THROUGH THE ARCHIVES: New Duke of Abercorn succeeds father as grand master of the Irish masons in Dublin

From the News Letter, March 4, 1886
In succession to his “illustrious” father, his Grace the Duke of Abercorn had been formally installed as the Grand Master of the Ancient Order of Free and Accepted Masons in Ireland, reported the News Letter on this day in 1884. The ceremony had been held at the Masonic Hall on Molesworth Street in Dublin. Picture: Geograph.org.ukIn succession to his “illustrious” father, his Grace the Duke of Abercorn had been formally installed as the Grand Master of the Ancient Order of Free and Accepted Masons in Ireland, reported the News Letter on this day in 1884. The ceremony had been held at the Masonic Hall on Molesworth Street in Dublin. Picture: Geograph.org.uk
In succession to his “illustrious” father, his Grace the Duke of Abercorn had been formally installed as the Grand Master of the Ancient Order of Free and Accepted Masons in Ireland, reported the News Letter on this day in 1884. The ceremony had been held at the Masonic Hall on Molesworth Street in Dublin. Picture: Geograph.org.uk

In succession to his “illustrious” father, his Grace the Duke of Abercorn had been formally installed as the Grand Master of the Ancient Order of Free and Accepted Masons in Ireland, reported the News Letter on this day in 1884.

The ceremony had been held at the Masonic Hall on Molesworth Street in Dublin and the paper declared: “It is gratifying to find the great distinction still conferred on the House of Hamilton.”

It was recorded that the late Duke of Abercorn had held the same position since January 6, 1875 up until his death. The paper described the scene as being of “a highly-interesting and imposing character”.

The paper’s correspondent wrote: “There was a distinguished assembly of brethren in Masonic costume. Admission was by ticket, so that the Grand Lodge room should not be overcrowded. There was nevertheless upwards of 700 of the brethren present, including many leading men in the city, and when all were assembled the spectacle was truly an imposing one. On the dais were the Grand Officers, wearing the insignia of their respective orders and rank. The assembly was thoroughly representative of the Order and the brethren were anxious to testify by their presence their appreciation of the exalted character of the new Grand Master.”

The duke said that he had been moved by the ceremony, he remarked: “I shall always endeavour to discharge the important duties connected with my present position to the best of my ability, and it will be my constant desire to follow worthily in the footsteps of your late Grand Master.”

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