Masonic Red Cross Order.

Bro . 0 . Fitzgerald Matier , 30 ° , folloAvs on the side of Lupus , * and insists that " the Masonic order , although purporting to be of very ancient origin , and derived from the Order of Constantine , in reality was invented scarcely more than fifty

years ago , and that " the ceremonial used in those times differed exceedingly , from that which was introduced at the so-called revival , three or four years ago under Lord Kenlis . " " But , " he continues , " Avhen we are distinctly told by the Grand

Recorder } - of the Anglican Order that it is the only legal representative of the order of Constantine . . j it becomes the duty of every man , Mason or not , AVIIO knows the truth , to take up arms in defence of truth . ' ' ( To be continued ) .

History Of Freemasonry In Worcestershire.

HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY IN WORCESTERSHIRE .

"THE WOECESTEE LODGE . " ( Continued from page 3 . J ) The Worcester Lodge is stated to be in posses . sion of all the official documents relating to the union of the tAvo Grand Lodges in 1813 .

We are informed that up to the period of the union the Constitutions required that Avhite aprons , & u ., should be worn by allbeloAV the rank of Grand Masters and Wardens . In May , 1314 , the Grand Lodge issues the edict that sky blue should be

the distinguishing colour of the Craft , and in 1815 " pattern aprons were obtained , " and materials procured for the sashes (?) and collars of the officers of the Worcester Lodge . In 1818 a new lodge " Mercy and Truth " was

opened at Evesham , but Avas closed in 1831 . The records remain in the hands of Bro . B . Workman , AVIIO Avas the W . M . during four or five years . At the close of 1820 the Secretary returned 27

members to Grand Lodge . To this period , says Bro . Griffiths , the information given of the AVorcestev Lodge is obtained from various sources , public and private , but he lie assures us they are reliable and authentic .

Efforts have been made to recover the missing volumeof the minutes , containing the records of the first 30 years , but Avithout avail . He does not yet despair of its restoration , it being known that it was in existence Avithin a few years . He cherishes

the hope that hy the reiteration of the loss , further search may be made on the book-shelves of the brethren and the treasure restored .

From January , 1820 , the history of the Worcester Lodo-e is obtained from the minute books of the lodo-e , of Avhich there are four volumes . From 1820 to 1828 many meetings Avere held , but Avith little result . From 13 to IS meetings

ivere held annually , but at some of these the lodge Avas not opened for Avant of the requisite number ; in more than one year no ceremony took place , and only one member Avas admitted . On rare occasions the ceremon } ' of raising was entered

upon , and Avhen performed , the lodge seems to be indebted to the services of a quondam member Avho attended for the purpose . " At this period , " says the author , " it would seem a necessary preliminary to a brother's advancement that one

member should propose and another support the proposition that he should be passed or raised at the convenience of the Worshipful Master . Brethren of later days may Avell be grateful that no such formality or difficulty impedes their progress , and that modern Masters regard their duty more than their convenience . "

If the business of the lodge does not SIIOAV favourably , the funds steadily increase , for on the removal to the Bell Hotel , Avhen considerable expenditure Avas necessary for furniture , carpets , & c , the funds in hand amounted to £ 186 17 s . 8 d .

Selecting the most interesting salient points of the minutes , Ave find on the Sth January , 1820 , eleven members present , and it is resolved to have four dinners , two banquets , and tAvelve suppers . March 1 . —Newby-laAvs are introduced and

approved . On the 15 fch of the same month W . Bro . Thomson visits the lodge , and is asked by the W . M . to " take the chair , Avhen the first section in the first degree was most ably illustrated , and the W . M . begged the respective clauseholders to

accept his best thanks . In recognition of Bro-Thomson ' sserviceson anotheroccasion , itis resolved that he should become a member of the lodge Avithout payment of the fees , but although his name aftevsvurds appears , we do not find any record of the proposition being carried . June 13 , 1831 . —The brethren are invited to