Records, &C., In The Archives Of The York Lodge.

were Grand Masters , or as they were then termed Presidents . In the Inventory of 1779 , previously referred to , is mentioned a Masonic folio manuscript book , containing sundry accounts and minutes relative to the Grand Lodge ; and as tho date of this minnte book is twelve years earlier than the formation of the Grand Lodge of London , and it would no doubt show that Speculative Masonry was in active existence

in York at that period , it is earnestly to be hoped that this minute book will yet be discovered . From the records in existence it appears that Dr . Francis Drake was initiated at a private L' -dge at the Star Inn , Sfconegate , on the 6 th September V 725 , and in December of the same year was chosen Junior Grand Warden . On St . John's dav 1726 , he delivered . bis celebrated ch-irte afc a Grand Lodge held in the

Merchants Hall , York , which was afterward * printed , and a cipv is still in the possession of this Lodge . From 1731 to 1761 tho minntes are preserved , but in the latter year the Grand Lodgo was revived by six of the surviving members , Bro . Drake being elected Grand Master . The members from this date to 1775 are very carefully entered . The minute book commencing 27 th December 1774 , and ending 31 st July

1780 , and the minutes of the Grand Chapter at York , commencing Feb . 1778 , and ending 10 th September 1781 , were discovered by Bro . Hngban amongst the records of the Grand Lodgo of London , and were restored to us in 1877 . The latter book is interesting , as containing a minute of a R . A . Chapter having been held in the Crypt of York Minster on Sunday , 27 th Mav 1778 . The minnte is as follows : —

York Cathedral , 27 th May 1778 . The Royal Arch Brethren whose names are undermentioned assembled in the ancient Lodge , now a sacred recess within the Cathedral Church of York , and then and there opened a Chapter of Free and Accepted Masons in the most sublime Degree of Royal Arch . ( Here follow the names of nine brethren . ) The Chapter was held , and then closed in usual form , being

adjourned to the first Sunday in Jnne , except in case of emergency . In the Grand Lodge minnte book , under date of February 1780 , is a Record of Proceedings of the Companions of the Honourable Order of Knight Templars , and subsequently a resolution was agreed to affirm , ing ^ b « ati \ hoTily of the Grand Lodge over the five Degrees in Order of Masonry , viz : —1 st , Entered Apprentice ; 2 nd , Fellow Craft ; 3 rd ,

Master Mason ; 4 th , Knight Templar ; 5 th , Royal Arch ; being the only Graod Lodge in Great Britain which recognised Knight Templary . There is also a certificate issued by the Grand Lodge , signed John Brown , GS ., as follows : —Admitted ( 1 st degree ) 26 th Jan . 1779 ; raised ( 2 nd degree ) 29 th February 1779 ; raised ( 3 rd degree ) 27 th September 1779 ; raised ( 4 th degree or R . A . M . )

27 th Oct . 1779 ; Knight Templar ( 5 th degree ) 29 th November 1779 . This is believed to be the earliest official document in Great Britain and Ireland showing the connection of Knight Templars with Freemasonry . The minutes of the Grand Lodge end with an entry of 23 rd August 1792 , which records the election of officers , Bro . Edward Woolley ( whose portrait hangs in the banqnetting-room ) being elected

Grand Master , Bro . George Kitson paid Treasnrer , and Bros . Richard , son and Williams Wardens . Amongst tho records will be found a list of Masons made in the Grand Lodge from 1712 to 1734 , ancl from 1764 to 1790 , a large number of them being members of the principal families in the North of England . From 1761 to 1790 about 200 members were initiated . The earliest record of the working of the

Royal Arch Degree in York was , until recently , supposed to be an entry relating to a most sublime Chapter having been opened 8 fch Feb . ruary 1778 , although there is mention of that degree in the Treasurer ' s book a few years earlier . Lasfc year , however , as Bro . Whytehead and myself were looking over the books in the possession of the Lodge , we discovered an old minnte book of that degree ,

commencing 7 th February 1762 , thus showing the actual working of the R . A . Masonry sixteen years earlier , by the members of the Grand Lodge of York . The date of this , it will be observed , was very shortl y after the revival of tho Grand Lodge before referred to , and I am not aware of any earlier records of the working of the R A . degree than those contained in the minute book thus discovered .

There is also , amongst tbe records of the Grand Lodge , a sheet of parchment , endorsed , " Old Rules of the Grand Lodge at York , 1725 , " which contains nineteen articles respecting the conduct of business and refreshment ( the latter having evidently been an important matter ) at the meeting of the G . Lodge . Some of these are of a very quaint and original character , and differ considerably from the Constitutions of the G . Lodge of London . In the Book of Miscellaneous Records and

Docnments will be found part of a minnte book of tbe Honourable Order of Knights Templars , assembled in the Grand Lodge room at York , Sir Francis Smyth G . M . " The first entry , under date of 18 th February 1780 ( according to Bro . Hughan ) is the earliest record of Masonic lemplars in England . There is also a form of ritnal . entitled ,

" Royal Union Band of Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar Priests , Order of Aaron , " & c . ( whatever that may have been ) , and to wbich onl y Knights Templars appear to have been eligible for admission . The Order of " Knights of the Tabernacle" is mentioned in 1780 . Ine book also contains various interesting matters relating to tha

proceedings of the old Grand Lodge , extending over a number of years . Amongst the furniture and paraphernalia of the Grand Lodge may be mentioned tbe large silk banner , with the arms of the Grand ¦ uoage , which is in a very excellent state of preservation ; a large Painting of the Crypt of York Minster , which is now nung on tbe Lodge staircase , a mahogany pedestal cushion , with crimson velvet cover , given by Bro . Sir Thomas Gascoigne , Bart

. ; three columns of tho Doric , Ionic , and Corinthian orders , with suver sockets ; three Gavels placed on the pedestals of M . W . the W . M . and Wardens of the York Lodgo ; also a pair of Gold Compasses , Plates for Summonses , Seals of Grand Lodge and Chapter , and other relics , which are placed on the table for ' the inspection , with descri ptions referring to them . I would also refer the brethren w a complete set of Constitutions of the Grand Lodn-e of London .

"th ono exception , some of which formerly belonged to the wand Lodge of York . In conclusion , I need hardly say that arhV ° * ancl antic l " itips ° tt ) e old Granr : l Lofl - ° of Ynrk inl ? .. Pp ' zed by the Lodge in whose custody they now remain , Whilst it cannot be otherwise than a matter for regret thafc an

Records, &C., In The Archives Of The York Lodge.

institution composed in a groat measure of tho first families in York , shire and the North of England , after having been in existence for so long a period should havo become extinct , it is somo satisfaction to bo able to record that tho Craft , of which wo are proud to be members , continues to flourish in the ancient Metropolis of tho North of England .

The Visit Of King Solomon.

THE VISIT OF KING SOLOMON .

BI BKOTUEK . UOUEIVI' MOllVUS , LL . D . The tradition embodied in this poem is well known to the Orientals , viz .: that King Solomon promised tho Freemasons in his dying momenta thafc in tbe fullness of timo be would retnru to them and demand a strict report from them of tho manner iu which they had done the work of Masonry in hia absence .

In the far East ' tis said—And I have heard it thero from reverend mon , That Solomon , though dead ,

Will on fche appointed day come forth again ! Will rend tho tomb its crumbling wall that rears , And break the silence of threo thousand years . 'Tis said that he will stand

"Upon the sacred hill , upright and sqnare , And summon all our Band Who ' re subject to his will to meet him there : And when his Gavel falls , from every part

He'll call the workmen of tho Mystic Art . Masons ! suppose to-uighfc In far Jerusalem of ancient fame First source of Mason ' s Light

Glorious , thrice-blest above all other name—Suppose our king , the wisest of fche three , Should rise and stand aud summon you and me ! 'Tis said that he will inquire

Who has best worked and who has besfc agreed : And how the mystio fire Has cheered their gloom and helped the poor in need ! Suppose our Master in this way should speak To us , what answer , Brethren , should we make !

If David ' s son were here to-night , We Master Masons need nofc shame Even at fche ancient source of Light ; To call King Solomon by name : For we can show him , should he come , Kentucky's pride , the ORPHANS' HOME .

Yes , we can show a noble Hall , Larger by far than was the one That Hiram built , and how the call Was answered by the Craft alone : For there the desolate heart is light With works of Masonry to-night .

We 11 point to where the dead are lying In sweet repose 'neath sprigs of green—Laid with celestial hopes undying , Guarded by angels though unseen ; Waiting in their sweefc verdant home Till we their loving ones shall come .

We'll show him how GOD ' S holy law Upon ten thousand altars lies From whence our daily bread we draw To shape eternal destinies : Aud o'er the East the sacrf d sign That speaks tbe Presence all divine .

We 11 show him in each household band The Mason-father , brother , son , Skilled to obey and ; o command As taught them by King Solomon : No happier hearts are seen on earth Than those that grace the Mason's hearth .

We'll show him , —bufc there is no need—These works abundant prove us true * . Our royal Master sure will read In these the things thafc Masons do : The orphan's smile , tbe widow ' s cheer , — This is the feast prepared him here .

Come when he may—at noon or night , He'll find onr faithful hearts prepared , Working the utmost hours of light

Waiting the promise of reward : In sure belief when man shall die There is a better Lodge on high ! The Voice of Maionry .

A Convocation of tho Burdett Chapter , No . 1293 , will be held this day ( Saturday ) , afc the Mitre Hotel , Hampton Court , when the Principals and Officers for the ensuing year will be elected .

The Confidence Lorlo-e of Instruction will resume its weekly meeting on Wednesday next , at the Railway Tavern , Fencnurcu Street , at 7 o ' clock .