' clock the brethren received the Prov . Grand Master in due form , and afterwards partook of an elaborately served repast . A capital selection of Shakesperian quotations aptly wedded to the toasts enriched the menu , which is , as usual , a highly-finished production . Grace having been sung ( "For all His mercies

manifold" ) , "Ihe Queen and the Craft" were toasted , " tollowedbythe National Anthem . The next toast , the R . W . PROV . GRAND MASTER said , was one which was sure to be well received by Englishmen , and not less so b y Freemasons . If any proof were wanting of the good inllucnce exerted by H . R . Highness it was to beseen in the improved high character and high prestige maintained by the Craft . And so long as our

Grand Master remains at the head of the Craft , and continues to take the great interest he does in the Craft , so long will English Freemasonry continue to be as he ( Bro . Halsey ) believed it was , far ahead and in advance of thc Masonry in the whole universe . ( Cheers . ) "Hail to thee , Albert , " was here given by the musical brethren , the solo being tastefully rendered by Bro . G . T . CARTER .

In toasting " The Pro Grand Master , the Deputy Grand Master , and the rest of the Grand Officers , " the R . W . PROV . GRAND MASTER said : It is not necessary to say much in their favour . They are so well known to all the brethren—the Earl of Carnarvon , in thc absence of the Grand Master , discharges his duties most excellently—Lord Lathom , more familiarly known to them of old as Lord Skelmersdale , needs no recommendation . They had two

Grand Officers present—one especially who is a member of our own province . Bro . George Lambert , Grand Sword Bearer , is one of the oldest Masons in the province , and is one who is never afraid to speak his mind in the interests of Freemasonry . There is also Bro . Clarke , and the R . W . Prov . Grand Master trusted the welcome that brother had received in the little Province of Herts would send him home perfectly satisfied with his reception . As Bro .

Lambert would have to reply further on , he would call on Bro . Clark to respond . After a song from Bro . Lester , Bro . W . CLARKE said : In one's Masonic career , and in every-day walk in life , there are times when one feels embarrassed and at a loss for words . Such was his position . He felt inadequate to the task ; only a week had elapsed since he had the honour of responding to the toast

in the Province of Suffolk , where he was proud to find the toast was so heartily received . It had certainly been as heartily received in the Province of Herts . On behalf of the Pro Grand Master they would be glad to find he had returned to his native country improved in health , and hoped to sec him occupy his high position in Grand Lodge . The reception accorded to the mention of Lord Lathom proved how well that brother is known and appreciated by

the whole Craft . Whilst they had such Grand Officers the prestige of the Grand Officers was sure to be maintained . Bro . \ V . Clark concluded by assuring the brethren that it would be a long day ere thc recollection of that evening would be erased from his memory . Bro . LAMBERT , being warmly called upon , said , in thanking thc brethren for the cordiality of their reception of thc toast , expressed thc honour he felt in being called

upon to ( ill the important office of Grand Sword Bearer . Amid much laughter Bro . Lambert humorously explained the high dignity attached to the office he held . The Grand Wardens sit at the other end of the lodge , but the Grand Sword Bearer's is not an oflice where there is nothing to do , as is the case with some of the other offices . He is in constant attendance on the Grand Master—waits upon him at his private door , conducts him to the dais , keeps

off all intruders , and , finally , sits in thc place of honour , on thc immediate side of the Grand Master , and not behind him ar , other officers have to . Now , Bro . Grand S . W ., charge you glasses for a bumper toast . Hro . LAMBERT , acting as Deputy Prov . G . M ., next gave "The Health of the Right Worshipful Prov . Grand Master , Bro . T . F . Halsey . " lie said , he was permitted to offer to

their notice the toast of their Prov . Grand Master ( loud and prolonged cheers ) , and if he ( Bro . Lambert ) were to augur anything from the noise he had just heard ( laughter ) he was sure they all highly respected their Prov . Grand Master . Their Prov . Grand Master came to them following in thc footsteps of such names as the Marquis of Salisbury , Marjonbanks , and Stewart , to fill a position

Provincial Grand Lodge Of Hertfordshire.

fraught with many difficulties to discharge it properly . His duties have been very numerous , and are highly approved of . Among these he would mention those in connection with the library at Watford , and laying the foundation stone of the Town Hall at Watford , & c . -Also in _ connection with the education of the children of the neighbourhood and of the metropolis . This was work worthy of a Freemason , and of your Prov . Grand Master ,

and work which would be sure to fructify . Thus his duties are not only onerous , hut are discharged in a very admirable manner , your Prov . G . M . ably following the rule of the previous Grand Masters in a highly efficient manner . In reply , Bro . the R . W . PROV . G . M . thanked Bro . Lambert and the other brethren for the very kind manner in which his health had been proposed and received . He could only say it was the first time he had had the honour

to hold his Prov . Grand Lodge in Hitchin , and the reception was sufficient to cause him to wish to come again soon . But that the toast had been received so very well , he should have said he did not deserve it , but as he would soonbe going his second grand round of the lodges in the province ; he would then have an opportunity of seeing if they would extend the same cordial welcome to him as now . The present success of the province was very gratifying

whilst under his rule . The Province of Herts must , of necessity , continue to be a small one , the county being small and chiefly an agricultural one . Yet that was no reason why it should not continue to show itself a united and well-working province , although it could probably never look to boast of 100 lodges . He was very pleased with the Prov . Grand Officers who had served under his banner , and felt the prosperity of the province to be due to the

creditable discharge of their duties as true Masons . He ( Bro . Halsey ) had that day invested a new set of Provincial Grand Officers , and he hoped they would all be deeply impressed with the high trust reposed in them that day—a trust , he hoped , which would not be found to have been misplaced , and that when they should meet again they would be able to say those officers had thoroughly discharged their various duties . The R . W . Prov . G . M . deeply

regretted the illness of Bro . Wilson lies , their esteemed Deputy Proy . Grand Master . That brother had visited all the lodges in the province more than once , and in other ways had discharged his duties conscientiously and well , and without fear or favour , in the interest of the province . The Prov . G . J . W ., Bro . C . E . Keyser , he would call upon

to reply . Bro . Keyser was one well known to them and in the great English sport of cricket . It was owing to that brother's exertions the county holds its present high position in the cricketing world . Bro . Keyser has also set a good example in supporting the Masonic Charities , which looked well for the county and the Watford Lodge , which , the R . W . Prov . G . M . said was his mother lodge in the province .

Bro . KEYSER hastened to thank the R . W . Prov . G . M . and thc brethren for so heartily responding to the toast . After a feeling allusion to the absence of Bro . lies , Bro . Keyser said , for himself and the rest of Prov . Grand Officers , for their appointments they were thankful , and hoped they would always merit the approval of the brethren , who , they trusted , would have cause to feel their Prov . Grand Officers had done their best for the province , and filled

their various positions in a satisfactory manner . After a very amusing sketch by Bro . Seymour Smith , entitled , " A Visit to the Opera , " which was well received , " The Visitors " were toasted . One of the many virtues , next to that of Charity—Bro . HALSEY said—was that of hospitality ; and they would all join with him in giving those brethren who had visited them a hearty welcome . On behalf of all the Herts lodges , the R . W . Prov . G . M .

hoped that the working , as well as the hospitality , of the province would induce the visitors speedil y to come among them again . Bro . Smith , P . G . J . W . Sussex , had braved the terrors of the Bri g hton Railway in general , and the Balcombe Tunnel in particular , to be with them . They were in a round-about way , perhaps , somewhat connected with the Province of Sussex , for Bro . Martin , of the Watford Lodge , holds high office . They also were honoured

with thepresenceof Bro . Dr . Morris , Head Masterof the Boys ' School , of which we expect such good things , and which , under his regime , the brethren would not be disappointed . After replies from Bros . SMITH and Dr . MORRIS , Bro . the R . W . PROV . G . M . said , as time was getting on , and as both it and the train would wait for no man , he would give the next toasts briefly . He called upon the senior W . M . present , Bro . Cheese , W . M . Gresham Lodge

, S 69 , to respond to the toast of - 'The W . M . ' s of the Herts Lodges , " which was heartily received . Bro . the Rev . W . O . THOMPSON , P . M . 1757 , P . Prov . G . Chap ., gave the toast of " The Masonic Charities " in a long and powerful speech , ascribing the magnificent results attained at the various festivals to the exertions of Bro . F . Binckes , of the Boys' School , and Bro . J . Terry , of the Institution for Aged Freemasons .

Bro . BINCKES said , that after the most excellent and exhaustive speech of Bro . Thompson , there was but little for him to say . Each night that week he had had to reply to the toast . He offered his warmest gratitude and thanks for the loyal support , so warmly and consistently tendered by that province , to the Institutions . He thanked them for their assistance , for their encouragement , and , more than all , for the generous support they had accorded . Allusion

had been made to the horrors of Balcombe Tunnel . He considered all this had been purged away . Since the event alluded to , two special trains , with 450 Masons , had gone to and from Brighton upon an errand of Charity . This had completely purged away the horrors of that tunnel , for it was the only line of which the same could be said .

Bro . J . TERRY also responded , pointing out the good the province had done , although small . Bro . Terry made an earnest appeal to the brethren to demonstrate to their R . W . Prov . Grand Master that when he should consent to preside at one of the festivals of the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution , the brethren of the province would rally round him to a man .

I he response to this appeal was most hearty and gratifying . " The W . M . of the Cecil Lodge , 449 , " which entertained Prov . Grand Lodfj-e , was next toasted ; and Bro . E . SHILLITOE having suitably responded , the Tyler's toast was given by Bro . T . WRIGHT , and the brethren sought the station , where special arrangements had been made by the Great Northern Railway for facilities to return to town . The musical arrangements were under the direction of Bro . Seymour Smith , assisted by Bros . G . T . Carter , and A . Lester , and gave great satisfaction .