-
Articles/Ads
Article PERCY LODGE OF INSTRUCTION, No. 198. Page 1 of 1 Article PERCY LODGE OF INSTRUCTION, No. 198. Page 1 of 1 Article MASONIC WEEK AT KIDDERMINSTER. Page 1 of 2 Article MASONIC WEEK AT KIDDERMINSTER. Page 1 of 2 →
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Percy Lodge Of Instruction, No. 198.
PERCY LODGE OF INSTRUCTION , No . 198 .
The annual supper of this Lodge of Instruction took place on Thursday , the iSih ult ., at Bro . Langdale ' s , the Jolly Farmers , Southgate-road , Islington , and owing to the indefatigable exertions of its able Secretary , Bro . R . VV . Galer , was a complete success . Owing to a family anniversary the W . M . of the mother lodge was unable to filled
preside , as intended , but his place was ably by Bro . I . P . Cohen , the respected Preceptor of the lodge , who was supported by a number of brethren of Masonic eminence , amongst those who were present we may mention Bros . J . A . Powell , the originator of the resuscitation of the lodge ; R . W . Galer , the Sec . ; A . W . Fenner , its Treas . ; Brown Kidder , F . Brasted , A . Mullord , J . Glass , P . Recknell , G . J . Barnett , W . Aynsley , J . Robinson , H . J . Kirk , J . VV . Lewis BrettGriffiths
Saunders , VV . J . Nicholls , E . G . , E . , , A . Cook , M . E . Keogh , R . Aslett , W . Beatton , Green , H . Barnett , Yates , White , Wood , J . A . Collings , Bayne , and Langdale . Alter the supper , which was served in a very satisfactory manner by Bro . Langdale , the usual loyal toasts were given and responded to in a very patriotic manner . The National Anthem being ably rendered by Bro . Mullord , and was
also sung by the whole of the company , Bro . Collings kindly presiding at the piano . The next toast given by the PRESIDENT was that which may be considered the toast of the evening , " Success to the Percy Lodge of Instruction , No . igS . " In doing so , Bro . COHEN remarked that he thought it was not his province to propose the toast , having the honour of being its Preceptor . The lodge claimed to be the oldest and best
attended Lodge of Instruction in London , and nothing was more gratifying to himself and the members than to see the continued success of the lodge , and trusted it would have the same support for many years to come , so that it may continue to maintain its present proud position . Unanimity and concord , good fellowship , and harmony have always prevailed in it , which makes it a pleasure for himself and to those who have the fortune to become members of it .
The brethren might always rely on him in doing his utmost to make it , if possible , still more successful ; its success is owing , in a very great measure , to the exertions of its Secretary , Bro . Galer , who is always promoting its best interests ; and , he felt sure , while they had such a brother as Secretary , the lodge would never fail . In conclusion , he begged to couple with the toast the names of Bros . J . A . Powell and A . VV . Fenner , as being the oldest members of
the lodge present . The toast was heartily responded to . Bro . YATES here kindly gave a recitation— " The Fireman ' s Wedding . " Bro . POWELL , responding , thanked the brethren for the kind reception of the toast , and congratulated the Preceptor and Secretary on the success which still attended their exertions , and hoped it would continue for many years to
come , he was very much gratified to find that since its resuscitation the lodge had done a vast amount of good by assisting in bringing so many eminent Masons to the front , and wished it greater success , if possible . Bro . FENNER responded in a short speech , which embodied all the good feelings which one brother could express towards another , and , if required , he would still give his services in any way that might be required , or
was in his power , in furtherance of the interests of the lodge . Bro . POWELL then gave "The Health of the Preceptor , Bro . Cohen , " than whom a more kindly , genial , or efficient brother could not be . He was always willing to instruct any brother who was anxious to attain that amount of
proficiency which was so essential to fit him to discharge the duties of any office in his mother lodge ; also to our Secretary , Bro . Galer , we owe much for his indefatigable exertions in the interests of the lodge , and who is always at his post , and to whom , in a great measure , the success of the lodge is due . . The toast was received with all the honours it deserved .
Bro . COHEN , in thanking the brethren , said what I have done to deserve the encomiums passed upon me by Bro . Powell I do not know . As far as I am concerned I simply do my best in conveying the knowledge to those brethren who may require it , and nothing gives me greater pleasure than to see the pupils attending the lodge keep to the right path . It is the only Lodge of Instruction I attend since you were kind enough to elect me your Preceptor ,
and I throw my whole heart and soul in my work , and I hope T . G . A . O . T . U . will bless me with health and strength to continue for many years to carry on successfully the good work of this Lodge of Instruction , and I here tender my thanks to the many brethren for their kindness in supporting me during my term of office , and to assure them I shall never forget it , and 1 consider it my duty in return for that kindness to perform my office with greater assiduity
than ever . Brethren , I again thank you . Bro . R . VV . GALER , responding , observed there was not much left for him to say , only to regret that Bro . Lambert , the much respected W . M . of the mother lodge , was not present to hear how the Lodge of Instruction had progressed . He could not go into any statistics , as the year had not quite been completed , but he could , with great pleasure inform the brethren that it had sent up money to
the Masonic Charities during the past year , and that the average attendance of its members had been increased . It had been said that the Strong Man Lodge of Instruction was the oldest , but there was documentary evidence to prove that this Lodge of Instruction was held as a club of instruction previous to the year 1791 . Thus proving it to be the premier Lodge of Instruction in London , and he felt proud in being its Secretary , and expressed his thanks to
the brethren generally for their good feeling and kind support during his Secretaryship , and also for the hearty manner they had drank his health . "The Healths of the President , Bro . Glass , " "The Secretary , Bro . R . W . Galer , " and "The Treasurer , Bro . I . P . Cohen , " of the Percy Charity Association , were then proposed by Bro . FENNER , who congratulated those
brethren on the good results which had attended their labours . These Associations had done wonderful service in aid of the various Charities , and the Percy Association had been the means of sending up a large amount to the Institutions , and still continued to do so , and asked the brethren to do full honour to the toast , which was very cordially responded to . Bro . GLASS responding for himself thanked the brethren
Percy Lodge Of Instruction, No. 198.
for the compliment paid him , he could assure them that he felt proud of the honour of being President of the Percy Association and would exert himself to the utmost in bringing it to a successful issue , he remembered the time when his esteemed friend , Bro . Brasted , invited him to the Percy Lodgeof Instruction , and it was with fear and trembling he ascended the stairs leading to this room ( our esteemed brother is not much under 17 stone in weight ) but he soon
got over the nervousness , and became deeply impressed with the kind , and brotherly feeling exhibited towards him on that memorable evening . Well , he was proud to say he had learnt what Freemasonry should be , and that , through attending lodges of instruction , and that those brethren exercise the utmost self denial , who give their time to a lodge of instruction to ensure its success to encourage younger brethren , and it must be exceedingly interesting
to those who have gone through it all , to instruct others Lodges of Instruction like the Percy are very essential , and much to be appreciated by the whole of the Craft , and he hoped this lodge would go on with success as heretofore . What the association had done was by combination of the brethren , to ensure a large amount for the benefit of the Charities and trusted there would be many more associations formed on the same basis as the Percy .
Bros . GALER and COHEN followed , and spoke of the good such associations had done for the various Charities , and supported Bro . Glass in the views expressed by him on that subject . "The Visitors" toast followed , and was proposed by Bro . COHEN in a very happy speech , wherein he gave each a cordial welcome , and assured those who had not availed themselves of the benefit of lodges of instruction to do so
without loss of time , every attention was given by himself to those brethren who required instruction , and informed them , besides the rituals , Sections in the various degrees were worked , that the brethren might have a greater knowledge of the groundwork of what Freemasonry really is . The toast was well received . Bros . H . ' BARNETT , WHITE , WOOD , GREEN , and A . CORK responded by thanking the brethren for the cordial manner they had been received , and expressed their intention of becoming
members of this Lodge of Instruction . The next toast was that of "Success to the Mother Lodge , " which was heartily received and duly honoured , as was also that of " Bros . A . Mullord , Bayne , Collings , Brasted , Yates , Kirk and Langdale , " who so kindly contributed to the enjoyment of the evening , which toast was cordially received and duly acknowledged by Bro . MULLORD on behalf of himself and the other brethren , which brought to a close one of the most enjoyable evenings spent at the Jolly Farmers Tavern .
Masonic Week At Kidderminster.
MASONIC WEEK AT KIDDERMINSTER .
In our impression of 27 th ult . we noted the intention of the Kidderminster brethren to hold a series of meetings during the first week of March in conjunction with the Exhibition of the Masonic Library and Museum belonging to Bro . George Taylor , of that town , who is Prov . Grand Secretary of Worcestershire , and widely known in
connection with the founding and marked success . of the Charity organization of that province , as well as for much general Masonic ability . The great Masonic Soiree and Exhibition , held ' at Worcester in August , 1 SS 4 , will be well remembered by many as the outcome and successful issue of Bro . Taylor's efforts , his object being to create sufficient interest in Masonic
literature to found a Masonic library and museum for Worcestershire . Since that notable event our brother has spared no exertions or expense in the prosecution of this object , and , by dint of patient research , friendly help , and ready purse , has so far accomplished this task as to draw together such a grand historic collection of all matters relating to the
Craft , which as a whole , we venture to say is ' as unique as it is valuable . It would have been next to impossible for any committee or body of brethren to have acted with the despatch and promptitude necessary to ensure this result , and Bro . Taylor therefore worked at his own cost and risk in the matter . He has now generously offered the whole of the collection to the province at the price cost of each
article , bearing himself the whole of the attendant expenses , which it is needless to state are heavy . We believe the brethren of the province , under their highly esteemed Prov . G . M ., Sir E . H . Lechmere , Bart ., M . P ., are now considering the best means of taking advantage of this offer , but should they fail to purchase we hope Bro . Taylor will not permit the fruits of his labours to
be again scattered , but retain the collection or offer it in bulk elsewhere . It would indeed be a thousand pities to see such a collection , made at the expense of so much care and labour and private influence , again dispersed . The Exhibition was opened on Monday , March 1 st , in the large Masonic Hall attached to the Masonic Club at Kidderminster , which buildings we may remark , form
another monument to Bro . Taylor's zeal and ability , founded by him in 1879 . Around the walls of the hall were hung engravings , prints , wax impressions of lodge seals , old aprons , & c , one side of the hall being devoted to the display of medals and other curios , including china and glass , the other to books , MSS ., portfolios of prints , old summonses , & c , 81 c .
Bro . VV . J . Hughan , P . G . D . Torquay , who has been Bro . Taylor ' s guide and constant friend in forming this collection , was to have described its several items in a lecture on the first evening , but owing to the death of his mother a few days previously he was unfortunately prevented carrying out his intention , so Bro . Taylor took upon himself that pleasing duty .
After alluding to the sad bereavement before mentioned , and the disappointment it was to all concerned , to none more than to Bro . Hughan himself , Bro . TAYLOR proceeded to say how dilficult was the task to commence , and where to leave off , in a brief description of such a collection as this ; so large a number of its items affording material for separate lectures in themselves . It is but natural that a
Society so ancient as I'reemasonry , which has undergone the changes and vicissitudes of ages , and yet to-day presents a firmer , powerful , and more prosperous front than ever , should afford a very wide field for study . It is to be regretted that more is not done in our lodges to create a taste for something of a more directly intellectual character than even the beauties of our ritual afford . Much may be done by Masters of lodges to invite essays on scientific subjects , as well as on Ancient and Modern Masonry , thus
Masonic Week At Kidderminster.
following more intimately the Operative nature of the work in our ancient lodges . It is most remarkable how few brethren there are who comprehend the extent of Masonic literature and its attendant objects . It would surprise many to know that Kloss , whose woik on Masonic Bibliography , published at Frankfort in 1 S 44 , and which lies before you , enumerates about Gooo volumes , and will ever remain a
standard work . You will imagine how greatly this number would be increased if a complete list could be made to the present time . For some time before the Worcester Masonic Exhibition , in August , 1 SS 4 , I had been paving the way , and that notable gathering gave the starting point for acquiring the bulk of what you see around . Hou much I have to thank the never ceasing kindness , the sacrificing efforts , and the
great abilities of our Bro . Hughan ( to whose deplorable absence I have before alluded ) , I can never tell you , and you will never divine . So scarce are Masonic books and objects of worth , that instant action alone can secure , when anything of note offers . The knowledge of this tells me how wonderfully successful I have been in acquiring what is here . It has been a
business of much labour , mixed with a good deal of pleasure . I see that the Freemason ol Saturday , in a leading article on our meeting of this week , and with some knowledge of what is here shewn , appraises its marketable value at not less than 2000 guineas ; but , with much of it that is unique and unobtainable , it is hardly to be assessed by a money standard .
Take , for instance , these two manuscripts : Such are now of priceless value , being the actual rolls that were read to initiates on their reception , long before our present rituals were shaped . But upon this subject Bro . Hughan ' s paper , which I shall read to-morrow , has more to say . The " Inigo Jones MS ., " dated 1607 , has a frontispiece
of Masons at work , drawn by that celebrated architect , who , Anderson states in his " Constitutions of 173 S , " was Grand Master of the Craft in 1 C 07 . Bro . Gould , in his new " History of Freemasonry , " gives it a full description and many references , classing it amongst the most valuable of existing versions of our manuscript Constitutions . The " Wood MS . " takes it name from a Mr . Wood ,
from whom it was obtained , but who is unable to furnish any particulars cf its history beyond that the MS . had been in his possession for about 20 years . It is written on parchment , with partially illuminated letters here and there . It is entitled "The Constitution of Masonrye , newlye translated by J . Whitestones for John Sargensonne , 1610 . " Dr . Plot's " History of Staffordshire , " published in
1 GS 6 , which is in this library , has a significent reference to persons of quality joining the Order , and mentions a scroll or parchment volume in use among the members . This attack on Freemasonry by Dr . Plot , so early as 16 S 6 , is much referred to by Masonic writers . The MSS . lead me to draw your attention to another prominent feature of the collection , viz ., the complete set
of the Constitutions , the charges , which are embodied in those of 1723 to 17 S 4 , being undoubtedly derived from these old MSS ., or similar copies , now lost . Here we have the editions of 1723 , 173 S , 1756 , 1767 , the appendix of 1776 ( 1769 , which was unrecognised ) , 17 S 4 , 1815 , 1 S 19 , with corrections , 1827 , 1 S 41 , 1847 , lS 53 > lS 5 s > > S 6 i , 1 S 63 , 1 S 65 , 1 S 66 , 1867 , 1 S 71 , 1 S 73 , and , lastly , 1 SS 4 . I am not
aware how many complete sets , replete with frontispieces , & c , exist , but they must be very few indeed . As an incident in its collection , I may mention that the edition of 1723 I picked up at an old book store for 9 s . One is priced in Bro . Kenning ' s catalogue at 15 guineas , and it is cheap at that . Beyond these there are the Constitutions of the Seceding
Grand Lodge of England , calling themselves the " Ancients , " or "Atholl Masons . " These published by aid of their secretary , Laurence Dermott , and by Thomas Harper , is a series of Constitutions known by the name of Ahiman Rezon . Fortunately , I possess the whole of these except 1787 , which I have hitherto failed to obtain . These two sets of Constitutions lead me to touch upon
one subject mentioned as part of to-night s lecture , had Bro . Hughan been present , viz ., the " Grand Lodges o 5 England . " There have been four separate Grand Lodges in England , the premier being ( 1 ) the Grand Lodge of England , formed in 1717 by the "Time Immemorial" London Lodges , consisting of four at least , but probably more .
( 2 ) The so-called Grand Lod ge of all England , started in 1725 , by the old _ Lodge working there for many years before , of which minutes exist , dating before the origin of tlie Grand Lodges . ( 3 ) "The Grand Lodge of England south of the River Trent , " constituted at London by the York body in 1779 , but collapsed in 17 S 7 , owing to the secessionists of the Lodge of Antiquity being received back again into that hodv .
( 4 ) "The Grand Lodge of England , according to the Old Institutions , " formed in 1751 , and known as the "Ancients . " The York Grand Lodge and its offshoot died out , but the first and last mentioned , called Moderns and Ancients , both of London , continued as rivals until 1 S 13 , when they united and formed the present Grand Lodge of England .
A set of Royal Arch Regulations lacks two to make it complete , and the Mark Constitutions are , 1 believe , complete . It has been my aim to make up sets of everything so far as possible . Take Grand Lodge reports , which , as you know ' , are issued quarterly . How many lodges , think you , retain and treasure up these proceedings of all that passes
in Grand Lodge ? I fear I am correct in saying hardly any lodges in England . Those here date back to 1777 ; there are some missing- between then and the union in 1813 . Since then to the present date I have all except December , 1 S 71 , which I cannot obtain , proving how careless lodges are in preserving what is regularly sent to each every three months .
I now turn to another important and similar section , viz ., Lists of Lodges . Much more care and talent were exercised by our ancestors in publishing these guides to the name , location , date of meeting , and date of constitution than now , when we print in plain pocket-book style , and badl
y have we repaid our brethren for their ingenuity , for there is not a complete set in the Grand Lodge of England or elsewhere in the world . These lists were first issued in 1723 . Here is an example of 1763 all on engraved plates , against each lodge being a fac-simile of the sign of the hotel or inn where the lodge met . These continued
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Percy Lodge Of Instruction, No. 198.
PERCY LODGE OF INSTRUCTION , No . 198 .
The annual supper of this Lodge of Instruction took place on Thursday , the iSih ult ., at Bro . Langdale ' s , the Jolly Farmers , Southgate-road , Islington , and owing to the indefatigable exertions of its able Secretary , Bro . R . VV . Galer , was a complete success . Owing to a family anniversary the W . M . of the mother lodge was unable to filled
preside , as intended , but his place was ably by Bro . I . P . Cohen , the respected Preceptor of the lodge , who was supported by a number of brethren of Masonic eminence , amongst those who were present we may mention Bros . J . A . Powell , the originator of the resuscitation of the lodge ; R . W . Galer , the Sec . ; A . W . Fenner , its Treas . ; Brown Kidder , F . Brasted , A . Mullord , J . Glass , P . Recknell , G . J . Barnett , W . Aynsley , J . Robinson , H . J . Kirk , J . VV . Lewis BrettGriffiths
Saunders , VV . J . Nicholls , E . G . , E . , , A . Cook , M . E . Keogh , R . Aslett , W . Beatton , Green , H . Barnett , Yates , White , Wood , J . A . Collings , Bayne , and Langdale . Alter the supper , which was served in a very satisfactory manner by Bro . Langdale , the usual loyal toasts were given and responded to in a very patriotic manner . The National Anthem being ably rendered by Bro . Mullord , and was
also sung by the whole of the company , Bro . Collings kindly presiding at the piano . The next toast given by the PRESIDENT was that which may be considered the toast of the evening , " Success to the Percy Lodge of Instruction , No . igS . " In doing so , Bro . COHEN remarked that he thought it was not his province to propose the toast , having the honour of being its Preceptor . The lodge claimed to be the oldest and best
attended Lodge of Instruction in London , and nothing was more gratifying to himself and the members than to see the continued success of the lodge , and trusted it would have the same support for many years to come , so that it may continue to maintain its present proud position . Unanimity and concord , good fellowship , and harmony have always prevailed in it , which makes it a pleasure for himself and to those who have the fortune to become members of it .
The brethren might always rely on him in doing his utmost to make it , if possible , still more successful ; its success is owing , in a very great measure , to the exertions of its Secretary , Bro . Galer , who is always promoting its best interests ; and , he felt sure , while they had such a brother as Secretary , the lodge would never fail . In conclusion , he begged to couple with the toast the names of Bros . J . A . Powell and A . VV . Fenner , as being the oldest members of
the lodge present . The toast was heartily responded to . Bro . YATES here kindly gave a recitation— " The Fireman ' s Wedding . " Bro . POWELL , responding , thanked the brethren for the kind reception of the toast , and congratulated the Preceptor and Secretary on the success which still attended their exertions , and hoped it would continue for many years to
come , he was very much gratified to find that since its resuscitation the lodge had done a vast amount of good by assisting in bringing so many eminent Masons to the front , and wished it greater success , if possible . Bro . FENNER responded in a short speech , which embodied all the good feelings which one brother could express towards another , and , if required , he would still give his services in any way that might be required , or
was in his power , in furtherance of the interests of the lodge . Bro . POWELL then gave "The Health of the Preceptor , Bro . Cohen , " than whom a more kindly , genial , or efficient brother could not be . He was always willing to instruct any brother who was anxious to attain that amount of
proficiency which was so essential to fit him to discharge the duties of any office in his mother lodge ; also to our Secretary , Bro . Galer , we owe much for his indefatigable exertions in the interests of the lodge , and who is always at his post , and to whom , in a great measure , the success of the lodge is due . . The toast was received with all the honours it deserved .
Bro . COHEN , in thanking the brethren , said what I have done to deserve the encomiums passed upon me by Bro . Powell I do not know . As far as I am concerned I simply do my best in conveying the knowledge to those brethren who may require it , and nothing gives me greater pleasure than to see the pupils attending the lodge keep to the right path . It is the only Lodge of Instruction I attend since you were kind enough to elect me your Preceptor ,
and I throw my whole heart and soul in my work , and I hope T . G . A . O . T . U . will bless me with health and strength to continue for many years to carry on successfully the good work of this Lodge of Instruction , and I here tender my thanks to the many brethren for their kindness in supporting me during my term of office , and to assure them I shall never forget it , and 1 consider it my duty in return for that kindness to perform my office with greater assiduity
than ever . Brethren , I again thank you . Bro . R . VV . GALER , responding , observed there was not much left for him to say , only to regret that Bro . Lambert , the much respected W . M . of the mother lodge , was not present to hear how the Lodge of Instruction had progressed . He could not go into any statistics , as the year had not quite been completed , but he could , with great pleasure inform the brethren that it had sent up money to
the Masonic Charities during the past year , and that the average attendance of its members had been increased . It had been said that the Strong Man Lodge of Instruction was the oldest , but there was documentary evidence to prove that this Lodge of Instruction was held as a club of instruction previous to the year 1791 . Thus proving it to be the premier Lodge of Instruction in London , and he felt proud in being its Secretary , and expressed his thanks to
the brethren generally for their good feeling and kind support during his Secretaryship , and also for the hearty manner they had drank his health . "The Healths of the President , Bro . Glass , " "The Secretary , Bro . R . W . Galer , " and "The Treasurer , Bro . I . P . Cohen , " of the Percy Charity Association , were then proposed by Bro . FENNER , who congratulated those
brethren on the good results which had attended their labours . These Associations had done wonderful service in aid of the various Charities , and the Percy Association had been the means of sending up a large amount to the Institutions , and still continued to do so , and asked the brethren to do full honour to the toast , which was very cordially responded to . Bro . GLASS responding for himself thanked the brethren
Percy Lodge Of Instruction, No. 198.
for the compliment paid him , he could assure them that he felt proud of the honour of being President of the Percy Association and would exert himself to the utmost in bringing it to a successful issue , he remembered the time when his esteemed friend , Bro . Brasted , invited him to the Percy Lodgeof Instruction , and it was with fear and trembling he ascended the stairs leading to this room ( our esteemed brother is not much under 17 stone in weight ) but he soon
got over the nervousness , and became deeply impressed with the kind , and brotherly feeling exhibited towards him on that memorable evening . Well , he was proud to say he had learnt what Freemasonry should be , and that , through attending lodges of instruction , and that those brethren exercise the utmost self denial , who give their time to a lodge of instruction to ensure its success to encourage younger brethren , and it must be exceedingly interesting
to those who have gone through it all , to instruct others Lodges of Instruction like the Percy are very essential , and much to be appreciated by the whole of the Craft , and he hoped this lodge would go on with success as heretofore . What the association had done was by combination of the brethren , to ensure a large amount for the benefit of the Charities and trusted there would be many more associations formed on the same basis as the Percy .
Bros . GALER and COHEN followed , and spoke of the good such associations had done for the various Charities , and supported Bro . Glass in the views expressed by him on that subject . "The Visitors" toast followed , and was proposed by Bro . COHEN in a very happy speech , wherein he gave each a cordial welcome , and assured those who had not availed themselves of the benefit of lodges of instruction to do so
without loss of time , every attention was given by himself to those brethren who required instruction , and informed them , besides the rituals , Sections in the various degrees were worked , that the brethren might have a greater knowledge of the groundwork of what Freemasonry really is . The toast was well received . Bros . H . ' BARNETT , WHITE , WOOD , GREEN , and A . CORK responded by thanking the brethren for the cordial manner they had been received , and expressed their intention of becoming
members of this Lodge of Instruction . The next toast was that of "Success to the Mother Lodge , " which was heartily received and duly honoured , as was also that of " Bros . A . Mullord , Bayne , Collings , Brasted , Yates , Kirk and Langdale , " who so kindly contributed to the enjoyment of the evening , which toast was cordially received and duly acknowledged by Bro . MULLORD on behalf of himself and the other brethren , which brought to a close one of the most enjoyable evenings spent at the Jolly Farmers Tavern .
Masonic Week At Kidderminster.
MASONIC WEEK AT KIDDERMINSTER .
In our impression of 27 th ult . we noted the intention of the Kidderminster brethren to hold a series of meetings during the first week of March in conjunction with the Exhibition of the Masonic Library and Museum belonging to Bro . George Taylor , of that town , who is Prov . Grand Secretary of Worcestershire , and widely known in
connection with the founding and marked success . of the Charity organization of that province , as well as for much general Masonic ability . The great Masonic Soiree and Exhibition , held ' at Worcester in August , 1 SS 4 , will be well remembered by many as the outcome and successful issue of Bro . Taylor's efforts , his object being to create sufficient interest in Masonic
literature to found a Masonic library and museum for Worcestershire . Since that notable event our brother has spared no exertions or expense in the prosecution of this object , and , by dint of patient research , friendly help , and ready purse , has so far accomplished this task as to draw together such a grand historic collection of all matters relating to the
Craft , which as a whole , we venture to say is ' as unique as it is valuable . It would have been next to impossible for any committee or body of brethren to have acted with the despatch and promptitude necessary to ensure this result , and Bro . Taylor therefore worked at his own cost and risk in the matter . He has now generously offered the whole of the collection to the province at the price cost of each
article , bearing himself the whole of the attendant expenses , which it is needless to state are heavy . We believe the brethren of the province , under their highly esteemed Prov . G . M ., Sir E . H . Lechmere , Bart ., M . P ., are now considering the best means of taking advantage of this offer , but should they fail to purchase we hope Bro . Taylor will not permit the fruits of his labours to
be again scattered , but retain the collection or offer it in bulk elsewhere . It would indeed be a thousand pities to see such a collection , made at the expense of so much care and labour and private influence , again dispersed . The Exhibition was opened on Monday , March 1 st , in the large Masonic Hall attached to the Masonic Club at Kidderminster , which buildings we may remark , form
another monument to Bro . Taylor's zeal and ability , founded by him in 1879 . Around the walls of the hall were hung engravings , prints , wax impressions of lodge seals , old aprons , & c , one side of the hall being devoted to the display of medals and other curios , including china and glass , the other to books , MSS ., portfolios of prints , old summonses , & c , 81 c .
Bro . VV . J . Hughan , P . G . D . Torquay , who has been Bro . Taylor ' s guide and constant friend in forming this collection , was to have described its several items in a lecture on the first evening , but owing to the death of his mother a few days previously he was unfortunately prevented carrying out his intention , so Bro . Taylor took upon himself that pleasing duty .
After alluding to the sad bereavement before mentioned , and the disappointment it was to all concerned , to none more than to Bro . Hughan himself , Bro . TAYLOR proceeded to say how dilficult was the task to commence , and where to leave off , in a brief description of such a collection as this ; so large a number of its items affording material for separate lectures in themselves . It is but natural that a
Society so ancient as I'reemasonry , which has undergone the changes and vicissitudes of ages , and yet to-day presents a firmer , powerful , and more prosperous front than ever , should afford a very wide field for study . It is to be regretted that more is not done in our lodges to create a taste for something of a more directly intellectual character than even the beauties of our ritual afford . Much may be done by Masters of lodges to invite essays on scientific subjects , as well as on Ancient and Modern Masonry , thus
Masonic Week At Kidderminster.
following more intimately the Operative nature of the work in our ancient lodges . It is most remarkable how few brethren there are who comprehend the extent of Masonic literature and its attendant objects . It would surprise many to know that Kloss , whose woik on Masonic Bibliography , published at Frankfort in 1 S 44 , and which lies before you , enumerates about Gooo volumes , and will ever remain a
standard work . You will imagine how greatly this number would be increased if a complete list could be made to the present time . For some time before the Worcester Masonic Exhibition , in August , 1 SS 4 , I had been paving the way , and that notable gathering gave the starting point for acquiring the bulk of what you see around . Hou much I have to thank the never ceasing kindness , the sacrificing efforts , and the
great abilities of our Bro . Hughan ( to whose deplorable absence I have before alluded ) , I can never tell you , and you will never divine . So scarce are Masonic books and objects of worth , that instant action alone can secure , when anything of note offers . The knowledge of this tells me how wonderfully successful I have been in acquiring what is here . It has been a
business of much labour , mixed with a good deal of pleasure . I see that the Freemason ol Saturday , in a leading article on our meeting of this week , and with some knowledge of what is here shewn , appraises its marketable value at not less than 2000 guineas ; but , with much of it that is unique and unobtainable , it is hardly to be assessed by a money standard .
Take , for instance , these two manuscripts : Such are now of priceless value , being the actual rolls that were read to initiates on their reception , long before our present rituals were shaped . But upon this subject Bro . Hughan ' s paper , which I shall read to-morrow , has more to say . The " Inigo Jones MS ., " dated 1607 , has a frontispiece
of Masons at work , drawn by that celebrated architect , who , Anderson states in his " Constitutions of 173 S , " was Grand Master of the Craft in 1 C 07 . Bro . Gould , in his new " History of Freemasonry , " gives it a full description and many references , classing it amongst the most valuable of existing versions of our manuscript Constitutions . The " Wood MS . " takes it name from a Mr . Wood ,
from whom it was obtained , but who is unable to furnish any particulars cf its history beyond that the MS . had been in his possession for about 20 years . It is written on parchment , with partially illuminated letters here and there . It is entitled "The Constitution of Masonrye , newlye translated by J . Whitestones for John Sargensonne , 1610 . " Dr . Plot's " History of Staffordshire , " published in
1 GS 6 , which is in this library , has a significent reference to persons of quality joining the Order , and mentions a scroll or parchment volume in use among the members . This attack on Freemasonry by Dr . Plot , so early as 16 S 6 , is much referred to by Masonic writers . The MSS . lead me to draw your attention to another prominent feature of the collection , viz ., the complete set
of the Constitutions , the charges , which are embodied in those of 1723 to 17 S 4 , being undoubtedly derived from these old MSS ., or similar copies , now lost . Here we have the editions of 1723 , 173 S , 1756 , 1767 , the appendix of 1776 ( 1769 , which was unrecognised ) , 17 S 4 , 1815 , 1 S 19 , with corrections , 1827 , 1 S 41 , 1847 , lS 53 > lS 5 s > > S 6 i , 1 S 63 , 1 S 65 , 1 S 66 , 1867 , 1 S 71 , 1 S 73 , and , lastly , 1 SS 4 . I am not
aware how many complete sets , replete with frontispieces , & c , exist , but they must be very few indeed . As an incident in its collection , I may mention that the edition of 1723 I picked up at an old book store for 9 s . One is priced in Bro . Kenning ' s catalogue at 15 guineas , and it is cheap at that . Beyond these there are the Constitutions of the Seceding
Grand Lodge of England , calling themselves the " Ancients , " or "Atholl Masons . " These published by aid of their secretary , Laurence Dermott , and by Thomas Harper , is a series of Constitutions known by the name of Ahiman Rezon . Fortunately , I possess the whole of these except 1787 , which I have hitherto failed to obtain . These two sets of Constitutions lead me to touch upon
one subject mentioned as part of to-night s lecture , had Bro . Hughan been present , viz ., the " Grand Lodges o 5 England . " There have been four separate Grand Lodges in England , the premier being ( 1 ) the Grand Lodge of England , formed in 1717 by the "Time Immemorial" London Lodges , consisting of four at least , but probably more .
( 2 ) The so-called Grand Lod ge of all England , started in 1725 , by the old _ Lodge working there for many years before , of which minutes exist , dating before the origin of tlie Grand Lodges . ( 3 ) "The Grand Lodge of England south of the River Trent , " constituted at London by the York body in 1779 , but collapsed in 17 S 7 , owing to the secessionists of the Lodge of Antiquity being received back again into that hodv .
( 4 ) "The Grand Lodge of England , according to the Old Institutions , " formed in 1751 , and known as the "Ancients . " The York Grand Lodge and its offshoot died out , but the first and last mentioned , called Moderns and Ancients , both of London , continued as rivals until 1 S 13 , when they united and formed the present Grand Lodge of England .
A set of Royal Arch Regulations lacks two to make it complete , and the Mark Constitutions are , 1 believe , complete . It has been my aim to make up sets of everything so far as possible . Take Grand Lodge reports , which , as you know ' , are issued quarterly . How many lodges , think you , retain and treasure up these proceedings of all that passes
in Grand Lodge ? I fear I am correct in saying hardly any lodges in England . Those here date back to 1777 ; there are some missing- between then and the union in 1813 . Since then to the present date I have all except December , 1 S 71 , which I cannot obtain , proving how careless lodges are in preserving what is regularly sent to each every three months .
I now turn to another important and similar section , viz ., Lists of Lodges . Much more care and talent were exercised by our ancestors in publishing these guides to the name , location , date of meeting , and date of constitution than now , when we print in plain pocket-book style , and badl
y have we repaid our brethren for their ingenuity , for there is not a complete set in the Grand Lodge of England or elsewhere in the world . These lists were first issued in 1723 . Here is an example of 1763 all on engraved plates , against each lodge being a fac-simile of the sign of the hotel or inn where the lodge met . These continued