Freemasons From All Over Kent (1932)

Full title reads: "Birchington-On-Sea. Freemasons from all over Kent - see Lord Cornwallis - their Provincial Grand Master - lay foundation stone of Church of St. Thomas with full Masonic ceremonial." Birchington-on-Sea, Kent. Freemason, wearing their ceremonial aprons and sashes and carrying poles parade. Closer shot of the parade. Amongst the parade of freemasons is an Asian member of the lodge wearing a turban (possibly a Sikh). Amongst those in the parade are men carrying a ceremonial sword, a triangle and the set square, part of Masonic ritual. They walk up a rough ramp into the unfinished church building. Choir boys walk along in procession. They are followed by older members of the choir. Pan down the half finished exterior of the Church to show the choir walking in. A priest walks amongst the procession. Shots of the exterior of the building. Tarpaulins cover the roof. We hear Lord Cornwallis invoke the name of 'the great Architect of the Universe' as he declares the stone 'well and truly laid'. People look in though the windows to watch the ceremony. (Natural sound track only - No commentary) FILM ID:687.34 FOR LICENSING ENQUIRIES VISIT http://www.britishpathe.com/