Untitled Article

of the Provincial Grand Lodge , — -it was to celebrate what Masonry had done , and what it promised to do , in Sussex ; and also to congratulate their D . G . M . on the prospects before them . He invited the Brethren then assembled to join in giving a hearty reception to Bro . Mc Queen , who was entitled to their regard for his zeal and devotion to the interests of the Craft : — " The Health of Bro . Col . Mc Queen ,

Dep . Prov . G . M . / ' which was most enthusiastically received . The Dep . Prov . G . M ., in acknowledgment , said , that although he was not entitled to all the encomiums his reverend friend had bestowed on him , he could assure them that what he had done last year was but an earnest of his course for the future . For whatever has been done , his officers were entitled to the praise , especially Bros . Folkard , Pocock , and Verrall , who had taken the duties of the province ; his own attention had been almost nominal , professional duties having

prevented his attendance at times . It was his wish and intention to visit all the Lodges in the province , as the advancement of Masonry in Sussex was his most earnest desire . He thought he ought to become acquainted with every Brother in his province , and thus afford an example to all those around him in holding out the right hand of fellowship . If that united good feeling was more openly exhibited , all good and true men , seeing the fruits of Masonry , would crowd to join it . The Dep . Prov . G . M . then requested the Brethren to give a kind greeting of welcome to their visitors : they had derived much benefit from the attendance of visitors , as by such means a uniformity of their ceremonies was attained .

Bro . Price , P . Prov . G . S . W . of Surrey , assured the Brethren he was much gratified with the excellent manner in which the proceedings had been conducted , and also by the kind reception he had met with ; Bro . Staples , P . G . Steward , acquiesced in all that Bro . Price had said , and considered the officers were entitled to their encomiums for the manner in which their business had been conducted . Bro . Isaacs , Prov . G . Sec . for Kent , was truly delighted at the state of perfection the Prov . Grand Lodge of Sussex had attained ; too much praise could not be bestowed on Bro . Pocock for his exertions .

Bro . How , Prov . G . D . C . for Herts , in confirmation of the remarks of his brother visitor , having had several opportunities of witnessing Prov . Grand Lodge proceedings , had never seen any conducted in a way so perfect as those of that day ; he had personal knowledge that Bro . Pocock spared no time or attention to make the Masons of Sussex second to none in practice . The Dep . Prov . G . M . next called on the brethren to honour the toast " The Past Grand Officers of the Province , " to whose labours they were indebted for the resuscitation of their Grand Lodge , after a sleep of twenty-seven years ; the Officers to whom he more especially alluded were the G . Reg ., G . Treas ., and the G . Sec , who had each and all contributed their services .

Bro . W . Verrall , G . Treas ., said they were never so happy as when engaged in the service of the Craft ; but to the Secretary their thanks were due—the other Officers simply did their own duty , but Bro . Pocock looked to all . The next pledge was to e < The Officers appointed this day ; " they were all Masons , who not only knew the duties they had undertaken , but would discharge them with zeal . Of those brethren who were re-appointed , their exertions were so apparent , that it was " but gilding refined gold" to say a word in their praise .

Bros . Fermor , S . W . and Cordy , J . W ., responded to the toast ; and the latter , as a member of No . 338 , said the Brethren of the Clarence were much gratified that other Lodges of the province were associated with them as G . Officers . He knew it was the Dep . Prov . G . M . ' s intention that every Lodge should in turn be thus rewarded . The Dep . Prov . G . M . proposed " The Health of the Prov . G . Chaplain , " who had that day , at his request , resumed his office , and he ( the D . P . G . M . ) was deeply indebted to Bro . Lloyd for his presence . Bro . Rev . E . H . Lloyd said the eulogiums and thanks of the V . W . Bro . Mc Queen were really more than his services entitled him to . He was most happy at ail times , by his presence to countenance their meetings . He had found on an examination of Masonry , and a strict inquiry into its precepts and practice , voii . r . 4 y