Masonic Notes And Queries.

MASONIC NOTES AND QUERIES .

THE AMIS BOX . THE practice of passing round the alms box at each _ meeting and offering it to each new member when he has means to contribute , is one of the oldest observances of the modem organization of Masonry . _ It has been practised for centuries , was a regular part of the ceremonial in the seventeenth century , and is referred to in the printed constitutions of 1723 . It is , too , a practice to be found in every country in which Masonry has been Under such circumstancesit is

introduced , and is extensively practised . , deeply to be regretted that it should be omitted from some silly notion , or from the desire of avoiding contribution . It is , too , a useful institution , as it is the means of providing an independent fund for benevolent purposes . Abroad , no Lodge or Chapter can be held without this observance . The foundation of it is attributable to the connexion which was formed with Craft Masonryand the introduction of various practiceseitherfor

, , _ direct objects or symbolically , as it is an ancient observance of the various trading and other guilds from which the various corporations and liycvy companies of this country are derived . Tims , if a freeman be admitted into one of the great city companies , the box is always pointed out to the new member , and he is required to contribute something ; and it is expected that a person in a decent position in society shall give a piece of gold . On further attending the court of the Chamberlain of London to be received

as a freeman ofthe City , the poorbox is again pointed out by the Chamberlain . The funds of this ancient poorbox are yearly distributed by the corporation of the City of London , additions being made to it from the general funds . In conformity with this custom , in many Lodges in this country , in Scotland , and in Ireland , and in Lodges and Chapters on the Continent , it is expected that the new member should give some handsome contribution

, although , of course , it is not known what he does give , any more than what each member gives when the box passes round . Some brethren are in the habit on an occasion of thanksgiving with them to contribute to the box of the Lodge more than on other occasions . The form of the alms' box and observances connected with it afford many opportunities for illustration by curious inquirers . —HYDE CLARKE .

joira XOORTIIOUCK ( Vol . v ., p . 1024 ) . There arc no records showing that this brother occupied any office in Grand Lodge up to the time of the revision of the Constitutions in 1784 ; but that he was held iu high estimation both by Grand Lodge and the Craft generally cannot be questioned . He was a native of Oimdle , in Northamptonshire ; and I should presume he was an attorney or barrister by

profession . Athough the Lodge of Merit ( No . C 87 ) , is comparatively a young Lodge , some of its members , by inquiry , may glean important particulars relative to John Noorthouck . — HENRY HADI . EY ( No . 55 ) , Nottingham . [ We shall feel obliged if some brother of No . G 87 , will answer this appeal . ] JOITC NOORTIIOTJCK ( Vol . v ., p . 1024 ) .

John Noorthouck continued an active member long after 1784 , for in 1793 he wrote some Masonic songs .