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Article PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF DEVONSHIRE. ← Page 2 of 2 Article PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF DEVONSHIRE. Page 2 of 2 Article PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF DEVONSHIRE. Page 2 of 2
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Provincial Grand Lodge Of Devonshire.
ber W . M . 328 ; C . H . Edmonds , P . M . 444 ; K . Brewin , PPG . S . W ., Sec . 444 ; T . Liscelles , P . M . 1284 ; E ' Furse , P . M . 421 ; J . Bassett , S . W . 1212 ; G . Tackson , W . M . 189 ; C . R . Bardin , S . W . 189 ; IT . E . gamble , I . P . M . i 486 ; W . E . Lamble , P . M . ; H . Djevr . e , TW . 282 ; J . Oliver , P . M . 1138 ; J . T . Gundridge , P . P . G . R ., 130 S ; R . Pengelley , P . M . 70 ; P . G . L . Pearco ,
rw . 1247 ; I . R . Lord , P . M . 1247 ; B . Elliott , S . W . 1247 ; W Bradnee , ' P . M . 1402 ; G . L . Pollard , J . W . 139 6 ; J . S . Saunders , P . M . 1138 ; J . Foote , P . M . 1438 ; C . Cooper , P . M . 105 ; T . M . Webber , P . M . 494 ; C Parker , P . G . L . Camb . ; F . Dev , P . M . 421 , P . P . G . R . ; D . D . Sutherland , W . M . 710 ; W . ' B . Maye , P . M . and Treas . 710 ; J . Murray , p M . 1402 ; I- E . Nichols , W . M . 1099 ; H . Conquer , S . W ,
1099 ; S . Pantcr , S . W . 1099 ; J . Square , W . M . i 486 ; G . \ . Forbes , W . M . 1247 ; J . Harris , 1091 , P . P . G . T . ; T . S . Bayley , P . M . 18 9 ; S . Jew , P . M . 105 , P . P . G . T . ; D . Brushfield , P . P . G . W ., 1397 ; Lieut .-Col . Fitzgerald , S . W 189 ; J . Harris , 1091 , P . P . G . T . ; W . Harris , P . M . 1138 ; H . Martin , S . W . 1138 ; W . Lamble , P . M . 139 6 ; H . L . Friend , W . M . 1243 ; J . H . Dobbs , P . M . 1091 ; E . Tozer ,
P . M . H 2 , P . G . S . W . ; A . W . Palk , J . W . 1358 ; J . W . Valentine , J . W . 303 ; F . Littlejohn , W . M . 159 ; W . B . Shears , S . W . 159 ; O . Kno ' wles , J . W . 159 ; J . Stroud Short , P . M . 1433 . P . P . G . Org . ; J . P . Sawyer , W . M . 1091 ; W . H . Mackay , S . W . 109 i ; J . R . Suinn , I . P . M . 9 * 4 ; F . O . Hallett , P . M . 303 ; B . C . Gidley , P . M . 112 , P . P . G . R ; Henry Bale , P . M . 8 ; 6 , P . G . S . W . ; S . R . Force , P . P . G . D . C ; F . R . Tomes ,
P . P . G . D . C . ; James Chappie , S . W . 139 6 ; W . T . Bracewell , W . M . 139 6 ; P . B . Clements , P . M . 156 , P . P . G . O . ; G . Stockman " , jun ., P . M . n 38 ; W . Easton , P . M . 39 , P . P . G . S . Wks . ¦ J . E . Curteis , P . M . 180 , P . P . S . G . W . ; J . Sandford , J . D . 444 ; W . Pidsley , W . M . 1254 ; E . Atkin-Davis , P . M . 1099 , P . P . G . S . Wks . ; Rev . P . Williams , P . P . G . Chap . ; H . M . Burrow , W . M . 489 ; H . Ascott ,
J . W . 489 ; G . Pollard , S . W . 4 8 9 ; J . Brewer , I . P . M . 251 ; and H . Ford , S . W . 1181 . On arrival , Bro . Huyshe , who was so feeble as to have to be led to his seat , was very warmly received . The Grand Lodge having been duly formed and upened , the Installing Master , the Earl of Mount Edgcumbe , the Rev . John Huyshe , and the Deputy Provincial Grand
Master , Bro . Metham , were saluted , and a deputation of seven Installed Masters ( of the seven oldest lodges in the province , Nos . 39 , 70 , 105 , 106 , 112 , 156 , and 159 ) were sent to attend on and introduce the R . W . Provincial Grand Master ( designate ) . On being placed before the pedestal , the patent of appointment of Viscount Ebiington as P . G . M . was read by the Grand Registrar . Viscount Ebrington
was then heartily cheered , and attired in his robes of offic e , the Past P . G . M . putting around his neck the gold chain which had been presented to himself personally . Having been conducted to the throne by tne Installing Master , the P . G . M . was receivedwith a flourish of the trumpet . In addressing the P . G . M . designate , Bro . Beach pointed out to the noble lord that he was about to succeed in an
important office a brother who had been the admiration of the Craft . notonly in this county , but throughout the whole kingdom —( applause)—and he need scarcely express the sorrow which he experienced on learning that increasing years rendered it impossible for him any longer to continue in his high office . The P . G . M . would have a worthy example to follow in the discharge of the important duties of anufRce
for whicn , indeed , beseemed to have a family qualification . He trusted he w . mld prove himself worthy of the . confidence which the Grand Master of England had imposed upon him . ( Hear , hear . ) Tne P . G . Registrar then read the patent of appointment of Bro . Walter Goddard Rogers as Deputy Provincial Grand Mister . Dr . Clarke Whitfield ' s anthem , "Behold , hew good and joyful , " was then sung by the
musical brethren , Bro . E . M . Vinnicomlie presiding at the harmonium . The following address to the new P . G . M . on his appointment was then presented by the P . D . P . G . M . Bro . L . P . Metham , on behalf of the lodges of the province . It was signed by the W . M . ' s of all the lodges in the county , and probably represented the united voice of over 2000 Masons under the rule of Viscount Lbiington : —
To the Right Worshipful Hugh Fortescue , Lord Viscount Ebrington , Provincial Grand Master of Freemasons for Devonshire . We , the Freemasons of the Province of Devon , of every rank and degree , desire to convey to you our most sincere congratulations on your elevation to the august office of Provincial Grand Master .
Under any circumstances an address presented to the eminent brother who had been selected to preside over the province would faithfully reflect the spirit of loyalty and affection which always characterises the tone of Freemasons towards their chief ; but in your case these feelings are greatly enhanced , for the province preserves a grateful recollection of the kind and honourable rule of your noble
grandfather . We entertain the hope that the Masonic virtues which so greatly distinguished him are inherited by you , and that you may be enabled to maintain for the Province of Devon that prominent position which has been achieved by our two last excellent and beloved Provincial Grand Masters .
We shall at all times deem it our duty to co-operate loyall y and cheerfully in furthering your efforts to maintain and extend the grand principles of the Craft , and we sincerel y trust that the Great Architect of the Universe will be pleased in His infinite wis'lom and goodness to grant you a long and prosperous Masonic career to rule and guide with pleasure and profit the brethren of this province .
Bro . L . P . Metham , P . P . D . G . M ., in presenting the address , said : There is not , I am confident , a Freemason present who will not re-echo , with acclamation , the good wishes this address expresses—that health , happiness , and a prosperous reign may wait upon our newly-appointed Grand Master . There is not , 1 trust , a brother in this
Provincial Grand Lodge Of Devonshire.
room who will not agree that he ought , and that he will , as far as his own conduct goes and as far as his influence extends among his fellow Masons , resolve that our Grand Master shall never have cause to regret that he has taken on himself this important and onerous office . With the moral and well-regulated efforts of the Craft to- sustain him , his onward progress will be smooth and successful .
The road he will have to travel has already been distinctly marked out by his predecessors , and he will have but to tread in their footsteps , keeping his eye steadily fixed on the landmarks of the Order , which they , by their lives and conduct , have so fully and brightly illustrated , to render his rule light and pleasant to himself and advantageous to those over whom he is placed . For myself , Right
Worshipful Sir , I am grateful to the Great Architect of the Universe that I , who , more than a generation ago , received my first Provincial honours from your noble grandfather , am permitted to stand here to-day , to take part in this ceremony , and to be the mouth-piece of my brethren of this large province , in welcoming as the successor of my beloved and revered friend a scion of the house of
Fortescue . The young who Uve for what the years to come may bring , and who find the greatest delight in devising ambitious schemes which they sanguinely believe will crown their future with success , think that the old have no pleasures that can equal theirs . But that is a great mistake , as to-day can testify , for if the pas : carries in its bosom no sting born of an illspent or useless life , but if ,
on the contrary , there are abiding green spots' in bygone memories on which the mind can dwell with satisfaction when life ' s busy part has been well played , and the shades of evening are surely but tranquilly closing round , advanced life must possess many p leasures unknown to those who have as yet realised 110 expectations , and who are still struggling towards the goal
which the old have reached and passed . You will all understand to what and to whom these remarks app ly . We have to-day prayed the Great Architect of the Universe lo speed on his noble mission our newly-installed Master , and , with one mind and one voice , cordially welcomed him to that chair to which he has so strong an ancestral claim . But we have one other duty to perform , without
which I am quite sure you , Right Worshipful Sir , would be the first to declare that the ceremony of to-day was incomplete . We have to bid farewell to him—happily only in his official capacity—who , for so many years , has not only been our genial Master , but the steadfast counsellor , sincere friend , and affectionate brother of us all . At his installation , now many years ago , it was my
pleasing privilege to present to him an address of welcome such as 1 have been honoured in presenting to you , his successor , to-day . Then I dwelt , as 1 truthfully could , without flattery or exaggeration , upon his private virtues and excellent public qualities , as well as upon the services he had rendered not only to the Craft in particular , but to humanity at large , all welded together into one
harmonious whole by the daily practice of " Brotherly Love , Relief , and Truth " in their Oest and widest sense . I prophesied then that when the day came which should close his rule over us , the Freemasons who should live to see that day would be able to say , as we said so long ago , with fervent , sincere , and grateful feelings for all that he had done for us and for the Craft : " He led us with a
true and faithlul heart , and ruled us prudently with all his power . " Said I not well then , brethren ? Say I not well now ? Dear Bro . Huyshe , as sincerely as we have to-day welcomed our coming ruler with loyal acclamation do we , in the face of this great gatherii . g , and in the fare of the Masonic world , pray the Great Atcniteci ol the Universe to speed you , our parting ruler , and bless
you with mental and bodily health to look Hack , as 1 know you will , with kindly feeling and affectionate regard to us , your brethren , who on our part shall continue to love and respect , as we have always loved and respected , you . Bro . the Rev . J . Huyshe then rose and shook the new P . G . M . ' s hand , and Bro . Metham called upon the Earl of f
Mount Edgcumbe to say a few words o . congratulation 011 behalf of his Province of Cornwall . Bro . the Eatl of Mount Edgcumbe , who was warmly received , addressing the P . G . M ., said he was glad that he had been afforded the opportunity of making a few remarks , because he attended that day to represent in some measure a great many other brethren who were unable
themselves to be present on that interesting occasion , but who were anxious , nevertheless , to convey their congratulations to the brother who had just been elected to so high an honour . He himself was especially desirous of doing so , inasmuch as he was a member of the Province of Devon , having received " the purple " from the hands of the grandfather of the present P . G . M . Since he had been
installed P . G . M . of Cornwall he had been in many ways linked to this county , having at the outset been inducted by the P . G . M ., who had just vacated that office . And during the time he had held the dignity he had not looked in vain to Bro . Huyshe for the assistance which he had often required . He trusted that many years would be spared their lespected brother to enjoy the sympathy and
rest he had so richly earned . The P . G . M . of Cornwall proceeded to mention that if he had been unable to attend the gathering himself the sister county would . not have been unrepresented at those proceedings , for he observed that there were present two officers of high degree from his province . He trusted that the sympathy that had so long existed between the two counties would long continue .
He might vouch for its so doing on his side of the Tamar , and he had no doubt that the brethren present would readily admit that the same sentiments prevailed on theirs . In conclusion , he would once more congratulate the noble lord on having attained to such a position , and he expressed a fervent hope that the Great Architect of the Universe would be pleased to grant him long life , so as to
Provincial Grand Lodge Of Devonshire.
enjoy a lengthy tenure of office , and when his term came to an end he trusted that he would be able to regard what he had done-with as much satisfaction as his predecessors had had cause to do . ( Loud applause . ) The P . G . Master , in reply , s ^ iid he was heartily thankful for the address , and to the D . P . G . M . and the P . G . M . of Cornwall for their kind congratulations . The very kind
words were all the more gratifying from the reference they contained to his honoured grandfather . It was seldom , he believed , that so young a man as himself had been appointed to the distinguished office which His Royal Highness the Grand Master had conferred upon him , and the proper discharge of its duties > vas not rendered the easier by the high standard which had been established by
his predecessors . Pie could hardly hope to equal them , but he was encourage'd by the confidence of those present as shown in the address , and that they were not insensible or forgetful of duty well done he was reminded by that banner , preserved all those years in honourable remembrance , < ind by that gold chain , the proof at once of howwell the Freemasons of Devon coulel appreciate life-long
and devoted servux , and of the love for the Craft , whiclr was so conspicuous in the warm reception given to his predecessor , whom they were all gratified to see present . ( Loud apilaus .-. ) With the help of the Great Architect of the Universe , he would do his best to walk in the footsteps of those who had gone before him , and to administer the province honestly and impartially , and so in some way
to verify the hopes expressed in the addres 5 . for which he again thanked them . ( Prolonged applause . ) Bro . Rogers said the P . P . G . M . had a-sked him to read the following paper , being himself to feeble to address them , and his eyesight too imperfect to allow of his seeing to read it himself : — " I am most anxious that the beautiful and costly chain so affectionately presented to me on
my installation as P . G . M . of Devon , on May 24 th , 1863 , by my Masonic brethren , should become an heir-loom in the province , descending from each retiring Prov . G . M . to his successor . I have great satisfaction in knowing that the fiist of these is the grandson of my old and venerate 1 chief and predecessor , Earl Fortescue . To Viscount Ebrington ' s charge I commit this splendid badge of office ,
to be by him worn as Prov . Grand Master of the Freemasons of Devon , whensoever he sees fit . May the G . A . O . T . U . give him grace , health , and strength to preside over this large province , with benefit to the Craft and satisfaction to himself ; winning the esteem and affection of every worthy brother , thiough a long series of years . This is the earnest and heartfelt prayer of , my dear
brethren , your aged and affectionate P . P . G . M ., John Huyshe . " ( Applause . ) Bro . W . G . Rogers was then investeel with his D . P , G . M . 's regalia by Bro . G . Hirtz : i , W . M . of Lodge No . 39 , of which lodge Bro . Rogers is a Past Master of twenty years' standing . The regalia had been subscribed ' for by the members of that lodge , and presented to Bro .
Hogers as a token of their esteem and regard . The minutes of the last Prov . Grand Lodge , held at Okehampton , were read and confirmed . The P . G . M . said he anticipated that it would be the unanimous wish of all present that a minute be inserted in the records of this Prov . Grand Lodge , expressing their regret that failing health and infirmity had obliged Bro .
the Rev . John Huyshe to give up the office which he had held for so many years with such advantage to the province , and thanking him for the handsome present to himself and successors of the chain of office , which vvas presented to him on his installation by the Freemasons of Devonshire . He was very sensible himself of the kindness of Bro . Huyshe , and of tne assistance already rendered to
him 111 everything connected with the duties of his new office . He was also sure that all felt equally grateful to him for kindnesses received at his hands in time past . ( Applause . ) The mrtion was carried unanimously . The bye-laws of the province were confirmed , and the report of the P . P . G . Sec . was read . Bro . Rogers remarked that all the lodges had made
their returns and none were in arrear . The Treasurer reported that the whole of the dues and fees of honour had been paid . The total receipts for the year , including a balance in hand at the commencement , were £ 543 14 s . sd ., leaving a balance in hand at the present time of £ 22838 . Bro . F . Pollard , Sec . to the Fortescue Annuity Fund ,
reported a balance in hand from last year of £ 64 17 s . 7 d . The total receipts for the year had been £ 2156 os . 7 d ., leaving a balance due from the Treasurer of £ 79 7 s . id . The report of the Committee of Petitions was read by Bro . Gover , the Secretary , and the recommendations contained therein were adopted , Bro . Metham bore testimony to the value of the work
of the Committee , and of the indefatigable exertions of the Secretary ; and he presented to Bro . Gover , through the P . G . M ., a cheque for £ 50 , collected by private subscription . In acknowledging the testimonial , Bro . Gover said he had held the office of Secretary for ten years , and he had looked upon his duties as a labour of love , requiring no
recognition . Bro Rogers proposed the addition to the Committee of Petitions of the name of the P . D . P . G . M ., but Bro . Metham declined the honour on account of increasing age . The report of the Auditors was read , and a Committee formed to rarry out a suggestion made therein .
On the motion of Bro S . Jones , seconded by Bro . Curteis , Bro . Henry George Beachey , of Lodge No . 1138 , was elected Treasurer for the ensuing year . Or . the motion of Bro . Brewer , seconded by Bro . Rogers , Bros . Curteis , 189 , and W . S . Passir . ore , 444 , were appointed to audit the accounts of the year . ( Continued on page 340 . )
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Provincial Grand Lodge Of Devonshire.
ber W . M . 328 ; C . H . Edmonds , P . M . 444 ; K . Brewin , PPG . S . W ., Sec . 444 ; T . Liscelles , P . M . 1284 ; E ' Furse , P . M . 421 ; J . Bassett , S . W . 1212 ; G . Tackson , W . M . 189 ; C . R . Bardin , S . W . 189 ; IT . E . gamble , I . P . M . i 486 ; W . E . Lamble , P . M . ; H . Djevr . e , TW . 282 ; J . Oliver , P . M . 1138 ; J . T . Gundridge , P . P . G . R ., 130 S ; R . Pengelley , P . M . 70 ; P . G . L . Pearco ,
rw . 1247 ; I . R . Lord , P . M . 1247 ; B . Elliott , S . W . 1247 ; W Bradnee , ' P . M . 1402 ; G . L . Pollard , J . W . 139 6 ; J . S . Saunders , P . M . 1138 ; J . Foote , P . M . 1438 ; C . Cooper , P . M . 105 ; T . M . Webber , P . M . 494 ; C Parker , P . G . L . Camb . ; F . Dev , P . M . 421 , P . P . G . R . ; D . D . Sutherland , W . M . 710 ; W . ' B . Maye , P . M . and Treas . 710 ; J . Murray , p M . 1402 ; I- E . Nichols , W . M . 1099 ; H . Conquer , S . W ,
1099 ; S . Pantcr , S . W . 1099 ; J . Square , W . M . i 486 ; G . \ . Forbes , W . M . 1247 ; J . Harris , 1091 , P . P . G . T . ; T . S . Bayley , P . M . 18 9 ; S . Jew , P . M . 105 , P . P . G . T . ; D . Brushfield , P . P . G . W ., 1397 ; Lieut .-Col . Fitzgerald , S . W 189 ; J . Harris , 1091 , P . P . G . T . ; W . Harris , P . M . 1138 ; H . Martin , S . W . 1138 ; W . Lamble , P . M . 139 6 ; H . L . Friend , W . M . 1243 ; J . H . Dobbs , P . M . 1091 ; E . Tozer ,
P . M . H 2 , P . G . S . W . ; A . W . Palk , J . W . 1358 ; J . W . Valentine , J . W . 303 ; F . Littlejohn , W . M . 159 ; W . B . Shears , S . W . 159 ; O . Kno ' wles , J . W . 159 ; J . Stroud Short , P . M . 1433 . P . P . G . Org . ; J . P . Sawyer , W . M . 1091 ; W . H . Mackay , S . W . 109 i ; J . R . Suinn , I . P . M . 9 * 4 ; F . O . Hallett , P . M . 303 ; B . C . Gidley , P . M . 112 , P . P . G . R ; Henry Bale , P . M . 8 ; 6 , P . G . S . W . ; S . R . Force , P . P . G . D . C ; F . R . Tomes ,
P . P . G . D . C . ; James Chappie , S . W . 139 6 ; W . T . Bracewell , W . M . 139 6 ; P . B . Clements , P . M . 156 , P . P . G . O . ; G . Stockman " , jun ., P . M . n 38 ; W . Easton , P . M . 39 , P . P . G . S . Wks . ¦ J . E . Curteis , P . M . 180 , P . P . S . G . W . ; J . Sandford , J . D . 444 ; W . Pidsley , W . M . 1254 ; E . Atkin-Davis , P . M . 1099 , P . P . G . S . Wks . ; Rev . P . Williams , P . P . G . Chap . ; H . M . Burrow , W . M . 489 ; H . Ascott ,
J . W . 489 ; G . Pollard , S . W . 4 8 9 ; J . Brewer , I . P . M . 251 ; and H . Ford , S . W . 1181 . On arrival , Bro . Huyshe , who was so feeble as to have to be led to his seat , was very warmly received . The Grand Lodge having been duly formed and upened , the Installing Master , the Earl of Mount Edgcumbe , the Rev . John Huyshe , and the Deputy Provincial Grand
Master , Bro . Metham , were saluted , and a deputation of seven Installed Masters ( of the seven oldest lodges in the province , Nos . 39 , 70 , 105 , 106 , 112 , 156 , and 159 ) were sent to attend on and introduce the R . W . Provincial Grand Master ( designate ) . On being placed before the pedestal , the patent of appointment of Viscount Ebiington as P . G . M . was read by the Grand Registrar . Viscount Ebrington
was then heartily cheered , and attired in his robes of offic e , the Past P . G . M . putting around his neck the gold chain which had been presented to himself personally . Having been conducted to the throne by tne Installing Master , the P . G . M . was receivedwith a flourish of the trumpet . In addressing the P . G . M . designate , Bro . Beach pointed out to the noble lord that he was about to succeed in an
important office a brother who had been the admiration of the Craft . notonly in this county , but throughout the whole kingdom —( applause)—and he need scarcely express the sorrow which he experienced on learning that increasing years rendered it impossible for him any longer to continue in his high office . The P . G . M . would have a worthy example to follow in the discharge of the important duties of anufRce
for whicn , indeed , beseemed to have a family qualification . He trusted he w . mld prove himself worthy of the . confidence which the Grand Master of England had imposed upon him . ( Hear , hear . ) Tne P . G . Registrar then read the patent of appointment of Bro . Walter Goddard Rogers as Deputy Provincial Grand Mister . Dr . Clarke Whitfield ' s anthem , "Behold , hew good and joyful , " was then sung by the
musical brethren , Bro . E . M . Vinnicomlie presiding at the harmonium . The following address to the new P . G . M . on his appointment was then presented by the P . D . P . G . M . Bro . L . P . Metham , on behalf of the lodges of the province . It was signed by the W . M . ' s of all the lodges in the county , and probably represented the united voice of over 2000 Masons under the rule of Viscount Lbiington : —
To the Right Worshipful Hugh Fortescue , Lord Viscount Ebrington , Provincial Grand Master of Freemasons for Devonshire . We , the Freemasons of the Province of Devon , of every rank and degree , desire to convey to you our most sincere congratulations on your elevation to the august office of Provincial Grand Master .
Under any circumstances an address presented to the eminent brother who had been selected to preside over the province would faithfully reflect the spirit of loyalty and affection which always characterises the tone of Freemasons towards their chief ; but in your case these feelings are greatly enhanced , for the province preserves a grateful recollection of the kind and honourable rule of your noble
grandfather . We entertain the hope that the Masonic virtues which so greatly distinguished him are inherited by you , and that you may be enabled to maintain for the Province of Devon that prominent position which has been achieved by our two last excellent and beloved Provincial Grand Masters .
We shall at all times deem it our duty to co-operate loyall y and cheerfully in furthering your efforts to maintain and extend the grand principles of the Craft , and we sincerel y trust that the Great Architect of the Universe will be pleased in His infinite wis'lom and goodness to grant you a long and prosperous Masonic career to rule and guide with pleasure and profit the brethren of this province .
Bro . L . P . Metham , P . P . D . G . M ., in presenting the address , said : There is not , I am confident , a Freemason present who will not re-echo , with acclamation , the good wishes this address expresses—that health , happiness , and a prosperous reign may wait upon our newly-appointed Grand Master . There is not , 1 trust , a brother in this
Provincial Grand Lodge Of Devonshire.
room who will not agree that he ought , and that he will , as far as his own conduct goes and as far as his influence extends among his fellow Masons , resolve that our Grand Master shall never have cause to regret that he has taken on himself this important and onerous office . With the moral and well-regulated efforts of the Craft to- sustain him , his onward progress will be smooth and successful .
The road he will have to travel has already been distinctly marked out by his predecessors , and he will have but to tread in their footsteps , keeping his eye steadily fixed on the landmarks of the Order , which they , by their lives and conduct , have so fully and brightly illustrated , to render his rule light and pleasant to himself and advantageous to those over whom he is placed . For myself , Right
Worshipful Sir , I am grateful to the Great Architect of the Universe that I , who , more than a generation ago , received my first Provincial honours from your noble grandfather , am permitted to stand here to-day , to take part in this ceremony , and to be the mouth-piece of my brethren of this large province , in welcoming as the successor of my beloved and revered friend a scion of the house of
Fortescue . The young who Uve for what the years to come may bring , and who find the greatest delight in devising ambitious schemes which they sanguinely believe will crown their future with success , think that the old have no pleasures that can equal theirs . But that is a great mistake , as to-day can testify , for if the pas : carries in its bosom no sting born of an illspent or useless life , but if ,
on the contrary , there are abiding green spots' in bygone memories on which the mind can dwell with satisfaction when life ' s busy part has been well played , and the shades of evening are surely but tranquilly closing round , advanced life must possess many p leasures unknown to those who have as yet realised 110 expectations , and who are still struggling towards the goal
which the old have reached and passed . You will all understand to what and to whom these remarks app ly . We have to-day prayed the Great Architect of the Universe lo speed on his noble mission our newly-installed Master , and , with one mind and one voice , cordially welcomed him to that chair to which he has so strong an ancestral claim . But we have one other duty to perform , without
which I am quite sure you , Right Worshipful Sir , would be the first to declare that the ceremony of to-day was incomplete . We have to bid farewell to him—happily only in his official capacity—who , for so many years , has not only been our genial Master , but the steadfast counsellor , sincere friend , and affectionate brother of us all . At his installation , now many years ago , it was my
pleasing privilege to present to him an address of welcome such as 1 have been honoured in presenting to you , his successor , to-day . Then I dwelt , as 1 truthfully could , without flattery or exaggeration , upon his private virtues and excellent public qualities , as well as upon the services he had rendered not only to the Craft in particular , but to humanity at large , all welded together into one
harmonious whole by the daily practice of " Brotherly Love , Relief , and Truth " in their Oest and widest sense . I prophesied then that when the day came which should close his rule over us , the Freemasons who should live to see that day would be able to say , as we said so long ago , with fervent , sincere , and grateful feelings for all that he had done for us and for the Craft : " He led us with a
true and faithlul heart , and ruled us prudently with all his power . " Said I not well then , brethren ? Say I not well now ? Dear Bro . Huyshe , as sincerely as we have to-day welcomed our coming ruler with loyal acclamation do we , in the face of this great gatherii . g , and in the fare of the Masonic world , pray the Great Atcniteci ol the Universe to speed you , our parting ruler , and bless
you with mental and bodily health to look Hack , as 1 know you will , with kindly feeling and affectionate regard to us , your brethren , who on our part shall continue to love and respect , as we have always loved and respected , you . Bro . the Rev . J . Huyshe then rose and shook the new P . G . M . ' s hand , and Bro . Metham called upon the Earl of f
Mount Edgcumbe to say a few words o . congratulation 011 behalf of his Province of Cornwall . Bro . the Eatl of Mount Edgcumbe , who was warmly received , addressing the P . G . M ., said he was glad that he had been afforded the opportunity of making a few remarks , because he attended that day to represent in some measure a great many other brethren who were unable
themselves to be present on that interesting occasion , but who were anxious , nevertheless , to convey their congratulations to the brother who had just been elected to so high an honour . He himself was especially desirous of doing so , inasmuch as he was a member of the Province of Devon , having received " the purple " from the hands of the grandfather of the present P . G . M . Since he had been
installed P . G . M . of Cornwall he had been in many ways linked to this county , having at the outset been inducted by the P . G . M ., who had just vacated that office . And during the time he had held the dignity he had not looked in vain to Bro . Huyshe for the assistance which he had often required . He trusted that many years would be spared their lespected brother to enjoy the sympathy and
rest he had so richly earned . The P . G . M . of Cornwall proceeded to mention that if he had been unable to attend the gathering himself the sister county would . not have been unrepresented at those proceedings , for he observed that there were present two officers of high degree from his province . He trusted that the sympathy that had so long existed between the two counties would long continue .
He might vouch for its so doing on his side of the Tamar , and he had no doubt that the brethren present would readily admit that the same sentiments prevailed on theirs . In conclusion , he would once more congratulate the noble lord on having attained to such a position , and he expressed a fervent hope that the Great Architect of the Universe would be pleased to grant him long life , so as to
Provincial Grand Lodge Of Devonshire.
enjoy a lengthy tenure of office , and when his term came to an end he trusted that he would be able to regard what he had done-with as much satisfaction as his predecessors had had cause to do . ( Loud applause . ) The P . G . Master , in reply , s ^ iid he was heartily thankful for the address , and to the D . P . G . M . and the P . G . M . of Cornwall for their kind congratulations . The very kind
words were all the more gratifying from the reference they contained to his honoured grandfather . It was seldom , he believed , that so young a man as himself had been appointed to the distinguished office which His Royal Highness the Grand Master had conferred upon him , and the proper discharge of its duties > vas not rendered the easier by the high standard which had been established by
his predecessors . Pie could hardly hope to equal them , but he was encourage'd by the confidence of those present as shown in the address , and that they were not insensible or forgetful of duty well done he was reminded by that banner , preserved all those years in honourable remembrance , < ind by that gold chain , the proof at once of howwell the Freemasons of Devon coulel appreciate life-long
and devoted servux , and of the love for the Craft , whiclr was so conspicuous in the warm reception given to his predecessor , whom they were all gratified to see present . ( Loud apilaus .-. ) With the help of the Great Architect of the Universe , he would do his best to walk in the footsteps of those who had gone before him , and to administer the province honestly and impartially , and so in some way
to verify the hopes expressed in the addres 5 . for which he again thanked them . ( Prolonged applause . ) Bro . Rogers said the P . P . G . M . had a-sked him to read the following paper , being himself to feeble to address them , and his eyesight too imperfect to allow of his seeing to read it himself : — " I am most anxious that the beautiful and costly chain so affectionately presented to me on
my installation as P . G . M . of Devon , on May 24 th , 1863 , by my Masonic brethren , should become an heir-loom in the province , descending from each retiring Prov . G . M . to his successor . I have great satisfaction in knowing that the fiist of these is the grandson of my old and venerate 1 chief and predecessor , Earl Fortescue . To Viscount Ebrington ' s charge I commit this splendid badge of office ,
to be by him worn as Prov . Grand Master of the Freemasons of Devon , whensoever he sees fit . May the G . A . O . T . U . give him grace , health , and strength to preside over this large province , with benefit to the Craft and satisfaction to himself ; winning the esteem and affection of every worthy brother , thiough a long series of years . This is the earnest and heartfelt prayer of , my dear
brethren , your aged and affectionate P . P . G . M ., John Huyshe . " ( Applause . ) Bro . W . G . Rogers was then investeel with his D . P , G . M . 's regalia by Bro . G . Hirtz : i , W . M . of Lodge No . 39 , of which lodge Bro . Rogers is a Past Master of twenty years' standing . The regalia had been subscribed ' for by the members of that lodge , and presented to Bro .
Hogers as a token of their esteem and regard . The minutes of the last Prov . Grand Lodge , held at Okehampton , were read and confirmed . The P . G . M . said he anticipated that it would be the unanimous wish of all present that a minute be inserted in the records of this Prov . Grand Lodge , expressing their regret that failing health and infirmity had obliged Bro .
the Rev . John Huyshe to give up the office which he had held for so many years with such advantage to the province , and thanking him for the handsome present to himself and successors of the chain of office , which vvas presented to him on his installation by the Freemasons of Devonshire . He was very sensible himself of the kindness of Bro . Huyshe , and of tne assistance already rendered to
him 111 everything connected with the duties of his new office . He was also sure that all felt equally grateful to him for kindnesses received at his hands in time past . ( Applause . ) The mrtion was carried unanimously . The bye-laws of the province were confirmed , and the report of the P . P . G . Sec . was read . Bro . Rogers remarked that all the lodges had made
their returns and none were in arrear . The Treasurer reported that the whole of the dues and fees of honour had been paid . The total receipts for the year , including a balance in hand at the commencement , were £ 543 14 s . sd ., leaving a balance in hand at the present time of £ 22838 . Bro . F . Pollard , Sec . to the Fortescue Annuity Fund ,
reported a balance in hand from last year of £ 64 17 s . 7 d . The total receipts for the year had been £ 2156 os . 7 d ., leaving a balance due from the Treasurer of £ 79 7 s . id . The report of the Committee of Petitions was read by Bro . Gover , the Secretary , and the recommendations contained therein were adopted , Bro . Metham bore testimony to the value of the work
of the Committee , and of the indefatigable exertions of the Secretary ; and he presented to Bro . Gover , through the P . G . M ., a cheque for £ 50 , collected by private subscription . In acknowledging the testimonial , Bro . Gover said he had held the office of Secretary for ten years , and he had looked upon his duties as a labour of love , requiring no
recognition . Bro Rogers proposed the addition to the Committee of Petitions of the name of the P . D . P . G . M ., but Bro . Metham declined the honour on account of increasing age . The report of the Auditors was read , and a Committee formed to rarry out a suggestion made therein .
On the motion of Bro S . Jones , seconded by Bro . Curteis , Bro . Henry George Beachey , of Lodge No . 1138 , was elected Treasurer for the ensuing year . Or . the motion of Bro . Brewer , seconded by Bro . Rogers , Bros . Curteis , 189 , and W . S . Passir . ore , 444 , were appointed to audit the accounts of the year . ( Continued on page 340 . )