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Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Provincial Grand Lodge Of Kent.
put the chalice of happiness to our thirsty lips , and quaff continued refreshing draughts from it . Why , strive by the help of God ' s Holy Spirit , and the use of all the means pointed out in holy Srupture , to act up to the personal surrender required—dr < ustly , love mercy , and walk humbly with our God . 'Iliey wno range themselves under the banner of Jehovah , and fight under a sense of His fatherly
eye over them , will have strength given to them for their day , and a comfortable assurance of high promotion when the campaign of earth is finished . My brethren , let us rejoice in the Lord , sing praises unto His name , for His servants ye are to whom ye obey , for teaching us what is good , and revealing so much concerning Himself . Our position is favourable for growth and expansion . We have
a goodly heritage , wondrous opportunities for usefulness . Let us not retrograde , but go forward , hate the slavery of sin , not be idolaters , or worshippers of wealth , and power , and self-gratification certainly are , but wise and temperate in all things as travellers on the path of humility , imitators of the mighty dead and of bright luminaries such as the Apostle of the Gentiles , who counted not his life dear to
him so that he might win Christ , and be found in Him . Let us value our jewels , justice , mercy , humility , and remember if constantly worn they will never tarnish or fade . We have little more to say , but that little is connected with an appeal to your bounty . We ask from you on this festival a sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving , and trust it may prove a substantial one . We plead for
our Masonic Charities , and for an excellent institution or house of mercy , connected with this city and county , viz ., the Kent and Canterbury Hospital . As to the Masonic Charities we may abstain from more that a passing allusion to them . They are not rarely spoken of as the pride of our Order , and certainly they do exhibit practical evidences that Masons are not unwilling to make large
sacrifices for the sake of others . In our schools a good airay eif children—boys and girls—are carefully instructed , and through our Benevolent Institution old men and old women are comfoited and cared for in their declining days ; and through the charity funds of the Provincial Grand Lodge cf Kent we testify that great benefits redound to individuals and the general credit of this body . It is not
unworthy of nbseivation that the sums voted to-day m the Provincial Grand Lodge have reached thc handsome amount of £ 428 . The Secretary of one of our Masonic Institutions lately said in public that the Masonic Institutions occupied a very prominent position in the history of the charities of England—prominent because they had a very limited circle to which to appeal , and from that
limited circle they derived greater results than any other three institutions . Last year the Benevdent Institution , the youngest of the three , obtained at its festival £ 13 , 300 ; the Girls' School obtained £ 9 , 000 ; and the Boys' School £ 12 , 800 . When the year 1877 closed it was found that the three Institutions had collected amongst them over £ 44 , 000 . This is graiif > ing , but to repress pride we
may say that witheiut these signs of willing sacrifice Masonry would fail to hold its present high status . And now to the house of mercy . It is worthy of support . It cairies out the Divine teaching of Him who said " I was sick and ye visited me . " It has stood thc test of time . Its doors are free to casualties anil cases of suffering , without reference to creed , colour , or clime . By it the aggregate ol
human misery 11 lessened . The poor flock to it every week in crowds , and the gratitude of the convalescent and relieved is particularly well-known to the clergy of our retired village s . The patients are generously treated . They receive every conifmt , the best attention , kind and quiet nurses wait upon them , and the highest medical skill is always at their command . The Institution tells
manifestly of the power of Christianity 111 our land . It lives on Christian sympathy ; it exists upon voluntary contributions . So , then , rejoicing , as many of us do , ia splendid health and abunelant wealth , or at least a competency , enjoying the highest religious privileges , having been kindly welcomed into this ancient city , anel allowed the great privilege of offering worship to Almighty God in this
sanctuary , let us exhibit our sense of the obligations under which we labour , and act as God ' s stewarels , and leave a large blessing behind us , so shall our prcsei . t happiness be augmented , and our future bliss bc promoted ; so shall the recollection of our visit be fraught with nought but pleasant memories to ourselves and others . And may God deign to accept what we this day render to Him of his
own . May we say and of thine own have we giren Thee . At the conclusion thc hymn , " The strain upraise of joy and praise , " was sung during the collection of the offertory , the proceeds of which are to be divided between the Kent and Canterbury Cathedrals and the Masonic Charities . At the conclusion of the service the brethren
returned to the Chapter House , the Provincial Giand Master resuming the chair , when a cordial vote of thanks was passed to the Dean and Chapter for the use of the Chapter House and Cathedral , and the lodge was closed in ample form and with solemn piaycr . The morning was ushered in by the cathedral bells , and they were frequently rung throughout the day .
At the conclusion of the business of the Provincial Grand Lodge the brethren proceeded to the Music Hall , where it had been arranged the customaiy banquet should take place . It is a large and very spacious apartment , in which long lines of tables were arranged longitudinally , with a gallery at one end devoted to the rcce prion of Mr . Tench White ' s septet band , that discoursed most eloquent
music during thc dinner , and the rear of it was set apart for such visitors who felt an interest in being present , amongst whom were many ladies , whose patien . e must have been most severely tested in witnessing an agreeable business , in which , curiously enough , they are not allowed to participate . The hall was most elegantly decorated by Mr . Blogg with Masonic devices , and three noblemen of the neighbourhood contributed tlie flowers
Provincial Grand Lodge Of Kent.
with which thc table were decorated . Bro . John R . Hall , the very able and efficient Secretary of 31 , Canterbury , as Hon . Secretary to the Reception Committee , was most indefatigable in his exertions to secure the comfoit of all , and our representative had just reason to appreciate the kindness and truly Masonic courtesy he received at his hands . The chair was taken by Lord Holmesdale , and
he was supported by all the Provincial Grand Officers , on a dais raised above the level of thc flooring ofthe hall . When his lordship made his appearance to proceed to the presidential seat he was greeted with loud and truly hearty applause . The menu was a work of art and great taste , but we see no ' reason why , as Englishmen , speaking the Anglo-Saxon tongue , a document entirely in French
should be put before a body of about 400 brethren , to a great majority of whom its contents must have been perfectly unintelligible . It is rather a severe reproach for it to be inferred that the English language is so poor that an adequate description of a dinner table cannot be obtained , and that a foreign tongue must be reverted to . However , the fare was very ample , and there was no stint of the
most agreeable liquids with which it was accompanied . At the conclusion of the repast giace was sung by the professional singers with veiy good effect . Lord Holmesdale said ihe first toast he should have the honour to propose was " The Queen , " who always took a deep interest in the Craft , and in giving that toast the brethren jvould readily understand why no Masonic
honours could be given . The toast was enthusiastica'ly responded to , followed by the National Anthem , the solo paits by Mrs . Rogers , a lady of great local celebrity . Lord Holmesdale said the next toast he had to propose was "The Most Worshipful the ( J . ana Master , His Royal Highness thc Prince of Wales , " and the brethren knew that
he not only took a deep inteiest in the Craft , but was also a thorough English gentleman . He should couple with the toast " Her Rojal Highness the Princess of Wales , and the rest of the Royal Family . " ( Loud cheers , followed by "Godbless the Princeef Wales . " ) Lord Holmesdale , in giving "The Most Worshipful the Pro Grand Master , Eirl of Camaivjn , and
the reit of the Grand Officers , " said he bad for the first time the honour of coupling the name of a Kentish man with this toast , f-jr e . ince their last meeting his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales had been pleased to appoint the Grand Chaplain of Kent to be one of the Grand Chaplains of the Grand Lodge of England , which was most gratifying to them , as Bro . Hill had
been their Provincial Grand Chaplain for many years . At the last meeting of the Provincial Grand Lodge a committee was formed to consider whether some fi . ting testimonial should not be pie ^ ented to him , and the testimonial he should have the pleasure inTianding over to him was a mark of respect , which was not to be measured by the amount , but as a token of the esteem the brethren
entertained for him . He was a man who never cavilled at any lime or attention that might be required of him , but when any tiling that might prove for the go . d of the county of Kent was to be done his services were freely and generously afforded , and to none were those services more known or better understood than by his brother Freemasons . In conclusion , be asked him in the name of the brethren of
Kent to accept the testimonial , which he handed to him , and he felt certain that it was the fervent wish of all that he might for many years to come continue to enjoy the same esteem of his brother Masons as he did at the present time . ( Loud and enthusiastic cheering . ) His lordship then presented to him several articles of plate , and a purse of sovereigns , the whole of the value of upwards of £ 300 .
The teast was most cordially received . Bio . the Rev . W . A . Hill , M . A ., said that if he had the gratification of speaking to them in a more dignified character , yet how could he do so in a more dignified manner than he could do in that 100 m , which was so artistically arranged and beautifully and handsomely decorated with flowers , as well as with wild flowers culled by the
hands of the fair ladies he saw before him , not far distant , and his only regret was that they did not come down from their elevated position and join them , for they did not know how delighted they felt if they were enjoying the same gratification and comfoits as themselves . In mentioning the name of Lord Carnarvon and thc rest of the Grand Officers , he might say that they were men who
were always to the front in any good cause , and ahhough they might not at all times entertain the same political views , jet when they were required to serve a friend or any good cause they did so to the utmost of their ability and power . He had had the honour of being appointed one of the Giand Chaplains of the Grand Lodge of England , but how that was brought about he never could
understand , for such an appointment had never entered his mind , but he did believe that his loidship in the chair had something to do with it , and he formeel this opinion because in his address that da > his lordship hail spoken of him far more kindly than he deserved , but he supposed that the reason was , that from time to time it was necessary that fresh blood
should be introduced amongst Grand Oflicers , as well as every other body in the community . He felt great satisfaction , however , that he had not to speak before hard critic ? , but in the presence of men who understood the principle of brotherly love , relief , and ti » uth , and in reference to thc Masonic body , he had always pleasure and happiness when speaking in reference to their Institutions .
He WJS not a jjveuile , but rather falling into the sear and yellow leaf , and during ihe thirty-three years he had been a Mason he had highly enjoyed its institutions , he had formed many acquaintances and made many friends , and without the aid of the Masonic body he should have been ignorant of a large amount of valuable knowieeige that lie then possessed . A good Mason was a sincere and religious man , and that was the reason why they
Provincial Grand Lodge Of Kent.
had so many good men amongst them . For many years he had been in and out amongst them , and that day he had come to receive at their hands the wtraordinary favour they had been pleased to bestow upon him , although he never anticipated any thing cf the sort , and was astonished at the e-enerosity and kindness they had shown him .
His lordship had handed him a bag , bound with gold , which he had no doubt was the work of the fair hands of one of the ladies he saw before him , filled as he believed with the current coin of the realm , judging from the specimen he had seen , and he could assure them that it would be dis : reetly applied . As to the valuable articles which he saw displayed before him on the table , he could
tell them that it was his determination that they would not be wrapped up in leather and put away not be seen , but should at all times be seen in the full blaze of light to remind him of their kindness , and they would be equally gratifying to him who might afterwards stand in his shoes as a memento of how his father was loved and esteemed by those who lived in times gone by . He looked upon
those presents as a noble and generous act . As Masonic he had no doubt they were the offerings ofthe purest love , affection , and regard , for the brethren had freely put their hands in their pockets to give him what represented their love , which would cheer him on to his latest day , and others might take this warning , that if they went on and did what was right they might in referring to him say
that this man was Grand Chaplain of England . He should go on his way rejoicing , and when his children from time to time looked upon the splendid objects before him they would feel that their father was respected and honoured , and never to his dying day should he forget their kindness ; for it would be to him as an oasis in the battle of life , and he begged gratefully to thank them for
the ton much honour tbey had conferred upon him . ( The rev . broih . rsat down amidst loud and continued cheering . ) Bro . Eastes ( Deputy Provincial Grand Master ) said it was the first time for eighteen years that he had to give the health of the Provincial Grand Master in the City of Canterbury , when they had met in the sacred edifice , which was so large and full that it must have satisfied the
feelings of their Provincial Grand Master , whose health he then had the honour of proposing . In Canterbury they naturally looked back to the meetings of Freemasons , and he found that there had been only four meetings of the Provincial Grand Lodge there , which were in 1781 , 1792 , 1801 , and 1857 . As they did not come to Canterbury every day he might be permitted to take a
retrospective glance at Freemasonry in 1857 , then under the presidency of Bro . Chas . Purton Cooper , and contrast it with the presidency of Loid Holmesdale in 1878 . In 1857 they met there , and he well remembered the gathering , and at that time there were but fifteen lodges in Kent , with 499 members . To-day he found from the last return there were forty-three lodges in Kent , with 2340 members . He
thought , however , that thc mere accession of numbers was not altogether sufficient if theamountthey contributed to the charitable institutions was not good . In 1857 the amount sent up to the charitable institutions in London was £ 63 , but in 1878 they sent up £ 352 . In connecting his lordship ' s name with thc toast , he believed a large amount of the increase w „ s due to him , as he felt that under his rule
Freemasonry h ^ d made its way , by the manner in which Frvemasons h ^ d conducted themselves . He concluded by asking them to drink his lordship ' s health in bumpers , and with KemUh " fire . " Lord Holmesdale said he was greatly obliged to the brethren for the cordiality with whLh they had received the toast of his health , and the Deputy Grand Master for the
manner in which he had proposed it . As regarded Freemasonry , for some years there had been a firm and steady increase , and he had every confidence that they would never have an tbb tide again . He looked fot ward with confidence for a steady increase in the Order , and he had no anticipation of a return of the cold time which prevailed from 1780 to 1820 , but an increase as the years rolled on . The
Deputy Grand Master had said a good deal about the meeting at Canterbury , and he might say with the exeeptio . a of the meeting at the Albert Hall , on the occasion of the installation of the Prince of Wales , there had been no meeting attended by so many Freemasons as were present in the Chapter House that morning , for the numbers were so large and influential as to have
exceeded the aspirations of the most enthusiastic Mason . He was glad to renew the practice of going to the Cathedral in procession , as he was opposed to parading in the public streets like a benefit club , but when they went by way of the cloisters , and passed over the graves of many worthy Masons , whose marks were to be still seen engraved on their tombi , he gave up old ieleas , and went in at once
for a procession . The whole was well done , and the whole ceremony was a great success . He hoped that the success of to-day would further help them in the county of Kent , and no doubt a number of recruits would come in and join them . In conclusion , his lordship said he hoped that Freemasonry in the future would increase in numbers , as
it had done in the past . He then proposed , in very flattering terms , "The Health of Bro . Eastes , Deputy Grand Master . *"' Bro . Eastes returned thanks , anil some other toas ' . s having been given , the proceedings were brought to a close , the whole having passed off without a single hitch , and had given entire satisfaction .
SURREY MASONIC HALL . —Arrangements have been made with Mr . F . H . Macklin , of the principal Lonelon Theatres , to give a Dramatic and Musical Costume Recital at this hall , on Wednesday next , July 17 th . The programme includes songs , recitations , ' and dramatic' selections ( in character ) from " The Happy Pair , " " Still Waters Run Deep , " and " Thc Hunchback . " Several wellknown artists are to assist Mr . Macklin .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Provincial Grand Lodge Of Kent.
put the chalice of happiness to our thirsty lips , and quaff continued refreshing draughts from it . Why , strive by the help of God ' s Holy Spirit , and the use of all the means pointed out in holy Srupture , to act up to the personal surrender required—dr < ustly , love mercy , and walk humbly with our God . 'Iliey wno range themselves under the banner of Jehovah , and fight under a sense of His fatherly
eye over them , will have strength given to them for their day , and a comfortable assurance of high promotion when the campaign of earth is finished . My brethren , let us rejoice in the Lord , sing praises unto His name , for His servants ye are to whom ye obey , for teaching us what is good , and revealing so much concerning Himself . Our position is favourable for growth and expansion . We have
a goodly heritage , wondrous opportunities for usefulness . Let us not retrograde , but go forward , hate the slavery of sin , not be idolaters , or worshippers of wealth , and power , and self-gratification certainly are , but wise and temperate in all things as travellers on the path of humility , imitators of the mighty dead and of bright luminaries such as the Apostle of the Gentiles , who counted not his life dear to
him so that he might win Christ , and be found in Him . Let us value our jewels , justice , mercy , humility , and remember if constantly worn they will never tarnish or fade . We have little more to say , but that little is connected with an appeal to your bounty . We ask from you on this festival a sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving , and trust it may prove a substantial one . We plead for
our Masonic Charities , and for an excellent institution or house of mercy , connected with this city and county , viz ., the Kent and Canterbury Hospital . As to the Masonic Charities we may abstain from more that a passing allusion to them . They are not rarely spoken of as the pride of our Order , and certainly they do exhibit practical evidences that Masons are not unwilling to make large
sacrifices for the sake of others . In our schools a good airay eif children—boys and girls—are carefully instructed , and through our Benevolent Institution old men and old women are comfoited and cared for in their declining days ; and through the charity funds of the Provincial Grand Lodge cf Kent we testify that great benefits redound to individuals and the general credit of this body . It is not
unworthy of nbseivation that the sums voted to-day m the Provincial Grand Lodge have reached thc handsome amount of £ 428 . The Secretary of one of our Masonic Institutions lately said in public that the Masonic Institutions occupied a very prominent position in the history of the charities of England—prominent because they had a very limited circle to which to appeal , and from that
limited circle they derived greater results than any other three institutions . Last year the Benevdent Institution , the youngest of the three , obtained at its festival £ 13 , 300 ; the Girls' School obtained £ 9 , 000 ; and the Boys' School £ 12 , 800 . When the year 1877 closed it was found that the three Institutions had collected amongst them over £ 44 , 000 . This is graiif > ing , but to repress pride we
may say that witheiut these signs of willing sacrifice Masonry would fail to hold its present high status . And now to the house of mercy . It is worthy of support . It cairies out the Divine teaching of Him who said " I was sick and ye visited me . " It has stood thc test of time . Its doors are free to casualties anil cases of suffering , without reference to creed , colour , or clime . By it the aggregate ol
human misery 11 lessened . The poor flock to it every week in crowds , and the gratitude of the convalescent and relieved is particularly well-known to the clergy of our retired village s . The patients are generously treated . They receive every conifmt , the best attention , kind and quiet nurses wait upon them , and the highest medical skill is always at their command . The Institution tells
manifestly of the power of Christianity 111 our land . It lives on Christian sympathy ; it exists upon voluntary contributions . So , then , rejoicing , as many of us do , ia splendid health and abunelant wealth , or at least a competency , enjoying the highest religious privileges , having been kindly welcomed into this ancient city , anel allowed the great privilege of offering worship to Almighty God in this
sanctuary , let us exhibit our sense of the obligations under which we labour , and act as God ' s stewarels , and leave a large blessing behind us , so shall our prcsei . t happiness be augmented , and our future bliss bc promoted ; so shall the recollection of our visit be fraught with nought but pleasant memories to ourselves and others . And may God deign to accept what we this day render to Him of his
own . May we say and of thine own have we giren Thee . At the conclusion thc hymn , " The strain upraise of joy and praise , " was sung during the collection of the offertory , the proceeds of which are to be divided between the Kent and Canterbury Cathedrals and the Masonic Charities . At the conclusion of the service the brethren
returned to the Chapter House , the Provincial Giand Master resuming the chair , when a cordial vote of thanks was passed to the Dean and Chapter for the use of the Chapter House and Cathedral , and the lodge was closed in ample form and with solemn piaycr . The morning was ushered in by the cathedral bells , and they were frequently rung throughout the day .
At the conclusion of the business of the Provincial Grand Lodge the brethren proceeded to the Music Hall , where it had been arranged the customaiy banquet should take place . It is a large and very spacious apartment , in which long lines of tables were arranged longitudinally , with a gallery at one end devoted to the rcce prion of Mr . Tench White ' s septet band , that discoursed most eloquent
music during thc dinner , and the rear of it was set apart for such visitors who felt an interest in being present , amongst whom were many ladies , whose patien . e must have been most severely tested in witnessing an agreeable business , in which , curiously enough , they are not allowed to participate . The hall was most elegantly decorated by Mr . Blogg with Masonic devices , and three noblemen of the neighbourhood contributed tlie flowers
Provincial Grand Lodge Of Kent.
with which thc table were decorated . Bro . John R . Hall , the very able and efficient Secretary of 31 , Canterbury , as Hon . Secretary to the Reception Committee , was most indefatigable in his exertions to secure the comfoit of all , and our representative had just reason to appreciate the kindness and truly Masonic courtesy he received at his hands . The chair was taken by Lord Holmesdale , and
he was supported by all the Provincial Grand Officers , on a dais raised above the level of thc flooring ofthe hall . When his lordship made his appearance to proceed to the presidential seat he was greeted with loud and truly hearty applause . The menu was a work of art and great taste , but we see no ' reason why , as Englishmen , speaking the Anglo-Saxon tongue , a document entirely in French
should be put before a body of about 400 brethren , to a great majority of whom its contents must have been perfectly unintelligible . It is rather a severe reproach for it to be inferred that the English language is so poor that an adequate description of a dinner table cannot be obtained , and that a foreign tongue must be reverted to . However , the fare was very ample , and there was no stint of the
most agreeable liquids with which it was accompanied . At the conclusion of the repast giace was sung by the professional singers with veiy good effect . Lord Holmesdale said ihe first toast he should have the honour to propose was " The Queen , " who always took a deep interest in the Craft , and in giving that toast the brethren jvould readily understand why no Masonic
honours could be given . The toast was enthusiastica'ly responded to , followed by the National Anthem , the solo paits by Mrs . Rogers , a lady of great local celebrity . Lord Holmesdale said the next toast he had to propose was "The Most Worshipful the ( J . ana Master , His Royal Highness thc Prince of Wales , " and the brethren knew that
he not only took a deep inteiest in the Craft , but was also a thorough English gentleman . He should couple with the toast " Her Rojal Highness the Princess of Wales , and the rest of the Royal Family . " ( Loud cheers , followed by "Godbless the Princeef Wales . " ) Lord Holmesdale , in giving "The Most Worshipful the Pro Grand Master , Eirl of Camaivjn , and
the reit of the Grand Officers , " said he bad for the first time the honour of coupling the name of a Kentish man with this toast , f-jr e . ince their last meeting his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales had been pleased to appoint the Grand Chaplain of Kent to be one of the Grand Chaplains of the Grand Lodge of England , which was most gratifying to them , as Bro . Hill had
been their Provincial Grand Chaplain for many years . At the last meeting of the Provincial Grand Lodge a committee was formed to consider whether some fi . ting testimonial should not be pie ^ ented to him , and the testimonial he should have the pleasure inTianding over to him was a mark of respect , which was not to be measured by the amount , but as a token of the esteem the brethren
entertained for him . He was a man who never cavilled at any lime or attention that might be required of him , but when any tiling that might prove for the go . d of the county of Kent was to be done his services were freely and generously afforded , and to none were those services more known or better understood than by his brother Freemasons . In conclusion , be asked him in the name of the brethren of
Kent to accept the testimonial , which he handed to him , and he felt certain that it was the fervent wish of all that he might for many years to come continue to enjoy the same esteem of his brother Masons as he did at the present time . ( Loud and enthusiastic cheering . ) His lordship then presented to him several articles of plate , and a purse of sovereigns , the whole of the value of upwards of £ 300 .
The teast was most cordially received . Bio . the Rev . W . A . Hill , M . A ., said that if he had the gratification of speaking to them in a more dignified character , yet how could he do so in a more dignified manner than he could do in that 100 m , which was so artistically arranged and beautifully and handsomely decorated with flowers , as well as with wild flowers culled by the
hands of the fair ladies he saw before him , not far distant , and his only regret was that they did not come down from their elevated position and join them , for they did not know how delighted they felt if they were enjoying the same gratification and comfoits as themselves . In mentioning the name of Lord Carnarvon and thc rest of the Grand Officers , he might say that they were men who
were always to the front in any good cause , and ahhough they might not at all times entertain the same political views , jet when they were required to serve a friend or any good cause they did so to the utmost of their ability and power . He had had the honour of being appointed one of the Giand Chaplains of the Grand Lodge of England , but how that was brought about he never could
understand , for such an appointment had never entered his mind , but he did believe that his loidship in the chair had something to do with it , and he formeel this opinion because in his address that da > his lordship hail spoken of him far more kindly than he deserved , but he supposed that the reason was , that from time to time it was necessary that fresh blood
should be introduced amongst Grand Oflicers , as well as every other body in the community . He felt great satisfaction , however , that he had not to speak before hard critic ? , but in the presence of men who understood the principle of brotherly love , relief , and ti » uth , and in reference to thc Masonic body , he had always pleasure and happiness when speaking in reference to their Institutions .
He WJS not a jjveuile , but rather falling into the sear and yellow leaf , and during ihe thirty-three years he had been a Mason he had highly enjoyed its institutions , he had formed many acquaintances and made many friends , and without the aid of the Masonic body he should have been ignorant of a large amount of valuable knowieeige that lie then possessed . A good Mason was a sincere and religious man , and that was the reason why they
Provincial Grand Lodge Of Kent.
had so many good men amongst them . For many years he had been in and out amongst them , and that day he had come to receive at their hands the wtraordinary favour they had been pleased to bestow upon him , although he never anticipated any thing cf the sort , and was astonished at the e-enerosity and kindness they had shown him .
His lordship had handed him a bag , bound with gold , which he had no doubt was the work of the fair hands of one of the ladies he saw before him , filled as he believed with the current coin of the realm , judging from the specimen he had seen , and he could assure them that it would be dis : reetly applied . As to the valuable articles which he saw displayed before him on the table , he could
tell them that it was his determination that they would not be wrapped up in leather and put away not be seen , but should at all times be seen in the full blaze of light to remind him of their kindness , and they would be equally gratifying to him who might afterwards stand in his shoes as a memento of how his father was loved and esteemed by those who lived in times gone by . He looked upon
those presents as a noble and generous act . As Masonic he had no doubt they were the offerings ofthe purest love , affection , and regard , for the brethren had freely put their hands in their pockets to give him what represented their love , which would cheer him on to his latest day , and others might take this warning , that if they went on and did what was right they might in referring to him say
that this man was Grand Chaplain of England . He should go on his way rejoicing , and when his children from time to time looked upon the splendid objects before him they would feel that their father was respected and honoured , and never to his dying day should he forget their kindness ; for it would be to him as an oasis in the battle of life , and he begged gratefully to thank them for
the ton much honour tbey had conferred upon him . ( The rev . broih . rsat down amidst loud and continued cheering . ) Bro . Eastes ( Deputy Provincial Grand Master ) said it was the first time for eighteen years that he had to give the health of the Provincial Grand Master in the City of Canterbury , when they had met in the sacred edifice , which was so large and full that it must have satisfied the
feelings of their Provincial Grand Master , whose health he then had the honour of proposing . In Canterbury they naturally looked back to the meetings of Freemasons , and he found that there had been only four meetings of the Provincial Grand Lodge there , which were in 1781 , 1792 , 1801 , and 1857 . As they did not come to Canterbury every day he might be permitted to take a
retrospective glance at Freemasonry in 1857 , then under the presidency of Bro . Chas . Purton Cooper , and contrast it with the presidency of Loid Holmesdale in 1878 . In 1857 they met there , and he well remembered the gathering , and at that time there were but fifteen lodges in Kent , with 499 members . To-day he found from the last return there were forty-three lodges in Kent , with 2340 members . He
thought , however , that thc mere accession of numbers was not altogether sufficient if theamountthey contributed to the charitable institutions was not good . In 1857 the amount sent up to the charitable institutions in London was £ 63 , but in 1878 they sent up £ 352 . In connecting his lordship ' s name with thc toast , he believed a large amount of the increase w „ s due to him , as he felt that under his rule
Freemasonry h ^ d made its way , by the manner in which Frvemasons h ^ d conducted themselves . He concluded by asking them to drink his lordship ' s health in bumpers , and with KemUh " fire . " Lord Holmesdale said he was greatly obliged to the brethren for the cordiality with whLh they had received the toast of his health , and the Deputy Grand Master for the
manner in which he had proposed it . As regarded Freemasonry , for some years there had been a firm and steady increase , and he had every confidence that they would never have an tbb tide again . He looked fot ward with confidence for a steady increase in the Order , and he had no anticipation of a return of the cold time which prevailed from 1780 to 1820 , but an increase as the years rolled on . The
Deputy Grand Master had said a good deal about the meeting at Canterbury , and he might say with the exeeptio . a of the meeting at the Albert Hall , on the occasion of the installation of the Prince of Wales , there had been no meeting attended by so many Freemasons as were present in the Chapter House that morning , for the numbers were so large and influential as to have
exceeded the aspirations of the most enthusiastic Mason . He was glad to renew the practice of going to the Cathedral in procession , as he was opposed to parading in the public streets like a benefit club , but when they went by way of the cloisters , and passed over the graves of many worthy Masons , whose marks were to be still seen engraved on their tombi , he gave up old ieleas , and went in at once
for a procession . The whole was well done , and the whole ceremony was a great success . He hoped that the success of to-day would further help them in the county of Kent , and no doubt a number of recruits would come in and join them . In conclusion , his lordship said he hoped that Freemasonry in the future would increase in numbers , as
it had done in the past . He then proposed , in very flattering terms , "The Health of Bro . Eastes , Deputy Grand Master . *"' Bro . Eastes returned thanks , anil some other toas ' . s having been given , the proceedings were brought to a close , the whole having passed off without a single hitch , and had given entire satisfaction .
SURREY MASONIC HALL . —Arrangements have been made with Mr . F . H . Macklin , of the principal Lonelon Theatres , to give a Dramatic and Musical Costume Recital at this hall , on Wednesday next , July 17 th . The programme includes songs , recitations , ' and dramatic' selections ( in character ) from " The Happy Pair , " " Still Waters Run Deep , " and " Thc Hunchback . " Several wellknown artists are to assist Mr . Macklin .