Reception Of The Masonic Members Of The British Association At York.

Bro . J- TODD , P . M . York Lodge , read the following paper on the " Records , & c , in the Archives of the York Lodge" : — On the present occasion , when the York brethren are _ honoured by the company of several who are distinguished , not only in the craft to which we belong , but also in the scientific world , as well as by a large assemblage of brethren from this and other provinces , it has been thought that it would not be uninteresting in producing for their inspection the records and antiquities in the possession of the York Lodge , if a few words descriptive of those records were also placed before them . In Masonic history the ancient

city of York has , from a very early period , held an important and prominent position ; indeed , 'there is no place more interesting to the Masonic studentthan the city which , by tradition and the evidence of the ancient manuscript contributions , is marked as the early seat of Masonry in this country . Nearly all the old constitutions , of which there upwards of twenty in existence , mention York as the place where , in early times , the mee in " -s or assemblies of the Craft were held , and from these meetings or assemblies there is ' little or no doubt that the Grand Lodge of All England , formerly held in the city , was ori ginally constituted . The history of the Grand Lodge has been ably written by

Bro . Hughan , the well-known Masonic writer , in his Masonic "Sketches and Reprints , " published in 1 S 71 . I need therefore only observe that , after a long and somewhat chequered career , it finally ceased to exist in the year 1792 . After its dissolution the valuable records and antiquities of the old Grand Lodge were transferred to the York Lod ^ e—in whose hall we are now assembled—for safe custody . The most important of these records consist of thc ancient MS . Constitutions , the minutes of proceedings of the Grand Lodge , a large amount of correspondence , and a number of miscellaneous documents , and with these were handed over the greater portion of the regalia used by the

Grand Lodge when in active working in York . As regards the MS . Constitutions , these were originally in the archives of the Grand Lodge , according to the inventory of its property , taken in 1799 , six in number . Of these five are now in the possession of the York Lodge . The first which is numbered is supposed to be of the date of 1 O 00 or thereabouts , and is unquestionably the most interesting as well as the oldest of all the documents It is composed of four pieces of parchment sewn together , andme asuring 7 ft . in length . It is endorsed " Found in Pontefract Castle , at the demolition , and riven to the lodge by Francis Drake , A . D . 1736 . " Dr . Drake , the eminent antiquarian

and historian of York , was at that time a prominent member oi the Grand Lodge , and took an active part in its proceedings . The demolition of Pontefract Cgstle commenced in April , 1 O 49 , but how this document found its way there , and how long it had remained in that fortress , it is impossible to ascertain . It was not , however , destinedto remain at York . After having been presented to the Grand Lodge by Bro . Drake , it was in fact lost sight of for a long period , until discovered , a few years ago by Bro . Hughan , in the Archives of the Grand Lodge of London , along with another of the York MSS ., and mainly through the exertions of Bro . P . M . Hollon , the senior member of this lodge ,

both were restored to its custody in 1 S 77 , the year its centenary was celebrated . T . he Roll No . 2 is the most modern of the York MSS ., and is also written on parchment , and is headed "The Constitutions of Masonry , 1704 . " It is , I believe , the only one of the York Constitution in which the word " Freemason " is made use of , the word " Mason " generally occurring . Both the MSS . 1 and 2 contain an Anagramme on Masonry , that in the latter being of a similar character to the former . The manuscript No . 3 , is unfortunately missing , and up to the present time has not been traced , lt is referred to in the Inventory of 1779 as a Parchment Roll of Charges on Masonry , 1 G 30 . No . 4 MS .

is dated 1 O 93 , and appears to have been written by Mark Kypiing , and there are also several signatures of officers or members of the lodge attached to it . It is written on a roll of paper IO _ feet long , and was given to the Grand Lodge by Bro . George Walker , of Wetherby , in 1777 . There is a peculiar clause in this MS ., providing for the admission of females , which is as follows : " The one of the elders taking the Booke . and that he or shee that is to be made Mason , shall lay their hands thereon and the charge shall be give . " Bro . the Rev . A . F . A . Woodford is of op inion that this MS . is of the earliest form of all the Masonic Constitutions , representing in its traditions form probably even anterior

to 1490 , and coeval with the Guild of Masons mentioned in the York Fabric Rolls , the passage relating to female membership pointing to a very early period of Guild history and organisation . The MS . also contains a special charge to apprentices , and is altogether a most interesting document . The MS . No . 5 is a long roll of paper , containing neither date nor signature , but its date is supposed to be about the year 1 G 70 . It is evidently a copy of MS . No . 1 , except that it indicates the book on which Apprentices were sworn to secrecy to be " Ye Holy Scripture . " This also occurs in the MS , 1704 . MS . No . 5 was published by Bro . Hughan in last month ' s "Masonic Magazine . " No .

G , tlie last of the MSS ., which was discovered in thc Grand Lodge of London along with No . 1 , is mentioned in the York inventory as " a parchment roll of charge , whereof the bottom part is awanting . " The date of it is about 1 OS 0 , and its contents are similar to the earlier Roll , but the conclusion is certainly different to all the known Mason MSS . It is as follows : " Doe all as you would be done with , and I beseech you at every meeting and assembly you pray heartily for all Christians . " Time does not permit of a further description of these interesting and valuable MSS . Most of them have been printed in the pages of the "Masonic Magazine , " or in the work of Bro . Hughan ,

who has done so much towards opening out the field of Masonic investigation , and all of them , being evidently transcripts of much older documents , are well worthy of attentive perusal . I come now to the minutes or proceedings of the old Grand Lodge , the first being a parchment roll , commencing 19 th March , 1712 when it appears that several members were sworn and admitted . There are also several minutes of lodges held prior to the revival , in London , in 1771 , when Sir Walter Hawksworth , Bart ., and Charles Fairfax , Esq ., were Grand Masters , or as they were then termed Presidents . In thc Inventory of 1779 , previously referred to , ' , is mentioned a Masonic folio

manuscript book , containing sundry accounts and minutes relative to the Grand Lodge ; and as the date of this minute book is twelve years earlier than the formation of the Grand Lodge of London , and it would no doubt show that speculative Masonry was in active existence in York at that period , it is earnestly to be hoped that this minute book will still be discovered . From the records in existence it appears that Dr . Francis Drake was initiated at a private lodge at the Star Inn , Stonegate , on the Oth September , 1725 , and in December of thc same year was chosen Junior Grand Warden . On St . lohn ' s day , 1726 , he delivered his celebrated charge at a Grand Lodge

held in the Merchants' Hall , York , which was afterwards printed , and a copy is still in the possession of this lodge . From 1734 to 17 G 1 the minutes arc preserved , but in the latter year the Grand Lodge was revived by six of the surviving members , Bro . Drake being elected Grand Master . The members from this date to 1774 arc very carefully entered . The minute book commencing 27 th December , 1774 , and ending 31 st July , 17 S 0 , and the minutes of the Grand Chapter , at York , commencing February , 177 S , and ending ioth September , 17 S 1 , were discovered by Bro . Hughan amongst the records of the Grand Lodge of London , and were restored to us . The latter book is interesting , as

containing a minute of a R . A . Chapter having been held in the crypt of York Minster on Sunday , 27 th May , 1778 . The minute is as follows : — "York Cathedral , 27 th May , ' 77 S . The Royal Arch brethren whose names are undermentioned assembled in the ancient lodge , now a sacred recess within the Cathedral Church of York , and then and there opened a chapter of Free and Accepted Masons in the most Sublime Degree of Koyal Arch . ( Here follow the names of nine brethren . ) The chapter was held , and then closed in usual form , being adjourned to the first Sunday in June , except in case of emergency . " In the Grand Lodge minute book , under date of February , 17 S 0 , is a

Kecord of proceedings of the companions of the honourable Order of Knights Templars ; and subsequently a resolution was agreed to affirming the authority of the Grand Lodge over the five Degrees or Orders of Alasonry , viz : —ist , Entered Apprentice ; 2 nd , Fellow Craft ; 3 rd , Master Mason ; 4 th , Knight Templar ; 5 th , Royal Arch ; being the only Grand Lodge in Great Britain which recognised Knight Templary . There is also a certificate issued by the Grand Lodge , signed John Brown , G . S ., as follows : — "Admitted ( ist Degree ) 20 th January , 1779 ; raised ( 2 nd Degree ) 29 th February , 1779 ; raised ( 3 rd Degree ) 27 th Seotember . 1770 : raised ( 4 th Desrree or R . A . M . ) . 27 th October , 1770 :

Knight Templar ( 5 th Degree ) 29 th November , 1779 . " This is believed to be the earliest official document in Great Britain and Ireland showing the connection of Knights templars with Freemasonry . The minutes of the Grand Lodge end . with an entry of 23 rd August , 1792 , which records thc election of officers , Bro . Edward jWooIlcy ( whose portrait hangs in the banqueting-room ) being elected Grand Master , Bro . George 'Mtson , paid Treasurer , and Bros . Richardson and Williams , Wardens . Amongst the records will be found a list of Masons made in the Grand Lodge from 1712 to 1734 , and

jroin 1761 to 1790 , a large number of them being members of the principal families in the north of England .. From 17 G 1 to 1790 about 200 members vferc initiated . The earliest record of the working of the Royal Arch Degree in York was until recently supposed to be an entry relating to a most sublime chapter having been opened Sth February , 177 S , although there is a mention of that Degree in the Treasurer ' s book a few years earlier . Last year , however , as Bro . Whytehead and myself were looking over thc books in the possession of the lodge , we discovered an old minute book of lhat Degree , commencing 7 th February , 1762 , thus showing the actual working of R . A , Masonry six-

Reception Of The Masonic Members Of The British Association At York.

teen years earlier by the members of the Grand Lodgeof York . Thc date of this , it will be observed , was very shortly after the revival of thc Grand Lodge before referred to , and lam not aware of any earlier records of the working of the R . A . Degree than those contained in the minute book thus discovered . There is also amongst the records of the Grand Lodge a sheet of parchment , endorsed , " Old Rules of thc Grand Lodge at York , 1725 , " which contain nineteen articles respecting thc conduct of business and refreshment ( the latter having evidently been an important matter ) at the meetings of the

Grand Lodge . Some of these arc of a very quaint and original character , and differ considerably from the constitutions of the Grand Lodge of London . In the "Book of Miscellaneous Records and Documents" will be found part of a minute book of " the Honourable Order of Knights Templars , assembled in the Grand Lodge-room at York , Sir Francis Smyth , G . M . " Thc first entry , under date of iSth February , 17 S 0 ( according to Bro . Hughan ) , is the earliest records of Masonic Templars in England . There is also a form of ritual entitled " Royal Union

Band of Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar Priests , Order of Aaron , " & c . ( whatever that may have been ) , and to which only Knights Templars appear to have been eligible for admission . The Order of " Knights of the Tabernacle" is mentioned in 17 S 0 . The book also contains various interesting matters relating to the proceedings of the old Grand Lodge , extending over a number of years . Amongst the furniture and paraphernalia of the Grand Lodge may be mentioned thc large silk banner , with the arms of the Grand Lodge , which is in a very excellent state of perservation ; a large

painting of the crypt of York Minster , which is now lying on thc lodge staircase ; a mahogany pedestal cushion , with crimson velvet cover , given by Bro . Sir Thos . Gascoigne , Bart . ; three columns of the Doric , Ionic , and Corinthian orders , with silver sockets ; three gavels placed on the pedestals of thc VV . M . and Wardens of the York Lodge ; also a pair of gold compasses , plate for summonses , seals of Grand Lodge and Chapter , and other relics , which are placed on the table for inspection , with description referring to them . I would also refer the brethren to a complete set of the

Constitution of the Grand Lodge of London , with one exception , some of which formerly belonged to the Grand Lodge of York . ' In conclusion , I need hardly say that the records and antiquities of the old Grand Lodge of York are highly prized by thc lodge in whose custody they now remain , and whilst it cannot be otherwise than a matter for regret that an institution composed in a great measure of thc first families in Yorkshire and the North of England , after having been in existence for so long a period should have become extinct , it is some satisfaction to be able to record that the Craft of which we are proud to be members continues to flourish in the ancient metropolis of the North of England .

Bro . T . B . WHYTEHEAD , P . M ., gave the concluding address , he said : It would not be right to break up this most pleasant gathering without some expression of feeling of the pleasure expressed by the brethren of York at the success of their undertaking , and of their hope tliat their visitors will have nothing to regret in the memory of thc evening they have passed under their roof Such gatherings as the one in which we have taken part this evening are of unquestionable value , taken from any point of view . To those who are young in Masonry , the association with brethren of age

and experiences must have an improving effect , and should urge them to follow in the footsteps of those whose labours have already made them famous . To those who are themselves active workers in the mines of Masonic research , the same association cannot but afford much pleasure from the advantage derived from the exchange of ideas , and from the encouragement afforded to perseverance in the paths they have already entered , whilst to those still older brethren who as yet have failed to find in Masonry anything of sufficient interest to engage their real attention , the display around them ,

as well as the addresses they have heard , will , I hope , prove that the Royal Art has an inner life and interest unknown to those who never penetrate behind the outer shell of our daily ceremonies . The day has long since gone by forthe repetition of the old fables , which at one time satisfied us , and we are now in danger of the opposite extreme of discrediting everything which cannot be absolutely proved by chapter and verse . Of the two mistakes , perhaps credulity may be the worst , but nothing could be mora fatal to the elucidation of such a necessarily obscure history as that of

Freemasonry than the absolute rejection of everything legendary . From day to day discoveries are made of more or less importance , and the columns of the Masonic press frequently record such finds . Bro . Lukis , of Ripon , made such a discovery a short time since in the diaries of Dr . Stakeley , and last week I had thc pleasure of announcing Bro . the Hon . Ord Powlett ' s discovery of a monumental slab of the 17 th century , recording the death of a Freemason , in VVcnsley Churchyard , North Yorkshire . It is from an accumulation of small facts that complete histories arc formed , and there are , doubtless ,

plenty of material yet to be disinterred to throw light upon our descent from media ; val guilds . I hold in my hand a copy of a paper published in York in 1775 , Etherington's York Chronicle , which came into my possession a few days ago , containing three consecutive advertisements of considerable interest . The warrant for thc Moriah Lodge was first issued to brethren of the ist Regiment of Yorkshire Militia at Sheffield , and was aftenvaids removed to York , where it met at the hostelrie named in an advertisement . It was under the authority of

Athol Grand Lodge , the Seceders , in 173 S , from the Grand Lodge of England . The Apollo , as Dr . Bell has told you , was under the authority of the Grand Lodge of England . Stapilton was Grand Master of the Grand Lodge at York . Thus wc have three lodges under three different Constitutions celebrating St . John's Day at York in 1775 . From lime to time the files of thc York papers of last century contain notices of the Freemasons sufficient in fact for the outline of a history of Masonry in this city , did not other records exist . . The importance of examination of old files in other counties

where lod" -c archives arc not to be found should not be overlooked . 1 had hoped to have seen here to night my friends and studonts ; Bros . R . F . Gould and W . J . Ilughan , the former our greatest Masonic statistician , and both of whose published works arc of inestimable value to the Masonic investigation . It is satisfactory to know that those brethren are now engaged in the production of a new history of Masonry , which will

embody all the latest discoveries . Brethren , we havc been delighted to have had the opportunity of greeting you in open lodge , and of extending to you our hospitality ; and on behalf of the Masons of York , I may assure you that if you have experienced as much pleasure from your visit as wc have done in your reception , our pains will not have been in vain . For ourselves , we shall ever remember with gratification our Masonic gathering at York in 1 SS 1 .

A paper was also read by Bro . . TEW , D-. P . G . M ., \ V . Yorks , on " Analogy between thc context of Freemasonry and the context of Science ; " and Bro . J . P . BELL delivered an exceedingly interesting address on " The History of Freemasonry in Yorkshire . " An excellent Masonic address was also given by Bro , HYDE CL . VRKE , P . M . W ., Grand Master of Columbia .

The following programme of music was excellently rendered by the Masonic Glee Party , consisting of Bros . Wilkinson , Todd , Kirby , Sanderson , Lee , Humphries , Marshall , and Cumberland , Bro . Tukc , Organist 236 , acting as musical director : Glee " Strike thc Lyre . " Cooke . Song ... ... ... " Madeline . " ... ... ... Nelson .

Bro . J . E . Wilkinson . r , \ ... ... A . " Evening's Twilights , " ... ... Hatton . tj ) ecs J Ii . "Absence . " Hatton . Bros . Wilkinson , Todd , Sanderson , and Cumberland . Song ,.. ... ... ... ... ... ••• Quartette ... ... " Of a' thc Airts . " ... Shore . ~ Bros . Wilkinson , Todd , Marshall , and Cumberland . Song ... ... ... "Village Blacksmith . " ... ' ... Weiss .

Bro . J . S . Cumberland . Glee ... ... ... "Hail Smiling Morn . " ... ... SpofforlVi . Masonic Glee Party . Quartette ... ... "Beware . " ... ... ... Hallon . ~ Bros . Wilkinson , Kirby , Sanderson , and Marshall . Glee ... ... ... "As the Moments Roll . " ... ... S . Wcbbc . Masonic Glee Party . " God Save the Oueen . "

Il would not be right to conclude without referring lo the unwearied labours extending over days and weeks of the joint Secretaries , Bros . Cumberland and Buckle , as well as of Bro . Whytehead , thc last of whom acled as Director of Ceremonies during the evening . The splendid success of thc gathering was unquestionably mainly due to these brethren .