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    Article OXFORDSHIRE. — CONSECRATION OF THE MARLBOROUGH LODGE, No. 1399. ← Page 2 of 2
    Article OXFORDSHIRE. — CONSECRATION OF THE MARLBOROUGH LODGE, No. 1399. Page 2 of 2
    Article CAPITULAR FREEMASONRY IN GREAT BRITAIN AND IRELAND. Page 1 of 2
    Article CAPITULAR FREEMASONRY IN GREAT BRITAIN AND IRELAND. Page 1 of 2 →
Page 4

Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.

Oxfordshire. — Consecration Of The Marlborough Lodge, No. 1399.

and it was felt when he took this lodge in hand , it would be a great success , Though this may be a summer lodge , I know from those who belong to it , that it will do credit to the province and to the Craft at large . After long experience ( and I believe I am the senior Mason present ) , I

must say that nothing has g iven me such pleasure as Freemasonry has . I thank you for your kind reception , which really deserves my best thanks , Ithankmy friend and Bro . Goldsbrough for the exceeding kind way he has spoken of me

and I wish you all every prosperity . " Bro . Goldsbrough ¦— It is with very sincere p leasure that I propose to you the next toast , which may be called the toast of the day , for it is the " Health of your Worshinful Master and

the first Master of this lodge . I feel assured you must all feel deeply grateful to that distinguished brother for consenting to be your guiding star . It has been my pleasure to know Bro . Brown for many years past , and this is the second time I have had the privilege of installing

him in the chair as the Worshipful Master of a lodge . I can fully endorse all that the Deputy Provincial Grand Master has said of his high qualifications as a Mason and as a friend and I call upon you to drink with fill' honours to the Health and prosperity of your Wo . shipful Master

Brother Brown . Bro . Brown— I am sure that my warmest thanks are due to my friend and brother Dr . Goldsbrough for the kind way he has proposed my health , and to you also , brethren , for accepting it in so hearty a manner . I have first to thank

you all for your attendance here this evening ; this town though not a very large place , is quite large enough for a Masonic lodge . It possesses many men of honourable and generous spirit , and I am happy to say the brethren in this town had the will to establish Masonry here , when money was mentioned , it was answered by " we

have the whole of the money ready to put down and should ; have , were double the amount required , the difficulty with us is to find a brother to attend as a Worshipful Master . " When I was asked to become the first Master , I accepted the duty with pleasure . Every circumstance connected with the formation of this

lodge encourages us to hope that this will be a most successful lodge . Bro . Spiers : —I have a very important toast to propose . It is one of the greatest possible importance , for it is the health ofthe brother who has brought you into existence as a lodge . I have

had the pleasure ol knowing Bro . Goldsbrough for many years , and I value him very hi ghly as a friend and a brother , and ' not only for his own sake but also on account of the high efficiency with which he discharges every duty he has to perform . I thank him especially for what he has done to-day for the lodge . I propose to you "The

Health of Bro . Dr . Goldsbrough , and our best thanks to him for the great service he has rendered this lodge . " Bro . Goldsbrough having returned thanks , the W . M . proposed the "Health if the Visitors , and coupled with the toast , Bro . James Smith of the Margate Lodge . "

Bro . Smith replied expressing the gratification he felt in being present at the opening of the Marlborough Lodge . Bros . Parks , Reade , and Scroggs returned thanks on behalf ofthe " Sister Lodges" in the

province . In proposing the health of tlie officers , the W . M . paid a well merited compliment to Bros . Dr . Stockweil , and M . Prior , and the other officers , for the very efficient manner in which they had discharged the duties uf their respective offices .

Bros . Mark Prior , and Stockweil acknowl edged the compliment paid them by ihe W . M . Tho remaining toast , " the Masonic Charities " & c , were duly honoured , after which the W . M . directed the Junior Warden to summon the

brethren front refreshment to the duties of the lodge , when it was proposed by the W . M ., seconded by Bro . M . Prior , and unanimousl y agreed that Bro . Goldsbroug h be elected as Honorary Member of the lodge .

Bro . Spiers , intimated his intention to offer for the acceptance of the lod ge a handsome alms box . A large number of propositions were made

Oxfordshire. — Consecration Of The Marlborough Lodge, No. 1399.

for brethren desirous of becoming joining members and on behalf of candidates for initiation . The lodge was then closed in antient form , and with solemn prayer and adjourned .

Capitular Freemasonry In Great Britain And Ireland.

CAPITULAR FREEMASONRY IN GREAT BRITAIN AND IRELAND .

BY COMPANION WILLIAM J AMES HUGHAN . The following interesting letter appeared in the appendix to the proceedings of the Grand Chapter of Pennsylvania for 1 S 71 : —

In response to the invitation of my esteemed friend , M . E . Companion C . E . Meyer , I will endeavour , as the time permits , to afford the Companions in Pennsylvania a glimpse of British Capitular Freemasonry .

To commence the series , according to custom , the Mark degree should of course , first receive notice . In Ireland Mark Masonry is comparatively

quiet at present . Chapters are not compelled to give the degree as preparatory to the Royal Arch , and although it is under the jurisdiction ofthe Grand Chapter , but little attention is paid to its peculiar and

impressive ceremonies . A distinctive mark may ( not must ) be adopted , and separate certificates are issued , if required . Six Mark Masters are required to be present at opening , who must be duly qualified to fill the offices of Master ,

Wardens , and Overseers . Members are accepted as Mark Masters under that Constitution without any intention of being exalted , just as with brethren who join the . Mark Lodges in Philadelphia ; ind in England , \ -e ., being , of course , Master

Masons . Some of the foregoing remarks having been made by me , and questioned , i submitted the points in dispute to the Assistant Grand Secretary to ihe ( irand Lodge of Ireland , and that most obliging Conmanioii confirmed my

statement in full . In a letter dated ist July , 1 S 71 , he observes : " ft is quite optional with brethren taking the Royal Arch to take the Mark degree ; i . e ., as far as Grand Chapter is concerned ; but very many chapters , by their By-laws , make it a prerequisite . " Hence it is clear that in Ireland .

( a ) r lhat . Mark degree is not a prerequisite for the Royal Arch Masonry , according to the laws of the Grand Chapter . (/•) Thai some chapters do not work the degree . ( c ) That lodges work under the Chapter warrants .

(

under its Constitution , has a ri ght to work the degree in Scotland , as a Craft Lodge , and many exercise that privilege : and , in fact , all can . It is considered by some authorities to belong lo the Second Degree , but no evidence in support of

tins position has been adduced . The earliest minute known which alludes to the degree is dated A . D . 177 S , of which we have a copy , and unequivocally connects the Mark Master , s deuree with the Master Mason .

Thc " Mark" is a prerequisite for Royal Arch Masonry under the Grand Chapter , and candidates for exaltation who have been " advanced " in a Craft Lodge are accepted as members of the Fourth Decree .

The Grand Chapter has granted warrants to form . Mark Lodges in England from A . D . 1 S 56 , bill never many at any time have been working . Some of these , however , have been most successful , particularly one now working at

Manchester . Some brethren , like the writer , belong to both Jurisdictions , and hope soon to see all undue rivalry at an end . The warrants contain a proviso that in the event of any governing body being recognized for the degree in Kngland , they should ipso facto be cancelled . It is believ-

Capitular Freemasonry In Great Britain And Ireland.

ed by many that the time has come for these warrants to be recalled , as a properly constituted governing body exists in England for the present time , with more than one hundred Mark Lodges on its roll , and some thousands of members . We anticipate ere long that the good understanding and fellowshi p always subsisting between the members of both organisations will

be indissolubly cemented by the withdrawal of the warrants for Scottish Mark . Lodges in England . Companions in the United States can feelingly sympathise with those who are suffering from "invasion of jurisdiction , " and although we in

England , as if ark Masters , are-content to wait patiently for free and full recognition of our claims by the . Grand Chapter of Scotland , we nevertheless shall be glad of a prompt response . In Scotland , then , the Mark degree ( 11 ) Is recognised by the Grand Lodge and Chapter .

(/•) It is a pre-requisite for Royal Arch Masonry . ( e ) It can be given in a Craft Lodge , Mark Lodge , or as preparatory for the Chapter , ((/) The Grand Chapter has Lodges in England .

( c ) Joining Companions not " marked , " must be before the affiliation is complete . In England the onl y degrees recognised by the Grand Lodge are the three first , the Past Master ( viz ., an installed Master of a Lodge only , who has been dul y elected , and formerly served as Warden ) and the Royal Arch .

I he " articles of union " of 1 S 13 , which bound the two rival Grand Lodges to certain degrees , and no more , omitted any mention of Mark Masonry ; and , although the Grand Chapter of Scotland and Mark Masters in England have endeavoured to secure the recognition of the degree by the Grand Lodge or Grand Chapter of England , they have signally failed .

\\ e say unhesitatingly , unless the Grand Lodge breaks its pledge , Mark Masonry cannot ) e recognized in England . The solemn promise made in 1813 effectually

shuts out the Mark degree , and it is of no service to inquire whether members were wise in so promising , as the pledge was given , and therefore must be honoured by all who value treaties among Masons .

'I Ins being so , the members of Mark Lodges were averse to remain as a bod y without a head , and , naturally objecting to any foreign rule , formed a Grand Lodge , A . D . 1 S 3 6 , with many Lodges under its jurisdiction . The degree has rapidly spread , and the Grand Lodge has

prospered exceedingly—so much so that now the Lodges muster more than one hundred ! Lord Leigh , the first Grand Master , is an esteemed Provincial Grand Master in the Craft . The next Grand Master was the Earl of Carnarvon , who is a Provineal Grand Master , and the present

Deputy Grand Master of England , ( i . e . the next in authority to the Marquis of Ripon ) . The third Grand Master was Viscount Holmesdale , also a Provincial Grand Master ; and the Grand Master at the present time is a deservedly esteemed and respected well-known Craft Mason

and estimable clergyman . Many well-known noblemen and brethren under the banner of English Freemasonry are proud to acknowledge their membership of this Grand Lodge , many of whom are Past Grand Wardens of the Craft Grand Lodge . Some of the Lodges are of "time

immemorial ' age , and have worked the degree no one knows how long , but certainly during the last century . Without such a Grand Lodge having been formed , the degree would have been little known in England , and although it is certainly a novel feature to have a Grand Lodge for

the . Mark degree , it is justifiable under the circumstances . The- same novelty as a governing bod y was instituted for Royal Arch Masons about the middle of the last century . Before then there was not a Grand Chapter anywhere over the globe , and never had been . The Roval

Arch Chapters had no governing body before A . D . 1750 , and , in response to the wants ofthe Companions , the "Ancients" formed a Grand Chapter , and the "Moderns" followed about A . D . 1766—new bodies entirely , as much as the Mark Grand Lod ge in 18 5 6 , but , like it , much wanted .

“The Freemason: 1872-07-06, Page 4” Masonic Periodicals Online, Library and Museum of Freemasonry, 20 Oct. 2025, django:8000/periodicals/fvl/issues/fvl_06071872/page/4/.
  • List
  • Grid
Title Category Page
TABLE OF CONTENTS Article 1
AIDS TO STUDY. Article 1
SURREY MASONIC HALL. Article 2
FREEMASONRY IN THE NORTH OF IRELAND. Article 2
FREEMASOARY IN NEW ZEALAND. Article 2
LODGE OF FORTITUDE, NO. 281, LANCASTER. Article 3
OXFORDSHIRE. — CONSECRATION OF THE MARLBOROUGH LODGE, No. 1399. Article 3
CAPITULAR FREEMASONRY IN GREAT BRITAIN AND IRELAND. Article 4
LANCASHIRE. —BARROIW-IN-FURNESS MASONIC CLUB. Article 5
Masonic Tidings. Article 5
Untitled Article 6
Untitled Article 6
Untitled Article 6
Untitled Article 6
Untitled Article 6
GRAND LODGE OF NEW YORK. U. S. A. Article 6
REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS. Article 8
Royal Arch. Article 10
Mark Masonry. Article 10
THE FREEMASONS AND THE REREDOS AT GLOUCESTER CATHEDRAL. Article 10
Obituary. Article 11
WHAT IS THE GOOD OF MASONRY? Article 11
WHAT MASONRY IS AND IS NOT. Article 11
THE MASTER MASON. Article 11
Multum in Parbo,or Masonic Notes and Queries. Article 12
Poetry. Article 12
METROPOLITAN MASONIC MEETINGS. Article 12
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Oxfordshire. — Consecration Of The Marlborough Lodge, No. 1399.

and it was felt when he took this lodge in hand , it would be a great success , Though this may be a summer lodge , I know from those who belong to it , that it will do credit to the province and to the Craft at large . After long experience ( and I believe I am the senior Mason present ) , I

must say that nothing has g iven me such pleasure as Freemasonry has . I thank you for your kind reception , which really deserves my best thanks , Ithankmy friend and Bro . Goldsbrough for the exceeding kind way he has spoken of me

and I wish you all every prosperity . " Bro . Goldsbrough ¦— It is with very sincere p leasure that I propose to you the next toast , which may be called the toast of the day , for it is the " Health of your Worshinful Master and

the first Master of this lodge . I feel assured you must all feel deeply grateful to that distinguished brother for consenting to be your guiding star . It has been my pleasure to know Bro . Brown for many years past , and this is the second time I have had the privilege of installing

him in the chair as the Worshipful Master of a lodge . I can fully endorse all that the Deputy Provincial Grand Master has said of his high qualifications as a Mason and as a friend and I call upon you to drink with fill' honours to the Health and prosperity of your Wo . shipful Master

Brother Brown . Bro . Brown— I am sure that my warmest thanks are due to my friend and brother Dr . Goldsbrough for the kind way he has proposed my health , and to you also , brethren , for accepting it in so hearty a manner . I have first to thank

you all for your attendance here this evening ; this town though not a very large place , is quite large enough for a Masonic lodge . It possesses many men of honourable and generous spirit , and I am happy to say the brethren in this town had the will to establish Masonry here , when money was mentioned , it was answered by " we

have the whole of the money ready to put down and should ; have , were double the amount required , the difficulty with us is to find a brother to attend as a Worshipful Master . " When I was asked to become the first Master , I accepted the duty with pleasure . Every circumstance connected with the formation of this

lodge encourages us to hope that this will be a most successful lodge . Bro . Spiers : —I have a very important toast to propose . It is one of the greatest possible importance , for it is the health ofthe brother who has brought you into existence as a lodge . I have

had the pleasure ol knowing Bro . Goldsbrough for many years , and I value him very hi ghly as a friend and a brother , and ' not only for his own sake but also on account of the high efficiency with which he discharges every duty he has to perform . I thank him especially for what he has done to-day for the lodge . I propose to you "The

Health of Bro . Dr . Goldsbrough , and our best thanks to him for the great service he has rendered this lodge . " Bro . Goldsbrough having returned thanks , the W . M . proposed the "Health if the Visitors , and coupled with the toast , Bro . James Smith of the Margate Lodge . "

Bro . Smith replied expressing the gratification he felt in being present at the opening of the Marlborough Lodge . Bros . Parks , Reade , and Scroggs returned thanks on behalf ofthe " Sister Lodges" in the

province . In proposing the health of tlie officers , the W . M . paid a well merited compliment to Bros . Dr . Stockweil , and M . Prior , and the other officers , for the very efficient manner in which they had discharged the duties uf their respective offices .

Bros . Mark Prior , and Stockweil acknowl edged the compliment paid them by ihe W . M . Tho remaining toast , " the Masonic Charities " & c , were duly honoured , after which the W . M . directed the Junior Warden to summon the

brethren front refreshment to the duties of the lodge , when it was proposed by the W . M ., seconded by Bro . M . Prior , and unanimousl y agreed that Bro . Goldsbroug h be elected as Honorary Member of the lodge .

Bro . Spiers , intimated his intention to offer for the acceptance of the lod ge a handsome alms box . A large number of propositions were made

Oxfordshire. — Consecration Of The Marlborough Lodge, No. 1399.

for brethren desirous of becoming joining members and on behalf of candidates for initiation . The lodge was then closed in antient form , and with solemn prayer and adjourned .

Capitular Freemasonry In Great Britain And Ireland.

CAPITULAR FREEMASONRY IN GREAT BRITAIN AND IRELAND .

BY COMPANION WILLIAM J AMES HUGHAN . The following interesting letter appeared in the appendix to the proceedings of the Grand Chapter of Pennsylvania for 1 S 71 : —

In response to the invitation of my esteemed friend , M . E . Companion C . E . Meyer , I will endeavour , as the time permits , to afford the Companions in Pennsylvania a glimpse of British Capitular Freemasonry .

To commence the series , according to custom , the Mark degree should of course , first receive notice . In Ireland Mark Masonry is comparatively

quiet at present . Chapters are not compelled to give the degree as preparatory to the Royal Arch , and although it is under the jurisdiction ofthe Grand Chapter , but little attention is paid to its peculiar and

impressive ceremonies . A distinctive mark may ( not must ) be adopted , and separate certificates are issued , if required . Six Mark Masters are required to be present at opening , who must be duly qualified to fill the offices of Master ,

Wardens , and Overseers . Members are accepted as Mark Masters under that Constitution without any intention of being exalted , just as with brethren who join the . Mark Lodges in Philadelphia ; ind in England , \ -e ., being , of course , Master

Masons . Some of the foregoing remarks having been made by me , and questioned , i submitted the points in dispute to the Assistant Grand Secretary to ihe ( irand Lodge of Ireland , and that most obliging Conmanioii confirmed my

statement in full . In a letter dated ist July , 1 S 71 , he observes : " ft is quite optional with brethren taking the Royal Arch to take the Mark degree ; i . e ., as far as Grand Chapter is concerned ; but very many chapters , by their By-laws , make it a prerequisite . " Hence it is clear that in Ireland .

( a ) r lhat . Mark degree is not a prerequisite for the Royal Arch Masonry , according to the laws of the Grand Chapter . (/•) Thai some chapters do not work the degree . ( c ) That lodges work under the Chapter warrants .

(

under its Constitution , has a ri ght to work the degree in Scotland , as a Craft Lodge , and many exercise that privilege : and , in fact , all can . It is considered by some authorities to belong lo the Second Degree , but no evidence in support of

tins position has been adduced . The earliest minute known which alludes to the degree is dated A . D . 177 S , of which we have a copy , and unequivocally connects the Mark Master , s deuree with the Master Mason .

Thc " Mark" is a prerequisite for Royal Arch Masonry under the Grand Chapter , and candidates for exaltation who have been " advanced " in a Craft Lodge are accepted as members of the Fourth Decree .

The Grand Chapter has granted warrants to form . Mark Lodges in England from A . D . 1 S 56 , bill never many at any time have been working . Some of these , however , have been most successful , particularly one now working at

Manchester . Some brethren , like the writer , belong to both Jurisdictions , and hope soon to see all undue rivalry at an end . The warrants contain a proviso that in the event of any governing body being recognized for the degree in Kngland , they should ipso facto be cancelled . It is believ-

Capitular Freemasonry In Great Britain And Ireland.

ed by many that the time has come for these warrants to be recalled , as a properly constituted governing body exists in England for the present time , with more than one hundred Mark Lodges on its roll , and some thousands of members . We anticipate ere long that the good understanding and fellowshi p always subsisting between the members of both organisations will

be indissolubly cemented by the withdrawal of the warrants for Scottish Mark . Lodges in England . Companions in the United States can feelingly sympathise with those who are suffering from "invasion of jurisdiction , " and although we in

England , as if ark Masters , are-content to wait patiently for free and full recognition of our claims by the . Grand Chapter of Scotland , we nevertheless shall be glad of a prompt response . In Scotland , then , the Mark degree ( 11 ) Is recognised by the Grand Lodge and Chapter .

(/•) It is a pre-requisite for Royal Arch Masonry . ( e ) It can be given in a Craft Lodge , Mark Lodge , or as preparatory for the Chapter , ((/) The Grand Chapter has Lodges in England .

( c ) Joining Companions not " marked , " must be before the affiliation is complete . In England the onl y degrees recognised by the Grand Lodge are the three first , the Past Master ( viz ., an installed Master of a Lodge only , who has been dul y elected , and formerly served as Warden ) and the Royal Arch .

I he " articles of union " of 1 S 13 , which bound the two rival Grand Lodges to certain degrees , and no more , omitted any mention of Mark Masonry ; and , although the Grand Chapter of Scotland and Mark Masters in England have endeavoured to secure the recognition of the degree by the Grand Lodge or Grand Chapter of England , they have signally failed .

\\ e say unhesitatingly , unless the Grand Lodge breaks its pledge , Mark Masonry cannot ) e recognized in England . The solemn promise made in 1813 effectually

shuts out the Mark degree , and it is of no service to inquire whether members were wise in so promising , as the pledge was given , and therefore must be honoured by all who value treaties among Masons .

'I Ins being so , the members of Mark Lodges were averse to remain as a bod y without a head , and , naturally objecting to any foreign rule , formed a Grand Lodge , A . D . 1 S 3 6 , with many Lodges under its jurisdiction . The degree has rapidly spread , and the Grand Lodge has

prospered exceedingly—so much so that now the Lodges muster more than one hundred ! Lord Leigh , the first Grand Master , is an esteemed Provincial Grand Master in the Craft . The next Grand Master was the Earl of Carnarvon , who is a Provineal Grand Master , and the present

Deputy Grand Master of England , ( i . e . the next in authority to the Marquis of Ripon ) . The third Grand Master was Viscount Holmesdale , also a Provincial Grand Master ; and the Grand Master at the present time is a deservedly esteemed and respected well-known Craft Mason

and estimable clergyman . Many well-known noblemen and brethren under the banner of English Freemasonry are proud to acknowledge their membership of this Grand Lodge , many of whom are Past Grand Wardens of the Craft Grand Lodge . Some of the Lodges are of "time

immemorial ' age , and have worked the degree no one knows how long , but certainly during the last century . Without such a Grand Lodge having been formed , the degree would have been little known in England , and although it is certainly a novel feature to have a Grand Lodge for

the . Mark degree , it is justifiable under the circumstances . The- same novelty as a governing bod y was instituted for Royal Arch Masons about the middle of the last century . Before then there was not a Grand Chapter anywhere over the globe , and never had been . The Roval

Arch Chapters had no governing body before A . D . 1750 , and , in response to the wants ofthe Companions , the "Ancients" formed a Grand Chapter , and the "Moderns" followed about A . D . 1766—new bodies entirely , as much as the Mark Grand Lod ge in 18 5 6 , but , like it , much wanted .

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