Notes On The Old Minute Books Of The British Union Lodge, No. 114, Ipswich. A.D. 1762.

and to what is of so great value in these days of calumny and calling in question , the collection and preservation of masonic facts . To return to the minutes—we have here to note that the information is of tbe most

meagre description , the account of each Lodge meeting contains little more than a list of names of those present , and now and then a cash account , from which Ave gather that all refreshment supplied was at the expense of the Lodge funds , except in

the case of a visitor , who Avas generally mulcted of eighteen pence for what be took . In September , 1781 , the Lodge Avas removed to Bro . S . Ribbans ' at tbe " Golden Lyon , " then , as now , a famous hostelry , and

on tbe folloAving Lodge nig ht it was ordered " that the Secretary do send to the Grand Lodge to acquaint tbem of tbe same immediately , to have their approbation . " It AVOUICI appear that the Procincial Grand Master was never consulted in the matter . At tbe present time it is doubtful whether a step of this kind would be allowed without tbe sanction of the

P . G . M . At tbe Lodge held in June 1782 , we note tbe presence of a visiting brother , Andrew Gough , from the United Traders ' Lodge , " Pewter Platter , " Hart Street , Covent Garden . We cannot find this Lodge in tbe Cosmopolitan Masonic

Calendar , perhaps our good Brother Hughan can tell us if it is still in existence . On the 24 th . June , St . John Baptist ' s day , we find that tbe festival was duly kept , and apparently at tbe expense of the Lodgefor under the bead of

disburse-, ments , we notice the significant items , Bill £ 2 17 s . lOd . ; servants , 5 s . Eleven brethren were present . On the 30 tb June , we find tbe following interesting minute : — " This evening Mr . Wm . Laneoperative masonwas made in

, , due forme , and raised ( sic ) to ye second degree , and paid his admission money into the bands of tbe Treasurer , and one pound one shilling for tbe expence of the evening . " ' The admission fee at the time appears to bave been £ 2 2 s . besides a registration

, fee of 8 s . 6 d ., and tbis only took tbe brother into tbe 2 nd degree . There could hardly bave been any settled fee , boAvever , after initiation , for

we find Bro . Philby charged 8 s . 6 d . for the 2 nd and 3 rd degrees , which Avere both g iven to him on one night , the 2 nd Oct ., 1781 , and on the same occasion Bro . John Coveuoy , a visiting brother , Avas raised a Master Mason , and charged 10 s . 6 d . for

the degree . On the occasion of Bro . Lane ' s being initiated , he is charged £ 2 2 s ., besides 8 s . 6 d . registration fee , and an extra 2 s . 6 d . for being raised to tbe 2 nd degree—[ so that Avith tbe amount charged " for the expense of tbe evening , "—the

operative Mason piays altogether , £ 3 14 s . — Avliicb only takes him through the second degree . ] Let us hope be Avas a well-to-do operative , or be Avould not bave much encouragement to proceed furtherfrom the fees and

, fines exacted . By the way , it lias always struck us that it is a great pity Grand Lodge does not encourage the admission of operative masons , and the formation of operative Lodges , pure and simple , Avbere tbe

principles of architecture , and tbe mysteries of building might be taught . In Scotland , some of tbe ancient operative Lodges still exist , and speculative masonry is still connected with its originator , operative masonry , much , we trust , to their mutual

advantage . At present , so far as we know , there is no connection between tbe Craft and the architects and builders of to-day—more ' s tbe pity , at least so far as England is concerned .

In tbe Antient and Accepted Rite there is a degree , tbe 12 th of that Rite , and the 9 th of the Ineffable series , known as Grand Master Architect , AVMCII presupposes a connection with operative masonry and of Avbieb Ave find tbe following account

in Webb's Freemason ' s Monitor , an American work of some reputation : — " This is strictly speaking- a scientific degree and much resembles in this respect the second or Fellow Craft degree of the York Rite . In it tbe principles of architecture , and tbe connection of the liberal arts and

sciences with masonry are unfolded , and tho lecture embraces a series of instructions Avell calculated to interest tbe neophyte . The candidate for admission is subjected to a rigid examination as to bis skill and proficiency iu architecture ( masonry ) , and is required to produce evi-