History Of Freemasonry In" Cornwall.

faction in stating that the lodge ably sustained its well-merited position as a friend to deserving but unfortunate brethren or dependants by granting the sum of four guineas to assist the widow of the late Bro . Mark Fudge . Bro . Robert Snell was

elected R . W . M ., December 2 nd , 1800 . The minutes of March 3 rd , 1801 , informs that the " R . W . M . produced a letter from the Prov . G . S ., to acquaint the brethren that a Provincial Grand Lodge was appointed to be held at this hotel , on

Friday next , for the benefit of Bro . Fisher , in consequence of which the Secretary was requested to issue notices , requiring the attendance of the brethren on the occasion ; it was also unanimousl y resolved , " that the Bible belonging to this lodge be not lent , or carried to the theatre . " The

members subscribed for two copies of Finche ' s " Key to Masonry , " so that it appears that worthless individuals found dupes even in Cornwall . The lodge , however , did not close without performing a wiser and more Masouic act , by granting the

sum of one guinea , " for the acceptance of Bro . Hugh Wylde , who had unfortunately met with an accident . A petition was received from " John Strong , then in the county goal of Durham , for a supposed forgery . The said petition was taken

into consideration , and the Secretary requested to write to the lodge at Durham , in behalf of the unfortunate brother . "

We think our friends cannot fail in beinoamused and pleased with the following , October Gib , A . D . 1801 . " The minutes of the last lodge night being read and confirmed , the R . W . M ., publicly censured the Secretary for irregularity in

omitting to bring with him the minutes of the lodge inserted in the book , he having produced them on a sheet of paper only ; in consequence of which he justly apologised for his conduct , and adverted to the inconvenience of bringing his book through

the concourse of people assembled in the streets , loyal and happy spectators of the illumination this night exhibited on the very happy event of the return of peace . The R . W . M ., passing over the neglect condescendingly delivered an excellent

lecture on the first degree of Masomy , with his accustomed ability , for which he very graciousl y accepted the thanks of the brethren , and after the usual question being asked and thrice put , the lodge was closed in due form . " "The W . S . W .

having pointed out the extreme distress by severe illness of an unfortunate brother , it was unanimously agreed to contribute towards his relief by

allowing him five shillings per week , until the next regular lodge night . " At a subsequent lodge the sum of five shillings was also voted for a brother who had been extremely ill . " The election of officers took place December

7 th , 1802 , when Bros . John Tresiddev , John Duckam , and Benjamin Osier were unanimously elected as the' W . M ., Treasurer , and Secretary respectively . The W . M ., kindly undertook the revision of the by-laws , and in addition , proposed

his son for initiation into the mysteries of Freemasonry . The proposition was of course well received . Those who are interested in the subject of the initiation of Lewises , will find an extraordinary event narrated by the writer in the " FREEMASONS' MAGAZINE AND MASONIC MIRROR , "

No . 381 , page 314 , October 20 th , 1865 , which occurred at the Druid ' s Lodge , Redruth . Judging from the minutes , for the first time an installation ceremony was used at the election and appointment of the officers . " Proper charges

were given and suitable replies thereto . " It was ordered at the meeting-, held August 2 nd , 1 S 03 , " That the sum of three guineas be drawn out of the hands of the Prov . G . Sec , for the use of Bro . Robert Behennia , agreeably to the

resolutions of the last Provincial Grand Lodge , holden at Penryn , and that the money so drawn be at the disposal of the R . W . M . of this lodge . " After the lodge had been employed in lecturing , and all other business finished , it was closed in due form . "

At a subsequent meeting a letter was read b y the R . W . M . " from Bro . Philip Pullen , a prisoner in the King ' s Bench , enclosing imaginary notes to the amount of 20 s . " It was ordered to remain over until the next regular night , which

occurred 5 th June , 1804 , when the R . W . M . very kindly responded to such a novel application for raising money , by sending a £ 1 note , in exchange for the curiosities , and offered to sell them to the members at Is . each .

As an evidence of the position of the lodge at this date , the following abstract of the fees due to Grand Lodge up to the end of the last year will be interesting : — - To Dec . 31 st , 1803 . 8 makings , 5 s . each , £ 2 0 0 28 Members , 23 . each 2 16 O

£ i 16 0 The subject of a new lodge room was introduced , but met » vith little support . The " late Quakers ' meeting house" was mentioned as a suitable