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"The Queen And The Craft."
his great merits as a Mason , do a great injustice to the memory of the Duke , who exhibited a deeper interest in Masonic affairs , and rendered more important services to our Society than is generally imagined . This , I think , is made clear by the following details , mostly derived from tlie archives of tlie " Ancient" G . Lodge . . Though , as I have just said , the earlier offices that were held
by Ins Royal Hi ghness in Masonry were conferred upon him by the Modern G . Lodge , it was with their rivals " according to the old Institutions , " that he more particularly identified himself . In the Atholl minutes of tlie 7 th March , 1792 , it is recorded that , Deputy Grand Master Agar being in the chair , it was "Moved and seconded that R . W . Brother Alexander Wilson , of Lower Canada , be appointed , under the sanction of this
Rt . \\ . Grand Lodge , Substitute Grand Master of the said Province of Lower Canada "; and also that it was " Ordered upon like motion that our Rt . W . Brother Wm . Jarvys , Esq ., soon about to depart for Upper Canada , be invested with a like appointment for the said Province of Upper Canada . " In the same minutes , however , will be found a long correspondence re certain disputes among the brethren in Quebec , the following beinff one of the letters : —
" Quebec , 27 tli Deci * ., 1791 . " Right Worshipfnl Sir and Brother . " It is with infinite pleasure Wo hare to inform tho Grand Lodge of England of the Advancement of Ancient Masonry in this part of the world by the valuable acquisition of His Royal Highness Prince Edward , who has made himself known to our Brother Alexander Wilson as an Ancient Mason , and
has consented under his signature to become Piovincial Grand Master of Upper and Lower Canada—an office we consider us absolutely necessary for promoting the increase and ease of the Craft in this country , particularly while under the patronage of so exemplary a character as His Koyal Highness . And we hope it will appear evident to the Grand Lodge the dillieiilty Masons must have in the remote parts of these wide extended Provinces to carry forward to England
applications for Warrants to constitute Lodges . " Wo , therefore , for ourselves and in tin ; name of the Bodies wo represent , Supplicate tho Grand Lodge to send by the earliest ship for Quebec a Warrant constituting His Royal' Highness Prince Kdward Provincial Grand Master of Upper and Loner Canada , with Authority to hold a Grand Lodgo and to constitute Lodges .
"We havc to request you will lay ( lie above circumstances and requisition ( in our humble Opinion so advantageous to the Interests of the Society ) as early as possible before the Grand Lodge , and wo ( latter ourselves it will give them much satisfaction and meet their approbation . " The Warrant , ic , & c , yon will please to convey to Alex . Wilson , Esq ., Surgeon to thc Royal Artillery here , whoso zeal and assiduity in promoting the good of Masonry has our hearty thanks , and , we humbly conceive , deserves the attention of the Grand Lodge .
The amount of the expense attending the above business shall be sent to yon hy the lirst returning ship for England .
Georgo Beattie . Master James Davidson . Master Robt . Moorhead , Master Archibald Ferguson , S . W . John Lynd , S . W . Edward Byrn , S . W . Thos . Ferguson , J . W . Andrew Cameron , J . W . Jas . McDougall , J . W . of Lodge Xo . 241 . of Lodge Xo . 40 . of Lodge Xo . 9 . " Under these circumstances it is not suprisiug we should find in tho minutes of the next Quarterly Communication , held on the Gth
June following , that Deputy G . Muster Agar , who presided ,. after stating to those present the purport of the above tetter , pointed out "that in consequence of such application the Authority granted to our Right W . Brother Alexander Wilson , Esq .. had been rendered of no effect , aud had not been made out or forwarded ; and that a Warrant had been granted to His Roval Highness Prince Edward
constituting and appointing His Royal Highess Grand Master for tlie Province of Lower Canada . " As Bro . William Jarvys appears to have been in England at the time of the March Communication and to have been invested as Prov . G . Master for Upper Canada , it was of course impossible to comply with so much of the Canadian requisition as concerned tlie Upper Province , and tlie Warrant , which is headed
" ATIIOI . I , QUASI * MASTER , James Agar , Depy . Grand Master : Watkin Lewis , Senr . Grand Warden ; John Bunn , Junior Grand Warden , " and bears date the 7 th March , 1702 , was made out accordingly for the Lower Province only . It is unnecessary I should transcribe the whole of this important instrument ; but the reasons for granting it and tlie powers conferred thereunder are set forth in the following terms :
" In order to Remedy the Inconveniences Arising from the Delays aud Distance in communicating with tin ; Grand Lodge upon various Occasions by the Warranted Lodges in Lower Canada held under our Authority nnd to facilitate tho Establishment of new Lodges and in order more Effectually and Speedily to Rectify and Determine All Masonic Differences Disputes nnd Controversies if any such should arise Between the Brethren now resident in tho said Province
of Lower Canada lt was this day iu Grand Lodge Resolved That a Warrant bo granted appointing a Provincial Grand Master for the Province of Lower Canada and Invested with the full and ample Powers Privileges and Authority by the Constitutions of Masonry Amicxt to and Vested iu the said oilice of Provincial Grand Master In pursuance whereof we Do hereby Xominnte Constitute and Appoint our Trustv nnd Well Beloved Urother His Rov . M . HIGH . NKSS Prince
Kdward fourth Son of Our Most GRACIOUS SOVEREIGN LORD Georgo the Thiid King of Great Britain & c , & e ., Oiuxn MASTKR of Masons in tlie said Province and Invest our said Royal and Worshipful Brother with full and ample PowerH Privileges and Authority as aforesaid hereby authorizing and empowering our said Royal and Right Worshipful Urother to grant Warrants and Dispensations for the holding of Lodges and making Freo Masons in the said Province and forming the same into Regular Warranted Lodges
according to the Most Anciont Custom of the Craft in all Ages and Nations throughout the World and to convene a Grand Lodge when and as often ns tho same may he deemed necessary and expedient within the said Province AND WK Do by these Presents further Authorize Appoint and Impower Our said Royal and Right Worshipful Brother to Rectify Irregularities and to hear adjudge and Determine all and singular . Matters of Complaint Controversies or Disputes if anv such should Arise Relative to the Craft when and as often as
"The Queen And The Craft."
the same may Occur in any of our Warranted Lodges or Masonic Jodies or * between the Brethren thereof resident or being in the said Province of Lower Canada aforesaid Strictly requiring All and Every our Worthy Brethr . 'ii iu the said Province to be conformable to all the Orders and Decrees which shsll be made and to All things done by Our said Royal and Right Worshipful Brotier in the due Execution thereof . Onr said Roval and Right Worshipful Brother duly
conforming to tho known anil Established Rules and Regulations of the Craft and the said Lodges paying AU due respect and conforming to the Laws mil Regulations thereof and preserving a regular and Yearly Communicatioi therewith And WE DO by these Presents further Authorise aud Impower on ; Royal and Right Worshipfnl Brother to nominate constitute and appoint his Deputy Grand Master in and over thc said Province who shall bo invested with the *
same Powers Privileges and Authority to Act for our said Royd and Right Worshipfnl Brother our said Provincial Grand Master Aforesaid U his Absence or by his Directions or Desire hereby ratify ing and cofirmhg whatsoever our said Royal and Rt Worshipfnl Provincial Grand Master cr his Deputy shall legally do iu tho due Execution of their respective Offices aforesaid
The Warrant containing these provisions , which was signed and sealed with the Seal of the Grand Lodge by "R . Leslie , G . S ., " reached its destination , but Avithout any "Order of Deputation" for the installation of his Royal Hig hness—it would be difficult to find an occasion on which G , Secretary Leslie discharged his duty in other than a slipshod , perfunctory manner . Hence the Masters and
Wardens of Nos . 9 , 40 , and 241 took upon themselves to authorise "Alexander Wilson , Esq ., Doctor of Physick , one of our Master Masters ( i Mo-sous ) to Hold a Grand Lodge in the City of Quebec and there to install with due Honor His Royal Hig hness Prince Edward Grand Master of Ancient York Masons for the Province of Lower Canada aforesaid , and Gratulating the Brethren thereupon , forthwith
to close the said Grand Lodge and afterwards transmit what he shall do and cause to be done by virtue of these presents to the Ancient Grand Lodge of London . " This authority bears date the 21 st June , 1792 , the names at foot being those of the Masters and Wardens of the said lodges , with that of "W . Lindsay Junr ., G . S . for the Installation . " Accordingly on the following day a Grand Lodge was
held in the Masonic Hall , Quebec , and Brother Wilson , as Grand Master , having appointed his officers from among the brethren present , solemnly and in accordance with ancient usage installed his Royal H ighness as Provincial G rand Master of Lower Canada . The Prince then appointed the said Bro . Wilson his Deputy G . Master , and the rest of the P . G . officers , comprising two Wardens , Treasurer , Secretary , two
Deacons , Pursuivant , and Tyler . The newly-installed Prov . G . Master and his officers and the lodges under his obedience and their officers then marched to church in procession and attended divine service , and I have no doubt the day concluded in the usual manner among Masons , with a banquet and tho customary loyal and Masonic toasts . An account of these proceedings as to the installation of his Royal
Hig hness was forwarded to tiie Athoii Grand Lodge iu London , and at its Quarterly Communication , on the following oth September , it was Ordered " That the same be Inserted in the Minutes , and that a congratulatory address be presented to his Royal Highness upon the occasion—the same to be drawn up by or under the direction of our Rt . W . Deputy Grand Master , and forwarded by the Secretary with all convenient dispatch . "
Of thc Prince ' s acts as G . Master I am unable to furnish information , but that he must have succeded in ingratiating himself with the fraternity in Lower Canada , both " Moderns " as well as " Ancients , " is shown by tlie very hearty address which was presented to his Royal Highness when he was on the eve of quitting Canada for England , and which bore tht * signatures of the leading representatives of botli Societies . Strange to say , this address , which is dated
"Quebec , January 9 , 1794 , " expresses un earnest hope that a Union of the rival Societies may be effected at as early a date as possible , while the Prince to whom it was addressed was , many yeai * s later , one of the chief instruments in bringing about such Union . Tlie address and the reply will be found in the Freemasons ' Magazine , Vol . III ., July to December , 1794 , tlie passages in the two relating to the much-desired Union being printed in italics in the said Magazine , and reading as follows : —
( 1 ) ll * - ; linrc a confidential hope that under the conciliating inlluence of your Royal Ilighne ** , the Fraternity in General of Freenuisons in hi * Majesty ' s dominions will lc unitm ! .- —In the address . ( 2 ) You may trust that nm utmost effort * shall le exerted that thc much wished for luiion of the whole Fraternity of Jf
Let me add that the Address is signed , on behalf of the two Fraternities , by "William Grant , D . G . M . of Modern Masons , " and "Thomas Ainslie , D . G . M . of Ancient Masons . " Many years elapse before we again read of the Duke of Kent taking any prominent part in the proceedings of Ancient Masonry . Indeed , the negotiations for a Union of the two societies in England
had been in progress for a considerable time , when his Royal Hig hness , having graciously signified his intention of accepting the invitation he had received to be present at the Anniversary Festival of the Masonic Institution for Clothing and Educating the Sons of Deceased and Indigent Ancient Masons , it was considered a proper act of respect to the Dnke , "as H . R . H . had been Grand Master of
the Ancient Masons of Canada , to receive him with Masonic honours in Grand Lodge . " Accordingly , a special communication was summoned for the 18 th May , 1813 , at which his Grace the Duke of Atholl , Grand Master , presided , and at which there were present , in addition to his Royal Hig hness , Bro . Tliomas Harper , Deputy G .
Master ; Bros . James Perry and James Agar , Past Deputy G . Masters ; Bro . Archibald Herron , S . G . W . ; Bro . Jeremiah Cran field , J . G . W . ; several Past G . Wardens ; Bro . Robert Leslie , G . Secretary ; Bro . W . C . Clarkson , G . Treasurer ; Bro . Edwards Harper , Dep . G . Secretary ; Bro . the Rev . H . I . Knapp , Dep . G . Chaplain ; Bro . Robert McCann , G . S . B . ; , and the representatives of the lodges in
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
"The Queen And The Craft."
his great merits as a Mason , do a great injustice to the memory of the Duke , who exhibited a deeper interest in Masonic affairs , and rendered more important services to our Society than is generally imagined . This , I think , is made clear by the following details , mostly derived from tlie archives of tlie " Ancient" G . Lodge . . Though , as I have just said , the earlier offices that were held
by Ins Royal Hi ghness in Masonry were conferred upon him by the Modern G . Lodge , it was with their rivals " according to the old Institutions , " that he more particularly identified himself . In the Atholl minutes of tlie 7 th March , 1792 , it is recorded that , Deputy Grand Master Agar being in the chair , it was "Moved and seconded that R . W . Brother Alexander Wilson , of Lower Canada , be appointed , under the sanction of this
Rt . \\ . Grand Lodge , Substitute Grand Master of the said Province of Lower Canada "; and also that it was " Ordered upon like motion that our Rt . W . Brother Wm . Jarvys , Esq ., soon about to depart for Upper Canada , be invested with a like appointment for the said Province of Upper Canada . " In the same minutes , however , will be found a long correspondence re certain disputes among the brethren in Quebec , the following beinff one of the letters : —
" Quebec , 27 tli Deci * ., 1791 . " Right Worshipfnl Sir and Brother . " It is with infinite pleasure Wo hare to inform tho Grand Lodge of England of the Advancement of Ancient Masonry in this part of the world by the valuable acquisition of His Royal Highness Prince Edward , who has made himself known to our Brother Alexander Wilson as an Ancient Mason , and
has consented under his signature to become Piovincial Grand Master of Upper and Lower Canada—an office we consider us absolutely necessary for promoting the increase and ease of the Craft in this country , particularly while under the patronage of so exemplary a character as His Koyal Highness . And we hope it will appear evident to the Grand Lodge the dillieiilty Masons must have in the remote parts of these wide extended Provinces to carry forward to England
applications for Warrants to constitute Lodges . " Wo , therefore , for ourselves and in tin ; name of the Bodies wo represent , Supplicate tho Grand Lodge to send by the earliest ship for Quebec a Warrant constituting His Royal' Highness Prince Kdward Provincial Grand Master of Upper and Loner Canada , with Authority to hold a Grand Lodgo and to constitute Lodges .
"We havc to request you will lay ( lie above circumstances and requisition ( in our humble Opinion so advantageous to the Interests of the Society ) as early as possible before the Grand Lodge , and wo ( latter ourselves it will give them much satisfaction and meet their approbation . " The Warrant , ic , & c , yon will please to convey to Alex . Wilson , Esq ., Surgeon to thc Royal Artillery here , whoso zeal and assiduity in promoting the good of Masonry has our hearty thanks , and , we humbly conceive , deserves the attention of the Grand Lodge .
The amount of the expense attending the above business shall be sent to yon hy the lirst returning ship for England .
Georgo Beattie . Master James Davidson . Master Robt . Moorhead , Master Archibald Ferguson , S . W . John Lynd , S . W . Edward Byrn , S . W . Thos . Ferguson , J . W . Andrew Cameron , J . W . Jas . McDougall , J . W . of Lodge Xo . 241 . of Lodge Xo . 40 . of Lodge Xo . 9 . " Under these circumstances it is not suprisiug we should find in tho minutes of the next Quarterly Communication , held on the Gth
June following , that Deputy G . Muster Agar , who presided ,. after stating to those present the purport of the above tetter , pointed out "that in consequence of such application the Authority granted to our Right W . Brother Alexander Wilson , Esq .. had been rendered of no effect , aud had not been made out or forwarded ; and that a Warrant had been granted to His Roval Highness Prince Edward
constituting and appointing His Royal Highess Grand Master for tlie Province of Lower Canada . " As Bro . William Jarvys appears to have been in England at the time of the March Communication and to have been invested as Prov . G . Master for Upper Canada , it was of course impossible to comply with so much of the Canadian requisition as concerned tlie Upper Province , and tlie Warrant , which is headed
" ATIIOI . I , QUASI * MASTER , James Agar , Depy . Grand Master : Watkin Lewis , Senr . Grand Warden ; John Bunn , Junior Grand Warden , " and bears date the 7 th March , 1702 , was made out accordingly for the Lower Province only . It is unnecessary I should transcribe the whole of this important instrument ; but the reasons for granting it and tlie powers conferred thereunder are set forth in the following terms :
" In order to Remedy the Inconveniences Arising from the Delays aud Distance in communicating with tin ; Grand Lodge upon various Occasions by the Warranted Lodges in Lower Canada held under our Authority nnd to facilitate tho Establishment of new Lodges and in order more Effectually and Speedily to Rectify and Determine All Masonic Differences Disputes nnd Controversies if any such should arise Between the Brethren now resident in tho said Province
of Lower Canada lt was this day iu Grand Lodge Resolved That a Warrant bo granted appointing a Provincial Grand Master for the Province of Lower Canada and Invested with the full and ample Powers Privileges and Authority by the Constitutions of Masonry Amicxt to and Vested iu the said oilice of Provincial Grand Master In pursuance whereof we Do hereby Xominnte Constitute and Appoint our Trustv nnd Well Beloved Urother His Rov . M . HIGH . NKSS Prince
Kdward fourth Son of Our Most GRACIOUS SOVEREIGN LORD Georgo the Thiid King of Great Britain & c , & e ., Oiuxn MASTKR of Masons in tlie said Province and Invest our said Royal and Worshipful Brother with full and ample PowerH Privileges and Authority as aforesaid hereby authorizing and empowering our said Royal and Right Worshipful Urother to grant Warrants and Dispensations for the holding of Lodges and making Freo Masons in the said Province and forming the same into Regular Warranted Lodges
according to the Most Anciont Custom of the Craft in all Ages and Nations throughout the World and to convene a Grand Lodge when and as often ns tho same may he deemed necessary and expedient within the said Province AND WK Do by these Presents further Authorize Appoint and Impower Our said Royal and Right Worshipful Brother to Rectify Irregularities and to hear adjudge and Determine all and singular . Matters of Complaint Controversies or Disputes if anv such should Arise Relative to the Craft when and as often as
"The Queen And The Craft."
the same may Occur in any of our Warranted Lodges or Masonic Jodies or * between the Brethren thereof resident or being in the said Province of Lower Canada aforesaid Strictly requiring All and Every our Worthy Brethr . 'ii iu the said Province to be conformable to all the Orders and Decrees which shsll be made and to All things done by Our said Royal and Right Worshipful Brotier in the due Execution thereof . Onr said Roval and Right Worshipful Brother duly
conforming to tho known anil Established Rules and Regulations of the Craft and the said Lodges paying AU due respect and conforming to the Laws mil Regulations thereof and preserving a regular and Yearly Communicatioi therewith And WE DO by these Presents further Authorise aud Impower on ; Royal and Right Worshipfnl Brother to nominate constitute and appoint his Deputy Grand Master in and over thc said Province who shall bo invested with the *
same Powers Privileges and Authority to Act for our said Royd and Right Worshipfnl Brother our said Provincial Grand Master Aforesaid U his Absence or by his Directions or Desire hereby ratify ing and cofirmhg whatsoever our said Royal and Rt Worshipfnl Provincial Grand Master cr his Deputy shall legally do iu tho due Execution of their respective Offices aforesaid
The Warrant containing these provisions , which was signed and sealed with the Seal of the Grand Lodge by "R . Leslie , G . S ., " reached its destination , but Avithout any "Order of Deputation" for the installation of his Royal Hig hness—it would be difficult to find an occasion on which G , Secretary Leslie discharged his duty in other than a slipshod , perfunctory manner . Hence the Masters and
Wardens of Nos . 9 , 40 , and 241 took upon themselves to authorise "Alexander Wilson , Esq ., Doctor of Physick , one of our Master Masters ( i Mo-sous ) to Hold a Grand Lodge in the City of Quebec and there to install with due Honor His Royal Hig hness Prince Edward Grand Master of Ancient York Masons for the Province of Lower Canada aforesaid , and Gratulating the Brethren thereupon , forthwith
to close the said Grand Lodge and afterwards transmit what he shall do and cause to be done by virtue of these presents to the Ancient Grand Lodge of London . " This authority bears date the 21 st June , 1792 , the names at foot being those of the Masters and Wardens of the said lodges , with that of "W . Lindsay Junr ., G . S . for the Installation . " Accordingly on the following day a Grand Lodge was
held in the Masonic Hall , Quebec , and Brother Wilson , as Grand Master , having appointed his officers from among the brethren present , solemnly and in accordance with ancient usage installed his Royal H ighness as Provincial G rand Master of Lower Canada . The Prince then appointed the said Bro . Wilson his Deputy G . Master , and the rest of the P . G . officers , comprising two Wardens , Treasurer , Secretary , two
Deacons , Pursuivant , and Tyler . The newly-installed Prov . G . Master and his officers and the lodges under his obedience and their officers then marched to church in procession and attended divine service , and I have no doubt the day concluded in the usual manner among Masons , with a banquet and tho customary loyal and Masonic toasts . An account of these proceedings as to the installation of his Royal
Hig hness was forwarded to tiie Athoii Grand Lodge iu London , and at its Quarterly Communication , on the following oth September , it was Ordered " That the same be Inserted in the Minutes , and that a congratulatory address be presented to his Royal Highness upon the occasion—the same to be drawn up by or under the direction of our Rt . W . Deputy Grand Master , and forwarded by the Secretary with all convenient dispatch . "
Of thc Prince ' s acts as G . Master I am unable to furnish information , but that he must have succeded in ingratiating himself with the fraternity in Lower Canada , both " Moderns " as well as " Ancients , " is shown by tlie very hearty address which was presented to his Royal Highness when he was on the eve of quitting Canada for England , and which bore tht * signatures of the leading representatives of botli Societies . Strange to say , this address , which is dated
"Quebec , January 9 , 1794 , " expresses un earnest hope that a Union of the rival Societies may be effected at as early a date as possible , while the Prince to whom it was addressed was , many yeai * s later , one of the chief instruments in bringing about such Union . Tlie address and the reply will be found in the Freemasons ' Magazine , Vol . III ., July to December , 1794 , tlie passages in the two relating to the much-desired Union being printed in italics in the said Magazine , and reading as follows : —
( 1 ) ll * - ; linrc a confidential hope that under the conciliating inlluence of your Royal Ilighne ** , the Fraternity in General of Freenuisons in hi * Majesty ' s dominions will lc unitm ! .- —In the address . ( 2 ) You may trust that nm utmost effort * shall le exerted that thc much wished for luiion of the whole Fraternity of Jf
Let me add that the Address is signed , on behalf of the two Fraternities , by "William Grant , D . G . M . of Modern Masons , " and "Thomas Ainslie , D . G . M . of Ancient Masons . " Many years elapse before we again read of the Duke of Kent taking any prominent part in the proceedings of Ancient Masonry . Indeed , the negotiations for a Union of the two societies in England
had been in progress for a considerable time , when his Royal Hig hness , having graciously signified his intention of accepting the invitation he had received to be present at the Anniversary Festival of the Masonic Institution for Clothing and Educating the Sons of Deceased and Indigent Ancient Masons , it was considered a proper act of respect to the Dnke , "as H . R . H . had been Grand Master of
the Ancient Masons of Canada , to receive him with Masonic honours in Grand Lodge . " Accordingly , a special communication was summoned for the 18 th May , 1813 , at which his Grace the Duke of Atholl , Grand Master , presided , and at which there were present , in addition to his Royal Hig hness , Bro . Tliomas Harper , Deputy G .
Master ; Bros . James Perry and James Agar , Past Deputy G . Masters ; Bro . Archibald Herron , S . G . W . ; Bro . Jeremiah Cran field , J . G . W . ; several Past G . Wardens ; Bro . Robert Leslie , G . Secretary ; Bro . W . C . Clarkson , G . Treasurer ; Bro . Edwards Harper , Dep . G . Secretary ; Bro . the Rev . H . I . Knapp , Dep . G . Chaplain ; Bro . Robert McCann , G . S . B . ; , and the representatives of the lodges in