-
Articles/Ads
Article LODGE HISTORIES. Page 1 of 2 Article LODGE HISTORIES. Page 1 of 2 →
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Lodge Histories.
LODGE HISTORIES .
ST . MICHAEL'S LODGE , No . 211 .
( Continued from page 118 . ) In April UV . ' . S , the live-Laws as drawn up by the Committee- appointed for the purpose wore read for approval , and it was arranged at tho instance of the W . M , ihat au emergency meeting should b < held at Bro . Morgan ' : ! , Peacock Tavern , Maiden-lane , to rcconsidei them previous to submitting them for final confirmation .
Tliiemergency meeting was hold on tho 10 th May , and tho Bye-Laws , as then settled , were approved at the regular meeting on tho 15 th of tho same month . A transcript oF them is inserted in the minutes , but thero is little in them which is not to be found in the Bye-Laws of other Lodges . Thoy fixed the meetings to be held on the third Tuesday in January , February , March , April , May ( at the option of
tho W . M . ) , October , November aud December , and the installation mooting in January . The annual subscription was settled at Two Guineas , payable in advance in February and October ; the Initiation Fee at . Five Guineas , and the Joining Fee at Two Guineas , while tho Visiting Fee was set down at Two Guineas , " with liberty for the Worshipful "Master to commute the same to not less than five shillings . " These aro tho main features of tho code as determined
at this epoch . About this time tho Lodgo seems to havo been increasing in prosperity , as no regular meeting passed without one or moro persons being dnly proposed for initiation . Much attention also must have boon devoted to tho lectures , & c , as reference is frequently made to their having boon worked , and also to the Tracing Board in this or that degreo having been explained . In December
Bro . S . B . Wilson was re-elected , and the January following reinstalled as W . M . Tho Report of the Auditors , presented and accepted in the latter month , showed that the position of the Lodge was financially sound , there boing a balance ranged under tho two heads of Lodge Fund and Charity , on tho right side of tho account . Later on wo find tho statement less satisfactory , and to judge , from the
smallness of the attendance on somo occasions , when the musters included only four , five , or six brethren , visitors included , and taking into account that several resignations were sent in at this time , wo can only arrive at the conclnsion that a temporary re-action had set in to disturb tho even flow of that prosperity to which , in the course of this sketch , we have more than once referred . It is satisfactory ,
however , to add that if , in tho years 1839 and 1840 , tho receipts were not equal to satisfying all demands , the year that succeeded witnessed a different state of things , and when tho report for that year was submitted for approval , in January 184-2 , there was again a balance due to the Lodge instead of by tho Lodge , and what is still more noteworthy , it wns greater than any we have referred to in
previous years . But to retrace our steps a little . After the installation of Bro . Wilson for tho second time , Bro . Blake S . W . gave notice of his intention to move at the next Lodge meeting a resolution for holding a Masonic Ball under the auspices of the Lodge , the proceeds , if any , to be set apart for tho benefit " of the threo Charities and other purposes . " This motion was submitted in duo course , seconded
and carried , and the 1 st March was fixed for the Ball , but nothing occurs in any subsequent entry to show that the resolution was acted upon . It appears , too , that about this time the Lodge resolved on treating itself to a new set of collars for its Officers , while thanks were unanimously passed to Bro . Blake S . W . for his preseut of three gavels . In December 1 S 39 this brother was elected to bo W . M . for
the year ensuing , and he was duly installed by his predecessor Bro . Wilson at the customary meeting . * At tho following Lodge in February , the services of Bro . Wilson during his two years' presidency as W . M . were recognised , and it was agreed to present him with a jewel of five guineas' value , the increase in the cost being considered justifiable by reason of Bro . Wilson ' s having presided
during two years . At the meeting in May there were present only the W . M ., S . W ., Secretary , and Tyler acting as I . G . In December after Bro . Abbitt had been unanimously elected Master for the next year , a Bro . James Trnscott , of the Bank of England Lodge—doubtless of the same family as the present Lord Mayor and Grand Junior Warden of England—was proposed as a joining member . In the
minutes of tho 10 th March 18 11 , an important communication from Grand Lodge is entered . In this are set forth certain resolutions arrived at by Grand Lodge on the subject of publishing or furnishing for publication in Masonic reviews or papers " the proceedings and concerns of Masonry . " The delinquent journal , which is specially referred to in this document , was " the late Freemasons' Quarterly
Review , " and a severe caution was placed on record against brethren embarking in any similar publication , or promoting it with materials . We cannot , however , do better than give the document in full , so that our readers may compare tho timidity and narrow-mindedness of forty years since with tho present liberality of the Grand Lod ge authorities in relation to Masonic periodicals .
" At a Quarterly Communication of tho United Grand Lodge , held at Freemasons' Hall , London , on Wednesday , 3 rd March 1841 . "His Royal Highness , tho Duke of Sussex , M . W . G . M ., on the throne , Resolved : — " 1 st . That ib is the primary duty of the Grand Lodge to view with the greatest jealousy any breaches of the privileges secured to the Masonic body by tho Legislature .
" 2 nd . That one of the most valuable of those privileges , and that which constitutes the very essence and spirit of the Order , is the secresy with respect to tho proceedings and concerns of Masonry ,
' •* This worthy Mason was afterwards Senior Grand Deacon of England and Dcp . Prov . Grand Master for Surrey ; he died somo five years since .
Lodge Histories.
which is enjoined iu the aucient charges , inculcated by the strongest obligations in every stage of Masonic degree , and rigidly laid down by the laws and constitutions . " 3 rd . That tho publication by Masons of tho proceedings and concerns of Masonrv , or furnishing materials for such publications ,
aro traitorous violations of this most important privilege , and deserving of tho highest punshment donounced against such offences by the laws and constitutions , as such publications , if not discouraged and suppressed , mnst ultimately dostroy the respectability , and may even hazard the existence of the Craft .
" 4 th . That with a view of checking this evil , the Grand Lodge call on all Masonic authorities and Masters of Lodges , on their Masonic allegiance , to uso their utmost endeavours to cause all brothors who may violate this privilege by engaging in any such
publications as tho late Freemasons Quarterly Eevieiv , or by furnishing materials for such publication by any disclosure without due sanction of the proceedings or concerns of Masonry , to be brought before tho proper tribunal , to be dealt with according to the laws and constitutions of the Order .
" 5 th . That these resolutions bo forthwith transmitted by the Grand Secretary to all the constituted authorities of the Order , and the Masters of all Lodges nnder tho jurisdiction of the United Grand Lodge of England . " 0 th . That the M . W . Grand Master be requested to communicate the same in whatever manner he may deem fit to the Grand Masters of Masonry in Scotland and Ireland , and other Grand Lodges .
" 7 th . That the Master of every Lodge under the jurisdiction of the United Grand Lodge of England shall cause these resolutions to be read in open Lodge at the next meeting after the receipt thereof , and to be entered on the minutes of such Lodge , and that he shall immediately after such meeting report to the Grand Secretary the compliance with this resolution .
" Extracted from the minutes . Signed " William H . White , G . S . " It comos not within our province—in this history at all eventsto offer any remarks on the foregoing resolutions , though ifc is perhaps permissible to suggest that their unwisdom has been demonstrated by the ever-increasing liberty accorded in tho years that have
since passed to different kinds of Masonio publications , as well as by the sense exhibited , by the proprietors and conductors of those publications , of this greater latitude , and the manner in which they have , as a rule , acquitted themselves of those responsibilities , by avoiding the publication of what was in any way calculated to injnre the rights and privileges of the Order . We know , as we remarked in
our notice of St . John s Lodge , No . 221 , Bolton—in the minutes of which reference is mado to this identical circular—that at the time when Grand Lodge adopted these resolutions , a somewhat bitter strife was raging in our midst . We know , too , that that strife was some time later amicably determined , but we question if the issue of such a circular was calculated to appease the wrath of that one
of the disputants against whom it was specially directed . However , we must say no moro on this matter , or we shall be exceeding the limits of just comment . Pass we , therefore , to the proceedings of the Lodge , and note we , accordingly , that following this index of the discord that then reigned in some sections of the Craft is an entry of a pleasant motion , showing that , under the banner of St . Michael ' s , there
prevailed harmony and goodwill , and that when a brother—as had Bro . Blake—had worthily filled the chair of the Lodge , the customary jewel of recognition was voted to him with graceful unanimity . Nothing after this of any moment occurs until we reach the meeting in December , when Bvo . Daly was unanimously elected Wor . Master for the ensuing year , Bros . Kincaid and Speight being unanimously
re-elected Treasurer and Tyler respectively . A proposition was also agreed to that at the installation of Bro . Daly the members should dine together , tickets 7 s 6 d , and for visiting brethren 12 s 6 d . To the ordinary reader this contrast between members' and visitors ' tickets might , at first sight , seem strange , but then the former paid subscriptions , which wonld account for the lesser charge . At the
following meeting , a jewel was voted to Bro . Abbitt , the immediate Past Master , for his valuable services in the chair . At the meeting , on 19 th April 1842 , a motion was submitted and read in open Lodge , by Bro . Abbitt the Secretary , to the following effect : — " that any W . M ., S . W ., J . W ., S . D ., J . D ., and I . G . who should not be in attendance within ten minutes of the time be fined 2 s 6 d for every neglect ,
such fine to be paid to the Treasurer and added to the funds of the Lodge . " This motion , with an amendment proposed by Bro . P . Master Blake , that the Past Master should be likewise subjected to the penalty was agreed to unanimously at the November meeting . In December , Bro . Barrett was elected W . M ., and Bros . Kincaid and Speight re-elected Treasurer and Tyler respectively . The Report
of the Audit Committee was submitted this year ( 1843 ) at the meeting iu February , or somewhat later than usual , but the excellent balance of the previous year was as nearly as possible equalled . On this occasion , too , " an authority for holding a Lodge of Instruction nnder the sanction of this Lodge was duly signed by the W . Master in open Lodge , " while no less than five gentlemen were proposed as initiates .
After a P . M . 's jewel to Bro . Daly I . P . M . had been unanimously voted , the Lodge adjourned . In March the sum of one guinea was voted in aid of the funds of the St . Michael ' s Lodge of Instruction , and then the W . Master was requested to " tender the votes to which this Lodge is entitled at the election of annuitants to the ' Royal Masonic Annuity Fund' on tho 19 th May next in favour of Bro . Speight , the
Tyler . " At the October meeting we have symptoms of some irregularities , for the initiations , passings , and raisings having been brought to an end , Bro . Daly P . M ., having submitted to the Lodge the copy of a letter he had addressed to Bro . Barrett the W . Master , moved" That it having been intimated to the Lodge that reports were in circulation imputing to the W . Master of the Lodge the nonobservance of his obligation as a Master Mason , a Board of Past
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Lodge Histories.
LODGE HISTORIES .
ST . MICHAEL'S LODGE , No . 211 .
( Continued from page 118 . ) In April UV . ' . S , the live-Laws as drawn up by the Committee- appointed for the purpose wore read for approval , and it was arranged at tho instance of the W . M , ihat au emergency meeting should b < held at Bro . Morgan ' : ! , Peacock Tavern , Maiden-lane , to rcconsidei them previous to submitting them for final confirmation .
Tliiemergency meeting was hold on tho 10 th May , and tho Bye-Laws , as then settled , were approved at the regular meeting on tho 15 th of tho same month . A transcript oF them is inserted in the minutes , but thero is little in them which is not to be found in the Bye-Laws of other Lodges . Thoy fixed the meetings to be held on the third Tuesday in January , February , March , April , May ( at the option of
tho W . M . ) , October , November aud December , and the installation mooting in January . The annual subscription was settled at Two Guineas , payable in advance in February and October ; the Initiation Fee at . Five Guineas , and the Joining Fee at Two Guineas , while tho Visiting Fee was set down at Two Guineas , " with liberty for the Worshipful "Master to commute the same to not less than five shillings . " These aro tho main features of tho code as determined
at this epoch . About this time tho Lodgo seems to havo been increasing in prosperity , as no regular meeting passed without one or moro persons being dnly proposed for initiation . Much attention also must have boon devoted to tho lectures , & c , as reference is frequently made to their having boon worked , and also to the Tracing Board in this or that degreo having been explained . In December
Bro . S . B . Wilson was re-elected , and the January following reinstalled as W . M . Tho Report of the Auditors , presented and accepted in the latter month , showed that the position of the Lodge was financially sound , there boing a balance ranged under tho two heads of Lodge Fund and Charity , on tho right side of tho account . Later on wo find tho statement less satisfactory , and to judge , from the
smallness of the attendance on somo occasions , when the musters included only four , five , or six brethren , visitors included , and taking into account that several resignations were sent in at this time , wo can only arrive at the conclnsion that a temporary re-action had set in to disturb tho even flow of that prosperity to which , in the course of this sketch , we have more than once referred . It is satisfactory ,
however , to add that if , in tho years 1839 and 1840 , tho receipts were not equal to satisfying all demands , the year that succeeded witnessed a different state of things , and when tho report for that year was submitted for approval , in January 184-2 , there was again a balance due to the Lodge instead of by tho Lodge , and what is still more noteworthy , it wns greater than any we have referred to in
previous years . But to retrace our steps a little . After the installation of Bro . Wilson for tho second time , Bro . Blake S . W . gave notice of his intention to move at the next Lodge meeting a resolution for holding a Masonic Ball under the auspices of the Lodge , the proceeds , if any , to be set apart for tho benefit " of the threo Charities and other purposes . " This motion was submitted in duo course , seconded
and carried , and the 1 st March was fixed for the Ball , but nothing occurs in any subsequent entry to show that the resolution was acted upon . It appears , too , that about this time the Lodge resolved on treating itself to a new set of collars for its Officers , while thanks were unanimously passed to Bro . Blake S . W . for his preseut of three gavels . In December 1 S 39 this brother was elected to bo W . M . for
the year ensuing , and he was duly installed by his predecessor Bro . Wilson at the customary meeting . * At tho following Lodge in February , the services of Bro . Wilson during his two years' presidency as W . M . were recognised , and it was agreed to present him with a jewel of five guineas' value , the increase in the cost being considered justifiable by reason of Bro . Wilson ' s having presided
during two years . At the meeting in May there were present only the W . M ., S . W ., Secretary , and Tyler acting as I . G . In December after Bro . Abbitt had been unanimously elected Master for the next year , a Bro . James Trnscott , of the Bank of England Lodge—doubtless of the same family as the present Lord Mayor and Grand Junior Warden of England—was proposed as a joining member . In the
minutes of tho 10 th March 18 11 , an important communication from Grand Lodge is entered . In this are set forth certain resolutions arrived at by Grand Lodge on the subject of publishing or furnishing for publication in Masonic reviews or papers " the proceedings and concerns of Masonry . " The delinquent journal , which is specially referred to in this document , was " the late Freemasons' Quarterly
Review , " and a severe caution was placed on record against brethren embarking in any similar publication , or promoting it with materials . We cannot , however , do better than give the document in full , so that our readers may compare tho timidity and narrow-mindedness of forty years since with tho present liberality of the Grand Lod ge authorities in relation to Masonic periodicals .
" At a Quarterly Communication of tho United Grand Lodge , held at Freemasons' Hall , London , on Wednesday , 3 rd March 1841 . "His Royal Highness , tho Duke of Sussex , M . W . G . M ., on the throne , Resolved : — " 1 st . That ib is the primary duty of the Grand Lodge to view with the greatest jealousy any breaches of the privileges secured to the Masonic body by tho Legislature .
" 2 nd . That one of the most valuable of those privileges , and that which constitutes the very essence and spirit of the Order , is the secresy with respect to tho proceedings and concerns of Masonry ,
' •* This worthy Mason was afterwards Senior Grand Deacon of England and Dcp . Prov . Grand Master for Surrey ; he died somo five years since .
Lodge Histories.
which is enjoined iu the aucient charges , inculcated by the strongest obligations in every stage of Masonic degree , and rigidly laid down by the laws and constitutions . " 3 rd . That tho publication by Masons of tho proceedings and concerns of Masonrv , or furnishing materials for such publications ,
aro traitorous violations of this most important privilege , and deserving of tho highest punshment donounced against such offences by the laws and constitutions , as such publications , if not discouraged and suppressed , mnst ultimately dostroy the respectability , and may even hazard the existence of the Craft .
" 4 th . That with a view of checking this evil , the Grand Lodge call on all Masonic authorities and Masters of Lodges , on their Masonic allegiance , to uso their utmost endeavours to cause all brothors who may violate this privilege by engaging in any such
publications as tho late Freemasons Quarterly Eevieiv , or by furnishing materials for such publication by any disclosure without due sanction of the proceedings or concerns of Masonry , to be brought before tho proper tribunal , to be dealt with according to the laws and constitutions of the Order .
" 5 th . That these resolutions bo forthwith transmitted by the Grand Secretary to all the constituted authorities of the Order , and the Masters of all Lodges nnder tho jurisdiction of the United Grand Lodge of England . " 0 th . That the M . W . Grand Master be requested to communicate the same in whatever manner he may deem fit to the Grand Masters of Masonry in Scotland and Ireland , and other Grand Lodges .
" 7 th . That the Master of every Lodge under the jurisdiction of the United Grand Lodge of England shall cause these resolutions to be read in open Lodge at the next meeting after the receipt thereof , and to be entered on the minutes of such Lodge , and that he shall immediately after such meeting report to the Grand Secretary the compliance with this resolution .
" Extracted from the minutes . Signed " William H . White , G . S . " It comos not within our province—in this history at all eventsto offer any remarks on the foregoing resolutions , though ifc is perhaps permissible to suggest that their unwisdom has been demonstrated by the ever-increasing liberty accorded in tho years that have
since passed to different kinds of Masonio publications , as well as by the sense exhibited , by the proprietors and conductors of those publications , of this greater latitude , and the manner in which they have , as a rule , acquitted themselves of those responsibilities , by avoiding the publication of what was in any way calculated to injnre the rights and privileges of the Order . We know , as we remarked in
our notice of St . John s Lodge , No . 221 , Bolton—in the minutes of which reference is mado to this identical circular—that at the time when Grand Lodge adopted these resolutions , a somewhat bitter strife was raging in our midst . We know , too , that that strife was some time later amicably determined , but we question if the issue of such a circular was calculated to appease the wrath of that one
of the disputants against whom it was specially directed . However , we must say no moro on this matter , or we shall be exceeding the limits of just comment . Pass we , therefore , to the proceedings of the Lodge , and note we , accordingly , that following this index of the discord that then reigned in some sections of the Craft is an entry of a pleasant motion , showing that , under the banner of St . Michael ' s , there
prevailed harmony and goodwill , and that when a brother—as had Bro . Blake—had worthily filled the chair of the Lodge , the customary jewel of recognition was voted to him with graceful unanimity . Nothing after this of any moment occurs until we reach the meeting in December , when Bvo . Daly was unanimously elected Wor . Master for the ensuing year , Bros . Kincaid and Speight being unanimously
re-elected Treasurer and Tyler respectively . A proposition was also agreed to that at the installation of Bro . Daly the members should dine together , tickets 7 s 6 d , and for visiting brethren 12 s 6 d . To the ordinary reader this contrast between members' and visitors ' tickets might , at first sight , seem strange , but then the former paid subscriptions , which wonld account for the lesser charge . At the
following meeting , a jewel was voted to Bro . Abbitt , the immediate Past Master , for his valuable services in the chair . At the meeting , on 19 th April 1842 , a motion was submitted and read in open Lodge , by Bro . Abbitt the Secretary , to the following effect : — " that any W . M ., S . W ., J . W ., S . D ., J . D ., and I . G . who should not be in attendance within ten minutes of the time be fined 2 s 6 d for every neglect ,
such fine to be paid to the Treasurer and added to the funds of the Lodge . " This motion , with an amendment proposed by Bro . P . Master Blake , that the Past Master should be likewise subjected to the penalty was agreed to unanimously at the November meeting . In December , Bro . Barrett was elected W . M ., and Bros . Kincaid and Speight re-elected Treasurer and Tyler respectively . The Report
of the Audit Committee was submitted this year ( 1843 ) at the meeting iu February , or somewhat later than usual , but the excellent balance of the previous year was as nearly as possible equalled . On this occasion , too , " an authority for holding a Lodge of Instruction nnder the sanction of this Lodge was duly signed by the W . Master in open Lodge , " while no less than five gentlemen were proposed as initiates .
After a P . M . 's jewel to Bro . Daly I . P . M . had been unanimously voted , the Lodge adjourned . In March the sum of one guinea was voted in aid of the funds of the St . Michael ' s Lodge of Instruction , and then the W . Master was requested to " tender the votes to which this Lodge is entitled at the election of annuitants to the ' Royal Masonic Annuity Fund' on tho 19 th May next in favour of Bro . Speight , the
Tyler . " At the October meeting we have symptoms of some irregularities , for the initiations , passings , and raisings having been brought to an end , Bro . Daly P . M ., having submitted to the Lodge the copy of a letter he had addressed to Bro . Barrett the W . Master , moved" That it having been intimated to the Lodge that reports were in circulation imputing to the W . Master of the Lodge the nonobservance of his obligation as a Master Mason , a Board of Past