Masonic Notes And Queries.

miles from Oldham , so that the brethren of the two lodges doubtless held intercommunication . 1 send copies of the extracts referred to , as they speak for themselves : "Oldham , October 2 , Sth , 1 795 . " This being a lodge night , thc lodge was opened in due form and good harmony at seven o ' clock .

"Members present ( 9 ) . " Members absent ( 4 ) . " Abraham Mills made Fellow Craft and raised to thc Sublime Degree of Master Mason . " Made Mark Masters : " ( Here follow the names of six brethren , two of whom—John Saxon and William Ashton—arc alsocntercd as visitors

from the Lodge of Minerva , No . 5 % . Perhaps this was the source whence the Minerva Lodge got its working of the Mark . ) At a meeting held in August , 179 S , the W . M ., Senior and Junior Wardens , and four other brethren were made Mark Masons . It seems to have beqn the custom at Oldham , as at Bradford , for any brother who understood thc

working of thc Mark Degree to confer the same upon Craft Masons at any meeting . There was , apparently , no regular W . M . of the Mark lodge elected and installed . In April , 1799 , again six brethren were " marked , " and in October , 1 S 00 , also half-a-dozen received the Degree , the last Mark entry being on the 13 th March , 1 S 05 , when

twelve brethren were made Mark Masons . For the elucidation of the history of the Degree it is very important that old minutes should be thoroughly investigated for facts of this kind , and I hope Secretaries of our older lodges will endeavour to examine the records in their charge , and communicate the result , if any , to these pages . T . B . WHYTEHEAD .

JOHNSON . —The name of an impostor , whose real name appears to have been Leucht , though he also called himself Becker . He gave himself the name of Johnson a lumen and George Friedrich von Johnson . He seems to have appeared at Jen , 1 from Bernburg in 175 S , and for some time was very friendly with Von Hund . He professed to have authority from the so-called Scottish Templary toextend its

system in Germany , ' and set up a chapter at Jena , over which he placed Dr . Teichmcyer . He bad , it appears , as Master of the Mint , swindled the Duke of Anhalt Bernburg out of considerable sums , and entered the Wurtcinberg service and came back to Jena as captain , and recommenced his operations in 17 C 4 . He called himself Rittmeister von Johnson , a born Englishman , though he could not speak

English , and was apparently a Hebrew who had mixed himself up in occult studies and illegal pursuits . He gave himself these names : "Gross Prior" and " Commissarius Gencralis Ordini" ( that is , of the Templars of Jerusalem ) . He generally signed-bimself , Der Gross Prior , S . G . C . C . de l'Ordre Sublime et Frere R . L ., or L . G . F . C . G . P ., or L . G . C . L . C . S . de St . J ., whatever these letters may mean .

For a time all went well with him , and be propounded with success his high grade teaching and mysterious Hermetic declaration . But at the Convent of Altenburg , in 17 ( 14 , lie was exposed , and he was arrested by Von Hund ' s wish in Alsleben in 17 ( 15 , by Prussian soldiers , having taken to flight , and conducted to the Wartburg , with the full

approval of the Grand Duchess Regent Amalie of Weimar . There be remained under the care of Von luitscb until her death , kindly treated , in 1775 , where he died . He was fed at the expense of the Order , at some cost . He is said to have been of , 1 forbidding countenance , and little education . —Kenning ' s Cyclopaedia of Freemasonry .

BENNET , ABBOT OF WIRRAL . Benedict Biscop , Abbot of Werenioulli , or Wearnioiitli , is tbe real name of the person called by Stow , Bcniict , Abbot of Wirral . Benedict Biscop , the friend of lk'de , went to Rome and brought back Masons , " Ceiiicntarii , " to do " Ronianum Opus , " and to build "more Romano . " This mistake of Stow has been repeated in many Masonic books .

STONE BUILDINGS IN ENGLAND . Stow is not correct in stating tbe Saxons were " ignorant of building with stono until the year liSn . " 'This is practically the old controversy , but stone buildings had existed in England before GSo , though many churches , asKing Edgar ' s charter proves , three hundred years later , were built of wood .

MASONS' COMPANY . I have never been able to find the oft-quoted passage as regards the Masons' Company in Stow , though 1 have often searched for it . Stow does not say so when be mentions "Masons' Hall " in Basinghall , though lie adds , "of what antiquity that Company is i have not read . " I think , therefore , that the quotation is an inaccurate one , though , I am aware , very often made .

ARMS OF MASONS' COMPANY . I am tbe more inclined to think the quotation an incorrect one , because the whole statement about the Masons' Arms is clearly wrong . The grant of arms is in the British Museum , additional MSS ., and was first published in the "Masonic Magazine " for September , bv the writer . The original grant was made by William Hawkcslowc CTarencieux , 4 th

Edwd . IV ., and confirmed by Thomas Benolt Clarcncieux , 12 th Henry VIII . It is entered in the " Visitation of London , " by Henry St . George Richmond , 1034 , I have an idea that old " Guillim " has . 1 somewhat similar passage to that attributed to Stow above , hence the confusion . If the passage be in Stow , it has escaped me completely . As I have been looking into Stow , I conclude Ibis note

with thc following cxlractrclativetotbe London companies " For the first of these companies that I read of lo be guild , brotherhood , or fraternity in this city were the weavers , whose guild was confirmed by Henry II . The next fraternity , which was < , f St . John Baptist , time out of mind , called 'T ' .-iilnrr . and Armourers of London . ' 1 find that Edward 111 ., in the I'Sth vi ar of hi ¦; reign , confirmed tint guild . * * * *

, "The other companies have since purchased license of societies , brotherhoods , or corporations in the Vi' \ : n of Edward III ., Richard II ., I b .-nrv IV ., I K-nry V ' ., Ilenrv VI ., and Edward IV . " 'This statement remarkably explains Hie old loyal tone of the guild regulation , and points lo llu : fact , that all such guilds or fraternities required a Royal license to be legal bodies . MASONIC STUDENT .

Masonic Notes And Queries.

JACHIN AND BOAZ , 1750 or 1762 . I cannot at all agree with the editor of the Freemason respecting thc date of the first edition of J . and B ., and certainly find no reason to alter my views because my old friend , Bro . Coombc , has informed the learned editor of the existence of the sixth edition of that work , published in 1767 . It was not at all news to me that such was issued , and so it is of no weight in deciding the question at issue . Any one

familiar with tbe Masonic and anti-Masonic literature of last century will be aware of the extraordinary ( demand and ) supply of tbe latter . There was a never failing field apparently for such works , or indeed , for anything Masonic at a few pence , so that the sixth edition of a book being issued in 1767 would not be any proof whatever of the first being published no later than 1750 . The "Freemason ' s Accusation and Defence" went through three

editions in one year ( viz ., 1726 ) , and Prichard s " Masonry Dissected , " the same number in 1730 . As timejrollcd onward no doubt larger editions were issued of such works , but even then some kinds were in great demand , notably that of J . and B . I have not objected to the statement that a fifth edition of this work was published in 17 C 4 , as it is a

fact that such was the case . My contention is that Dr . Oliver , Dr . Mackay , and thc Editor of the Freemason , are all wrong in claiming that the first edition of Jachin and Boas was issued in 1750 , the proper year being 1762 , copies being in the libraries of Bros . Carson and Bower of that year as original editions . W . J . HUGHAN .

Rosicrucian Society.

Rosicrucian Society .

METROPOLITAN COLLEGE . —Tbe quarterly convocation of this college was held at the Freemasons' 'Tavern , Great Queen-street , on Thursday , the Sth inst . There were present among others Praters W . R . Woodman , M . D . IX ° , Supreme Magus ; 'Thomas Cubitt , Masterof the Temple ; S . Rosenthal , I . P . M . of the Temple , Ferguson , 2 nd Ancient ; Cooper , Organist ; Rooks ,

G . T . ; Roy , Medallist ; Hobbs , J . Cox , J . Mason , J . Anderson , T . C . Walls , Gilbert , Acolyte ; and others . The minutes of the previous quarterly convocation having been read and confirmed , Bros , tbe Rev . Ambrose VV . Hall , P . P . G . Chaplain Surrey , & c . ; Frank Richardson , S . G . D ., P . M . 14 , & c ; and Frederick Keddcll , nyC , were admitted to the grade of Zelator , by Frater S . Rosenthal .

Numerous letters of apology having been read , the convocation was dissolved , and a majority of the Fraters adjourned lo a collation . Upon the removal of the cloth the few toasts incident to the society were duly proposed and honoured . "The Health of the Supreme Magus " was heartily received . In reply , Frater Dr . Woodman expressed his acknowledgments . In thc course of his speech

lie congratulated the Fraters upon the steady progress the society was making . With respect to the Metropolitan College he was glad to be in a position to state that it was in a flourishing condition , and that it now numbered amongst its members some of the most distinguished members of the Craft . In conclusion be remarked that it must be exceedingly gratifying to the Fraters of the Metropolitan

College that they had admitted as members that evening three such distinguished . Masons as Bros . Hall , Richardson , and Keddcll . "The Health of the Master of the Temple" followed , and was briefly acknowledged by Frater Cubitt . "'The Newly-admitted Fraters" was given in very eulogistic terms , and the toast having been heartily drank , Fraler Keddcll responded upon behalf of himself and absent colleagues . The proceedings shortly afterwards terminated .

Royal Ark Mariners.

Royal Ark Mariners .

BRIXTON LODGE . —This lodge or Royal Ark Mariners met at Anderton's I Intel on Saturday , the loth inst ., for the purpose of installing the VV . C . N . and investing the officers . 'The lodge was opened by Bro . II . Lovegrove , VV . C . N ., and he afterwards duly installed bis successor , Bro . G . Clark . The following were invested as officers : Bros . II . Baldwin , J . ; E . P . McKay , S . ; II . Lovegrove , P . N ., as Scribe and 'Treas . ; G . ) . Dunkley , S . D . ; C . G . Kipling , | . D . : C . J . Axford , I . G . ; Curtis , D . C ; and Potter , Tyler .

Australia.

Australia .

MELBOURNE . —Duke of Sussex Lodge ( No . 10 S 3 , ICC . )—There was a very large attendance of the brethren of this lodge at the Masonic Hall 011 Thursday evening , the 29 th April , when Bro . tbe Rev . Moses Sanders was installed as W . M . The W . M ., Bro . Simiiionds , opened tbe lodge , and proceeded to general business , which being ended , the VV . Master announced that his term of office

having- expired , he retired ;> i favour of Bro . Parkyn , P . M ., who officiated as Installing Master , assisted bv a Board of Installed Masters of thirty Past Masters . '' The ceremony was performed by Bro . Parkyn in his accustomed masterly and impressive manner . 'The other officers of the lodge were duly installed as follows : Bros . Kauffmann , S . W . ; Burrougb , J . W . ; M'Killop , S . D . ; Lcvine , J . D . ; Cohen , I . G . ; and Clark , Tyler . 'The Secretary , Bro .

Crew , P . M ., and the 'Treasurer , Bro . Fergic , were again unanimously elected and duly installed . An adjournment was then made from labour to refreshment . Upwards of 100 of the brethren sat down lo the banquet , including visiting brethren from South Australia nnd New South Wales , who expressed themselves much pleased with tile- manner in which the bii .-iness bad been conducted .

The usual loyal toasts were duly honoured , and the I . P . M ., Urn . . Siinmonds , in proposing "The Health of the W . M ., " referred lo the valuable assistance he bad received from his officers , and was glad to find that the W . M . bad followed tilt : practice adopted in the Duke of Sussex Lodge of appointing none but those who were thoroughly competent to perform their duties , and lie felt sure that the new W . M .

would maintain the high prestige which the lodge possessed . The W . M ., in responding , said that it afforded him much pleasure in being able to respond to the toast , lie had always taken a great interest in Freemasonry and a desire to attain the high position which had that evening been conferred upon him , and assured the brethren that he would use his utmost endeavours to promote thc interests

Australia.

of Freemasonry , and to maintain the prestige and advance thc interests of the Duke of Sussex Lodge , and hoped that when his term of office had expired it would be found he merited as large a share of approbation as had been awarded to his predecessors . Bro . Goldstein , P . M ., in proposing "The Duke of Sussex Lodge and its Past Masters , " said the working of thc lodge was favourably known throughout thc colony , and he considered it was

mainly due to the fact of thc lodge being particularly careful in the choice of their Worshipful Masters . A lodge could but prosper when they had such Masters as ( only to mention a few ) Bros . Crew , P . M . ; Gosling , P . M . ; Parkyn , P . M . ( whose skill the visitors had had an opportunity of witnessing that evening in the grand manner in which he had given the installation ceremony , although only a young Mason ) , and last but not least thc retiring W . M .,

Bro . Simmonds . Bro . Crew , P . M ., responded . The W . M ., in proposing "Thc Health of the Installing Master , " spoke very eulogistically of his abilities , and the toast was drank with great enthusiasm . Bro . Parkyn , P . M ., in responding , replied that he had often thought that if thc wild beasts in a menagerie could only walk outside and sec in what flattering colours their portraits were painted they would ever after be ashamed of their own

personal appearance ; that be felt very much as one of those beasts might do under the circumstances he had named ; that his portrait had been painted in such very flattering colours by the Worshipful Master and others that he really felt himself very much of a fraud , as it were obtaining and receiving honours under false pretences . He inclined to thc opinion that the brother had rather pictured him as be ought to be than as be

was ; that instead of holding the mirror up to nature they held up a pattern for nature—his nature to copy it if lie could , which was doubtful—but as the old proverb bad it , " it was neither wise nor g-ateful to look a gift horse in the mouth , " be would , therefore , accept the praises awarded him with what humility be could , and endeavour , if he had

not done so already , to deserve them in thc future ; that his heart was in Masonry , and would continue so ; that what he had done in the past be would earnestly endeavour to exceed in the future , nnd hoped be should always occupy the proud position in the estimation of bis brethren which that evening bad shown be had attained .

France.

France .

LES PHILANTHROPES REUNIS ( No . 66 ) . —This influential lodge held its usual monthly meeting at the Masonic Temple , Rue Jean Jacques Rousseau , on Tuiday evening , the 9 th inst . Although the summons stated eight o ' clock precisely , it was nearly nine before the lodge was opened in the First Degree . The officers present were Bros . Fleury , W . M . ; Duvoisin and Boulct , Wardens ; Buisson , Orator ; Droward , Treas . ; and Bro .

Girard , Secretary . Among the visitors was Bro . G . E . Dickey , 1 744 , England . 'The minutes of the last meeting were read by thc Secretary , and confirmed by the brethren , after which thc W . M . _ read the correspondence , which consisted chiefly of invitations from other lodges to meetings and festivals , it contained also a letter from a member of the lodge , to whom leave of absence for six months bad been granted , asking

for an extension of such leave , but upon another brother stating that he had called on the wife of the writer , who declared that her husband bad deserted her , and , as the letter was very vaguely dated as to address , the lodge at once decided to refuse the request . The motion of the Junior Warden "That no one be accepted for initiation unless be produce bis ' voting card ' or gave good reasons why be is not an elector , " was then discussc-dj and , after a

warm debate , it was agreed to postpone the matter until after the meeting of the Supreme Council , as it is expected that that body will call upon cad lodge to adopt this , or a similar precaution , on the admission of candidates . 'The second ballot was then taken for Monsieur Kistemacckers , of Brussels , and M . Valens of Paris , and tbe reports being found to be most favourable to both of them , the ballot was unanimous for their admission . Some arrangements ,

respecting the festival shortly to be held , which bad been agreed to by the committee , were then brought before the lodg-j for formal approval , when it was agreed that jewels of an inexpensive kind should be presented to the children that were to be present . It was also agreed that orphan children of the lodge who were in the orphanage should be invited to tbe festival , and also those children who had left the orphanage , and were at service . It

having been suggested that some of these latter had , on former occasions , been debarred from participating in the festivals owing to their not possessing suitable clothing in which to be present , tbe Bro . Hospitalier was charged to call upon the children , and to provide clothing in such cases as he might deem required it , a sum of money being voted for this purpose . 'The "troncs" then circulated , and tbe lodge was closed in the First Degree . The

Apprentices having withdrawn , the lodge was opened in the Second Degree , and Bros . Block and Pretot were passed to thc Degree of Compagnon . The lodge was then opened in tbe Third Degree , and the same two brethren were passed to the Degree of M . M . The lodge was then resumed in the First Degree , and closed in the usual way .

'There has been a wish shewn by one or two lodges in Paris to have liberty to discuss political and reli gious subjects freely in their lodges , and they have applied to the Grand Central Lodge on the subject , but as it has been pointed out fo them that there exists a constitutional law expressly forbidding the discussion of such subjects , thc matter has been withdrawn .

An attempt will be made to influence the Supreme Council on its meeting to pass a vote of censure on Bro . Jules Simon , condemning the political position he has taken with regard to the Amnesty .

MASONIC So \ -r ; s . —A selection of Masonic Songs , set to popular airs , written by Bro . E . P . Philpots M . D ., F . R . G . S ., is now ready , forming a handsome volume bound in cloth , with gilt edges , ' 3 s . Sent post free from the office of this paper on receipt of stamps or P . O . O . value 3 s . 2 d . —[ ADVT . J Old Matured Wines and Spirits . —J . K . Sn . ixn k Co ., Wine Merchants ( Kxperts and Valuers ) , 2 , ' Albert Mansions , Victoriastreet , London , S . W . Price lists on applications . —[ ADVT . ]