D. Prov. G.M. in 1815, but owing to an illness which terminated fatally in the

next year, he never acted in that capacity : he was succeeded by the Eev. S. J, Tufnell, whom we find acting as such in 1817.
S8 PEEEfiASONRY "IN tHl
" It reached the Duke of York that lieutenant- Colonel Lennox had heard "words spoken of him at a Club at Daubigny's to which no gentleman ought to have submitted, and to -this effect the Duke spoke in the hearing of other officers. This coming to the ears of Lieutenant-Colonel Lennox, he took the opportunity of a Parade of the regiment to ask the Duke what the words were which had been uttered in his dispar- agement. The Duke immediately ordered hirn to his post. Anxious to find out the author of the injurious language, he wisely adopted the only alter- natiTe left to him, which was to address a circular to the members of Daubigny's, asking each if he had been the party who had given expression to the offensive language. No reply having been received from any member, he called upon the Duke of York to contradict the report he had circulated among the officers of the Coldstreama. His Koyal Highness refused to do this, adding that he was prepared to give Lieut.-CoL Lennox any satisfaction he might desire, and begged that he would look upon him only in the light of an officer of the regiment. At first Lennox declined the offer, as he regarded the Duke of York as the son of his King. No other form of satisfaction being obtainable, Lennox determined upon the adop- tion of the duello, and accordingly sent a message to the Duke by the Earl of Winchelsea. The challenge was accepted, and the parties met on Wimbledon Common, the 26th May, 1789, Lord Eawdon* acting as the Duke's second. The distance between the opponents was twelve paces 5 at the word Lennox fired, and shot away a curl from His Royal Highness's
* Acting Grand Master from 1790 to 1813, when he was appointed Gov. General of India, a distinguished Snldier and Statesman, known better as Earl of Moira, afterwards Margtuis of Hastings.
PROVINCE OP SUSSEX. 39
head. The Duke did not return the fire though called
upon to do so. He would not consent to declare that
Lennox was a man of honor, but gave him liberty to
fire again: the seconds now interfered, and decided
that enough had been done to satisfy the claims of
honor. The farce terminated ; the seconds declaring,
in a polished document, that both parties behaved
with the utmost coolness and intrepidity, and the
brother of&cers of the Lieutenant Colonel decided that
he had behaved with courage, but not with judgment !
It afterwards transpired that the ofifensive words had
been spoken at a masquerade, where one masked
individual addressed another under the supposition
that the latter was Colonel Lennox."*
The office of Provincial Grand Master, was vacant tiU
1823, when the late Duke of Eichmond, son and successor
of the preceding holder of the office, was appointed, and on
the 24th July a meeting of the Provincial Grand Lodge was
held at Brightonf ; the Provincial Grand Master joined one
of the Lodges at Chichester this year, but it is not known
where he was initiated, and he never took any active part
in the duties of his office, but left it to the management of
his deputy, or of the Prov. Grand Secretary. The next
meeting was at Horsham, on the 9th May, 1827 : so it
* Mr. C. C. F. Greville, who was Clerk of the Coimoil during the reigns of King George the Fourth and King William the Fourth, Bays in his Diary, alluding to a conversation with the Duke of York, — "He then told me the whole story and the circumstances which led to it, most of which are in print. That which I had never heard before, was, that at a masquerade, three masks insulted the Prince of Wales, when the Duke interfered, desired the one who was most prominent to address himself to him. and added that he suspected him to be an officer in his regiment, meaning Colonel Lennox, and if he was, he was a coward and a disgrace to his profession ; if he was not the person he took him for he desired him to unmask, and he would beg his pardon. The three masks were supposed to be Colonel Lennox, the Duke of Gordon, and Lady Charlotte. This did not lead to any immediate consequences, but perhaps indirectly contributed to what followed. The Duke never found out whether the masks were the people he suspected."
t Vide fieport of proceedings in the Appendix.
40 FEEEMASONEY IN THE
would appear that it was intended that the Provincial Grand Lodge should assemble triennially, but, strange to say, no meeting was held for twenty-seven years, though we find at different periods the following Brethren in the office of D.P.G.M., viz.: Eev. — Tufnell, and T. E. Kemp, and Bros. Hiaton and Eaper, Prov. Grand Secre- taries. It appears that Bro. Kemp, owing to iU health, had resided a good deal abroad, and after his death in 1845, no deputy was appointed until 1854, when through the exertions of Bros. Folkard and W. Verrall, of the "Eoyal Clarence Lodge," the Prov. G.M. was induced to appoint Col. James McQueen, W.M. of that Lodge, to the Post of D.P.G.M., and on the 17th November, Col. McQueen resuscitated the Prov. Grand Lodge, at a meeting held under the banner of the " Eoyal Clarence Lodge " at the Old Ship, Brighton,, the following Lodges being represented : — " Union" Chichester ; "Derwent," Hastings; " Eoyal Clarence " and " Eoyal York," Brighton ; " South Saxon," Lewes ; " Wellington," Eye ; and " Mariners," Littlehampton ; the Dep. Prov. G.M. having requested Bro. Polkard to read the patent of his appointment, he was duly saluted, and, before opening the Prov. Grand Lodge, delivered the following address.
"Brothers, Past Provincial Grand Officers, Past Masters, Masters, and Wardens of Lodges, Members of the Prov. G. Lodge of Sussex, Brethren of the Province, and Brother Visitors, — By virtue of the patent just read to you in the 'Eoyal Clarence' Lodge, No. 338 and in accordance with my letter addressed to each Lodge in the Province, bearing date 19th October, 1854, I have convened this Prov. Grand Lodge ; and now let me crave your indulgent consideration on the difficulties that attend my position.
" I question whether there is a similar instance in the annals of Freemasonry, of a Provincial Grand
tEOVlNCE OF SUSSEX. 41
Lodge instituted as that of Sussex in the year 1801, having sustained a lapse of twenty-seven years without assemhling ; and had it not been for the unceasing and zealous exertions of several energetic and worthy members of the Craft, in effecting the present arrange- ment, this our Grand Lodge, might have continued from year to year in comparative abeyance. In May last I sent to each Lodge in this Province a notice of my appointment ; since then diligent enquiry has been instituted after the Minute Book of Proceedings, the Bye-Laws, and Regalia of the Lodge ; but nothing belonging to the Prov. Lodge can be found, except some papers and Treasurer's documents, handed to me by His Grace the Duke of Richmond, Worshipful Prov. G.M. on my appointment in April last, the same having been placed in his hands by the Past Prov. Treasurer, Bro. WiUiam Ridge, on his quittiag Sussex many years ago, to whose high Masonic principles our Grand Lodge is indebted for the recoveiy of the sum of £40 : 4s. 4d. standing in the Chichester Savings' Bank to the credit of our Prov. Grand Lodge ; that amount Bro. Ridge has transferred to me as Trustee,^ until you shall this day have elected a Treasurer. We have also regained the P.G.L. Banner and Deacons' Wands, which Bro. Butcher, W.M. of the 'South Saxon' Lodge, No. 390, and his brethren have carefully preserved ; our best thanks are due to them for their promptitude in placing them at our disposal this day. " I had hoped on this occasion to have had the honor and advantage of the assistance of Bro. Dobie, the R.W.G.M. for the Province of Surrey and Grand Registrar of England, but I lament that the serious accident he met with in Switzerland prevents his attendance. Beyond the Members of my Mother Lodge the 'Royal Clarence,' I stand before you a
42 FtlEEMASONUT m THE
stranger, sensible of the difficulties which beset my path, and desirous, to the best of my ability, zealously and impartially to carry out the duties of my office.
" The first step I have to take is, I fear, one that may lay me open to misconception, and an imputation of partiality, viz., the appointment of officers, as I deem it prudent to surround myself with brethren long known to me for their zeal, integrity, and expe- rience in Masonry, who promise to aid me in my difficult undertaking, and to stand forward and bear the expenses attendant on their respective appoint- ments, which until I am better acquainted with my brethren belonging to other Lodges I feel a delicacy in calling upon them to sustain. But let us consider this year as one of probation, in order that we may fairly relaunch our long-stranded Institution, unruffied by waves of anger or envy, and united in the strongest bonds of Brotherly Love.
" These sentiments alone influence me in the appointments I shall presently make, which I am convinced, wiU give general satisfaction, and as we progress in Masonic intercourse and become accus- tomed to Grand Lodge Eegulations, I shall be better able as vacancies occur to select brethren from other Lodges for appointment as officers. I must be firm and straightforward in a strict line of duty, determined to enforce conformity and obedience to the Eegulations of the Grand Lodge of England, and to support and uphold the Ancient Landmarks of the Order.
"A code of Bye-Laws for our Prov. Grand Lodge (copies of which have been duly forwarded to the Lodges in the Province) will be presently submitted to your consideration, and if adopted, I would suggest that the date of contributions to the Prov. Grand
"PROYINCE m StJSSEX. 4S
Lodge Fund, should commence from the Both day of
June last."*
Such a well-timed speech, if we may be allowed to judge, gives one the idea that Bro. McQueen was well fitted to discharge the duties of his ofi&ce, and the brethren of the Province may with satisfaction look back and congratulate themselves that the resuscitation of the Prov. Grand Lodge had been entrusted to one who, as subsequent events will show, laid schemes and designed plans which have tended so much to the perfect system of organization still maintained in the Proviace.
The following brethren were then appointed and invested : — Bro. Vallance, peov. g.s.w. ; Bro. Furner, peov. ©.J.w. ; Bro. Eev. E. H. Lloyd, peov. g. chaplain ; Bros. Folkard, peov. 6. registeae; William Verrall, (elected)
prov. G. TEEASUEEE; Gr. E. Pocock, PEOV. G. SECEETARY;
WUkinson, peov. g.s.D: ; Langtry, peov. g.j.d. ; Williams, PROV. g.s. of w. ; Smithers, peov. g.d. of c. ; McGee, peov. 6.A.D. OF c. ; W. A. Stuckey, peov. gs.b. ; G. W. King, PEOV. G. PUEST. ; H. Verrall, W. Adams, W. Batley, G. F. Folkard, PEOV. G. stewards ; T. H. Barnard, PEOV.
G. TYLER.
The Bye Laws being approved, the P.G.L. was then closed and the event was celebrated by abanquet, to which about eighty brethren sat down, including some visitors from the P.G.L. of Surrey.
The second meeting was held on October 8th in the year following, under the banner of the " Derwent Lodge," No. 47, at the Swan Hotel, Hastings.
The next annual meeting was held under the banner of the " Union Lodge " No. 45, in the Council Chamber, Chichester, on the 23rd September, 1856, and on this
• The Btatementwith regard to the institution of the Provincial Grand Lodge was evidently hased on the document in the "South Saxon Lodge already referred to ; the speaker probably knew nothing of the appointments of Capt. Minahall and General Httlee.
44 FEEEWASONRT IN THE
occasion Sir Lucius Curtis PROV. G.M., Bro. Deacon, d.p.g.m., and several other officers of the Prov. G. L. of Hampshire, paid a complimentary visit to the Prov. Gr. L. of Sussex. We find by the report of the Audit Committee that there was upwards of £14 to the good, after having expended £125 on regalia and other necessary expenses incurred since the resuscitation of the Prov. G. Lodge two years previously, and, as there were no liabilities, it was unani- mously agreed to vote five pounds to each of the three charitable Institutions.
In September, 1857 the brethren were assembled under the baimer of the " South - Saxon " Lodge at Lewes, and, according to the Prov. Gr. Eegistrar's report there were 263 brethren returned, as follows : — " Union," No. 45, Cliichester, 15 initiations and -3 joining, total number of members 47 ; "Derwent" No. 47, Hastings, 8 initiations, total 37 ; "Eoyal Clarence " No. 338, Brighton, 8 initiations, 3 joining, total 81; "South Saxon" No. 390, Lewes, 7 initiations and 6 joining, total 23 ; " Eoyal York " No. 394, Brighton, 11 initiations, 7 joining, total 64 ; "Wellington" No. 426, Eye, 2 initiations, 3 joining, total 11. The total of the preceding year was 229, there was therefore an increase of 34 members, the number of initiations being 51, against 28 in the previous year. At this meeting Bro. John Hervey, Past G. Deacon, the late G. Secretary of England, was present, and at the Banquet returned thanks on behalf of the D.G.M., Lord Panmure, and the officers of Grand Lodge.
On the 1 7th of November the members of the Prov. G. Lodge assembled at the " Old Ship " Hotel, Brighton, to commemorate the third anniversary of the re-organization of the Prov. G. L. and at the same time to present their respected D. Prov. G.M. with the following address of con- gratulation on the prosperity of Masonry in Sussex, which was read by the Prov. G. Eegistrar, who afterwards presided at the banq_uet.
PROVINCE OF SUSSEX. 45
" To Lieutenant-Colonel McQueen V.W.D.P.G.M. of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons in the county of Sussex."
" Brighton Nov. 17th A.L. 6857, A.D. 1857." "V.W. Sir and Brother,
" We, the present and past Prov. G. Officers, having had the honor conferred upon us of acting with you ia the Prov. G. Lodge of Sussex, beg, on this the third anniversary of the re-organization of our Prov. G. Lodge, under your very efficient superintendence, to tender you our warmest congratulations upon the prosperous results which have crowned your zealous efforts to promote the interests of the Craft in this province, amongst the most important of which may be mentioned a better observance of the regulations of Grand Lodge, uniformity of working in the several Lodges, and, above all a closer unity amongst the brethren.
" Your independent and upright mode of acting, your kind and firm demeanour, and your able admin- istration of aU that appertains to your office, justly demand our highest respect and esteem, which we desire now earnestly to express, and to couple therewith our fervent wishes that the G.A.O.T.U. may bestow upon you every blessing, and may long spare you to preside over the Fraternity in this Province.
" We beg to subscribe ourselves, yours very faithfuUy and fraternally."
(Signed by all the Present and Past Officers.) The D.P.G.M. "in a very able speech," to use the words of a recorder of the proceedings, "and in full glowing terms, expressed the grateful feelings of his heart for the high compliment which his present and past officers had paid him," The ceremony concluded, the brethren adjourned to the banquet and spent a happy evening.
46 FREEMASONRY IN THE
^
In June, 1858, Bro. McQueen having resigned his' office owing to ill-health, the Prov. G. M. appointed Capt. G-. 0. Dalbiac, prov. g.sw., to the vacant post, and on the 17th of the same month the craft sustained a loss in the death of Bro. D. M. Folkard, prov. g. registrar, who had contributed so much to the re-organization of the P.G. Lodge. The deceased brother had been a member of the Craft for" thirty years, having been three times W.M. of his mother Lodge, the " Eoyal Clarence," and for many years its Treasurer ; he was also a J.P. and a much respected citizen of Brighton : his. remains were followed to the grave by upwards of one hundred of the Fraternity, as well as by a vast concourse of townsmen.
In the September" following the annual assembly was held at the " Old Ship," Brighton, under the presidency of Bro. Dalbiac, the newly appointed Dep. P.G.M., and this brother was also well qualified to fill so important an office. The returns for the year show an addition of 42 members to the Craft, there being 303 against 261 in the previous year.
In September, 1859 the assembly was at Hastings, and the returns showed a further increase of 26 over those of 1858.
The members of Prov. Grand Lodge early commenced to subscribe to the Masonic Charitable Institutions, and it was at this meeting that Bro. J. H. Scott, prov. s.g.d., proposed the appointment of a Steward in every Lodge to collect subscriptions from the members of his Lodge ; a system which has worked so well as to place the Province in a very prominent position with respect to the number of votes per Lodge, which for 1880 was as follows : — "in the Boys' and Girls' Schools, total number of votes 1162, averaging for the 24 Lodges 48J votes per Lodge," and out of the forty-three Provinces of England and Wales it ranked as No. 4, and we venture to say that its position
PROVINCE OF SUSSEX. 47
with regard to the Eoyal Masomc Benevolent Institution is a high one.
In the following year, 1860, the annual meeting was held at the "Old Ship," Brighton, the D.P.G.M., V.W. Bro. Dalhiac presiding. There was a good muster of the brethren, and the returns showed, according to the report of the Prov. G. Eegistrar, that there had been during the past year 40 initiations and 22 joining members, bringing the total up to 335 subscribing memisers. On Sunday, October 21st, occurred the death of the Prov. G. Master, His Grace the Duke of Eichmond, k.g. who had held the appointment for thirty-seven years. He never took an active part in the duties of his of&ce, which no doubt caused him to be rather unpopular as a Mason, though to other matters, such as county and parochial business, he devoted much time; it was generally supposed that His Grace was initiated in some continental Lodge ; he joined one of the Chichester Lodges in 1823, and remained a subscribing member of No. 45 to his death.
The Province was now placed under the charge of the Grand Eegistrar, Bro. Eoxburgh, who re-appointed Bro. G. G. Dalhiac to the ofi&ce of D.P.G.M.
On August 27th, 1861 the brethren of the Province were assembled at Arundel under the charge of the D.P.G.M. ; the number of initiations during the year had been 31, and of joining members 34.
In January 1862 the craft in general sustained a loss by the death of the Earl of Yarborough, P.D.G.M. of England. His Lordship was a member of the " Eoyal York," 315, and one of the founders of the " Yarborough," 811.
At the end of the same month a special Prov. Grand Lodge was held at Brighton, to pass a vote of condolence to Her Most Gracious Majesty on the death of His late E.H. the Prince Consort.
On Friday, the 26th of September, the P.G.L for the first time held its annual meeting in the rooms of the Eoyal
48 FEEEMASONEY IN THE
Pavilion, Brighton, Bro. Col. Dalbiac presided ; there was a good muster of brethren, the report as to the increase of members (378) and of funds (£121) was most satisfactory, as well as the report of the Prov. G. Sec. respecting additional voting power in the great Masonic Charities.
On the 10th October the D.P.G.M., accompanied by many of his present and past ofiicers, constituted the "Hartington" Lodge, No. 1218, at "Diplock's Hotel," Eastbourne.
In the summer of 1863, the four Brighton Lodges sent an invitation to the Committees of Management of the two Masonic Schools, for the children of both schools to visit Brighton on Friday, August 14th, where they were liberally entertained at the Pavilion, after wMch the event was celebrated by a banquet, at which the D.P.G.M, presided.
On the 28th of the same month the annual Prov. G. Lodge was held at the Council Chamber, Chichester, and the next year it was held at the " Old Ship " Hotel, Brighton, on the 28th August.
In ] 865 an Especial Provincial G. L. was assembled at Brighton, on June 12th, to vote an address of condolence to the Earl of Zetland, m.w.g.m , on the occasion of his late domestic alHiction, viz., the death of her Ladyship the Countess of Zetland ; and on the 10th August the annual meeting was again held at the Eoyal Pavilion. There was a numerous attendance on this occasion, in consequence of the installation as Prov. G. Master of Bro. Col. George Charles Dalbiac, who had for eight years held the appoint- ment of D.P.G.M. ; the ceremony of installation was performed by the E.W. Prov. G.M. for Cambridgeshire, Bro. Hall, after which Col. Dalbiac appointed his officers, selecting as his Deputy Bro. E. J. Turner, p. peov. g.s.w.
On the twenty-third of August, 1866, the annual meeting was again at Lewes, the place of assembly was the County Hall, and the Prov. G.M. presided, and in his
PEOVINOE OF SUSSEX. 49
address to the Brethren complimented them on the position of the craft in the Province, the returns showing a total of subscribing members of 543, there being an increase of 58 over last year ; and after expressing his gratification at having had the pleasure of consecrating the " Tyrian" Lodge, No. 1110, at Eastbourne in June last, he cautioned the brethren in the following well chosen words : —
" T have been given to understand that applica- tions for warrants to hold Lodges in one or two localities where Freemasonry is not now represented, may probably be forwarded to me for my approval. Here I may offer, I think not inappropriately, one or two remarks, in which I know I am borne out by the highest officials of our Order. I know that whilst the M.W. the Grand M., and the Present and Past officers of Grand Lodge have noticed with great gratification the rapid strides that Freemasonry has been making, both at home and in the Colonies, under the English Constitution, this gratification is also accompanied with some degree of anxiety. It is feared that the largely increased number of persons who for several years past have joined the order, have not in every case tended to elevate its character or permanently to advance its interests. I feel satisfied. Brethren, you will agree with me, that with this increase of numbers, a greater necessity than ever exists for guarding against the admission of unworthy persons, or those who seek to join the order with a view to obtain some benefit by it. At the Anniversary Festival of the School for Female Children last year, so ably presided over by our illustrious Brother, John Havers, P.G.J.W., I remember his forcibly pointing out, in his very eloquent address, that 'we must ever bear in mind that Freemasonry is not a Benefit Society,' and I think, Brethren, on aU occasions it would be well for you to point out this truth to Candidates for the Order>
50 FREEMASONEY IN THE
" As Provincial Grand M., I consider it my duty to examine most particularly the qualifications, the position, and the motives of those who seek to form new Lodges, in order that I may be assured that the parties applying are such as will he likely to do credit to the Order, and maintain the high character that English Freemasonry has hitherto held in every part of the world. To you. Brethren, Masters of Lodges, and Ofiicers, I would point out further, what 1 know to be the opinion of the M.W., the Grand Master, the necessity of paying the greatest possible attention to the character and position of every person proposed for initiation. The character of a Lodge is to be judged, not by the number admitted, but by the orderly conduct, position in civil life, and Masonic bearing of those who belong to it. Tour attention is particularly called to enquiring into the character of any candidate who resides in a Town where there, is an existing Lodge, and who seeks admission into Freemasonry in a Lodge situated at a distance from his residence. It has often happened that persons rejected as candidates in their native or adopted towns, have obtained admission to the Order in Lodges even in the same Province, or the adjoining County, or in the metropolis. This has frequently led to unplea- santness, and a partial rupture of that Masonic harmony which should always characterise our meetings. I feel satisfied, brethren, you will fully endorse these remarks and do your utmost, that, in all cases of admission within the portals of our Lodges, the worthy, and the worthy alone, shall find entrance, so that the dignity and influence of the Order may be maintained intact, and enhanced, more by the character than by the number of its members." We do certainly endorse to the very letter this excellent advice, which cannot be too forcibly impressed
PROVINCE OF StrSSEX. 51
on the minds of the Fraternity at the present time. This worthy Mason was, however, not spared long to rule over the Province, for before the next annual meeting he was removed hy death. His remains were interred in the Churchyard at Hove, many brethren attending the funeral, the service being conducted by the Prov. G. Chaplain, the Eev. J. Griffiths.
The Annual Meeting for 1867 was held at the Pavilion Eooms, on the 30lh September, the following distinguished visitors being present, viz. : Bros. Hall, prov. g.m. of CAMBRIDGESHIRE ; Dobie, PROV. G.M. OF SURREY ; E. Fraser, G.D. ; T. Fenn, grand dir. of c. ; Pugh, asst. g. purst. ; J. IleweUyn Evans, president of the board of general PUEPOSES; W. Gray Clarke, G. SEC; J. Hop wood, president of the colonial board ; and H. Slight, p.g.d. Before the transaction of the regular business, the installation of the Hon. Walter John Lord Pelham was performed by Bro. E. J. Furner ; prior however to the ceremony being per- formed it was necessary that his Lordship, who had never presided over a Lodge, should pass through the ceremony of installation as the W.M. of a Lodge ; this was performed by Bro. Pocock in another room, assisted by several W.M.'s and P.M.'s, after which his Lordship was conducted into the Prov. G. Lodge, where he was installed as Prov. Grand Master ; his Lordship then appointed Bro. E. J. Furner as his D. Prov. G. Master, and the same brethren continued to fill the various offices as were appointed by Col. Dalbiao in ] 865. A vote of condolence with the family of the late ■ Provincial G.M. was passed, and, as a mark of respect to his memory, a Vice-Presidentship in the Eoyal Masonic School for Girls was purchased from the funds of the Provincial Grand Lodge, and the privileges arising there- from were to be exercised by the Prov. G.M, for the time being: the financial position of the Prov. G. Lodge was most satisfactory, for though liberally supporting the
e2
52 FREEMASONRY IN THE
Masonic Charitable Institutions annually, the balance in hand at this period was over two hundred and seventy pounds, and the liabiLLties nil.
On the 11th August, 1868, the Annual Meeting was held at Hastings. ■ In the same year the members of the "South Saxon" Lodge, finding the accommodation of their Masonic Hall insufl&cient, acquired more land adjoining, rased the old building to the ground, and on the 21st of October, the E.W. the Prov, G.M. Lord Pelham, held an Especial Prov. G. Lodge in the County HaU, Lewes ; here a procession was formed, headed . by a band of music, and the brethren marched to the site of the intended structure, where the Prov. G.M. assisted by his principal officers, laid the foundation stone of the present building with Masonic honours.
The building, which is more commodious than the old one, has now two foundation stones, the latter bears the followiag inscription :
This CORNER STONE
was laid by
LORD PELHAM,
R.W. Provincial Grand Master of Sussex,
Oct. 21, A.L. 5872. John Perry jnn. Alex. Elmsley
Builder, W. Master,
On Friday, the twenty-seventh of October, 1869, the Annual Meeting was held in the rooms of the Eoyal PavUion, Brighton, the E.W. Prov. G.M. in the chair ; after the presentation of the report of the Finance Committee, and the appointment of officers for the ensuing year, the fifteen sections were worked by the following brethren : — Bros. E. J. Furner, Griffiths, G. E. Pocock, C. J. Smith, W. Verrall, J. H. Scott, J. Fabian, V. P. Freeman, J. Dixon, Bramwell, Challen, Mettra, Mayall, J. C. Corder, Gill and Taaffe, and were duly appreciated by the assembly, many of them doubtless never having heard them befora
PROVINCE dF SUSSEX. S'3
In the next year the meeting was at "Worthing : owing to the death of Bro. W. Verrall, who had been annually re-elected to the of&ce of Prov. G-. Treasurer, the choice of the brethren now fell upon Bro. Tatham.
In 1871 the meeting was at Brighton : in the absence of the E.W. Prov. Grand Master the brethren assembled under the gavel of the Deputy Prov. G. Master Bro. E. J. Fumer.
On the 22nd February, 1 872, an Especial Prov. Grand Lodge was held at the PavUion Eooms, Brighton, to pass resolutions congratulating the Queen and the Prince of Wales on the recovery of His Eoyal Highness from his late illness, and to mark the event the sum of Pifty Guineas was voted to the Eoyal Masonic Benevolent Institution ; and at the annual gathering held at Horsham, on the 28th September following, a second donation of Fifty guineas was voted to the same Institution.
In 1873 the Prov. G. L. was held at the Pavilion Eooms, Brighton, where it has since been annually held, to the great comfort and convenience of all concerned, as Brighton is easy of access from all parts of the County, and the accommodation at the Pavilion is all that can be desired. On this occasion the E.W. the Prov. G.M. announced the retirement of Bro. G. E. Pocock, p.g. swoed beaeek of ENGLAND, from the duties of ProV. G. Secretary, an appoint- ment he had held since the resuscitation of the Prov. G.L. in 1854, and a vote of thanks was given to him for his long and valuable services. Bro. J. H. Scott, PKOV. s.G.W. was appointed as his successor, and the sum of twenty-five guineas was voted to each of the Masonic Scholastic Institutions.
The brethren of the Province were, however, determined to make a more substantial recognition than a vote of thanks to Bro. Pocock ; a Committee was formed, and an appeal made to the brethren of the Province, which resulted in a
54 FET5EMAS0NKY IN THE
grand success. An Especial Meeting of the Prov. G. Lodge was held on March 11, 1874, at which the sum of 50 guineas was voted from the funds of the Prov. G. Lodge towards the Pocock Testimonial Fund ; and in the following May, the Testimonial, consisting of a silver Salver, and a Purse con- taining 600 sovereigns, was presented to Bro. Pocock by three of the Committee, Bros. E. J. Eurner, p.g.d., dep. PEOV. G.M. ; G. Tatham, PKOV. G. treasueee ; and John H. Scott, PEOV. G. SEC, at his private residence, his state of health not permitting him to attend a hanquet. The following is a copy of the inscription on the Salver.
THIS SALVEE,
With a purse uontaining 600 sovereigns,
Was presented to
Bro. Gavin E. Pocock, P.G.S.B. England,
P. Prov. G. Secretary, Sussex,
P.M. 271, 311, and 851 ;
P.G.I), of C. Grand Chapter, P.Z. 271 and 311,
By the Provincial Grand Lodge of Sussex,
Many of the Private Lodges in the Province,
A large number of the Sussex Brethren,
And other eminent Masons,
As a mark of their personal esteem and affection.
And in grateful recognition
Of his unwearied exertions in the cause of Freemasonry
During a period of twenty year's.
April, 1874.
The Annual Meeting of the Prov. G. Lodge was held on the 4th September, and was presided over by the Dep. Prov. G.M., in the unavoidable absence -of Lord Pelham, the PKOV. G.M. through illness. His Lordship's health not improving, and thereby preventing him from taking that active part in the affairs of the Province which falls to the lot of a Masonic Chief, he, in June, 1875, invested his deputy Bro. E. J. Eurner, p.g.d. England with full power to act in his stead, and during his pleasure.
With the advent of the new year (1875) we have to chronicle the death of Bro, Pocock, which took place on the
rROTINOE oy SUSSEX. S5
1st of January : his remains were interred in the Brighton Parochial Cemetery, the funeral, being attended hy many brethren of the Province.
On Wednesday, the 28th April, the Installation of H.RH. the Prince of Wales as M.W. Grand Master took place, and the two brethren selected to act as Stewards for the Province on this occasion were Bros. J. H. Scott and