Notes On The Minute Book Of An Early Athol Lodge.

NOTES ON THE MINUTE BOOK OF AN EARLY ATHOL LODGE .

In the old Minute Book of No . 20 ( Ancients ) constituted gth July , 1753 , the following "Prayer" and "Rules and Orders" are given , which I venture to re-produce on account of their peculiarities and also of their early date .

The "Prayer" was written on the first leaf of the Minute Book , and the " Rules and Orders " on the righthand side of the next eleven folios—viz ., 2 to 12 inclusive , the left-hand side being blank . These Rules and Orders were regularly agreed to on 2 nd October , 1753 , the members from time to time signifying' their approval by affixing their ' signatures in the Minute Book . A PRAYER TO BE REPEATED AT THE MAKING

OF A NEW BROTHER . O God the author of every good and perfect gift and the Grand Architect of the Universe , we thy servants truely sensible 06 our own unworthiness , approach thy Divine Majesty , humbly Beseeching Thee to bless and protect u * , and all those who with the Secrets of Masonry endeavour to

unfou / d and practise the Mysteries of Godliness and Christianity , Grant us Thy Presence in this and all our Undertakings , confirm our choice of this Thy servant , and that he may in all things live as becomes A MASON , give him the spirit of Wisdom to avoid the evil and to chuse Ihe good , fhe spirit of meekness and forbearance and of Brotherly love and charity , Strengthen him against all

Temptations that he may ever be able to subdue hW Passions , and adorn us all with the spirit of Zeal for thy glory , and fervency in Thy worship , that we may not use our Freedom in Christ as a Cloke of Maliciousness , but in all our thoughts words & actions so square our lives within the compass of Thy comandmentsas becomes the Servants of Christ Thy Son our Lord . Amen .

RULES AND ORDERS . I . That a Lodge of Free & Accepted Antient Masons be held at the Hampshire Hog , in Goswell Strt ., London ( or elsewhere ) , on the ist & 3 d Monday of each Month , And that such Lodge consist of One Master , Two Wardens , Two Deacons , and a Tyler , with as many Members as the

Master and Majority shall think proper -. —that all the Brethren do appear in decent apparrel with proper Cloathing and obey the Mastr , and observe a good decorum while the Lodge is engaged in what is Serious and Solemn , otherwise the Transgressor shall not sit in the Lodge with the consent of the Mastr . and Majority .

II . That the Lodge meet at the Hours hereafter mention'd , viz ., from the 25 th of March to the ioth of Septr . at 7 o ' clock in the Evening , and sit until Ten , and from the ioth of Septr . a ' oresd ., to the 25 th of March following , from 6

until 9 o'clock , and if any memr . be absent one hour after the time of Meeting shall be fin'd 1 penny , and if absent the whole Night or time of business shall be fin'd 2 pence , except such absentee be sick , in confindment , or three miles from the place of meeting , and that all such fines be put in the Box .

III . That the Mastr . be chose by Ballot , viz ., the Wardens shall stand Candidates the Lodge Night before each St . 3 oftn ' s day , and the Cands . withdraw from the Lodge while every free Member gives his vote in favour of him he

deems most worthy . Each free Memr . having one Vote & the Mastr . two . When done the Cands . shall be calt'd in , and the Mastr . declare him duly elected who hath the Majority ; then the Mastr . elect shall nominate his Wardens with the aforesd . proceedings , and Deacons according to Seniority , and a Secretary and all Master / IDasons .

IIIIThat the Master & Wards , do attend the Grand Lodge on every first Wednesday of every month at the usual hours , and at all other times on proper notice when Business re-Quire , and therein to transact all matters relateing to this Lodge as full and truely as if we , the whole body , were there present .

And if any Member refuse to serve any of the iaforesd Offices shall be fin'd as follows , viz ., the Master 5 shills ., each Wardn . and Secretary two shills ., each Deacon one shilling , and to be fined the same if they don't serve JO * i " 1 time * ^ "P ^ * Reasons mention'd in the 2 d Rule . That the Master and Brethren meet on every St . y day to dine together between the Hours of 12 and

two 10 clock , and that each Memr . pay 2 shills . the Lodge t"ght before each St . Sobit ' s day towards defraying the charges of the Festival , that the Wardens be appointed as H , u to Transact a 11 matters Relateing to the Feast , A ,, enevv Officers beinstall'd immadiately after Dinner , and all Visiters who dine In this Lodge on said days shall Pay 2 . 6 for Dinner .

T , . VL inaton each Lodge Night every Memr . pay one shilling and put 2 pence in the Box ; that the Junr . Wardn . keep an exact account of the Reckoning , and acquaint the Body vhenall are in , and upon his neglegenceor omission he snail be answerable for the Difficiency .

M v •VI 1 - wo Visiter to be admitted after the Hour of 9 o ' clock ( nor « any time ) ( without the Master's leave ) , and if admitted J \ . Pa 3 f equal with the Mems . Nor shall any Bror . be aumitted a Second time that doth not belong to a Regular an Ar 0 < 3 ge Wltil he has enter'd himself a Member of « jn Antient Lodge as aforesd ., and his name Register'd in ¦ "uiano

-- . Lodg Book . A . VIII . ""[ Person desireous of being made a Mason shall be re-81 .. i ? dge N ' 8 ht before his making' by a Member of to th P' " not wel 1 known sha " farther reported n 1 a „ r " rand Secretary , with his name , Occupation , and

the S aoooe , with the intended time of his makeing that ( s , i * v cretary may make a strict enquiry into his Charader lin ' ' PPr ° v ; d off ) shall pay £ 1 . 5 -one pound five shil-Brnr 0 n f mo , ety t ° be spent as a Wellcome to the New LrX „ , other P art t 0 be P « t m ye Chest of this •JZM' l at h ! s making shall Cloath the Lodge if re-Lod geB k n Enter'd sha 11 be Registered in the Grand

'his LrJi F ason , s desireous of becoming a Member of abovP = £ ? rI * „ " reported a Lodge night before as into '* , „ r ? BalIoted for and when admitted shall pay [ 2 s . 6 d . Re ffist p f ° - \ a - * J one shilling to «* e Grand Secretary for g'stenng him to the Number of this Lodge .

Notes On The Minute Book Of An Early Athol Lodge.

* Rule IX . The words in Brackets were in the original Rules but subsequently struck out . If any Br . in the Lodge curse , swear , lay or offer to lay wasers or use any Reproachful Language in derogation of ffioSs "Maine and corruption of good manners , or Intrupt any Officer while speaking , shall be fin'd at the Discretion of the Master & Majority .

XL If any Member of this Lodge come disguis'd in Licquor he shall be admonish'd by the Mastr . for the first offence , for a 2 d . offence he shall be fin'd one shillg ., for the 3 d . he shall be excluded without Certifycate or Benefit from the Lodge and reported to the Grand .

XII . AH Fines , dues , & c , that shall or may become due to the Lodge shall be paid the 3 d . Lodge night after they become due , Otherwise the Transgressor shall have no Vote in the Lodge and if not clear'd on St . 3 obn ' s day shall be excluded .

XIII . That on a Lodge Night in the Master's absence a Past Mastr . may take his place and in his absence by the Senr . Warden and in his absence by the . Junr . Warden , and in the absence of all the Officers the Members according to Seniority and Merritt shall fill the absent officers places , & c , And all absent officers on Keg ' ular Lodge nights or

otherwise duly summon d shall be tin d a discretional fine over and above the common fine of Private Members . jf Rule XIII . This rule was amended as follows : " ' 754 April the 7 th Amendment on the opposite " agreed that each absent officer ( viz .,

" Master and Wardens ) on proper Lodge nights or " otherwise duly Summon'd ) be fin'd as follows that " is to say , The Master shall be fin'd is . 6 d ., each " Warden one shilling . " This method to be held in full force Virtue during " the continuance . of this Lodge . "

X 1 III . That the Mastr . have full power and authority to call a Lodge of Emmergency when all the Mems . are to attend on proper summons .

XV . that the Box , Money , and Furniture of this Lodge be in the care of some Responsable Bror . as the Master and Brethren shall think sufficient , And the Money be disposed off for the advancement of the Lodge & Benefit of the Brethren .

XVI . The Secretary shall keep a Regular Registery of all the members according to the Form laid down for the same and proper minutes of the Transactions ( that are proper to be wrote ) and the same to be laid before the Grand once a Quarter if Requir'd .

XVII . That no disputes arise between any Brethren in the Lodge , but if any dispute shou'd happen out of the Lodge concerning Masonry or otherwise ( which they can't decide between themselves ) to prevent vexatious law suits , such disputes or controversies shall be laid before the Lodge and there decided if possiable , but in case such Brethren shall

not agree the Master shall order his Secretary to take Minutes of such disputes , & c , and lay the same before the Grand at their next Meeting , when such Brethren are to attend and agree as the Grand shall order , but in case such Bros , will not then agree to the decision of the Grand , such Bros , shall have no Certificate , for ever excluded and deem'd unworthy of the Society .

XVIII . That the Master and Brethren of this Lodge have full power to make amend or explain these or such other Bylaws , Rules , and Orders as the shall think most proper & convenient for the good of this Lodge and the Craft in general . But first to lay such amendments or additions before the Grand ( for the benefit of the Regular Antient Lodges ) and leave Copies of the same if requir'd .

XIX . That every new Mason thall pay the Tyler One Shilling , and every Mason who enter's as a Member 6 Pence , and the Tyler take particular care not to admitt any Visiter a second who doth not belong to a Regular Antient Lodge .

XX . That these'Rules & Orders be read by the Secretary or some other Bror . by the Masters Order . To every New Member and otherwise as Occasion shall Require in the Lodge . XXI .

lhat whatever is acted or spoke in this Lodge shall not he discours'd nor Mentioned out of this Lodge to any Person whatsoever except the present Members of this Lodge aforesd . under the Penalty of One shillg . for the First offence and Double for the 2 nd and trible for the 3 rd , & c

XXH . If a Complaint be brought against a Br . by another and be found Guilty he shall stand to the Determination of the Lodge . But if a Complaint be brought against a Bror . wherein the Accuser can ' t support his complaint to Conviction such Person shall Forfeit such penalty as the person so accused shou'd have forfeited had he been Really convicted on such Complaint .

^\^\ in . If any Member of this Lodge withdraw and Form a Lodge without Leave and Irregularly Make Masons , they shall not be admitted ( no not as Visiters ) in any Lodge ( tho . the Brethren so made may be allow'd ) until they make full satisfaction , Render . a good Reason and due Submission for their offence .

XXIV . That no Mason be admitted to Visit this Lodge but . such as are Master Masons , least we hinder or distroy the Harmony of Working Master Masons .

XXV . And-if any Member of this Lodge be guilty of any Misdemeanor not specified in the aforesd . Rules and Orders he or they shall be Dealt with at the Discretion of the Lodge . Torquay , 20 th July , 1887 . j NO . LANE .

The Pegasus Lodge , No . 2205 ( Temple Yacht Club ) , was consecrated at the Clarendon Hotel , Gravesend , on Wednesday last , by the R . W . the Prov . G . M . of Kent , Earl Amherst . Bro . A . Tisley was installed as the VV . M . ; Bro . Chauffourier , S . W . ; and G . E . Stembridge , as J . W . A report will appear in our next .

Victorian Jubilee Festiva L Of The Domatic Lodge, No. 177.

VICTORIAN JUBILEE FESTIVA L OF THE DOMATIC LODGE , No . 177 .

The members of the Domabc Lodge are to be congratulated on another of those successful gatherings which now seems to be an inseparable accompaniment to the ordinary lodge work of the year . Thanks to their excellent Treasurer , Bro . G . Everett , the members , with their families and

friends , have enjoyed one of those exceptionally happy days which are a present pleasure and a still more pleasant memory . Kempton Park , which was again the place selected , is one of the most delightful spots for a gathering of this kind , and leaves nothing to be desired . Its delightful scenery , its well kept lawns , and its luxurious arrangements for the comfort of visitors were fully described

in our account of last year s outing , and moreover , are well known to thousands who journey thither from time to time to join in the more exciting pastime of racing and coursing . But those who had the piivilege of spending a comparatively quiet day on Tuesday , the igth inst ., had no reason to regret the absence of those more exhilarating scenes . I'he first arrivals were early on the ground , and

the Committee had taken care that there should be no lack of entertainment from the start to the finish . A military band was there with their cheerful strains and their bright unitorms to give colour to the picture . Christy Minstrels , Punch and Judy shows , and performing dogs , kept the younger portion of the assembly merry , and seemed not altogether without interest to

the elders . Bro . Stiles exerted himself to the utmost during the day in taking photographic groups of the large assemblies on the Grand Stand , and smaller gatherings in the flower gardens . At four o ' clock , all with one consent , and with little or no persuasion , repaired to the Pavilion , where a dinner was laid by Messrs . Bertram .

The open doors on all sides of the building admitted the grateful breeze , and the lively strains of the band , which was stationed on the lawn . The W . M ., Bro . Simner , occupied the chair , and , after full justice had been done to the spread , the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were proposed and duly honoured .

The Queen and the Craft , " given by the WORSHIPFUL MASTER in terms of affection to the person of our Sovereign and loyalty to the Throne , met with a hearty response . No less loyally and heartily was the toast of " The Prince and Princess of Wales and the rest of the Royal Family , " proposed by Bro . PRICE , who referred to the real interest the M . W . G . M . took in Freemasonry , and the personal attention he gave to even the smallest details connected with his office .

Next came the toast of " The Visitors , " which , the WORSHIPFUL MASTER said , was the most important on the list . l ' hey gave one and all a hearty welcome , and were especially glad to see their meeting graced by the presence of so many ladies . The task of responding was placed in the hands of Bro . ALLISON , who replied in a very humourous speech . The

quotation ne said from Shakespeare on the toast list was from the "Taming of the Shrew" — " Well you have come upon us in a very happy time , " and they were experiencing a happy time , although unaccompanied with the excitement ot racing . The Domatic Lodge had exercised a wise discretion in accepting the generous invitation of the Directors of Kempton Park , where they could enjoy ail the beauties of the

country with all the conveniences of a London Hotel—and the privilege of coming away from that hotbed of commerce and crime—London—even for a day was a privilege to be thankful for . He hoped to be present in as pleasant a company on many future occasions . Bro . BINCKES , in proposing the health of the W . M ., said , that although they met under the auspices of the

lodge , the proceedings were not conducted according to the regular routine . He had no hesitation in accepting the duty of submitting to them that toast . The reputation which attached to the W . M . and the lodge over which he presided , was obtained by merit and good work , and the name , fame , and reputation of the Domatic Lodge had been added to by their support of the Charities which ,

under Bro . Simner's rule , occupied a leading position amongst London lodges . Bro . SIMNER briefly returned thanks , and expressed the pleasure he , in common with the members of the lodge felt that tbe efforts made for the comfort of the visitors had been successful . The toast of "The Ladies" was next proposedand

, Bro . George Price undertook the duty of responding , which , judging from the applause which greeted his efforts from the ladies present was satisfactorily performed . I he Directors of Kempton Park were next thanked , and the toast , as a matter of course , was connected with the name of our genial Bro . George Everett , who had again used his influence with his brother directors to secure the

use of the park for that day's entertainment . Dancing commenced about 7 o ' clock in the Pavilion , and was kept up until the special train left . Visitors : Bro . A . Simner , W . AL , and Mrs . Simner , Bro . H . j . Chapman , S . W ., and Mrs . Chapmon , Bro . R . Harvey , J . W ., and Mrs . Harvey , Bro . G . Everett , P . M ., and Treas ., and Mrs . Everett , The Misses Delia , Alberta , and

Birdie Everett , Miss Annie Clark , Mr . Peall , Mr . W . J . and Mr . E . N . Everett , Mr . and Mrs . S . H . Hyde , Miss Pollie Hyde , Miss Elizabeth Hyde , Mr . W . J . and Mrs . Innes , Mr . Innes , jun ., and Miss Maud lanes , Mr . and Mrs . H . Martin , Mrs . Rapley , Mrs . Rogers , Mrs . Coles , Mrs . Winser , Mr . and Mrs . Allison , Miss Winter , Mr . and Mrs . C . W . Blake , Bro . John Barnett ,

bro . and Mrs . A . Nagle , Bro . and Mrs . Trodd , Mr . and Mrs . Archer , Bro . and Mrs . Jowett , Miss Fleming , Mrs . Mould , Mr . and Mrs . Renton , Bro . and Mrs . Wardley and Miss Wardley , Bro . T . Morris , Sec , and iVUs . Mortis , Bro . N . Salmon , S . D ., and Mrs . Salmon , Bro . J . E . Spurrell , J . D ., Bro . T . B . Goodfellow , D . C , Bro . R . Hewetson , W . S ., Bro . E . A . G . smich , A . W . S ., and Mrs . Smith , Bro .

W . J . t ' erguson , P . M ., Bro . F . Kent , P . M ., Bro . J . Willing , jun ., P . M ., Bro . H . N . Price , I . P . M ., Bro . J . McLean , P . M ., and Mrs . McLean , Bro . J . Sadler Wood , P . M ., Geo . Gardner , P . M . 2012 , and Miss Gardner , Mr . Edwards , Mr . Costello , Bro . and Mrs . VV . Lake , Bro . and Mrs . H . Hollingsworth , Bro . and Mrs . Duff , Bro . and Miss

Binckes , Bro . and Mrs . Ball , Bro . Stiles , Bro . Knott , Bro . R . Harvey , Bro . F . Smith , Bro . Magee , Bro . and Mrs . Peacock , Bro . Berredoth , Mrs . and Miss Berrecloth , Mr . and Mrs . Pears , Bro . Locksley , and Mrs . and Miss Locksley . Col . Shadwell H . Clerke , G . Sec , and Bro . Richard Eve G . Treas ., sent letters regretting inability to be present .