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Article Reviews. ← Page 2 of 2 Article GRAND LODGE OF IRELAND, 1812-23. Page 1 of 2 Article GRAND LODGE OF IRELAND, 1812-23. Page 1 of 2 Article GRAND LODGE OF IRELAND, 1812-23. Page 1 of 2 →
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Reviews.
* a art as in a most satisfactory and striking congraving exJ , e ] ience an ( j power . For all artists , this French Cltl * cw of the p ictorial and engraving art is very useful rev ! ; mp 0 ttant , and we sincerely commend it to the atten"V 110 t only of our brother artists , but to all who , like "" rselves , admire the skilful colouring of the painter , an 1 the happy facsimiles of the engraver .
" The History of Coaches ; " by G . A . TIIRUPP . Kirby & Endean , 190 , Oxford-street . We have perused this elaborate and well written book ith much interest . It is most admirably got up , and 'llustrated ; and reflects no little credit on author and
publisher . The History of Coaches , which is the history of locomotion , concerns us all alike , as it throws no little light both on the manners and customs of our ancestors , and ins out to us in how great a measure the present generation excels them alike in the conveniences of living , and the many comforts which skilled ingenuity has
devised , or the advance of civilization and luxury has procured for us all . Space does not permit us to go into a detailed examination of this striking work , but having read it ourselves , we can conscientiously recommend its perusal to all who desire to keep up with the literature of the hour .
Grand Lodge Of Ireland, 1812-23.
GRAND LODGE OF IRELAND , 1812-23 .
A few curious notices or circulars of the Grand Lodge of Ireland have lately been sent me by a friend and brother and I have much pleasure in affording thc readers of the Freemason an insight into their character . 1 . The first is an order , of the Grand Lodge respecting BY Bro . WILLIAM J AMES HUGHAN .
the lodges to appear on a printed list to be issued annually from A . D . 1813 . The list of lodges has been from time to time increased , and for several years there has been a really useful and accurate " Calendar and Directory " published by the Grand Lodge , and particulars afforded as to the officers of the Grand Lodge , Grand Chapter , and other degrees .
GRAND LODGE OF IRRLAND . Dublin , 6 th August , 1812 , Right Worshipful and Honorable ABRAHAM H . HUTC ' . HNSON , D . G . M . on the Throne . Ordered , That a list be printed and published , once in each Year , of all the Lodges with the names of thc
Masters , Wardens , and places of Meeting thereof , deriving under this Right Worshipful Grand Lodge . 1 hat to facilitate this desirable object , it is necessary that the lodges do make returns on or before the , *; th of November next , in order that the list may be prepared and ready to forward by St . John ' s day in December . That the Grand Lodge orders of December , lSon , and
December , 1811 , respecting lodges seven years in arrear be extended to said jth November , after which day they will be strictly enforced . No officer shall be received in this Grand Lodge , or his name inserted in said list , belonging to any lodge four years in arrear , or that does not make regular returns and register its members according to rule .
The names printed in said list shall be considered as the constituted members of the Grand Lodge of Ireland for the time being . No report , memorial , application , or reference shall be received from any lodge not making its returns in time lo be included in said list , except Military Lodges which may return from foreign service . Worshipful Sir , and Brother ,
I feel much pleasure in communicating the above resolutions of the Grand Lodge of Ireland , and entertain no doubt of their meeting your concurrence , and that of the members of your Worshipful Lodge . You and they will fully appreciate the advantages of such a publication , and forward its completion , by making thc necessary returns at the time required by the
resolutions—viz , sth November next , and by settling thc accompt if any arrears are due . The utility of publishing the list intended by the Grand Lod ge must be obvious to every intelligent brother ; it will disseminat ; a general and most desirable knowledge of the regular lodges , as well as prevent intercourse or
communication with unauthorised and illegitimate meet "' gs , or any who shall belong thereto . 1 have the honour to be , Worshipful Sir and Brother , With much respect , your very obedient servant , By Order of the Grand Lodge , WILLIAM F . GRAHAM , D . G . S .
2 . The second is a Report of Committee on the state of Lod ges in Ireland , which was duly confirmed and ordered to be sent ( when printed ) to all whom it should concern . 1 his report affords light upon a subject hitherto little known , I expect , even to our friends in Ireland , and certainl y not familiar to me before , as I had no idea that even the Grand Lodge of Ireland followed the example of
the " Ancients " of England in permitting junior lodges « ' assume senior numbers ( if vacant ) . It is evident , However , that in a modified form such was allowed , and a perusal of the report will not only confirm this state , •"' nt , but also prove that the Grand Lodge of Ireland , sired " * at all the lodges should have warrants of a uniform
character , ori t * hcrC 'S I 10 t *" n i > sa'd about the return of the cha i' We are left to '"' ag ine the treatment these old can " Were to rcc " > for the sake of uniformity , for we scarcel y suppose that the original and duplicate li ! t , " ' be rclain <* lt by the lodges , y the list of lod ges in the directory of A . D . 1877 wc
Grand Lodge Of Ireland, 1812-23.
see that many availed themselves of the opportunity thus to secure the revival of old charters , with their original numbers , e . g . No . 4 , Dublin , warranted originally about 1730 , was rewarranted and revived A . D . 1823 , and so with other old dormant , if not extinct , warrants of lodges , including Nos . 3 , 3 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , n , 12 , 15 , 16 , 17 , and others from early this century to a few years since , all of which originally would date from about 1728 to 1750 .
GRAND LODGE OF IRELAND . 5 th of December , 1816 . Ordered . —That the following Report of Committee on the state of lodges on thc establishment of this Grand Lodge be confirmed : Thc state of lodges on 24 th June , 1816 , were as follows :
607 Warrants , the dues ot whicli are paid up within a period of three years , no Warrants in arrear thrre years and not exceeding five years . 08 Warrants in arrear five years and upwards . 25 Military , that have not corresponded for many years ' 210 Dormant and cancelled .
1020 Gross number . In order to dispose of the 210 numbers now vacant as above , together with such others as may be in arrear of dues and cancelled by the rule of the Grand Lodge—It is ordered that on and after the 24 th June , 1817 , the numbers of cancelled and dormant warrants and all numbers then unoccupied on the Grand Lodge books , shall be granted to
applicants , properly qualified and recommended for same in manner following , viz . —Every regularly warranted lodge on the Irish Establishment , not in arrear to the Grand Lodge for dues or fines , or under censure or suspension , the members of which shall apply to the Grand Secretary ( post paid ) for a senior vacant number , shall be arranged according to the seniority of their present
numbers , and the oldest vacant number given to the senior applicants , and so on till all such applications shall have been acceded to , r < spcct being always had to applications for particular numbers if vacant , provided that thc particular number so claimed be not senior to that which the ap licants would have been entitled to , if they had not put in their claims to any specific number .
An exception to this rule is to be allowed in favour of military applicants when the number similar to the number of the regiment is vacant . Lodges not making their applications for exchange of warrants , and clearing off their arrears due to thc Grand Lodge , on or before said 24 th of June , 1817 , shall be considered as having relinquished their claim to thc
opportunity of obtaining senior number ) :, in the future numerical arrangement of the lodges of Ireland . That to meet the expense , of revival and exchange of wanants the sum of one guinea shall be forwarded with each application , and after'Same are defrayed , the surplus shall be appr priated in aid c f the Funds of the Masonic Female Orphan School .
In order to prevent any confusion or disappointment in thc revival of warrants , it is ordered that with each application the warrant now held be sent up ( together with the names of the officers and a list of all ihe members ) an acknowledgment for same to be returned . In all cases of warrants exchanged for those of different numbers , the sum of one British shilling must be paid
for the transfer of each member to the new ; same to be sent up with the applications for such exchange . In order to a perfect uniformity of warrants , the Grand Lodge recommend that that such regular lodges as do not wish to change their present numbers will take a duplicat . of same off the improved plate , in such case t ' -e
original date shall be preserved and inserted . After the lodges now in existence shall have their applications acceeded to , all new warrants granted by the Grand Lodge shall be ordered for the highest senior number then vacant on the list , so that the numerical order shall not be increased till all the vacant numbers are
disposed of . It appears that of thc sixty-eight lodges in arrear five years and upwards , several have been in correspondence with the Grand Lodge and made payments , on account , within said period , it is therefore ordered that time be given to those lodges to clear up their arrear to 27 th December , 1817 , after which period the rule shall be strictly enforced It is ordered that when the proposed arrangement is
completed , a correct list of all the lodges on the establishment of Ireland shall be printed , as they will then stand on the books of the Grand Lodge , with the names of the Masters and places where held , a copy of which shall be sent to each lodge . It is to be observed that no part of the foregoing is to apply to brethren who may require a warrant to form a new lodge , the regulations tor which are provided for in rule No . 6 , Section the 4 th of Revised Laws .
GRAND LODGE or IRELAND . Dublin , 3 rd ol April , 1817 . Ordered . —That the foregoing be printed and sent to all lodges in Ireland . By order of the Grand Lodge
ItOUERT IiANIlCOCK , Grand Secretary . WILLIAM FRANCIS GRAHAM , D . G . Secretary . 33 , Capel-strect .
No regular renumbering of the lodges in Ireland , as in England , appears ever to have occurred . Though the lodges are numbered from 1 to 1014 , there are not more than 3 ( 13 on the list of lodges in Ireland , exclusive of the Grand Master ' s Lodge ( without a number ) , at head of roll . I fully sympathise with the brethren who have an
Grand Lodge Of Ireland, 1812-23.
affection for their numbers , as for the names , of their lodges , but the system of retaining them as in Ireland involves some awkward results in having so many blank numbers . 3 . The following will explain themselves , and abundantly illustrate the loyalty and law-abiding character of Freemasons : —
GRAND LODGE 07 IRELAND . 4 th December , 183 , 5 . Whereas on ist August last , it was deemed prudent to make an order to suspend the meeting of lodges , and whereas it is now necessary for the election of officers of the Masonic Order in Ireland , that said order of suspension be for thc present rescinded .
Resolved , —That the said order of suspension is hereby rescinded for the purpose of election and confirmation of officers . Resolved , —That it is expedient that each lodge in Ireland do meet forthwith , elect officers for the ensuing half-year , and transmit returns as usual for St . John ' s-day , 27 th
December inst . Under existing circumstances , it is recommended that on the ensuing election , the choice of Masters shall be of such brethren as have previously served that office , and due caution shall be observed that there be no infringement of the law of the land .
By Order of the Grand Lodge , J . WILLIAM HORT , Grand Secretary , WILLIAM FRANCIS GRMIAM , D . G . Secretary . Brethren are hereby informed that a petition to Parliament , oa behalf of the Masonic Order , is in preparation . Copies thereof will be forwarded as soon as possible to the different districts for signatures , with directions for future proceedings .
GRAND LODGE or IRELAND . 6 th April , 1826 . Resolved , — That the services rendered to thc cause of Freemasonry in Ireland , by thc able , eloquent , and manly advocacy of its true principlesand spirit , used by our worthy
Bro . Joseph Rolleston , Esq ., barrister-at-law , in his professional capacity at the late assizes in the County of Londonderry , justly entitles him to the thanks of the Grand Lodge of Ireland , and of all the brotherhood , which are hereby given to him . Resolved , —
That the above resolution be communicated to our Bro . Rolleston , in the most respectful manner , and that a deputation consisting of the Grand Officers , and three members of the Grand Lodge , be , and are hereby appointed to wait on him for that purpose . Signed by order , WILLIAM F . GRAHAM ,
D . G . Secretary . Committee having waited on Bro . Rolleston , he was pleased to return the following answer : — Gentlemen of the deputation , —The resolution passed by the Right Worshipful the Grand Lodge of Ireland , on the 6 th of April , 1826 , demands my most sincere and heartfelt acknowledgments ; it is , if possible , more grateful by being
communicated to me by Masons of your distinguished rank and character . The Grand Lodge have much overrated my services and advocacy at the late assizes of Londonderry—What was urged by me there , proceeded from a sincere attachment to the Order , and from an earnest desire to make public the true principles and spirit of Freemasonry . I confess the charge of riot affected me
much at the time I heard it stated—it was an awful charge in those times against Freemasons ; but it was false , and has passed away without injury—We should no longer remember it , or for a moment ( on that account ) imagine that any thing degrading was intended to be imputed by the Government to the real Free and Accepted Masons of Ireland—No , gentlemen , our loyalty and love for public
tranquillity is known to all . But the legislature had enacted that public precessions should be deemed illegal—To carry this law into effect , and to shew the impartiality of the administration of justice in Ireland , the society of the first respectability in the nation was selected—They had given some cause—they had marched in Masonic procession on the usual anniversary—It was felt from the
nature of the prosecution that a wise and instructive lesson of submission to the existing laws might be given to the people of this distracted country on this important occasion , and it was instantly determined that Freemasons should never throw an obstacle in the way of public peace , resist the law , or impede the course of justice—A verdict of acquittal mig ht perhaps have been obtained ; for though
the men had erred , their minds were pure— There was mistake without intention—But an appeal to a jury was disdained—The truth was not to be denied by Masons—Nothing inconsistent with the honour and character of the Masonic body had been designedly done j therefore no admission , consistent with truth , could injure them—Thc charge of riot was indignantly repelled , and the Masonic
procession ( in total ignorance of the law ) was admitted-Contrition was expressed , and observance of the law in future promised—The learned judge , on being convinced of the error into which the Masons had inadvertently fallen , discharged them with expressions of kindness and salutary advice , which I hope they will never forget—Tbat enlightened judge was indulgent , and Freemasons should be grateful—It seems ( I know ) singular to Freemasons in
general that the legislature should prohibit the processions of the most loyal and peaceable society that ever existedthat it should by a general act prevent the proud and public display of the emblems of brotherly love , morality , and friendship , by a body of men uncontaminated by party , and untainted by intolerance—But we ought to reflect that the sacred name and character of Freemasons might be assumed by evil disposed persons , ami converted to thc w irst of purposes * , wc ought , therefore , to acquiesce
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Reviews.
* a art as in a most satisfactory and striking congraving exJ , e ] ience an ( j power . For all artists , this French Cltl * cw of the p ictorial and engraving art is very useful rev ! ; mp 0 ttant , and we sincerely commend it to the atten"V 110 t only of our brother artists , but to all who , like "" rselves , admire the skilful colouring of the painter , an 1 the happy facsimiles of the engraver .
" The History of Coaches ; " by G . A . TIIRUPP . Kirby & Endean , 190 , Oxford-street . We have perused this elaborate and well written book ith much interest . It is most admirably got up , and 'llustrated ; and reflects no little credit on author and
publisher . The History of Coaches , which is the history of locomotion , concerns us all alike , as it throws no little light both on the manners and customs of our ancestors , and ins out to us in how great a measure the present generation excels them alike in the conveniences of living , and the many comforts which skilled ingenuity has
devised , or the advance of civilization and luxury has procured for us all . Space does not permit us to go into a detailed examination of this striking work , but having read it ourselves , we can conscientiously recommend its perusal to all who desire to keep up with the literature of the hour .
Grand Lodge Of Ireland, 1812-23.
GRAND LODGE OF IRELAND , 1812-23 .
A few curious notices or circulars of the Grand Lodge of Ireland have lately been sent me by a friend and brother and I have much pleasure in affording thc readers of the Freemason an insight into their character . 1 . The first is an order , of the Grand Lodge respecting BY Bro . WILLIAM J AMES HUGHAN .
the lodges to appear on a printed list to be issued annually from A . D . 1813 . The list of lodges has been from time to time increased , and for several years there has been a really useful and accurate " Calendar and Directory " published by the Grand Lodge , and particulars afforded as to the officers of the Grand Lodge , Grand Chapter , and other degrees .
GRAND LODGE OF IRRLAND . Dublin , 6 th August , 1812 , Right Worshipful and Honorable ABRAHAM H . HUTC ' . HNSON , D . G . M . on the Throne . Ordered , That a list be printed and published , once in each Year , of all the Lodges with the names of thc
Masters , Wardens , and places of Meeting thereof , deriving under this Right Worshipful Grand Lodge . 1 hat to facilitate this desirable object , it is necessary that the lodges do make returns on or before the , *; th of November next , in order that the list may be prepared and ready to forward by St . John ' s day in December . That the Grand Lodge orders of December , lSon , and
December , 1811 , respecting lodges seven years in arrear be extended to said jth November , after which day they will be strictly enforced . No officer shall be received in this Grand Lodge , or his name inserted in said list , belonging to any lodge four years in arrear , or that does not make regular returns and register its members according to rule .
The names printed in said list shall be considered as the constituted members of the Grand Lodge of Ireland for the time being . No report , memorial , application , or reference shall be received from any lodge not making its returns in time lo be included in said list , except Military Lodges which may return from foreign service . Worshipful Sir , and Brother ,
I feel much pleasure in communicating the above resolutions of the Grand Lodge of Ireland , and entertain no doubt of their meeting your concurrence , and that of the members of your Worshipful Lodge . You and they will fully appreciate the advantages of such a publication , and forward its completion , by making thc necessary returns at the time required by the
resolutions—viz , sth November next , and by settling thc accompt if any arrears are due . The utility of publishing the list intended by the Grand Lod ge must be obvious to every intelligent brother ; it will disseminat ; a general and most desirable knowledge of the regular lodges , as well as prevent intercourse or
communication with unauthorised and illegitimate meet "' gs , or any who shall belong thereto . 1 have the honour to be , Worshipful Sir and Brother , With much respect , your very obedient servant , By Order of the Grand Lodge , WILLIAM F . GRAHAM , D . G . S .
2 . The second is a Report of Committee on the state of Lod ges in Ireland , which was duly confirmed and ordered to be sent ( when printed ) to all whom it should concern . 1 his report affords light upon a subject hitherto little known , I expect , even to our friends in Ireland , and certainl y not familiar to me before , as I had no idea that even the Grand Lodge of Ireland followed the example of
the " Ancients " of England in permitting junior lodges « ' assume senior numbers ( if vacant ) . It is evident , However , that in a modified form such was allowed , and a perusal of the report will not only confirm this state , •"' nt , but also prove that the Grand Lodge of Ireland , sired " * at all the lodges should have warrants of a uniform
character , ori t * hcrC 'S I 10 t *" n i > sa'd about the return of the cha i' We are left to '"' ag ine the treatment these old can " Were to rcc " > for the sake of uniformity , for we scarcel y suppose that the original and duplicate li ! t , " ' be rclain <* lt by the lodges , y the list of lod ges in the directory of A . D . 1877 wc
Grand Lodge Of Ireland, 1812-23.
see that many availed themselves of the opportunity thus to secure the revival of old charters , with their original numbers , e . g . No . 4 , Dublin , warranted originally about 1730 , was rewarranted and revived A . D . 1823 , and so with other old dormant , if not extinct , warrants of lodges , including Nos . 3 , 3 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , n , 12 , 15 , 16 , 17 , and others from early this century to a few years since , all of which originally would date from about 1728 to 1750 .
GRAND LODGE OF IRELAND . 5 th of December , 1816 . Ordered . —That the following Report of Committee on the state of lodges on thc establishment of this Grand Lodge be confirmed : Thc state of lodges on 24 th June , 1816 , were as follows :
607 Warrants , the dues ot whicli are paid up within a period of three years , no Warrants in arrear thrre years and not exceeding five years . 08 Warrants in arrear five years and upwards . 25 Military , that have not corresponded for many years ' 210 Dormant and cancelled .
1020 Gross number . In order to dispose of the 210 numbers now vacant as above , together with such others as may be in arrear of dues and cancelled by the rule of the Grand Lodge—It is ordered that on and after the 24 th June , 1817 , the numbers of cancelled and dormant warrants and all numbers then unoccupied on the Grand Lodge books , shall be granted to
applicants , properly qualified and recommended for same in manner following , viz . —Every regularly warranted lodge on the Irish Establishment , not in arrear to the Grand Lodge for dues or fines , or under censure or suspension , the members of which shall apply to the Grand Secretary ( post paid ) for a senior vacant number , shall be arranged according to the seniority of their present
numbers , and the oldest vacant number given to the senior applicants , and so on till all such applications shall have been acceded to , r < spcct being always had to applications for particular numbers if vacant , provided that thc particular number so claimed be not senior to that which the ap licants would have been entitled to , if they had not put in their claims to any specific number .
An exception to this rule is to be allowed in favour of military applicants when the number similar to the number of the regiment is vacant . Lodges not making their applications for exchange of warrants , and clearing off their arrears due to thc Grand Lodge , on or before said 24 th of June , 1817 , shall be considered as having relinquished their claim to thc
opportunity of obtaining senior number ) :, in the future numerical arrangement of the lodges of Ireland . That to meet the expense , of revival and exchange of wanants the sum of one guinea shall be forwarded with each application , and after'Same are defrayed , the surplus shall be appr priated in aid c f the Funds of the Masonic Female Orphan School .
In order to prevent any confusion or disappointment in thc revival of warrants , it is ordered that with each application the warrant now held be sent up ( together with the names of the officers and a list of all ihe members ) an acknowledgment for same to be returned . In all cases of warrants exchanged for those of different numbers , the sum of one British shilling must be paid
for the transfer of each member to the new ; same to be sent up with the applications for such exchange . In order to a perfect uniformity of warrants , the Grand Lodge recommend that that such regular lodges as do not wish to change their present numbers will take a duplicat . of same off the improved plate , in such case t ' -e
original date shall be preserved and inserted . After the lodges now in existence shall have their applications acceeded to , all new warrants granted by the Grand Lodge shall be ordered for the highest senior number then vacant on the list , so that the numerical order shall not be increased till all the vacant numbers are
disposed of . It appears that of thc sixty-eight lodges in arrear five years and upwards , several have been in correspondence with the Grand Lodge and made payments , on account , within said period , it is therefore ordered that time be given to those lodges to clear up their arrear to 27 th December , 1817 , after which period the rule shall be strictly enforced It is ordered that when the proposed arrangement is
completed , a correct list of all the lodges on the establishment of Ireland shall be printed , as they will then stand on the books of the Grand Lodge , with the names of the Masters and places where held , a copy of which shall be sent to each lodge . It is to be observed that no part of the foregoing is to apply to brethren who may require a warrant to form a new lodge , the regulations tor which are provided for in rule No . 6 , Section the 4 th of Revised Laws .
GRAND LODGE or IRELAND . Dublin , 3 rd ol April , 1817 . Ordered . —That the foregoing be printed and sent to all lodges in Ireland . By order of the Grand Lodge
ItOUERT IiANIlCOCK , Grand Secretary . WILLIAM FRANCIS GRAHAM , D . G . Secretary . 33 , Capel-strect .
No regular renumbering of the lodges in Ireland , as in England , appears ever to have occurred . Though the lodges are numbered from 1 to 1014 , there are not more than 3 ( 13 on the list of lodges in Ireland , exclusive of the Grand Master ' s Lodge ( without a number ) , at head of roll . I fully sympathise with the brethren who have an
Grand Lodge Of Ireland, 1812-23.
affection for their numbers , as for the names , of their lodges , but the system of retaining them as in Ireland involves some awkward results in having so many blank numbers . 3 . The following will explain themselves , and abundantly illustrate the loyalty and law-abiding character of Freemasons : —
GRAND LODGE 07 IRELAND . 4 th December , 183 , 5 . Whereas on ist August last , it was deemed prudent to make an order to suspend the meeting of lodges , and whereas it is now necessary for the election of officers of the Masonic Order in Ireland , that said order of suspension be for thc present rescinded .
Resolved , —That the said order of suspension is hereby rescinded for the purpose of election and confirmation of officers . Resolved , —That it is expedient that each lodge in Ireland do meet forthwith , elect officers for the ensuing half-year , and transmit returns as usual for St . John ' s-day , 27 th
December inst . Under existing circumstances , it is recommended that on the ensuing election , the choice of Masters shall be of such brethren as have previously served that office , and due caution shall be observed that there be no infringement of the law of the land .
By Order of the Grand Lodge , J . WILLIAM HORT , Grand Secretary , WILLIAM FRANCIS GRMIAM , D . G . Secretary . Brethren are hereby informed that a petition to Parliament , oa behalf of the Masonic Order , is in preparation . Copies thereof will be forwarded as soon as possible to the different districts for signatures , with directions for future proceedings .
GRAND LODGE or IRELAND . 6 th April , 1826 . Resolved , — That the services rendered to thc cause of Freemasonry in Ireland , by thc able , eloquent , and manly advocacy of its true principlesand spirit , used by our worthy
Bro . Joseph Rolleston , Esq ., barrister-at-law , in his professional capacity at the late assizes in the County of Londonderry , justly entitles him to the thanks of the Grand Lodge of Ireland , and of all the brotherhood , which are hereby given to him . Resolved , —
That the above resolution be communicated to our Bro . Rolleston , in the most respectful manner , and that a deputation consisting of the Grand Officers , and three members of the Grand Lodge , be , and are hereby appointed to wait on him for that purpose . Signed by order , WILLIAM F . GRAHAM ,
D . G . Secretary . Committee having waited on Bro . Rolleston , he was pleased to return the following answer : — Gentlemen of the deputation , —The resolution passed by the Right Worshipful the Grand Lodge of Ireland , on the 6 th of April , 1826 , demands my most sincere and heartfelt acknowledgments ; it is , if possible , more grateful by being
communicated to me by Masons of your distinguished rank and character . The Grand Lodge have much overrated my services and advocacy at the late assizes of Londonderry—What was urged by me there , proceeded from a sincere attachment to the Order , and from an earnest desire to make public the true principles and spirit of Freemasonry . I confess the charge of riot affected me
much at the time I heard it stated—it was an awful charge in those times against Freemasons ; but it was false , and has passed away without injury—We should no longer remember it , or for a moment ( on that account ) imagine that any thing degrading was intended to be imputed by the Government to the real Free and Accepted Masons of Ireland—No , gentlemen , our loyalty and love for public
tranquillity is known to all . But the legislature had enacted that public precessions should be deemed illegal—To carry this law into effect , and to shew the impartiality of the administration of justice in Ireland , the society of the first respectability in the nation was selected—They had given some cause—they had marched in Masonic procession on the usual anniversary—It was felt from the
nature of the prosecution that a wise and instructive lesson of submission to the existing laws might be given to the people of this distracted country on this important occasion , and it was instantly determined that Freemasons should never throw an obstacle in the way of public peace , resist the law , or impede the course of justice—A verdict of acquittal mig ht perhaps have been obtained ; for though
the men had erred , their minds were pure— There was mistake without intention—But an appeal to a jury was disdained—The truth was not to be denied by Masons—Nothing inconsistent with the honour and character of the Masonic body had been designedly done j therefore no admission , consistent with truth , could injure them—Thc charge of riot was indignantly repelled , and the Masonic
procession ( in total ignorance of the law ) was admitted-Contrition was expressed , and observance of the law in future promised—The learned judge , on being convinced of the error into which the Masons had inadvertently fallen , discharged them with expressions of kindness and salutary advice , which I hope they will never forget—Tbat enlightened judge was indulgent , and Freemasons should be grateful—It seems ( I know ) singular to Freemasons in
general that the legislature should prohibit the processions of the most loyal and peaceable society that ever existedthat it should by a general act prevent the proud and public display of the emblems of brotherly love , morality , and friendship , by a body of men uncontaminated by party , and untainted by intolerance—But we ought to reflect that the sacred name and character of Freemasons might be assumed by evil disposed persons , ami converted to thc w irst of purposes * , wc ought , therefore , to acquiesce