History Of Freemasonry In Worcestershire.

The lodge prospered in its new location . In October we find it recorded that ten Apprentice Masons are passed to the second degree , and two initiated . On the 17 th November it is resolved that a jewel be presented to each of the Past

Masters of the lodge . In December , a letter was read from Bros . W . Pullen and J . McMillan requesting the W . Master to sign an application they propose making to the Grand Lodge for a Warrant of Constitution for a

new lodge in this city . Ordered that the Secretary acknowledge tlie receipt thereof , and the subject be taken into consideration at the next meeting ; when , the W . M . announced that "he aud his Wardens had signed the memorial of Bros . Pullen

and McMillan to the Grand Lodge for a Warrant of Constitution for a new lodge in this city . " Bro . Rising , Senior Steward , presents "Tour dozen beautiful cut firing glasses , " for which the thanks of the lodge are awarded . Five days

afterwards the Festival of St . John the Evangelist is celebrated , when there are forty-four members and seventeen visiting bi * ethren present !

In 1843 , 26 th March , Bro . Bennett , J . W ., occupies the Master ' s chair , ancl in the presence of three Past Masters , parses six brethren . In 1844 Bro- Read presents the lodge with several Masonic works , which were placed in

charge of a librarian , who is to lend them to any brother desirous of reading them . During tho vear twenty-four meetings are held . In February . 1846 , the first Masonic ball was given , at which four hundred and fifty ladies

and gentlemen of the city and county were present . In June a communication was read by the Secretary , entitled " a report of proceedings which had taken place at the Rein Deer , " with

respect to the formation of a new lodge to be called the Semper Fidelis , to be held at that inn , together with a petition to the Grand Lodge for a Warrant empowering them to meet as a regular loclge on the first Monday in each month , in

accordance with the Constitution of Free and Accepted Masons ; the communication stating that " they were induced to lay the matter thus publicly before the lodge from a desire to cultivate the most kindly feeling , and hoping to receive the

sanction and concurrence of the lodge , not anxious or expecting to rival it , but to become as it were a handmaid to the mother lodge ; when it was resolved " to support the petition , and give entire concurrence to the efforts being made . "

And in October , a communication from the Hon . Sec . of the Semper Fidelis Lodge , No . 772 , is read , enclosing the following resolution : — " That this lodge embraces the opportunity of its first meeting to record its high and grateful sense of

the truly fraternal and Masonic conduct of the Worcester Lodge , No . 349 , in at once acceding to the request of the promoters of this lodge , to recommend their application for a warrant of Constitution , and for the many instances which it has

already received of friendly and fraternal feeling on the part of Lodge 349 . " In 1849 the by-laws are once more revised . The fourth volume of the minutes commenced in 1 S 51 . In that year the second Masonic ball is

held , equally successful with the first . In 1852 , it was resolved that the stock of wine should be sold . It realised £ 85 3 s . 9 d .

A concert is given by the lodge in connection with Semper Fidelis Lodge , the proceeds , about £ 40 , are divided between the Opthalmic Institution , the Ladies' Charity , aud the Benevolent Institution .

On Feb . 19 th , the R . W . Prov . G . M ., Bro . Henry C . Yernon pays his first visit to the lodge . In June , 1853 , a proposition is read from Bro . Lechmere , W . M . of the Semper Fidelis Lodge , intimating his desire "that a Committee of the

Worcester Lodge should be appointed to confer with a Committee of that lodge relative to the subject of building rooms for the common use of both lodges , " when the W . M ., Past Masters , and Wardens are appointed a Committee for this

purpose . In December , 1862 , a letter is read from the W . M . of the Semper Fidelis Lodge , 772 , proposing " that some monument should be erected to the memory of onr late Bro . Past Master Bennett , ' - ' when a committee is appointed to

confer with the sister lodge upon the subject , which resulted in a memorial window in the Cathedral , by Lavers ancl Barraud , of London . In 1863 , the number of the lodge is altered from 349 to 280 on the register of Grand Lodge .

At the close of the year 1865 , it is reported " that seven initiates and two joining brethren have been added to the roll of members , which now numbers seventy-three subscribing , three honorary , and four members abroad . "

In Nov ., 1855 , W . Bro . Albert Hudson Royds , P . M . 273 , and D . Prov . G . M . East Lancashire , is elected as a joining member .