-
Articles/Ads
Article To Correspondents. Page 1 of 1 Article Untitled Page 1 of 1 Article Original Correspondence. Page 1 of 1 Article Original Correspondence. Page 1 of 1 Article REVIEWS. Page 1 of 1 Article REVIEWS. Page 1 of 1 Article GRATIFYING PRESENTATION TO A THEATRICAL BROTHER. Page 1 of 1
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
To Correspondents.
To Correspondents .
The following reports , & c , stand over for want of space until our nex . : CRAFT LODGES—Faith , 141 ; St . Auhin ' s , 95 S ; Dramatic , 1609 ; Priory Lodge of Acton , 1996 . LODGES OK INSTRUCTION—Constitutional , 55 ; Man-17 G ; Belgrave , 749 ; Royal Alfred , 7 S 0 ; Hyde Park , 1425 ; Wanderers , 1604 ; Ubique , 17 S 9 . MARK LODGES—St . Mark ' s , 1 ; Industry , 293 . ROVAL ARCH CHAPTERS—Grove , 410 ; Earl of Lathom , 730 ; MethueM r _ . 83 . aa
Fidelity Preceptory , Leeds . Correspondence—Clifford White , P . M . 299 . Notes and Queries—Josh . Todd . Reviews . Excerpta from an old lodge minute book at Leeds . Opening of a New Masonic Hall at Natal . District Grand Lodge of Natal .
BOOKS , & c , RECEIVED . " Jewish Chronicle , * ' " Liberal Freemason , " " Sunday Times , " " Hull Packet , " "Masonic Token , " " Die Hauhiitte , " "Citizen , " " Royal Cornwall Gazette , " " Broad Arrow , " " Voice of Masonry , " " Keystone , " " Court Circular , " " Freemasons' Journal , " " Allen ' s Indian Mail , " "La Rcforma , " "Victorian Masonic Journal , " "Victorian Freemason , " "Monthly Magazine of Odd i ' elluws , " " I ' ricycling Journal . "
Ar00906
SATURDAY , NOVEMBER S , 1884 .
Original Correspondence.
Original Correspondence .
£ \ Ve do not hold ourselves responsible for , or even approving oi the opinions expressed by our correspondents , but we wish inaspiril of fair play to all to permit—within certain necessary limits—free discussion , ] ——MASONIC MENDICANCY . To the Editor of the " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , I have perused with much pleasure the able article with some very practicable suggestions by Bro . James Stevens , P . M ., P . Z ., & c , under the above heading in your last issue . As we are greatly indebted to the press generally for most good schemes brought to light , so I
think , sir , we shall be so indebted to you in thc matter of being able to cope with and ultimately devise an effectual scheme whereby we may be able to discountenance impostors and thereby be enabled to assist the worthy indigent brethren who may chance to have to claim our assistance . I quite agree and feel sure the Craft generally will almost , if not unanimously , agree with Bro . Stevens's idea as to the appointment of a Grand Almoner and
Assistant Grand Almoner , but fail to see any reason why they should not be paid officials the same as other remunerated ofiicers connected with the Craft and our various Institutions , it would doubtless be far preferable to pressing more work on the Grand Lodge offices . Let us hope that Bro . Stevens will lay the matter fully before his co-members of the Board of General Purposes , and if they deem it advisable , introduce the scheme for the
consideration , approval , and decision of Grand Lodge . We hear from every pulpit , and learn from that very powerful organ , the press , generally something of the evils in the train of indiscreet or indiscriminate almsgiving . In addition to numerous impositions from week to week , doubtless there are a great many deserving cases which have to go empty away , through not being able to decide at the moment whether impostor or not , ( such a case was
refused at the Masonic Hall , Camberwell , on Friday night last . ) There are thousands of brethren in our Order whose hearts burn to g ive a trifle when such claims are mentioned , but feel uncertain as to whether they are being victimised . The brother ' s letter from Chelsea , " signed " victimised " under the heading " Masonic Impostors , " gives some very good suggestions which fall in with my letter in your issue of the nth ult ., but I consider Bro . Stevens ' s
suggestions are a much more effectual mode of dealing with this important matter . Most lodges have a benevolent or charity fund , and in some cases with very considerable amounts therein , might they not be asked to contribute to keep support , together with the support from the General Fund , to meet the numerous claims which such an Establishment would be called on to meet . These letters , and such an Institution ,
if established , need not ever deter brethren from assisting wherever no suspicion of imposition rests . As we must not forget that " He who gives promptly gives twice , " and a little timely aid to a deserving case we doubt not doubly blesses the receiver as well as the giver . Let us hope for a little unity of action to set this desirable machinery in motion , and I think there is not a
member of our Order who will not admit it to be a great want supplied . It mi ght be extended with equal advantage to all provinces and districts . —Faithfully and fraternally yours , HENRY BALDWIN , Prov . G . S . B . Middx . 93 , Loughborough-road , Brixton , S . W . November 5 th , 1 SS 4 .
To the Editor of the "Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , A }^ ,. ? ? ? . S ' were ve T often "harassed" by "begging Masons , " who would call on the members of the lodge individually , and get a shilling from one , half-a-crown from another , and so on , making perhaps a haul of 30 s . in a day or two . Thc nuisance became so great that we decided to abate it if possible . We brother the
appointed a as lodge Almoner , to whom all cases were to be referred , the brethren agreeing to refuse g iving any sums personally . The Almoner had a discretionary power to relieve every case up to ios . If more than ios . was required the Almoner had to consult the W . M ., who decided on the amount . This plan has been continued to the presentjtime with marked success . For many years we have been very ; little troubled with Masonic mendicants , who would be detected
Original Correspondence.
on their second visit , as the same brother continues to hold the oflice . Indeed , we are nearly free of this " plague , " as all other lodges might be , by pursuing the same method . Bro . Stevens has evidently given a good deal of attention to the matter , and as he is a very practical brother , any suggestion coming from him always deserves consideration . But , the plan he proposes seems of too large proportions
for the subject , and reminds me somewhat of " the invention of a powder to kill fleas . " " The Ilea was to be held conveniently between the thumb and finger of the left hand , while a very small quantity of the powder was applied to the end of its trunk ; after which , if the same flea could be proved ever to have bit the person again , he was to have another packet of the powder for nothing . " ..
" The very first old woman the inventor sold a packet of the powder to unluckily asked him , * Whether , when she bad got the flea , if she should crack it under the nail it would not do as well ? ' The poor fellow could not but answer , 'That that way would do , too , and was so thunderstruck with thc objection that he never sold another packet . "—Yours fraternally , E . T . BUDDEN . Wimborne , 3 rd November .
Reviews.
REVIEWS .
PSALM XV . Music by D . M . DAVIS , Choir Master of the New West-end Synagogue . London and New York Novello , Ewer , and Co . We have been favoured with a copy of Bro . Davis's admirable setting of this Psalm , which was selected as being
so appropriate for singing in the synagogues at the special services held on the 26 th ult . to celebrate the centenary of Bro . Sir Moses Monteliore's birth . The composition is dedicated to Sir Moses , who , we feel sure , must be much pleased at Bro . Davis's artistic contribution to the memorials of the day .
COME , YE BLESSED OF MY FATHER . A motett for four voices—alto , two tenors , and bass . Composed and dedicated , by permission , to Sir Edmund A . H . Lechmere , Bart ., M . P ., R . W . Prov . Grand Master , and Prov . Grand Superintendent of Worcestershire , by Jas . FITZGERALD , P . M ., P . Z . 377 . London : Conrad Herzog
and Co ., 62 , Hatton Garden , E . C . This is a most creditable composition , and must enhance the reputation already achieved by Bro . Fitzgerald . It is admirably suited for the purpose for which it has been written , namely , to be sung in our Masonic lodges after thc alms have been collected—with or without accompaniment —or for similar purposes in any place of Divine worship .
ORATION . Delivered at a Special Meeting of the Prov . Grand Lodge of Leicestershire and Rutland on the Consecration of the Granite Lodge , No . 202 S , Narborough , by Bro . AMBROSE P . DAWSON , M . A ., Prov . Grand Chaplain . In preparing addresses to be delivered on such occasions as the consecration of a new . lodge , the great difficulty
always is to avoid , as much as possible , saying what has been said by others . Our Rev . Bro . Dawson , however , appears to have succeeded in presenting an address which was calculated to arouse thc sympathies of his audience . His theme was an old one , but he has written independently without anything like slavish imitation of others , and we may add that he has written well .
LODGE OF JOURNEYMEN MASONS , No . S , SCOTLAND . Bro . William Hunter , who is well-known to the Scottish Craft , and has done his part well as a Masonic historian in the past , has most opportunely rewritten and published his racy sketch of the " Lodge of Journeymen Masons . " In the preface he speaks of the articles on the subject
which he published in the "Freemasons' Magazine " ( London ) in 1858 * as probably " now almost entirely forgotten ; " but we can assure him there are many who still value those interesting accounts of that old lodge , and even so ! ateasiSS 3 Bro . Gould , in his "History of Freemasonry " ( vol II . ) , acknowledges his indebtedness to them , and obtains from that source many of the details he suoplies of
" yeolden tyme . " We do not accept Bro . Hunter ' s opinion that " few of the proceedings of the Lodge Journeymen are of such importance as to warrant their publication , " for the most readable history he has compiled of No . S contains not only several really important factsand illustrative documents , but he has written it in such a pleasant manner , that many who might be deterred from the perusal of a
larger or "drier" work , would , we feel persuaded , rise from the reading of this interesting little volume with considerable pleasure . We think , then , that the aim of the author will be attained , for thework cannot fail to be " gratifying , at least , to the members themselves , " and we shall be much surprised if it does not also obtain a wide circle of readers in no way connected with the lodge . After
presenting a brief review of the eventful past of the " Lodge Mary ' s Chapel , " No . 1 , from the sixteenth century , the "Incorporation of Wrights and Masons" is introduced , which was constituted in 1475 by an Act of the Magistrates of Edinburgh . In process of time other trades were added , the Glaziers , Upholsterers , and others being united to the Masons ; and Painters , Slaters , and Carpenters joined the
Wrights ( Carpenters ) , by decision of the Court of Session . This was in 1703 , the whole Company being known as the "United Incorporation of Mary ' s Chapel . " Bro . Hunter tells us " the lodge took the same name as the Incorporation , held its meetings in the same place , had generally the same clerk to record its transactions , and the deacon of the Masons was most frequently the Master of the lodge . " It is not clear yet whether the Incorporation had much , or
any , control over the lodge ; "indeed , in reading over the records , it is often difficult to say whether they refer to a separate society or the Incorporation itself . " The records of this ancient lodge having been so carefully examined , and made public by Grand Secretary Lyon in his noble volume , embracing , as it does , the history of No . 1 , and also the Grand Lodge of Scotland , we must pass over many of the details supplied by Bro . Hunter , and at once refer to
Reviews.
the separate existence of "Lodge Journeymen . " Its original minutes prior to 1730 are missing ; b '__ happily there arc preserved " occasional notices of the payment of subscriptions , of the election of oflice bearers , and of several laws passed at different times for the government of tho body . " We agree with Bro . Hunter in believing that the lodge really dates from 1707 , though some wc know favour the year 1709 , but that meetings were held prior to
the latter date , there is no doubt , for fhe resolution passed by the Journeymen in 170 S " to raise money for the poor was signed by forty-four brethren . " These names generally are to be found in the roll of Mary ' s Chapel Lodge . In December , 170 S , the members presented a petition to the parent lodge , complaining of certain grievances , which were in part remedied , but evidently thc Journeymen having started a lodge on their own account , tended to
complicate matters , and in 1712 the concessions of the Masters of No . 1 were withdrawn , which led the Journeymen present ( save two ) to leave the parent lodge , headed by Bro . James Watson , the Deacon of the Incorporation and Master . Open warfare was the result , and every endeavour was made to crush the new Society which had dared to dispute the authority of their Masters and super ! ors . The Journeymen were refused employment
and opposed in everyway possible ; but "they manfully , braved the fury of the mother lodge , backed , as it was , by thc whole strength of the Incorporation , and refused either to surrender their arms or break up their organisation . On a trifling pretence two of their leaders were apprehended and placed in confinement , " and their books were taken from _ them . An action was then raised for " wrongous imprisonment and unlawful abstraction of the books . "
Ultimately arbitration was agreed to , which resulted in the "Decreet Arbitral" of 1715 , by which the Journeymen were empowered to continue their organisation , so as " to meet together by themselves as a Society for giving the Mason ' s word , and to receive dues therefore . " It is the history , then , of all these extraordinary struggles that Bro . Hunter gives us so graphically in his
work , and the recital cannot but be interesting to the Craft universal , as also more particularly to the members . We commend its perusal to all those who desire a brief account of the peculiarities of Freemasonry in Scotland before the Grand Lodge was formed in 1736 , and since that period . We hope the reception of this history will be such as to induce Bro . Hunter to reissue another of his works , entitled " Burns as a Mason . "
Gratifying Presentation To A Theatrical Brother.
GRATIFYING PRESENTATION TO A THEATRICAL BROTHER .
Bro . Frank Emery , who has been lessee of the Prince of Wales Theatre , Liverpool . ' . for eight years , has recently given up the reins of government there for the purpose of taking up those of the Theatre Royal , Bath . He is a much esteemed member of the Liverpool Dramatic Lodge , No . 1609 , in which he held the post of Warden some time aco .
business alone preventing him from proceeding to the chair . Recently a gathering of an exceedingly pleasant character took place at the Neptune Hotel , Clayton-square , Liverpool , where a numerous and thoroughly representative body of gentleman assembled for the purpose of presenting Bro . Emery with a testimonial of their sincere esteem on the occasion of his giving up the management of the " Prince " to assume the " Bath . " He has won hosts of friendsduring
his eight years' spirited lesseeship of the Liverpool theatre , and the outcome of universal good will and high admiration was evinced in the presentation to him of a valuable diamond ring and artistically illuminated address . Thc news of Bro . Emery's intention to leave Liverpool caused general surprise and deep regret , and the expressions of the sincere esteem felt for him by his friends and brethren in particular and the public in general were most clearly
shown in connection with his farewell benefit , when a theatre crowded in every corner assembled to wish him good luck and good speed upon entering on his Bath campaign . The presentation scheme was set on foot by Mr . Henry Heard , proprietor of tho Neptune Hotel , and he had no difficulty whatever in quickly raising sufficient funds to secure a substantial testimonial . The presentation gathering was presided over by Mr . John Wrenn , and the
company also included Bro . Alderman Grindley , Councillors Bros . T . H . Sheen and T . VV . Oakshott , Mr . H . Bolland , Bro . Joseph Bell , Bro . Captain Larmor , Mr . T . M'Cracken , Mr . S . Thompson , Bro . J . G . Jacobs , Mr . J . Metcalf , Mr . J . R . Barrett , Bro . B . Hughes , Bro . J . Cantor , Bro . f . O . Marples , Mr . S . Campbell , Bro . A . Ralph , Bro . T . Hamson , Bro . J . M . Boyd , Bro . J . B . M'Kenzie , Mr . J . N . Petrie , Mr . C . H . Kelly , Bro . I . H . Parker . Mr . H . Heard .
Mr . W . E . Smith , Bro . D . Gumming , and others . Mr . WRENN , as one of Bro . Emery's oldest friends in Liverpool , made the presentation of the address and diamond ring in a very feeling speech , in which he spoke of the esteem in which Bro . Emery was held by every one in Liverpool , and assured him of the regret which all his numerous friends felt in parting with him . Bro . T . HAMSON followed with a few appropriate
remarks , wishing Bro . Emery every success in his new sphere of life—a success which his long experience in Liverpool more than entitled him to . Bros . Councillor OAKSHOTT , Alderman GRINDLEY , J . B . M'KENZIE , D . CuMMiNG , and other gentlemen spoke in similar terms , after which Bro . EMERY , who was deeply moved , acknowledged thc presentation , remarking that to part from his many friends
in Liverpool was a very severe pang indeed . Bro . Councillor SHEEN proposed "The Health of Mrs . Emery , " which was seconded by Mr . S . CAMPBELL , and cordially drank , after which the company separated , wishing Bro . Emery every success in the management of his new undertaking at Bath . The following is the text of the address , whicli was prepared and illuminated in very attractive and artistic style
by Bro . J . Orr Marples , Liverpool and London-chambers : "To Frank Emery , Esq . Dear Sir , —We cannot allow your connection with the Prince of Wales's Theatre , after a lesseeship of eight years , to cease without expressing our appreciation of and regard for your personal worth and professional qualifications . In asking your acceptance
of the accompanying diamond ring , we sincerely hope that your future career may be successful , and that your life may be long , happy , and prosperous . " The address was signed by Mrs . E . Saker , of the Royal Alexandra Theatre , and about forty gentlemen , the majority o £ whom were present at the interesting gathering .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
To Correspondents.
To Correspondents .
The following reports , & c , stand over for want of space until our nex . : CRAFT LODGES—Faith , 141 ; St . Auhin ' s , 95 S ; Dramatic , 1609 ; Priory Lodge of Acton , 1996 . LODGES OK INSTRUCTION—Constitutional , 55 ; Man-17 G ; Belgrave , 749 ; Royal Alfred , 7 S 0 ; Hyde Park , 1425 ; Wanderers , 1604 ; Ubique , 17 S 9 . MARK LODGES—St . Mark ' s , 1 ; Industry , 293 . ROVAL ARCH CHAPTERS—Grove , 410 ; Earl of Lathom , 730 ; MethueM r _ . 83 . aa
Fidelity Preceptory , Leeds . Correspondence—Clifford White , P . M . 299 . Notes and Queries—Josh . Todd . Reviews . Excerpta from an old lodge minute book at Leeds . Opening of a New Masonic Hall at Natal . District Grand Lodge of Natal .
BOOKS , & c , RECEIVED . " Jewish Chronicle , * ' " Liberal Freemason , " " Sunday Times , " " Hull Packet , " "Masonic Token , " " Die Hauhiitte , " "Citizen , " " Royal Cornwall Gazette , " " Broad Arrow , " " Voice of Masonry , " " Keystone , " " Court Circular , " " Freemasons' Journal , " " Allen ' s Indian Mail , " "La Rcforma , " "Victorian Masonic Journal , " "Victorian Freemason , " "Monthly Magazine of Odd i ' elluws , " " I ' ricycling Journal . "
Ar00906
SATURDAY , NOVEMBER S , 1884 .
Original Correspondence.
Original Correspondence .
£ \ Ve do not hold ourselves responsible for , or even approving oi the opinions expressed by our correspondents , but we wish inaspiril of fair play to all to permit—within certain necessary limits—free discussion , ] ——MASONIC MENDICANCY . To the Editor of the " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , I have perused with much pleasure the able article with some very practicable suggestions by Bro . James Stevens , P . M ., P . Z ., & c , under the above heading in your last issue . As we are greatly indebted to the press generally for most good schemes brought to light , so I
think , sir , we shall be so indebted to you in thc matter of being able to cope with and ultimately devise an effectual scheme whereby we may be able to discountenance impostors and thereby be enabled to assist the worthy indigent brethren who may chance to have to claim our assistance . I quite agree and feel sure the Craft generally will almost , if not unanimously , agree with Bro . Stevens's idea as to the appointment of a Grand Almoner and
Assistant Grand Almoner , but fail to see any reason why they should not be paid officials the same as other remunerated ofiicers connected with the Craft and our various Institutions , it would doubtless be far preferable to pressing more work on the Grand Lodge offices . Let us hope that Bro . Stevens will lay the matter fully before his co-members of the Board of General Purposes , and if they deem it advisable , introduce the scheme for the
consideration , approval , and decision of Grand Lodge . We hear from every pulpit , and learn from that very powerful organ , the press , generally something of the evils in the train of indiscreet or indiscriminate almsgiving . In addition to numerous impositions from week to week , doubtless there are a great many deserving cases which have to go empty away , through not being able to decide at the moment whether impostor or not , ( such a case was
refused at the Masonic Hall , Camberwell , on Friday night last . ) There are thousands of brethren in our Order whose hearts burn to g ive a trifle when such claims are mentioned , but feel uncertain as to whether they are being victimised . The brother ' s letter from Chelsea , " signed " victimised " under the heading " Masonic Impostors , " gives some very good suggestions which fall in with my letter in your issue of the nth ult ., but I consider Bro . Stevens ' s
suggestions are a much more effectual mode of dealing with this important matter . Most lodges have a benevolent or charity fund , and in some cases with very considerable amounts therein , might they not be asked to contribute to keep support , together with the support from the General Fund , to meet the numerous claims which such an Establishment would be called on to meet . These letters , and such an Institution ,
if established , need not ever deter brethren from assisting wherever no suspicion of imposition rests . As we must not forget that " He who gives promptly gives twice , " and a little timely aid to a deserving case we doubt not doubly blesses the receiver as well as the giver . Let us hope for a little unity of action to set this desirable machinery in motion , and I think there is not a
member of our Order who will not admit it to be a great want supplied . It mi ght be extended with equal advantage to all provinces and districts . —Faithfully and fraternally yours , HENRY BALDWIN , Prov . G . S . B . Middx . 93 , Loughborough-road , Brixton , S . W . November 5 th , 1 SS 4 .
To the Editor of the "Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , A }^ ,. ? ? ? . S ' were ve T often "harassed" by "begging Masons , " who would call on the members of the lodge individually , and get a shilling from one , half-a-crown from another , and so on , making perhaps a haul of 30 s . in a day or two . Thc nuisance became so great that we decided to abate it if possible . We brother the
appointed a as lodge Almoner , to whom all cases were to be referred , the brethren agreeing to refuse g iving any sums personally . The Almoner had a discretionary power to relieve every case up to ios . If more than ios . was required the Almoner had to consult the W . M ., who decided on the amount . This plan has been continued to the presentjtime with marked success . For many years we have been very ; little troubled with Masonic mendicants , who would be detected
Original Correspondence.
on their second visit , as the same brother continues to hold the oflice . Indeed , we are nearly free of this " plague , " as all other lodges might be , by pursuing the same method . Bro . Stevens has evidently given a good deal of attention to the matter , and as he is a very practical brother , any suggestion coming from him always deserves consideration . But , the plan he proposes seems of too large proportions
for the subject , and reminds me somewhat of " the invention of a powder to kill fleas . " " The Ilea was to be held conveniently between the thumb and finger of the left hand , while a very small quantity of the powder was applied to the end of its trunk ; after which , if the same flea could be proved ever to have bit the person again , he was to have another packet of the powder for nothing . " ..
" The very first old woman the inventor sold a packet of the powder to unluckily asked him , * Whether , when she bad got the flea , if she should crack it under the nail it would not do as well ? ' The poor fellow could not but answer , 'That that way would do , too , and was so thunderstruck with thc objection that he never sold another packet . "—Yours fraternally , E . T . BUDDEN . Wimborne , 3 rd November .
Reviews.
REVIEWS .
PSALM XV . Music by D . M . DAVIS , Choir Master of the New West-end Synagogue . London and New York Novello , Ewer , and Co . We have been favoured with a copy of Bro . Davis's admirable setting of this Psalm , which was selected as being
so appropriate for singing in the synagogues at the special services held on the 26 th ult . to celebrate the centenary of Bro . Sir Moses Monteliore's birth . The composition is dedicated to Sir Moses , who , we feel sure , must be much pleased at Bro . Davis's artistic contribution to the memorials of the day .
COME , YE BLESSED OF MY FATHER . A motett for four voices—alto , two tenors , and bass . Composed and dedicated , by permission , to Sir Edmund A . H . Lechmere , Bart ., M . P ., R . W . Prov . Grand Master , and Prov . Grand Superintendent of Worcestershire , by Jas . FITZGERALD , P . M ., P . Z . 377 . London : Conrad Herzog
and Co ., 62 , Hatton Garden , E . C . This is a most creditable composition , and must enhance the reputation already achieved by Bro . Fitzgerald . It is admirably suited for the purpose for which it has been written , namely , to be sung in our Masonic lodges after thc alms have been collected—with or without accompaniment —or for similar purposes in any place of Divine worship .
ORATION . Delivered at a Special Meeting of the Prov . Grand Lodge of Leicestershire and Rutland on the Consecration of the Granite Lodge , No . 202 S , Narborough , by Bro . AMBROSE P . DAWSON , M . A ., Prov . Grand Chaplain . In preparing addresses to be delivered on such occasions as the consecration of a new . lodge , the great difficulty
always is to avoid , as much as possible , saying what has been said by others . Our Rev . Bro . Dawson , however , appears to have succeeded in presenting an address which was calculated to arouse thc sympathies of his audience . His theme was an old one , but he has written independently without anything like slavish imitation of others , and we may add that he has written well .
LODGE OF JOURNEYMEN MASONS , No . S , SCOTLAND . Bro . William Hunter , who is well-known to the Scottish Craft , and has done his part well as a Masonic historian in the past , has most opportunely rewritten and published his racy sketch of the " Lodge of Journeymen Masons . " In the preface he speaks of the articles on the subject
which he published in the "Freemasons' Magazine " ( London ) in 1858 * as probably " now almost entirely forgotten ; " but we can assure him there are many who still value those interesting accounts of that old lodge , and even so ! ateasiSS 3 Bro . Gould , in his "History of Freemasonry " ( vol II . ) , acknowledges his indebtedness to them , and obtains from that source many of the details he suoplies of
" yeolden tyme . " We do not accept Bro . Hunter ' s opinion that " few of the proceedings of the Lodge Journeymen are of such importance as to warrant their publication , " for the most readable history he has compiled of No . S contains not only several really important factsand illustrative documents , but he has written it in such a pleasant manner , that many who might be deterred from the perusal of a
larger or "drier" work , would , we feel persuaded , rise from the reading of this interesting little volume with considerable pleasure . We think , then , that the aim of the author will be attained , for thework cannot fail to be " gratifying , at least , to the members themselves , " and we shall be much surprised if it does not also obtain a wide circle of readers in no way connected with the lodge . After
presenting a brief review of the eventful past of the " Lodge Mary ' s Chapel , " No . 1 , from the sixteenth century , the "Incorporation of Wrights and Masons" is introduced , which was constituted in 1475 by an Act of the Magistrates of Edinburgh . In process of time other trades were added , the Glaziers , Upholsterers , and others being united to the Masons ; and Painters , Slaters , and Carpenters joined the
Wrights ( Carpenters ) , by decision of the Court of Session . This was in 1703 , the whole Company being known as the "United Incorporation of Mary ' s Chapel . " Bro . Hunter tells us " the lodge took the same name as the Incorporation , held its meetings in the same place , had generally the same clerk to record its transactions , and the deacon of the Masons was most frequently the Master of the lodge . " It is not clear yet whether the Incorporation had much , or
any , control over the lodge ; "indeed , in reading over the records , it is often difficult to say whether they refer to a separate society or the Incorporation itself . " The records of this ancient lodge having been so carefully examined , and made public by Grand Secretary Lyon in his noble volume , embracing , as it does , the history of No . 1 , and also the Grand Lodge of Scotland , we must pass over many of the details supplied by Bro . Hunter , and at once refer to
Reviews.
the separate existence of "Lodge Journeymen . " Its original minutes prior to 1730 are missing ; b '__ happily there arc preserved " occasional notices of the payment of subscriptions , of the election of oflice bearers , and of several laws passed at different times for the government of tho body . " We agree with Bro . Hunter in believing that the lodge really dates from 1707 , though some wc know favour the year 1709 , but that meetings were held prior to
the latter date , there is no doubt , for fhe resolution passed by the Journeymen in 170 S " to raise money for the poor was signed by forty-four brethren . " These names generally are to be found in the roll of Mary ' s Chapel Lodge . In December , 170 S , the members presented a petition to the parent lodge , complaining of certain grievances , which were in part remedied , but evidently thc Journeymen having started a lodge on their own account , tended to
complicate matters , and in 1712 the concessions of the Masters of No . 1 were withdrawn , which led the Journeymen present ( save two ) to leave the parent lodge , headed by Bro . James Watson , the Deacon of the Incorporation and Master . Open warfare was the result , and every endeavour was made to crush the new Society which had dared to dispute the authority of their Masters and super ! ors . The Journeymen were refused employment
and opposed in everyway possible ; but "they manfully , braved the fury of the mother lodge , backed , as it was , by thc whole strength of the Incorporation , and refused either to surrender their arms or break up their organisation . On a trifling pretence two of their leaders were apprehended and placed in confinement , " and their books were taken from _ them . An action was then raised for " wrongous imprisonment and unlawful abstraction of the books . "
Ultimately arbitration was agreed to , which resulted in the "Decreet Arbitral" of 1715 , by which the Journeymen were empowered to continue their organisation , so as " to meet together by themselves as a Society for giving the Mason ' s word , and to receive dues therefore . " It is the history , then , of all these extraordinary struggles that Bro . Hunter gives us so graphically in his
work , and the recital cannot but be interesting to the Craft universal , as also more particularly to the members . We commend its perusal to all those who desire a brief account of the peculiarities of Freemasonry in Scotland before the Grand Lodge was formed in 1736 , and since that period . We hope the reception of this history will be such as to induce Bro . Hunter to reissue another of his works , entitled " Burns as a Mason . "
Gratifying Presentation To A Theatrical Brother.
GRATIFYING PRESENTATION TO A THEATRICAL BROTHER .
Bro . Frank Emery , who has been lessee of the Prince of Wales Theatre , Liverpool . ' . for eight years , has recently given up the reins of government there for the purpose of taking up those of the Theatre Royal , Bath . He is a much esteemed member of the Liverpool Dramatic Lodge , No . 1609 , in which he held the post of Warden some time aco .
business alone preventing him from proceeding to the chair . Recently a gathering of an exceedingly pleasant character took place at the Neptune Hotel , Clayton-square , Liverpool , where a numerous and thoroughly representative body of gentleman assembled for the purpose of presenting Bro . Emery with a testimonial of their sincere esteem on the occasion of his giving up the management of the " Prince " to assume the " Bath . " He has won hosts of friendsduring
his eight years' spirited lesseeship of the Liverpool theatre , and the outcome of universal good will and high admiration was evinced in the presentation to him of a valuable diamond ring and artistically illuminated address . Thc news of Bro . Emery's intention to leave Liverpool caused general surprise and deep regret , and the expressions of the sincere esteem felt for him by his friends and brethren in particular and the public in general were most clearly
shown in connection with his farewell benefit , when a theatre crowded in every corner assembled to wish him good luck and good speed upon entering on his Bath campaign . The presentation scheme was set on foot by Mr . Henry Heard , proprietor of tho Neptune Hotel , and he had no difficulty whatever in quickly raising sufficient funds to secure a substantial testimonial . The presentation gathering was presided over by Mr . John Wrenn , and the
company also included Bro . Alderman Grindley , Councillors Bros . T . H . Sheen and T . VV . Oakshott , Mr . H . Bolland , Bro . Joseph Bell , Bro . Captain Larmor , Mr . T . M'Cracken , Mr . S . Thompson , Bro . J . G . Jacobs , Mr . J . Metcalf , Mr . J . R . Barrett , Bro . B . Hughes , Bro . J . Cantor , Bro . f . O . Marples , Mr . S . Campbell , Bro . A . Ralph , Bro . T . Hamson , Bro . J . M . Boyd , Bro . J . B . M'Kenzie , Mr . J . N . Petrie , Mr . C . H . Kelly , Bro . I . H . Parker . Mr . H . Heard .
Mr . W . E . Smith , Bro . D . Gumming , and others . Mr . WRENN , as one of Bro . Emery's oldest friends in Liverpool , made the presentation of the address and diamond ring in a very feeling speech , in which he spoke of the esteem in which Bro . Emery was held by every one in Liverpool , and assured him of the regret which all his numerous friends felt in parting with him . Bro . T . HAMSON followed with a few appropriate
remarks , wishing Bro . Emery every success in his new sphere of life—a success which his long experience in Liverpool more than entitled him to . Bros . Councillor OAKSHOTT , Alderman GRINDLEY , J . B . M'KENZIE , D . CuMMiNG , and other gentlemen spoke in similar terms , after which Bro . EMERY , who was deeply moved , acknowledged thc presentation , remarking that to part from his many friends
in Liverpool was a very severe pang indeed . Bro . Councillor SHEEN proposed "The Health of Mrs . Emery , " which was seconded by Mr . S . CAMPBELL , and cordially drank , after which the company separated , wishing Bro . Emery every success in the management of his new undertaking at Bath . The following is the text of the address , whicli was prepared and illuminated in very attractive and artistic style
by Bro . J . Orr Marples , Liverpool and London-chambers : "To Frank Emery , Esq . Dear Sir , —We cannot allow your connection with the Prince of Wales's Theatre , after a lesseeship of eight years , to cease without expressing our appreciation of and regard for your personal worth and professional qualifications . In asking your acceptance
of the accompanying diamond ring , we sincerely hope that your future career may be successful , and that your life may be long , happy , and prosperous . " The address was signed by Mrs . E . Saker , of the Royal Alexandra Theatre , and about forty gentlemen , the majority o £ whom were present at the interesting gathering .