Skip to main content
Museum of Freemasonry

Masonic Periodicals Online

  • Explore
  • Advanced Search
  • Home
  • Explore
  • The Freemason
  • Dec. 29, 1894
  • Page 1
Current:

The Freemason, Dec. 29, 1894: Page 1

  • Back to The Freemason, Dec. 29, 1894
  • Print image
  • Articles/Ads
    Article FREEMASONRY ABROAD. Page 1 of 1
    Article FREEMASONRY ABROAD. Page 1 of 1
    Article HISTORY OF No. 304, LEEDS. Page 1 of 2 →
Page 1

Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.

Freemasonry Abroad.

FREEMASONRY ABROAD .

Space forbids our giving a lengthy review of the Craft in foreign countries , such as we published last week , in respect of l'reemasonry in thc British Empire ; but we do not consider we are debarred by this important consideration from offering a few remarks a- ; to its general position and progress during the year 1894 . As regards the continent of Kurope , it will ,

perhaps , be sufficient if we state that in those Masonic jurisdictions with which our Grand Lodge is on terms of . friendly intercourse , nothing of material importance to the welfare of our Society has happened . In Sweden and Norway , in Denmark , in the Netherlands ,: throughout Germany , in Switzerland , and in Hungary , & c " , Freemasonry , though it may not have

made any material advance , has undoubtedly maintained its position and influence . In France and elsewhere outside the above jurisdictions , it still insists on mixing itself up with the political , social , and religious controversies of the day , and wisely , therefore , we refrain , as we have refrained for many years , from permitting ourselves to be in any way associated with them .

In so far as these latter Grand Orients or Grand Lodges respect the fundamental principles or our Order , to that extent we sympathise with them , and they justly command our sincerest wishes for their prosperity . But we dare not act inconsistently with the unvarying professions of our Masonic faith . We cannot proclaim ourselves unsectarian in religion and politics , and

at the same time join hands with those who make no secret of their resolution to employ their Masonic organisation as a means to further their political or religious aims ; neither can we acknowledge them as members of the LIniversal Masonic Brotherhood , who have eliminated from their creed the first and most important article of a Mason ' s faith , namely ,

belief in God and a future state . But we need not dwell upon these matters , especially at a season of the year when , of all others ; we would extend the utmost Charity to all sorts and . conditions of men . Rather let us turn to that country in which , in the middle of last century , the Masonry of these islands established for itself a number of homes , and note

how those settlements have developed into an immense organisatoni which , to judge by the experience of the last half-century , appears to be capable of still further and even more enormous developments than the world has ever known in the case of any society . We are , of course , aljuding to the United States of Norlh America , to which in 1730 , 17 . 33

1737 , and subsequently certain of the Grand Masters of England granted deputations to DANIEL CORE , HENRY PRICE , and others to preside over one or more of what were then British Colonies as Provincial Grand Masters . The seed thus sown found a congenial soil , and though the career of Freemasonry since those early times has not been without its serious vicissitudes , and

though at one time open war was declared against our Society by a formidable section of the people , it has not only survived the dangers which have encompassed it , but has become , as we have said , an immense organisation capable of almost infinite development . The number of Grand Lodges is close on 50 , under which are ranged some thousands of private lodges , while

the subscribing members to the latter are quite Sor 1 , 000 . The largest jurisdiction is that of the Grand Lodge of New York , in which there are about SOD lodges wi ; h an aggregate membership of 86 , 000 , while the Grand Lodges of Pennsylvania , Illinois , Massachusetts , Ohio , Indiana , Michigan , Iowa , and others that might be enumerated , are strong in numbers and well

organised . Many of these have established what are called Homes , which correspond with our Benevolent and Scholastic Institutions , but they are of comparatively recent origin , and are , therefore , for the present on a scale which is by no means commensurate with the extent and resources of the jurisdictions in which they are located . But our own Masonic Charities were

on a modest icale in their early days , and we doubt not that in time the American Masonic Charities will receive that greater measure of support which they deserve . As regards some among the older and larger jurisdictions , we nole that Connecticut has some 110 lodges on its IO'I ; in Georgia there are between 17 000 and 18 , 000 subscribing members ; in Illinois there

are not far short of 50 , 000—the total mentioned at the meeting of Grand Lodge towards the close of the year 18 9 . ; was 4 8 222 , and showed an increase of more than 2000 as compared with the preceding year ; in Kentucky , over 18 , 000 ; in Maryland between ( ioooand 7000 ; in Massachusetts about 34 . o < x > j in New Jersey , abaut 15 , 000 ; in New York , as before

stated , upwards of 86 , 000 ; and in Pennsylvania , upwards of 400 ledges with an aggregate membership of about 4 S 000 —it was close on 46 , 000 in December , 1 S 92 , and the annual increase during the last

few years has been nearer 21100 than 1000 , so that we ae not over-estimating the present total when we gave it at the number mentioned . Royal Arch Masonry and the Templar body are also proportionately as formidable in respect of numbers as is Craft Masonry . The Royal and Select

Freemasonry Abroad.

Masters muster a grand total of about 28 , 000 , there being some 32 Grand Councils with about 400 private councils . The Ancient and Accepted Rite is divided inlo the Northern and Southern jurisdictions , the former having its headquarters in Boston , Massachusetts , and the latter in Charleston , South Carolina , while the Ked Cross , the Allied Degrees , the Rosicrucians , and

even the Royal Order of Scotland are represented in the States , though ihe ' . r introduction is of recent date . In short , Freemasonry , both in its main trunk and in its branches , is very largely supported and encouraged by our American cousins , among its most prominent luminaries being included a very large number of the leading citizens , and what it his chiefly to guard

against is that love of innovation which so readily finds favour in comparatively new , countries . We have again and again referred to the changes which have been introduced into lodge work in some of the jurisdictions . In one the officers are installed publicly , in anothe . - they are arrayed in gorgeous vestments when degrees are conferred . Here open war is declared

against saloon-keepers , there Freemasonry is raised to the dignity of a religion , and while a great parade is made about the observance of the ancient landmarks , not the . slightest trouble is taken to point out the essential , the fundamental principles of the Society . We rejoice to say this tendency to introduce change is not to be found—or at all events , not to any very

considerable extent , in the older jurisdictions . There the old traditions of the Craft have been carefully preserved and are most religiously respected , but in Grand Lodges of later constitution the go-ahead notions which characterise the American people generally , their fondness for any and every deviation from the ancient ways , and , in some respects , their contempt for

any sect or b jdy which upholds the tenets that constituted the faith of its founders , have made their influence felt even in the sphere of Masonic duty . In the ordinary course of life a due respect for the past , for the work of those who have gone before us , is not incompatible with a proper regard for the things of to-day and of the future ; in Masonry it is of the very essence

of its being that its past should be dealt with respectfully , and as closely followed as the circumstances of our time will permit . If we take away that past from Freemasonry , there is little or nothing left us to respect or observe . However , there is little or no danger of Freemasonry degenerating into a benefit society , or being converted into a political , social , or religious

organisation , while we have such Grand Lodges as those of New York , Pennsylvania , and Massachusetts retaining and exercising their just influence . The spirit that animates these and some of the other Grand Lodges cannot

be too greatly admired or too closely followed , and so long as these retain their just influence , so long shall we continue to look upon the extension and numerical increase of Masonry in the United States as a blessing to the Craft generally .

History Of No. 304, Leeds.

HISTORY OF No . 304 , LEEDS .

The Province of West Yorkshire , has been abundantly favoured with Histories of Lodges within its jurisdiction , and so also as to publications concerning the progress of the Craft generally . As to the latter , many particulars are to be found in the trio of Records of the Installations of the Provincial Grand Masters of West Yorkshire , in 1 S 75 , 1885 , and 1894 , prepared by

several competent and zealous brethren , and of Lodge Histories—more or less valuable and exhaustive—may be noted . 61 , Halfax , Bro . Herbert Crossley , 188 S . 242 , Doncaster , Bro . William Delanoy , 18 S 0 . 265 , Keighley , Bro . J . R . Riley , 18 S 9 ,-

289 , Leeds , Bros ; Scarth and Braim , 1893 ; .. ' , '<" 290 , Huddersfield , Bro . W . L . Wilmshurst , 1893 . ' ¦ 296 , Sheffield , Bros . St . icey and Moss , 1 S 93 .

302 , Bradford , Bro . C . Gott ( and others ) , 18114 . 304 , Leeds , Bro . C . L . Mason , 18 94 . 308 , Eastwood , Bro . J . E . Craven , 18 S 6 . 387 , Shipley , Bro . J . R . Riley , 1877-78-80 .

1221 , Leeds , Bro . William Watson , Hon . Librarian , W . Yorks , 1879 . Also last , but not least , the Yorkshire lodges : " A Century of Yorkshire Freemasonry , " by Bro . J / Ramsderi Riley ( 1 S 85 ) . I have had the pleasure of writing several of the Introductions to these volumes , and have taken a lively interest in the preparation and publication of most of them .

Of Lodge Histories , two of the most important are those of " Fidelity , " No . 289 , so ably written by Bros . Alfred Scarth and Charles Albert Braim ( reviewed by me in the Freemason for July 21 st , 1894 ) , and the "Philanthropic , " No . 304 , by Bro . Charles Letch Mason ( P . M ., P . Prov . Grand Treasurer ) , about vvriich I now desire to say a few wor 4 s ,

“The Freemason: 1894-12-29, Page 1” Masonic Periodicals Online, Library and Museum of Freemasonry, 28 July 2025, django:8000/periodicals/fvl/issues/fvl_29121894/page/1/.
  • List
  • Grid
Title Category Page
FREEMASONRY ABROAD. Article 1
HISTORY OF No. 304, LEEDS. Article 1
EGYPTIAN BOOK OF THE DEAD. Article 2
PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF DERBYSHIRE. Article 3
PROVINCIAL GRAND CHAPTER OF GLOUCESTERSHIRE. Article 3
Untitled Ad 4
Untitled Ad 4
Untitled Ad 4
Untitled Ad 4
Untitled Ad 4
Untitled Ad 4
Untitled Ad 4
Untitled Ad 4
Untitled Ad 4
Untitled Ad 4
Untitled Ad 4
Untitled Ad 4
Untitled Ad 4
Untitled Ad 4
Untitled Ad 4
Untitled Ad 4
Untitled Ad 4
Untitled Ad 4
Untitled Ad 4
Untitled Ad 4
Untitled Ad 4
Untitled Ad 4
Untitled Ad 5
Untitled Ad 5
Untitled Ad 5
Untitled Ad 5
Untitled Ad 5
Untitled Ad 5
Untitled Ad 5
Untitled Ad 5
Untitled Article 5
Masonic Notes. Article 5
Craft Masonry. Article 6
PROVINCIAL MEETINGS. Article 6
Royal Arch. Article 7
Mark Masonry. Article 8
Lodges and Chapters of Instruction. Article 8
Ancient and Accepted Rite. Article 8
Knights Templar. Article 8
LADIES' NIGHT OF THE MOZART LODGE, No. 1929. Article 9
ANNUAL SUPPER OF THE EVENING STAR LODGE OF INSTRUCTION, No. 1719. Article 9
FESTIVAL Ol' THE CLARENCE LODGE OF INSTRUCTION. Article 9
LANGTON LODGE OF INSTRUCTION, No. 1673. Article 10
ANNUAL SUPPER OF THE LANGTHORNE LODGE OF INSTRUCTION, No. 1421. Article 10
BOARD OF BENEVOLENCE. Article 10
THE KISS. Article 10
SUDDEN DEATH OF BRO. D . C. JANSEN. Article 10
Scotland. Article 10
Obituary. Article 10
MASONIC MEETINGS (METROPOLITAN) Article 11
MASONIC MEETINGS (PROVINCIAL) Article 11
MASONIC AND GENERAL TIDINGS Article 12
Page 1

Page 1

3 Articles
Page 2

Page 2

3 Articles
Page 3

Page 3

4 Articles
Page 4

Page 4

22 Articles
Page 5

Page 5

11 Articles
Page 6

Page 6

4 Articles
Page 7

Page 7

4 Articles
Page 8

Page 8

7 Articles
Page 9

Page 9

5 Articles
Page 10

Page 10

10 Articles
Page 11

Page 11

4 Articles
Page 12

Page 12

3 Articles
Page 1

Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.

Freemasonry Abroad.

FREEMASONRY ABROAD .

Space forbids our giving a lengthy review of the Craft in foreign countries , such as we published last week , in respect of l'reemasonry in thc British Empire ; but we do not consider we are debarred by this important consideration from offering a few remarks a- ; to its general position and progress during the year 1894 . As regards the continent of Kurope , it will ,

perhaps , be sufficient if we state that in those Masonic jurisdictions with which our Grand Lodge is on terms of . friendly intercourse , nothing of material importance to the welfare of our Society has happened . In Sweden and Norway , in Denmark , in the Netherlands ,: throughout Germany , in Switzerland , and in Hungary , & c " , Freemasonry , though it may not have

made any material advance , has undoubtedly maintained its position and influence . In France and elsewhere outside the above jurisdictions , it still insists on mixing itself up with the political , social , and religious controversies of the day , and wisely , therefore , we refrain , as we have refrained for many years , from permitting ourselves to be in any way associated with them .

In so far as these latter Grand Orients or Grand Lodges respect the fundamental principles or our Order , to that extent we sympathise with them , and they justly command our sincerest wishes for their prosperity . But we dare not act inconsistently with the unvarying professions of our Masonic faith . We cannot proclaim ourselves unsectarian in religion and politics , and

at the same time join hands with those who make no secret of their resolution to employ their Masonic organisation as a means to further their political or religious aims ; neither can we acknowledge them as members of the LIniversal Masonic Brotherhood , who have eliminated from their creed the first and most important article of a Mason ' s faith , namely ,

belief in God and a future state . But we need not dwell upon these matters , especially at a season of the year when , of all others ; we would extend the utmost Charity to all sorts and . conditions of men . Rather let us turn to that country in which , in the middle of last century , the Masonry of these islands established for itself a number of homes , and note

how those settlements have developed into an immense organisatoni which , to judge by the experience of the last half-century , appears to be capable of still further and even more enormous developments than the world has ever known in the case of any society . We are , of course , aljuding to the United States of Norlh America , to which in 1730 , 17 . 33

1737 , and subsequently certain of the Grand Masters of England granted deputations to DANIEL CORE , HENRY PRICE , and others to preside over one or more of what were then British Colonies as Provincial Grand Masters . The seed thus sown found a congenial soil , and though the career of Freemasonry since those early times has not been without its serious vicissitudes , and

though at one time open war was declared against our Society by a formidable section of the people , it has not only survived the dangers which have encompassed it , but has become , as we have said , an immense organisation capable of almost infinite development . The number of Grand Lodges is close on 50 , under which are ranged some thousands of private lodges , while

the subscribing members to the latter are quite Sor 1 , 000 . The largest jurisdiction is that of the Grand Lodge of New York , in which there are about SOD lodges wi ; h an aggregate membership of 86 , 000 , while the Grand Lodges of Pennsylvania , Illinois , Massachusetts , Ohio , Indiana , Michigan , Iowa , and others that might be enumerated , are strong in numbers and well

organised . Many of these have established what are called Homes , which correspond with our Benevolent and Scholastic Institutions , but they are of comparatively recent origin , and are , therefore , for the present on a scale which is by no means commensurate with the extent and resources of the jurisdictions in which they are located . But our own Masonic Charities were

on a modest icale in their early days , and we doubt not that in time the American Masonic Charities will receive that greater measure of support which they deserve . As regards some among the older and larger jurisdictions , we nole that Connecticut has some 110 lodges on its IO'I ; in Georgia there are between 17 000 and 18 , 000 subscribing members ; in Illinois there

are not far short of 50 , 000—the total mentioned at the meeting of Grand Lodge towards the close of the year 18 9 . ; was 4 8 222 , and showed an increase of more than 2000 as compared with the preceding year ; in Kentucky , over 18 , 000 ; in Maryland between ( ioooand 7000 ; in Massachusetts about 34 . o < x > j in New Jersey , abaut 15 , 000 ; in New York , as before

stated , upwards of 86 , 000 ; and in Pennsylvania , upwards of 400 ledges with an aggregate membership of about 4 S 000 —it was close on 46 , 000 in December , 1 S 92 , and the annual increase during the last

few years has been nearer 21100 than 1000 , so that we ae not over-estimating the present total when we gave it at the number mentioned . Royal Arch Masonry and the Templar body are also proportionately as formidable in respect of numbers as is Craft Masonry . The Royal and Select

Freemasonry Abroad.

Masters muster a grand total of about 28 , 000 , there being some 32 Grand Councils with about 400 private councils . The Ancient and Accepted Rite is divided inlo the Northern and Southern jurisdictions , the former having its headquarters in Boston , Massachusetts , and the latter in Charleston , South Carolina , while the Ked Cross , the Allied Degrees , the Rosicrucians , and

even the Royal Order of Scotland are represented in the States , though ihe ' . r introduction is of recent date . In short , Freemasonry , both in its main trunk and in its branches , is very largely supported and encouraged by our American cousins , among its most prominent luminaries being included a very large number of the leading citizens , and what it his chiefly to guard

against is that love of innovation which so readily finds favour in comparatively new , countries . We have again and again referred to the changes which have been introduced into lodge work in some of the jurisdictions . In one the officers are installed publicly , in anothe . - they are arrayed in gorgeous vestments when degrees are conferred . Here open war is declared

against saloon-keepers , there Freemasonry is raised to the dignity of a religion , and while a great parade is made about the observance of the ancient landmarks , not the . slightest trouble is taken to point out the essential , the fundamental principles of the Society . We rejoice to say this tendency to introduce change is not to be found—or at all events , not to any very

considerable extent , in the older jurisdictions . There the old traditions of the Craft have been carefully preserved and are most religiously respected , but in Grand Lodges of later constitution the go-ahead notions which characterise the American people generally , their fondness for any and every deviation from the ancient ways , and , in some respects , their contempt for

any sect or b jdy which upholds the tenets that constituted the faith of its founders , have made their influence felt even in the sphere of Masonic duty . In the ordinary course of life a due respect for the past , for the work of those who have gone before us , is not incompatible with a proper regard for the things of to-day and of the future ; in Masonry it is of the very essence

of its being that its past should be dealt with respectfully , and as closely followed as the circumstances of our time will permit . If we take away that past from Freemasonry , there is little or nothing left us to respect or observe . However , there is little or no danger of Freemasonry degenerating into a benefit society , or being converted into a political , social , or religious

organisation , while we have such Grand Lodges as those of New York , Pennsylvania , and Massachusetts retaining and exercising their just influence . The spirit that animates these and some of the other Grand Lodges cannot

be too greatly admired or too closely followed , and so long as these retain their just influence , so long shall we continue to look upon the extension and numerical increase of Masonry in the United States as a blessing to the Craft generally .

History Of No. 304, Leeds.

HISTORY OF No . 304 , LEEDS .

The Province of West Yorkshire , has been abundantly favoured with Histories of Lodges within its jurisdiction , and so also as to publications concerning the progress of the Craft generally . As to the latter , many particulars are to be found in the trio of Records of the Installations of the Provincial Grand Masters of West Yorkshire , in 1 S 75 , 1885 , and 1894 , prepared by

several competent and zealous brethren , and of Lodge Histories—more or less valuable and exhaustive—may be noted . 61 , Halfax , Bro . Herbert Crossley , 188 S . 242 , Doncaster , Bro . William Delanoy , 18 S 0 . 265 , Keighley , Bro . J . R . Riley , 18 S 9 ,-

289 , Leeds , Bros ; Scarth and Braim , 1893 ; .. ' , '<" 290 , Huddersfield , Bro . W . L . Wilmshurst , 1893 . ' ¦ 296 , Sheffield , Bros . St . icey and Moss , 1 S 93 .

302 , Bradford , Bro . C . Gott ( and others ) , 18114 . 304 , Leeds , Bro . C . L . Mason , 18 94 . 308 , Eastwood , Bro . J . E . Craven , 18 S 6 . 387 , Shipley , Bro . J . R . Riley , 1877-78-80 .

1221 , Leeds , Bro . William Watson , Hon . Librarian , W . Yorks , 1879 . Also last , but not least , the Yorkshire lodges : " A Century of Yorkshire Freemasonry , " by Bro . J / Ramsderi Riley ( 1 S 85 ) . I have had the pleasure of writing several of the Introductions to these volumes , and have taken a lively interest in the preparation and publication of most of them .

Of Lodge Histories , two of the most important are those of " Fidelity , " No . 289 , so ably written by Bros . Alfred Scarth and Charles Albert Braim ( reviewed by me in the Freemason for July 21 st , 1894 ) , and the "Philanthropic , " No . 304 , by Bro . Charles Letch Mason ( P . M ., P . Prov . Grand Treasurer ) , about vvriich I now desire to say a few wor 4 s ,

  • Prev page
  • You're on page1
  • 2
  • 12
  • Next page
  • Accredited Museum Designated Outstanding Collection
  • LIBRARY AND MUSEUM CHARITABLE TRUST OF THE UNITED GRAND LODGE OF ENGLAND REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER 1058497 / ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © 2025

  • Accessibility statement

  • Designed, developed, and maintained by King's Digital Lab

We use cookies to track usage and preferences.

Privacy & cookie policy