The Romance Of Masonry.

THE ROMANCE OF MASONRY .

IN this matter of fact , steady going age of Freemasonry , when we are accustomed to meet in the cosy Masonic Hall , or in the principal room of a provincial hotel , one can hardly understand the inconveniences some of our ancient brethren used to undergo in connection with the periodical meetings

of their Lodges . In this connection we do not refer to the ancient brethren of King Solomon ' s time , but to those members of the Craft who flourished in the latter half of last century , or even the early part of

the present one , before the days of railways , gas , electricity , and other modern inventions ; and before Freemasonry was so widely extended as we now find it , although even in those days there are numerous instances of Freemasonry being carried on with all

the surroundings of elegance and comfort , and as far removed from anything like inconvenience as is possible even at the present time . On the other hand , the records of some modern Lodges furnish most

curious and romantic details—details which not only show the working of Freemasonry in past ages , but also supply a fair insight into the general conduct of evervdav life of the period , as we have more than

once pointed out when reviewing the Histories of such of our Lodges as have issued volumes on the subject . It would , perhaps , be difficult to find any more curious records in connection with Freemasonry than

are to be met with m some of the minute books of what are termed Military Lodges , and we imagine a publication of the histories of such bodies would not

only prove intei ^ sting , but would practically prove the advantages of Freemasonry and the fraternal spirit of its votaries , no matter in what position they moved outside of it .

There is at the present time a Lodge of Antiquity meeting in Montreal , which has sprung from one of these Military Lodges , and the records of which BUDDIV such details as we have referred to as existing

in connection with this section of Freemasonry . A special meeting was held some months back , which was made the occasion of ceremonies commemorative of the early history of the Lodge , and the particulars supplied on that occasion are referred to by a

contemporary as reading more like a romance than plain and straightforward history . The Lodge is the oldest in Canada , having been established 4 th May 1752 , with a travelling Warrant , obtained from the Grand Lodge

oi Ireland , by Masons in the old 4 bth Eegiment , now the Duke of Cornwall ' s Light Infantry , then stationed in Ireland . It is claimed that George Washington was made a Mason in this Lodge , and there are perfectly authenticated records of its regalia having been

twice captured by enemies of the Eegiment in which it was fostered , first by the Americans , and subsequently by the French . The Lodge of necessity travelled with the Eegiment to which it was attached , and thus we find its members moving in 1756 td Nova

The Romance Of Masonry.

Scotia , which is a somewhat significant fact , says the historian , the Lodge thus holding its first meetings outside of the immediate territory of its parent Grand Lodge , in the country in which , after brief

sojourns and great perils in all parts oi tne world , it ultimately found a home . It is understood that Antiquity Lodge held its first meeting in Montreal in 1760 , when the 46 th Eegiment formed part of the British force which saw the last act of the drama which ended in the acauisition of

Canada as part of the British Empire . In 1761 the Eegiment embarked for Barbadoes , was on service in Havana in 1762 , returned to the American continent in 1764 , and remained there for the next four years , returning to Ireland in 1767 . Can any of our readers

imagine the strange experiences and romantic doings of the Lodge and its members during these times ? Hardly , we imagine , and even if they give way to the wildest flights of fancy they wonld probably be far short of what actually occurred .

Eight years after its return to Ireland " the bullock trunk , with brass mountings , which carried the Lodge ' s regalia throughout its wanderings , " was again packed and moved with the Eegiment to America , where the members formed part of the small armv which it was thought would keep what is now

the United States of America in subjection . " Shortly after landing , the Eegiment was actively engaged against those who , on the occasion of the former visit of the men , had been their friends , and we are

told that in some cases members of the Lodge and former visiting brethren were engaged in mortal combat against each other . Here is an ample field for romantic speculation , and no doubt the spirit of

Freemasonry was sorely tried on that occasion . For some time after this the Eegiment was engaged most actively , and at all times greatly distinguished itself . As a consequence , the Lodge and its members must have had further strange experiences and

peculiar surroundings . The records of the Lodge point to its regular meetings during this period in . the various quarters in which the Eegiment found itself . In 1777-8 the Lodge resumed its regular meetings in Philadelphia , and at the end of the war thfi "Rfioirrifint .

found itself at New York , with a clean deserters' sheet , that is to say , not a man had deserted to the enemy during the war . May we claim that the spirit of Freemasonry which was so strong in this Eegiment had anything to do with this fact ? perhaps not , but still the two items are matters for congratulation , and

both may be said to be the outcome of a desire to do one ' s duty . All through the war , despite the many fatiguing marches and the exigencies of the Service , the Eegimental Lodge kept up its communications , giving a fresh impetus to many of the Lodges already established in the various districts it visited , and in

other ways helping to extend the true principles of the Fraternity . The following further extract of the Lodge ' s doings will be found interesting at this point :