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Article Original Correspondence. ← Page 2 of 2 Article REVIEWS Page 1 of 1 Article REVIEWS Page 1 of 1 Article Masonic Notes and Queries. Page 1 of 1 Article Masonic Notes and Queries. Page 1 of 1 Article REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS. Page 1 of 4 →
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Original Correspondence.
Wealthy resident Masons in many cases , after attending often , show their encouragement by joining such a lodge . The Chine Lodge , No . 1 SS 4 , Shanklin , Isle of Wight , was granted a warrant to about 12 members , the foundationstone was laid hy Bro . W . W . B . Beach , M . P ., P . G . M . of Hants and Isle of Wight at its Constitution , and those members had only another 12 in view to join them at that
time . The hall was built and furnished at a cost of about £ 1000 . In December last , after five years , the lodge numbered 35 members , since then the W . M . and I . P . M . have proposed as candidates and joining members ten more , and the lodge is undoubtedly beginning to reap an
unmistakable direct benefit from having a hall of their own . The members feel a pride in it , and are continually marking their appreciation by gifts , useful and ornamental , while your Mr . Editor , after a sojourn here and visiting it , sent us practical proofs of your encouragement which adorn its walls at the present time . —Yours fraternally ,
A YOUNG MEMBER . Shanklin , March 30 th . GREAT PRIORY OF CANADA AND SCOTTISH TEMPLARS . To the Editor ofthe "Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , If you will refer to my letter on this subject , you will see I asked you to lay before your readers the published statements of the Great Prior of Canada and also of the
Scottish Templars in Canada . I think if you will find space for the case of both Templar bodies in your columns , you will greatly interest your readers , who , notwithstanding you "logical conclusions , " will , I doubt not , acquit me of presumption , and agree in thinking the Scottish Templars
will strengthen their position by joining Great Priory , on the principle , as I have said before , that "Union is Strength . " Trusting to your well-known fairness to insert this , —I am , yours fraternally , EMRA HOLMES , K . C . T ., Representative of Great Priory . Guernsey , March 29 th .
CHARITY STEWARDS BADGES AND FOUNDERS JEWELS . To the Editor of the " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , I watched with some amount of curiosity for your editorial opinion in reply to enquiries of " A Past Master " in your issue of the 13 th March , having heard the same
question raised several times of late , and on which subject opinions seem somewhat divided , although without doubt by far the larger number of brethren would not side with the writer of letter referred to in his opinion If it be thought that Grand Lodge condemns the wearing of either the above , and notaoly the former , 1 cannot but think in the interest of our Charities it would be as well to decide the
question , and in so doing decide that the same shall be recognised and acknowledged , not to exhibit "the brother's liberal and praiseworthy individual efforts " in thc cause of charity , but as an incentive to other lodges he may visit , and especially those , and alas , too many , whose support in the cause of charity is but small . Past Master does not object to the Charity Jewel , why then should not a brother
be permitted to wear a badge , who has subscribed his £ 10 ios . as a Steward to one Charity perhaps out of his small means , as much as the brother who has served his two Stewardships out of perhaps larger funds . The whole question would be more easily decided by Grand Lodge permitting thc Charity Jewel lo be worn after one Stewardship , adding a bar to each successive serving . —I am , Sir , yours fraternally , AN ASSISTANT OFFICER .
" MASONIC RECORDS . " To the Editor of the " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , I beg to thank you for the valuable suggestion in your leaderette of 27 th inst . After careful consideration , and consultation with my good friend Bro . W . J . Hughan , I feel bound to accept your challenge , and to publish a
larger edition of mv Masonic Records " at a considerably reduced price , trusting to the Craft , in whose interests alone the work has been compiled , for a prompt response in the shape of a large addition to the list of subscribers . Your readers will find in another part of this week ' s Freemason that 1 have decided to issue the work to all subscribers before publication at one guinea per copy , being
only half of the original price . The woik , however , will be precisely the same , and I shall be glad to have the names of intending subscribers as early as possible . Kindly permit me this opportunity of stating that the brethren who have already promised to take copies at two guineas will , of course , only have to pay the reduced price
of one guinea per copy . I hope , however , to hear that many of them will take an additional copy , which would form a useful present to the lodge libraries . —Yours fraternally , JNO . LANE , P . M . 1402 , Torquay . March 31 st .
Reviews
REVIEWS
FREEMASONS' CALKNDAR AND DIRECTORY FOR THE PROVINCE OF LEICESTERSHIRE AND RUTLAND , iSSC . Bro . S . S . Partridge , D . P . G . M ., is to be congratulated on the appearance of his handsome little volume for the present year of grace , and especially as it is its fourteenth year of issue . This very handy , comprehensive , and accurate publication has been in process of improvement from its
advent until now , and , so far as we arc able to judge , perfection has been attained . At least , though the Editor still speaks of possible additions , they are so slight , and on similar lines to the present edition , that we are of the opinion that it is now a model directory , both editorially and typographically . An excellent photographic portrait of the Right Hon . the Earl of Ferrers , Prov . G . M ., adorns the work , this capital feature of the 1 SS 6 issue being the first of a series of " local brethren of distinction , " so we
Reviews
may soon expect to see the faces of our esteemed fratres , R . W . Bro . William Kelly , Past Prov . G . M . ; Bro . George Toller , Past D . P . G . M ., & c , and other eminent Craftsmen , who have done so much for Leicestershire Freemasonry , particularly the lirst named and distinguished Masonic veteran , to whom much of the prosperity of the province is due , with the able assistance of Prov . Grand Secretaries
from time to time , Bro . Kelly having quite a facility in the selection of suitable brethren for that arduous post . Complete lists of the members of the 12 lodges are given , with the various officers , Past Masters , and Present and Past Prov . Grand Officers . If disposed to be critical , we should suggest that the years of service as Masters and as Prov . Grand Officers would prove a useful addition ; but really there is already so much given , that we are prepared to
hear there is no more available space . All the regular Degrees are duly and fully noted . By " regular , " we refer to those so generally supported by distinguished Craftsmen in this country . The Charities are also well attended to . Indeed , the information is most ample and suggestive , the votes in the province being a total of 1030 for the three Central Institutions , which is a goodly number for a province of 506 members .
MASONIC YEAR BOOK FOR THE PROVINCE OF CAMBRIDGESHIRE , 1 SS 6 . This Masonic Bijou is edited by Bro . VV . P . Spalding , of Cambridge , who , being also the printer and publisher , we are not surprised to find that in all points , the Directory is well worthy of ihe province , and in many respects it is far in advance of the early issue . The succinct sketches of
the experience of the six lodges during 1 SS 5 are very readable and most interesting ; the " Raising " of H . R . H . Prince Edward of Wales by the W . M . of the Isaac Newton Lodge , No . S 59 , being , of course , prominently noticed . The oldest lodge , viz ., No . SS , Cambridge , dates from 1754 , and the youngest was warranted on 13 th August , 1 SS 5 . We hope in another year that Bro .
Spalding will see his way clear to give a list of the subscribers to the Central Masonic Charities , far such a roll has a healthy effect in stimulating lodges and brethren to do more for these excellent Institutions . We are pleased to note that the year Year Book is " Issued by order of the Provincial Grand Lodge , " as then there should be a margin for additional expenses to be incurred by increasing its size , and we are glad to find that the editor perseveres in his useful labours .
Masonic Notes And Queries.
Masonic Notes and Queries .
635 ] DANIEL COXE AND HENRY PRICE . EARLY "DEPUTATIONS . " In response to Bto . Hughan ' s request in your last issue , I beg to state that Daniel Coxe is registered as a member of No . S , at the " Devil Tavern , within Temple Bar , " in 1731 . I have no doubt whatever that this is the Daniel Coxe who was the first Provincial Grand Master appointed for
America . He was present in Grand Lodge on 29 th January , 1731 , on which date appears the following : "And after the general Healths were drank the Deputy Grand Master proposed the Health of Bro . Coxe Provincial Grand Master of North America which was drank accordingly . " "The Deputy Grand Master then acquainted the
Brethren that his Grace the Duke of Norfolk our present Grand Master had not only been so good as to order £ 20 towards the General Charity . But also had made the Brethren a Present of a Sword of State and a' new Grand Lodge Book to be used for the future at Grand Lodges and other meetings where the Grand Master shall be present . " "Then Bro . Moody , Master of the Lodge at the Devil
Tavern within lemple Bar , and Sword Cutler to their Majesty ' s Household , was ordered by the Deputy Grand Master to produce the Sword of State , by hiin finished , and the Brethren present acknowledged that it was not only finely designed but executed in the best manner and owned to be a curious piece of Workmanship . " 1 need scarcely add that Bro . Moody received the thanks
of the brethren , and that his Health was drunk with the greatest cordiality , but , perhaps everyone is not aware that the sword referred to is the one now in use , and has , from that time to the present , been the State Sword of the Grand Lodge . It is somewhat quaintly described in the Book of Constitutions , 1738 , 3 s "The Old Trusty Stoord of Gustavus Adolphus King of Swedenthat was wore
, next by his successor in War the brave Bernard Duke of Sax-Weimar , with both their names on the Blade ; which the Grand Master had order'd Brother George Moody ( the Kings Sword Cutler ) to adorn richly with the Arms of Norfolk in Silver on the Scabbard ; in order to be the Grand Masters Sword of State for the future . " Up to this time the Grand Lodge had neither Sword nor
Sword Bearer , but had borrowed a Sword from one of the old lodges , and it was carried in the procession by the Master of the lodge to which it belonged . Bro . George Moody was appointed Sword Bearer 27 th March , 1731 , and was reappointed every year till the iSth April , 1745 , when he " declined the acceptance of that Ofiice on account of the bad state of his Health , and presented the Grand Lodge
with a Jewel he had usually worn , for the use of the future Sword Bearer . " The lodge of which he was Master in 1730 , anil uf which Daniel Coxe was a member , seems to have gradually declined , and was finally crazed by Grand Lodge in 1744 for not attending the Quarterly Communications . Henry Price is registered in 1731 as a member of No . 75 , at the Rainbow Coffee House , in York Buildings , now
ihe Britannic Lodge , No . 33 . Of course I cannot be certain that this is the identical Henry Price to whom Bro . Hughan refers , as the names only appear in these old lists , but as I took considerable pains some years ago to search the records at the request of our friend Jacob Norton , of Boston , I can safely assert that no other person of the same
name is to be found in the Grand Lodge books at that period . With regard to Old Warrants , I quite agree with Bro . Hughan that it would be most interesting to come across one granted between 1720 and 1730 , and would indeed "be a real find ; " I have not , however , the most remote hope of being able to gratify him and myself in
Masonic Notes And Queries.
this respect , for at present I am strongly of opinion that no such documents were used , at all events in London , at that early period . 1 think it very probable that the Grand Master ' s sign manual , and seal affixed to an application for permission to hold a lodge was the only document that was considered necessary at first , and that the real Constitution of a lodge consisted in the performance by the Grand Master or his
Deputy of the ceremony described on page 71 of the 1723 Constitutions . When the influence of the newly-formed Grand Lodge began to extend ( no doubt much to the surprise and gratification of its originators ) beyond the boundaries of the Cities of London and Westminster ( to which localities it was evidently intended to be limited ) , and consequently the lodges would be less under the observation and control of the constituted authorities , more particular
instructions would be necessary , and these were conveyed in the form of a letter or " Deputation , " as it was called , from the Grand Master , the earliest example of which ( a copy written at the time ) is to be seen in the first minute book of tbe Grand Lodge , and was sent to Fort VVilliam , Bengal , in 1729 , with which , doubtless , Bro . Hughan is perfectly familiar , although there are previous references in the minutes to letters from the Grand Master to brethren
in distant parts , the first being in the proceedings of the loth May , 1727 , and is as follows : — " A Lre from the Provincial Grand Master , Deputy , and Grand Wardens in Chester in answer to the Grand Master ' s Lre was read . " " Ordered That the said Lre be entered at Large in the Grand book . " " After which Mr . Cowper the Deputy Grand Master ' s health was drank with thanks for his visitation of the
Lodges at Chester . " The next occurs at the following meeting , 24 th June , 1727 , when a letter was read irom the Provincial Grand Master , Deputy , and Grand Wardens of the province of South Wales , returning thanks to the Grand Master for his letter . Having already considerably exceeded my usual limits , I must ask Bro . Hughan to wait till next week for the names of the members of the first lodge that paid for its Constitution . H . SADLER .
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS .
( Craft iSftasonrg .
CITY OF LONDON LODGE ( No . 901 ) . —A meeting of this lodge was held at the Guildhall Tavern , on Monday , the 15 th ult . Present : Bros . H . Harbord , W . M . ; H . McClelland , I . P . M . ; Dan Hughes , S . W . ; R . Pittam Stevens , J . W . ; John Hughes , P . M ., Treas . ; Charles Beaumont , P . M ., Sec . ; John P . Woddinott , S . D . ; Haylock , J . D . ; Clinch , D . C ; A . Prince , I . G . ; Fimister , Org . ; Gross and Rubardt , Stwds . ; Woodstock , Tyler ;
Lewis , P . M . ; Griffith , P . M . ; Ginger , P . M . ; David Hughes , P . AI . ; H . Smith , Jackson , Reynolds , Russell , Gillard , Bater , Linstead , Clarke , E . VV . Cundy , G . Smith , Rogers , T . | W . Venner , Vale , Ross , Newman , Gordon , Ford , Derry , Hayden , Sheffield , Johnson , Taylor , Barwell , Corkhill , Little , Chivers , Follett , Harden , Watkins , Eade , Glanville , Whitnall , Tuck , Pratt , and Wilkinson . Visitors :
Bros . Williams , P . M . 933 ; Hardy , J . W . 201 ; Needes , 53 ; Harris , 95 ; Thompson , 169 ; Stone , 957 ; Lewis , 1472 ; and Marshall , 1 S 91 . Ths lodge was opened in due form , and the minutes of the last meeting confirmed . A ballot was then taken and proved unanimous in favour of Messrs . Geo . W . Pratt , Edward Wilkinson , and Matthew Thomas Tuck . All
candidates being present were then initiated into our ancient Order . Bros . Reynolds and Linstead were passed to the Second Degree , and Bro . Hayden was raised to the Sublime Degree of M . M , Mr . Rich was proposed as a candidate for initiation . It was then unanimously resolved that a summer banquet should take place during the season , and that Bro . Stevens be requested to give his valuable services as Honorary
Secretary . The VV . M . having received " Hearty good wishes " from the visiting brethren , the lodge was closed , and the members adjourned to the banqueting room , where they were served in such a manner as to elicit the warmest praise . The usual loyal and Masonic toasts were given and duly honoured . Several brethren considerably enhanced the enjoyment by their harmony .
SPHINX LODGE ( No . 1329 ) . —The regular meeting of this lodge was held on Saturday , the 20 th ult ., at the Surrey Masonic Hall , Camberwell New-road . There were present Bros . G . Marsden , jun ., VV . M . ; J . Voisey , S . W . ; John Hcrnaman , J . W . ; J . C . Reynolds , Treas . ; C . Wilson , Sec . ; D . D . Mercer , J . D . ; F . VV . N . Smith , Org . ; T . E . Webb , I . G . ; and J . G . C . Gooding , Steward .
Thc P . M . ' s present were Bros . J . J . Brinton , G . T . Bickerton , B . R . Bryant , and P . A . Nairne , D . C . The members present were Bros . R . Elgar , T . Bradley , W . Andrews , F . P . Hunt , C . D . Scriven , John Arlidge , A . Ramage , Thomas Arnold , H . S . Bigg , W . Andrews , jun ., C . F . Cockle , R . Irvine , I . H . Woodward , J . N . Turney , and H . H . Hyslop . The visitors were Bros . J . H .
Hawkins , W . M . 65 ; J . Nichal , 1539 ; J . Dixon , P . M . 172 S ; W . Harold Vint , 871 ; R . Grey , 176 ; William Jiffery , 1622 ; J . H . Lowry , 1475 ; R . j . Haton , J . W . 205 ; R . Kimpton , W . M . 172 S ; H . Lynn , I . G . 217 ; A . C . Bradley , P . M . 1216 ; and H . R . Grceat , P . M . 507 Thc lodge having been opened in due form , the minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed . Thc
Worshipful Master then proceeded to pass Bro . Frederick Pursord Hunt to the Second Degree . This ceremony having been completed , Bros . W . Yardley Andrews , jun ., and Charles Richard Scriven were raised to the Third Degree . Mr . Henry Hector Hyslop , who had been already ballotted for and approved , was then initiated into the
mysteries and privileges of Freemasonry . We may remark , en passant , that the W . M . conducted these several ceremonies in a most able and judicious manner . Those who are in the Craft are aware what an amount of labour , both mentally and physically , is involved in working three degrees consecutively . In consequence of the time thus
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Original Correspondence.
Wealthy resident Masons in many cases , after attending often , show their encouragement by joining such a lodge . The Chine Lodge , No . 1 SS 4 , Shanklin , Isle of Wight , was granted a warrant to about 12 members , the foundationstone was laid hy Bro . W . W . B . Beach , M . P ., P . G . M . of Hants and Isle of Wight at its Constitution , and those members had only another 12 in view to join them at that
time . The hall was built and furnished at a cost of about £ 1000 . In December last , after five years , the lodge numbered 35 members , since then the W . M . and I . P . M . have proposed as candidates and joining members ten more , and the lodge is undoubtedly beginning to reap an
unmistakable direct benefit from having a hall of their own . The members feel a pride in it , and are continually marking their appreciation by gifts , useful and ornamental , while your Mr . Editor , after a sojourn here and visiting it , sent us practical proofs of your encouragement which adorn its walls at the present time . —Yours fraternally ,
A YOUNG MEMBER . Shanklin , March 30 th . GREAT PRIORY OF CANADA AND SCOTTISH TEMPLARS . To the Editor ofthe "Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , If you will refer to my letter on this subject , you will see I asked you to lay before your readers the published statements of the Great Prior of Canada and also of the
Scottish Templars in Canada . I think if you will find space for the case of both Templar bodies in your columns , you will greatly interest your readers , who , notwithstanding you "logical conclusions , " will , I doubt not , acquit me of presumption , and agree in thinking the Scottish Templars
will strengthen their position by joining Great Priory , on the principle , as I have said before , that "Union is Strength . " Trusting to your well-known fairness to insert this , —I am , yours fraternally , EMRA HOLMES , K . C . T ., Representative of Great Priory . Guernsey , March 29 th .
CHARITY STEWARDS BADGES AND FOUNDERS JEWELS . To the Editor of the " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , I watched with some amount of curiosity for your editorial opinion in reply to enquiries of " A Past Master " in your issue of the 13 th March , having heard the same
question raised several times of late , and on which subject opinions seem somewhat divided , although without doubt by far the larger number of brethren would not side with the writer of letter referred to in his opinion If it be thought that Grand Lodge condemns the wearing of either the above , and notaoly the former , 1 cannot but think in the interest of our Charities it would be as well to decide the
question , and in so doing decide that the same shall be recognised and acknowledged , not to exhibit "the brother's liberal and praiseworthy individual efforts " in thc cause of charity , but as an incentive to other lodges he may visit , and especially those , and alas , too many , whose support in the cause of charity is but small . Past Master does not object to the Charity Jewel , why then should not a brother
be permitted to wear a badge , who has subscribed his £ 10 ios . as a Steward to one Charity perhaps out of his small means , as much as the brother who has served his two Stewardships out of perhaps larger funds . The whole question would be more easily decided by Grand Lodge permitting thc Charity Jewel lo be worn after one Stewardship , adding a bar to each successive serving . —I am , Sir , yours fraternally , AN ASSISTANT OFFICER .
" MASONIC RECORDS . " To the Editor of the " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , I beg to thank you for the valuable suggestion in your leaderette of 27 th inst . After careful consideration , and consultation with my good friend Bro . W . J . Hughan , I feel bound to accept your challenge , and to publish a
larger edition of mv Masonic Records " at a considerably reduced price , trusting to the Craft , in whose interests alone the work has been compiled , for a prompt response in the shape of a large addition to the list of subscribers . Your readers will find in another part of this week ' s Freemason that 1 have decided to issue the work to all subscribers before publication at one guinea per copy , being
only half of the original price . The woik , however , will be precisely the same , and I shall be glad to have the names of intending subscribers as early as possible . Kindly permit me this opportunity of stating that the brethren who have already promised to take copies at two guineas will , of course , only have to pay the reduced price
of one guinea per copy . I hope , however , to hear that many of them will take an additional copy , which would form a useful present to the lodge libraries . —Yours fraternally , JNO . LANE , P . M . 1402 , Torquay . March 31 st .
Reviews
REVIEWS
FREEMASONS' CALKNDAR AND DIRECTORY FOR THE PROVINCE OF LEICESTERSHIRE AND RUTLAND , iSSC . Bro . S . S . Partridge , D . P . G . M ., is to be congratulated on the appearance of his handsome little volume for the present year of grace , and especially as it is its fourteenth year of issue . This very handy , comprehensive , and accurate publication has been in process of improvement from its
advent until now , and , so far as we arc able to judge , perfection has been attained . At least , though the Editor still speaks of possible additions , they are so slight , and on similar lines to the present edition , that we are of the opinion that it is now a model directory , both editorially and typographically . An excellent photographic portrait of the Right Hon . the Earl of Ferrers , Prov . G . M ., adorns the work , this capital feature of the 1 SS 6 issue being the first of a series of " local brethren of distinction , " so we
Reviews
may soon expect to see the faces of our esteemed fratres , R . W . Bro . William Kelly , Past Prov . G . M . ; Bro . George Toller , Past D . P . G . M ., & c , and other eminent Craftsmen , who have done so much for Leicestershire Freemasonry , particularly the lirst named and distinguished Masonic veteran , to whom much of the prosperity of the province is due , with the able assistance of Prov . Grand Secretaries
from time to time , Bro . Kelly having quite a facility in the selection of suitable brethren for that arduous post . Complete lists of the members of the 12 lodges are given , with the various officers , Past Masters , and Present and Past Prov . Grand Officers . If disposed to be critical , we should suggest that the years of service as Masters and as Prov . Grand Officers would prove a useful addition ; but really there is already so much given , that we are prepared to
hear there is no more available space . All the regular Degrees are duly and fully noted . By " regular , " we refer to those so generally supported by distinguished Craftsmen in this country . The Charities are also well attended to . Indeed , the information is most ample and suggestive , the votes in the province being a total of 1030 for the three Central Institutions , which is a goodly number for a province of 506 members .
MASONIC YEAR BOOK FOR THE PROVINCE OF CAMBRIDGESHIRE , 1 SS 6 . This Masonic Bijou is edited by Bro . VV . P . Spalding , of Cambridge , who , being also the printer and publisher , we are not surprised to find that in all points , the Directory is well worthy of ihe province , and in many respects it is far in advance of the early issue . The succinct sketches of
the experience of the six lodges during 1 SS 5 are very readable and most interesting ; the " Raising " of H . R . H . Prince Edward of Wales by the W . M . of the Isaac Newton Lodge , No . S 59 , being , of course , prominently noticed . The oldest lodge , viz ., No . SS , Cambridge , dates from 1754 , and the youngest was warranted on 13 th August , 1 SS 5 . We hope in another year that Bro .
Spalding will see his way clear to give a list of the subscribers to the Central Masonic Charities , far such a roll has a healthy effect in stimulating lodges and brethren to do more for these excellent Institutions . We are pleased to note that the year Year Book is " Issued by order of the Provincial Grand Lodge , " as then there should be a margin for additional expenses to be incurred by increasing its size , and we are glad to find that the editor perseveres in his useful labours .
Masonic Notes And Queries.
Masonic Notes and Queries .
635 ] DANIEL COXE AND HENRY PRICE . EARLY "DEPUTATIONS . " In response to Bto . Hughan ' s request in your last issue , I beg to state that Daniel Coxe is registered as a member of No . S , at the " Devil Tavern , within Temple Bar , " in 1731 . I have no doubt whatever that this is the Daniel Coxe who was the first Provincial Grand Master appointed for
America . He was present in Grand Lodge on 29 th January , 1731 , on which date appears the following : "And after the general Healths were drank the Deputy Grand Master proposed the Health of Bro . Coxe Provincial Grand Master of North America which was drank accordingly . " "The Deputy Grand Master then acquainted the
Brethren that his Grace the Duke of Norfolk our present Grand Master had not only been so good as to order £ 20 towards the General Charity . But also had made the Brethren a Present of a Sword of State and a' new Grand Lodge Book to be used for the future at Grand Lodges and other meetings where the Grand Master shall be present . " "Then Bro . Moody , Master of the Lodge at the Devil
Tavern within lemple Bar , and Sword Cutler to their Majesty ' s Household , was ordered by the Deputy Grand Master to produce the Sword of State , by hiin finished , and the Brethren present acknowledged that it was not only finely designed but executed in the best manner and owned to be a curious piece of Workmanship . " 1 need scarcely add that Bro . Moody received the thanks
of the brethren , and that his Health was drunk with the greatest cordiality , but , perhaps everyone is not aware that the sword referred to is the one now in use , and has , from that time to the present , been the State Sword of the Grand Lodge . It is somewhat quaintly described in the Book of Constitutions , 1738 , 3 s "The Old Trusty Stoord of Gustavus Adolphus King of Swedenthat was wore
, next by his successor in War the brave Bernard Duke of Sax-Weimar , with both their names on the Blade ; which the Grand Master had order'd Brother George Moody ( the Kings Sword Cutler ) to adorn richly with the Arms of Norfolk in Silver on the Scabbard ; in order to be the Grand Masters Sword of State for the future . " Up to this time the Grand Lodge had neither Sword nor
Sword Bearer , but had borrowed a Sword from one of the old lodges , and it was carried in the procession by the Master of the lodge to which it belonged . Bro . George Moody was appointed Sword Bearer 27 th March , 1731 , and was reappointed every year till the iSth April , 1745 , when he " declined the acceptance of that Ofiice on account of the bad state of his Health , and presented the Grand Lodge
with a Jewel he had usually worn , for the use of the future Sword Bearer . " The lodge of which he was Master in 1730 , anil uf which Daniel Coxe was a member , seems to have gradually declined , and was finally crazed by Grand Lodge in 1744 for not attending the Quarterly Communications . Henry Price is registered in 1731 as a member of No . 75 , at the Rainbow Coffee House , in York Buildings , now
ihe Britannic Lodge , No . 33 . Of course I cannot be certain that this is the identical Henry Price to whom Bro . Hughan refers , as the names only appear in these old lists , but as I took considerable pains some years ago to search the records at the request of our friend Jacob Norton , of Boston , I can safely assert that no other person of the same
name is to be found in the Grand Lodge books at that period . With regard to Old Warrants , I quite agree with Bro . Hughan that it would be most interesting to come across one granted between 1720 and 1730 , and would indeed "be a real find ; " I have not , however , the most remote hope of being able to gratify him and myself in
Masonic Notes And Queries.
this respect , for at present I am strongly of opinion that no such documents were used , at all events in London , at that early period . 1 think it very probable that the Grand Master ' s sign manual , and seal affixed to an application for permission to hold a lodge was the only document that was considered necessary at first , and that the real Constitution of a lodge consisted in the performance by the Grand Master or his
Deputy of the ceremony described on page 71 of the 1723 Constitutions . When the influence of the newly-formed Grand Lodge began to extend ( no doubt much to the surprise and gratification of its originators ) beyond the boundaries of the Cities of London and Westminster ( to which localities it was evidently intended to be limited ) , and consequently the lodges would be less under the observation and control of the constituted authorities , more particular
instructions would be necessary , and these were conveyed in the form of a letter or " Deputation , " as it was called , from the Grand Master , the earliest example of which ( a copy written at the time ) is to be seen in the first minute book of tbe Grand Lodge , and was sent to Fort VVilliam , Bengal , in 1729 , with which , doubtless , Bro . Hughan is perfectly familiar , although there are previous references in the minutes to letters from the Grand Master to brethren
in distant parts , the first being in the proceedings of the loth May , 1727 , and is as follows : — " A Lre from the Provincial Grand Master , Deputy , and Grand Wardens in Chester in answer to the Grand Master ' s Lre was read . " " Ordered That the said Lre be entered at Large in the Grand book . " " After which Mr . Cowper the Deputy Grand Master ' s health was drank with thanks for his visitation of the
Lodges at Chester . " The next occurs at the following meeting , 24 th June , 1727 , when a letter was read irom the Provincial Grand Master , Deputy , and Grand Wardens of the province of South Wales , returning thanks to the Grand Master for his letter . Having already considerably exceeded my usual limits , I must ask Bro . Hughan to wait till next week for the names of the members of the first lodge that paid for its Constitution . H . SADLER .
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS .
( Craft iSftasonrg .
CITY OF LONDON LODGE ( No . 901 ) . —A meeting of this lodge was held at the Guildhall Tavern , on Monday , the 15 th ult . Present : Bros . H . Harbord , W . M . ; H . McClelland , I . P . M . ; Dan Hughes , S . W . ; R . Pittam Stevens , J . W . ; John Hughes , P . M ., Treas . ; Charles Beaumont , P . M ., Sec . ; John P . Woddinott , S . D . ; Haylock , J . D . ; Clinch , D . C ; A . Prince , I . G . ; Fimister , Org . ; Gross and Rubardt , Stwds . ; Woodstock , Tyler ;
Lewis , P . M . ; Griffith , P . M . ; Ginger , P . M . ; David Hughes , P . AI . ; H . Smith , Jackson , Reynolds , Russell , Gillard , Bater , Linstead , Clarke , E . VV . Cundy , G . Smith , Rogers , T . | W . Venner , Vale , Ross , Newman , Gordon , Ford , Derry , Hayden , Sheffield , Johnson , Taylor , Barwell , Corkhill , Little , Chivers , Follett , Harden , Watkins , Eade , Glanville , Whitnall , Tuck , Pratt , and Wilkinson . Visitors :
Bros . Williams , P . M . 933 ; Hardy , J . W . 201 ; Needes , 53 ; Harris , 95 ; Thompson , 169 ; Stone , 957 ; Lewis , 1472 ; and Marshall , 1 S 91 . Ths lodge was opened in due form , and the minutes of the last meeting confirmed . A ballot was then taken and proved unanimous in favour of Messrs . Geo . W . Pratt , Edward Wilkinson , and Matthew Thomas Tuck . All
candidates being present were then initiated into our ancient Order . Bros . Reynolds and Linstead were passed to the Second Degree , and Bro . Hayden was raised to the Sublime Degree of M . M , Mr . Rich was proposed as a candidate for initiation . It was then unanimously resolved that a summer banquet should take place during the season , and that Bro . Stevens be requested to give his valuable services as Honorary
Secretary . The VV . M . having received " Hearty good wishes " from the visiting brethren , the lodge was closed , and the members adjourned to the banqueting room , where they were served in such a manner as to elicit the warmest praise . The usual loyal and Masonic toasts were given and duly honoured . Several brethren considerably enhanced the enjoyment by their harmony .
SPHINX LODGE ( No . 1329 ) . —The regular meeting of this lodge was held on Saturday , the 20 th ult ., at the Surrey Masonic Hall , Camberwell New-road . There were present Bros . G . Marsden , jun ., VV . M . ; J . Voisey , S . W . ; John Hcrnaman , J . W . ; J . C . Reynolds , Treas . ; C . Wilson , Sec . ; D . D . Mercer , J . D . ; F . VV . N . Smith , Org . ; T . E . Webb , I . G . ; and J . G . C . Gooding , Steward .
Thc P . M . ' s present were Bros . J . J . Brinton , G . T . Bickerton , B . R . Bryant , and P . A . Nairne , D . C . The members present were Bros . R . Elgar , T . Bradley , W . Andrews , F . P . Hunt , C . D . Scriven , John Arlidge , A . Ramage , Thomas Arnold , H . S . Bigg , W . Andrews , jun ., C . F . Cockle , R . Irvine , I . H . Woodward , J . N . Turney , and H . H . Hyslop . The visitors were Bros . J . H .
Hawkins , W . M . 65 ; J . Nichal , 1539 ; J . Dixon , P . M . 172 S ; W . Harold Vint , 871 ; R . Grey , 176 ; William Jiffery , 1622 ; J . H . Lowry , 1475 ; R . j . Haton , J . W . 205 ; R . Kimpton , W . M . 172 S ; H . Lynn , I . G . 217 ; A . C . Bradley , P . M . 1216 ; and H . R . Grceat , P . M . 507 Thc lodge having been opened in due form , the minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed . Thc
Worshipful Master then proceeded to pass Bro . Frederick Pursord Hunt to the Second Degree . This ceremony having been completed , Bros . W . Yardley Andrews , jun ., and Charles Richard Scriven were raised to the Third Degree . Mr . Henry Hector Hyslop , who had been already ballotted for and approved , was then initiated into the
mysteries and privileges of Freemasonry . We may remark , en passant , that the W . M . conducted these several ceremonies in a most able and judicious manner . Those who are in the Craft are aware what an amount of labour , both mentally and physically , is involved in working three degrees consecutively . In consequence of the time thus