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Article Original Correspondence. ← Page 2 of 2 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 3 Article REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS. Page 1 of 3 →
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Original Correspondence.
OLD MASONIC PORTRAITS . To the Editor of thc "Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , Referring to Bro . Sadler's letter in your issue of the 17 th I have to-day found amongst some old papers sent
, to me for inspection , steel engravings of portraits as under , and I have no doubt that if any of them should be of service to the Masonic body , the lodge to whom they helon" - will grant the use of them . They are all octavo S ; ze .- ^ I am , yours fraternally , MANCUNIUM . P . S . —The two first are named in Bro . Sadler ' s letter .
The Rig ht Hon . Robert Edward Lord Petre , from a painting by the Rev . W . Peters—in Royal Arch costume . H . R . H . Henry Frederick Duke of Cumberland and Strathairn—with Grand Master's chair . H . R . H . Prince Frederick William of Gloucester . The Right Hon . Robt . Lord Donoughmore , Grand Master of Ireland .
The late Grand Secretary , Bro . W . White . William Preston , P . M . No . i . Thomas Dunckerlcy , P . G . M . John Errington , Esq ., P . G . M . Northumberland . Chevallier Ruspini , C . S . B . —from an original painting .
Henry Lambton , Prov . G . M . for Durham . Tipping Brown , M . D ., P . G . S . W . Durham . Sir Peter Parker . W . ' Hannum , Esq ., and Masonicus . October 30 th .
Reviews.
REVIEWS .
THE MAGAZINES . The November magazines are before us , and appear to us rather inclined to the " sensational , " like Guy Fawkes ' s day , full of " squibs and crackers . " " The English Illustrated Magazine" is a striking number , and is in a condition of progress and advance . " In the Fens , " and " The Banqueting House and Old
Whitehall , " are most interesting , and admirably illustrated . So also is " Brass Work at Birmingham . " " Oysters and the Oyster Question" will attract many readers ; and while " The little Schoolmaster Mark " is altogether too " spiritual , " too weird , and too sensational for our oldfashioned taste , though not without touches and glimpses of grace , "The Armourer's Prentices " proceeds in Miss
Yonge s " best form , " and seem to promise another characteristic and charming tale . Who of us all , after all , forgets "Heart's ease " and " The Chaplet of Pearls " . ' " Longman ' s Magazine " gives us the first instalment of "Jack ' s Courtship , " " The Children of the Mist , " "The Foundering of the Fortuna , " " Love at First Sight , " two papers by C . E . Leland and R . Jefferies , and a scientific
paper on Darwinism by the Astronomer Royal of Ireland . Princess Barese , formerly Miss Praed , daughter of the Poet , W . M . Praed , according to Miss Becker , confirms our view of " Good Night . " We always thought the ingenious commentator who started an improved exposition , like many other new lights now-a-days , was " off the mark . " . "Good Night" may not be satisfactory ; but it was Praed ' s own explanation ; and we have yet to find
a better one . The one suggested in Longman s , however ingenious , was inadmissable . " The Bibliographer , " a Dryasdustian publication , " pure et simple , " is somewhat heavy this month . A bibliography of Sacheverell is very tedious—to say the truth , uninteresting . We can call attention to " John Payne Collier and his Works , " " Caxton's Book on Chess , " and " Sir Richard Phillips . " Other magazines not yet to hand will be noticed next week .
Masonic Notes And Queries.
Masonic Notes and Queries .
251 ] BRO . WHYTEHEAD AND CHESTER LODGE RECORDS . The capital article by Bro . Whytehead in the Freemason of the 27 th ult ., relative to the extinct lodge held in Chester from 1738 , is an indication of what is still in store for us in many a neglected Iodge box . It is refreshing to find that enlightened brethren in that ancient city were so willing to
1 'lace the old minute book in such competent hands , and we shall rejoice on finding such an excellent example being faithfully imitated . When the Masonic historian Bro . Gould comes to treat of post-Grand Lodge lodges , all such Particulars will be of the greatest value , for it is facts we want , not fictions . I write now however to suggest the probability to Bro . Whytehead that this volume of records
's the one mentioned by Mr . Halliwell in his " Early History ° f Freemasonry in England" as follows : " Mr . Black possesses a . minute book of the Freemasons of Chester , of thc commencement of the eighteenth century ; " and I shall be ? lad to hear as to the point . Freemasonry under the Grand Lod ge of England began in Chester in 1724 , in which year there were as many lodges in the city as now . W . J . HUGHAN .
2 52 l FREEMASON—FRANCMA CON . " is a very curious fact , explain it as you will , that in ¦ 76 4 Boyer in his great French Dictionary , one of the best listing , seems to know nothing of " Freemason , " " Francmacon . " Why is this ? In Germany , Freimaurer is not ot earl y eighteenth century use , and I should like to know Jy . nen the word Freemason is first recognized in an English "' etionary . MASONIC STUDENT .
2 53 ] A PORTRAIT OF SIR CHRISTOPHER WREN . I have been told there is an old portrait of Sir Christopher Wren with a Masonic emblem . Have any "Students " card of the same or can any reader of the Freemason help ™ to such old print of Sir Christopher . Kindly address , -are of editor of Freemason , 16 , Great Queen-street , W . C . ANTIQUITY .
Masonic Notes And Queries.
254 ] MASONIC HISTORY . In a curious collection of what may be termed " odds and ends , " and entitled " Memoirs of the Life and Writings of Richard Gardinor , alias Dick Merry-Fellow , " published in London by G . Kearsly , Fleet-street , 17 S 2 , we find several allusions to Freemasonry . Besides several references to Norfolk Freemasonry , and which he describes as " revived "
atSwaffhamin 1764 , he mentions that in 17 G 5 the W . M . was Richard Gardiner ; Wm . Paulett , Deputy Mastcr ; VV . Mason and Henry Peyton , Wardens ; Sir Clement Trafford , Bart ., Treasurer ; and that in 1764 Alderman Nuthall , of Lynn Regis , installed Bro . Gardiner as W . M . The lodges were then flourishing at Lynn and Norwich , as the procession to church is mentioned of a large number of
Freemasons , when the Rev . John Warren read the service and the Rev , Charles Chadwick preached the sermon . Bro . Gardiner states the church at Swaflham "fell down in the reign of Edward IV ., and the new one began to be erected about the year 14 S 0 , the 20 th of the same reign , " and by various contributions , with the tower at the west end , was founded in the year 1570 , the first year of Henry
VIII . By this it appears that the noble art of Freemasonry flourished in great perfection at Swaffham during the reign of Edward IV ., Edward V ., Richard III ., Henry VII ., and Henry VIII . I wish Dick Merryfellow had given us a few more details and proofs . He refers to the great Revival , in 1717 , in eloquent words , and then subjoins , " The noble art of Freemasonry , though
acknowledged to be very old , was not exercised in Europe until the 7 th century , at which time the famous Abbot of Alban introduced it into England , and first constitu ted a lodge at the city of Verulam , the very spot where th e town of St . Alban ' s , in Hertfordshire , now stands , of which he was very fond , and recommended its continuance at his death . " As this is a new fact to me , as probably to Bro . Gould and
Masonic students generally , 1 think it well to preserve it in the " Notes and Queries '' column . I may add that Bro . Gardiner alludes to the ridiculous societies of Bucks , Pandemonians , Cousins , Antediluvians , Gregorians , Albions , Ubiquitarians , Lumber Troop , Antient Britons , Bothneans , Free and Easys , and a " thousand other nonsensical institutions , " which , as he says , "have since been established , either to serve a party , or in vain imitation . " MASONIC STUDENT .
255 ] OLD PRINTS AND PORTRAITS . Who has the best " Emporium " now for old prints and portraits , Masonic and other ? COLLECTOR .
256 ] CHARLES SACKVILLE . I have been looking over Walpole ' s correspondence with Sir Horace Mann , in which occur numerous references to Charles Sackville , Earl of Middlesex . I refer " G . B . A . " to pages 264 and 276 , vol . i ., especially . In the former passage I think he will agree with me we have hardly the true subject for a medal j in the latter the conjunction of
the passage with the "Freemasons" with his name just above is not a little curious . The Duke of Tuscany , afterwards the Emperor Francis , husband of Maria Theresa , was a Freemason , and it was by his influence that when the Pope ' s Bull of 173 S was published the persecution at Florence was practically " nil . " If " G . B . A . " has not seen these passages I call his attention to them . DRYASDUST .
257 ] _ AN OLD MASONIC HALL . In a series of articles appearing under the head of " Annals of the Northern Counties " in the Newcastle Weekly Chronicle , the following reference to Freemasonry in that town in the year 1777 will no doubt interest our readers . The latter part appears particularly suggestive . " An elegant Masonic Hall was erected in Low Friar-street ,
Newcastle . It contained an excellent organ , and two paintings by Bell , one representing St . John , the other a portrait of Mr . Francis Peacock , roper , the Grand Master of the lodge . In front of the building was a Greek inscri ption , signifying , . 'The darkness comprehendcth it not . ' At its dedication , an excellent band , and the best vocal performers from the choir of Durham Cathedral , assisted . A ' pathetic exhortation' was delivered by Mr . Huntley , and an ' elegant oration , displaying the antiquity ,
progress , and excellence of the Order , ' by the Rev . Dr . Scott , of Simonburn . The festival was held in the New Assembly Room , where near 400 of the brethren dined together at three tables . In a short time extravagance and the introduction of politics ruined this lodge ; and Alderman Blackett , who had a mortgage on the Hall , sold it and the other lodge property for Z ' 320 . " L .
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS .
Craft jflasonrg . LODGE OF ISRAEL ( No . 205 ) . —The members of the above old lodge met on Tuesday last at the Cannon-street Hotel , E . C , it being the opening night of the session . Bro . H . M . Harris , P . M ., W . M ., was well supported by Bros . G . A . Gartley , S . W . ; E . Norden , J . W . ; A . M . Cohen , P . M ., Treas . ; C . F . Hogard , P . M ., Sec . ; J . Da Silva , I . P . M . ; H . J . Phillips , P . M . ; A . Bassington , P . M . ; I . P . Cohen , P . M . ; S . M . Harris ,
P . M . ; M . I . Emanuel , P . M . ; A . Henochsberg , S . D . ; S . Jacobs , j . D . ; Paton , Org . ; H . J . Lonsdale , I . G . ; W . Rawles , Tyler ; Goldberg , J . Richmond , W . Hunter , S . Hyman , J . Jacobs , Alf . Abrahams , P . Williams , A . Abrahams , S . Schmerl , A . Rains , L . Emanuel , A . Cohen , C . J . Ehrenberg , G . Saling , C . M . Anderson , T . Houghton , H . Shanly , H . Hart , T . Hart , and others . The visitors present included Bros . Edgar Bowyer , P . M ., W . M . 1064 , G . Std . Br . ; Meads , S . D . 1321 ; Chivers , W . S . 1772 ; and G . H . Stephens , S . W . 1623 , 13 S 2 , and S 9 8 ( Freemason ) .
The work before the lodge was that of admitting two gentlemen into the mysteries of the Order , and Messrs . H . Hart and T . Hart ( father and son ) were duly initiated in a very impressive manner . Subsequently a capital banquet was disposed of , and after lhe usual loyal toasts had been given , Bro . E . Bowyer suitably responded for " The Grand Officers . " " The W . M . ' s Health " was cordially received , and "The Initiates" were heartily welcomed , and responded .
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
and "The Visitors" received hearty greetings , for which Bro . G . H . Stephens was called upon to return thanks , and other toasts were given . Some capital songs enlivened the proceedings , Bros . Henochsberg and Stephens giving a reading , and a very prosperous meeting terminated .
SELWYN LODGE ( No . 1901 ) . —Tho regular meeting of this lodge was held on Thursday , the iSth ult ., at the East Dulwich Hotel . The W . M ., Bro . Bellis , advanced Bro . Dadd , jun ., to the Sublime Degree of a M . M ., and passed Bro . Palmer to the degree of a F . C , and Mr . Joseph Henry Stevenson , who had been previously balloted for , was duly initiated into the mysteries of
the Craft . The W . M . can be conscientiously congratulated upon his exceedingly efficient staff of officers , visitors one and all expressing themselves that they had never seen the work done so perfectly in any lodge , the M . C , Bro . Foyd , P . M ., especially distinguished himself . After the labours of the lodge tlie brethren sat down to a very excellent banquet supplied by the worthy hostBro .
, Gurney . Among the visitors were Bros . Wallis , P . M . goi ; Leonard , W . M . 1777 ; Vail , 1155 ; Hill , 1702 ; Forbes , P . M . 1329 ; Meggey , 377 ; Penny , 1679 ; Bridger , 72 ; and Auld , 56 g ; the members present in addition to those abova mentioned being Bros . Bridgman Anderson , S . W , ; Powles , J . VV . ; Eagle , Treas . ' ; Wimble , J . D . ; Hook ,
P . M . ; Wells , Dadd , jun ., Eagle , Beck , Searby , Rowan , Gauntlett , Burnett , S . W . Andrews , Davis , Lightfoot , Gurney , sen ., Gurney , jun ., Shaws , Phillips , Terry , Smeeting , Dean , Campbell , Bosher , Bultimore , and Constable . After having heard good speeches and listened to capital songs well accompanied , the brethren separated .
SAINT MARY ABBOTTS LODGE ( No . 1974 ) . —A meeting of this lodge was held on Thursday , the 25 th ult ., at the Town Hall , Kensington . VV . Bro . Captain A . Nicols , P . D . G . S . of VV . Punjab , thc W . M ., presided , and was supported by Bros . Capt . C . Compton , S . W . ; Rev . W . Francis , J . W . ; James Green , P . M ., Treas . ; Geo . Capper Harding , P . M ., Sec ; Reuben C . Green , J . D . ; Francis C . Compton , P . M ., P . P . G . O .
Surrey , D . C . ; H . Rockingham Gill , l . G . ; E . L . Cleaver , Stwd . ; and Thomas Friend , Tyler . Bros . D . Shorter Skinner , P . M . ; W . Cunningham Glen , P . G . S . ; Captain H . S . Andrews , VV . Beavis , Algernon C . Bauke , H . Oliver Smith , A . J . Pritchard , Irwin E . B . Cox , M . W . Williams , and the following visitors : Bros . Sir Algernon Borthwick , Bart ., 13 S 3 ; H . Dehane , I . P . M . 1543 , P . P . G . S . D . Essex ; George N . Watts , P . M . 104 ; and E . Engelback , in .
the lodge was opened at 5 p . m . punctually , and the minutes were read and confirmed . The W . M . congratulated the members on their return to labour after the recess . A ballot was taken for two candidates for initiation and one joining member , proving unanimous in each case . Bro . Francis C Compton having assumed the chair at the request of the W . M ., Bro . M . W . Williams was raised
, the ceremony being performed with a care and perfection of ritual for which Bro . Compton subsequently received a unanimous vote of thanks from the lodge . The Worshipful Master then resumed lhe chair and passed Bro . Irwin E . B . Cox , afterwards initiating Mr . J . H . T . Green and Mr . Jobn Peacock in a manner reflecting much credit on the lodge , so much so that Bro . Sir Algernon
Borthwick , No . 13 * 3 , after expressing his admiration of the working , offered himself as a joining member . Two candidates were proposed for initiation at the November meeting , and " Hearty good wishes" concluded the meeting . The brethren adjourned to Bailey ' s Hotel and partook of a sumptuous banquet , personally superintended by the host . After grace the Worshipful Master gave the usual loyal and Masonic toasts .
In proposing "The Queen and the Craft" the Worshipful Master said her Majesty , being the greatest queen in thc world , empress of the largest empire , the first lady in the land , and being the patroness of the Order , she was of course the only sovereign no Mason would ever wish to change . The toasts of " H . R . H . the Prince of Walesthe G . M . "
, , "The Earl of Carnarvon , Pro G . M . ; the Earl of Lathom , Deputy G . M . ; and the rest of the Grand Officers , Present and Past , " met with due eulogium and Masonic reception . The gavel was then entrusted to Bro . F . Compton , who proposed the toast of " The Worshipful Master" in very kind terms . He said no words of his were requisite to point out the admirable manner Bro . Nicols had worked and
ruled the lod ge from its commencement , so that anyone should feel it , in his opinion as a P . M ., an honour to be initiated in Freemasonry according toi -thc elaborate and ornate working which Bro . Nicols had learnt in the Punjab , perfect in its style . The Worshipful Master in renlv said he was nnlv ton r , m „ A
^ to find his efforts had been crowned with success . He thanked his oflicers for the support he had received from them , especially Bro . F . Compton , who was always ready and willing to take up any work to relieve him ( the W . M . ) on occasions such as that evening , when the work was exceptionally heavy , the Three Degrees having to be worked in so short
a time . In repl y to the toast of "The Initiates , " Bro . T . Green said firstly he would express his feeling of thankfulness , and secondly his obligation to the W . M . for performing what he had long looked forward to , namely to be made a Freemason , and to belong to a lodge composed of true and good men and Masons who would doubtless helhim
p in any future trial or trouble , and he should certainly look forward with pleasure to the next meeting . ,, Bro . Peacock , echoing these sentiments , hoped he should prove no discredit to the lodge . The W . M . in proposing " The Visitors " welcomed them as he hoped they would always be as long as the Iodge existed .
Bro . Dehane in responding said that it gave him great pleasure to have again heaid the beautiful ritual of all three Degrees rendered in the words he had heard so often in India and the Colonies , and acknowledge the thanks his friend the VV . M . had given him for performing the duties of S . D . in the absence of that ollicerof thelodge .
and on his own and the other visitors' behalf thanked the brethren for their splendid hospitality and cordial welcome . Bro . Cox , who was unable to be present at his initiation banquet , said it was very hard of the W . M . to call upon him now for a speech ; he had prepared one months ago , which had fled from his memory , and all he could say on the spur of the moment was that he felt pleased , honoured
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Original Correspondence.
OLD MASONIC PORTRAITS . To the Editor of thc "Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , Referring to Bro . Sadler's letter in your issue of the 17 th I have to-day found amongst some old papers sent
, to me for inspection , steel engravings of portraits as under , and I have no doubt that if any of them should be of service to the Masonic body , the lodge to whom they helon" - will grant the use of them . They are all octavo S ; ze .- ^ I am , yours fraternally , MANCUNIUM . P . S . —The two first are named in Bro . Sadler ' s letter .
The Rig ht Hon . Robert Edward Lord Petre , from a painting by the Rev . W . Peters—in Royal Arch costume . H . R . H . Henry Frederick Duke of Cumberland and Strathairn—with Grand Master's chair . H . R . H . Prince Frederick William of Gloucester . The Right Hon . Robt . Lord Donoughmore , Grand Master of Ireland .
The late Grand Secretary , Bro . W . White . William Preston , P . M . No . i . Thomas Dunckerlcy , P . G . M . John Errington , Esq ., P . G . M . Northumberland . Chevallier Ruspini , C . S . B . —from an original painting .
Henry Lambton , Prov . G . M . for Durham . Tipping Brown , M . D ., P . G . S . W . Durham . Sir Peter Parker . W . ' Hannum , Esq ., and Masonicus . October 30 th .
Reviews.
REVIEWS .
THE MAGAZINES . The November magazines are before us , and appear to us rather inclined to the " sensational , " like Guy Fawkes ' s day , full of " squibs and crackers . " " The English Illustrated Magazine" is a striking number , and is in a condition of progress and advance . " In the Fens , " and " The Banqueting House and Old
Whitehall , " are most interesting , and admirably illustrated . So also is " Brass Work at Birmingham . " " Oysters and the Oyster Question" will attract many readers ; and while " The little Schoolmaster Mark " is altogether too " spiritual , " too weird , and too sensational for our oldfashioned taste , though not without touches and glimpses of grace , "The Armourer's Prentices " proceeds in Miss
Yonge s " best form , " and seem to promise another characteristic and charming tale . Who of us all , after all , forgets "Heart's ease " and " The Chaplet of Pearls " . ' " Longman ' s Magazine " gives us the first instalment of "Jack ' s Courtship , " " The Children of the Mist , " "The Foundering of the Fortuna , " " Love at First Sight , " two papers by C . E . Leland and R . Jefferies , and a scientific
paper on Darwinism by the Astronomer Royal of Ireland . Princess Barese , formerly Miss Praed , daughter of the Poet , W . M . Praed , according to Miss Becker , confirms our view of " Good Night . " We always thought the ingenious commentator who started an improved exposition , like many other new lights now-a-days , was " off the mark . " . "Good Night" may not be satisfactory ; but it was Praed ' s own explanation ; and we have yet to find
a better one . The one suggested in Longman s , however ingenious , was inadmissable . " The Bibliographer , " a Dryasdustian publication , " pure et simple , " is somewhat heavy this month . A bibliography of Sacheverell is very tedious—to say the truth , uninteresting . We can call attention to " John Payne Collier and his Works , " " Caxton's Book on Chess , " and " Sir Richard Phillips . " Other magazines not yet to hand will be noticed next week .
Masonic Notes And Queries.
Masonic Notes and Queries .
251 ] BRO . WHYTEHEAD AND CHESTER LODGE RECORDS . The capital article by Bro . Whytehead in the Freemason of the 27 th ult ., relative to the extinct lodge held in Chester from 1738 , is an indication of what is still in store for us in many a neglected Iodge box . It is refreshing to find that enlightened brethren in that ancient city were so willing to
1 'lace the old minute book in such competent hands , and we shall rejoice on finding such an excellent example being faithfully imitated . When the Masonic historian Bro . Gould comes to treat of post-Grand Lodge lodges , all such Particulars will be of the greatest value , for it is facts we want , not fictions . I write now however to suggest the probability to Bro . Whytehead that this volume of records
's the one mentioned by Mr . Halliwell in his " Early History ° f Freemasonry in England" as follows : " Mr . Black possesses a . minute book of the Freemasons of Chester , of thc commencement of the eighteenth century ; " and I shall be ? lad to hear as to the point . Freemasonry under the Grand Lod ge of England began in Chester in 1724 , in which year there were as many lodges in the city as now . W . J . HUGHAN .
2 52 l FREEMASON—FRANCMA CON . " is a very curious fact , explain it as you will , that in ¦ 76 4 Boyer in his great French Dictionary , one of the best listing , seems to know nothing of " Freemason , " " Francmacon . " Why is this ? In Germany , Freimaurer is not ot earl y eighteenth century use , and I should like to know Jy . nen the word Freemason is first recognized in an English "' etionary . MASONIC STUDENT .
2 53 ] A PORTRAIT OF SIR CHRISTOPHER WREN . I have been told there is an old portrait of Sir Christopher Wren with a Masonic emblem . Have any "Students " card of the same or can any reader of the Freemason help ™ to such old print of Sir Christopher . Kindly address , -are of editor of Freemason , 16 , Great Queen-street , W . C . ANTIQUITY .
Masonic Notes And Queries.
254 ] MASONIC HISTORY . In a curious collection of what may be termed " odds and ends , " and entitled " Memoirs of the Life and Writings of Richard Gardinor , alias Dick Merry-Fellow , " published in London by G . Kearsly , Fleet-street , 17 S 2 , we find several allusions to Freemasonry . Besides several references to Norfolk Freemasonry , and which he describes as " revived "
atSwaffhamin 1764 , he mentions that in 17 G 5 the W . M . was Richard Gardiner ; Wm . Paulett , Deputy Mastcr ; VV . Mason and Henry Peyton , Wardens ; Sir Clement Trafford , Bart ., Treasurer ; and that in 1764 Alderman Nuthall , of Lynn Regis , installed Bro . Gardiner as W . M . The lodges were then flourishing at Lynn and Norwich , as the procession to church is mentioned of a large number of
Freemasons , when the Rev . John Warren read the service and the Rev , Charles Chadwick preached the sermon . Bro . Gardiner states the church at Swaflham "fell down in the reign of Edward IV ., and the new one began to be erected about the year 14 S 0 , the 20 th of the same reign , " and by various contributions , with the tower at the west end , was founded in the year 1570 , the first year of Henry
VIII . By this it appears that the noble art of Freemasonry flourished in great perfection at Swaffham during the reign of Edward IV ., Edward V ., Richard III ., Henry VII ., and Henry VIII . I wish Dick Merryfellow had given us a few more details and proofs . He refers to the great Revival , in 1717 , in eloquent words , and then subjoins , " The noble art of Freemasonry , though
acknowledged to be very old , was not exercised in Europe until the 7 th century , at which time the famous Abbot of Alban introduced it into England , and first constitu ted a lodge at the city of Verulam , the very spot where th e town of St . Alban ' s , in Hertfordshire , now stands , of which he was very fond , and recommended its continuance at his death . " As this is a new fact to me , as probably to Bro . Gould and
Masonic students generally , 1 think it well to preserve it in the " Notes and Queries '' column . I may add that Bro . Gardiner alludes to the ridiculous societies of Bucks , Pandemonians , Cousins , Antediluvians , Gregorians , Albions , Ubiquitarians , Lumber Troop , Antient Britons , Bothneans , Free and Easys , and a " thousand other nonsensical institutions , " which , as he says , "have since been established , either to serve a party , or in vain imitation . " MASONIC STUDENT .
255 ] OLD PRINTS AND PORTRAITS . Who has the best " Emporium " now for old prints and portraits , Masonic and other ? COLLECTOR .
256 ] CHARLES SACKVILLE . I have been looking over Walpole ' s correspondence with Sir Horace Mann , in which occur numerous references to Charles Sackville , Earl of Middlesex . I refer " G . B . A . " to pages 264 and 276 , vol . i ., especially . In the former passage I think he will agree with me we have hardly the true subject for a medal j in the latter the conjunction of
the passage with the "Freemasons" with his name just above is not a little curious . The Duke of Tuscany , afterwards the Emperor Francis , husband of Maria Theresa , was a Freemason , and it was by his influence that when the Pope ' s Bull of 173 S was published the persecution at Florence was practically " nil . " If " G . B . A . " has not seen these passages I call his attention to them . DRYASDUST .
257 ] _ AN OLD MASONIC HALL . In a series of articles appearing under the head of " Annals of the Northern Counties " in the Newcastle Weekly Chronicle , the following reference to Freemasonry in that town in the year 1777 will no doubt interest our readers . The latter part appears particularly suggestive . " An elegant Masonic Hall was erected in Low Friar-street ,
Newcastle . It contained an excellent organ , and two paintings by Bell , one representing St . John , the other a portrait of Mr . Francis Peacock , roper , the Grand Master of the lodge . In front of the building was a Greek inscri ption , signifying , . 'The darkness comprehendcth it not . ' At its dedication , an excellent band , and the best vocal performers from the choir of Durham Cathedral , assisted . A ' pathetic exhortation' was delivered by Mr . Huntley , and an ' elegant oration , displaying the antiquity ,
progress , and excellence of the Order , ' by the Rev . Dr . Scott , of Simonburn . The festival was held in the New Assembly Room , where near 400 of the brethren dined together at three tables . In a short time extravagance and the introduction of politics ruined this lodge ; and Alderman Blackett , who had a mortgage on the Hall , sold it and the other lodge property for Z ' 320 . " L .
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS .
Craft jflasonrg . LODGE OF ISRAEL ( No . 205 ) . —The members of the above old lodge met on Tuesday last at the Cannon-street Hotel , E . C , it being the opening night of the session . Bro . H . M . Harris , P . M ., W . M ., was well supported by Bros . G . A . Gartley , S . W . ; E . Norden , J . W . ; A . M . Cohen , P . M ., Treas . ; C . F . Hogard , P . M ., Sec . ; J . Da Silva , I . P . M . ; H . J . Phillips , P . M . ; A . Bassington , P . M . ; I . P . Cohen , P . M . ; S . M . Harris ,
P . M . ; M . I . Emanuel , P . M . ; A . Henochsberg , S . D . ; S . Jacobs , j . D . ; Paton , Org . ; H . J . Lonsdale , I . G . ; W . Rawles , Tyler ; Goldberg , J . Richmond , W . Hunter , S . Hyman , J . Jacobs , Alf . Abrahams , P . Williams , A . Abrahams , S . Schmerl , A . Rains , L . Emanuel , A . Cohen , C . J . Ehrenberg , G . Saling , C . M . Anderson , T . Houghton , H . Shanly , H . Hart , T . Hart , and others . The visitors present included Bros . Edgar Bowyer , P . M ., W . M . 1064 , G . Std . Br . ; Meads , S . D . 1321 ; Chivers , W . S . 1772 ; and G . H . Stephens , S . W . 1623 , 13 S 2 , and S 9 8 ( Freemason ) .
The work before the lodge was that of admitting two gentlemen into the mysteries of the Order , and Messrs . H . Hart and T . Hart ( father and son ) were duly initiated in a very impressive manner . Subsequently a capital banquet was disposed of , and after lhe usual loyal toasts had been given , Bro . E . Bowyer suitably responded for " The Grand Officers . " " The W . M . ' s Health " was cordially received , and "The Initiates" were heartily welcomed , and responded .
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
and "The Visitors" received hearty greetings , for which Bro . G . H . Stephens was called upon to return thanks , and other toasts were given . Some capital songs enlivened the proceedings , Bros . Henochsberg and Stephens giving a reading , and a very prosperous meeting terminated .
SELWYN LODGE ( No . 1901 ) . —Tho regular meeting of this lodge was held on Thursday , the iSth ult ., at the East Dulwich Hotel . The W . M ., Bro . Bellis , advanced Bro . Dadd , jun ., to the Sublime Degree of a M . M ., and passed Bro . Palmer to the degree of a F . C , and Mr . Joseph Henry Stevenson , who had been previously balloted for , was duly initiated into the mysteries of
the Craft . The W . M . can be conscientiously congratulated upon his exceedingly efficient staff of officers , visitors one and all expressing themselves that they had never seen the work done so perfectly in any lodge , the M . C , Bro . Foyd , P . M ., especially distinguished himself . After the labours of the lodge tlie brethren sat down to a very excellent banquet supplied by the worthy hostBro .
, Gurney . Among the visitors were Bros . Wallis , P . M . goi ; Leonard , W . M . 1777 ; Vail , 1155 ; Hill , 1702 ; Forbes , P . M . 1329 ; Meggey , 377 ; Penny , 1679 ; Bridger , 72 ; and Auld , 56 g ; the members present in addition to those abova mentioned being Bros . Bridgman Anderson , S . W , ; Powles , J . VV . ; Eagle , Treas . ' ; Wimble , J . D . ; Hook ,
P . M . ; Wells , Dadd , jun ., Eagle , Beck , Searby , Rowan , Gauntlett , Burnett , S . W . Andrews , Davis , Lightfoot , Gurney , sen ., Gurney , jun ., Shaws , Phillips , Terry , Smeeting , Dean , Campbell , Bosher , Bultimore , and Constable . After having heard good speeches and listened to capital songs well accompanied , the brethren separated .
SAINT MARY ABBOTTS LODGE ( No . 1974 ) . —A meeting of this lodge was held on Thursday , the 25 th ult ., at the Town Hall , Kensington . VV . Bro . Captain A . Nicols , P . D . G . S . of VV . Punjab , thc W . M ., presided , and was supported by Bros . Capt . C . Compton , S . W . ; Rev . W . Francis , J . W . ; James Green , P . M ., Treas . ; Geo . Capper Harding , P . M ., Sec ; Reuben C . Green , J . D . ; Francis C . Compton , P . M ., P . P . G . O .
Surrey , D . C . ; H . Rockingham Gill , l . G . ; E . L . Cleaver , Stwd . ; and Thomas Friend , Tyler . Bros . D . Shorter Skinner , P . M . ; W . Cunningham Glen , P . G . S . ; Captain H . S . Andrews , VV . Beavis , Algernon C . Bauke , H . Oliver Smith , A . J . Pritchard , Irwin E . B . Cox , M . W . Williams , and the following visitors : Bros . Sir Algernon Borthwick , Bart ., 13 S 3 ; H . Dehane , I . P . M . 1543 , P . P . G . S . D . Essex ; George N . Watts , P . M . 104 ; and E . Engelback , in .
the lodge was opened at 5 p . m . punctually , and the minutes were read and confirmed . The W . M . congratulated the members on their return to labour after the recess . A ballot was taken for two candidates for initiation and one joining member , proving unanimous in each case . Bro . Francis C Compton having assumed the chair at the request of the W . M ., Bro . M . W . Williams was raised
, the ceremony being performed with a care and perfection of ritual for which Bro . Compton subsequently received a unanimous vote of thanks from the lodge . The Worshipful Master then resumed lhe chair and passed Bro . Irwin E . B . Cox , afterwards initiating Mr . J . H . T . Green and Mr . Jobn Peacock in a manner reflecting much credit on the lodge , so much so that Bro . Sir Algernon
Borthwick , No . 13 * 3 , after expressing his admiration of the working , offered himself as a joining member . Two candidates were proposed for initiation at the November meeting , and " Hearty good wishes" concluded the meeting . The brethren adjourned to Bailey ' s Hotel and partook of a sumptuous banquet , personally superintended by the host . After grace the Worshipful Master gave the usual loyal and Masonic toasts .
In proposing "The Queen and the Craft" the Worshipful Master said her Majesty , being the greatest queen in thc world , empress of the largest empire , the first lady in the land , and being the patroness of the Order , she was of course the only sovereign no Mason would ever wish to change . The toasts of " H . R . H . the Prince of Walesthe G . M . "
, , "The Earl of Carnarvon , Pro G . M . ; the Earl of Lathom , Deputy G . M . ; and the rest of the Grand Officers , Present and Past , " met with due eulogium and Masonic reception . The gavel was then entrusted to Bro . F . Compton , who proposed the toast of " The Worshipful Master" in very kind terms . He said no words of his were requisite to point out the admirable manner Bro . Nicols had worked and
ruled the lod ge from its commencement , so that anyone should feel it , in his opinion as a P . M ., an honour to be initiated in Freemasonry according toi -thc elaborate and ornate working which Bro . Nicols had learnt in the Punjab , perfect in its style . The Worshipful Master in renlv said he was nnlv ton r , m „ A
^ to find his efforts had been crowned with success . He thanked his oflicers for the support he had received from them , especially Bro . F . Compton , who was always ready and willing to take up any work to relieve him ( the W . M . ) on occasions such as that evening , when the work was exceptionally heavy , the Three Degrees having to be worked in so short
a time . In repl y to the toast of "The Initiates , " Bro . T . Green said firstly he would express his feeling of thankfulness , and secondly his obligation to the W . M . for performing what he had long looked forward to , namely to be made a Freemason , and to belong to a lodge composed of true and good men and Masons who would doubtless helhim
p in any future trial or trouble , and he should certainly look forward with pleasure to the next meeting . ,, Bro . Peacock , echoing these sentiments , hoped he should prove no discredit to the lodge . The W . M . in proposing " The Visitors " welcomed them as he hoped they would always be as long as the Iodge existed .
Bro . Dehane in responding said that it gave him great pleasure to have again heaid the beautiful ritual of all three Degrees rendered in the words he had heard so often in India and the Colonies , and acknowledge the thanks his friend the VV . M . had given him for performing the duties of S . D . in the absence of that ollicerof thelodge .
and on his own and the other visitors' behalf thanked the brethren for their splendid hospitality and cordial welcome . Bro . Cox , who was unable to be present at his initiation banquet , said it was very hard of the W . M . to call upon him now for a speech ; he had prepared one months ago , which had fled from his memory , and all he could say on the spur of the moment was that he felt pleased , honoured