Masonic Notes And Queries

Masonic Notes and Queries

6 99 ] FREEMASONRY IN FRANCE . Masonic lodges composed exclusively of women are said to be carried on in France numerously , and with the completest of ceremonial . RURAL CALIFORNIAN .

700 ] OLD MASONIC STAR . To the Shanklin Exhibition I sent three Knight Templar stars ( No . 94 ) , which formerly belonged to my greatgrandfather , Michael Burrough , who was the first Grand Master for Wiltshire on the re-organisation of that Order . On one of them the letters are , as stated by Bro . Hughan , in your last issue . On another they are K . T . P ., HRDM . G . B . KDSH . I . D . M . LXXXI . On the third they are

RO . HRDM . TE . IN . HOC . SIGNO . VINCES . Upon the two last a sword is engraved , referring to the Order of Knight of the Sword . " No . Si is held in so much veneration among Masons , because this number explained the triple essence of the Divinity , figured by the triple triangle , by the square of nine , and the number three . "

FREDERICK HASTINGS GOLDNEY , P . G . D . 701 ] BURNS AS POET LAUREATE OF No . 2 . The interesting sketch by Bro . W . Hunter when W . M . of the " Journeymen , " No . S , Edinburgh , entitled " Burns as a Mason , " is my authority , mainly , for my reference to the Scottish Bard having been the Poet Laureate of the Canongate Kilwinning LodgeNo . 2

, , Scotland . Bro . Hunter states that Burns was present as a visitor at No . 2 , on Feb . ist , 17 S 7 , and " as we are informed by the minute of the evening , in the course of the evening , the R . W . Master , said that he observed Bro . Robert Burns present , and as he was well-known for his poetic talents and for a publication of his works which had been universally commended , he begged to propose that he

should be assumed a brother of the lod ge . This proposal was at once unanimously agreed to , and he was assumed accordingly . " This disposes of the membershi p , the next question being the appointment to office . Bro . Hunter goes on to say that "On the ist of March , 17 S 7 , there was a full muster of the brethren of the Canongate , Kilwinning . The object , in the first place , was to transmit a

letter of congratulation to his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales , who had been initiated into the mysteries of Masonry at the Star and Garter , London , on the Gth Feb . preceding ; and in the second place , to confer awarkaf respect ou Sitnts . The R . W . Master , therefore bestowed on Burns the title of Poet-Laureate of the lodge , a title of which he was not a little proud .

As is well-known , an admirable picture , representing the inauguration of Burns as the Poet-Laureate of the Canongate Lodge was painted some twelve or fourteen years ago , by Mr . Stewart Watson , at present the most esteemed Secretary of that lodge . The engraving of this picture has made the scene , which it represents , familiar to almost every Scottish Mason , " & c , & c . Bro . Lyon , in his grand

"History of the Lodge of Edinburgh" ( 1 S 73 ) , states , as Bro . W . O . does , that the minute book of No . 2 contains no reference to the office , during Burns' lifetime , the first mention of it being on February 9 , 1815 , when the lodge resolved to open a subscription among its members to aid in the erection of a " Mausoleum to the memory of Robert Burns , who was a member and Poet-Laureate of

this lodge . " The records also allude to the appointment of the " Ettrick Shepherd" to that office , " which has been in abeyance since the death of the immortal Brother Robert Burns . " lt is singular , as my friend remarks , "that the minute assuming Burns as a member , is erased in various parts . " Still , 1 have no doubt of the appointment myself , for as Bro . Lyon observes "the commonly received report has never been discredited , " and it is

important to note that Bro Charles More , who , as D . M ., signed the minute of Burns' election as member in 17 S 7 , was present in the lodge A . D . 1815 , and " seconded the resolution anent the lodge ' s subscription towards the Mausoleum . " Under these circumstances I cling to the notion that Burns was the premier Scottish Poet-Laureate of Freemasonry . I shall be pleased to receive the history of the lodge so kindly promised me by Bro . W . O W . J . HUGHAN .

Masonic Concert At Richmond.

MASONIC CONCERT AT RICHMOND .

Under the auspices of the W . M . ( Bro . John Metcalfe ) and the brethren of Ihe Lennox Lodge , a grand public floral promenade concert vvas held in Ihe Town Hall on Tuesday evening , the 22 nd ult ., for the benefit of ' the Masonic Chanties . The entertainment was a decided

success in every respect , being under the influential patronage of Bros , the Earl of Zetland , Prov . G . M . of North and East Yorkshire ; the Hon . W . T . Orde-Powlett , D . Prov G . M . ; Young , P . P . J . G . D . ; Roper , P . P . S . G . D . ; Roe * ers P . P . J . G W . ; Harry Vane Millbank , Harry Rouse , G ^ w ' Elliot , M . P ., the Mayor of Richmond ( Capt . Walker ) , and Loi . Barrett .

The hall was tastefully decorated , and the scene was not a little enhanced by a display of coloured lamps and bunting . I he hall was crowded , and a choice programme was rendered m excellent style-the selections , by a verv fine string band , ably conducted b y Mr . Rans , being exceedingly admired . Most of the songs were encored The humorous element was well sustained by Mr . Edward

Roper , and the other vocalists were Miss Home , the Misses Smur hwa . te , Miss E . Tate , M . Clarkson , and Mr A Greathead . Mr W Hodgson played variations on the violin in good style . The pianoforte accompaniments were played with much brilliancy by Miss Burdon and Miss Johnson . A dance was afterwards held . Similar enterments will be given at intervals during the winter months

The Albert Edward Lodge , at Hexham , gave a treat to the aged and necessitous poor of Hexhtm , on Monday evening , 20 h ult From 150 to 200 poor persons sat down to a " meat tea " in the Town Hall , and at the conclusion of the repast an amateur concert was given by the freemasons and some lady friends .

Craft Masonry.

Craft Masonry .

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BLACKHEATH LODGE ( No . 1320 ) . —The regular meeting of this lodge was held at the Trafalgar , Greenwich , on Thursday , the 16 th ult ., when there were present Bros . A . J . Martin , W . M . ; J . R . Johnson , P . M ., acting as S . W . ; J . Buckley , J . W . ; H . A . Stunt , I . P . M ., Sec . ; W . H . Morson , P . M ., Treas . ; A . Lister , S . D ., E . C . Lister , J . D . ; j . Hooper , D . C , acting as I . G . ;

W . St . Michael Raw , Stwd . ; J . Parkinson , Tyler ; H , Neville , T . R . Cass , H . J . Tallantire , E . Morson , and G . Read . The visitors were Bros . J . Milsted Spencer , J . D , 1922 ; F . W . Miller , S . D . 704 ; H . Vickers , S . W . 1632 ; G . Fellows , I . G . 1112 ; T . W . Martin , 704 ; J . Burn , O . 1539 ; Rushton Odell , 1539 ; E . Evans , 19 S 7 ; R . La Feuillade , S . W . 1381 ; ] . Spicer , S . D . 1296 ; J . J . Newland , 1949 ; and C . F . Luckhurst , J . D . 1604 .

The lodge having been opened , the minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed , and after the business of the lodge was concluded , the brethren adjourned to an excellent supper . The usual toasts were honoured , and many songs were given by the brethren , and in particular by Bros . Rushton Odell and H . Vickers , which were admirably rendered , and a very enjoyable evening spent by all present .

KENNINGTON LODGE ( No . 1381 ) . —This Iodge met at the Bridge House Hotel , London Bridge , on the 7 th ult ., when there were present , among others , Bros . Stranger , I . P . M ., in the chair ; La Feullade , S . W . ; Lingley , J . W . ; George Everett , P . M ., Treasurer ; W . Stuart , P . M ., Secretary ; Foale , S . D . ; Westley , acting I . G . ; Grover . Org . ; H- Hlggins , P . M . ; T . C . Walls ,

P . P . G . S . B . Middx ., P . M . ? C . H . Kohler , P . M . ; W . P . Webb , P . M . ; Cockburn , P . M . ; Ayling , P . M . ; and others . The minutes of the previous meeting having been read and confirmed , Bro . Davies was raised to the Sublime Degree of M . M ., and Bro . Sparrowhawk passed to that

of F . C . Letters , apologising for non-attendance were read-from Bros . Plowman , W . M . ; Crusey , J . D . ; and others . The lodge was then closed , and the brethren adjourned to banquet . The customary toasts followed , and the pleasure of the brethren was greatly enhanced by the instrumental and vocal efforts of Bros . Grover . Webb , Buxton , and others .

METROPOLITAN LODGE ( No . 1507 ) . —A regular meeting of this lodge was held at Anderton's Hotel , on Wednesday , the 15 th ult . The chair was taken by Bro . G . W . Knight , W . M ., who was supported by Bros . T . C . Edmonds , S . W . ; F . W . Dimsdale , ] . W . ; H . Love-§ rove , I . P . M . ; F . J . Perks , Sec . ; J . F . Saunders , Asst . ec ; W . Davey , S . D . ; W . Bates , J . D . ; R . W . Fraser ,

I . G . ; J . Bruton , D . C ; D . R . Bryce and R . Allaway , Stewards ; C J . Scales , P . M . ; W . M . Stiles , P . M . ; G . Edwards , P . M . ; and 60 brethren and visitors . The lodge having been opened , and the minutes of the last meeting read and confirmed , Bros . Smeerdon , Porter , Carter , and Gleed were raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason . Bro . Wells was then passed to the Second

Degree , after which Messrs . Saxby , Trongi , Hawkins , and Pezzati were impressively initiated into Freemasonry . After " Hearty good wishes" had been given , the lodge was closed in due form , and the brethren adjourned to banquet , after which the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were given and received in a very hearty manner . Bro . C . J . Scales , P . M ., then rose and proposed " The

Health of the Worshipful Master , " and said the W . M . had worked in the lodge the three Degrees , and the more he had to do , the better he seemed to like it . He was initiated in the lodge , and had worked through the different offices to the satisfaction of the P . M . ' s and brethren . The toast was drunk with great enthusiasm , and , in reply , the Worshipful Master remarked upon the happy

years he had spent in Freemasonry , and vvas pleased to have so many initiates , for it promised more work in the future ; and he hoped the brethren would bring in more of their friends during his year of office . The Worshipful Master then gave "The Health of the P . M . 's , " reminding the brethren that when in the chair

they did their work in an examplary manner . The toast was well . received , and each of the P . M . 's responded . "The Visitors" vvas next given , and responded to by Bro . Scurrah , Prov . G . P . Middx . ; and others . The Worshipful Master then proposed the toast of "The Initiates , " each of whom responded in an admirable

manner . " The Officers " having been given , jthe Tyler ' s toast brought the proceedings to a close . An excellent musical programme was carried out under the direction of Bro . Dimsdale , J . W ., assisted by Bros . Guest , R . W . Fraser , Booth , W . M . Stiles , and J . W . Knight , W . M . Bros . Muggeridge , Perks , and a visitor—Bro . Price , of the Emblematic Lodge—gave recitations .

TEMPLE BAR LODGE ( No . 1728 ) . —This lodge met on Monday evening , the 20 th ult ,, at Anderton ' s Hotel , Fleet-street , under the presidency of Bro , Richard Kimpton , W . M . Among the brethren present were the officers—Bros . Arthur Roger Carter , S . W . ; J . ReXworthy ,

J . W . ; Charles Butcher , P . M ., Treas . ; G . S . Recknell , P . M ., Sec . ; G . J . Garland , J . D . ; and visitors—Bros . F . Hilton , W . M . 1622 : W . J . Hellyar , 1624 ; H . Massey , P . M . 619 and 192 S ; W . Rest , P . M . 12 SS ; T . Grummant , 1559 ; J . Harris , I . G . 201 ; and T . C . Walls , 60 ,

P . P . G . S . B . Middx . There was a full list of work before the lodge , consisting of the Three Degrees , the election of a new Worshipful Master , a Treasurer , a Tyler , and the Audit Committee . Bro . D . E . Leman was raised , Bros . W . H . Kinsley and W . H . W . Graham were passed , and Mr . Edward Angel was balloted for and initiated . The bye-laws vvere read , Bro . Arthur Roger Carter , S . W ., was unanimously elected

Craft Masonry.

W . M . for the ensuing year ; Bro . Richard Kimpton vvas unanimously elected Treasurer , Bro . Charles Butcher desiring to retire because his professional engagements did not enable him to be present as soon as the Iodge vvas opened ; and Bro . Lackland vvas re-elected as Tyler . The brethren—all of whom appeared in mourning—passed a resolution that a letter of condolence be sent to the widow

and family of the late Bro . T . W . C . Bush , P . M ., vvho had been a member of the lodge from its consecration ; and , on the motion of Bro . Recknell , seconded by Bro . Butcher , a 10 guinea jewel vvas voted to the outgoing Master . The brethreh then closed the lodge , and adjourned to supper . The usual toasts followed . Bro . Recknell , LP . M ., in proposing "The Worshipful

Master , " asked the brethren to look back for a moment and see from the commencement of the Master ' s year how the lodge had gone on . From the very first moment he stepped into the chair he proposed two of his personal friends , and at the next meeting he proposed another . Ever since that step had been taken he had exercised the greatest energy and interest for the Temple Bar Lodge . This toast

would be received with the greatest enthusiasm . " Honour to whom honour is due" they might say , for they had had a most prosperous year . He trusted Bro . Kimpton would be spared many years to be among them , and that the lodge might never regret electing him as the Treasurer . If so , the lodge would have many pillars of strength in P . M . 's from year to year , and be united , and among the

first lodges in London . The W . M . replied , and said that as a personal friend of his he thought Bro . Recknell was a little too eulogistic . With regard to his duties he certainly was , for it was only recapitulation to say that since his initiation he had felt bound in rising up the ladder to fulfil his duties on each and every occasion . He thanked the brethren for the way they

had received him on every occasion . His success in his office vvas only due to the efficiency vvith which he had been supported by the officers . No matter how the work was done by a Master , unless he vvas supported by the officers his work vvas not resplendent , and he thanked the officers for doing their work creditably and well . In going into somewhat of retirement he would

say he should endeavour in the high office to vvhich they had elected him , that of Treasurer , to fulfil his duties as a Treasurer should . He hoped he would have health and strength to assist in building up the lodge to a position second to no lodge on the roll . He wished all thebrethren a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year . In proposing " The Initiate , " the W . M . said the success

of the Temple Bar Lodge , as well as of every other lodge , depended on the fresh blood introduced into it . He congratulated Bro . Angel on his having been introduced into the Order . He suspected he did not much understand vvhat he had gone through , but if he paid attention to it he would soon understand it , and he would then appreciate it . The more he followed it up the better he would like it .

Bro . Angel , after some introductory remarks , hoped the brethren would never regret initiating him in the Order . The W . M . proposed "The W . M . elect , Bro . Carter . " The brethren vvere all delighted that he had been unanimously elected . He had given great assistance to the W . M . during his year of office , and he would do his duties as W . M . vvith equal efficiency . Bro . Carter was not only

willing , but able to fill the exalted position of Master . During the ensuing twelve months he was sure the brethren would rally round him and support him in that capacity . Bro . Carter , W . M . elect , said , in the course of his reply , that what he had said in the past he wanted to say in the future . The W . M . had said everything ; he had eulogised his officers , and had left to the incoming Master a very fine

legacy and a very fine body of officers . The W . M . had used up all the words himself . He ( Bro . Carter ) had very little confidence in himself , but he was going to do his very best . He thought he should succeed , He should look to the brethren for their kind support , and he hoped the lodge would prosper as it had already prospered . Bro . T . C . Walls , replying to the toast of " The Visitors , "

highly praised the W . M . and the officers for the way in which they had performed their work . The lodge was to be congratulated on bearing a name such as that of Temple Bar , vvhich vvas connected vvith the old pages of English history . Although Temple Bar had ceased to exist , he hoped the lodge which bore its name would endure and flourish root and branch for ever .

Bro . Grummant also responded , and was followed by Bros . Rest , Hilton , Harris , and Hellyar . In giving the toastof "The Past Masters , " the W . M . said those brethren were not very numerous , but what they lacked in quantity they made up in quality . Bro . Butcher was one of the founders , and the brethren loved and delighted to see him . It vvas to be regretted that he was

leaving the office of Treasurer , but nevertheless he was going to favour the brethren vvith his presence . With regard to Bro . Recknell , his name vvas a household word among them . Bro . Butcher wished to stimulate the younger brethren of the lodge by stating that in 1 S 7 S Bro . Recknell and the W . M . vvere initiated in the lodge . They had been

close friends—like twin brothers . In 1880 they entered office together , Bro . Recknell as I . G ., and the VV . M . as D . C . ; and they had kept close to each other ever since . They had worked themselves up step by step until they had both been through the office and done the work to the credit of the Temple Bar Lodge . The P . M . ' s had always been pleased with the way these brethren did their work ; with the punctuality and attendance they bestowed on

everything they gave themselves to do . They went up as Stewards , and in other respects set a good example to their younger brethren . Bro . Butcher then referred to his resignation of the office of Treasurer , and stated that he had taken that step only because he vvas unable to be at the lodge meetings when the business commenced . Bro . Rexworthy replied for " The Officers , " and the Tyler ' s toast having been honoured , thebrethren separated .

HASTINGS . —Derwent Lodge ( No . 40 ) . — The usual monthly meeting of this old lodge was held on Monday , 13 th ult ., at the Castle Hotel , when there were present Bros . F . H . Hallett , W . M . ; F . Plowman , I . P . M . T . W . Markwick , S . W . ; S . Chandler , J . W . ; Rev . G . H .

Frewer , Chap . ; F . Rossiter , P . P . G . D ., P . M ., Treas . j Capt . E . VV . J . Hennah , R . N ., P . P . G . D . C , P . M ., Sec . ; F . Duke , S . D . ; J . B . Foord , J . W . 11 S 4 , J . D . ; W . S . Allen , I . G . ; Leslie , Tyler ; W . Glenister , P . M . ; John Pearce , P . M . ; Councillor W . H . Russell , Prov . G . Stwd .,