The first black Right Worshipful Master of the Free Mason Lodge St. George's paid one peppercorn in rent to the Governor in the historical Peppercorn Ceremony.

The ceremony, which began in 1816, also includes handing the keys for the State House to the Governor so he can hold the Governor's Council Meeting.

The State House, located near St. George's Town Square was the original seat of the Bermuda Government until Governor Sir James Cockburn granted the building to Lodge St. George and the Government moved to Hamilton.

And yesterday, for the 395th time, the Lodge St. George paid rent to Governor Sir John Vereker in a ceremony steeped with history.

The Right Worshipful Master, E. Michael Smith said: "As the Governor, at the time, was a member of the lodge he gave the building to us with the rent. It was originally built out of turtle oil and limestone. The masonry is nothing demonic. It was designed to teach men about their origin, life and destiny. One of the requirements, though is the belief in a supreme being."

Tourists and school children were among the many who turned out to watch the annual ceremony in the Town Square in St. George's attended by the Bermuda Regiment band and honour guard.

There were also a host of local dignitaries including Acting Premier Paula Cox, the Mayor of Hamilton, Sutherland Madeiros, St. George's Mayor Mariea Caisey and representatives from Lyme Regis, in England. Ms Caisey took the opportunity to speak on the developments in the town of St. George's over the past year.

She said: "We have focused on quality rather than quantity. In the past year we have replaced three emergency vehicles, an excavator, restored the stocks and pillars, as well as the old street signs.

"And Petticoat Lane will be paved by the end of the year."

Ms Caisey was also "thrilled" with the announcement by the Premier about having a hotel on the hill, where the former Club Med is located, and congratulated the Bermuda cricketers on their accomplishments. "I also thank the Governor for allowing the Regiment to offer the pomp and circumstance for this ceremony," she added.

And it was the 'pomp and circumstance' which drew in the hundreds of tourists to the square and provoked squeals from the school children. John Bauer and his wife Betty, of Winterhaven, Florida, were visiting St. George's and had no idea the ceremony was taking place. Mr. Bauer said: "It was an unexpected pleasure."

Joe DeRosa and his wife Mary were visiting the Island for the first time since their honeymoon 50 years ago in Bermuda and on the advice of their bus drivers attended the ceremony.

Mr. DeRosa said: "The bus drivers were very informative. We had no idea about the ceremony, but they were telling us to go. It's terrific all of the pomp and circumstance."

Their friends Marian and George Markovich were impressed by the Regiment, which only had two soldiers faint from the heat.

Mr. Markovich said: "I loved it. I felt bad for the troops, but they did a very nice job. We always come down to Bermuda and we're never disappointed. It's our number one vacation spot."