Archaeological Progress. No. Iii.

loped in a mist of uncertainty and debate-T'Htv . > f we mayuse suc ^ won * " Let us ta ^ e r instance that important and interesting view f Freemasonry , which we may not unfairly f l the " Johannite . " Whence did this theory f Freemasonry arise ? When did it first

apear ? These are questions which we must alis wer before we can assign the real date , and ? he true importance to this colouring of our Masonic system . But yet the moment we attempt to do so we find the greatest difficulty . Dr . Oliver has , we are aware , expressed a strong

opinion on the subject , and many Masonic writers have been , and still are misled by his apparent authoiity . Now , without denying to j ) r . Oliver , that most able brother , the greatest credit for his Masonic labours and contributions , we yet feel bound to say that we

cannot always accept his conclusions . Bro . Mackey ' s view of Dr . Oliver ' s writings , when critically considered , is , we venture to think , the true one . "The great error of Dr . Oliver , " he says , " as a Masonic teacher , was a too easy credulity or a too great warmth of imagination ,

which led him to accept , without hesitation , the crude theories of previous writers , and to recognise documents and legends as unquestionably authoritative , whose truthfulness subsequent researches have led most Masonic scholars to doubt or deny : his statements , therefore , as to

the orig in or the history of the Order have to be received with many grains of allowance . " We feel bound to express our entire agreement with the opinion of our able American brother , as it is the inevitable conclusion , in truth , to which a careful study of Bro . Dr . Oliver ' s works must

lead the Masonic student . With respect to the Johannite teaching of Freemasonry , Dr . Oliver is very positive , and seemingly very precise , and yet modern researches do not in any way uphold his view of the matter . It is quite clear , historically , that the Johannite

teaching of Freemasonry as suggested by Dr . Oliver is , if not actually , ofthe i 8 th century , at any rate not earlier than the 17 th . We find no traces of it previously , that is to say , as he evidently regards it . We know indeed that in Scotland in 1599 , the Wardens were ordered to

be chosen on St . John s Day— that is , the Evangelist ' s Day , as is clear from the minute of 27 th November , 1599 . And probably we may assume that St . John ' s Day was from very early times the day appointed for the election of officebearers . But of St . John the Baptist ' s Day we

find no trace . Bro . D . M . Lyon states that , as a Masonic anniversary it dates , in Scotland only , from 1755 , and he believes was introduced from the Grand Lodge . of England . The editor of " Multa Faucis " talks of a Grand Lodge assembled at York , December 27 th , 1 . 5 6 r , and

though his story is now generally , we believe , looked on as apocryphal , we may have in the meeting on St . John ' s Day at York , this truth , namely , that of the annual meeting of the Grand Assembly . But we know of no other Masonic English reliable authority on the subject , and so

far we are not aware of any 17 th century ritual , except that of the Sloane MS . 3329 . In that no doubt we find allusion to the " Holy Chapel of St . John , " and the brother quoted is called "Brother John , " but ofthe two Johns there is no trace . Our evidences of the customs of the

operative guilds are at present very few indeed . In 1233 the working Masons at Westminster had the Saints' days divided between them and the King , and the list is given in the Fabric llollof that year . John the Baptist ' s Day belonged to the King , and the Masons worked on that day , but , as the

roll ends December 6 th , beginning April 28 th , we cannot say what was their custom on the Evangelist ' s Day . We have said enough , we think , to show that whatever may have been the custom of the early 18 th or late 17 th Century , the Johannite theory of Dr . Oliver must be taken

" cum grano salis . " We write simply in the interests of Masonic truth . An error , though a harm-Jess one , if persisted in when proved to be an error , ¦ n things historical , becomes a falsehood , and if we are ever to obtain a true Masonic history ,

which will stand the criticism of experts and ppponents , we must not sacrifice truth , from mdolence to point out prevailing misconceptions , ° r from an unwillingness to face the real difficulties of the case , Thus far all that our avail-

Archaeological Progress. No. Iii.

able evidence proves , appears to be , that St . John the Evangelist ' s Day , is an old day of Masonic observance , bnt of St . John the Baptist ' s anniversary nothing is known archreologically before , at the earliest , the latter part ofthe 17 th

century . Other evidence may be available , and when it is brought forward , we shall respectfully consider it , but until then we must regard Dr . Oliver ' s Johannite theory as " non proven . " We shall recur to this interesting subject generally again shortly .

The Public House Question.

THE PUBLIC HOUSE QUESTION .

There can be no doubt , we think , that it is not for the advantage of Freemasonry , where it can be otherwise arranged , for lodge meetings to be held either at hotels or public houses . But when we say this , we must fairly admit , that there are many difficulties in the way of any uniform rule

or practice on the subject . In the metropolis for instance , we could hardly lay down dogmatically the proposition , that the severance of lodges from hotels was advisable for the welfare ef Freemasonry , inasmuch as the accommodation for meetings is very scanty

indeed , and many of the hotels frequented by the Craft , offer rooms of handsome effect , and often of noble proportions . Neither should we affect , in accordance with a good deal of modern pharisaism , to condemn a public house , qua a public house . Many very distinguished lodges

have habitually held their meetings at houses of " public entertainment , " and these meetings have been as well conducted , and as creditably carried on , as if in the most retired and separated Masonic Hall . But we think we are writing in the best interests of Freemasonry , when we

venture to express an opinion , that for many reasons it is most desirable to sever our lodges from hotels and taverns . It may indeed be said , on the other side , that as our present Grand Lodge , and the first meetings of our Masonic forefathers , were held in taverns , at a

time when Masonic Halls were unknown , there is after all no valid Masonic objection to our continuing to use such places of public resort , which are both convenient and economical , for our gatherings to-day . To this we would reply in all fraternal good-will and consideration , " It

is quite true what you say , but the habits of the middle of the i 3 th century are nol quite the habits of the 19 th century . " And we think that in addition , our brethren should always bear in mind , that this connection of Freemasonry with taverns , has not only kept out a good many

worth y men from Freemasonry , and still keeps them out , but must inevitably tend to associate Freemasonry itself in the minds of some with late hours and convivial habits . Hogarth , when he depicted a W . M . of his day , reeling home with the collr . r and emblem of Freemasonry

still around his neck , only gave us a representation of the then popular view of lodge meetings , and of Freemasons generally . And those of us who are old enough to remember the general condition of Freemasonry some thirty years ago , will admit , that in nothing has

Freemasonry so improved , so elevated itself , if we may so say , since then , as by the building of the Masonic Hall , and the severance of the lodge from the convenient , and it may be , in some respects , comfortable public house . For there is one element which has to be taken into

account here , in this important question , and which has largely swayed the course of many lodges , namely , the question of expense . Masonic Halls , in most cases , represent the maximum of expenditure for a lodge , hotels the minimum , and to some lodges—whose members are not numerous—this one consideration of

expense is a crucial one . Hence at this hour many excellent lodges and many equally very worthy brethren , find that it conduces to a prosperous balance sheet , to continue their old connection with the tavern , ready of access , and moderate in its charge for rent . But then , on the other

hand , how much of additional dignity and decorum is thrown around the Masonic Hall , which , separated from all common or profane uses , is entirely dedicated to the services and labours of Freemasonry . We know many such , and sure it is that they ever conduce , not only to the hi ghest performance of our ritual , sesthetically ,

The Public House Question.

but they minister largely to the welfare of the brethren , and the true spirit and teaching of Freemasonry . There is something incongruous often with the calm , and peacefnlness , and mysteries of Freemasonry , in the crowded entrances and thronged bar of a public house . There are

tendencies in all such scenes , we strongly feel , antagonistic to that sober character and that serious formality , which ought always to characterize our Masonic meetings , but especially at the reception of candidates . We know as a fact that many an aspirant for the light of Freemasonry , has been

both disappointed and unfavourabl y impressed , when he found that onr privileges were to be sought for and obtained in the "best room , " even , of a most respectable " public house . " So we conclude as we began , without seeking to lav down any austere axioms , or any arbitrary regulations on a somewhat difficult and delicate

subject , by the recommendation to our brethren when possible , gradually , at any rate , to obtain for themselves the privacy and the conveniences of a Masonic Hall , of a lodge room , purely Masonic , set apart for the due . performance of that ceremonial to which we are all so much attached , and for the proclamation of those truths we all so wisely preserve and revere .

Grand Lodge Funds.

GRAND LODGE FUNDS .

We rejoice to notice the continued prosperity of our Grand Lodge funds . In the agenda paper of Grand Lodge , the report of the last quarter states , that on Friday , the 12 th day of

February , the last meeting of the Finance Committee , the balance in the hands of the Grand Treasurer was £ 44 62 8 s . nd ., besides £ 73 petty cash and £ 9 6 for servants' wages , in the hands of the Grand Secretary .

Benevolence.

BENEVOLENCE .

_ # ¦«__» The grants of the Lodge of Benevolence on the 17 th , seem to have been heavy , no less altogether than £ 778 . We notice among the

grants for confirmation at the approaching quarterly communication £ " 200 for the widow of our lamented Bro . J . R . Stebbing . It is quite clear that we cannot under any pretence whatever reduce our Benevolent Funds .

New Lodges.

NEW LODGES .

We note the gratifying fact , that since the last quarterly communication , 19 new lodges have been added to our calendar , so that the last number is 1 , 53 , 5 .

Original Correspondence.

Original Correspondence .

[ Wc do not hold ourselves responsible for , or even as approving of the opinions expressed by our correspondents , but we wish , in a spirit of fair play to all , to permit—within certain necessary limits—free discussion . —UD . ]

INSTALLATION OP THE GRAND MASTER . To Ihe Editor ofthe Freemason . Dear Sir and Brother , — I note with much pleasure your announcement that the above ceremony will take place at the Royal Albert Hall , but I have been looking for another

anouncement , re Commemoration Jewel , as suggested by several of your correspondents , particularly Bro . T . C . W ., ( Feb . (> lh , 1875 , which letter please see ) . 1 hope this idea will not be overlooked by Grand Lodge , so that every member of that body present , may wear some

token , then and hereafter ; in fact , all that are present should be allowed to wear one . I hope you will insert this , as a " gentle reminder , " and further , that you may think well to give us a short leader on the subject . Fraternally yours , " leu DIKN . "

To the Editor ofthe Freemason . Dear Sir and Brother , — It would render the above ceremony much more grand , as a spectacle , if it were announced that brethren should appear in court dress ( if entitled to same ) , or in the

uniform of Army , Navy , or Volunteers , or evening dress . Those who arc entitled to court dress , can scarcely appear before royalty without wearing it , but an order would set the question at rest . lam , yours fraternally , AN OLD P . M . February 22 nd , 1875 .

THE STATUS OF PAST MASTERS . To the Editor of the Freemason . Dear Sir and Brother , — In answer to " An Old P . M ., one & c , " I would just say this , that whatever he may deem is the letter , he clearl y has not realised the true bearing , of the Book of