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Article Untitled ← Page 2 of 2 Article A NEW MASONIC MS. CONSTITUTION. Page 1 of 1 Article PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF DORSET. Page 1 of 2 Article PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF DORSET. Page 1 of 2 →
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Ar00200
rule it is , the Freemason , and Freemasons generally , do not interfere , on certain distinct grounds , with elections of any kind as a body , yet we cannot resist the opportunity of saying that we doubt not that many of our brethren who live in that district will be glad to know the fact , and to give their support to our brother's candidature , as few possess qualities of every kind
more suited for the important duties Bro . DERBY READE so laudably seeks , as in other matters , duly and effectively to fulfil . And as all Freemasons have an interest in the spread both of education and culture , there are really and truly no " a priori " reasons why the matter may not be fitly mentioned in a friendly way in the pages of the Freemason .
* * WE call attention elsewhere to the special report of another Constitution or Gild Legend . Since first the study of these interesting records of the past history of Freemasonry took place , many have been found and added to our list , all previously unknown . The value of the " LECHMERE MS . seems
to be in this , that it is clearly the remnant of a roll once in use in a Seventeenth century lodge . Bro . Goui . n ' s recent important history renders it very likely that if we are able lo find a " Devoir " of the " Compagnonagc , " it will turn out to be a Constitution , or as we call it , a Legend ' . There are foreign works published , terming the Constitutions ot the Freemasons " Devoirs . "
WE congratulate the W . M . ( Bro . MILLINGTON ) , Bro . WHYTEHEAD , - and the members of the Eboracum Lodge on the extremely effective and aesthetic programme which they have issued for their Installation Festival . It is seldom that we have seen , in fact , never before , any similar production devised with so much apposite meaning , or characterized by so much cultured taste . " Hearty good wishes " for the Eboracum Lodge .
A New Masonic Ms. Constitution.
A NEW MASONIC MS . CONSTITUTION .
By the great kindness of Bro . Sir Edmund Lechmere , Bart , M . P ., Prov . Grand Master for Worcestershire , I have been permitted to see and collate a new MS . copy of the " Old Charges , " which I propose
henceforth to term " The Lechmere MS . " It is , unfortunately , not perfect ; only , in fact , consisting of three portions , written on parchment , apparently severed designedly , but which arc now stitched together .
The concluding portion is complete , the second skin leading into the third continuously from the clause relative to Charles Martel . The first portion commences with Abraham , but does not go very far . The MS . is clearly identical with the Sloane MS . 3 S 4 S , and is probabl y transcribed from a common original .
My friend , Bro . Rylands , and myself , think we trace three hands employed in the transcription , —two certainly . The MS . cannot be later that 1646 , and is probably earlier , and represents an earlier form . The MS . was originally purchased in London in its present incomplete state .
The last portion is most evidently designedly cut in a triangular form , and I have no doubt that we have in this MS . a relic of a Charge . or Constitution actually used in a Seventeenth Century lodge . I propose , with the especial and most thoughtful permission of our distinguished brother , to publish the MS . in the December number of the " Masonic Monthly . " A . F . A . W .
Provincial Grand Lodge Of Dorset.
PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF DORSET .
The annual Provincial Grand Lodge of Dorset was held at Sherborne on Thursday , the 2 nd inst ., in the Town Hall , which was fitted up for the occasion , and decorated with much taste and effect . Although the Province of Dorset is one of the smallest , numbering only thirteen lodges ( amongst a population of 196 , 000 ) , there are few provinces in which Masonry is carried
on with greater zeal , or in which the great Charities of the Order are better supported , in proportion to the number of lodges . About 130 brethren assembled to receive the R . W . Prov . Grand Master , Bro . Montagu Guest , M . P ., who was supported by the following Prov . Grand Officers : V . W . Bros . Hambro , D . P . G . M . ; J . M . P . Montagu , G . Supt ., P . Prov . D . G . M . ; Bros . Fane-Benett Stanford , P . P . G . S . W . ; the Rev . G . V . Garland , Prov . G . Chap . ;
the Rev . W . M . Heath , P . P . G . S . W . ; Rev . G . Thompson , P . P . G . Chap . ; H . C . Burt , P . P . G . J . W . ; Capt . Hanham , P . P . G . S . W . ; J . S . Webb , P . P . G . J . W . ; E . T . Budden , P . P . G . S . D ., Hon . Sec . Dorset Masonic Charity ; L . H . Ruegg , P . P . G . S . W . ; F . Travers , P . P . G . S . W . ; G . H . Bond , Prov . G . S . W . ; VV . D . Dugdale , Prov . G . J . W . ; R . Case , Prov . G . Treas . ; R , N . Howard , Prov . G . Sec . j and other Officers , Present and Past .
The Provincial Grand Lodge was opened in due form , and the roll of the lodges called and answered by all the lodges in the province . The minutes of the previous Provincial Grand Lodge were then read and confirmed . Letters and communications were read by the Prov . Grand Secretary . The Treasurer read the statement of accounts , which were passed " nem con . "
The PROV . G . CHAPLAIN then delivered a very instructive and interesting discourse on the principles and practice of Masonry , which was received with profound attention by the brethren . The R . W . P . G . MASTER , in an exhaustive address , reviewed the progress of Masonry for the past year throughout the province ; the work done in the various lodges ; the improvement shown by the increasing number of
Provincial Grand Lodge Of Dorset.
ceremonies done by the actual W . M . ' s ; and by the increased number of subscribing members enrolled in the province . Alluding to the losses b y death , he paid a just and well-merited tribute to the memory of our muchrevered and deeply lamented Bro . Jacob , who for sixty-three years had been an active member of the province and an ornament to the Craft . The Prov . Grand Master then noticed briefly the work of Grand Lodge for the past year and the importance to the provinces of their keeping abreast of Grand
Lodge legislation . He congratulated the Provincial Grand Lodge on the success and progress of the Dorset Masonic Charity , which he , as the founder , desired to see established on a solid foundation , as an enduring edifice of brotherly love and relief for the unfortunate and needy in the province , and in his own name , and in that of the Provincial Grand Lodge , he thanked the Hon . Secretary of the Dorset Masonic Charity ( Bro . E . T . Budden ) for his
devotion to the interests of this Charity , which had been crowned by such signal success . The R . W . M . in referring to the retirement of Bro . Howard , who has so efficiently discharged the duties of Grand Secretary , paid him a warm and deserved compliment , and said the subject of his successor would require long and earnest consideration . Meanwhile he presented to Bro . Howard a valuable jewel as a mark of his regard .
The report of the Provincial Grand Lodge Committee for conducting the elections of candidates for our central Institutions was read and passed and the candidates for the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution and the Boys' Schocl adopted . During the year one candidate has been elected on the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution Female Fund , and one candidate elected to the Boys' School . The following report of the Dorset Masonic Charity was then read :
THE SECOND REPORT OF THE DORSET MASONIC CHARITY . To the Provincial Grand Lodge of Dorset , holden at Sherborne , Nov . 2 nd , 1 S 82 . R . W . Prov . Grand Master and Brethren , — The General Committee of the Dorset Masonic Charity , in presenting the second annual report to Provincial Grand Lodge , record with much pleasure the
continued progress of the Charity as regards both income and usefulness . We reported last year that the contributions received up to 30 th June , 18 S 1 , amounted to _ £ oS 6 us . From that date to June 30 , 1 SS 2 , further donations and subscriptions have been received , amounting to £ 295 19 s . 3 d ., making a total of £ l 3 S 2 10 s . 3 d . Amongst the donations received during the year , the following deserve special mention by your Committee , and the thanks of Provincial Grand Lodge , viz .:
—£ s . d . Lodge Amity , 137 , Poole ... ... ... ... ... 10 o o St . Leonard ' s Chapter Rose Croix ... ... ... ... 700 Lodge 417 , Dorchester ... ... ... ... ... 500 The Provincial Grand Master , donation to defray expenses of starting and organising ... ... ... ... 29 o 3
Bro . T . Merthyr Guest ... ... ... ... ... 50 o o VV . Bro . VV . E . Brymer , M . P 50 o o The Prov . Grand Lodge of Dorset ( second donation ) ... 50 o o These very handsome donations have been most useful to the Charity , and have greatly helped to increase its funded capital from £ 876 , at which it stood on 30 th June , 1 SS 1 , to £ nSo , on 3 othjune , 1 SS 2 , an addition in the twelve months of £ 300 ; with a cash balance , at our bankers of £ 105 . *
As regards Annual Subscriptions , no brethren have paid for 1 SS 2 , £ 35 6 s ., and 53 brethren are waiting to pay between them , £ 13 5 s . Out of the 5 G 0 brethren enrolled in the province , 16 7 are Annual Subscribers ; and your Committee cannot help expressing a hope that the number will go on increasing until every brother in the province gives his 5 s . a year to this Provincial Charity . The Annual Subscriptions received within the financial year amount to £ 52 2 o The interest on capital invested , minus Income Tax 43 18 4
Making a total of £ 96 o 4 At present subscriptions are not available for relief ; but must be invested until the funded _ Stock reaches £ 2000 , after which the annual subscriptions will be added to the yearly interest on capital to form a fund for relief and assistance , which will meet all the claims on the Charity likely to arise within the province .
As regards the operations for relief and assistance , three petitions have been received , and the petitioners assisted , viz .: — 1 . The widow ( age 76 ) of the late Bro . Biles , of 417 , Dorchester , two grants of £ 5 each ... ... ... ... ... £ 10 o o 2 . Charles Templeman ( age 8 ) , son of Bro . Templeman , of 707 ,
Bridport ... ... ... ... ... ... £ 500 3 . The widow of our lately deceased Bro . Moon , of 665 , Lyme , for the advancement in life of her eldest son , John Moon ... £ 20 o o N . B . —As £ 20 is the largest grant the Dorset Masonic Charity can make , a supplemental grant of £ 10 by Prov . Grand Lodge was recommended and made to this applicant .
As only eighteen months have elapsed since the Dorset Masonic Charity was first organised , no funds were available for relief until interest had accured , and was received from the funds invested . The first interest ( £ 6 gs . 8 d . ) was received just one year ago , consequently the year just passed is the tirst of the relief operations of the Charity ; and although the
beginnings are necessarily small , your Committee trust that the increase of revenue will keep pace with the increasing calls for assistance which come from the various parts of the province . To effectuall y relieve these calls will be the duty of your Committee , so far as the funds placed at their disposal will permit . ( Signed ) H . C . BURT , Chairman .
July 4 th , 18 S 2 . E . T . BUDDEN , Honorary Secretary . The report was passed with acclamation , and the following grants were then made : Twenty-five guineas to the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution to be placed in Bro . Howard ' s list as Steward for the province , and to stand in his name as a compliment from the province ; ten guineas to Lodge 116 S , which must give a like sum to purchase a Life-Governorshi p in one
of the Chanties ; . £ 10 to Lodge 707 , Bridport , to assist the brethren to furnish their new lodge-room ; £ 10 to John Moon , on the recommendation of the Dorset Masonic Charity ; £ 10 to the widow of our late Bro . Rev . — Percy , Prov . G . Chap ., in compliance with a last request of our late Bro . Jacob ; ^ 50 to the Dorset Masonic Charity , which is also to stand in Bro . Howard ' s name to qualify him as a Vice-President thereof ,
The two Charity jewels were presented to Bros . Dugdale , and Atkins , in pursuance of a resolution passed at the previous P . G . Lodge , viz .: " Any Bro . serving the office of Steward to either of the Charities twice , to have a Charity jewel presented to him by P . G . Lodge ; and a bar for any subsequent Stewardship , also provided by P . G . Lodge . After some further business , the PROV . G . MASTER then declared all offices vacant , and Bro . R . Case was unanimously re-elected Treasurer .
The following brethren were then invested as Provincial Grand Officers for the ensuing year ; Bro . E . T . Budden , Wimborne ... ... ... Prov . G . S . W . „ W . H . Hay , Bridport ... ... ... Prov . G . J . W . „ Rev . J . H . Scott , Weymouth ... ... Prov . G . Chap . „ Robert Case ( re-elected ) ... ... ... Prov . G . Treas . „ L . W . Pike , Wareham ... ... ... Prov . G . Reg . „ R . N . Howard , Weymouth ( re-appointment ) ... Prov . G . Sec .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Ar00200
rule it is , the Freemason , and Freemasons generally , do not interfere , on certain distinct grounds , with elections of any kind as a body , yet we cannot resist the opportunity of saying that we doubt not that many of our brethren who live in that district will be glad to know the fact , and to give their support to our brother's candidature , as few possess qualities of every kind
more suited for the important duties Bro . DERBY READE so laudably seeks , as in other matters , duly and effectively to fulfil . And as all Freemasons have an interest in the spread both of education and culture , there are really and truly no " a priori " reasons why the matter may not be fitly mentioned in a friendly way in the pages of the Freemason .
* * WE call attention elsewhere to the special report of another Constitution or Gild Legend . Since first the study of these interesting records of the past history of Freemasonry took place , many have been found and added to our list , all previously unknown . The value of the " LECHMERE MS . seems
to be in this , that it is clearly the remnant of a roll once in use in a Seventeenth century lodge . Bro . Goui . n ' s recent important history renders it very likely that if we are able lo find a " Devoir " of the " Compagnonagc , " it will turn out to be a Constitution , or as we call it , a Legend ' . There are foreign works published , terming the Constitutions ot the Freemasons " Devoirs . "
WE congratulate the W . M . ( Bro . MILLINGTON ) , Bro . WHYTEHEAD , - and the members of the Eboracum Lodge on the extremely effective and aesthetic programme which they have issued for their Installation Festival . It is seldom that we have seen , in fact , never before , any similar production devised with so much apposite meaning , or characterized by so much cultured taste . " Hearty good wishes " for the Eboracum Lodge .
A New Masonic Ms. Constitution.
A NEW MASONIC MS . CONSTITUTION .
By the great kindness of Bro . Sir Edmund Lechmere , Bart , M . P ., Prov . Grand Master for Worcestershire , I have been permitted to see and collate a new MS . copy of the " Old Charges , " which I propose
henceforth to term " The Lechmere MS . " It is , unfortunately , not perfect ; only , in fact , consisting of three portions , written on parchment , apparently severed designedly , but which arc now stitched together .
The concluding portion is complete , the second skin leading into the third continuously from the clause relative to Charles Martel . The first portion commences with Abraham , but does not go very far . The MS . is clearly identical with the Sloane MS . 3 S 4 S , and is probabl y transcribed from a common original .
My friend , Bro . Rylands , and myself , think we trace three hands employed in the transcription , —two certainly . The MS . cannot be later that 1646 , and is probably earlier , and represents an earlier form . The MS . was originally purchased in London in its present incomplete state .
The last portion is most evidently designedly cut in a triangular form , and I have no doubt that we have in this MS . a relic of a Charge . or Constitution actually used in a Seventeenth Century lodge . I propose , with the especial and most thoughtful permission of our distinguished brother , to publish the MS . in the December number of the " Masonic Monthly . " A . F . A . W .
Provincial Grand Lodge Of Dorset.
PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF DORSET .
The annual Provincial Grand Lodge of Dorset was held at Sherborne on Thursday , the 2 nd inst ., in the Town Hall , which was fitted up for the occasion , and decorated with much taste and effect . Although the Province of Dorset is one of the smallest , numbering only thirteen lodges ( amongst a population of 196 , 000 ) , there are few provinces in which Masonry is carried
on with greater zeal , or in which the great Charities of the Order are better supported , in proportion to the number of lodges . About 130 brethren assembled to receive the R . W . Prov . Grand Master , Bro . Montagu Guest , M . P ., who was supported by the following Prov . Grand Officers : V . W . Bros . Hambro , D . P . G . M . ; J . M . P . Montagu , G . Supt ., P . Prov . D . G . M . ; Bros . Fane-Benett Stanford , P . P . G . S . W . ; the Rev . G . V . Garland , Prov . G . Chap . ;
the Rev . W . M . Heath , P . P . G . S . W . ; Rev . G . Thompson , P . P . G . Chap . ; H . C . Burt , P . P . G . J . W . ; Capt . Hanham , P . P . G . S . W . ; J . S . Webb , P . P . G . J . W . ; E . T . Budden , P . P . G . S . D ., Hon . Sec . Dorset Masonic Charity ; L . H . Ruegg , P . P . G . S . W . ; F . Travers , P . P . G . S . W . ; G . H . Bond , Prov . G . S . W . ; VV . D . Dugdale , Prov . G . J . W . ; R . Case , Prov . G . Treas . ; R , N . Howard , Prov . G . Sec . j and other Officers , Present and Past .
The Provincial Grand Lodge was opened in due form , and the roll of the lodges called and answered by all the lodges in the province . The minutes of the previous Provincial Grand Lodge were then read and confirmed . Letters and communications were read by the Prov . Grand Secretary . The Treasurer read the statement of accounts , which were passed " nem con . "
The PROV . G . CHAPLAIN then delivered a very instructive and interesting discourse on the principles and practice of Masonry , which was received with profound attention by the brethren . The R . W . P . G . MASTER , in an exhaustive address , reviewed the progress of Masonry for the past year throughout the province ; the work done in the various lodges ; the improvement shown by the increasing number of
Provincial Grand Lodge Of Dorset.
ceremonies done by the actual W . M . ' s ; and by the increased number of subscribing members enrolled in the province . Alluding to the losses b y death , he paid a just and well-merited tribute to the memory of our muchrevered and deeply lamented Bro . Jacob , who for sixty-three years had been an active member of the province and an ornament to the Craft . The Prov . Grand Master then noticed briefly the work of Grand Lodge for the past year and the importance to the provinces of their keeping abreast of Grand
Lodge legislation . He congratulated the Provincial Grand Lodge on the success and progress of the Dorset Masonic Charity , which he , as the founder , desired to see established on a solid foundation , as an enduring edifice of brotherly love and relief for the unfortunate and needy in the province , and in his own name , and in that of the Provincial Grand Lodge , he thanked the Hon . Secretary of the Dorset Masonic Charity ( Bro . E . T . Budden ) for his
devotion to the interests of this Charity , which had been crowned by such signal success . The R . W . M . in referring to the retirement of Bro . Howard , who has so efficiently discharged the duties of Grand Secretary , paid him a warm and deserved compliment , and said the subject of his successor would require long and earnest consideration . Meanwhile he presented to Bro . Howard a valuable jewel as a mark of his regard .
The report of the Provincial Grand Lodge Committee for conducting the elections of candidates for our central Institutions was read and passed and the candidates for the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution and the Boys' Schocl adopted . During the year one candidate has been elected on the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution Female Fund , and one candidate elected to the Boys' School . The following report of the Dorset Masonic Charity was then read :
THE SECOND REPORT OF THE DORSET MASONIC CHARITY . To the Provincial Grand Lodge of Dorset , holden at Sherborne , Nov . 2 nd , 1 S 82 . R . W . Prov . Grand Master and Brethren , — The General Committee of the Dorset Masonic Charity , in presenting the second annual report to Provincial Grand Lodge , record with much pleasure the
continued progress of the Charity as regards both income and usefulness . We reported last year that the contributions received up to 30 th June , 18 S 1 , amounted to _ £ oS 6 us . From that date to June 30 , 1 SS 2 , further donations and subscriptions have been received , amounting to £ 295 19 s . 3 d ., making a total of £ l 3 S 2 10 s . 3 d . Amongst the donations received during the year , the following deserve special mention by your Committee , and the thanks of Provincial Grand Lodge , viz .:
—£ s . d . Lodge Amity , 137 , Poole ... ... ... ... ... 10 o o St . Leonard ' s Chapter Rose Croix ... ... ... ... 700 Lodge 417 , Dorchester ... ... ... ... ... 500 The Provincial Grand Master , donation to defray expenses of starting and organising ... ... ... ... 29 o 3
Bro . T . Merthyr Guest ... ... ... ... ... 50 o o VV . Bro . VV . E . Brymer , M . P 50 o o The Prov . Grand Lodge of Dorset ( second donation ) ... 50 o o These very handsome donations have been most useful to the Charity , and have greatly helped to increase its funded capital from £ 876 , at which it stood on 30 th June , 1 SS 1 , to £ nSo , on 3 othjune , 1 SS 2 , an addition in the twelve months of £ 300 ; with a cash balance , at our bankers of £ 105 . *
As regards Annual Subscriptions , no brethren have paid for 1 SS 2 , £ 35 6 s ., and 53 brethren are waiting to pay between them , £ 13 5 s . Out of the 5 G 0 brethren enrolled in the province , 16 7 are Annual Subscribers ; and your Committee cannot help expressing a hope that the number will go on increasing until every brother in the province gives his 5 s . a year to this Provincial Charity . The Annual Subscriptions received within the financial year amount to £ 52 2 o The interest on capital invested , minus Income Tax 43 18 4
Making a total of £ 96 o 4 At present subscriptions are not available for relief ; but must be invested until the funded _ Stock reaches £ 2000 , after which the annual subscriptions will be added to the yearly interest on capital to form a fund for relief and assistance , which will meet all the claims on the Charity likely to arise within the province .
As regards the operations for relief and assistance , three petitions have been received , and the petitioners assisted , viz .: — 1 . The widow ( age 76 ) of the late Bro . Biles , of 417 , Dorchester , two grants of £ 5 each ... ... ... ... ... £ 10 o o 2 . Charles Templeman ( age 8 ) , son of Bro . Templeman , of 707 ,
Bridport ... ... ... ... ... ... £ 500 3 . The widow of our lately deceased Bro . Moon , of 665 , Lyme , for the advancement in life of her eldest son , John Moon ... £ 20 o o N . B . —As £ 20 is the largest grant the Dorset Masonic Charity can make , a supplemental grant of £ 10 by Prov . Grand Lodge was recommended and made to this applicant .
As only eighteen months have elapsed since the Dorset Masonic Charity was first organised , no funds were available for relief until interest had accured , and was received from the funds invested . The first interest ( £ 6 gs . 8 d . ) was received just one year ago , consequently the year just passed is the tirst of the relief operations of the Charity ; and although the
beginnings are necessarily small , your Committee trust that the increase of revenue will keep pace with the increasing calls for assistance which come from the various parts of the province . To effectuall y relieve these calls will be the duty of your Committee , so far as the funds placed at their disposal will permit . ( Signed ) H . C . BURT , Chairman .
July 4 th , 18 S 2 . E . T . BUDDEN , Honorary Secretary . The report was passed with acclamation , and the following grants were then made : Twenty-five guineas to the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution to be placed in Bro . Howard ' s list as Steward for the province , and to stand in his name as a compliment from the province ; ten guineas to Lodge 116 S , which must give a like sum to purchase a Life-Governorshi p in one
of the Chanties ; . £ 10 to Lodge 707 , Bridport , to assist the brethren to furnish their new lodge-room ; £ 10 to John Moon , on the recommendation of the Dorset Masonic Charity ; £ 10 to the widow of our late Bro . Rev . — Percy , Prov . G . Chap ., in compliance with a last request of our late Bro . Jacob ; ^ 50 to the Dorset Masonic Charity , which is also to stand in Bro . Howard ' s name to qualify him as a Vice-President thereof ,
The two Charity jewels were presented to Bros . Dugdale , and Atkins , in pursuance of a resolution passed at the previous P . G . Lodge , viz .: " Any Bro . serving the office of Steward to either of the Charities twice , to have a Charity jewel presented to him by P . G . Lodge ; and a bar for any subsequent Stewardship , also provided by P . G . Lodge . After some further business , the PROV . G . MASTER then declared all offices vacant , and Bro . R . Case was unanimously re-elected Treasurer .
The following brethren were then invested as Provincial Grand Officers for the ensuing year ; Bro . E . T . Budden , Wimborne ... ... ... Prov . G . S . W . „ W . H . Hay , Bridport ... ... ... Prov . G . J . W . „ Rev . J . H . Scott , Weymouth ... ... Prov . G . Chap . „ Robert Case ( re-elected ) ... ... ... Prov . G . Treas . „ L . W . Pike , Wareham ... ... ... Prov . G . Reg . „ R . N . Howard , Weymouth ( re-appointment ) ... Prov . G . Sec .