Emulation Lodge Of Improvement.

Emulation Lodge of Improvement .

BY BRO . HENRY SADLER . *

IT is remarkable how little is known at the present time by the rank and hie of the Craft of the origin and early history of the " Emulation Lodge of Improvement , " so little , in fact , that the " Illustrated History" of that celebrated organization by Bro . Henry Sadler , the esteemed Grand Tyler and Sub-Librarian of the Grand Lodge , is both

opportune and most welcome . After giving a concise and carefully prepared account of the means used to secure a united system of working , based upon the rituals representative of the two rival Grand Lodges , which from June 5 th , 1816 , was approved and confirmed by the Grand Lodge ; Bro . Sadler ably introduces

and explains the position and privileges of Lodges of Instruction , and interestingly says a few words as to the subject of Masonic instruction generally . Doubtless a number of Lodges of Instruction were formed soon after the ritual was officially and authoritatively settledthough few continued active for any length of time

, , being chiefly for the members of particular lodges only . In 1817 , however , the " Stability" was founded under the wing of the lodge of that name , which has continued to this clay , having received support from the members of many other lodges , and had the advantage during its career of assistance from several well qualified instructors .

On 27 th November , 1823 , the " Hope , " now the "Royal York of Perseverance , " No . 7 , agreed to sanction another Lodge of Instruction , the resolution consisting of about two dozen words . Thus was launched that invaluable Masonic seminary , which , to use Bro . Sadler's verdict , " has since attained world-wide celebrity , and whose influence on English Craft working is unparalleled . "

A preliminary meeting was held 2 nd October of the same year to make a start , when at least nine lodges were represented ; its broad aims and widespread influence being apparent from the lirst .

Emulation Lodge Of Improvement.

In 1830 the " Lodge of Unions , " now No . 256 , agreed to the transference of the sanction from No . 7 , and ever since that year the two organizations have been on the best of terms and mutually honouring each other . The term Lodge of Instruction was dropt for Improvement . In 1825 , the famous Masonic instructor , Bro . PETER

WILLIAM GILKES , joined , and thereafter the success of the new departure was assured . The handsome volume treats most fully of all the Preceptors , officers , and chairmen of festivals , besides communicating a mass of information concerning the recognized work and collateral matters which cannot be met with

elsewhere . The attractive history is most valuable because of the numerous particulars afforded respecting many brethren whose names are " household words" wherever the Craft is beloved ; and , moreover , being to date , concerns many distinguished brethren who happily are still with us .

I do not know any one else who could have clone justice so thoroughly to a history of this , the Lodge of Improvement , and all of us who are members of such a useful and venerable institution cannot be too grateful to Bro . Sadler for this important and most accurate work . The numerous illustrations add much to the value of the tasty volume , and beyond

question , both typographically and artistically , it reflects the greatest credit on the printers and publishers . The dedication being to Bro . Robert Clay Sudlow , P . A . G . D . C , senior member of the committee , whose portrait makes an excellent frontispiece , will be widely appreciated . W . T . HUGHAX .

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