Provincial Grand Lodge Of Leicestershire And Rutland.

PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF LEICESTERSHIRE AND RUTLAND .

By invitation of the Howe and Charnwood Lodge , No . 1007 , the annual communication of the above Provincial Grand Lodge was held at Loughborough , on Tuesday , the 29 th ult ., under the presidency of the P . G . M ., Bro . the Right Hon . the Earl Ferrers . In consequence of the accommodation at the regular place of

meeting of the lodge being inadequate for the anticipated large attendance , a dispensation had been obtained by the local brethren for their assembling on this occasion at the Town Hall , and great praise is due to them for the excellent arrangements made forthe reception of the P . G . M . and his officers and forthe convenience of the meeting generally .

The following were present : Bros . S . S . Partridge , P . A . G . D . C , D . P . G . M . ; G . Toller , P . G . S . B ., P . D . P . G . M . ; T . A . Wykes , P . S . G . W . ; W . A . Musson , P . J . G . W . ; Rev . C . J . R . Scriven , P . G . Chap . ; Rev . R . Colquhoun Faithfull , P . G . Chap . ; R . Waite , P . G . Treas . ; T . Coltman , P . G . Reg . ; Rev . C . Henton Wood ,

P . G . Sec . ; G . Nevvsome , P . S . G . D . ; T . Corcoran , P . J . G . D . ; M . J . Walker , P . G . D . of C . ; F . G . Boden , P . A . G . D . C ; R . Symington , P . G . S . B . ; W . H . Goodwin , P . G . Std . Br . ; J . G . Simpkin , P . G . Std . Br . ; C . Birch , P . G . Org . ; and others . The Craft lodge having been opened , the Provincial Grand Master and his officers entered in procession , and the usual salutes to the principal officers were

given . The Provincial Grand Lodge vvas then opened , and the usual preliminary business , including the reading and confirmation of the minutes , was proceeded with , after which came the presentation of reports from the Committee of General

Purposes , the Provincial Charity Committee , and the Prov . G . Registrar . The former made interesting reference to the recent celebration of the jubilee of the initiation into Freemasonry of Bro . Kelly , P . P . G . M ., and also to the occasion next yar of the centenary of St . John ' s Lodge , No . 279 , and then dealt mainly vvith matters of local interest .

After discussion vvith reference to an unauthorised publication in local newspapers of Masonic proceedings at one of the local lodges , the report vvas adopted . The report of the Charity Committee , which was of a very satisfactory nature , alluded specially to the support given by the province during the year to the Royal Masonic Institution for Boys , vvhich vvas of a most gratifying character , and having regard to the trying and adverse conditions under which the Charity had of lite been placed , the handsome contributions from Leicestershire and Rutland had ,

doubtless , proved very acceptable . The Committee in their report very warmly acknowledged the indefatigable exertions of Bro . J . Herbert Marshall , P . M . 1007 , P . P . A . G . D . C , through which the successful result referred to had been achieved , his list having amounted to £ 530 5 s . The report concluded by recommending the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution as the Charity to be specially supported by the province in the coming year , and the appointment of Bro . A . McTindall , P . M . 1330 , P . P . J . G . W ., as Charity Steward , to represent the province at the next festival of that Institution .

The report was adopted , as was also that of the Prov . G . Registrar , on which much trouble had been expended in setting out in tabular form the annual returns and reports from the several lodges in the province . According to the latter report , the total membership of the province appeared to be 541 , being a net increase of eight over the returns of last year . The Prov . G . Treasurer ' s account having been received and adopted , a vote of thanks vvas accorded to him for his services .

Bro . R . Waite , who has for several years past ably discharged the duties of Prov . G . Treasurer , vvas again unanimously re-elected to that office . The following were appointed and invested by the Prov . Grand Master as Prov . Grand Officers for the ensuing year :

Bro . C J . Wilkinson , P . M . 1007 ... ... ... Prov . S . G . W . „ B . A . Smith , P . M . 523 ... ... ... Prov . J . G . W . „ Rev . C . J . B . Scriven , 126 * 5 •¦¦ •¦• ¦¦¦ 7 r > r * ,--., „ J . W . Willson , 1391 ... j Prov . G . Chaps . „ R . Waite , 279 ... ... ... ... Prov . G . Treas . „ J . B . Fowler , P . M . 1560 ... ... ... Prov . G . Reg . „ Rev . C . Henton Wood , P . M . 1560 ... ... Prov . G . Sec . „ W . H . Lead , P . M . 2081 ... ... ... Prov . S . G . D .

„ W . Maurice Williams , W . M . 279 ... ... Prov . J . G . D . „ C . K . Morris , W . M . 1265 ... ... ... Prov . G . S . of W . „ Miles J . Walker , P . M . 1265 ... ... ... Prov . G . D . G . „ W . J . New , W . M . 1130 ... ... ... Prov . A . G . D . C . „ W . H . Key , W . M . 2028 ... ... ... Prov . G . S . B .

„ ii . J . lhompson , P . M . 779 ... ... ip , „ r on n „ F . Kemp Smith . P . M . 1330 ... ... ... 3 Prov * G * Std * Brs * „ T . B . Laxton , VV . M . elect 1007 ••• ••• Prov - G * Org . „ G . C . Oliver , W . M . 1007 ... ... ... Prov . G . Purst . „ R . B . Starkey , P . M . 1391 ... ... ... Prov . A . G . Purst . „ F . S . Preston , W . M . 50 ... ... . A „ W . H . Silverthorne , 100 7

„ C L . Ferneley , 11 30 ... ... ... „ n c , , „ J . Chambers , 1265 ... ... ... }¦ Prov . G . Stwds . „ J . G . Bower , 1 391 ...

„ T . W . Everard , 2028 „ J . Tauser , 279 ... ... ... ... Prov . G . T yler . In compliance with the recommendation of the Charity Committee , Bro . Tindall vvas duly appointed Charity Steward ; Bros . C J . Wilkinson , Prov . S . G . W ., and G . Jessop , P . P . G . S . B ., vvere elected as representative members on the Committee of Freemasons' Hall , Leicester .

Reference was made by a brother present to the proceedings at the recent Quarterly Court of the Boys' School on the subject of the intended retiring pension to the Secretary , but no notice of motion having been given , the Provincial Grand Master ruled that any discussion thereon would be out of order . The DEPUTV PROV . GRAND MASTER suggested that if a desire were strongly on the part of any considerable number of the brethren that the subject should be further considered , a requisition could be sent to the Provincial Grand Master to hold a special meeting of Provincial Grand Lodge for the purpose , but he strongly deprec ited the adoption of any hasty or immature action on the question .

The PROV . GRAND MASTER expressed his willingness to convene a meeting , if such a ' requisition as the Deputy Prov . Grand Master had suggested vvere submitted to him .

A letter was read from the W . M . of No . 279 , inviting the Prov . Grand Master to hold the meeting of Provincial Grand Lodge for the year 18 90 at Leicester , 1 nder the banner of St . John ' s Lodge , it being the completion of the 100 th y ^ ar of the lodge ' s existence . A communication was also read soliciting contributions for the erection of a Masonic stall , or stalls , in the newly-restored choir of Peterborough Cathedral , and a contribution of two guineas from the funds of Provincial Grand Lodge was voted to that object .

Some other business of a formal character having been disposed of , and letters of apologies for absence read from several distinguished brethren , including one from Bro . Kelly , P . P . G . M ., the state of whose health prevented his attendance , the Provincial Grand Lodge was closed . At the conclusion of the business , the brethren adjourned to the Bull ' s Head Hotel , where an excellent banquet had been provided . Bro . Earl Ferrers presided , and the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were duly honoured .

"Watson's Ms." (17th Century).

"WATSON'S MS . " ( 17 th CENTURY ) .

( Continued from Page 271 ) . the Intent thereof vvas found , and there was a book Commanded to be made thereof , how the Craft was first made and found , and it was Commanded that that should be read and told when any Masons should be made , And to give him his Charge , And from that day to this Masons have been kept in that order and form as well as men mig ht govern it . And furthermore at divers Assemblyes have been putt and added many Charges more and more by the best advice of Masters and

fellows—Here foiloweth the worthy and godly oath as such as are made Masons—Tunc unus ex seneoribus teneat Librum , et illi ( vel ille ) ponant ( vel ponat ) manus super Librum , et tunc prcecepta debent legi .

Let every man that is a Mason take heed rig ht well of this charge , if he find himself Guilty of any of these things , that he may amend them again , and Espetially those that have been Charged , must take heed that they keep this Charge , for it is Great perill for any man to forswear himself upon a Booke . Cl ) e first Charge is , that you must be a true man unto god and the holy Church , and that you use noe heresye nor errour by your understanding or by the teaching

of discreet men , Alsoe you shall be true leigemen to the King , without Treason or falshood , And that you know noe treason but that you discover it , or else warn the King or any of his Councell thereof , Alsoe you shall be true one to another ( that is to say ) to every Master and fellow of the Craft of Masonrye that have been Masons allowed , that you doe to them , as you would they should doe to you , Alsoe that Every Mason keep true councell of Lodge , Chamber , and all other

Councell that ought to be kept by way of Masonrye , and alsoe noe Mason shall bee a theefe , Neither in Company , as farr forth as hee shall know , And alsoe that you shall be true to the Lord and Master whom yee serve , and truely to doe all things to his profitt and advantage , And alsoe that you shall call Masons your fellows and Brethren , and noe other foul Names , nor you shall not take your fellows wife in

villanye , nor desire his daughter [ 4 th Strip ends ] ungodly , nor his servant to his wife , And you shall pay truely for your table and meat where you shall goe to Board , and alsoe that you doe noe villany in the house whereby the Craft is slandered . These be the Charges in Generall that every Mason should hold , both Masters and Fellows . Rehearse I will novv other Charges singular , both for Masters and

Fellows—First , that noe Master shall take upon him any Lords worke , nor other work but that he know himselfe able and cuning enough to perform the same , so tha ' . the craft have noe dis-workmanship thereby , But that the Lord may be well and truely served Alsoe , that noe Master take any worke * but that he take it Reasonably , soe that the Lord may be well and truely served with his own good , And the Master to live honestly and pay his fellows truely their pay as the manner of the

Craft doth Require , ancl alsoe that noe Master or fellow shall supplant other of their worke ( that is to say ) if he have taken a worke , or stand Master of a Lords worke , you shall not put him out if he able of cuning for to end the same , and alsoe that no Master take noe apprentice to be allowed for his apprentice but in seven years , and that the apprentice be able for his birth and limbs as he ought to be , and alsoe that noe Master or fellow take noe allowance to be made Master without the assent of his fellows ,

and att the least five or six , And that he that shall be made Mason be free born , and of a good kindred , and noe bondman , And that he have his right Limbes as a man ought to have , And alsoe that noe Mason put noe Lords worke to such as are wont to goe on jurneyworke , And alsoe that noe Mason shall give to his Fellows any pay but as he shall deserve , soe that he be not deceived by false Workmen , And alsoe that noe fellow slander falsly another behind his

Backe , to make him loose his good name , or his worldly goods , And also that noe fellow within the Lodge nor without , yeild any Answers ungodly to another , without Reasonable Cause , And alsoe every Mason shall prefere his elder and put him to Worshipp , Ancl alsoe that noe Mason shall play att Hazard , nor any other play whereby they may be slandered , and alsoe that noe Mason shall be a common riball in Lechery to make the Craft to be slandered , And that

noe Mason goe into the towne in the Nig ht time where is a Lodge of fellows , without a fellow that may bear him wittnesse that he was in an honest place : And alsoe that every Master and fellow Come into the assembly If they be within forty miles about him , If he have any warning thereof , And stand att the reward of Masters and fellows : And alsoe that every Master and fellow if they have any wayes trespassed , should stand att the Reward of Masters and fellows , and Make

them accord , If they may not Accord then to goe to the Common Law , And alsoe that noe Mason make mould squares , nor Rule to any Rough Layers , And alsoe that noe Mason sett a Layer within the Lodge , nor without to hew Mold Stones with any Mould of their own Makeing ; And alsoe that every Mason shall Receive and Cherish any strange fellows when they come over the Country , And sett them

on worke as the manner is ( that is to say ) , if he have mould stones he shall Sett them a fortni g ht on worke att the least , And g ive him his hire , If there be noe stones for him to worke , he shall Refresh him with Money to bring him to the next Lodge , And Alsoe ye shall every Mason serve truely the vvorkes , and truely make an end of your worke , be it taske or be it journey worke , If you may have your pay as you ought to have .

These Charges that you have Reckoned and all other that belongeth to Masonrye you shall be bound to keep faithfully—so help you God and holy Doome and b y this Booke to your power . [ 5 th Strip ends . ]

Here Foiloweth the Prentices Charge—First that he shall be true to God and the holy Church , the peace [ prince ] , And to his Master or Dame whom he shall serve , he shall not steal the Goods of his Master or Dame , nor Absent himselfe from his service , nor goe from them about his mvnp nlp : icurp \ i \ t rlnv nrlw i * **] icrl-if- witliniit the I . vrencf * nf one of them . And

that he doe not Committ Adultery or fornication in his Masters house , vvith the Wife , Daughter , or Servant of his said Master , And that he shall keep Councell in all things that shall be said or done in the Lodge or Chamber by Master or fellow , Being Master or Free Mason , And that he shall not Hold a Disobedient Argument against any of them , or Disclose any secreets , Whereby any Dissention may arise amongst any Masons their Fellows or Prentices , but Reverently behave nui

themselves to all Free-Masons , being Sworn Brethren to his said Master , ana to use Carding or Diceing , or Any other unlawful ] Gameing , Nor to Haunt any Tavern or Alehouses there to Wast any mans Goods , without Lycence of his Master or some other Free-Mason , and shall not Committ Adultery or Fornication in Any mans House where he shall worke or be Tabled , And that he shall no purloyn nor Steal the Goods of any person , nor willingl y suffer any * " ^ ° Shame to be Done , or Consent thereunto During his Apprentishipp ; Butt withstand the

same to the utmost of his power , and thereof to Inform his said Master or some other Free-Mason vvith all Convenient possible Speed . [ Certified to be a correct Transcript by W . J . Hughan . ]