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Article ENGLISH FREEMASONRY BEFORE 1717—No. III. ← Page 2 of 2 Article THE WORCESTER GATHERING. Page 1 of 1 Article HISTORY OF THE ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTION FOR BOYS. Page 1 of 2 →
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English Freemasonry Before 1717—No. Iii.
tury MS . in its " archaisms , " & c , and if itwas transcribed , say , about 1690 really , it would be taken from an earlier MS . of probably the same century . VVe have , then , as I said last week , a " catena " of evidence as to the existence of a "Society of Freemasons" in the seventeenth century being all through the seventeenth century .
The evidence becomes fuller towards the close than at the beginning , so fair as is at present known , but further researches may yet light upon other and earlier traces of the body in that century . But yet when we collect it all together , how unsatisfactory it really is . The fullest evidence of all is Dr . Plot ' s in 16 S 6 , and he certainly refers to the existence of a society " on all fours " with our present system . Randle Holmes points out that there
were " Freemasons and FYeemasons , " and the Sloane MS ., just mentioned , gives evidence of a ritual and ceremonial and catechism , far clearer and fuller than anything else so far yet discovered . Aubrey's evidence , so frequently quoted , so much so until it almost becomes a bore , only proves this —that in 1691 somebody told Aubrey something of a society called Freemasons , which Aubrey assumed to be correct , and we cannot accept Aubrey's evidence for more than this , —that he did not accept the statement
of the existence of such a society as a myth , but treated it as correct , thus showing there was nothing " a priori " incredible in the fact of a society of Freemasons existing at that dale and for some time previously . His wordsas to Wren prove nothing one way or the other . If the statement was correct , Anderson ' s allegations in 1738 are incorrect . If Anderson is right , Aubrey ' s informant was wrong . There is no other loophole to escape from this inevitable
conclusion , unless we have in this " memo the initiation of Christopher Wren , the son , who by a mistake of Aubrey's informant is overshadowed by his greater father . I have always been exercized more or less as regards Ashmole ' s meetings in 1646 and 16 S 2 . Bro . Rylands has proved that the majority of the lodge at Warrington were " Generosi . " This , in itself , would certainly give great colour to the theory , that the speculative
element had been gradually overlapping the operative , and that that lodge at Warrington was , of some standing , as it . certainly was not created " ad hoc ; " and Ashmole himself seems , if we may credit Campbell , to have lighted upon its previous history . In 1682 Ashmole receives a " summons " to attend a'lodge at the Mason's- Hall , London . The original statement
made in the Freemason some years back has been borne out in every particular . This was a meeting clearly of the Society of Freemasons , and not of the Masons' Company . And this is a fact most important to be kept before us , as a great deal of confusion has been occasioned by treating lhe Company and the Society as the same body .
It is quite clear , as Randle Holmes points out , that the Society of Freemasons was an organization separate and distinct from the City Companies . Whether the iodge of 16 S 2 was an occasional lodge , or , as we should say , a Iodge of emergency , we are not now able to assert ; but my opinion long has
been that lodges only assembled then at the will and pleasure of the W . M ., as I believe could be proved to have been the case , even early in the eighteenth century . What the connexion , if any , between the Iodge of 1682 , and the Iodge which held the " Antiquity M . S . " in 16 S 6 is our " Crux " to-day .
It is possible we have in 1682 the lodge which is now represented by the Lodge of Antiquity , while on the other hand it is equally possible ( unless other evidence turns up ) , that the meeting of 1682 was only an occasional one . And here we stop !
Tlie exacting requirements of historical truth and positive evidence prevent me at present pushing the matter farther or saying more than this , that there was a seventeenth century Freemasonry in England , but that we have no clear proof so far of its actual connexion with the movement or revival , call it what you like , of 1717 .
Still , in the failure and want of positive evidence , we have a right to take what is probable and possible , and I confess I have as yet seen nothing , read nothing , found nothing , despite , I admit , very high authorities to the contrary , which , on the ground of fair induction and legitimate assertion , makes one reject Anderson ' s account of this connection in 173 S . One thing is clear . Anderson in 1738 was far nearer to the
events and time than we are . In 1738 there were then living , ( Sayer for instance ) , those who had to do with the proceedings of 1717 . It is odd if everything about seventeenth century Freemasonry which Anderson puts out—first , I admit , in 1738—emerged from his own "inner consciousness , " and that all his contemporaries , many of them most able men , aided and abetted him in the dissemination of " historical falsification , " and the palming off , a " pious fraud , " on a too credulous Fraternity . Such a
conclusion is a " reductio ad absurdum , ' as it seems to me , which must shake all confidence in Masonic History , take from our Order its old prestige , and seriously affect the onward progress of the Craft . We have no right as it seems to me , to surrender certain ancient statements and cherished traditions merely on a negation , and therefore I have thought it well to submit this , my humble " study , " to the Students and thoughtful of our Brotherhood . DRYASDUST .
The Worcester Gathering.
THE WORCESTER GATHERING .
. The arrangements for the great Worcester gathering progress , and promise a great success . Too much praise cannot be accorded to the untiring zeal and energy of Bro . George Taylor . He has many well wishers and fellow workers in all parts . We would observe that any lodge or brother having " curios " to exhibit ( of course there are " curios and curios" ) need have no apprehension for the safety of such valuable relics . It would be
a pity if any curious Masonic " souvenir " should be missing from the catalogue , which will be probably " unique , " and constitute an " epoch " in the history of Masonic Intellectualism . Old certificates ( of last century ) , medals , tokens , jewellery of the last century , snuff boxes , engravings , paintings , glass and china , MS . and books—all will be truly welcomed and duly cared for .
There are many London brethren who could assist materially , and we have thought it well specially to call their attention to the matter . They should at once put themselves in communication with Bro . George Taylor , Summerdyne Villa , Kidderminster . We understand that Bro . George Kenning has consented to pack and forward to Kidderminster all articles sent to him . Any Iodge or brother wishing to contribute should . send or call , 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , Little Britain , E . C .
SECRETARY . —A most important officer in an English Masonic lodge . It is not too much to say that much of the prosperity of any lodge depends on the zeal and tact of the Secretary . He may be said to be the Master ' s right hand ; and we cannot in any way undervalue either the necessity of his service or the reality of his work in the lodge . —Kenning ' s Cyclopmdia
History Of The Royal Masonic Institution For Boys.
HISTORY OF THE ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTION FOR BOYS .
( Continued from page 331 ) . In March , this Commitlee submitted * a long report , the first clause of which is sufficient to set our minds at rest as to the slight value of the allegations which had been made against the School authorities . Their inquiries were evidently of an exhaustive character , and , as a result , they announce at starting thai they are "happy in being able to report that they
have come to the unanimous conclusion that nothing has ever taken place in lhe management of the School which reflects in the slightest respect on the honour or honesty of the officers of the Institution . " They allow that some slight irregularities had taken place ; but they point out , at the same time , that they were quite capable of being explained , and that when attention had been drawn to them as irregularities , they at once ceased . They
attribute the want of system which seems to have prevailed to the fact of the duties of the subordinate members of the resident staff being ill-defined , and the } ' express their belief , founded on Mr . Dyer ' s report , thaf a change in the curriculum was necessary , in order to place the School on a level with other commercial schools . After paying a high compliment to Bro . Rev . C . Woodward and Mrs . Woodward , for their close attention lo , and care in ,
the exercise of their respective duties , the report goes on to recommend that in electing a Master and Matron—Bro . and Mrs . Woodward had resigned their offices a short time previously—it should not be considered indispensable that the two should be husband and wife , but that efficiency should be the sole guide in making the appointments . The Committee further express it as their opinion that the School would be greatly improved if , in addition
lo a Head Master , there were a second master , a pupil teacher , and monitors , and they recommend that such boys as might appear eligible to act in the last-named capacity should—the consent of their guardians having been previously obtained—be permitted to remain in the School till the age of 15 . They also suggest that the Head Master should be consulted in making the appointment of the Second Master . As regards the executive
or office duties , the infusion of young blood is recommended , Bro . Thiselton , however , who had filled the post of Secretary for 35 years , being complimented on the admirable manner in which he had fulfilled his part . Other suggestions are . offered , and , in conclusion , the Committee remark that they " are not unaware that the carrying out of the foregoing suggestions may be attended with additional expense , which , however , they look
upon as of little moment compared with the necessity of providing for the utmost efficiency of the establishment , and the best possible education for the boys . The Committee further believe that with an imptoved system of education and management the Institution will present greater claims to the support which the Craft have ever been ready to extend to the various Charities connected with it . " We must express our satisfaction at
the unmistakable evidence these remarks afford of the Committee having at length become inspired with a salutary boldness in their demeanour towards the Craft . We do not care to harp constantly on the same point , but it is not so very long previous to the date of these observations that the Committees appointed to inquire into the management of the Institution
with a view to the extension of its usefulness expressed their fears that the task of raising a sufficient income for the maintenance of a School would be beyond the powers of the Craft . Here we have it clearly laid down that , as increased efficiency will result from an increased expenditure , there can be little doubt that the brethren will be all the more willing to provide the additional funds .
1 he report was accepted and the improvements it recommended were carried out with all the greater facility from the fact that Bro . Thiselton tendered his resignation as Secretary , and the resignations have already been mentioned of Bro . and Mrs . Woodford—to whom , by the way , " honoraria " of iuo guineas and 2 .= ; miineas respectively were awarded in
consideration of the increased labours and responsibilities which had devolved upon them through the increased number of resident pupils . Thus the way was clear for a fresh start . The Rev . G . J . Gill , M . A ., and Mrs . Gill were appointed Master and Matron in succession to Bro . and Mrs . Woodford , but their tenure of office was of the
briefest and in the course of a few months Mr . Fred . Russell , B . A ., and Mrs . Russell were appointed in their stead . Bro . Thiselton has awarded a pension of , £ too per annum , being- two-thirds of the emoluments of the office he he had held so long and discharged so satisfactorily , his place being taken by Bro . Frederick Binckes , who had already for some time past exhibited a practical interest in the conduct of the school . Here then we have that
infusion of young blood into the official management of the Institution which had been so ardently desired , and it will not be long before we shall furnish evidence of the beneficial effects resulting from Bro . Binckes ' s appointment to the Secretaryship . In the meantime the work of extension was being rapidly continued . Towards the close of the year 1861 some land opposite the School . about one and a
half acres in extent , was agreed to be purchased for £ 550 , and subsequently an adjoining plot of about three-quarters of an acre was bought for £$ i $ . The School buildings also were thoroughly overhauled , and the late Bro . S . B . Wilson submitted to the House Committee a full report as to the alterations and improvements which , in his opinion , were necessary in order to make them more suitable for the purposes to which they were devoted , and
it was calculated that these alterations , & c , would involve an outlay of some £ 1657 ; but , as the idea of pulling down the old School and erecting a new one in its stead had already found favour with the Executive , it was agreed that only such repairs as were absolutely necessary should be effected , and to this end a sum of £ 600 was placed at the disposal of the House Committee . It was next arranged that a residence for the Head Master should be erected . Tenders were invited , the cost was ultimately settled at £ 795 , and
on the 27 th March , 1863 , the first stone was laid by Walter Rumblow , aged eight years , the smallest boy in the School , in the presence of the House Committee , the Architect , the Secretary , the Head Master , and the contractors . Simultaneously with this last-named event , the proposal for erecting new premises was gradually formulated and adopted , and in the minutes of a Special Meeting of the House Committee , held at the offices of the Institution , in Great Queen-street , on the 2 nd May , 1863 , we find it was resolved
lhat plans anddcsigns for the projected new Schoolhouse be advertised for , with thc offer of three premiums t-f £ 70 , £ 50 , and £ 30 respectively , for the three best designs , the drawings of the selected premiated designs to be the property of the Institution , the Committee not binding themselves to carry out either of the designs , but reserving to themselves the right of entrusting- the execution of any design selected—or to be modified—to any architect whom they may appoint—and to execute the work in sections or otherwise , as they may think best , or as means may be at their disposal . And that thc sum proposed to be expended bc limited to X 8000 .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
English Freemasonry Before 1717—No. Iii.
tury MS . in its " archaisms , " & c , and if itwas transcribed , say , about 1690 really , it would be taken from an earlier MS . of probably the same century . VVe have , then , as I said last week , a " catena " of evidence as to the existence of a "Society of Freemasons" in the seventeenth century being all through the seventeenth century .
The evidence becomes fuller towards the close than at the beginning , so fair as is at present known , but further researches may yet light upon other and earlier traces of the body in that century . But yet when we collect it all together , how unsatisfactory it really is . The fullest evidence of all is Dr . Plot ' s in 16 S 6 , and he certainly refers to the existence of a society " on all fours " with our present system . Randle Holmes points out that there
were " Freemasons and FYeemasons , " and the Sloane MS ., just mentioned , gives evidence of a ritual and ceremonial and catechism , far clearer and fuller than anything else so far yet discovered . Aubrey's evidence , so frequently quoted , so much so until it almost becomes a bore , only proves this —that in 1691 somebody told Aubrey something of a society called Freemasons , which Aubrey assumed to be correct , and we cannot accept Aubrey's evidence for more than this , —that he did not accept the statement
of the existence of such a society as a myth , but treated it as correct , thus showing there was nothing " a priori " incredible in the fact of a society of Freemasons existing at that dale and for some time previously . His wordsas to Wren prove nothing one way or the other . If the statement was correct , Anderson ' s allegations in 1738 are incorrect . If Anderson is right , Aubrey ' s informant was wrong . There is no other loophole to escape from this inevitable
conclusion , unless we have in this " memo the initiation of Christopher Wren , the son , who by a mistake of Aubrey's informant is overshadowed by his greater father . I have always been exercized more or less as regards Ashmole ' s meetings in 1646 and 16 S 2 . Bro . Rylands has proved that the majority of the lodge at Warrington were " Generosi . " This , in itself , would certainly give great colour to the theory , that the speculative
element had been gradually overlapping the operative , and that that lodge at Warrington was , of some standing , as it . certainly was not created " ad hoc ; " and Ashmole himself seems , if we may credit Campbell , to have lighted upon its previous history . In 1682 Ashmole receives a " summons " to attend a'lodge at the Mason's- Hall , London . The original statement
made in the Freemason some years back has been borne out in every particular . This was a meeting clearly of the Society of Freemasons , and not of the Masons' Company . And this is a fact most important to be kept before us , as a great deal of confusion has been occasioned by treating lhe Company and the Society as the same body .
It is quite clear , as Randle Holmes points out , that the Society of Freemasons was an organization separate and distinct from the City Companies . Whether the iodge of 16 S 2 was an occasional lodge , or , as we should say , a Iodge of emergency , we are not now able to assert ; but my opinion long has
been that lodges only assembled then at the will and pleasure of the W . M ., as I believe could be proved to have been the case , even early in the eighteenth century . What the connexion , if any , between the Iodge of 1682 , and the Iodge which held the " Antiquity M . S . " in 16 S 6 is our " Crux " to-day .
It is possible we have in 1682 the lodge which is now represented by the Lodge of Antiquity , while on the other hand it is equally possible ( unless other evidence turns up ) , that the meeting of 1682 was only an occasional one . And here we stop !
Tlie exacting requirements of historical truth and positive evidence prevent me at present pushing the matter farther or saying more than this , that there was a seventeenth century Freemasonry in England , but that we have no clear proof so far of its actual connexion with the movement or revival , call it what you like , of 1717 .
Still , in the failure and want of positive evidence , we have a right to take what is probable and possible , and I confess I have as yet seen nothing , read nothing , found nothing , despite , I admit , very high authorities to the contrary , which , on the ground of fair induction and legitimate assertion , makes one reject Anderson ' s account of this connection in 173 S . One thing is clear . Anderson in 1738 was far nearer to the
events and time than we are . In 1738 there were then living , ( Sayer for instance ) , those who had to do with the proceedings of 1717 . It is odd if everything about seventeenth century Freemasonry which Anderson puts out—first , I admit , in 1738—emerged from his own "inner consciousness , " and that all his contemporaries , many of them most able men , aided and abetted him in the dissemination of " historical falsification , " and the palming off , a " pious fraud , " on a too credulous Fraternity . Such a
conclusion is a " reductio ad absurdum , ' as it seems to me , which must shake all confidence in Masonic History , take from our Order its old prestige , and seriously affect the onward progress of the Craft . We have no right as it seems to me , to surrender certain ancient statements and cherished traditions merely on a negation , and therefore I have thought it well to submit this , my humble " study , " to the Students and thoughtful of our Brotherhood . DRYASDUST .
The Worcester Gathering.
THE WORCESTER GATHERING .
. The arrangements for the great Worcester gathering progress , and promise a great success . Too much praise cannot be accorded to the untiring zeal and energy of Bro . George Taylor . He has many well wishers and fellow workers in all parts . We would observe that any lodge or brother having " curios " to exhibit ( of course there are " curios and curios" ) need have no apprehension for the safety of such valuable relics . It would be
a pity if any curious Masonic " souvenir " should be missing from the catalogue , which will be probably " unique , " and constitute an " epoch " in the history of Masonic Intellectualism . Old certificates ( of last century ) , medals , tokens , jewellery of the last century , snuff boxes , engravings , paintings , glass and china , MS . and books—all will be truly welcomed and duly cared for .
There are many London brethren who could assist materially , and we have thought it well specially to call their attention to the matter . They should at once put themselves in communication with Bro . George Taylor , Summerdyne Villa , Kidderminster . We understand that Bro . George Kenning has consented to pack and forward to Kidderminster all articles sent to him . Any Iodge or brother wishing to contribute should . send or call , 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , Little Britain , E . C .
SECRETARY . —A most important officer in an English Masonic lodge . It is not too much to say that much of the prosperity of any lodge depends on the zeal and tact of the Secretary . He may be said to be the Master ' s right hand ; and we cannot in any way undervalue either the necessity of his service or the reality of his work in the lodge . —Kenning ' s Cyclopmdia
History Of The Royal Masonic Institution For Boys.
HISTORY OF THE ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTION FOR BOYS .
( Continued from page 331 ) . In March , this Commitlee submitted * a long report , the first clause of which is sufficient to set our minds at rest as to the slight value of the allegations which had been made against the School authorities . Their inquiries were evidently of an exhaustive character , and , as a result , they announce at starting thai they are "happy in being able to report that they
have come to the unanimous conclusion that nothing has ever taken place in lhe management of the School which reflects in the slightest respect on the honour or honesty of the officers of the Institution . " They allow that some slight irregularities had taken place ; but they point out , at the same time , that they were quite capable of being explained , and that when attention had been drawn to them as irregularities , they at once ceased . They
attribute the want of system which seems to have prevailed to the fact of the duties of the subordinate members of the resident staff being ill-defined , and the } ' express their belief , founded on Mr . Dyer ' s report , thaf a change in the curriculum was necessary , in order to place the School on a level with other commercial schools . After paying a high compliment to Bro . Rev . C . Woodward and Mrs . Woodward , for their close attention lo , and care in ,
the exercise of their respective duties , the report goes on to recommend that in electing a Master and Matron—Bro . and Mrs . Woodward had resigned their offices a short time previously—it should not be considered indispensable that the two should be husband and wife , but that efficiency should be the sole guide in making the appointments . The Committee further express it as their opinion that the School would be greatly improved if , in addition
lo a Head Master , there were a second master , a pupil teacher , and monitors , and they recommend that such boys as might appear eligible to act in the last-named capacity should—the consent of their guardians having been previously obtained—be permitted to remain in the School till the age of 15 . They also suggest that the Head Master should be consulted in making the appointment of the Second Master . As regards the executive
or office duties , the infusion of young blood is recommended , Bro . Thiselton , however , who had filled the post of Secretary for 35 years , being complimented on the admirable manner in which he had fulfilled his part . Other suggestions are . offered , and , in conclusion , the Committee remark that they " are not unaware that the carrying out of the foregoing suggestions may be attended with additional expense , which , however , they look
upon as of little moment compared with the necessity of providing for the utmost efficiency of the establishment , and the best possible education for the boys . The Committee further believe that with an imptoved system of education and management the Institution will present greater claims to the support which the Craft have ever been ready to extend to the various Charities connected with it . " We must express our satisfaction at
the unmistakable evidence these remarks afford of the Committee having at length become inspired with a salutary boldness in their demeanour towards the Craft . We do not care to harp constantly on the same point , but it is not so very long previous to the date of these observations that the Committees appointed to inquire into the management of the Institution
with a view to the extension of its usefulness expressed their fears that the task of raising a sufficient income for the maintenance of a School would be beyond the powers of the Craft . Here we have it clearly laid down that , as increased efficiency will result from an increased expenditure , there can be little doubt that the brethren will be all the more willing to provide the additional funds .
1 he report was accepted and the improvements it recommended were carried out with all the greater facility from the fact that Bro . Thiselton tendered his resignation as Secretary , and the resignations have already been mentioned of Bro . and Mrs . Woodford—to whom , by the way , " honoraria " of iuo guineas and 2 .= ; miineas respectively were awarded in
consideration of the increased labours and responsibilities which had devolved upon them through the increased number of resident pupils . Thus the way was clear for a fresh start . The Rev . G . J . Gill , M . A ., and Mrs . Gill were appointed Master and Matron in succession to Bro . and Mrs . Woodford , but their tenure of office was of the
briefest and in the course of a few months Mr . Fred . Russell , B . A ., and Mrs . Russell were appointed in their stead . Bro . Thiselton has awarded a pension of , £ too per annum , being- two-thirds of the emoluments of the office he he had held so long and discharged so satisfactorily , his place being taken by Bro . Frederick Binckes , who had already for some time past exhibited a practical interest in the conduct of the school . Here then we have that
infusion of young blood into the official management of the Institution which had been so ardently desired , and it will not be long before we shall furnish evidence of the beneficial effects resulting from Bro . Binckes ' s appointment to the Secretaryship . In the meantime the work of extension was being rapidly continued . Towards the close of the year 1861 some land opposite the School . about one and a
half acres in extent , was agreed to be purchased for £ 550 , and subsequently an adjoining plot of about three-quarters of an acre was bought for £$ i $ . The School buildings also were thoroughly overhauled , and the late Bro . S . B . Wilson submitted to the House Committee a full report as to the alterations and improvements which , in his opinion , were necessary in order to make them more suitable for the purposes to which they were devoted , and
it was calculated that these alterations , & c , would involve an outlay of some £ 1657 ; but , as the idea of pulling down the old School and erecting a new one in its stead had already found favour with the Executive , it was agreed that only such repairs as were absolutely necessary should be effected , and to this end a sum of £ 600 was placed at the disposal of the House Committee . It was next arranged that a residence for the Head Master should be erected . Tenders were invited , the cost was ultimately settled at £ 795 , and
on the 27 th March , 1863 , the first stone was laid by Walter Rumblow , aged eight years , the smallest boy in the School , in the presence of the House Committee , the Architect , the Secretary , the Head Master , and the contractors . Simultaneously with this last-named event , the proposal for erecting new premises was gradually formulated and adopted , and in the minutes of a Special Meeting of the House Committee , held at the offices of the Institution , in Great Queen-street , on the 2 nd May , 1863 , we find it was resolved
lhat plans anddcsigns for the projected new Schoolhouse be advertised for , with thc offer of three premiums t-f £ 70 , £ 50 , and £ 30 respectively , for the three best designs , the drawings of the selected premiated designs to be the property of the Institution , the Committee not binding themselves to carry out either of the designs , but reserving to themselves the right of entrusting- the execution of any design selected—or to be modified—to any architect whom they may appoint—and to execute the work in sections or otherwise , as they may think best , or as means may be at their disposal . And that thc sum proposed to be expended bc limited to X 8000 .