-
Articles/Ads
Article ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTION FOR BOYS. Page 1 of 1 Article ROYAL MASONIC BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION. Page 1 of 1 Article THE HON. MRS. ALDWORTH, THE ONLY LADY FREEMASON. Page 1 of 1 Article THE HON. MRS. ALDWORTH, THE ONLY LADY FREEMASON. Page 1 of 1 Article GOULD'S HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY. VOL. III. Page 1 of 1 Article PROVINCIAL GRAND MARK LODGE OF DEVON. Page 1 of 1
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Royal Masonic Institution For Boys.
ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTION FOR BOYS .
The General Committee of this Institution met on Saturday , the 5 th inst ., at Freemasons' Hall , Bro . Raynham Stewart , V . P ., in the chair . There were also present Bros . J . VV . Ramsey , VV . Paas , J . L . Mather , A . F . Godson , H . VV . Hunt , Edgar Bowyer , VV . Roebuck , R . Berridge ,
C . F . Hogard , W . Mann , A . Williams , A . E . Gladwell , R . Tyrrell , L . Ruf , VV . H . Saunders , R . Morris , Herbert Dicketts , H . Harker , F . Adlard , C . H . VVebb , G . P . Gillard , H . Venn , VV . Maple , G . Martin , and Charles Belton . After the reading and confirmation of the minutes , a candidate , No . 35 on the list , was withdrawn . Three candidates
were placed on the list lor the October election . Applications were received from five ex-pupils for outfits ; £ 5 each were granted to four , and a conditional grant of £ 20 to the other applicant . The results in what had been done by the House Committee in relation to the . proposed establishment of a Junior School were communicated . It was reported that this Committee had received a tender for
the erection of suitable buildings for 50 children at a cost of between £ 9000 and £ 10 , 000 . The architect and surveyor tQ whom it was submitted reported that it was impossible to execute the work contemplated in the plans laid before him for less than £ 13 , 290 for 50 boys , or £ 14 , 820 for 75 . An explanation by the contractor of the difference between
the two estimates showed an important omission by him , and that his contract would only provide workmanship of thc plainest character . The House Committee recommended the Quarterly Court of next Monday week to adopt the plans ana suggestions of Bro . Berridge for a school for
50 boys . Recommendations for the purchase of extra property adjoining the site of the new school were also made , the whole cost coming within the amount placed at the disposal of the Committee by the Craft . Two notices of motion for the Quarterly Court were given before the meeting adjourned .
Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution.
ROYAL MASONIC BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION .
The usual monthly meeting of the Committee of Management was held at Freemasons' Hall , on Wednesday , the 9 th inst ., under the presidencyof Bro . J . M . Case . Thc minutes of the previous Committee having been read and verified , thc deaths of four annuitants , two male and
two female , were reported , as also the receipt of a legacy of £ 10—less legacy duty—bequeathed b y the late Bro . Duncombe . A letter was read from Bro . Sir J . B . Monckton , expressive of his acknowledgment of the vote of thanks passed by the Committee for his having presided at thc recent Festival , and thc letter was ordered to be entered on the minutes . The reports of the Warden and Finance
Committee were read , adopted , and entered on the minutes , and it was ordered that out of thc balance ( about £ 7000 ) standing to the credit of the Institution , at the London and Westminster Bank , two sums of £ 1000 each , India' 4 percent . Stock , should be purchased on account ol the male and female funds respectively . Thc Chairman was instructed to sign cheques for sundry payments , the
recommendations of the House Committee were adopted , and Bios . Col . Creaton , P . G . Treas ., J . A . Farnfield , and Chas . Lacey were appointed a Committee to draw up the annual report . A resolution having been passed to the effect that the Stewards of the last Festival be invited to visit the Institution , a vote of thanks to thc Chairman brought thc proceedings to a close .
1 hc brethren present included Bros , VV . II . Goodall , C . A . Cottebrune , P . G . Purst . i J . J . Berry , C . G . Dilley , II . Moore , James Brett , P . G . Purst . ; G . Bolton , Iidgar Bowyer , G . Std . Br . ; I . A . Farnfield , Thomas White , Raynham VV . Stewart , P . G . D . ; C . J . Perceval , L . Stean , C . II . VVebb , J . Bulmer , Horace B . Marshall , G . Treas . elect ; A . H . Tattershall , W . Hilton , C . Hammerton , L . G , Gordon-Robbins , and S . C . II . D . Potter .
The Hon. Mrs. Aldworth, The Only Lady Freemason.
THE HON . MRS . ALDWORTH , THE ONLY LADY FREEMASON .
Several versions of the circumstances which led to the admission of this lady into our Order are in circulation . We publish the following for the information of a correspondent who has addressed a query to us upon the subject . * " The Hon . Elizabeth St . Leger was thcyrungest daughter of the Right Hon . Arthur St . Leger , third Viscount Doneraile , and
Elizabeth , daughter and heiress of John Hayes , Esq ., of Winchelsca , born in the year 1695 , was married to Richard Aldworth , Esq ., of Newmarket , co . Cork , Provost Martial of Munster , and died in the year 1775 . This lady rendered herself notorious as being the only one of her sex ever initiated as a Freemason . Lord Doneraile , Mrs . Aldworth ' s father , who was a very zealous Mason , held a warrant in his
own hand , and occasionally opened lodge at Doneraile House , co . Cork . On one occasion previous to thc initiation of a gentleman to the first step of Masonry , Airs . Aldworth , who was then about 10 years of age , happened to be in an apartment adjoining the Lodge room , which was then undergoing some repair , and the partition was considerably reduced in one place . The younrr lady havinirdistinctlv heard
the voices determined to gratif y her curiosity , and with a pair of scissors removed a portion of a brick from the wall and actually witnessed the awful and mysterious ceremony through two steps . Curiosity satisfied , fear at once took possession of her mind , and she tried to fly , but there was no mode of escaping except through the room where the concluding part of thesecond step was still being performed ,
and that being at the far end of a very large room . She again resolved to attempt her escape that way , and with light but trembling steps glided along unobserved by the lodge , laid her hand on the handle , and softly opening the door , before her stood a grim and surly T y ler with his long and rusty sword . Her shrieks alarmed the lodge , who all rushing to thc door , and finding she had been in thc room
during the ceremony , in the paroxysm of rage and alarm resolved on her death ; but from the moving and earnest supplication of her brother her life was spared on condition of her going through the two steps she had already seen ; thisshe agreed to , and they conducted the youthful and terrified lady through those trials which are sometimes eno _ ugh _ for masculine courage , little thinking they were aking into the bosom of the Craft a member who would
The Hon. Mrs. Aldworth, The Only Lady Freemason.
afterwards reflect a lustre on the annals of Masonry , Mrs . I Aldworth presided as Master of her own lodge , which she frequently headed in Masonic orderof procession . "
Gould's History Of Freemasonry. Vol. Iii.
GOULD'S HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY . VOL . III .
I am glad to sec that the Editor of the Freemason has given us the first part ot his review of vol . iii . of Bro . Gould's History of Freemasonry , because the work deserved most careful and thorough examination , being , as I consider , the most remarkable and valuable contribution to the study of Masonic History that has ever been made
from early days to the present time . Never before has the labour been so thorough , the critical ability so manifest , and the materials so varied and extensive . As you truly say , this volume " will not be found deficient in all that can commend it to the patient study of the expert and student Freemason . " Thc genial acknowledgement and recognition of the meritorious labours of others , is , as you note , one of its most pleasing
features , and its fairness generally , its exhaustive details , and its admirable phraseology , render it a work most readable , interesting , and instructive , a boon in fact for the universal Craft , which I trust thc brethren will not be slow to appreciate . Of course , our obligations to Bro . Gould would have been many , had he but rested content with uniting all the especially valuable portions ol each historical work on
Freemasonry in his six volumes with critical remarks , careful comparsions , and a most rigid scrutiny of all the evidences of the antiquity and career of the Society . The " History of Freemasoniy , " now represented by three volumes , with as many more to follow ( more rapidly than its predecessors —so we are promised ) , is something vastly more than a resume and analysis of previous histories , for it aims at being , and is , an independent work , travelling over much
new ground , exhibiting many new views of the subject , and presenting to the reader tacts hitherto inaccessible of vital importance , as well as treating several questions in a manner entirely different to all previous wiiters , the novelty atyer all being thc least charm ol the many , because nothing has been sacrificed to truth . Findel , Mackay , Fort , and others have had justice done them in vol . iii ., now being reviewed by the Editor , and Bros . Woodford , Lyon , Rylands , and
others of this country have not been passed over unacknowledged , but , on the contrary , their labours have been duly utilised and gratefully acknowledged . 1 cannot agree with the Editor of the Freemason that Bro . Gould has not "adduced any further evidence on the subject of Sir Christopher VVicn ' s connection with Fieemasonry , one way or the other , " for , to my mind , he has done much ( in fact , as much os is possible , and very
much more than ever before ) to lay bclore the Craft thc whole known evidence obtainable on thc subject , so as to enable students to arrive at a final decision on thc subject . The extracts from the Oxford copy of Aubrey ' s " Naturall Historic of Wiltshire " and thc original manuscript ot the " Parentalia , " not to mention the important negative evidence of the records of thc Masons' Company , are all absolutely new and simply invaluable . At least , 1 don ' t
know where else to obtain such information , and therefore desire thus publicly to acknowledge my indebtedness to thc gifted author . 1 quite agree vvith the Editor's estimate as to thc evidence relating to Elias Ashmole , for it is " admirably brought out . " I don't know to what " Rose Croix " the Editor alludes " before 1600 , " unless it be that ol thc " Rosicrucians , " but it strikes me as not easy work to trace it in the sixteenth century , " not later than 1610 " I see is Uro .
Gould's opinion . 1 consider that the theories Masonically of Buhje and De Quincey are entirely disproved by Could in relation to Kosicruciamsm , and other tneories are completely shattered in like manner , " on being cunlrunted with the stern logic oi lacts . " On this point a woid of warning is necessary to prevent ordinary brcthicn from confounding Alchemy with Kosicruciamsm , for though they have of course many points in common , the latter
originated at a much later period and partook in part ot a theological character . It may be as well to note that there has been an immense amount of patience and research on thc part of lieu . Gould and his experts , both at home and abroad , which appears but little on thc surface . Take , lor instance , the IiKs of papers in the British Museum . Who has personally searched these for the purpose of Masonic study but Bro . Gould
To enable him to say that there is no evidence on a certain point , words probably not extending beyond a line has often meant weeks of toil and examination . I may say that , with a full knowledge of what is involved in making thc statement , my sympathies and opinions generall y as to Masonic study , and as exemplified in the three volumnes before me , arc wilh Bro . Gould , for though 1 am inclined to ascribe more value to some of the " hiuher
degrees " than hc is , as a rule we arc in entire agreement , and as respects his treatment of the Histoiy of Freemasonry prior to Grand Lodges we arc in exact accord almost without a break of any kind whatsoever . His peculiar and in part entirely original examination of the evidence of the " Old Charges " at first rather led me to doubt his system and the premises on which he based his conclusions , but as time tolls on I am inclined more and more , to
consider it a wise and judicious analysis of the varied testimony of those documents , and _ to accept the relative value he places on tbe old MSS ., because then thtir evidence can be employed systematically in illustrating the character of the Craft in this country during a period when ordinary records are wanting . True , we have to set aside some of our old favouiitcs , and I see Bro . Woodford does not like this any more than 1 do , but tbat
we must not mind when something more important than mere sentiment is involved . 1 should like to bespeak another careful examination of thc method pursued by Bro . Gould before the Editor rejects it , for I have been enabled myself to look at these ancient rolls in a new light , and I should much like my able co-worker in the " Old Charges of British Freemasons" to be able to accept the contribution to the subject in like manner . 1 hope soon to say a few words on any part ot the " Review . " WM . JAMES HUGHAN .
A limestone cave wilh beautiful stalactite and stalagmite formations has been recently discovered by chance in the Department of Ain , near the road fiom Geneva to Lyons . It has been explored for about 300 yards .
Provincial Grand Mark Lodge Of Devon.
PROVINCIAL GRAND MARK LODGE OF DEVON .
On Thursday afternoon , the 10 th inst ., the annual meeting of the Mark Masons of this province was held in the Hall of ihe College at Newton Abbot , under the presidency of R . VV . Bro . Lieut .-Col . J . Tanner-Davy , ( . P ., the Prov . G . M . V . W . Bro . C . Spence-Bate , F . R . S .,
D . P . G . M ., was unable to attend through a death in his family . Among the brethren present were the following : V . W . Bros . VV . G . Rogers , 15 , P . P . G . S . W ., acting D . P . G . M . ; Charles G . Vicary , 215 , P . P . G . J . W ., acting Prov . G . S . W . ; Wm . Vicary , 215 , P . P . G . T ., acting Prov . G . J . W . ; Samuel Jones , 15 , Past G . S . D . of England , P . P . G . M . O .,- VV . J . Hughan , s , Past G . W . of Enirland :
Bros , the Rev . G . lownsend Warner , 215 , P . P . G . Chap . ; E . T . Fulford , 15 , Past G . C . of EngLnd , P . P . G . Vl . O . ; T . H . Seymour , 15 , Pr . iv . G . Treas . ; H . C . Beachy , 215 , P . P . G . R . ; Jam-as ( erman , 15 , P . P . G . S . O . ; Herbert Martin , 215 , P . P . G . R . ; VVm . Allsford , 16 , P . P . G . O . ; John Stocker , 15 . P . P . G . I . ; Charl < -s Sievens , 215 , P . P . G . J . D . ; E . Aitken Davies , 9 6 , P . P . G . J D ; Lewis
E . Beam , P . G . O .: H . R . Langmead , t < 5 , P . P . G . Purst . ; Charles Pope , 215 , P . G . S . B . ; | ohn Olver , 215 , P . P . G . A . D . C ; John Baxter , 6 . * , P . P . G . S . O . ; J . Neno , 70 , P . P . G . D . C ; II . Stocker , 15 , P . P . G . D . C ; VV . IL R . Saunders , VV . M . 316 , P . G . Stwd . ; and a number of VV . Ms . and ollicers of lodges in thc province . The minutes of the Prov . Grand Lodges held at
Teignmouth and lorquay since the previous annual meeting were read and confirmed . The SECRETARY presented his report , which congratuatcd the lodge and the brethren of the province in general at the success of several of the lodges during the past year , during which time there had been an increase of 51 members in the province , the number being now 436 as
against 3 S 5 in 1 SS 3 . The 'IREASURI-K reported that he had received during theyear £ 25 13 s . Gd . balancc from the previous Treasurer ; £ 23 os . Od . fees ; £ 26 ios . gd . dues ; total , £ 65 4 s . gd . ; current expenses fur ihc year , £ 31 iSs . : d . ; balance in hand , £ 33 6 s . ; d . The Treasurer also read the report of the Board ul General Purposes , which recommended that a grant of 15 guineas should be made by the Prov . Grand Lodge
towards the expenses of the reception of the Grand Lodge of England movable meeting , which is expected to be he hi in the province in thc autumn ; also that five guineas be given to the Maik Benevolent Fund , the same lo appear in ihc Steward's list of Bro . Maddcly . It was announced that the St . George's Lodge , 15 , held at Exeter , by whom the invitation of the Grand Lodge to hold its movable
meeting in the province had been made , and under whose banner the gathering would take place , had resolved that each of ils 48 members would give half a sovereign towards the expenses also , and that there would be no difficulty iu raising more money to meet the expenses if required . The visit of the Grand Lodge would , it was hoped , be a perfect success , as many of the brethicn as could attend should be
present . I lie Grand Lodge thus visiting the province would bring honour to the Prov . Grand Master and tend to further the prosperity of thc Order in thc province . The five guineas would give thc province a vote to the Benevolent ( 'und at each election . The reports were unanimously received and adopted . The PKOV . GRAND MASTER called the attention of the
piovince to thc sad trial of the Royal I'annly in thc recen unexpected decease of R . W . Bro . Prince Leopold , Duke of Albany . It was unanimously resolved that addresses of condolence and sympathy should be sent from the Prov . Grand Lodge to thc Queen and the Duchess of Albany . The Prov . Grand Master and the Prov , Grand Sec . were
appointed to undertake the duty . The Prov . Grand Master explained that the absence of the D . P . G . M ., V . W . Bro . C . Spence-Bate , had arisen from his recently having lost his wife . A vote of condo ' encc and sympathy was accorded to Bro . Bate , thc Prov . Grand Master being asked to present it . Bro . Dr . lervis , 215 , was unanimously re-elected the
Treasurer for the ensuing year , and the following brethren were appointed and _ those present invested by thc Prov . Grand Master as officers for thc ensuing year : Bro . C . Spence Bate , 35 Dep . Prov . G . M . „ W . Vicary , J 15 Prov . G . S . W . „ Alfred Litimer , 35 Prov . G . J . W . „ Jno . Lane , 3 : 9 Prov . G . M . O .
„ Geo . N . Burden , 31 G Prov . G . S . O . „ Capt . VV . H . K . Saunders , 316 ... Prov . G . J . O . „ The Rev . Ilbert Cross , 9 Prov . G . Chap . „ J . B . Westlake , 50 Prov . G . Reg . „ Dr . Jervis , 215 Prov . G . Treas . „ G . F . Gratwicke , 15 ( re-appointed ) Prov . G . Sec .
„ VV . H . Cawse , iG Prov . G . A . Sec . „ J . T . Williams , 23 Prov . G . S . D . „ G . C . Searle , 215 Prov . G . ) D . „ J . Wills , 15 Prov . G . S . of VV . „ A . Tout , 76 Prov . G . D . C . „ George Huxham , 15 Prov . G . A . D . C . „ W . H . Woolcock , 23 Prov . G . Swd . Br .
„ R . Lavers , 100 Prov . G . Std . Br . „ J . Haywood , 215 Prov . G . Purst . ,. William OIJis , 33 *) ,, J . T . Crossley , 64 [¦ Prov . G . Stwds . „ H . Ropers , 96 ) „ James Gidley Prov . G . Tyler . Thanks were voted to VV . Bro . the Rev . G . Toivnsend
Warner , M . A ,, the Principal of Newton College , for the use of the hall , and W . Bros . Olver , Pope , and Martin for their valuable assistance in providing for the holding of the present Grand Lodge at Newton . The next business was to consider the following notice of motion , given by VV . Bro . H . SrocKEK , P . P . G . D . C , P . M . 15 . seconded by V . W . Bro . E . T . FULFORD , P . G . S . Eng ., P . P . G . M . O ., P . M . 15 , " That the R . W . the P . G . M . M . le
respectfully requested to invite the Grand Lodge of England to hold its autumn moveable meeting in Devonshire , under the banner of St . George's Lodge , No . 15 , and that the province pledge itself to use every effort to give the Grand Lodge a worthy welcome . " This motion was unanimously adopted . The lodge was then closed wilh thc usual forms , and the brethren adjourned to the Globe Hotel , where they dined together , the Prov , Grand Master presidio * , * -.
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Royal Masonic Institution For Boys.
ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTION FOR BOYS .
The General Committee of this Institution met on Saturday , the 5 th inst ., at Freemasons' Hall , Bro . Raynham Stewart , V . P ., in the chair . There were also present Bros . J . VV . Ramsey , VV . Paas , J . L . Mather , A . F . Godson , H . VV . Hunt , Edgar Bowyer , VV . Roebuck , R . Berridge ,
C . F . Hogard , W . Mann , A . Williams , A . E . Gladwell , R . Tyrrell , L . Ruf , VV . H . Saunders , R . Morris , Herbert Dicketts , H . Harker , F . Adlard , C . H . VVebb , G . P . Gillard , H . Venn , VV . Maple , G . Martin , and Charles Belton . After the reading and confirmation of the minutes , a candidate , No . 35 on the list , was withdrawn . Three candidates
were placed on the list lor the October election . Applications were received from five ex-pupils for outfits ; £ 5 each were granted to four , and a conditional grant of £ 20 to the other applicant . The results in what had been done by the House Committee in relation to the . proposed establishment of a Junior School were communicated . It was reported that this Committee had received a tender for
the erection of suitable buildings for 50 children at a cost of between £ 9000 and £ 10 , 000 . The architect and surveyor tQ whom it was submitted reported that it was impossible to execute the work contemplated in the plans laid before him for less than £ 13 , 290 for 50 boys , or £ 14 , 820 for 75 . An explanation by the contractor of the difference between
the two estimates showed an important omission by him , and that his contract would only provide workmanship of thc plainest character . The House Committee recommended the Quarterly Court of next Monday week to adopt the plans ana suggestions of Bro . Berridge for a school for
50 boys . Recommendations for the purchase of extra property adjoining the site of the new school were also made , the whole cost coming within the amount placed at the disposal of the Committee by the Craft . Two notices of motion for the Quarterly Court were given before the meeting adjourned .
Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution.
ROYAL MASONIC BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION .
The usual monthly meeting of the Committee of Management was held at Freemasons' Hall , on Wednesday , the 9 th inst ., under the presidencyof Bro . J . M . Case . Thc minutes of the previous Committee having been read and verified , thc deaths of four annuitants , two male and
two female , were reported , as also the receipt of a legacy of £ 10—less legacy duty—bequeathed b y the late Bro . Duncombe . A letter was read from Bro . Sir J . B . Monckton , expressive of his acknowledgment of the vote of thanks passed by the Committee for his having presided at thc recent Festival , and thc letter was ordered to be entered on the minutes . The reports of the Warden and Finance
Committee were read , adopted , and entered on the minutes , and it was ordered that out of thc balance ( about £ 7000 ) standing to the credit of the Institution , at the London and Westminster Bank , two sums of £ 1000 each , India' 4 percent . Stock , should be purchased on account ol the male and female funds respectively . Thc Chairman was instructed to sign cheques for sundry payments , the
recommendations of the House Committee were adopted , and Bios . Col . Creaton , P . G . Treas ., J . A . Farnfield , and Chas . Lacey were appointed a Committee to draw up the annual report . A resolution having been passed to the effect that the Stewards of the last Festival be invited to visit the Institution , a vote of thanks to thc Chairman brought thc proceedings to a close .
1 hc brethren present included Bros , VV . II . Goodall , C . A . Cottebrune , P . G . Purst . i J . J . Berry , C . G . Dilley , II . Moore , James Brett , P . G . Purst . ; G . Bolton , Iidgar Bowyer , G . Std . Br . ; I . A . Farnfield , Thomas White , Raynham VV . Stewart , P . G . D . ; C . J . Perceval , L . Stean , C . II . VVebb , J . Bulmer , Horace B . Marshall , G . Treas . elect ; A . H . Tattershall , W . Hilton , C . Hammerton , L . G , Gordon-Robbins , and S . C . II . D . Potter .
The Hon. Mrs. Aldworth, The Only Lady Freemason.
THE HON . MRS . ALDWORTH , THE ONLY LADY FREEMASON .
Several versions of the circumstances which led to the admission of this lady into our Order are in circulation . We publish the following for the information of a correspondent who has addressed a query to us upon the subject . * " The Hon . Elizabeth St . Leger was thcyrungest daughter of the Right Hon . Arthur St . Leger , third Viscount Doneraile , and
Elizabeth , daughter and heiress of John Hayes , Esq ., of Winchelsca , born in the year 1695 , was married to Richard Aldworth , Esq ., of Newmarket , co . Cork , Provost Martial of Munster , and died in the year 1775 . This lady rendered herself notorious as being the only one of her sex ever initiated as a Freemason . Lord Doneraile , Mrs . Aldworth ' s father , who was a very zealous Mason , held a warrant in his
own hand , and occasionally opened lodge at Doneraile House , co . Cork . On one occasion previous to thc initiation of a gentleman to the first step of Masonry , Airs . Aldworth , who was then about 10 years of age , happened to be in an apartment adjoining the Lodge room , which was then undergoing some repair , and the partition was considerably reduced in one place . The younrr lady havinirdistinctlv heard
the voices determined to gratif y her curiosity , and with a pair of scissors removed a portion of a brick from the wall and actually witnessed the awful and mysterious ceremony through two steps . Curiosity satisfied , fear at once took possession of her mind , and she tried to fly , but there was no mode of escaping except through the room where the concluding part of thesecond step was still being performed ,
and that being at the far end of a very large room . She again resolved to attempt her escape that way , and with light but trembling steps glided along unobserved by the lodge , laid her hand on the handle , and softly opening the door , before her stood a grim and surly T y ler with his long and rusty sword . Her shrieks alarmed the lodge , who all rushing to thc door , and finding she had been in thc room
during the ceremony , in the paroxysm of rage and alarm resolved on her death ; but from the moving and earnest supplication of her brother her life was spared on condition of her going through the two steps she had already seen ; thisshe agreed to , and they conducted the youthful and terrified lady through those trials which are sometimes eno _ ugh _ for masculine courage , little thinking they were aking into the bosom of the Craft a member who would
The Hon. Mrs. Aldworth, The Only Lady Freemason.
afterwards reflect a lustre on the annals of Masonry , Mrs . I Aldworth presided as Master of her own lodge , which she frequently headed in Masonic orderof procession . "
Gould's History Of Freemasonry. Vol. Iii.
GOULD'S HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY . VOL . III .
I am glad to sec that the Editor of the Freemason has given us the first part ot his review of vol . iii . of Bro . Gould's History of Freemasonry , because the work deserved most careful and thorough examination , being , as I consider , the most remarkable and valuable contribution to the study of Masonic History that has ever been made
from early days to the present time . Never before has the labour been so thorough , the critical ability so manifest , and the materials so varied and extensive . As you truly say , this volume " will not be found deficient in all that can commend it to the patient study of the expert and student Freemason . " Thc genial acknowledgement and recognition of the meritorious labours of others , is , as you note , one of its most pleasing
features , and its fairness generally , its exhaustive details , and its admirable phraseology , render it a work most readable , interesting , and instructive , a boon in fact for the universal Craft , which I trust thc brethren will not be slow to appreciate . Of course , our obligations to Bro . Gould would have been many , had he but rested content with uniting all the especially valuable portions ol each historical work on
Freemasonry in his six volumes with critical remarks , careful comparsions , and a most rigid scrutiny of all the evidences of the antiquity and career of the Society . The " History of Freemasoniy , " now represented by three volumes , with as many more to follow ( more rapidly than its predecessors —so we are promised ) , is something vastly more than a resume and analysis of previous histories , for it aims at being , and is , an independent work , travelling over much
new ground , exhibiting many new views of the subject , and presenting to the reader tacts hitherto inaccessible of vital importance , as well as treating several questions in a manner entirely different to all previous wiiters , the novelty atyer all being thc least charm ol the many , because nothing has been sacrificed to truth . Findel , Mackay , Fort , and others have had justice done them in vol . iii ., now being reviewed by the Editor , and Bros . Woodford , Lyon , Rylands , and
others of this country have not been passed over unacknowledged , but , on the contrary , their labours have been duly utilised and gratefully acknowledged . 1 cannot agree with the Editor of the Freemason that Bro . Gould has not "adduced any further evidence on the subject of Sir Christopher VVicn ' s connection with Fieemasonry , one way or the other , " for , to my mind , he has done much ( in fact , as much os is possible , and very
much more than ever before ) to lay bclore the Craft thc whole known evidence obtainable on thc subject , so as to enable students to arrive at a final decision on thc subject . The extracts from the Oxford copy of Aubrey ' s " Naturall Historic of Wiltshire " and thc original manuscript ot the " Parentalia , " not to mention the important negative evidence of the records of thc Masons' Company , are all absolutely new and simply invaluable . At least , 1 don ' t
know where else to obtain such information , and therefore desire thus publicly to acknowledge my indebtedness to thc gifted author . 1 quite agree vvith the Editor's estimate as to thc evidence relating to Elias Ashmole , for it is " admirably brought out . " I don't know to what " Rose Croix " the Editor alludes " before 1600 , " unless it be that ol thc " Rosicrucians , " but it strikes me as not easy work to trace it in the sixteenth century , " not later than 1610 " I see is Uro .
Gould's opinion . 1 consider that the theories Masonically of Buhje and De Quincey are entirely disproved by Could in relation to Kosicruciamsm , and other tneories are completely shattered in like manner , " on being cunlrunted with the stern logic oi lacts . " On this point a woid of warning is necessary to prevent ordinary brcthicn from confounding Alchemy with Kosicruciamsm , for though they have of course many points in common , the latter
originated at a much later period and partook in part ot a theological character . It may be as well to note that there has been an immense amount of patience and research on thc part of lieu . Gould and his experts , both at home and abroad , which appears but little on thc surface . Take , lor instance , the IiKs of papers in the British Museum . Who has personally searched these for the purpose of Masonic study but Bro . Gould
To enable him to say that there is no evidence on a certain point , words probably not extending beyond a line has often meant weeks of toil and examination . I may say that , with a full knowledge of what is involved in making thc statement , my sympathies and opinions generall y as to Masonic study , and as exemplified in the three volumnes before me , arc wilh Bro . Gould , for though 1 am inclined to ascribe more value to some of the " hiuher
degrees " than hc is , as a rule we arc in entire agreement , and as respects his treatment of the Histoiy of Freemasonry prior to Grand Lodges we arc in exact accord almost without a break of any kind whatsoever . His peculiar and in part entirely original examination of the evidence of the " Old Charges " at first rather led me to doubt his system and the premises on which he based his conclusions , but as time tolls on I am inclined more and more , to
consider it a wise and judicious analysis of the varied testimony of those documents , and _ to accept the relative value he places on tbe old MSS ., because then thtir evidence can be employed systematically in illustrating the character of the Craft in this country during a period when ordinary records are wanting . True , we have to set aside some of our old favouiitcs , and I see Bro . Woodford does not like this any more than 1 do , but tbat
we must not mind when something more important than mere sentiment is involved . 1 should like to bespeak another careful examination of thc method pursued by Bro . Gould before the Editor rejects it , for I have been enabled myself to look at these ancient rolls in a new light , and I should much like my able co-worker in the " Old Charges of British Freemasons" to be able to accept the contribution to the subject in like manner . 1 hope soon to say a few words on any part ot the " Review . " WM . JAMES HUGHAN .
A limestone cave wilh beautiful stalactite and stalagmite formations has been recently discovered by chance in the Department of Ain , near the road fiom Geneva to Lyons . It has been explored for about 300 yards .
Provincial Grand Mark Lodge Of Devon.
PROVINCIAL GRAND MARK LODGE OF DEVON .
On Thursday afternoon , the 10 th inst ., the annual meeting of the Mark Masons of this province was held in the Hall of ihe College at Newton Abbot , under the presidency of R . VV . Bro . Lieut .-Col . J . Tanner-Davy , ( . P ., the Prov . G . M . V . W . Bro . C . Spence-Bate , F . R . S .,
D . P . G . M ., was unable to attend through a death in his family . Among the brethren present were the following : V . W . Bros . VV . G . Rogers , 15 , P . P . G . S . W ., acting D . P . G . M . ; Charles G . Vicary , 215 , P . P . G . J . W ., acting Prov . G . S . W . ; Wm . Vicary , 215 , P . P . G . T ., acting Prov . G . J . W . ; Samuel Jones , 15 , Past G . S . D . of England , P . P . G . M . O .,- VV . J . Hughan , s , Past G . W . of Enirland :
Bros , the Rev . G . lownsend Warner , 215 , P . P . G . Chap . ; E . T . Fulford , 15 , Past G . C . of EngLnd , P . P . G . Vl . O . ; T . H . Seymour , 15 , Pr . iv . G . Treas . ; H . C . Beachy , 215 , P . P . G . R . ; Jam-as ( erman , 15 , P . P . G . S . O . ; Herbert Martin , 215 , P . P . G . R . ; VVm . Allsford , 16 , P . P . G . O . ; John Stocker , 15 . P . P . G . I . ; Charl < -s Sievens , 215 , P . P . G . J . D . ; E . Aitken Davies , 9 6 , P . P . G . J D ; Lewis
E . Beam , P . G . O .: H . R . Langmead , t < 5 , P . P . G . Purst . ; Charles Pope , 215 , P . G . S . B . ; | ohn Olver , 215 , P . P . G . A . D . C ; John Baxter , 6 . * , P . P . G . S . O . ; J . Neno , 70 , P . P . G . D . C ; II . Stocker , 15 , P . P . G . D . C ; VV . IL R . Saunders , VV . M . 316 , P . G . Stwd . ; and a number of VV . Ms . and ollicers of lodges in thc province . The minutes of the Prov . Grand Lodges held at
Teignmouth and lorquay since the previous annual meeting were read and confirmed . The SECRETARY presented his report , which congratuatcd the lodge and the brethren of the province in general at the success of several of the lodges during the past year , during which time there had been an increase of 51 members in the province , the number being now 436 as
against 3 S 5 in 1 SS 3 . The 'IREASURI-K reported that he had received during theyear £ 25 13 s . Gd . balancc from the previous Treasurer ; £ 23 os . Od . fees ; £ 26 ios . gd . dues ; total , £ 65 4 s . gd . ; current expenses fur ihc year , £ 31 iSs . : d . ; balance in hand , £ 33 6 s . ; d . The Treasurer also read the report of the Board ul General Purposes , which recommended that a grant of 15 guineas should be made by the Prov . Grand Lodge
towards the expenses of the reception of the Grand Lodge of England movable meeting , which is expected to be he hi in the province in thc autumn ; also that five guineas be given to the Maik Benevolent Fund , the same lo appear in ihc Steward's list of Bro . Maddcly . It was announced that the St . George's Lodge , 15 , held at Exeter , by whom the invitation of the Grand Lodge to hold its movable
meeting in the province had been made , and under whose banner the gathering would take place , had resolved that each of ils 48 members would give half a sovereign towards the expenses also , and that there would be no difficulty iu raising more money to meet the expenses if required . The visit of the Grand Lodge would , it was hoped , be a perfect success , as many of the brethicn as could attend should be
present . I lie Grand Lodge thus visiting the province would bring honour to the Prov . Grand Master and tend to further the prosperity of thc Order in thc province . The five guineas would give thc province a vote to the Benevolent ( 'und at each election . The reports were unanimously received and adopted . The PKOV . GRAND MASTER called the attention of the
piovince to thc sad trial of the Royal I'annly in thc recen unexpected decease of R . W . Bro . Prince Leopold , Duke of Albany . It was unanimously resolved that addresses of condolence and sympathy should be sent from the Prov . Grand Lodge to thc Queen and the Duchess of Albany . The Prov . Grand Master and the Prov , Grand Sec . were
appointed to undertake the duty . The Prov . Grand Master explained that the absence of the D . P . G . M ., V . W . Bro . C . Spence-Bate , had arisen from his recently having lost his wife . A vote of condo ' encc and sympathy was accorded to Bro . Bate , thc Prov . Grand Master being asked to present it . Bro . Dr . lervis , 215 , was unanimously re-elected the
Treasurer for the ensuing year , and the following brethren were appointed and _ those present invested by thc Prov . Grand Master as officers for thc ensuing year : Bro . C . Spence Bate , 35 Dep . Prov . G . M . „ W . Vicary , J 15 Prov . G . S . W . „ Alfred Litimer , 35 Prov . G . J . W . „ Jno . Lane , 3 : 9 Prov . G . M . O .
„ Geo . N . Burden , 31 G Prov . G . S . O . „ Capt . VV . H . K . Saunders , 316 ... Prov . G . J . O . „ The Rev . Ilbert Cross , 9 Prov . G . Chap . „ J . B . Westlake , 50 Prov . G . Reg . „ Dr . Jervis , 215 Prov . G . Treas . „ G . F . Gratwicke , 15 ( re-appointed ) Prov . G . Sec .
„ VV . H . Cawse , iG Prov . G . A . Sec . „ J . T . Williams , 23 Prov . G . S . D . „ G . C . Searle , 215 Prov . G . ) D . „ J . Wills , 15 Prov . G . S . of VV . „ A . Tout , 76 Prov . G . D . C . „ George Huxham , 15 Prov . G . A . D . C . „ W . H . Woolcock , 23 Prov . G . Swd . Br .
„ R . Lavers , 100 Prov . G . Std . Br . „ J . Haywood , 215 Prov . G . Purst . ,. William OIJis , 33 *) ,, J . T . Crossley , 64 [¦ Prov . G . Stwds . „ H . Ropers , 96 ) „ James Gidley Prov . G . Tyler . Thanks were voted to VV . Bro . the Rev . G . Toivnsend
Warner , M . A ,, the Principal of Newton College , for the use of the hall , and W . Bros . Olver , Pope , and Martin for their valuable assistance in providing for the holding of the present Grand Lodge at Newton . The next business was to consider the following notice of motion , given by VV . Bro . H . SrocKEK , P . P . G . D . C , P . M . 15 . seconded by V . W . Bro . E . T . FULFORD , P . G . S . Eng ., P . P . G . M . O ., P . M . 15 , " That the R . W . the P . G . M . M . le
respectfully requested to invite the Grand Lodge of England to hold its autumn moveable meeting in Devonshire , under the banner of St . George's Lodge , No . 15 , and that the province pledge itself to use every effort to give the Grand Lodge a worthy welcome . " This motion was unanimously adopted . The lodge was then closed wilh thc usual forms , and the brethren adjourned to the Globe Hotel , where they dined together , the Prov , Grand Master presidio * , * -.