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Article THE GRAND LODGE OF ENGLAND. ← Page 3 of 3 Article THE GRAND LODGE OF ENGLAND. Page 3 of 3
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The Grand Lodge Of England.
notice a glass case , filled with medals , old jewels , old decorated aprons , and other such curiosities . It is a small collection considering what it might be if attention had been given to this department earlier ' ; but it contains some very choice exhibits , and will doubtless grow in time . We are now face to face with the Grand Staircase , comparatively plain , but of handsome proportions and material . It leads to two passages , one above the other , the doors in which admit us to suits of apartments used for lodge and
chapter purposes . The decoration in all these is once more rather severe than otherwise , but they are comfortably furnished and well lighted with electricity . On the first floor we descended to the left down a few steps leading off the passage and find ourselves in the porchway or entrance to the temple . On Grand Lodge nights no private lodges are allowed to meet at the Hall , so that the whole premises are available .
I willnow ask your readers to accompany me inspirit to the Hall on a Quarterly Communication night . As Grand Lodge is called for seven o ' clock , and as punctuality is a great virtue , while there is much for us to do , we will follow the instructions of the Grand Secretary , and arrive about six p . m . We will also take care to don the conventional evening dress , and put a pair of white kid gloves in our pockets . Passing the porter unchallenged save by
a nod of recognition for most of us , we mount the Grand Staircase as far as the first floor , and are confronted by a moveable sign-post , directing Grand Officers to the left , and others to the right . As we belong to the " others , " we turn down the passage to the right , pass the entrance to the Temple , which is on our left , and at the end of the passage , last door to the right , find the tiring-room for the plain " sky-blue . " It is a large room , with
shelves and partitions all round to place coats and hats upon . This we do , and clothing ourselves in our aprons and collars , pass through to the next appartment , at the open doorway being confronted by a Pursuivant who scrutinizes us rapidly , but inoffensively , to assure himself that not only are we properly clothed , but innocent of jewels referring to Degrees unrecognised by the Craft . Properly clothed means that our collar must be that of a
Warden , Worshipful Master , or Past Master , thus showing at a glance our presumed right to attend Grand Lodge . We shall see many brethren in dark blue aprons and collars , indicating that they are Provincial Grand Officers , though as sncli they have no right to attend Grand Lodge . A Provincial Grand Officer may wear his provincial regalia , but has no rank or precedence out of his own province . VVe shall see him therefore place ,
over his purple collar , the light blue collar of a Past Master , or lodge Warden if he happen to be one , and then only will he be allowed to pass the Pursuivant . We now find ourselves in a still larger room , with tables all round provided with sheets of paper and pens and ink . Behind these tables stand more Pursuivants and brothers appointed to assist them . Proceeding to one of these sheets of paper , with a friendly nod to the Pursuivant , if we happen to know him , but nothing more , because he has not time to talk
except on business , we will sign our name , the number ot our lodge , and our qualify ing rank . If we are known , the Pursuivant then hands us a bone ticket , to admit us to Grand Lodge ; if not , he compares our signature with the one registered in the books of Grand Lodge , which are there for inspection , and if satisfied , gives us the voucher . Wc are now through all our trials , and proceed to put on our gloves . We shall be sure to see many
friends standing about the room , and it may suit us to have a few minutes chat with them , but not for long ; first , because we must make room for others ; secondly , because we are rather anxious to secure good seats in the temple . So in small parties of friends wc leave the room by another door and once more find ourselves at the end of the long passage . Retracing
our steps along this we descend the few stairs , now on our right , to the porch , and greet the Grand Tyler and his assistants . Tendering our " bone , " we are allowed to enter the Temple , and are at the same time supplied with printed lists of nominations , if there are any elections to take place , or such other papers as may be necessary .
Now let us pause awhile and survey the scene . We are in a hall of ample and harmonius proportions , tastefully decorated and gilded , and in the niches all round the walls are life-size portraits of former Grand Masters and other distinguished Masons . Stretching along before us in the centre of the hall is a handsome carpet woven with the arms of the Freemasons in colours . This leads the eye straight to the dais at the east end ,
raised about a foot or so from the Moor . In the centre front of this is the gilded throne of the Grand Master ( if he is not presiding in person , a somewhat less handsome one is substituted ) , and on cither hand the seats of the Pro and Deputy and Past Grand Masters . To our left , on the dais , we observe the seat and table of the Grand Secretary , and to the right the
organ . Possibly the organ is playing , for as there is some tune to wait , the Grand Organist , if he be a thoughful brother , either comes early himself , or provides a substitute , and discourses sweet harmony to help the brethren pass the time . The dais is covered with blue velvet chairs for the Grand Officers , Present and Past ; but as yet they are empty .
Standing as wc are at the door , we perceive on our left hand , close by the entrance , and just clear of the gang-way , the chair and pedestal of the Grand Senior Warden , and in the middle distance , just to the right of the strip of carpet , those of the G . junior Warden . To the left and right of the carpet rise , tier above tier , the light blue velvet benches for the accommodation of the unofficial members of Grand Lodge , the slope being sufficient
to insure to everyone a good view of all the proceedings . For the purpose of seeing and being seen , there is no one place better than the other , but it is sli ghtly more comfortable to secure a seat near one of the side gangways at the corner of a bench ; and the hall being a large one , the nearer the dais , the less it becomes necessary to strain one's hearing . Hence many brethren like to arrive early . The first row of benches on either side of the
gangway is reserved for Present and Past Grand Stewards , and we may observe that many are already in their places or talking to their friends . All the other seats arc free to the first comer , so wo will quietl y choose such as appear to us lo be desirable and sit down and await the arrival of the Grand Master and his officers . Meanwhile the Grand Officers have been assembling and clothing
elsewhere , in one of those rooms which we passed on our left hand at the top of the stairs . They also sign attendance-sheets , of whicli two sets are provided . There is also , 1 believe , a club called the Grand Officers' Mess , and it is reported that many of the Grand Officers meet at live o ' clock and dine together before coining into Grand Lodge . When they do come , there is certainla happy contented air about them , which would seem to justify
y the rumour . But you and I , my dear brother , are not yet Grand Oliicers , however much we may imagine that we desctve that honour , lo which no doubt we shall arrive when our salient merits have forced themselves upon the observant eye of our Grand Master ; so we will not attempt to pry into these mysteries , but content ourselves with the knowledge that the Grand Officers do somehow assemble , are always in a good humour , and get them-
The Grand Lodge Of England.
selves by some means formed into a very solemn and dignified procession , which enters Grand Lodge to the strains of a march on the organ , and is seldom five minutes alter time . So , as a stentorian voice has just been heard from the portals bidding us stand to order , we will rise and observe this procession as it enters .
First appear the Grand Stewards of the year , two and two , and behind them the other Grand Officers in their order of precedence , juniors first . Last of all comes the Grand Master or his substitute for the occasion . As soon as the foremost Grand Stewards have reached the dais , they open out and face inward and allow the rest of the procession to pass between their
lines , each officer mounting the dais and taking his place . As they pass their own chairs , the Grand Wardens fall out and occupy them , and finally everybod y being in place , the Grand Master sits down , and we all follow his example . The organ subsides , the doors are closed , and the Grand Master immsdiately rises and opens Grand Lod ge with the ancient formula and customs . After which we all sit down again and prepare ourselves for business .
We need not listen to the Grand Secretary reading the minutes of the last communication ; they have all been printed , and a report sent to every Worshi pful Master , and therefore we know all about them . So we have once more time to take a view of the effect of the complete Grand Lodge . It is a really imposing picture which meets our eye . The large , handsome , well-lighted , tastefully decorated room ; the fine portraits which look down
at us from the wall ; the compact mass of dark-blue and gold clothing on the dais in the east ; the broad stripe of crimson carpet all down the centre ; the double line of crimson clothing of the Grand Stewards who occupy the front benches ; and behind them , tier upon tier , the light blue of the Craft . It will thus be seen that the colours are arraaged in masses , and very effectively too . The coup d ' ceil to be obtained from the little srallerv at the
west end is reall y fine . But the minutes have been read , put and confirmed , and there is a rustle as we all look to our agenda papers to see what is the next business . Possibl y it is a motion made on behalf of the Grand Master by the occupant of the Throne ; as when latel y H . R . H . moved through the Earl of Lathom , Pro Grand Master , that 300 guineas be voted to alleviate the distress caused by the fire at St . Johns , Newfoundland . All notices of
motion emanating from the Grand Master have precedence of other business . Such a matter as this I have just mentioned is usually gracefully moved by the Grand Master in the chair , seconded in . a very few words , and carried without debate , unanimously . Such is the fine tact of the Prince of Wales , that rarely indeed does he allow his name to be coupled with a motion which does not immediately meet with unanimous approval .
The report of the Board of Benevolence is then read . This is usually done by the President himself , Bro . Robert Grey , a general favourite with the Craft . It contains probably recommendations to Grand Lodge for several grants ranging from £ 50 to perhaps £ 150 or £ 200 . It is seconded by some other member of the Board , but at this stage without comment . Perhaps it is passed and approved without remark madebut nerhans some
, brother rises to enquire what were the reasons which induced the Board to make so large a grant to Bro . Dash as £ 200 , and to utter a word of warning against too generous a dispensing of the funds of Grand Lodge . The explanations asked for are then at once given , the enquirer expresses himself satisfied , or even , for such things have been known , moves the
nonconfirmation of this particular grant ; and the question is put . It is not within my recollection that a grant recommended by the Board has ever been refused by the Grand Lodge ; but the Board is confronted with so many pitiable cases that it is liable to exceed its current income and draw upon its reserve capital , and these little incidents are usually mild protests against too easily yielding to appeals which we all acknowled ge are difficult to resist .
Then comes the report of the Board of General Purposes , which , being printed on the agenda paper is taken as read . It deals with the finances of the past quarter ; reports any lapses from strict regularity which may have come under its notice , and the course pursued by the Board ; and concludes with any motions which it may desire to make . These are exp lained by the President , Bro . Thomas Fenn , one of the best known Masons
in England , and who , as formerly the leading worker and now the honoured " chief" of the famous Emulation Lodge of Instruction , has been before the Craft for a great many years . There may or there may not be some discussion on the report , and a case has very lately occurred where a recommendation of the Board was rejected ; but it is seldom that the experienced members of this Board fail to accurately gauge the sentiment of the Craft .
Possibly there may then be a report from the Colonial Board , but this does not occur often . Next comes the turn of motions by individual brethren , but no motion may be made on the spur of the moment , so the Craft cannot be taken by surprise in any way . All notices of motion must have been given at the General Committee , and appear on the agenda , so we all know exactly what is coming .
And , lastly , should there be any appeal to Grand Lodge , now is the time when the Grand Registrar rises . The papers concerning such appeal are always on view for a specified time in the Grand Secretary ' s office , so , although the Grand Registrar now proceeds to give a succinct account of the whole matter , the Craft is not without the means of forming its own judgment . Having slated the facts , the Grand Registrar then proceeds to
expound the law bearing thereupon , and finally moves either that the appeal be rejected or held good . He is usually seconded by the President of the Board of General Purposes . Either party to the suit is entitled to a hearing if he desire it , or any member of Grand Lodge is entitled to support or question the exposition of the Grand Registrar . But in the majority of cases the members arc satisfied with the advice tendered to them by thcirlegal adviser , and his motion is carried without opposition .
' 1 his concludes the business , and the Grand Master in the chair rises to close the lodge . The organ once more peals ; the brethren rise ; the Grand Master descends from the dais , and his officers follow him , in reverse order to the procession at their entrance—i . e ., seniors are now first ; the Grand Stewards close up the rear , and the brethren stream out after them . In a few moments the Temple is empty , and we are seeking our coats and hats in
the robing-room , and putting our aprons and collars into their cases . Then gradually we disperse on our several ways , and the way of many leads them to the supper-room of the adjoining Freemasons' Tavern , where a chop or steak can be very comfortably disposed of in the intervals of conversation with some of the many friends one is sure to meet . It was in this
supperroom , on one such occasion many years ago , that 1 first met our Bro . W . J ., Hughan , and the acquaintance then formed has not been without a very lasting influence on 1113 ' subsequent life . G . \ V . Sl'ETH . Margate , England , September 20 th , 1892 .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The Grand Lodge Of England.
notice a glass case , filled with medals , old jewels , old decorated aprons , and other such curiosities . It is a small collection considering what it might be if attention had been given to this department earlier ' ; but it contains some very choice exhibits , and will doubtless grow in time . We are now face to face with the Grand Staircase , comparatively plain , but of handsome proportions and material . It leads to two passages , one above the other , the doors in which admit us to suits of apartments used for lodge and
chapter purposes . The decoration in all these is once more rather severe than otherwise , but they are comfortably furnished and well lighted with electricity . On the first floor we descended to the left down a few steps leading off the passage and find ourselves in the porchway or entrance to the temple . On Grand Lodge nights no private lodges are allowed to meet at the Hall , so that the whole premises are available .
I willnow ask your readers to accompany me inspirit to the Hall on a Quarterly Communication night . As Grand Lodge is called for seven o ' clock , and as punctuality is a great virtue , while there is much for us to do , we will follow the instructions of the Grand Secretary , and arrive about six p . m . We will also take care to don the conventional evening dress , and put a pair of white kid gloves in our pockets . Passing the porter unchallenged save by
a nod of recognition for most of us , we mount the Grand Staircase as far as the first floor , and are confronted by a moveable sign-post , directing Grand Officers to the left , and others to the right . As we belong to the " others , " we turn down the passage to the right , pass the entrance to the Temple , which is on our left , and at the end of the passage , last door to the right , find the tiring-room for the plain " sky-blue . " It is a large room , with
shelves and partitions all round to place coats and hats upon . This we do , and clothing ourselves in our aprons and collars , pass through to the next appartment , at the open doorway being confronted by a Pursuivant who scrutinizes us rapidly , but inoffensively , to assure himself that not only are we properly clothed , but innocent of jewels referring to Degrees unrecognised by the Craft . Properly clothed means that our collar must be that of a
Warden , Worshipful Master , or Past Master , thus showing at a glance our presumed right to attend Grand Lodge . We shall see many brethren in dark blue aprons and collars , indicating that they are Provincial Grand Officers , though as sncli they have no right to attend Grand Lodge . A Provincial Grand Officer may wear his provincial regalia , but has no rank or precedence out of his own province . VVe shall see him therefore place ,
over his purple collar , the light blue collar of a Past Master , or lodge Warden if he happen to be one , and then only will he be allowed to pass the Pursuivant . We now find ourselves in a still larger room , with tables all round provided with sheets of paper and pens and ink . Behind these tables stand more Pursuivants and brothers appointed to assist them . Proceeding to one of these sheets of paper , with a friendly nod to the Pursuivant , if we happen to know him , but nothing more , because he has not time to talk
except on business , we will sign our name , the number ot our lodge , and our qualify ing rank . If we are known , the Pursuivant then hands us a bone ticket , to admit us to Grand Lodge ; if not , he compares our signature with the one registered in the books of Grand Lodge , which are there for inspection , and if satisfied , gives us the voucher . Wc are now through all our trials , and proceed to put on our gloves . We shall be sure to see many
friends standing about the room , and it may suit us to have a few minutes chat with them , but not for long ; first , because we must make room for others ; secondly , because we are rather anxious to secure good seats in the temple . So in small parties of friends wc leave the room by another door and once more find ourselves at the end of the long passage . Retracing
our steps along this we descend the few stairs , now on our right , to the porch , and greet the Grand Tyler and his assistants . Tendering our " bone , " we are allowed to enter the Temple , and are at the same time supplied with printed lists of nominations , if there are any elections to take place , or such other papers as may be necessary .
Now let us pause awhile and survey the scene . We are in a hall of ample and harmonius proportions , tastefully decorated and gilded , and in the niches all round the walls are life-size portraits of former Grand Masters and other distinguished Masons . Stretching along before us in the centre of the hall is a handsome carpet woven with the arms of the Freemasons in colours . This leads the eye straight to the dais at the east end ,
raised about a foot or so from the Moor . In the centre front of this is the gilded throne of the Grand Master ( if he is not presiding in person , a somewhat less handsome one is substituted ) , and on cither hand the seats of the Pro and Deputy and Past Grand Masters . To our left , on the dais , we observe the seat and table of the Grand Secretary , and to the right the
organ . Possibly the organ is playing , for as there is some tune to wait , the Grand Organist , if he be a thoughful brother , either comes early himself , or provides a substitute , and discourses sweet harmony to help the brethren pass the time . The dais is covered with blue velvet chairs for the Grand Officers , Present and Past ; but as yet they are empty .
Standing as wc are at the door , we perceive on our left hand , close by the entrance , and just clear of the gang-way , the chair and pedestal of the Grand Senior Warden , and in the middle distance , just to the right of the strip of carpet , those of the G . junior Warden . To the left and right of the carpet rise , tier above tier , the light blue velvet benches for the accommodation of the unofficial members of Grand Lodge , the slope being sufficient
to insure to everyone a good view of all the proceedings . For the purpose of seeing and being seen , there is no one place better than the other , but it is sli ghtly more comfortable to secure a seat near one of the side gangways at the corner of a bench ; and the hall being a large one , the nearer the dais , the less it becomes necessary to strain one's hearing . Hence many brethren like to arrive early . The first row of benches on either side of the
gangway is reserved for Present and Past Grand Stewards , and we may observe that many are already in their places or talking to their friends . All the other seats arc free to the first comer , so wo will quietl y choose such as appear to us lo be desirable and sit down and await the arrival of the Grand Master and his officers . Meanwhile the Grand Officers have been assembling and clothing
elsewhere , in one of those rooms which we passed on our left hand at the top of the stairs . They also sign attendance-sheets , of whicli two sets are provided . There is also , 1 believe , a club called the Grand Officers' Mess , and it is reported that many of the Grand Officers meet at live o ' clock and dine together before coining into Grand Lodge . When they do come , there is certainla happy contented air about them , which would seem to justify
y the rumour . But you and I , my dear brother , are not yet Grand Oliicers , however much we may imagine that we desctve that honour , lo which no doubt we shall arrive when our salient merits have forced themselves upon the observant eye of our Grand Master ; so we will not attempt to pry into these mysteries , but content ourselves with the knowledge that the Grand Officers do somehow assemble , are always in a good humour , and get them-
The Grand Lodge Of England.
selves by some means formed into a very solemn and dignified procession , which enters Grand Lodge to the strains of a march on the organ , and is seldom five minutes alter time . So , as a stentorian voice has just been heard from the portals bidding us stand to order , we will rise and observe this procession as it enters .
First appear the Grand Stewards of the year , two and two , and behind them the other Grand Officers in their order of precedence , juniors first . Last of all comes the Grand Master or his substitute for the occasion . As soon as the foremost Grand Stewards have reached the dais , they open out and face inward and allow the rest of the procession to pass between their
lines , each officer mounting the dais and taking his place . As they pass their own chairs , the Grand Wardens fall out and occupy them , and finally everybod y being in place , the Grand Master sits down , and we all follow his example . The organ subsides , the doors are closed , and the Grand Master immsdiately rises and opens Grand Lod ge with the ancient formula and customs . After which we all sit down again and prepare ourselves for business .
We need not listen to the Grand Secretary reading the minutes of the last communication ; they have all been printed , and a report sent to every Worshi pful Master , and therefore we know all about them . So we have once more time to take a view of the effect of the complete Grand Lodge . It is a really imposing picture which meets our eye . The large , handsome , well-lighted , tastefully decorated room ; the fine portraits which look down
at us from the wall ; the compact mass of dark-blue and gold clothing on the dais in the east ; the broad stripe of crimson carpet all down the centre ; the double line of crimson clothing of the Grand Stewards who occupy the front benches ; and behind them , tier upon tier , the light blue of the Craft . It will thus be seen that the colours are arraaged in masses , and very effectively too . The coup d ' ceil to be obtained from the little srallerv at the
west end is reall y fine . But the minutes have been read , put and confirmed , and there is a rustle as we all look to our agenda papers to see what is the next business . Possibl y it is a motion made on behalf of the Grand Master by the occupant of the Throne ; as when latel y H . R . H . moved through the Earl of Lathom , Pro Grand Master , that 300 guineas be voted to alleviate the distress caused by the fire at St . Johns , Newfoundland . All notices of
motion emanating from the Grand Master have precedence of other business . Such a matter as this I have just mentioned is usually gracefully moved by the Grand Master in the chair , seconded in . a very few words , and carried without debate , unanimously . Such is the fine tact of the Prince of Wales , that rarely indeed does he allow his name to be coupled with a motion which does not immediately meet with unanimous approval .
The report of the Board of Benevolence is then read . This is usually done by the President himself , Bro . Robert Grey , a general favourite with the Craft . It contains probably recommendations to Grand Lodge for several grants ranging from £ 50 to perhaps £ 150 or £ 200 . It is seconded by some other member of the Board , but at this stage without comment . Perhaps it is passed and approved without remark madebut nerhans some
, brother rises to enquire what were the reasons which induced the Board to make so large a grant to Bro . Dash as £ 200 , and to utter a word of warning against too generous a dispensing of the funds of Grand Lodge . The explanations asked for are then at once given , the enquirer expresses himself satisfied , or even , for such things have been known , moves the
nonconfirmation of this particular grant ; and the question is put . It is not within my recollection that a grant recommended by the Board has ever been refused by the Grand Lodge ; but the Board is confronted with so many pitiable cases that it is liable to exceed its current income and draw upon its reserve capital , and these little incidents are usually mild protests against too easily yielding to appeals which we all acknowled ge are difficult to resist .
Then comes the report of the Board of General Purposes , which , being printed on the agenda paper is taken as read . It deals with the finances of the past quarter ; reports any lapses from strict regularity which may have come under its notice , and the course pursued by the Board ; and concludes with any motions which it may desire to make . These are exp lained by the President , Bro . Thomas Fenn , one of the best known Masons
in England , and who , as formerly the leading worker and now the honoured " chief" of the famous Emulation Lodge of Instruction , has been before the Craft for a great many years . There may or there may not be some discussion on the report , and a case has very lately occurred where a recommendation of the Board was rejected ; but it is seldom that the experienced members of this Board fail to accurately gauge the sentiment of the Craft .
Possibly there may then be a report from the Colonial Board , but this does not occur often . Next comes the turn of motions by individual brethren , but no motion may be made on the spur of the moment , so the Craft cannot be taken by surprise in any way . All notices of motion must have been given at the General Committee , and appear on the agenda , so we all know exactly what is coming .
And , lastly , should there be any appeal to Grand Lodge , now is the time when the Grand Registrar rises . The papers concerning such appeal are always on view for a specified time in the Grand Secretary ' s office , so , although the Grand Registrar now proceeds to give a succinct account of the whole matter , the Craft is not without the means of forming its own judgment . Having slated the facts , the Grand Registrar then proceeds to
expound the law bearing thereupon , and finally moves either that the appeal be rejected or held good . He is usually seconded by the President of the Board of General Purposes . Either party to the suit is entitled to a hearing if he desire it , or any member of Grand Lodge is entitled to support or question the exposition of the Grand Registrar . But in the majority of cases the members arc satisfied with the advice tendered to them by thcirlegal adviser , and his motion is carried without opposition .
' 1 his concludes the business , and the Grand Master in the chair rises to close the lodge . The organ once more peals ; the brethren rise ; the Grand Master descends from the dais , and his officers follow him , in reverse order to the procession at their entrance—i . e ., seniors are now first ; the Grand Stewards close up the rear , and the brethren stream out after them . In a few moments the Temple is empty , and we are seeking our coats and hats in
the robing-room , and putting our aprons and collars into their cases . Then gradually we disperse on our several ways , and the way of many leads them to the supper-room of the adjoining Freemasons' Tavern , where a chop or steak can be very comfortably disposed of in the intervals of conversation with some of the many friends one is sure to meet . It was in this
supperroom , on one such occasion many years ago , that 1 first met our Bro . W . J ., Hughan , and the acquaintance then formed has not been without a very lasting influence on 1113 ' subsequent life . G . \ V . Sl'ETH . Margate , England , September 20 th , 1892 .