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Article Original Correspondence. ← Page 2 of 2 Article Original Correspondence. Page 2 of 2 Article Masonic Notes and Queries. Page 1 of 1 Article REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS. Page 1 of 3 →
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Original Correspondence.
THE RED APRON LODGES . To the Editor of the "Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , The remarks concerning the former Grand Stewardship of the Pilgrim Lodge , contained in Bro . E . L . Hawkins' article on " The Red Apron Lodges , " which appeared in your last issue , are calculated to convey a wrong impression to the minds of the brethren .
The annexed correspondence which passed in the year 1 S 34 between the M . W . Grand Master and the Pilgrim Lod « -e will be enough to remove this impression , showing as it does that the privilege was not lost through any mistake , omission , or carelessness , but was reluctantly resigned in consequence of the small number of members belonging to the lodge at that time . You will therefore oblige me by nserting this explanation and the letters , of which I give copies below . —Yours fraternally ,
C . KUPFERSCHMIDT , I . P . M . 23 S . 23 , Woodberry-grove , N ., 23 rd December . " Pilgrim Lodge , Sth February , 1 S 34 . " M . W . Grand Master , " The most kind and gracious manner in which your Royal Highness was pleased to bestow upon the
Pilgrim Lodge the distinguished privilege of returning one of the Grand Stewards has ever been prized by its members as a most valued jewel , and they trust the selection they have periodically made has been such as to evince their gratitude and lo afford satisfaction to your Royal Highness . " The change of circumstances , however , as far as numbers are concerned , resulting from the few resident Germans
in London , during a period of peace , render it impossible for the lodge to avail themselves longer of this much valued privilege , and they are therefore under the painful necessity of returning it into the hands of the M . W . Grand Master . In doing so , they venture to hope that your Royal Highness
will do justice to their motives , and believe that the Pilgrim Lodge will ever retain a grateful sense of the kindness and condescension which your Royal Highness has always shown to their body . I have .. the honour to subscribe myself , " Your Royal Highness ' s most obedient servant ,
" By order of the W . M . of the Pilgrim Lodge , "J OHN SCHMIDT , Secretary . "To H . R . H . the Duke of Sussex , M . W . Grand Master , & c " " Kensington Palace , 10 th February , 1 S 34 . " W . Master ,
" I am commanded by the M . W . Grand Master , the Duke of Sussex , to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the Sth inst ., rendering the resignation of the privilege of annually nominating one of the iS Grand Stewards in consequence of the reduction of the numerical strength of the lodge , and I am to acquaint you that his Royal Highness accepts the surrender with much regret . " His Roval Highness further commands me to renew the
assurance of his satisfaction at the manner in which the proceedings of the Pilgrim Lodge have always been conducted , and at the same time to express his Royal Highness ' s best wishes for its future welfare and prosperity . " I have the honour to be , W . Master , "Your very obedient servant and faithful brother , " WILLIAM H . WHITE , G . S . "To the W . Master of the Pilgrim Lodge , No . 280 . "
MASONS BY INDUCEMENT . To the Editor of the " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , At page 597 of your issue of December 20 th there appears a very interesting account of a Masonic meeting in the North of England . There is one clause which I do not think is altogether in harmony with the spirit of
Freemasonry—I wish to putstress upon the first part of the word Freemasonry—I have always understood that members of the Craft must never solicit candidates for its mysteries . I have been a Mason many years , and can honestly say I never have done , not even so much as a side hint . From the report referred to , it would appear that , although our brethren do not solicit , such a course is oursued bv
those " nearest and dearest to them . " Doubtless such action is exercised with a good motive for our Craft ; but would it not be wise for those who know what is good to be done , and what is the contrary , to say—Do not induce ; the tenets of our Order , so far as may be done outside the lodge , have been explained ; we leave the rest to the dictates to a man ' s own conscience . '—Yours fraternally ,
VOLUNTEER , NOT PRESSED . December 22 nd . ¦
MASONIC MENDICANCY . To the Editor ofthe "Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , " A Secretary , " in treating upon the above subject in your columns of December 20 th , suggests that an official list of Secretaries , with their addresses , be published annually . I do not see how such a list , in order to be
correct , could be published , because these offices are not always filled by the same brethren ; neither do all lodges appoint their officers for twelve months at one stated period . So it is quite plain that in many cases the publication would be incorrect directly it was issued . I held the office of Secretary for a considerable period , and regarded it as a duty appertaining to that office to call at the lodge room
for my letters as a rule twice every week , and never omitted collecting them once a week . Perhaps to some this would occupy too much time ; but a Secretary should be one who can devote a little time weekly to the duties of his Iod >» e . If time cannot be spared to call for letters , our penny poslal
system is now in such a state of perfection , that a paper properly signed and left with the proper post office official , directing that all letters addressed to a certain lodge be forwarded to a given address until further notice , would have the result desired . —Yours . fraternally , December 22 nd . ' ONCE A WEEK .
A RE-JOINING BROTHER . To the Editor of the " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , Can you inform me through the medium of your journal if it is necessary for a Brother , who resigns his mother lodge , to be re-balloted for should he at any time at forwards desire to again become a member of that lodge ?
Original Correspondence.
Judging from Rule 191 of the Constitutions , it appears no fresh ballot is required , although it is customary in many lodges . —Yours fraternally , M . H . C . f A fresh ballot is required . Rule 191 does not affect the point mentioned . —ED . FM . ~ \
A CORRECTION . To the Editor of the " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , I trust you will allow me to correct a couple of errors that appeared on the opening page of the Freemason of Saturday last ; the two instances are : — " 'Tis true , ' tis
pity ; ' tis pity 'tis , ' tis true , " and " Familiar on our lips as household words , " both of which purport , of course , to be quotations from Shakespeare , but what the Bard of Avon really wrote was : — '" Tis true 'tis pity ; "And pity 'tis ' tis true . " Vide Hamlet , Act 2 , sc . 2 . —Pol . loq .
And" Familiar in their mouths as household words . " Vide Hen . 5 , Act 4 , sc . 3 . —Hen . loq . In the first case you had the stops as well as the words wrong , thus materially altering the sense and force of the sentence . —Yours truly and fraternally , G . SHANKS , K . M ., P . M ., P . Z ., & c , & c .
Kensington , Dec . 29 , 1 SS 4 . [ Our quotations , although not literally correct , were somewhat nearer the original than one we remember to have seen in an American paper—"' Tis forty , 'tis fifty ; 'tis fifty , 'tis , 'tis five "—as the result of the effort on the part of a compositor who had some difficulty in deciphering the handwriting of the editor . —ED . F . M . ' ]
Masonic Notes And Queries.
Masonic Notes and Queries .
473 ] AN UNKNOWN JEWEL . Can any one tell me to what Order or Degree a star with eight points in blue enamel and gold , with a lightblue enamel centre , and the letters within the angles of each point—H , T , W , S , S , T , H , S belongs ? The Degree was given at Kingston , Jamaica , October 30 th , 1 S 42 . ENQUIRER . i 7 Il MASONIC DEGREES .
I am not particular about the use of the word grade or degree , so long as it is understood exactly what is meant by the term used . When I speak of there being no Masonic Degrees prior to the last century ( say ) , save one , I mean to state that before the advent of Grand Lodges , Grand Masters , and other modern titles , the only esoteric
ceremony which can fairly be described as a degree was that conferred upon Entered Apprentices . In other words , my contention is , that for a ceremony to be called a degree it is necessary that the secret ceremonial should be worked in the presence of those favoured only , to the exclusion of all others . I am not aware of any records earlier than say 1720-3 , which narrate the conferring of a separate and disto the
tinct degree upon either Fellows or Master Masons , exclusion of Apprentices . As our Brother "Third Degree " finds no justification for his statement respecting the three degrees in Bro . Hunter ' s history of No . S , but considers he can in Bro . Lyon ' s noble history of No . 1 , I shall be glad to be referred to any extracts in the latter work which prove that separate Masonic Degrees were worked
by the Lodge of Edinburgh in the presence , and on behalf only , of Craftsmen and Master Masons anterior to , say 1720 . We have all but one end in view , and that is the truth , so let us all seek to advance such a high aim by only stating what facts justify , not what fancies dictate . As to Bro . Gould ' s views as to the degrees question , 1 think it
will be found on the publication of Vol . 4 of his splendid work that he aerees entirely with my views thereon , as also Bro . Lyon ' s . I' am sorry that Bro . Speth does not , at present , accept our verdict , but I think he will yet do so , and I shall seek his conversion thereto as opportunity offers , because he is one of the most earnest and diligent Masonic students I know , and is open always to evidence . W . J . HUGHAN .
475 ] WORCESTER MASONIC CATALOGUE . 1 hear that H . R . H . the Prince of Wales was pleased to accept a copy of the catalogue of the Worcester Masonic Exhibition when at Worcester the other day . Copies may still be had from Bro . Geo . Tavlor ( Prov . G . Sec . ) at two shillings each , post free . ANTIQUARY .
47 6 ] THE RED APRON LODGES . We are indebted to Bro . E . L . Hawkins , of Oxford , for the fullest and best account of the " Red Apron Lodges , " and I hope he will continue the good work by giving us particulars of many of the old lodges of which he has any reliable data . In my " Masonic Register " I simply give a short sketch of the origin of the "Grand Stewards Lodge" in 1735 and allude to the number of Grand
, Stewards from that year , though of course they were annually appointed before then , the calendars of the Grand Lodge containing the names from 1721 . I see , however , that my reference is ambiguous , and shall alter it in a new edition , should any such ever be issued . The " Pilgrim " Lodge declined the honour of nominating a "Grand Steward' ? in 1 S 34 there being "few resident Germans i n
, London , " and the resignation of the honour by the members was accepted with regret by the Grand Master , who at the same time paid a graceful compliment to the lodge for its efficiency and zeal , which , I believe , has continued unto this day . The jewel of the Grand Stewards Lodp-e was desiened bv Bro . Hogarth , who was himself
a Grand Steward . Can Bro . Hawkins ^ inform me of the precise character of the "Country Stewards Lodge " founded in 1789 ? The "Extra Supplement" of the Freemason is remarkable for Bro . Hawkins' article on the " Red Apron Lodges , " and , I think , also for an elaborate and carefully prepared digest of " Freemasonry in 1 SS 4 . " W . J . HUGHAN .
477 ] THE PQET MASON . With Bro . J . Todd , P . M ., I have carefully looked through the records of the Grand Lodge of All England at York , but we have failed to find any entry of the name of the Poet Mason before 1775 , so that he probably was not made at York . T . B . WHYTEHEAD .
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS .
Craft jftasonru . NINE MUSES LODGE ( No . 235 ) . —A meeting was held on Tuesday , the gth ult ., at Willis ' s Rooms , St . James ' s , when there were present Bros . Walter Webb , VV . M . ; W . English Harrison , S . W . ; Warwick Webb , Sec ; Heather Bigg , S . D . ; E . Luxmoore Marshall , J . D . ; Sir James Cockle , P . G . S ., I . G . ; A . B . Church , Tyler ; G . SangsterGreen , P . M . ; J . H . Puleston , M . P .,
P . M . ; George Cockle , K . Leigh , E . VV . Layton , William Webb , G . S . Bower , J . B . Batten , E . VV . VV . Edwards , and Clarence Smith . Visitors : Bros . G . B . Brodie , P . M . 26 ; A . B . Malleson , 720 ; and H . VV . Schartau , Org . 1549- . Ihe minutes of the previous meeting having been
confirmed , Bro . Clarence Smith was raised to the Third Degree , after which Bro . VV . English Harrison , S . W ., was elected W . M . ; Bro . J . J . Heseltine , P . M ., re-elected Treasurer ; and Bro . A . B . Church re-elected Tyler . After the Audit Committee and Stewards for the Charities had been appointed , the lodge was closed .
BURY . —Lodge of Relief ( No . 42 ) . —The annua festival of St . John the Evangelist was celebrated by the brethren of this lodge on Monday afternoon , the 29 th ult ., when Bro . S . Parsons was installed W . M . for the ensuing year . The ceremony of installation was impressively performed by Bro . J . Redfern , P . M . The W . M . invested his officers as follows ( the charges to them being given by Bro .
T . Sedgwick , P . M . ) : Bros . T . Rigby , I . P . M . ; J . Chad wick , S . W . ; T . Greenhalgh , J . VV . ; R . Kay , Treas . ; T . Carter , P . M ., Sec . and Org . ; H . Slee , S . D . ; J . Robinson , J . D . ; J . R . Barton , I . G . ; J . Farrarand W . Meadowcroft , Stewards ; and J . Thorman , Tyler .
At the conclusion of the ceremony , the brethren , numbering about 50 , sat down to a sumptuous banquet at the Grey Mare Hotel , a number of visiting brethren being present . The usual loyal and Masonic toasts were duly honoured , and the evening was spent in brotherly love and harmony . Bro . Carter ably accompanied .
NOTTINGHAM . —Newstead Lodge ( No . 47 ) . —The annual festival of this time immemorial lodge was held at the Masonic Hall on the 16 th ult . The W . M , Bro . C . Rogers , opened the lodge , supported by a large number of the members and a goodly array of visitors , amongst the latter being Bros . Messent , P . M . 231 , P . G . S . B . ; H . R . Hatherley , P . G . S . W . ; R . Fitsburgh , P . P . G . J . W . ; C .
B . Truman , P . P . G . J . W . ; J . M . Perry , P . G . J . D . ; R . C , Sutton , P . P . G . S . of W . ; T . G . Woodward , P . P . G . J . D . ; A . Lawson , P . P . G . P . ; J . Prescott , P . M . 999 ; G . T . Alenson , I . P . M . 1435 ; J . T . Spalding , P . M . 1909 ; J . Thornley , W . M . 1435 ; E . Hind , W . M . 1405 ; VV . Hobson , W . M . 1 S 52 ; A . Willing ; S . G . Johnson , P . M . 133 ( Town Clerk of Nottingham ); W . St . L . Chubb , 231 ; and
other brethren . After the confirmation of the minutes of the preceding lodge , the I . P . M ., Bro . G . Chapman , took the chair , and proceeded to install the W . M . elect , Bro . H . Vickers , S . W ., the ceremony throughout being performed in a most able manner , the correctness and precision of the working giving , by its impressiveness , the greatest gratification to
the whole of the brethren assembled . The W . M . invested the following brethren as his officers : Bros . A . J . Barber , S . W . ; H . E . Wilson , J . W . ; J . Brown , S . D . ; T . Roberts , J . D . ; G . Chapman , P . M ., D . C ; W . Cockran , Org . ; J . Toplis , P . G . J . D ., Treas . ; G . Baxter , Sec ; B .
Crookes , I . G . ; A . A . Dennis and G . Clark , Stewards . Fraternal greetings and "Hearty good wishes" having been given from all sides , the lodge was closed in due form by the W . M . About 70 of the brethren then partook of the banquet , which was served in the banqueting room of the Hall in most admirable style by the Stewardess of the
Hall . The cloth being removed , the W . M . gave the first toast , " The Queen and the Craft , " prefacing . it with a few aptly and well-chosen remarks .
The next toast was "The Health of the G . M . and the Officers , Present and Past , of the Grand Lodge , " and , in proposing it , the W . M . referred in a felicitous manner to the advantage the Craft generally derived from the fact of having in the position of Grand Master H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , and the able and efficient brethren who , trom time to time , fill the offices in Grand Lodge .
This was responded to by Bro . John Messent , P . G . S . B ., who , in expressing his acknowledgments for the toast on the part of H . R . H . the Prince of Wales and the rest of the Grand Officers , drew attention to the losses which that body had sustained during the year by the death of Bro . John Havers and Bro . Col . Creaton . Bro . Messent paid a high compliment to the working of the Newstead Lodge , which .
he said , had been as well considered as it had been executed . The next toast in order was j" The P . G . M ., His Grace the Dukeof St . Albans , the D . P . G . M ., and the Officers , Present and Past of Prov . Grand Lodge . " The W . M ., in proposing this , spoke of the zeal and earnestness which characterises the whole of the officers of the Prov . Grand Lodge , and as a result the very rapid strides Masonry has
made in this province since the affairs of the province were resuscitated under the able guidance of the P . G . M . and his deputy . This was Responded to by Bro . Hatherley , P . G . S . W . He acknowledged the compliment paid to the Prov . Grand Lodge by the W . M ., and said while it was very gratifying to knew that any services rendered were appreciatedstill
, the greatest stimulant to good work was the earnest desire to see the prosperity of Masonry in general throughout the province , and in every lodge in particular . Bro . Derry , P . M ., next proposed "The Health of the W . M . " In an able speech he referred to the pleasure which every member of the lodge felt in seeing Bro .
Vickers in the chair . A pleasure which to him was all the more gratifying because of the long friendship , which apart from Masonry , had existed between them . The W . M . of the Newstead had to follow some very able men to emulate whom it would be no easy task , but he felt sure their W . M . was . equal to it , and tried by any standard would not be
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Original Correspondence.
THE RED APRON LODGES . To the Editor of the "Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , The remarks concerning the former Grand Stewardship of the Pilgrim Lodge , contained in Bro . E . L . Hawkins' article on " The Red Apron Lodges , " which appeared in your last issue , are calculated to convey a wrong impression to the minds of the brethren .
The annexed correspondence which passed in the year 1 S 34 between the M . W . Grand Master and the Pilgrim Lod « -e will be enough to remove this impression , showing as it does that the privilege was not lost through any mistake , omission , or carelessness , but was reluctantly resigned in consequence of the small number of members belonging to the lodge at that time . You will therefore oblige me by nserting this explanation and the letters , of which I give copies below . —Yours fraternally ,
C . KUPFERSCHMIDT , I . P . M . 23 S . 23 , Woodberry-grove , N ., 23 rd December . " Pilgrim Lodge , Sth February , 1 S 34 . " M . W . Grand Master , " The most kind and gracious manner in which your Royal Highness was pleased to bestow upon the
Pilgrim Lodge the distinguished privilege of returning one of the Grand Stewards has ever been prized by its members as a most valued jewel , and they trust the selection they have periodically made has been such as to evince their gratitude and lo afford satisfaction to your Royal Highness . " The change of circumstances , however , as far as numbers are concerned , resulting from the few resident Germans
in London , during a period of peace , render it impossible for the lodge to avail themselves longer of this much valued privilege , and they are therefore under the painful necessity of returning it into the hands of the M . W . Grand Master . In doing so , they venture to hope that your Royal Highness
will do justice to their motives , and believe that the Pilgrim Lodge will ever retain a grateful sense of the kindness and condescension which your Royal Highness has always shown to their body . I have .. the honour to subscribe myself , " Your Royal Highness ' s most obedient servant ,
" By order of the W . M . of the Pilgrim Lodge , "J OHN SCHMIDT , Secretary . "To H . R . H . the Duke of Sussex , M . W . Grand Master , & c " " Kensington Palace , 10 th February , 1 S 34 . " W . Master ,
" I am commanded by the M . W . Grand Master , the Duke of Sussex , to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the Sth inst ., rendering the resignation of the privilege of annually nominating one of the iS Grand Stewards in consequence of the reduction of the numerical strength of the lodge , and I am to acquaint you that his Royal Highness accepts the surrender with much regret . " His Roval Highness further commands me to renew the
assurance of his satisfaction at the manner in which the proceedings of the Pilgrim Lodge have always been conducted , and at the same time to express his Royal Highness ' s best wishes for its future welfare and prosperity . " I have the honour to be , W . Master , "Your very obedient servant and faithful brother , " WILLIAM H . WHITE , G . S . "To the W . Master of the Pilgrim Lodge , No . 280 . "
MASONS BY INDUCEMENT . To the Editor of the " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , At page 597 of your issue of December 20 th there appears a very interesting account of a Masonic meeting in the North of England . There is one clause which I do not think is altogether in harmony with the spirit of
Freemasonry—I wish to putstress upon the first part of the word Freemasonry—I have always understood that members of the Craft must never solicit candidates for its mysteries . I have been a Mason many years , and can honestly say I never have done , not even so much as a side hint . From the report referred to , it would appear that , although our brethren do not solicit , such a course is oursued bv
those " nearest and dearest to them . " Doubtless such action is exercised with a good motive for our Craft ; but would it not be wise for those who know what is good to be done , and what is the contrary , to say—Do not induce ; the tenets of our Order , so far as may be done outside the lodge , have been explained ; we leave the rest to the dictates to a man ' s own conscience . '—Yours fraternally ,
VOLUNTEER , NOT PRESSED . December 22 nd . ¦
MASONIC MENDICANCY . To the Editor ofthe "Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , " A Secretary , " in treating upon the above subject in your columns of December 20 th , suggests that an official list of Secretaries , with their addresses , be published annually . I do not see how such a list , in order to be
correct , could be published , because these offices are not always filled by the same brethren ; neither do all lodges appoint their officers for twelve months at one stated period . So it is quite plain that in many cases the publication would be incorrect directly it was issued . I held the office of Secretary for a considerable period , and regarded it as a duty appertaining to that office to call at the lodge room
for my letters as a rule twice every week , and never omitted collecting them once a week . Perhaps to some this would occupy too much time ; but a Secretary should be one who can devote a little time weekly to the duties of his Iod >» e . If time cannot be spared to call for letters , our penny poslal
system is now in such a state of perfection , that a paper properly signed and left with the proper post office official , directing that all letters addressed to a certain lodge be forwarded to a given address until further notice , would have the result desired . —Yours . fraternally , December 22 nd . ' ONCE A WEEK .
A RE-JOINING BROTHER . To the Editor of the " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , Can you inform me through the medium of your journal if it is necessary for a Brother , who resigns his mother lodge , to be re-balloted for should he at any time at forwards desire to again become a member of that lodge ?
Original Correspondence.
Judging from Rule 191 of the Constitutions , it appears no fresh ballot is required , although it is customary in many lodges . —Yours fraternally , M . H . C . f A fresh ballot is required . Rule 191 does not affect the point mentioned . —ED . FM . ~ \
A CORRECTION . To the Editor of the " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , I trust you will allow me to correct a couple of errors that appeared on the opening page of the Freemason of Saturday last ; the two instances are : — " 'Tis true , ' tis
pity ; ' tis pity 'tis , ' tis true , " and " Familiar on our lips as household words , " both of which purport , of course , to be quotations from Shakespeare , but what the Bard of Avon really wrote was : — '" Tis true 'tis pity ; "And pity 'tis ' tis true . " Vide Hamlet , Act 2 , sc . 2 . —Pol . loq .
And" Familiar in their mouths as household words . " Vide Hen . 5 , Act 4 , sc . 3 . —Hen . loq . In the first case you had the stops as well as the words wrong , thus materially altering the sense and force of the sentence . —Yours truly and fraternally , G . SHANKS , K . M ., P . M ., P . Z ., & c , & c .
Kensington , Dec . 29 , 1 SS 4 . [ Our quotations , although not literally correct , were somewhat nearer the original than one we remember to have seen in an American paper—"' Tis forty , 'tis fifty ; 'tis fifty , 'tis , 'tis five "—as the result of the effort on the part of a compositor who had some difficulty in deciphering the handwriting of the editor . —ED . F . M . ' ]
Masonic Notes And Queries.
Masonic Notes and Queries .
473 ] AN UNKNOWN JEWEL . Can any one tell me to what Order or Degree a star with eight points in blue enamel and gold , with a lightblue enamel centre , and the letters within the angles of each point—H , T , W , S , S , T , H , S belongs ? The Degree was given at Kingston , Jamaica , October 30 th , 1 S 42 . ENQUIRER . i 7 Il MASONIC DEGREES .
I am not particular about the use of the word grade or degree , so long as it is understood exactly what is meant by the term used . When I speak of there being no Masonic Degrees prior to the last century ( say ) , save one , I mean to state that before the advent of Grand Lodges , Grand Masters , and other modern titles , the only esoteric
ceremony which can fairly be described as a degree was that conferred upon Entered Apprentices . In other words , my contention is , that for a ceremony to be called a degree it is necessary that the secret ceremonial should be worked in the presence of those favoured only , to the exclusion of all others . I am not aware of any records earlier than say 1720-3 , which narrate the conferring of a separate and disto the
tinct degree upon either Fellows or Master Masons , exclusion of Apprentices . As our Brother "Third Degree " finds no justification for his statement respecting the three degrees in Bro . Hunter ' s history of No . S , but considers he can in Bro . Lyon ' s noble history of No . 1 , I shall be glad to be referred to any extracts in the latter work which prove that separate Masonic Degrees were worked
by the Lodge of Edinburgh in the presence , and on behalf only , of Craftsmen and Master Masons anterior to , say 1720 . We have all but one end in view , and that is the truth , so let us all seek to advance such a high aim by only stating what facts justify , not what fancies dictate . As to Bro . Gould ' s views as to the degrees question , 1 think it
will be found on the publication of Vol . 4 of his splendid work that he aerees entirely with my views thereon , as also Bro . Lyon ' s . I' am sorry that Bro . Speth does not , at present , accept our verdict , but I think he will yet do so , and I shall seek his conversion thereto as opportunity offers , because he is one of the most earnest and diligent Masonic students I know , and is open always to evidence . W . J . HUGHAN .
475 ] WORCESTER MASONIC CATALOGUE . 1 hear that H . R . H . the Prince of Wales was pleased to accept a copy of the catalogue of the Worcester Masonic Exhibition when at Worcester the other day . Copies may still be had from Bro . Geo . Tavlor ( Prov . G . Sec . ) at two shillings each , post free . ANTIQUARY .
47 6 ] THE RED APRON LODGES . We are indebted to Bro . E . L . Hawkins , of Oxford , for the fullest and best account of the " Red Apron Lodges , " and I hope he will continue the good work by giving us particulars of many of the old lodges of which he has any reliable data . In my " Masonic Register " I simply give a short sketch of the origin of the "Grand Stewards Lodge" in 1735 and allude to the number of Grand
, Stewards from that year , though of course they were annually appointed before then , the calendars of the Grand Lodge containing the names from 1721 . I see , however , that my reference is ambiguous , and shall alter it in a new edition , should any such ever be issued . The " Pilgrim " Lodge declined the honour of nominating a "Grand Steward' ? in 1 S 34 there being "few resident Germans i n
, London , " and the resignation of the honour by the members was accepted with regret by the Grand Master , who at the same time paid a graceful compliment to the lodge for its efficiency and zeal , which , I believe , has continued unto this day . The jewel of the Grand Stewards Lodp-e was desiened bv Bro . Hogarth , who was himself
a Grand Steward . Can Bro . Hawkins ^ inform me of the precise character of the "Country Stewards Lodge " founded in 1789 ? The "Extra Supplement" of the Freemason is remarkable for Bro . Hawkins' article on the " Red Apron Lodges , " and , I think , also for an elaborate and carefully prepared digest of " Freemasonry in 1 SS 4 . " W . J . HUGHAN .
477 ] THE PQET MASON . With Bro . J . Todd , P . M ., I have carefully looked through the records of the Grand Lodge of All England at York , but we have failed to find any entry of the name of the Poet Mason before 1775 , so that he probably was not made at York . T . B . WHYTEHEAD .
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS .
Craft jftasonru . NINE MUSES LODGE ( No . 235 ) . —A meeting was held on Tuesday , the gth ult ., at Willis ' s Rooms , St . James ' s , when there were present Bros . Walter Webb , VV . M . ; W . English Harrison , S . W . ; Warwick Webb , Sec ; Heather Bigg , S . D . ; E . Luxmoore Marshall , J . D . ; Sir James Cockle , P . G . S ., I . G . ; A . B . Church , Tyler ; G . SangsterGreen , P . M . ; J . H . Puleston , M . P .,
P . M . ; George Cockle , K . Leigh , E . VV . Layton , William Webb , G . S . Bower , J . B . Batten , E . VV . VV . Edwards , and Clarence Smith . Visitors : Bros . G . B . Brodie , P . M . 26 ; A . B . Malleson , 720 ; and H . VV . Schartau , Org . 1549- . Ihe minutes of the previous meeting having been
confirmed , Bro . Clarence Smith was raised to the Third Degree , after which Bro . VV . English Harrison , S . W ., was elected W . M . ; Bro . J . J . Heseltine , P . M ., re-elected Treasurer ; and Bro . A . B . Church re-elected Tyler . After the Audit Committee and Stewards for the Charities had been appointed , the lodge was closed .
BURY . —Lodge of Relief ( No . 42 ) . —The annua festival of St . John the Evangelist was celebrated by the brethren of this lodge on Monday afternoon , the 29 th ult ., when Bro . S . Parsons was installed W . M . for the ensuing year . The ceremony of installation was impressively performed by Bro . J . Redfern , P . M . The W . M . invested his officers as follows ( the charges to them being given by Bro .
T . Sedgwick , P . M . ) : Bros . T . Rigby , I . P . M . ; J . Chad wick , S . W . ; T . Greenhalgh , J . VV . ; R . Kay , Treas . ; T . Carter , P . M ., Sec . and Org . ; H . Slee , S . D . ; J . Robinson , J . D . ; J . R . Barton , I . G . ; J . Farrarand W . Meadowcroft , Stewards ; and J . Thorman , Tyler .
At the conclusion of the ceremony , the brethren , numbering about 50 , sat down to a sumptuous banquet at the Grey Mare Hotel , a number of visiting brethren being present . The usual loyal and Masonic toasts were duly honoured , and the evening was spent in brotherly love and harmony . Bro . Carter ably accompanied .
NOTTINGHAM . —Newstead Lodge ( No . 47 ) . —The annual festival of this time immemorial lodge was held at the Masonic Hall on the 16 th ult . The W . M , Bro . C . Rogers , opened the lodge , supported by a large number of the members and a goodly array of visitors , amongst the latter being Bros . Messent , P . M . 231 , P . G . S . B . ; H . R . Hatherley , P . G . S . W . ; R . Fitsburgh , P . P . G . J . W . ; C .
B . Truman , P . P . G . J . W . ; J . M . Perry , P . G . J . D . ; R . C , Sutton , P . P . G . S . of W . ; T . G . Woodward , P . P . G . J . D . ; A . Lawson , P . P . G . P . ; J . Prescott , P . M . 999 ; G . T . Alenson , I . P . M . 1435 ; J . T . Spalding , P . M . 1909 ; J . Thornley , W . M . 1435 ; E . Hind , W . M . 1405 ; VV . Hobson , W . M . 1 S 52 ; A . Willing ; S . G . Johnson , P . M . 133 ( Town Clerk of Nottingham ); W . St . L . Chubb , 231 ; and
other brethren . After the confirmation of the minutes of the preceding lodge , the I . P . M ., Bro . G . Chapman , took the chair , and proceeded to install the W . M . elect , Bro . H . Vickers , S . W ., the ceremony throughout being performed in a most able manner , the correctness and precision of the working giving , by its impressiveness , the greatest gratification to
the whole of the brethren assembled . The W . M . invested the following brethren as his officers : Bros . A . J . Barber , S . W . ; H . E . Wilson , J . W . ; J . Brown , S . D . ; T . Roberts , J . D . ; G . Chapman , P . M ., D . C ; W . Cockran , Org . ; J . Toplis , P . G . J . D ., Treas . ; G . Baxter , Sec ; B .
Crookes , I . G . ; A . A . Dennis and G . Clark , Stewards . Fraternal greetings and "Hearty good wishes" having been given from all sides , the lodge was closed in due form by the W . M . About 70 of the brethren then partook of the banquet , which was served in the banqueting room of the Hall in most admirable style by the Stewardess of the
Hall . The cloth being removed , the W . M . gave the first toast , " The Queen and the Craft , " prefacing . it with a few aptly and well-chosen remarks .
The next toast was "The Health of the G . M . and the Officers , Present and Past , of the Grand Lodge , " and , in proposing it , the W . M . referred in a felicitous manner to the advantage the Craft generally derived from the fact of having in the position of Grand Master H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , and the able and efficient brethren who , trom time to time , fill the offices in Grand Lodge .
This was responded to by Bro . John Messent , P . G . S . B ., who , in expressing his acknowledgments for the toast on the part of H . R . H . the Prince of Wales and the rest of the Grand Officers , drew attention to the losses which that body had sustained during the year by the death of Bro . John Havers and Bro . Col . Creaton . Bro . Messent paid a high compliment to the working of the Newstead Lodge , which .
he said , had been as well considered as it had been executed . The next toast in order was j" The P . G . M ., His Grace the Dukeof St . Albans , the D . P . G . M ., and the Officers , Present and Past of Prov . Grand Lodge . " The W . M ., in proposing this , spoke of the zeal and earnestness which characterises the whole of the officers of the Prov . Grand Lodge , and as a result the very rapid strides Masonry has
made in this province since the affairs of the province were resuscitated under the able guidance of the P . G . M . and his deputy . This was Responded to by Bro . Hatherley , P . G . S . W . He acknowledged the compliment paid to the Prov . Grand Lodge by the W . M ., and said while it was very gratifying to knew that any services rendered were appreciatedstill
, the greatest stimulant to good work was the earnest desire to see the prosperity of Masonry in general throughout the province , and in every lodge in particular . Bro . Derry , P . M ., next proposed "The Health of the W . M . " In an able speech he referred to the pleasure which every member of the lodge felt in seeing Bro .
Vickers in the chair . A pleasure which to him was all the more gratifying because of the long friendship , which apart from Masonry , had existed between them . The W . M . of the Newstead had to follow some very able men to emulate whom it would be no easy task , but he felt sure their W . M . was . equal to it , and tried by any standard would not be