Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
A Menace.
mute qui n ' a aucun sens , car e ' est dire : Le Grand Orient de France a inflige une sanglante injure au Grand Orient de France . Je voudrais etrc indiscret et abuser les colonnes de votre Journal , Monsieur et tres cher frere , si je prolongeais cette lettre , qui m ' est dietee par mon profond amour de la verite de la justice et de la paix . Je n ' ajouterai done qu ' un
mot : En 1877 , la Maconnerie Francaise est redevenuedans le texte de ses lois , dans ses principes et dans ses pratiques—ce qu ' elle etaitavant 1849 , alors que lesdiverses Puissances maconniques du Monde entretenaient avec elle les relations les plus fraternelles . Des esprits passionnes ont voulu voir , dans ce retour , un acte anti maconnique au lieu d ' y voir simplement un acte de tolerance et d'appaisement . Plaigno ns ces e > pritssans nous
detourner de notre devoir ; car Macons Anglais et Macons Frantjais ont mieux il faire , au ige siecle , qu'il se nuire , qu ' a se proscrire mutuellement et qu'ii se hair . Comptant sur votre impartialite pour inseirer cette lettre dans le prochain numero de votre estimable journal , je vous prie d ' agreer , Monsieur et tres cher frere , la nouvelle assurance de mes sentiments les plus distingues . Le Chef du Secretariat du Grand Orient de France . TllEVENOT .
[ TRANSI . A . TIOSJ . Paris , Feb . 16 , 1878 . To Bro . Kenning , etc . Sir and very dear Brother , — Receive all my thanks for the four numbers of the Freemason which you have been so kind as to send to me and which were wanting to my collection .
Permit me at the same time to offer to you some observations on two articles which No . 4 66 , ( 9 th Feb . ) , of your estimable journal contains . In the first of these articles , entitled " Bro . Hubert and French Freemasonry , " you say that this brother by " refusing the unanimous election to the chair of the lodge he has served so well for years openly protested against the
revolution recently effected by the French Grand Orient . This announcement serves as a very striking commentary on the somewhat rash eleclaration of our esteemed Bro . Thevenot which appeared in our columns the previous week . Bro . Marechal , of the Lodge St . Jean de Jerusalem , Nancy , has also resigned the chair of the lodge , & c . " I regret , but I have at the same time
the duty to say to you , Sir and very dear brother , that there are in these allegations and appreciations almost as many mistakes as words . First and above all , I affirm again , without fear of any denial , that up to the date of this elay no lodge has separated itself from the Grand Orient of France in consequence of the modification introduced by the General
Assembly of 1877 in Art 1 , of our Constitution . I affirm , on the contrary , that Bro . Marechal , of Nancy , than whom nobody more appreciates the Masonic qualities than I do , better informed as to the bearing of the consequences of the modification in question , has accepted the Mastership of his lodge . That is a fact with respect te which it is so easy for you to inform yourself , and of which
you will find the confirmation in the new " Calenelrier " of the Granel Orient . As regards Bio . Hubert , whose non-acceptation of the Mastership you represent as an open protest against that which you call the recent revolution effecteel by the Grand Orient of France , it vvoulel not be difficult , in my quality of member of that lodge , to point out to you all that is erroneous in your interpretation of the
motives which have determined the resolution of that brother—that is a duty which I pefer to leave to Bro . Hubert himself * , hut this I can atlirm , without fear of being Uxed with temeiity , that that hon . brother has not ceased fo remain attached to the Gninil Oiieiit of Fiance , to which he has avowed * bedienc , and I do not doubt , knowing his excellent qualities and all his devotion to the
Masonic Order , th % t he will be the first to regret the consequences that you have drawn from his resolution . Thus far as to the allegations contained in the articles of the Freemason , and it will be permitted me , Sir and very dear brother , to observe to you how rash are the appreciations of your correspondents as regards the actual state of French Freemasonry , and how there is far from
an expression of regret which we understand for a rupture , or even a protest . In one of the articles entitled " Actual Position of the Grand Orient of France , " we find a colouring so fantastic of the actual state of French Freemasonry that I shall refuse to reply to it . Every serious reader , every learned Mason , will know
how to find the truth in the midst of so much error , and to do justice to such false appreciation . The Bro . Maskelyne , who argues this question , puts forward this question , more fantastic ttill , which I cannot refrain myself from answering . " 1 ask myself , how can we henceforth consider a French Freemason placed at this moment under tbe dictation of the Grand Orient of France after the
dreadful injury inflicted by the said Grand Orient on French Freemasonry . '" Bro . Maskelyne appears not to doubt , it seems , what is the Grand Orient of France . He appears to believe il is a person , or more or less a commission or council , an administration of some kind , weighing down heavily on the lodges and Masons of the Obedience . I then fraternally
inform this brother , by means of your estimable journal , that the GrandOrient of France is composed of all the Masters of lodges , who unite themselves every year in general assembly to transact the business of the Order , and to elect the council which directs these affairs in the absence of the General Assembly or Convent . It is this a : sembly ,
and not a personality , much less a piivate power of any kind , which has voteel the reform misunderstood , which is the object of the criticism of Bro . Maskelyne . In conforming himself to this decision , the French Mason , whom Bro . Maskelyne sunounds with his lively solicitude , only obeys French Freemasonry itself in the expression by the very great majority of its representatives , that is to say the
A Menace.
supreme law of modern times , and to say that the Grand Orient of France has inflicted a dreadful blow on French Freemasonry is to employ a formula which has no sense . The Grand Orient of France has inflicted a dreadful blow on the Grand Orient of France I I should think myself indiscreet , and that I was abusing the columns ot your journal , sir and very elear brother , if
I prolonged this letter , which my love of truth , of justice , and of peace has dictated . I will only then add one word . In 1877 French Freemasonry has come back to the text of its laws , both as to its principles and its practices , just as before 1849 , when the different Masonic powers of the world kept up with us the most fraternal relations . Some
impassioned speakers wish to see in this return an anti-Masonic act , instead of simply regarding it as an act oE toleration and pacification . Let us regret this spirit without turning ourselves from our duty , for English Masons and French Masons have something better to do in this nineteenth century than to ignore each other , persecute each other , hate each other . Relying upon your impartiality for
inserting this letter in the next number of your estimable journal , I beg you , Sir and dear brother , to receive the fresh assurance of my most distinguished sentiments . THEVSNOT . [ We publish these letters with pleasure , though we must very fraternally observe to our good Bro . Thevenot that our space is limited in the Freemason . —ED . ]
A QUERY . To Ihe Editor of the " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — Our bye-laws state that a brother visiting our lodge who has been excluded from a sister lodg-e , we must respect that decision by refusing admission . But supposing he has been excluded by a R . A . Chapter
attached to his lodge for some offence committed in his chapter , confirmed by his blue loelge , and then sent to our blue lodge . Are we also to respect the decision , only some of the members being R . A . Masons . The charge originateel in the chapter , and was brought down to the blue lodge . —Yours fraternally , AN OLD P . G . P . [ Yes , certainly . —En . ]
LONDON LODGES AND THE ROYAL MASONIC BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION . To Ihe Editor of the " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — In looking over the very able account you give of the Festival of the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution , I find only one third of the number of London lodges
represented . Can you tell me why this is ? Why should Iwo-thirds of our London lodges be exempt from contributing to this most important Institution . Are they deferred , or have they no eyes or ears for their brethren who are looking to them for assistance ? I am , dear Sir and Brother , yours faithfully and fraternally , VlCE-PliESIDENT .
UNCLAIMED MONEY . To the Editor ofthe " Freemason . " Dear Sir , — In your review of last week you suggest that I should re-publish the whole original list of unclaimed dividends . Permit me to say , that although such a re-publication would doubtless prove very valuable to many
families , yet I venture to think a reviseel list by the Bank of England authorities would prove far more valuable , as , since the last li-t was published ( forty years agti ) many of the sums then unclaimed have long since been claimed by the representatives of deceased stockholders . I may add , that last year a revised list of " Dormant Funds in Chancery" was published , pursuant to the
Chancery Funds Act , 1872 . Why should not a like course be taken by the Bank of England authorities ? Too much publicity cannot be given to such lists . I am , Sir , your obedient Servant , EDWARD PRESTOK . ( Proprietor of Chambers ' s Index to Next of Kin . ) r , Great College-street , Westminster , Feb . 18 th .
A CENTURY OF MASONRY . To the Editor oj the " Freemason . Dear Sir and Brother , — In looking through the minute hooks of our lodge I find a number of items which , it has occurred tome , might prove of very great interest to many Masons , as illustrating the manners and customs of our forefathers , if you would
kindly afford space for them . This I hope you may be the more readily disposed to elo by reason of the fact that to mark the celebration of our centenary in 18 71 , the late Bro . Stebbing , D . P . G . M . of I Iants and the Isle of Wight , spent much lime and research in compiling a history oi the lodge . At the celebration he read , anil there appeareel in the local papers , a report of what was evidently intendeel
to form the basis of this history , and three months later , as appears by a letter in our passession , he obtained the consent of the then M . W . Grand Master , the Marquis of Ripon , who , with his Grand Officers , atteneled the celebration , to eledicate the history to him . An unexpected illness took him from us before the accomplishment of his purpose , and but a few sheets of the apparently intended introduction have been found with the lodge ' s books and papers .
Of the information contained in these sheets and the news paper report I hope to avail myself in presenting what I trust will prove an interesting story of the rise and progress of Masonry in this ancient town , so far as is to be gathered from the materials in our possession , As it will probably best suit your convenience , as it certainly will my own , to receive these interesting reminiscences in the form of chapters , 1 propose to send you the story in sections ,
A Menace.
leaving you to ' give them insertion in the Freemason as space and opportunity offer . Fraternally yours , C . J . PHILLIPS , W . M . Royal Gloucester Lodge , 130 . Southampton , Feb . 1878
A CENTURY OF MASONRY . —I . I can hardly suppose that the history of the Royal Gloucester Lodge , No . 130 , differs very materially from that of the still older neighbouring lodges at West Cowesy No . 35 , and Winchester , No . 76 ; or the almost equally aged Institutions at Ringwood , No . 132 ; Newport , No . "Jr ; Ryde , No . 775 ; Bournemouth , No . 19 S ; and Phcenix :,
Portsmouth , No . 257 ; all in this province . But as its minute books extend back to February , 1772 , and give vivid details of the manners and customs of the Masons in those days , 1 have ventured to think some of these details may be considered worthy of relation in the Freemason for the benefit of young Masons , if they shall not happen to prove novel to the student of Masonry . To
make clearer what follows , it may to some be necessary to explain that until 1717 there existed two great Masonic bodies , one , known as the Ancient or York Masons , and afterwards the Athol Masons , claiming to be the Grand Lodge of all England , and the other the Modern or London Masons , afterwards called the Sussex Masons , adopting the title of Grand Lodge of England . The last named
body was in 1717 so far reconstituted as to admit as members of the Masonic body persons not practically associated with architecture . It was then for the first time that gentlemen , professional men , and persons of various occupations , were admitted into Masomy , provided they were of good repute in the outer world , were free of birth , and of the full age of twenty-one years , twenty-five years
having at one time been the limit . Under the York or Athol and Ancient Masons , what is now the Royal Gloucester Lodge came into existence , without , however , any distinctive name , but simply recognised as " No . 174 . " Following some meetings held under dispensation , it was formally constituted on the 22 nd of April 1772 ,
under a warrant from John , Duke of Athol , as is thus extracted from the minute book of the Grand Lodge of Ancient Freemasons , from 17 6 910 I 773 , and shown by the warrant still in the possession of the lodge : Grand Lodge opened at 1 o ' clock , at the Vine Tavern , Southampton , in the County of Hampshire , on the 22 nd day of April , 1772-5772 .
Grand Secretary Dickey in the Chair . By an authority ( for three hours only ) , from the Right Worshipful Lan . Dermott , Esq ., D . G . Master , constituted . Mr . Joseph Adams , Master . Edwin Jones , Sen . Warden .
Thos . Widdell , Jun . Warden . Warrant , No . 174 ; Registered in Veils . 7 , Letter T . Present Bernard Gillin , of Lodge 172 . Cash received for warrants ... ... ... £ 1 26 Grand Charity * ... ... ... 1 1 o
£ * 3 6 Closed at 3 o ' clock , and adjourned to the next General Grand Lodge . Warrants " for three hours only " were customary in those days , when brethren were deputed to hold Granel Lodges , the time being thus limited to prevent any misuse of their power and authority . The lodge thus formed and
constituted was always an " ancient luilge" and for many years was faithful ti the Athol Grand Lodge , but subsequently it became a modern lodge , and for many years kept two sets of books and corresponded with each Grand Lodge as a true and faithful ancient or moelern lodge , as best suited the occasion . Jt is to be remembered that so severely did the ancient and modem Masons keep
apart that , although the differences in their ceremonies were very trifling they were not allowed to visit each other ' s lodges unless re-made according to lhc form of the lodge they elesircd to join . Thus we read at a meeting recorded in the first Book of " Transaclions , " or minutes as we should now call it , " In order to strengthen the lodge rose Bro . Thos . Wieldell to the Sublime Degree of a
Master Mason ; also entered , passed , and raised Bro . Joseph Truelove , he being a modern Mason before , and appointed him the Tyler of the lodge . " By a memorandum of Bro . Slade ' s , a learned Mason , Past Master of the lodge , and for several years Prov . Grand Secretary , there appears to have been some kind of meeting of those interested in the formation of the lodge
on the 12 th of January , 1772 , but the first entry recorded in the Transaclions reads as follows : — "Feb . 4 th . Called a lodge , it biing our first time , by virtue of a elispensation from the Right Worshipful Grand Lodge in London , on Feb 4 th , 1772 , Bros . Joseph Aelams , Master ; Wm . St . Barbe , S . W . ; Edwin Jones , J . W . " This Joseph Adams , it seems , was a schoolmaster , and
Edwin Jones , a sailmaker , and the I homas Widdell , whose name was afterwards entered in the warrant as Junior Warden , was not a Mason at this time , for two days after the first meeting , viz ., on February 6 th , " a lodge of emergency was called to make Bro . Thos . Widdell ; entered and passed him into the First anil Second Degrees of Masonry . " The names of the Wardens ani the Tyler
are given as on this occasion pro . tern ., the "Worshipful Master being in the chair , " and it is added , " had a lecture in the Prentice anel Craft ; proposed that Bro . Joseph Truelove ( the brother above referred to ) should be made over again in this lodge . . he was balloted for , and the lodge agreed to make him on the lodge night on condition ot his being Tyler " —
which , as we have seen , was elone . In like manner , the minutes of the first meeting ( February 14 th ) records that " In consideration of Bro . W . St . Barbe , ( S . W . pro tem . ) going to sea , and in order to keep up the lodge , entered , past , and raised Bro . John Blackmail and Bro . J . Cox to the third stage of Masonry ; had a lecture in Prentice and Craft ; and closed the lodge at ten in good harmony "—a
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
A Menace.
mute qui n ' a aucun sens , car e ' est dire : Le Grand Orient de France a inflige une sanglante injure au Grand Orient de France . Je voudrais etrc indiscret et abuser les colonnes de votre Journal , Monsieur et tres cher frere , si je prolongeais cette lettre , qui m ' est dietee par mon profond amour de la verite de la justice et de la paix . Je n ' ajouterai done qu ' un
mot : En 1877 , la Maconnerie Francaise est redevenuedans le texte de ses lois , dans ses principes et dans ses pratiques—ce qu ' elle etaitavant 1849 , alors que lesdiverses Puissances maconniques du Monde entretenaient avec elle les relations les plus fraternelles . Des esprits passionnes ont voulu voir , dans ce retour , un acte anti maconnique au lieu d ' y voir simplement un acte de tolerance et d'appaisement . Plaigno ns ces e > pritssans nous
detourner de notre devoir ; car Macons Anglais et Macons Frantjais ont mieux il faire , au ige siecle , qu'il se nuire , qu ' a se proscrire mutuellement et qu'ii se hair . Comptant sur votre impartialite pour inseirer cette lettre dans le prochain numero de votre estimable journal , je vous prie d ' agreer , Monsieur et tres cher frere , la nouvelle assurance de mes sentiments les plus distingues . Le Chef du Secretariat du Grand Orient de France . TllEVENOT .
[ TRANSI . A . TIOSJ . Paris , Feb . 16 , 1878 . To Bro . Kenning , etc . Sir and very dear Brother , — Receive all my thanks for the four numbers of the Freemason which you have been so kind as to send to me and which were wanting to my collection .
Permit me at the same time to offer to you some observations on two articles which No . 4 66 , ( 9 th Feb . ) , of your estimable journal contains . In the first of these articles , entitled " Bro . Hubert and French Freemasonry , " you say that this brother by " refusing the unanimous election to the chair of the lodge he has served so well for years openly protested against the
revolution recently effected by the French Grand Orient . This announcement serves as a very striking commentary on the somewhat rash eleclaration of our esteemed Bro . Thevenot which appeared in our columns the previous week . Bro . Marechal , of the Lodge St . Jean de Jerusalem , Nancy , has also resigned the chair of the lodge , & c . " I regret , but I have at the same time
the duty to say to you , Sir and very dear brother , that there are in these allegations and appreciations almost as many mistakes as words . First and above all , I affirm again , without fear of any denial , that up to the date of this elay no lodge has separated itself from the Grand Orient of France in consequence of the modification introduced by the General
Assembly of 1877 in Art 1 , of our Constitution . I affirm , on the contrary , that Bro . Marechal , of Nancy , than whom nobody more appreciates the Masonic qualities than I do , better informed as to the bearing of the consequences of the modification in question , has accepted the Mastership of his lodge . That is a fact with respect te which it is so easy for you to inform yourself , and of which
you will find the confirmation in the new " Calenelrier " of the Granel Orient . As regards Bio . Hubert , whose non-acceptation of the Mastership you represent as an open protest against that which you call the recent revolution effecteel by the Grand Orient of France , it vvoulel not be difficult , in my quality of member of that lodge , to point out to you all that is erroneous in your interpretation of the
motives which have determined the resolution of that brother—that is a duty which I pefer to leave to Bro . Hubert himself * , hut this I can atlirm , without fear of being Uxed with temeiity , that that hon . brother has not ceased fo remain attached to the Gninil Oiieiit of Fiance , to which he has avowed * bedienc , and I do not doubt , knowing his excellent qualities and all his devotion to the
Masonic Order , th % t he will be the first to regret the consequences that you have drawn from his resolution . Thus far as to the allegations contained in the articles of the Freemason , and it will be permitted me , Sir and very dear brother , to observe to you how rash are the appreciations of your correspondents as regards the actual state of French Freemasonry , and how there is far from
an expression of regret which we understand for a rupture , or even a protest . In one of the articles entitled " Actual Position of the Grand Orient of France , " we find a colouring so fantastic of the actual state of French Freemasonry that I shall refuse to reply to it . Every serious reader , every learned Mason , will know
how to find the truth in the midst of so much error , and to do justice to such false appreciation . The Bro . Maskelyne , who argues this question , puts forward this question , more fantastic ttill , which I cannot refrain myself from answering . " 1 ask myself , how can we henceforth consider a French Freemason placed at this moment under tbe dictation of the Grand Orient of France after the
dreadful injury inflicted by the said Grand Orient on French Freemasonry . '" Bro . Maskelyne appears not to doubt , it seems , what is the Grand Orient of France . He appears to believe il is a person , or more or less a commission or council , an administration of some kind , weighing down heavily on the lodges and Masons of the Obedience . I then fraternally
inform this brother , by means of your estimable journal , that the GrandOrient of France is composed of all the Masters of lodges , who unite themselves every year in general assembly to transact the business of the Order , and to elect the council which directs these affairs in the absence of the General Assembly or Convent . It is this a : sembly ,
and not a personality , much less a piivate power of any kind , which has voteel the reform misunderstood , which is the object of the criticism of Bro . Maskelyne . In conforming himself to this decision , the French Mason , whom Bro . Maskelyne sunounds with his lively solicitude , only obeys French Freemasonry itself in the expression by the very great majority of its representatives , that is to say the
A Menace.
supreme law of modern times , and to say that the Grand Orient of France has inflicted a dreadful blow on French Freemasonry is to employ a formula which has no sense . The Grand Orient of France has inflicted a dreadful blow on the Grand Orient of France I I should think myself indiscreet , and that I was abusing the columns ot your journal , sir and very elear brother , if
I prolonged this letter , which my love of truth , of justice , and of peace has dictated . I will only then add one word . In 1877 French Freemasonry has come back to the text of its laws , both as to its principles and its practices , just as before 1849 , when the different Masonic powers of the world kept up with us the most fraternal relations . Some
impassioned speakers wish to see in this return an anti-Masonic act , instead of simply regarding it as an act oE toleration and pacification . Let us regret this spirit without turning ourselves from our duty , for English Masons and French Masons have something better to do in this nineteenth century than to ignore each other , persecute each other , hate each other . Relying upon your impartiality for
inserting this letter in the next number of your estimable journal , I beg you , Sir and dear brother , to receive the fresh assurance of my most distinguished sentiments . THEVSNOT . [ We publish these letters with pleasure , though we must very fraternally observe to our good Bro . Thevenot that our space is limited in the Freemason . —ED . ]
A QUERY . To Ihe Editor of the " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — Our bye-laws state that a brother visiting our lodge who has been excluded from a sister lodg-e , we must respect that decision by refusing admission . But supposing he has been excluded by a R . A . Chapter
attached to his lodge for some offence committed in his chapter , confirmed by his blue loelge , and then sent to our blue lodge . Are we also to respect the decision , only some of the members being R . A . Masons . The charge originateel in the chapter , and was brought down to the blue lodge . —Yours fraternally , AN OLD P . G . P . [ Yes , certainly . —En . ]
LONDON LODGES AND THE ROYAL MASONIC BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION . To Ihe Editor of the " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — In looking over the very able account you give of the Festival of the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution , I find only one third of the number of London lodges
represented . Can you tell me why this is ? Why should Iwo-thirds of our London lodges be exempt from contributing to this most important Institution . Are they deferred , or have they no eyes or ears for their brethren who are looking to them for assistance ? I am , dear Sir and Brother , yours faithfully and fraternally , VlCE-PliESIDENT .
UNCLAIMED MONEY . To the Editor ofthe " Freemason . " Dear Sir , — In your review of last week you suggest that I should re-publish the whole original list of unclaimed dividends . Permit me to say , that although such a re-publication would doubtless prove very valuable to many
families , yet I venture to think a reviseel list by the Bank of England authorities would prove far more valuable , as , since the last li-t was published ( forty years agti ) many of the sums then unclaimed have long since been claimed by the representatives of deceased stockholders . I may add , that last year a revised list of " Dormant Funds in Chancery" was published , pursuant to the
Chancery Funds Act , 1872 . Why should not a like course be taken by the Bank of England authorities ? Too much publicity cannot be given to such lists . I am , Sir , your obedient Servant , EDWARD PRESTOK . ( Proprietor of Chambers ' s Index to Next of Kin . ) r , Great College-street , Westminster , Feb . 18 th .
A CENTURY OF MASONRY . To the Editor oj the " Freemason . Dear Sir and Brother , — In looking through the minute hooks of our lodge I find a number of items which , it has occurred tome , might prove of very great interest to many Masons , as illustrating the manners and customs of our forefathers , if you would
kindly afford space for them . This I hope you may be the more readily disposed to elo by reason of the fact that to mark the celebration of our centenary in 18 71 , the late Bro . Stebbing , D . P . G . M . of I Iants and the Isle of Wight , spent much lime and research in compiling a history oi the lodge . At the celebration he read , anil there appeareel in the local papers , a report of what was evidently intendeel
to form the basis of this history , and three months later , as appears by a letter in our passession , he obtained the consent of the then M . W . Grand Master , the Marquis of Ripon , who , with his Grand Officers , atteneled the celebration , to eledicate the history to him . An unexpected illness took him from us before the accomplishment of his purpose , and but a few sheets of the apparently intended introduction have been found with the lodge ' s books and papers .
Of the information contained in these sheets and the news paper report I hope to avail myself in presenting what I trust will prove an interesting story of the rise and progress of Masonry in this ancient town , so far as is to be gathered from the materials in our possession , As it will probably best suit your convenience , as it certainly will my own , to receive these interesting reminiscences in the form of chapters , 1 propose to send you the story in sections ,
A Menace.
leaving you to ' give them insertion in the Freemason as space and opportunity offer . Fraternally yours , C . J . PHILLIPS , W . M . Royal Gloucester Lodge , 130 . Southampton , Feb . 1878
A CENTURY OF MASONRY . —I . I can hardly suppose that the history of the Royal Gloucester Lodge , No . 130 , differs very materially from that of the still older neighbouring lodges at West Cowesy No . 35 , and Winchester , No . 76 ; or the almost equally aged Institutions at Ringwood , No . 132 ; Newport , No . "Jr ; Ryde , No . 775 ; Bournemouth , No . 19 S ; and Phcenix :,
Portsmouth , No . 257 ; all in this province . But as its minute books extend back to February , 1772 , and give vivid details of the manners and customs of the Masons in those days , 1 have ventured to think some of these details may be considered worthy of relation in the Freemason for the benefit of young Masons , if they shall not happen to prove novel to the student of Masonry . To
make clearer what follows , it may to some be necessary to explain that until 1717 there existed two great Masonic bodies , one , known as the Ancient or York Masons , and afterwards the Athol Masons , claiming to be the Grand Lodge of all England , and the other the Modern or London Masons , afterwards called the Sussex Masons , adopting the title of Grand Lodge of England . The last named
body was in 1717 so far reconstituted as to admit as members of the Masonic body persons not practically associated with architecture . It was then for the first time that gentlemen , professional men , and persons of various occupations , were admitted into Masomy , provided they were of good repute in the outer world , were free of birth , and of the full age of twenty-one years , twenty-five years
having at one time been the limit . Under the York or Athol and Ancient Masons , what is now the Royal Gloucester Lodge came into existence , without , however , any distinctive name , but simply recognised as " No . 174 . " Following some meetings held under dispensation , it was formally constituted on the 22 nd of April 1772 ,
under a warrant from John , Duke of Athol , as is thus extracted from the minute book of the Grand Lodge of Ancient Freemasons , from 17 6 910 I 773 , and shown by the warrant still in the possession of the lodge : Grand Lodge opened at 1 o ' clock , at the Vine Tavern , Southampton , in the County of Hampshire , on the 22 nd day of April , 1772-5772 .
Grand Secretary Dickey in the Chair . By an authority ( for three hours only ) , from the Right Worshipful Lan . Dermott , Esq ., D . G . Master , constituted . Mr . Joseph Adams , Master . Edwin Jones , Sen . Warden .
Thos . Widdell , Jun . Warden . Warrant , No . 174 ; Registered in Veils . 7 , Letter T . Present Bernard Gillin , of Lodge 172 . Cash received for warrants ... ... ... £ 1 26 Grand Charity * ... ... ... 1 1 o
£ * 3 6 Closed at 3 o ' clock , and adjourned to the next General Grand Lodge . Warrants " for three hours only " were customary in those days , when brethren were deputed to hold Granel Lodges , the time being thus limited to prevent any misuse of their power and authority . The lodge thus formed and
constituted was always an " ancient luilge" and for many years was faithful ti the Athol Grand Lodge , but subsequently it became a modern lodge , and for many years kept two sets of books and corresponded with each Grand Lodge as a true and faithful ancient or moelern lodge , as best suited the occasion . Jt is to be remembered that so severely did the ancient and modem Masons keep
apart that , although the differences in their ceremonies were very trifling they were not allowed to visit each other ' s lodges unless re-made according to lhc form of the lodge they elesircd to join . Thus we read at a meeting recorded in the first Book of " Transaclions , " or minutes as we should now call it , " In order to strengthen the lodge rose Bro . Thos . Wieldell to the Sublime Degree of a
Master Mason ; also entered , passed , and raised Bro . Joseph Truelove , he being a modern Mason before , and appointed him the Tyler of the lodge . " By a memorandum of Bro . Slade ' s , a learned Mason , Past Master of the lodge , and for several years Prov . Grand Secretary , there appears to have been some kind of meeting of those interested in the formation of the lodge
on the 12 th of January , 1772 , but the first entry recorded in the Transaclions reads as follows : — "Feb . 4 th . Called a lodge , it biing our first time , by virtue of a elispensation from the Right Worshipful Grand Lodge in London , on Feb 4 th , 1772 , Bros . Joseph Aelams , Master ; Wm . St . Barbe , S . W . ; Edwin Jones , J . W . " This Joseph Adams , it seems , was a schoolmaster , and
Edwin Jones , a sailmaker , and the I homas Widdell , whose name was afterwards entered in the warrant as Junior Warden , was not a Mason at this time , for two days after the first meeting , viz ., on February 6 th , " a lodge of emergency was called to make Bro . Thos . Widdell ; entered and passed him into the First anil Second Degrees of Masonry . " The names of the Wardens ani the Tyler
are given as on this occasion pro . tern ., the "Worshipful Master being in the chair , " and it is added , " had a lecture in the Prentice anel Craft ; proposed that Bro . Joseph Truelove ( the brother above referred to ) should be made over again in this lodge . . he was balloted for , and the lodge agreed to make him on the lodge night on condition ot his being Tyler " —
which , as we have seen , was elone . In like manner , the minutes of the first meeting ( February 14 th ) records that " In consideration of Bro . W . St . Barbe , ( S . W . pro tem . ) going to sea , and in order to keep up the lodge , entered , past , and raised Bro . John Blackmail and Bro . J . Cox to the third stage of Masonry ; had a lecture in Prentice and Craft ; and closed the lodge at ten in good harmony "—a