Provincial Grand Lodge Of Berks And Bucks.

PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF BERKS AND BUCKS .

The annual Provincial Grand Lodge of Berks and Bucks was held on Wednesday week , in the Royal Borough of Windsor , when the whole of the sixteen lodges in the two counties were represented . The Provincial Grand Lodge was opened in the Carlton Club Room at half-past one

o ' clock , the Right Worshipful the Provincial Grand Master , Bro . Sir Daniel Gooch , Bart ., M . P ., presiding . The officers of the Prov . G . Lodge also present included Bros . J . Palmer , W . H . Cutler , Rev . R . C . Honey , H . Claik , R . Bradley , W . H . Herbert , W . Fitch , L . Bryett , J . Fuller , A . M . Yetts , A . B . Weston , C Nowell , W . H . Bingham , H . D . Hume , W . Rest , S . A . Pocock , R . Roberts , F . Manley , and others .

The late Deputy Provincial Grand Master , Bro . the Rev . J . S . Brownrigg , was also present . The lodge having been opened in the usual form , the P . G . Master announced that the first business would be the installation of the Deputy Provincial Grand Master . Bro . W . Biggs , late Provincial Grand Secretary , with three other Past Masters , then presented Bro . the Rev . Arthur

Percival Purey Cust , Archdeacon of Buckingham , and the patent or warrant of the P . G . Master , appointing the Archdeacon to the office , was then read by the Provincial Grand Secretary , Bro . Robert Bradley , after which the P . G . Master installed the Archdeacon , who was thereupon conducted to the seat on Sir Daniel ' s right , and the customary honours were given to the P . G . Master and also to

the Deputy P . G . Master . The P . G . Secretary then called over the lodges in the province , and the brethren of each rose in response , after which the roll of Provincial Grand Officers was called , and most of the brethren appointed to provincial rank last year were in their places . The financial statements for the past year were read by the Provincial Giand Secretary , showing the funds to be

in a very satisfactory state . The report of the Charity Committee was also read , and on the motion of the P . G . Master , seconded by Bro . Dixon , the sum of twenty guineas was voted from the Provincial Grand Lodge Fund to the Charity Fund . The returns from "the various lodges in the province being read , showed that Masonry is making a steady

advance in this part of the country . The present number of members in the province , as shown by the returns sent in by the Secretaries of the different lodges , is upwards of 700 . The next business on the agenda paper being the election of a Provincial Grand Treasuter in thc room of Bro , George Chancellor , o £ Reading , who succumbed to a long

illness in the early part of the present j ear , thc Provincial Grand Master said he desired to express on his own behalf , as well as on behalf of the whole province , the very deep regret felt at thc death of Bro . Chancellor , who for some years fulfilled the duties of Treasurer to the credit of himself , and also to the satisfaction of the brethren generally . ( Hear , hear ) . He felt sure that they would ,

without hesitation , agree in passing a vote of condolence with the widow and family of their deceased brother in their heavy affliction . ( Hear , hear ) . Bro . Grisbrook seconded the motion , which was unanimously agreed to . The Provincial Grand Master then proposed that Major Charles Stephens , of Reading , and a member of thc

Union Lodge , No . 414 , be appointed Provincial Grand Treasurer . This proposal was seconded by the Deputy P . G . M ., Archdeacon Cust , and unanimously adopted . The Provincial Grand Master then proceedtel to invest several brethren with the Provincial Charity jewel , which , of all Masonic jewels , is , perhaps , the most honourable

inasmuch as it testifies in itself that the holder has cultivated the virtue which is the very esseixe of Freemasonry , namely , " Charity , " it being an indispensable requirement that a Mason should have served the office of Steward at the festivals of at least two of the great Masonic Institutions , and contributed liberally himself before he can receive from his province this distinguishing badge .

The brethren to whom Sir Daniel presented the jewel on this occasion were Bros . John O . Carter , P . M . 2 og ; G . M . Knight , W . M . 574 ; Edward Grisbrook , P . M . 771 ; anel Thomas Taylor , J . W . 1410 . At this stage of the proceedings , the Provincial Grand Master , addressing the brethren , said it gave him much

pleasure that day , as on former occasions , to be able to congratulate the province on the general prosperity of the Craft . Sir Daniel then referred to some points which were listened to with the greatest interest , and proceeded to thc next business , namely , the appointment and investiture of the Provincial Grand Oflicers as follows :

Barron Fielder , 574 Prov . G . S . W . McCubbin , 948 Prov . G . J . W .

Rev . R . C . Honey , 1101 Prov . G . Chap . T . N . Garry , 414 Prov . G . Chap . Major Charles Stephens , 414 Prov . G . Treas . Arthur Welch , 1101 ... Prov . G . Reg . Robert Bradley , 414 Prov . G . Sec .

W . H . Bingham , 771 .,. .,. ... Prov . G . S . D . * vT . S . Cantrell , 1501 Prov . G . J . D . S . A , Pocock , 414 Prov . G . S . of W . C . D . Hume , 209 Prov . G . D . C . G . T . De Fraine , 591 . . . . „ ,., Prov . G . A . D . C . E . L . Shepherd , 945 ... , Prov . G . S . B .

R . B . Bateman , 591 Prov . G . Org . E . Revell , 840 ,. Prov . G . Purs . C . Nowell , 771 , Prov . A . G . Purs . J . W . Britton , 1566 Prov . S . G . Stwd . Barret , 945 ; Baker , ' 945 ; A . H . Simpson , 945 ; Dick Radclyffe , and F . Ferguson ... Prov . G . Stwds . The business of the lodge shortly afterwards terminated ,

Provincial Grand Lodge Of Berks And Bucks.

having occupied less time than usual , there being no special subjects for discussion . At three o ' clock the brethren sat down to a sumptuous banquet , provided at the Town Hall in a most satisfactory manner by Mr . Kemsley , of the Castle Hotel . The floral decorations were unusually beautiful , and for these the brethren were indebted to the taste and liberality of Bro .

Dick Radclyffe , of the firm of Dick Radclyffe and Co ., the eminent florists , of High Holborn . Thc Prov . G . Master presided , supported by the Deputy Prov . Grand Master ( Archdeacon Cust ) , Rev . R . C . Honey , Rev . T . N . Garry , Bros . Hodges , Stephens , Biggs , Cutler , Winkfield , Bradley , and others . The company also comprised , in addition to the brethren whose names are given above , Bros . J .

Stacey , W . S . Cantrell , H . D'AlmaineJ . Strange , C . A . Barrett , W . Graham , G . M . Knight , S . Bradley , J . T . Stransom , W . J . Wcstrope , S . Knight , G . Cosburn , ( Freemason ) , R . Ravenor , J . G . O'Farrell . W . H . Herbert , E . Baker , R . Nicholson , C . W . Seymour , H . Perks , T . V . Davison , H . D . Gooch , J . Cooper Forster , S . B . Merriman , Jos . Johnson , C . P . Smith , J . Whitehouse , Hickie , and others .

The musical arrangements devolved upon several brethren of St . George ' s Chapel Choir , under the able direction of Bro . Tollcy , P . G . J . D ., whose admirable performances greatly enhanced the pleasure of the party . Grace was said by the Provincial Grand Chaplain , and dessert having been introduced , the P . G . Master proposed the first toast , " The Queen and the Craft , " which was

followed by that of "The Most Worshipful the Grand Master of England , Bro . H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , " both being received with great cordiality . The-P . G . Master then proposed "The Health ' of the M . W . Pro Grand Master , the tail of Carnarvon , the R . W . the D . G . M ., Lord Skelmersdale , and thc Grand Officers of England , Present and Past , " for whom Bro . Winkfield ,

one of the Grand Stewards , returned thank ** -. The Prov . Grand Chaplain , Bro . the Rev . R . C . Honey , of Reading , said it was a great pleasure , and he also regarded it as a great privilege , to propose the next toast , " The Health of the R . W . the P . G . Master , Sir Daniel Gocch , Bart ., M . P . " ( Cheers . ) The reverend brother said that no doubt there were many present who were far more able to

take custody of this toast than he was , owing to their more Iengtheneel acquaintance with the Provincial Grand Master , nevertheless he felt from his own knowledge of Sir Daniel , and thc way in which he discharged his duties , that he would not be expressing his own individual opinion too highly , and would not be reflecting the opinion of the brethren too highly , when he said that they could not

possibly have a more worthy representative of the Craft in the chair than Sir Daniel Gooch . ( Cheers ) . He felt sure that as regards Sir Daniel ' s qualifications frr that and other positions he held there could not . be two opinions . ( Hear , hear . ) The remarkable dispatch wi ' . h which Sir Daniel performed thc duties of P . G . M . in the lodge must have secured the admiration of every working brother , ( hear ,

hear ) , while thc genial and hospitable way in which he presided at the banquet must also have given the brethren much satisfaction . ( Cheers . ) The P . G . Master said he thanked the brethren very much for the hearty reception they had given to the last toast . It always gave him great pleasure to be among the brethren , whether at Windsor or elsewhere , as they

invariably received him with the greatest possible kindness and cordiality . Sir Daniel then announced that thc Provincial G a , d Lodge would meet at Abingdon next year , and although he could net promise the brethren , the splendid , he might say wonderful , reception which they had on their last visit to that town , he felt sure they might all look forward to a very hearty greeting . ( Cheers . )

The brethren then drank " 1 he Health of the Deputy Provincial Grand Master , the Archdeacon of Buckingham , " who had been compelled to leave the banquet through an engagement at Aylesbury . Sir Daniel remarked that it was a matier of satisfaction that a man so deservedly popular as Archdeacon Cust had accepted the office . ( Hear , hear . )

The health of the Past Granel Officers being embodied in this toast , Bro . Cutler responded . To the toast of ' The VUiting Brethren " Bio . Berry replied , and Bro . Lick Radclyffe responded to the reference made by Sir Daniel to the Masonic emblems which that brother had so tastefully arranged with flowers of the sweetest and choicest description . The toast of "The

Masonic Charities " was eloquently given by the Rev . T . N . Garry , Vicar of St . Mary ' s , Reading , ¦» ho observed that it had fallen to his lot to propose that which , after all , formed the very object , and end , and soul of the Craft . ( Hear , hear . ) The Masonic charities were an honour to the Craft as a body , and also to the individual brethren by whom they were suppoited , and he sincerely commended

the great charitable institutions of the Order to the sympathy and help of those brethren who were not subscribers already . ( Cheers . ) Bro . Carter , one of the brethren who had that day been presented with the Charity jewel , briefly replied . To the toast cf the newly-appointed Provincial Grand Officers , Bro . McCubbin , Junior Grand Warden , and Bro . Arthur Welch , Grand Registrar , responded , the facetious

speech of the latter provoking much laughter . The healths of Bro . Major Stephens , Grand Treasurer , and Bro . Robert Bradley , the Grand Secretary , were proposed and cordially received , each brother suitably responding . The next toast was " The W . M ., Officers , and Brethren of the Etonian Lodge , No . 209 , and Windsor Castle Lodge , No . 771 , " by whom the arrangements for the reception of the Provincial Grand Lodge had been so admirably carried

out . The W . M . of the Etonian Lodge , and Bro . Tolley , a Past Master of the Windsor Castle Lodge , acknowledged the compliment , after which two or three other toasts were drank , and the company rose at about seven o ' clock .

Provincial Grand Lodge Of Kent.

PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF KENT .

The meeting of the Provincial Grand Lodge in the ancient city of Canterbury , on Wednesday , the 3 rd o £ July , stands without a parallel in the Masonic history o £ the county of Kent , for never during its existence has been before seen anything at all approaching it , either as regards numbers or the rank and importance of those by

whom this Provincial Grand Lodge was attended ; and when the brethren were assembled in the Chapter House , clothed in purple or cerulean blue , and their breasts blazing with the jewels worn by them in the discharge of their duties in the Craft , a scene of brilliancy was presented seldom , if ever , witnessed out of the metropolis . It must have been not less gratifying to the Masons of Kent than

to their esteemed Provincial Grand Master himself , to see him so well supported on this occasion , for there was not a single lodge in his province but members from it had assembled to dn him honour , as only a just acknowledgment of the services his lordship has rendered to the Ci aft during the eighteen years he has presided over them , and the extraordinary increase in lodges and members in the

county during that period . With reference to the present meeting there is one fact that is deserving of special notice , and that is the great kindness and courtesy shown to the Provincial Grand Lodge by Dr . Payne Smith , the Dean of Canterbury , who in the most unreserved manner allowed the use of the Chapter House , the cathedral , and pulpit oil the present occasion , and in the after part of the day . On

the motion of Lord Holmesdale , a cordial and unanimous vote of thanks was passed for his kindness in allowing their use for the meeting of the Provincial Grand Lodge . Thanks were also due to Mr . H . G . Austin , the cathedral surveyor , who had done all in his power to make the Chapter House comfortable and convenient , so that it could be properly " tiled " during the meeting .

A procession having been arranged the brethren entered the lodge room , Lord Holmesdale , the Provincial Grand Master , occupying the throne , Bros . Akers Douglas , and F . Spurrell occupying the chairs as Grand Senior and Junior Wardens and ihe following brethren were present : —" A . Rawson , P . Prov . G . O . ; T . Asher , P . Prov . G . R . ; F . F . Giraud , P . Piov , G . D . Kent ; E . T . Budden , P . Prov .

G . S . D . Dorset ; W . Earnshaw , P . Prov . G . J . D . ; W . Fj Gosling , P . Prov . G . J . D . j J . H . Hallelt , Prov . G . R . j R . Elliott , P . Prov . G . R . ; J . Hunt , P . Prov . G . D . Punjab ; W . Cessford , P . Prov . G . R . ; W . A . Hill , G . C , Prov . G . C ; B . K . Thorp , Prov . G . Treas . j J . Mangan , D . D ., P . G . D . North and Hunts ; J . L . Terson , P . Prov . G . S . D . ; N . G . Pownall , Prov . G . S . W . ; W . Male , P . Prov . G . R . ; C .

Collinson , P . Prov . G . S . W . ; T . Hemery , P . Prov . G . J . W . ; G . W . Greenwell , P . Prov . G . J . D . ; T . S . Warne , Prov . G . A . S . ; R . Eastley , Prov . G . T . ; R . B . Newsom , P . Prov . G . S . B . ; A . Wooton , P . Prov . G . D . C . * , J . M . Emmerson , P . Prov . G . S . D . ; J . Fenwick , P . Prov . G . S . B . ; W . Sheen , P . Prov . A . D . C . ; C . Reuter , Prov . A . G . D . C . ; W . Hern , P . Prov . G . S . B . ; J . Hazeldine , P . Prov . G . D . C . ; A . J . Vandeilyn ,

P . Prov . G . S . B . ; A . Avely , P . Prov . G . R . ; J . McDonald , P . Prov . G . D . C . ; R . Fry , P . Prov , G . J . D . ; J . H . G . Snowden , P . Piov . J . G . W . ; C . Coupland , P . Prov . J . G . W . ; F . W . Edwards , P . Prov . J . G . W . ; W . M . Cavel , P . Prov . G . S . D . ; G . E . Hawkes , P . Prov . G . S . B . ; H . Ward , P . Prov . G . W . Wilts . ; M . Hicks , P . Prov . G . S . B . ; H . Spurrell , Prov . G . J . W . ; R . J . Emmerson , P . Prov .

G-J . W . ; J . Thomas , P . Prov . G . S . W . ; T . Walker , P . Prov . G . S . ; E . Corte , Prov . G . D . C . ; W . Green , Prov . G . D . C . Mieldlesex ; W . Page , Prov . G . J . W . ; W . Green , Prov . A . G . Purst ; J . T . Eastes , D . Prov . G . M . j J . Twinfen , P . Prov . G . S . W . ; G . Adamson , P . Prov . G . A . D . C . Kent ; E . Ashdown , P . Prov . G . S . W . ; A . E . Relf , P . Prov . G . S . D . ; A . Spears , P . Prov . G . A . ; J . Nichols , P . Prov . G . S . of W . ;

M . Knight , P . Prov . G . D . C . ; W . Hills , P . Prov . G . J . D . ; W . Parnell , P . Prov . G . S . W . ; C . Burley , P . Prov . G . A . D . C ; | . B . Hanson , Prov . G . C ; L . Finch , P . Prov . G . D . C . ; J . Bagshaw , P . Prov . G . Oig . ; H . Wood , P . Prov . G . S . W . ; T . Wyles , P . Prov . G . D . ; T . Smith , P . Prov . G . P . ; T . Hasting , Prov . G . P . ; H . T . Sankey , P . Prov . G . S . W . j G . Watson , P . Prov . G . Reg . ; J . Terry , Prov . G . D . C . Herts ,

Secretary Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution j H . Thompson ( Freemason ) , and a very numerous assemblage otW . Masters , Past Masters , officers , and brethren , representing the various lodges in the province . The Provincial Grand Lodge having been opened in ample form , the minutes of the last annual meeting were read and confirmed .

The Prov . Grand Master then appointed the following brethren Grand Officers for the ensuing year . Col . A . H . King , P . M . 905 Prov . G . S . W . Philip Higham , P . M . 31 Prov . G . J . W . Rev . W . A . Hill , M . A Prov . G . Chap . Rev . J . B . Harrison , M . A Prov . G . Chap . George Payne , P . M . 1273 .. > ... Prov . G . Reg .

B . K . Thorpe ... Prov . G . Treas . Alfred Spencer Prov . G . Sec . R . C . Burficld , P . M . 20 Prov . G . S . D . Fredk . Spencer , P . M . 106 3 Prov . G . J . D . Thos . Wills , P . M . 299 Prov . G . S . of W . Tho " . Ayling , P . M . 1096 Prov . G . D . of C . J . P . Griffin , P . M . 1050 Prov . A . G . D . of C .

Simon Young , P . M . 184 Prov . G . S . Br . J . H . Jewell , P . M . 1223 Prov . G . Org . J . Hancock , P . M . 1089 Prov . G . Purst . H . S . Ncate , P . M . 77 ; T . S . Chancellor , P . M . 127 ; B . S . Wilmct , P . M . 874 ; Geo . Pilchcr , P . M . 972 ; Geo . White , P . M . 1174 ;

H . T . Naylor , P . M . 1449 ; ... Prov . G . Stwd- **** . R . Eastley , Prov . G . Tyler . The new Grand Officers having been invested and taken their proper places , the following grants were made : A hundred guineas to the Boys' School in the name of D . P . G . M . Eastes , in order to make him a Vice-President of that Institution . Twenty guineas were also given to the Roval