Masonic Notes And Queries.

mitted as members— -though not universally—as also all Past Officers of the GrantI Lodge , as well as all Grand Officers since appointed , which were not required in the first stage of the revival . I should like my readers to again peruse the series of articles in the " Voice " by our gootl Bro . Singleton on the Constitutions , & c ., for they will well repay another perusal

and assist me in explanation , & c . The 1723 Constitutions must always be highly valued by the Craft , and the volume increases in its pecuniary character most rapidly . 1 have in my time known it sold at five shillings by a second-hand bookseller , and of late seen . it priced at eight guineas (§ 1 . 25 to § 41 . 75 !) . I anticipate , in a feiv years , to hear of tbe price being much higher ,

as in most instances of late the copies have been secured for libraries , and will not again occur for sale . The reproduction by Bro . Kenning of this scarce work at the very trifling sum of 7 s . Od . ( about $ 2 ) is therefore most opportune , and nothing could well excel the volume thus presented to the Craft universal as a faithful likeness of the first Book of Constitutions of the first Grand Lodge . Bro .

Woodford , the able editor , has also inserted an exact transcript of the " Wilson MS ., " whicli is a version of the old operative Consticmions of thc seventeenth century , something similar to the first of the kind printed by Roberts in 1722 and Cole in 1828 . The first of these has been reprinted by Bro . Spencer , and I had a lithographic facsimile of the latter , issued in 186 9 , as also a repiint in part

of the 1723 edition ( whicli latter appeared also iu Bro . Spencer ' s handsome reprint of the " Constitutions ) . " Bro . Kenning ' s , however , is the fiiv , t' complete reprint in this country . In the United Sute ^ , however , there have been many , notably one in 1734 , by Bro . Benjrmin Franklin , of Philadelphia . Bro . Carson , in his most useful " Masonic Bibliography" ( wliich I am deeply grieved to find has not

been continued of late ) , styles it "Ihe first Masonic book printed on thc Continent of America , " and ttuly so , for it was most appropriate that the first Provincial Grand Lodge in the new country should be the first to reprint such a work published in the " old country . " The same excellent authority mentions fac-simile reprints in 1855 , by John W . Leonard & Co ., of New York , and in 18 54 by Leon

Hyneman , of Philadelphia . Bro . Carson says Bro . Anderson ' s name "docs not appear on the title-page nor in the book . " He will find otherwise by consulting the names of the Worshipful Masters and Wardens , as indicated before , for , with Bro . Woodford , I claim Dr . Anderson not only as the author of the book , but that he makes the claim in the work itself . ( To be continued . )

Supreme Grand Chapter.

SUPREME GRAND CHAPTER .

The following is the agenda for Wednesday , August 6 th : — The minutes of the last Quarterly Convocation to be read for confirmation .

The report of the Committee of General Purposes to the Supreme Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of England . —The Committee of General Purposes beg to report that they have examined thc accounts from the 16 th April to thc 16 th July , 18 79 , both inclusive , which they find to be as follows : —

£ _ . . 1 . Po balance , Grand Chapter 929 1 8 „ Unappropriated account ... 174 15 7 „ Subsequent receipts 417 8 2

_ . iS 2 i 5 5 . £ s- ' 1-Hy disbursements during" the Quarter ... 193 2 4 „ Balance 1157 9 o „ „ in unappropriated account ... 170 14 1

£ 152 ' 5 5 Which balances are in the Bank of England , Western Branch . The Committee have likewise to report that they have received the following petitions : — 1 st . From Comps . Edward George Sim as Z ., John

Longman Cogan . as II ., David Moses as J ., and eight t-thers for a chapter to be attached to the Sir Hugh Mydtlelton Lodge , No . 1602 , London , to be called the Sir Hugh Myddelton Chapter , and to meet at the Agricultural Hall , Upper-street , Islington . 2 nd . From Comps . Edward Haggis as Z ., Alfred

Frederick Donagan as H ., George Carrick as J ., and right others for a chapter to be attached to the Lodge of United Good Fellowship , No . 809 , Wisbech , to be called 'he Etheldreda Chapter , and to meet at the Rose and Crown Hotel , Wisbech , in the county of Cambridge . 3 rd . From Comps . Charles Hunter as Z ., Cornelius

Davies as H ., Robert Roberts as J ., and seven others for a chapter to be attached to the Madoc Lodge , No . 1509 , Portmadoc , to be called the Eryri Chapter , and to meet at the Masonic Hall , Poitmadoc , in the county of Carnarvon . 4 'h . From Comps . Robert Kalley Miller as Z . Alfred

, Isaac Bristow as II ., William Bristow as J ., and six others 'or a chapter to be attached to the Royal Naval College Lod ge , No . 1593 , Greenwich , to be called the Trafalgar Chapter , and to meet at the Ship Hotel , Greenwich , in the county of Kent . 5 * h . From Comps . George Edwards Walters as Z ,,

Pie-• ro Antonio Bianchi as H ., William Revert Marsh as J ., and seven others for a chapter to be attached to the Ley j * pring Lodge , No . 159 8 , Leytonstone , to be called the py S pring Chapter , and to meet at the Red Lion Tavern , "• ytonstone , in the county of Essex . ° th . From Comps . Frederick Bessant Williams as Z .,

Supreme Grand Chapter.

Ralph Gooding as H ., Alfred John Pritchard as J ., and six others for a chapter to be attached to the St . Martin ' sle-Grand Chapter , and to meet at the London , Fleet-street , in the City of London . 7 th . From Comps . John Thornhill Morland as Z ., Walter Ballard as H ., Edward Leader Shepherd as J ., and eleven others for a chapter to be attached to the Abbey

Lodge , No . 94 . 5 , Abingdon , to b ; called the Abbey Chapter , and to meet at the Abbey Council Chamber , Abingdon , in the county of Berks . 8 th . From Comps . Joseph Theophilus Chater as Z ., Edward Constant Ray as H ., Joseph Coleman Hughes as J ., and thirteen others for a chapter to be attached to the Perseverance Lodge , No . 1165 , Hong Kong , to be called

the Cathay Chapter , and to mett at Freemasons' Hall , Zetland-street , Victoria , Hong Kong , China . 9 th . From Comps . William Leather as Z ., William John Marrow as II ., John Graham Dunn as . [ ., anti nine others for a chapter to be attached to the Loyalty L , dge , No . 8 97 , St . Helen ' s , to be called the Loyalty Chapter , and to meet at the Masonic Rooms , Hall-street , St . Helen ' s , in the

county of Lancaster ( W . D ) . 10 H ) . From Comps . George Russell as Z ., William R . Parker as H ., Thomas James Hill as J ., and seven others for a chapter to be attached to the Port Natal Lodge , No . 73 8 , D'Urban , Port Natal , to be called the Port Natal Chapter , and to meet at the Masonic Hall , D'Urban , Natal , South Africa .

These petitions being in all respects regular , the Committee recommend that the prayers thereof be respectively granted . A memorial has also been received ftom the St . Anne ' s Chapter , No . 970 , East Looe—a ci . aitcr for which was granted by Grand Chapter on the 6 th November lastpraying that Comp . John Snell Tucker may be appointed to fill the office of the Thin ! Principal I ., in lieu of Comp .

William Fenwick resigned . It being shown that Como . Fenwick had permanently left the neighbourhood , and consequently could not act in the above capacity , the Committee recommend that the prayer of the memorial be granted . ( Signed ) JOHN CIIEATOS , G . Treasurer , President . Freemasons' Hall , London , W . C , 16 th July , 1879 .

Summer Festival Of The Peckham Lodge, No. 1475.

SUMMER FESTIVAL OF THE PECKHAM LODGE , No . 1475 .

This lodge held an emergency meeting at the Surrey Masonic Hall , Camberwell New-road , on Thursday , the 24 th ult ., for the dispatch of Masonic business , after which the brethren , accompanied by their wives , adjourned to the renowned Star and Garter , Richmontl , where , in the

handsome pavilion of that famous hotel , the company , to the number of seventy , sat down to a well-served and recherche banquet , under the immediate supervision of the courteous manager , Bro . Hunt . Thc general arrangements had been undertaken hy Bro . Rose , thc Director of Ceremonies , assistetl by Bros . Warren , Gompertz , Hilton , Page , anti Lovejoy , acting as

Stewards . Ample justice having been done to the good things provided , Bro . Vickery , tbe W . M ., proposetl the toasts of " The Queen " and " His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales , the Most Worshipful Grand Master of Masons , " which having been duly honoured , Bro . Thos . Stephens , the Immediate Past Master ,

proposed " The Health of the W . M ., " congratulating him on the success of the ladies' summer festival in connection with the lodge . He had hoped to have had such a meeting during his year of office , but he had not been so fortunate as Bio . Vickery in consummating his wishes . He hoped now they had found it practicable they shoultl meet on many future occasions in very much larger numbers .

Bro . Vickery briefly replied . Bro . Rose then proposed " The Health of the Ladies , " and , in a most exhaustive speech , dwelt on their influence over thc destinies of mankind in general , and of their staunch and faithful support of all the beneficent institutions established for the improvement of morals , the relief of suffering and distress , or comforting and soothing old

age ami sickness . From the cradle to the grave they were ever ready as ministering angels , with gentle care and disinterested love , to tentl and watch over us . Contrast their position now , as thc honoured partners of our fortunes in every condition of life , reigning supreme in our households , admitted to every post of honour in art and science , anti even to the throne of these mighty realms—hc said

contrast their position now , in this favoured land of ours , with what it was in the days when they were treated as serfs anil slaves , the spoil of their lords and masters , and say shall we be behind , as a truly cosmopolitan Order , ar . d not admit them to our festive boards ? He was glad to see the frigid barrier that would exclude them from our assemblies broken down , and a growing disposition amongst us

to admit them to our gatherings , to share our festivities . In conclusion , he thanked them for their company on this occasion , and hoped to meet them at many such like meetings . It is needless to say this toast was drunk in a bumper . Bro . Gower in a most happy and humorous speech replied . Bro . Warren proposed " Succiss to the Peckham Lodge , "

saying one of the great elements of success was unanimity , which he was happy to say not only existed between thc brethren , but was sharetl in by the f ir companirns who had done them honour by their presence . Bro . Gompcrtz , in reply , said it gave him great pleasure to respond to the toast so ably proposed and cordially received by our lady visitors who had graced our board with their kindly and genial presence , and on behalf

Summer Festival Of The Peckham Lodge, No. 1475.

of the founders , officers , and members of the lodge he most heartily thanked them . From the interest it was known they took in all things Masonic , he had no doubt they would like to hear something about Masonry in general and the Peckham Lodge in particular , and without any violation of Masonic law he would tell them something about it . The lodge was first called into existence

as a branch of the very flourishing body of Masonry in February , 1874 , since which time we have received seventyfour membeis into the fold . " For what object ? " you may say . To create a strong bond of union and a fraternal regard for the welfare of all who have the privilege of being received into its mysterious bonds , known to no other institution in the world . You may perhaps say , " But I

have heard that you spend all your means in banquets and feasting yourselves ; it may not be correct , but people do sometimes siy so , I suppose for the want of knowing better . " Well , Masons are very much like all other citizens of the world , fond of all the good things provided by a bountiful Providence for our use , and enjoy them to their utmost , without abuse j and , be it known , not to the

exclusion of thoughts for the wants of our less favoured or unfortunate brethren . I need only remind you that at the annual festivals , while all the good cheer is provided in abundance for our enjoyment , the busy Secretaries are preparing to announce their list of subscriptions , which have this year amounted to no less a sum than £ 37 , , a sum , I believe , unequalled by any kindred institution .

Perhaps you will say" That ' s all very well , but what have the Peckham Lodge done ? " Well , in the five years it has paid in Grand Lodge dues , which go to form a fund for benevolent purposes , about £ 130 ; and . during the same period , have sent four Stew _ r «' s to the festivals , with little short of £ 500 . This is all very good , but I fancy I hear some one say , " But you know you hare secrets , and you

should not have secrets from us , we do not like Masonry on that account . " I answer , but our secrets are only such as every honest man and faithful friend may be proud to keep j they are quite harmless ; there is neither plot or conspitacy in them ; we are only bound to keep inviolate our brethren's lawful secrets when they are committed to our care as such , and to guard his honour in his absence

as though he were present . Do you want to know any more of our secrets ?— go to Wood Green , and see how our unfortunate brethren's sons are cared for , and trained for useful pursuits ; or go to Battersea , and visit the Girls ' School , and see what care is bestowed on the daughters of less favoured members ; or again , take a trip to Croydon , anti see how old age and infirmity is soothed and comforted

by this beneficent Institution , and then think of the large sums of money distributed every month at our Board of Benevolence , to relieve present distress , and reinstate unfortunate members in positions of comparative comfort ;—all this is known to the wtrld , and is our secret . Would you know more ? I may yet tell you as a secret , that by diligence and perseverance your husband , brother , or sons ,

" members of this lodge , " may hope to occupy the proud position of Worshipful Masf-r of the Peckham Lodge . In conclusion , I lhank you , in the name of the lodge , for your smiles , and kindly presence here to-day , and hope this is only the beginning of an annual gathering that may tend to cement friendship , and create a bond of union that may be as strong and as lasting as that existing

between the members of the Peckham Lodge . Coffee was then served , and the company adjourned into the grounds , the weather being all that could be desired , and the rest of the evening was devoted to promenading and cheerful intercourse , all expressing their satisfaction with the success of the anangements , and a fervent hope that the ladies' festival may form part of our annual programme .

Our First Noble Grand Master.

OUR FIRST NOBLE GRAND MASTER .

J , SECOND DUKH OF MONTAOI * . Readers of Preston will , doubtless , call to mind that at the histoiic meeting of the " Four Old Lodges , " at the Apple Tree Tavern , Charles-street , Covent-gardcn , in February , 1717 , it was resolved to constitute themselves a

Grand Lodge , pro tem ., anil to hold the annual assembly at thc Goose and Gridiron , St . Paul ' s Churchyard , on . St John the Baptist ' s Day ( 24 th June ) next emuing , for the election of a Grand Master from among the brethren present , " till they should have the honour of a noble brother at their head . " Accordingly , the assembly was held on

the day appointed , and Bro . Anthony Sayer was elected , install -il , and saluted as Grand Master for the ensuing year . He was succeeded in turn by Bro . Geo . Payne , an antiquarian , and compiler of the Masonic Regulations of 1720 , Dr . Desaguliers , a learned natural philosopher , anil Geo . Payne for a second term of office . At the meeting of

Grand Lodge , on Lady Day , 1 7 , Grand Misier Payne , in accordance with the terms cl a resolution agreed to at the Quarterly Communication immediately preceding , proposed as his successor John , Duke of Monlagu , " at the time Master of a lodge , " ami his grace , being present , received the compliments of Grand Lodge , and at thc June

Communication was formally installed as Graml Master , in the presence of a numerous gathering of the Craft , the learned Desaguliers himself delivering au t legant oration on the principles of Masonry in honour of so auspicious an event . Thus but four short years clapped ere the wish of the brethren for a " noble brother '' to preside over them was fulfilled , and , reading by ihe light of the events

which happened during his Grand Mastership , and his conciliatory behaviour towards his most eccentric and irregular successor on the Masonic throne—Philip , Duke of Wharton—as well as by the memoirs whicli have come down to us in respect of his public and private life , we do not think it possible a better choice could have been made . It vt ill be our object in the course of the present article to present to