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Article Untitled ← Page 2 of 2 Article PROVINCIAL GRAND MARK LODGE OF MIDDLESEX AND SURREY. Page 1 of 1 Article PROVINCIAL GRAND MARK LODGE OF MIDDLESEX AND SURREY. Page 1 of 1 Article PROVINCIAL GRAND CHAPTER OF LEICESTER- SHIRE AND RUTLAND. Page 1 of 1 Article ENGLISH FREEMASONRY BEFORE 1717.—No. II. Page 1 of 2 →
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Ar00200
positive evidence effectually , and reduce in a moment to nothingness and moaninglessness the highest efforts of negative destructiveness , and the ' •longest and most elaborate , arguments of some amiable literary " Nihilist , " as simply based on a negation , which may be said to have exhausted the skill of the dialectitian , and evinced all the powers and assiduity of the writer ..
. " * * *' . ' . WE beg again to call attention to Bro . GEORGE TAYLOR ' request for help for the Masonic Exhibition at Worcester ' this autumn . The object is so laudable , and so many of our brethren are so willing and able to give help ' in so good a cause , that , we feel sure , in Bro . TAYLOR ' S case it is only to ask to obtain .
BRO . G . FORT ' first monograph is indeed a most valuable contribution to Masonic archaeology and history . We advise" all our readers to procure it , and study it for themselves .
THE following most interesting piece of news appears in the Standard of Tuesday last , and we append it for the information of all whom it may concern : — " An instruction to the Bishops of the Roman Catholic world , emanating from Cardinal Monaco , on behalf of the Holy Roman and Universal Inquisition , ha § been received in Dublin as a complement of the recent
encyclical letter of the Pope on the subject of Freemasonry . It sets out various duties to be performed by the clerical body In seeking to diminish the influence of the Masonic Order . The instruction announces that the Hol y Father has suspended for one year the obligation of denouncing the secret
leaders of the several objectionable societies , and has alsq suspended , the reserve of censures granting the power of absolution to all confessors appointed by the ordinaries . " Happily for our Fraternity everywhere , the power of that excessively amiable body , the " Inquisition , " is at this moment nil . But a " straw " often shows hoiv the ' wind blows .
Provincial Grand Mark Lodge Of Middlesex And Surrey.
PROVINCIAL GRAND MARK LODGE OF MIDDLESEX AND SURREY .
This prosperous province held a meeting , under the auspices of the Davi- ' son Lodge , at the Masonic Hall , Red Lion-square , on Thursday , the loth inst . Among the numerous brethren we noticed Bros . Col . Sir F . Burdett , Bart ., P . G . M . ; F . Davison , D . P . G . M . ; VV . G . Brighten , P . P . G . VV ., P . G . Sec , & c . ; T . C . Walls , P G . | . W ., & c , ; Hogard , P . G . M . O . ; H . I . Lardner , P . G . S . O . ; - Cafit . Stephens , P . G . J . O . ; the Rev . S . Maude , P . G . Chap . : Christian , P . G . R . of M . ; Hollington , P . G . S . D . ; VV . H . Goodall , P . G . D . C : I .
Proffitt , P . G . S .. B . ; Cama , H . Stephens , and Humphries , P . G . Stwds . j J . Inglis , P . P . G . M . O . ; Pearson , P . P . G . S . O . ; Klenck , P . P . G . R . of M . ; Lambert , P . P . G . D .: Pulman , P . P . G . D . ; Lovegrove , P . P . G . S . of VV . ; Faija , P . P . G . D . C . ; H . Baldwin , P . P . G . A . D . C . ; and . Dunkley , P . P . G . Org . Among the numerous visitors were Bros . F . Binckes , P . G . J . VV ., G . Sec . ; C . Matier , P . G . J . VV ., & c . ; Edgar Bowyer , H . Higgins , Gimmingham , H . Levy , the Right Hon . Viscount Molesworth , Vincent , Pargeter , Humphries , Stedman , . E . Hoare , A . VV . S . Hoare , Hedges , Alfred Tisley , Scratchley , Goodall , . and others .
The Provincial Grand Lodge was opened at five o ' clock precisely . The minutes of the previous Provincial Grand Lodge meeting , held at the Star " arid Garter Hotel , Richmond , on the 7 th July , 1883 , were read and confirmed . The roll of' the 25 lodges forming the province was duly called over , and , with few exceptions , they were represented . The re-appointment of the R . W . Prov . G . M . M ., Bro . Col . ' Sir F . Burdett , Bart ., was read , and
received with acclamation . The report of the Audit Committee was received and adopted . The sum of 10 guineas was unanimously voted- to the Mark Benevolent Fund , to be placed upon the list of Bro . H . Lovegrove , P . P . G . S . of VV ., who has undertaken the office of Steward at the ensuing Festival . The sum of five guineas was also voted to the fund for the relief of Mrs . D . M . Dewar . The following appointments were then made :
Bro . F . Davison ... " ... ... D . P . G . M . „ Faija ... ... . ; Prov . G . S . W . „ Proffitt ... ... ... ... ... Prov . G . J . W . „ Cama ... ... ... ' ... ... Prov . G . M . O . . „ Vincent ... ... ' ... ... ; .. Prov . G . S . O . „ Bowyer ... ... ... ... ... Prov . G . J . O . „ Rev . Viscount Molesworth ... ... ... Prov . G . Chan .
„ Rev . T . M . Gorman ... ... ... Prov . G . Chap . „ Hammerton •... ... ' ... ... Prov . G . Treas . „ Burroughs ... ... ... . ... ... Prov . G . R . of M . „ Brighten ... ... ... ... ... Prov . G . Sec . „ Tisley ... ... ... ... ... Prov . G . S . D . „ Taylor ... .... ... Prov . G . T . D .
„ Goodall ' .. ... Prov . G . S . of W . „ Pargeter ... ... ... ... ... Prov . G . D . C . ,, Humphries ... ... ' ... ... .., Prov . G . A . D . C . „ ' Stedman ... ... ... ... ... Prov . G . Swd . Br . „ Holliday .... ... ... ... ... Prov . G . Std . Br .
. „ E . Hoare ... ... ... ... ... Prov . G . Org . „ Scratchley ... ... ... ... ... Prov . G . i . G . „ J . Smith ... ... ... . ... ... -, „ H . White ; .. /•„ _ , „ Rumball ... ' - ...- ^ Prov . G . Stwds . „ A . W . S . Hoare ... ,.. )
Bros . Williamsi Keystone , Cama , Hiram , Scratchley , Carnarvon , Turner , and Tenterden were nominated as Grand Mark Stewards for the ensuing year . ' - The following brethren were elected on the Board of General Purposes : Bros . Hogard , Lardner , Lambert , and Klenck .
After the disposal of some minor business the Prov . Grand Mark Lodge was closed in ample form , and the brethren adjourned to the Holborn . Restaurant , where an excellent banquet was served , under the genial presidency of the R . VV . P . G . M . M . The usual toasts were duly honoured . V . W . Bro . F . BINCKES responded upon behalf of " The Grand Officer ' s " in an excellent speech .
"The Health of "The R . W . Prov . G . M . M ., and the rest of the Prov . Grand Officers , " was proposed by Bro . FAIJA . In the course of . his speech he spoke of the valuable and efficient services rendered to Masonry in general , and to the Mark Degree in particular , by the R . W . Bro . Col . Sir
Provincial Grand Mark Lodge Of Middlesex And Surrey.
F . Burdett . His courtesy , amiability , and geniality at all times were conspicuous , and throughout the whole of England there was not a more universally respected , and deservedly so , Provincial Grand Mark Master than he . He had a very excellent Deputy in the person of Bro . F . Davison , whose absence from their festive board , in consequence of a family bereavement , every one present must deplore . The rest of the Provincial Grand
Mark Officers were brethren who had done efficient services in the past , and who , no doubt , would continue to carry out the principles of Mark Masonry to the best of their ability . In conclusion , he called upon tlie ' tn to drink the health , prosperity , and happiness of the P . G . M . M ., the D . P . G . M . M ., and the rest of the P . G . M . Officers . The toast havinsr been drunk with acclamation ,
' Bro . Col . Sir F . BURDETT responded . In the course of a long and able reply he spoke of the great interest he had taken in the degree of Mark Masonry . He was particularly pleased with the great success the Order had achieved in Middlesex and Surrey . This was greatly due to the valuable assistance he had received from his Deputy , Bro . Davison , and the Secretary , Bro . Brighten . ( Hear , hear . ) In consequence of his numerous
magisterial , parochial , and other official duties , he was prevented from giving that full attention to the responsibilities of his position as Provincial Grand Mark Master as he would like to do . However , he had those connected with him whose zeal and attention were worthy of all praise , and therefore , when compelled to be absent from his Masonic duties , he was gratified to think that he was well represented , and that the Order did not suffer in
consequence of his enforced absence . In-concluding his remarks , he congratulated the executive upon the great success that had attended their meeting that day . The toast ' of " The Mark Benevolent Fund" was coupled with the name of Bro . CAMA , who replied . ' " The Health of the W . M . of the Davison Lodge" followed . '
Bro . FAIJA , in the course of his reply , announced that he had . received the sum of iS guineas towards his list as Steward of the Mark Benevolent Fund representing the Davison Lodge . ( Applause . ) The remaining toasts were "The Newly-Advanced Brethren , No . 331 /' "The Visitors , " "The P . G . Treasurer and Secretary ,- " "The Treasurer and Secretary of No . 331 , " and "The Officers of No . 331 , " all of which were duly responded to . ' The proceedings then terminated .
Provincial Grand Chapter Of Leicester- Shire And Rutland.
PROVINCIAL GRAND CHAPTER OF LEICESTERSHIRE AND RUTLAND .
The . annual convocation of this Provincial Grand Chapter was holden at the Masonic Hall , Ashby-de-la-Zouch , on Thursday , the 10 th inst . The St . Augustine Chapter , No . 779 , under whose banner the Provincial Grand Chapter assembled , having been opened , the M . E . Grand Superintendent , Comp . Wm . Kelly , F . S . A ., F . R . Hist . Soc ., & c ., ¦ accompanied by his Grand Officers , were received in dueform . ¦ . Among those present we noticed "
Comps . Rev . John Denton , M . A ., as P . G . H . ; E . F . Mammatt , P . Z ., as P . G . J . ; Clement E . Stretton , P . Z ., as P . G . S . E . ; VV . Carrick Crofts , P . Z ., P . G . S . N . ; W . S . ' Allen , P . Z ., P . G . A . S . ; T ; Coltman , P . G . Treas . j Henry Blood , P . G . Reg . ; Joseph Young , Z . 279 , P . G . D . C . ; Rev . W . Langley , P . Z . ; A . Balmforth , Z . 779 ; John Hassall , C . J . Wilkinson , J . Tanser , and a large number of members and visitors . The minutes of the previous meeting-having been duly read and confirmed , the rolls of chapters and Prov . Grand Officers" were called over , and
met with a general response . The M . E . Prov . G . Supt . installed Comp . ' •A . Wood as Z . of the De Mowbray Chapter , No . 1130 . The Treasurer ' s accounts for the past year were received . A vote of thanks was passed to Comp . Coltman'for his valuable services as Treasurer , and he was unanimously re-elected to that office .
The M . E . Prov . Grand Superintendent appointed his officers as follows , and invested those present : Comp . G . Toller , P . Z . ... ' ... Prov . G . H . „ E . F . Mammatt , P . Z . ... ... ... Prov . G . J . „ S . S . Partridge , P . Z Prov . G . S . E .. „ W . S . Allen , P . Z . .- ... Prov . G . S . N .
„ R . Dalgleish , P . Z .... ... ... ... Prov . G . P . S . „ F . Amatt , Z . ... ... ... ... Prov . G . A . S . „ Dr . Willan , J . ... ... ... ... Prov . G . A . S . „ Thomas Coltman ... ... ... ... Prov . G . Treas . „ Rev . C . H . Wood , H . ... ... .. - . Prov . G . Reg . . „ A . Balmforth , Z . ... ... ... ... Prov . G . Swd . B .
„ C . J . Wilkinson , E . ... ... ...Prov . G . Std . B . „ Joseph Young , Z ,.. ., ' . . ... Prov . G . D . C . . . . „ VV . M ' usson " , J . ,. ; ... .., ... Prov . G . Org . ,, T . Dunn and Comp .. J . Tanser . .... ... Prov . G . Janitors . Comps . Denton and Mammatt , on behalf of the St . Augustine Chapter ,
expressed their thanks to the Prov . Grand Superintendent , Comp . William Kelly , for his kindness in holding the meeting under its banner . The other •routine business having been concluded , the Provincial Grand Chapter was closed in due form . The annual banquet then took place , after which the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were duly proposed and acknowledged , and a very successful meeting was brought to a close ;
English Freemasonry Before 1717.—No. Ii.
ENGLISH FREEMASONRY BEFORE 1717 . —No . II .
The traces of Freemasonry in the seventeenth century , once very indistinct indeed , thanks to Bro . Rylands mainly , are becoming more clear and * consistent , and will one day ,- I feel certain , assume distinct proportions and an accurate reality . It is now , I think , admitted by expert students that we cannot , and need not , accept 1646 as the limit of Masonic seventeenth century history . We shall , I fancy , ere long stumble upon signs of it before
1646 even . For the evidences are gradually accumulating on a point hitherto almost unnoticed , — that of Masonic Guilds and Societies in the seventeenth . century , the names of'individual Freemasons ; and it seems to be a- fair conclusion that' there was some common society , or societies , with" which Freemasons in the seventeenth century were affiliated , and to which' they ¦ belonged . Ashmole's evidence as to 1646 amounts to this , —that a lodge of Freemasons of some standing was holden at Warrington in 1646 . Whether habitually or casually does not yet clearly appear .
If we are to believe a later biographer of Ashmole , he knew something of its earlier history . But of the condition of that , lodge we know nothing more , so far , and all we gather from Ashmole ' s own scanty narrative is , that 'it called itself a lodge of Freemasons , and gave to Elias Ashmole what we . should call the Entered Apprentice Degree . Some have argued , from Ash-
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Ar00200
positive evidence effectually , and reduce in a moment to nothingness and moaninglessness the highest efforts of negative destructiveness , and the ' •longest and most elaborate , arguments of some amiable literary " Nihilist , " as simply based on a negation , which may be said to have exhausted the skill of the dialectitian , and evinced all the powers and assiduity of the writer ..
. " * * *' . ' . WE beg again to call attention to Bro . GEORGE TAYLOR ' request for help for the Masonic Exhibition at Worcester ' this autumn . The object is so laudable , and so many of our brethren are so willing and able to give help ' in so good a cause , that , we feel sure , in Bro . TAYLOR ' S case it is only to ask to obtain .
BRO . G . FORT ' first monograph is indeed a most valuable contribution to Masonic archaeology and history . We advise" all our readers to procure it , and study it for themselves .
THE following most interesting piece of news appears in the Standard of Tuesday last , and we append it for the information of all whom it may concern : — " An instruction to the Bishops of the Roman Catholic world , emanating from Cardinal Monaco , on behalf of the Holy Roman and Universal Inquisition , ha § been received in Dublin as a complement of the recent
encyclical letter of the Pope on the subject of Freemasonry . It sets out various duties to be performed by the clerical body In seeking to diminish the influence of the Masonic Order . The instruction announces that the Hol y Father has suspended for one year the obligation of denouncing the secret
leaders of the several objectionable societies , and has alsq suspended , the reserve of censures granting the power of absolution to all confessors appointed by the ordinaries . " Happily for our Fraternity everywhere , the power of that excessively amiable body , the " Inquisition , " is at this moment nil . But a " straw " often shows hoiv the ' wind blows .
Provincial Grand Mark Lodge Of Middlesex And Surrey.
PROVINCIAL GRAND MARK LODGE OF MIDDLESEX AND SURREY .
This prosperous province held a meeting , under the auspices of the Davi- ' son Lodge , at the Masonic Hall , Red Lion-square , on Thursday , the loth inst . Among the numerous brethren we noticed Bros . Col . Sir F . Burdett , Bart ., P . G . M . ; F . Davison , D . P . G . M . ; VV . G . Brighten , P . P . G . VV ., P . G . Sec , & c . ; T . C . Walls , P G . | . W ., & c , ; Hogard , P . G . M . O . ; H . I . Lardner , P . G . S . O . ; - Cafit . Stephens , P . G . J . O . ; the Rev . S . Maude , P . G . Chap . : Christian , P . G . R . of M . ; Hollington , P . G . S . D . ; VV . H . Goodall , P . G . D . C : I .
Proffitt , P . G . S .. B . ; Cama , H . Stephens , and Humphries , P . G . Stwds . j J . Inglis , P . P . G . M . O . ; Pearson , P . P . G . S . O . ; Klenck , P . P . G . R . of M . ; Lambert , P . P . G . D .: Pulman , P . P . G . D . ; Lovegrove , P . P . G . S . of VV . ; Faija , P . P . G . D . C . ; H . Baldwin , P . P . G . A . D . C . ; and . Dunkley , P . P . G . Org . Among the numerous visitors were Bros . F . Binckes , P . G . J . VV ., G . Sec . ; C . Matier , P . G . J . VV ., & c . ; Edgar Bowyer , H . Higgins , Gimmingham , H . Levy , the Right Hon . Viscount Molesworth , Vincent , Pargeter , Humphries , Stedman , . E . Hoare , A . VV . S . Hoare , Hedges , Alfred Tisley , Scratchley , Goodall , . and others .
The Provincial Grand Lodge was opened at five o ' clock precisely . The minutes of the previous Provincial Grand Lodge meeting , held at the Star " arid Garter Hotel , Richmond , on the 7 th July , 1883 , were read and confirmed . The roll of' the 25 lodges forming the province was duly called over , and , with few exceptions , they were represented . The re-appointment of the R . W . Prov . G . M . M ., Bro . Col . ' Sir F . Burdett , Bart ., was read , and
received with acclamation . The report of the Audit Committee was received and adopted . The sum of 10 guineas was unanimously voted- to the Mark Benevolent Fund , to be placed upon the list of Bro . H . Lovegrove , P . P . G . S . of VV ., who has undertaken the office of Steward at the ensuing Festival . The sum of five guineas was also voted to the fund for the relief of Mrs . D . M . Dewar . The following appointments were then made :
Bro . F . Davison ... " ... ... D . P . G . M . „ Faija ... ... . ; Prov . G . S . W . „ Proffitt ... ... ... ... ... Prov . G . J . W . „ Cama ... ... ... ' ... ... Prov . G . M . O . . „ Vincent ... ... ' ... ... ; .. Prov . G . S . O . „ Bowyer ... ... ... ... ... Prov . G . J . O . „ Rev . Viscount Molesworth ... ... ... Prov . G . Chan .
„ Rev . T . M . Gorman ... ... ... Prov . G . Chap . „ Hammerton •... ... ' ... ... Prov . G . Treas . „ Burroughs ... ... ... . ... ... Prov . G . R . of M . „ Brighten ... ... ... ... ... Prov . G . Sec . „ Tisley ... ... ... ... ... Prov . G . S . D . „ Taylor ... .... ... Prov . G . T . D .
„ Goodall ' .. ... Prov . G . S . of W . „ Pargeter ... ... ... ... ... Prov . G . D . C . ,, Humphries ... ... ' ... ... .., Prov . G . A . D . C . „ ' Stedman ... ... ... ... ... Prov . G . Swd . Br . „ Holliday .... ... ... ... ... Prov . G . Std . Br .
. „ E . Hoare ... ... ... ... ... Prov . G . Org . „ Scratchley ... ... ... ... ... Prov . G . i . G . „ J . Smith ... ... ... . ... ... -, „ H . White ; .. /•„ _ , „ Rumball ... ' - ...- ^ Prov . G . Stwds . „ A . W . S . Hoare ... ,.. )
Bros . Williamsi Keystone , Cama , Hiram , Scratchley , Carnarvon , Turner , and Tenterden were nominated as Grand Mark Stewards for the ensuing year . ' - The following brethren were elected on the Board of General Purposes : Bros . Hogard , Lardner , Lambert , and Klenck .
After the disposal of some minor business the Prov . Grand Mark Lodge was closed in ample form , and the brethren adjourned to the Holborn . Restaurant , where an excellent banquet was served , under the genial presidency of the R . VV . P . G . M . M . The usual toasts were duly honoured . V . W . Bro . F . BINCKES responded upon behalf of " The Grand Officer ' s " in an excellent speech .
"The Health of "The R . W . Prov . G . M . M ., and the rest of the Prov . Grand Officers , " was proposed by Bro . FAIJA . In the course of . his speech he spoke of the valuable and efficient services rendered to Masonry in general , and to the Mark Degree in particular , by the R . W . Bro . Col . Sir
Provincial Grand Mark Lodge Of Middlesex And Surrey.
F . Burdett . His courtesy , amiability , and geniality at all times were conspicuous , and throughout the whole of England there was not a more universally respected , and deservedly so , Provincial Grand Mark Master than he . He had a very excellent Deputy in the person of Bro . F . Davison , whose absence from their festive board , in consequence of a family bereavement , every one present must deplore . The rest of the Provincial Grand
Mark Officers were brethren who had done efficient services in the past , and who , no doubt , would continue to carry out the principles of Mark Masonry to the best of their ability . In conclusion , he called upon tlie ' tn to drink the health , prosperity , and happiness of the P . G . M . M ., the D . P . G . M . M ., and the rest of the P . G . M . Officers . The toast havinsr been drunk with acclamation ,
' Bro . Col . Sir F . BURDETT responded . In the course of a long and able reply he spoke of the great interest he had taken in the degree of Mark Masonry . He was particularly pleased with the great success the Order had achieved in Middlesex and Surrey . This was greatly due to the valuable assistance he had received from his Deputy , Bro . Davison , and the Secretary , Bro . Brighten . ( Hear , hear . ) In consequence of his numerous
magisterial , parochial , and other official duties , he was prevented from giving that full attention to the responsibilities of his position as Provincial Grand Mark Master as he would like to do . However , he had those connected with him whose zeal and attention were worthy of all praise , and therefore , when compelled to be absent from his Masonic duties , he was gratified to think that he was well represented , and that the Order did not suffer in
consequence of his enforced absence . In-concluding his remarks , he congratulated the executive upon the great success that had attended their meeting that day . The toast ' of " The Mark Benevolent Fund" was coupled with the name of Bro . CAMA , who replied . ' " The Health of the W . M . of the Davison Lodge" followed . '
Bro . FAIJA , in the course of his reply , announced that he had . received the sum of iS guineas towards his list as Steward of the Mark Benevolent Fund representing the Davison Lodge . ( Applause . ) The remaining toasts were "The Newly-Advanced Brethren , No . 331 /' "The Visitors , " "The P . G . Treasurer and Secretary ,- " "The Treasurer and Secretary of No . 331 , " and "The Officers of No . 331 , " all of which were duly responded to . ' The proceedings then terminated .
Provincial Grand Chapter Of Leicester- Shire And Rutland.
PROVINCIAL GRAND CHAPTER OF LEICESTERSHIRE AND RUTLAND .
The . annual convocation of this Provincial Grand Chapter was holden at the Masonic Hall , Ashby-de-la-Zouch , on Thursday , the 10 th inst . The St . Augustine Chapter , No . 779 , under whose banner the Provincial Grand Chapter assembled , having been opened , the M . E . Grand Superintendent , Comp . Wm . Kelly , F . S . A ., F . R . Hist . Soc ., & c ., ¦ accompanied by his Grand Officers , were received in dueform . ¦ . Among those present we noticed "
Comps . Rev . John Denton , M . A ., as P . G . H . ; E . F . Mammatt , P . Z ., as P . G . J . ; Clement E . Stretton , P . Z ., as P . G . S . E . ; VV . Carrick Crofts , P . Z ., P . G . S . N . ; W . S . ' Allen , P . Z ., P . G . A . S . ; T ; Coltman , P . G . Treas . j Henry Blood , P . G . Reg . ; Joseph Young , Z . 279 , P . G . D . C . ; Rev . W . Langley , P . Z . ; A . Balmforth , Z . 779 ; John Hassall , C . J . Wilkinson , J . Tanser , and a large number of members and visitors . The minutes of the previous meeting-having been duly read and confirmed , the rolls of chapters and Prov . Grand Officers" were called over , and
met with a general response . The M . E . Prov . G . Supt . installed Comp . ' •A . Wood as Z . of the De Mowbray Chapter , No . 1130 . The Treasurer ' s accounts for the past year were received . A vote of thanks was passed to Comp . Coltman'for his valuable services as Treasurer , and he was unanimously re-elected to that office .
The M . E . Prov . Grand Superintendent appointed his officers as follows , and invested those present : Comp . G . Toller , P . Z . ... ' ... Prov . G . H . „ E . F . Mammatt , P . Z . ... ... ... Prov . G . J . „ S . S . Partridge , P . Z Prov . G . S . E .. „ W . S . Allen , P . Z . .- ... Prov . G . S . N .
„ R . Dalgleish , P . Z .... ... ... ... Prov . G . P . S . „ F . Amatt , Z . ... ... ... ... Prov . G . A . S . „ Dr . Willan , J . ... ... ... ... Prov . G . A . S . „ Thomas Coltman ... ... ... ... Prov . G . Treas . „ Rev . C . H . Wood , H . ... ... .. - . Prov . G . Reg . . „ A . Balmforth , Z . ... ... ... ... Prov . G . Swd . B .
„ C . J . Wilkinson , E . ... ... ...Prov . G . Std . B . „ Joseph Young , Z ,.. ., ' . . ... Prov . G . D . C . . . . „ VV . M ' usson " , J . ,. ; ... .., ... Prov . G . Org . ,, T . Dunn and Comp .. J . Tanser . .... ... Prov . G . Janitors . Comps . Denton and Mammatt , on behalf of the St . Augustine Chapter ,
expressed their thanks to the Prov . Grand Superintendent , Comp . William Kelly , for his kindness in holding the meeting under its banner . The other •routine business having been concluded , the Provincial Grand Chapter was closed in due form . The annual banquet then took place , after which the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were duly proposed and acknowledged , and a very successful meeting was brought to a close ;
English Freemasonry Before 1717.—No. Ii.
ENGLISH FREEMASONRY BEFORE 1717 . —No . II .
The traces of Freemasonry in the seventeenth century , once very indistinct indeed , thanks to Bro . Rylands mainly , are becoming more clear and * consistent , and will one day ,- I feel certain , assume distinct proportions and an accurate reality . It is now , I think , admitted by expert students that we cannot , and need not , accept 1646 as the limit of Masonic seventeenth century history . We shall , I fancy , ere long stumble upon signs of it before
1646 even . For the evidences are gradually accumulating on a point hitherto almost unnoticed , — that of Masonic Guilds and Societies in the seventeenth . century , the names of'individual Freemasons ; and it seems to be a- fair conclusion that' there was some common society , or societies , with" which Freemasons in the seventeenth century were affiliated , and to which' they ¦ belonged . Ashmole's evidence as to 1646 amounts to this , —that a lodge of Freemasons of some standing was holden at Warrington in 1646 . Whether habitually or casually does not yet clearly appear .
If we are to believe a later biographer of Ashmole , he knew something of its earlier history . But of the condition of that , lodge we know nothing more , so far , and all we gather from Ashmole ' s own scanty narrative is , that 'it called itself a lodge of Freemasons , and gave to Elias Ashmole what we . should call the Entered Apprentice Degree . Some have argued , from Ash-