Duke Of Kent's Installation As Grand Master

Northern Advocate, 21 July 1939, Page 6

Duke Of Kent's Installation As Grand Master

(Received noon). LONDON, July 19. There was a memorable, impressive scene .at Olympia at the installation ox the Duke of Kent as Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of England in succession to his great uncle, the Duke of Connaught, who occupied the position from 1901 to 1938. His Majesty the King installed the Duke of Kent, and gave a perfect rendering of the dignified ceremony, which was witnessed by 10,000 brethren from all parts of the world. United Kingdom applications for admittance were three times in excess of the seats available, necessitating a ballot for seats.

The Duke had previously been installed head of the Royal Arch Chapter and Mark Lodge. The Duke of Kent was similarly welcomed. The King's Speech. The King, speaking from the Grand Master’s Throne, recalled that, except for a period of 30 years, members of his house had occupied the Grand Master’s Throne for over a century and a-half, .during which period English Freemasonry had prospered remarkably. “It will not be an easy task to follow in the footsteps of Edward VII. and the Duke of Connaught,” he said, “but I have every confidence that you will succeed in the office to which you have been elected.” While the Duke of Kent knelt before him, the King administered the historic obligation of a Grand Master. Then the Duke was invested with the regalia of office and took his place on the throne.

Addresses followed from representatives of foreign and overseas members. Viscount Bledisloe. Sir Stephen Allen and Mr J. W. Jack represented New Zealand.