Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Gould's History Of Freemasonry.*
As to Masonic Degrees , I think we are pretty well agreed , and so for that matter , as to most , if not all , of the many questions treated so ably and exhaustively by the Masonic Historian of the Craft . Chapters IX .. X .. and XL on Masons' Marks , the Quatuor Coronati , and the Apocryphal MSS . are written so pleasantly as to lead us to desire
more , and , as the volumes run on , that feeling is accentuated , for the condensation increases to such an extent , that one feels , extensive as the work is , the author is much cramped for space and could easily have filled another volume of Koo pages , as the facts were developed , classified , and duly detailed .
Freemasonry in England , for the first time , receives ample justice , and though it must be admitted that as respects Lodge Records we fall far short of our Scottish neighbour , yet the many copies of the " Old Charges "of which the Scottish versions are copies—and the numerous references to Free Carpenters , Free Sewers , & c , as well as the Records of the Masons ' Company , for the fitst time described , render the English portions of great value and abiding interest . The legend of the Craft , on the strength
of the Halliwell MS . is taken back to Henry III ,, and the initiation of Ashmole in 1646 , of Holme , and others , so graphically illustrated by Rylands , and utilised by Gould for this part of the work , prove that there is no lack of evidence , apart from Plot , of Masonic activity in England during the seventeenth century , during which period it is shown that there is no proof that more than a single degree—i . e . — a secret form of reception—was known to and practised by the Craft .
The Grand Lodge of Ireland is treated as its undoubted antiquity deserves , and York ( with its old Lodge and Grand Lodge ) is well cared for , several of the invaluable documents relating to its early transactions in Lodge being given in extenso . In fact , all Grand Lodges are , as far as needs be , or can be , interestingly described , especially those of France and Germany .
The records of the Grand Lodge of England , from 1723 , have also been noted for the purposes of the History , and are now rendered accessible to the Masonic student , through the well directed efforts of our Historian ; the " Ancients " also being duly described , and the merits and demerits of each are impartially considered , when the need exists for plain speaking on the doings of our Masonic forefathers .
The Chapters on " Sea and Field Lodges" include an immense number of particulars , in chronological order , relative to the introduction of Freemasonry into America , and the one devoted to a critical view of the subject is of special interest and permanent value . That both sections of the American Fraternity who favour either what may be termed the Philadelphian or Boston theories of the origin of the Craft in that great Continent ,
have somewhat to satisfy their views , shows how impartially Bro . Gould has dealt with the rival claims , and I for one , think that his decision will stand the test of time : Philadelphia having the first lodges , so far traced , though the circumstances of their origin have not been traced , and Boston having the first warranted lodge through authority from this country . The Grand Lodge of Philadelphia
appears to have been independent , as at York , in 1725 . and as yet no proof has been submitted that the first Prov . G . M . appointed in 1730 , for New Ydk , New Jersey , and Penn'a ever chartered any lodges , whereas we know that Price did . though apparently Coxe did not . There were at Cork ( Ireland ) , and York ( England ) , independent Grand Lodges , so there need be no wonder of a similar body existing in Pennsylvania , and that there was such cannot , I think , be gainsayed .
But all these points open up many other questions , and my brief notice of this great work must end . I must again , however , express my most hearty appreciation of Bro . Gould's labours , my sense of the great indebtedness of the Craft to him , and my belief that his History will be accepted as by far the best of the kind in every sense of the term that has ever been published . The publisher has done his utmost to render the volumes most
attractive typographically , and the numerous portraits of distinguished Masons and other valuable plates add much to the worth and importance of the History of Freemasonry , neither must I forget the elaborate and very handy index to what is as the " Keystone" states " the magnum opus , not only of this century , but of all centuries in Masonic literature . " It will be accepted as the History of the Craft the wide world over . W . J . HUGHAN .
Early Mention Of " Deacons " In The Athol Grand Lodge Minutes.
EARLY MENTION OF " DEACONS " IN THE ATHOL GRAND LODGE MINUTES .
If the cases cited by Bro . Lane and myself in connection with the early appointment of "Deacons" in private lodges under the "Athol " system are important , the following , in which Grand Deacons and Provincial Grand Deacons figure , though it is many years later , will , I imagine , be found
hardly less so . I met with it in my search after particulars for a Masonic memoir of the Duke of Kent , and its association with the career of that illustrious personage will probably endue it with a certain amount of interest .
A Warrant constituting his Royal Highness Prince Edward Grand Master of the " Ancients" in the Province of Lower Canada having been granted by the Grand Lodge of England , on the 7 th March , 1792 , and transmitted to Quebec in due course , but unaccompanied by the usual "Order of Deputation" for installing the Prince , the Masters and Wardens of
Lodges Nos . 9 , 40 , and 241 met , and deputed " Bro . Alexander Wilson , Doctor of Physick , " to perform the ceremony . On the 22 nd June following , the brethren assembled in Freemasons' Hall , at 9 a . m ., under a warrant dated the day previous from the Masters and Wardens of the said lodges , and Bro . Wilson , having taken the chair , appointed the following as his Grand Officers for the occasion , viz . : —
James Davidson ... ... .,, ... Dep . Grand Master . John Lynd ,,. ... ... ... Sen . Grand Warden George Beattie ... ... ... ... Jun . Grand Warden Andrew Cameron ... ... ... ... Grand Treasurer .
William Lindsay , jun . ... ... ... Grand Secretary . Edward Byrn ,,, ... ... ... Sen . Grand Deacon Thomas Dodd .,, ... ... ... Jun . Grand Deacon George Moorhead ... ... ... Grand Pursuivant . John Burrell .,, ... ... ... Grand Tyler .
Early Mention Of " Deacons " In The Athol Grand Lodge Minutes.
Grand Lodge having been " opened in due form , " and his Royal Highness having been " announced and introduced by the Deputy Grand Master , and his Warrant from the Grand Lodge of England read , " the Prince was " Installed agreeable to the ancient custom of the Society " and "The Grand Lodge pro tempore was then closed . "
" His Royal Highness was pleased to appoint and invest the following brethren officers of the Provincial Grand Lodge in Lower Canada ( viz . ) : Alexander Wilson , Esq ., Surgeon to the Royal Artillery and Ordinance ( sic ) ... ... Dep . Grand Master . Jonas Watson , Esq ., Major and Major of Brigade ... Sen . Grand Warden Thomas Ainslie , Esq ., Collector of his Majesty ' s
Customs ... ... ... ... Jun . Grand Warden James Davidson ... ... ... ... Grand Secretary . John Lynd ... ... ... ... Grand Treasurer . The Rev . Daniel Kieth ( sic ) ... ... ... Grand Chaplain . F . Augustus Witherall , Esq ., Captain nth Regiment
of toot ... ... ... ... Senr . G . Deacon . William Lindsay , jun . ... ... ... Junr . G . Deacon . George Moorhead ... ... ... Grand Pursuivant . John Burrell ... ... ... ... Grand Tyler . " The Provincial Grand Lodge being opened in Ample Form ,
" The Fraternity walked round the Hall in Procession according to Antient Usage , and paid the usual Compliments on the Occasion , " and having done this , the brethren went in procession to church , the Grand Master being in the place of honour with the " Two Grand Deacons with Rods , " and the Marshal of the procession in attendance upon him . After
Divine service , the procession returned to the Hall , and " his Royal Hi ghness dismissed the brethren , who retired to their respective Lodge Rooms to Dinner . " Later in the day " the whole Fraternity again Assembled at the Hall , and were joined by the Grand Master at half-past five o'Clock in the Evening ; and after receiving the usual Honours , His Royal Highness retired at half-past Six . "
The full account from which the above particulars are taken is signed " James Davidson , G . Secretary , Province ot Lower Canada , " and entered in the minutes of the Athol Grand Lodge . There can , therefore , be no question as to the event described and the circumstances accompanying it , including , of course , the appointment by Bro . Wilson , of the two Grand
Deacons in " the Grand Lodge pro tempore , " and of the same two officers in the "Provincial Grand Lodge in Lower Canada" by his Royal Highness , having been fully endorsed by the highest Masonicauthority , viz ., that of the " Grand Lodge of England , " according to the " Athol , " or " Ancient " system .
I must reserve what I have to say further about Lodge No . 1 for a future occasion , as I am writing this away from home and without notes to refer to . I may state , however , that I regret having misunderstood " the scope " of Bro . Lane ' s reference to it , and ami glad to find that he does not consider
the " No . 1 " referred to in the minutes of the early Athol Lodge , about which he offered certain remarks , and in the Grand Lodge minutes of certain specified dates , and " Grand Master ' s Lodge , No . 1 , " of August , 1759 , creation are one and the same lodge . GEORGE BLIZARD ABBOTT .
The Order Of The Secret Monitor.
THE ORDER OF THE SECRET MONITOR .
At the recent meeting of the Grand Council of the Order for the United Kingdom and the Colonies and Dependencies of the British Crown , the Grand Chancellor brought up a complete set of Constitutions for the Government of the Order , which were unanimously adopted . In these Constitutions the object of the Order is set forth as follows : —
The special feature of the Order consists in this . Every conclave shall appoint not more than four visiting Deacons , whose duty it shall be to search out and call upon any brother who maj be in danger or distress , or who may have fallen into ill health , or may be in need of fraternal monition , sympathy , consolation , or assistance . This duty shall be recognised in every set of b y-laws sanctioned for any conclave ,
and the S . R . of every conclave at his installation must be duly warned that he will be held responsible to the Grand Council for the proper and effective carrying out of this Constitution . He will also take care to impress the importance of this matter upon those whom he may appoint as his visiting Deacons .
Forms of application for warrants must be signed by not less than three members of the Order , and the charge for a warrant will be five guineas . The annual subscription from conclaves to the funds of Grand Council is to be divided equally between the working expenses and the Charity Fund . The following are the members of the Grand Counci l for the year 1887 :
Bro . Col . Shadwell H . Clerke , 33 , G . S . ... ... P . S . Grand Ruler . „ C . F . Matier , 32 ° ... ,,. ... P . S . Grand Ruler . „ Dr . J . Zacharie ... .,, ... S . Grand Ruler . „ J . Lewis Thomas , 18 , P . A . G . D . C . ... ... Dep . Grand Ruler . „ F . A . Philbrick , B . A ., Q . C ., G . R ., 32 ° ... Grand Chancellor . J
„ Uen . J . btudholme Brownrigg , C . B ., 33 , P . G . W . Grand Chamberlain . „ Gen . C . W . Randolph , 32 , P . P . G . W . ... Grand Guide . „ W . G . Lemon , LL . D ., 30 ... ... Grand Treasurer . „ W . J . Spratling , B . Sc , 18 ° ... ... Grand Recorder . „ Magnus Ohren , 32 ° , P . A . G . D . C . ... ... Grand Visitor . 0
„ C . Belton , 30 , P . P . G . D . ... ... ... Grand Visitor . „ Sir R . Harley , K . C . M . G . ... ... Grand Standard Bearer . „ Edgar Bowyer , 18 ° , P . G . Std . Br . ... ... Grand Bow Bearer . „ Lennox Browne , 18 ° ... ... ... Grand Guarder . „ H . D . Sandeman , 33 ° , P . D . G . M . Bengal ... Grand Councillor . „ A . M . Broadley , 32 ° , P . P . G . W . ... ... Grand Councillor . „ Rowe ... ... .,, ,,, Grand Sentinel .
Further appointments will be made shortly . A model set of by-laws was discussed and finall y recommended to be adop ted , subject to any ( non-fundamental ) alterations desired by a conclave . The number of applications for membership of the Order is already very large j and it is confidently believed that as soon as it becomes well known , a conclave of the Order will be as necessary an accompaniment of any Craft lodge as is at present a Royal Arch Chapter .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Gould's History Of Freemasonry.*
As to Masonic Degrees , I think we are pretty well agreed , and so for that matter , as to most , if not all , of the many questions treated so ably and exhaustively by the Masonic Historian of the Craft . Chapters IX .. X .. and XL on Masons' Marks , the Quatuor Coronati , and the Apocryphal MSS . are written so pleasantly as to lead us to desire
more , and , as the volumes run on , that feeling is accentuated , for the condensation increases to such an extent , that one feels , extensive as the work is , the author is much cramped for space and could easily have filled another volume of Koo pages , as the facts were developed , classified , and duly detailed .
Freemasonry in England , for the first time , receives ample justice , and though it must be admitted that as respects Lodge Records we fall far short of our Scottish neighbour , yet the many copies of the " Old Charges "of which the Scottish versions are copies—and the numerous references to Free Carpenters , Free Sewers , & c , as well as the Records of the Masons ' Company , for the fitst time described , render the English portions of great value and abiding interest . The legend of the Craft , on the strength
of the Halliwell MS . is taken back to Henry III ,, and the initiation of Ashmole in 1646 , of Holme , and others , so graphically illustrated by Rylands , and utilised by Gould for this part of the work , prove that there is no lack of evidence , apart from Plot , of Masonic activity in England during the seventeenth century , during which period it is shown that there is no proof that more than a single degree—i . e . — a secret form of reception—was known to and practised by the Craft .
The Grand Lodge of Ireland is treated as its undoubted antiquity deserves , and York ( with its old Lodge and Grand Lodge ) is well cared for , several of the invaluable documents relating to its early transactions in Lodge being given in extenso . In fact , all Grand Lodges are , as far as needs be , or can be , interestingly described , especially those of France and Germany .
The records of the Grand Lodge of England , from 1723 , have also been noted for the purposes of the History , and are now rendered accessible to the Masonic student , through the well directed efforts of our Historian ; the " Ancients " also being duly described , and the merits and demerits of each are impartially considered , when the need exists for plain speaking on the doings of our Masonic forefathers .
The Chapters on " Sea and Field Lodges" include an immense number of particulars , in chronological order , relative to the introduction of Freemasonry into America , and the one devoted to a critical view of the subject is of special interest and permanent value . That both sections of the American Fraternity who favour either what may be termed the Philadelphian or Boston theories of the origin of the Craft in that great Continent ,
have somewhat to satisfy their views , shows how impartially Bro . Gould has dealt with the rival claims , and I for one , think that his decision will stand the test of time : Philadelphia having the first lodges , so far traced , though the circumstances of their origin have not been traced , and Boston having the first warranted lodge through authority from this country . The Grand Lodge of Philadelphia
appears to have been independent , as at York , in 1725 . and as yet no proof has been submitted that the first Prov . G . M . appointed in 1730 , for New Ydk , New Jersey , and Penn'a ever chartered any lodges , whereas we know that Price did . though apparently Coxe did not . There were at Cork ( Ireland ) , and York ( England ) , independent Grand Lodges , so there need be no wonder of a similar body existing in Pennsylvania , and that there was such cannot , I think , be gainsayed .
But all these points open up many other questions , and my brief notice of this great work must end . I must again , however , express my most hearty appreciation of Bro . Gould's labours , my sense of the great indebtedness of the Craft to him , and my belief that his History will be accepted as by far the best of the kind in every sense of the term that has ever been published . The publisher has done his utmost to render the volumes most
attractive typographically , and the numerous portraits of distinguished Masons and other valuable plates add much to the worth and importance of the History of Freemasonry , neither must I forget the elaborate and very handy index to what is as the " Keystone" states " the magnum opus , not only of this century , but of all centuries in Masonic literature . " It will be accepted as the History of the Craft the wide world over . W . J . HUGHAN .
Early Mention Of " Deacons " In The Athol Grand Lodge Minutes.
EARLY MENTION OF " DEACONS " IN THE ATHOL GRAND LODGE MINUTES .
If the cases cited by Bro . Lane and myself in connection with the early appointment of "Deacons" in private lodges under the "Athol " system are important , the following , in which Grand Deacons and Provincial Grand Deacons figure , though it is many years later , will , I imagine , be found
hardly less so . I met with it in my search after particulars for a Masonic memoir of the Duke of Kent , and its association with the career of that illustrious personage will probably endue it with a certain amount of interest .
A Warrant constituting his Royal Highness Prince Edward Grand Master of the " Ancients" in the Province of Lower Canada having been granted by the Grand Lodge of England , on the 7 th March , 1792 , and transmitted to Quebec in due course , but unaccompanied by the usual "Order of Deputation" for installing the Prince , the Masters and Wardens of
Lodges Nos . 9 , 40 , and 241 met , and deputed " Bro . Alexander Wilson , Doctor of Physick , " to perform the ceremony . On the 22 nd June following , the brethren assembled in Freemasons' Hall , at 9 a . m ., under a warrant dated the day previous from the Masters and Wardens of the said lodges , and Bro . Wilson , having taken the chair , appointed the following as his Grand Officers for the occasion , viz . : —
James Davidson ... ... .,, ... Dep . Grand Master . John Lynd ,,. ... ... ... Sen . Grand Warden George Beattie ... ... ... ... Jun . Grand Warden Andrew Cameron ... ... ... ... Grand Treasurer .
William Lindsay , jun . ... ... ... Grand Secretary . Edward Byrn ,,, ... ... ... Sen . Grand Deacon Thomas Dodd .,, ... ... ... Jun . Grand Deacon George Moorhead ... ... ... Grand Pursuivant . John Burrell .,, ... ... ... Grand Tyler .
Early Mention Of " Deacons " In The Athol Grand Lodge Minutes.
Grand Lodge having been " opened in due form , " and his Royal Highness having been " announced and introduced by the Deputy Grand Master , and his Warrant from the Grand Lodge of England read , " the Prince was " Installed agreeable to the ancient custom of the Society " and "The Grand Lodge pro tempore was then closed . "
" His Royal Highness was pleased to appoint and invest the following brethren officers of the Provincial Grand Lodge in Lower Canada ( viz . ) : Alexander Wilson , Esq ., Surgeon to the Royal Artillery and Ordinance ( sic ) ... ... Dep . Grand Master . Jonas Watson , Esq ., Major and Major of Brigade ... Sen . Grand Warden Thomas Ainslie , Esq ., Collector of his Majesty ' s
Customs ... ... ... ... Jun . Grand Warden James Davidson ... ... ... ... Grand Secretary . John Lynd ... ... ... ... Grand Treasurer . The Rev . Daniel Kieth ( sic ) ... ... ... Grand Chaplain . F . Augustus Witherall , Esq ., Captain nth Regiment
of toot ... ... ... ... Senr . G . Deacon . William Lindsay , jun . ... ... ... Junr . G . Deacon . George Moorhead ... ... ... Grand Pursuivant . John Burrell ... ... ... ... Grand Tyler . " The Provincial Grand Lodge being opened in Ample Form ,
" The Fraternity walked round the Hall in Procession according to Antient Usage , and paid the usual Compliments on the Occasion , " and having done this , the brethren went in procession to church , the Grand Master being in the place of honour with the " Two Grand Deacons with Rods , " and the Marshal of the procession in attendance upon him . After
Divine service , the procession returned to the Hall , and " his Royal Hi ghness dismissed the brethren , who retired to their respective Lodge Rooms to Dinner . " Later in the day " the whole Fraternity again Assembled at the Hall , and were joined by the Grand Master at half-past five o'Clock in the Evening ; and after receiving the usual Honours , His Royal Highness retired at half-past Six . "
The full account from which the above particulars are taken is signed " James Davidson , G . Secretary , Province ot Lower Canada , " and entered in the minutes of the Athol Grand Lodge . There can , therefore , be no question as to the event described and the circumstances accompanying it , including , of course , the appointment by Bro . Wilson , of the two Grand
Deacons in " the Grand Lodge pro tempore , " and of the same two officers in the "Provincial Grand Lodge in Lower Canada" by his Royal Highness , having been fully endorsed by the highest Masonicauthority , viz ., that of the " Grand Lodge of England , " according to the " Athol , " or " Ancient " system .
I must reserve what I have to say further about Lodge No . 1 for a future occasion , as I am writing this away from home and without notes to refer to . I may state , however , that I regret having misunderstood " the scope " of Bro . Lane ' s reference to it , and ami glad to find that he does not consider
the " No . 1 " referred to in the minutes of the early Athol Lodge , about which he offered certain remarks , and in the Grand Lodge minutes of certain specified dates , and " Grand Master ' s Lodge , No . 1 , " of August , 1759 , creation are one and the same lodge . GEORGE BLIZARD ABBOTT .
The Order Of The Secret Monitor.
THE ORDER OF THE SECRET MONITOR .
At the recent meeting of the Grand Council of the Order for the United Kingdom and the Colonies and Dependencies of the British Crown , the Grand Chancellor brought up a complete set of Constitutions for the Government of the Order , which were unanimously adopted . In these Constitutions the object of the Order is set forth as follows : —
The special feature of the Order consists in this . Every conclave shall appoint not more than four visiting Deacons , whose duty it shall be to search out and call upon any brother who maj be in danger or distress , or who may have fallen into ill health , or may be in need of fraternal monition , sympathy , consolation , or assistance . This duty shall be recognised in every set of b y-laws sanctioned for any conclave ,
and the S . R . of every conclave at his installation must be duly warned that he will be held responsible to the Grand Council for the proper and effective carrying out of this Constitution . He will also take care to impress the importance of this matter upon those whom he may appoint as his visiting Deacons .
Forms of application for warrants must be signed by not less than three members of the Order , and the charge for a warrant will be five guineas . The annual subscription from conclaves to the funds of Grand Council is to be divided equally between the working expenses and the Charity Fund . The following are the members of the Grand Counci l for the year 1887 :
Bro . Col . Shadwell H . Clerke , 33 , G . S . ... ... P . S . Grand Ruler . „ C . F . Matier , 32 ° ... ,,. ... P . S . Grand Ruler . „ Dr . J . Zacharie ... .,, ... S . Grand Ruler . „ J . Lewis Thomas , 18 , P . A . G . D . C . ... ... Dep . Grand Ruler . „ F . A . Philbrick , B . A ., Q . C ., G . R ., 32 ° ... Grand Chancellor . J
„ Uen . J . btudholme Brownrigg , C . B ., 33 , P . G . W . Grand Chamberlain . „ Gen . C . W . Randolph , 32 , P . P . G . W . ... Grand Guide . „ W . G . Lemon , LL . D ., 30 ... ... Grand Treasurer . „ W . J . Spratling , B . Sc , 18 ° ... ... Grand Recorder . „ Magnus Ohren , 32 ° , P . A . G . D . C . ... ... Grand Visitor . 0
„ C . Belton , 30 , P . P . G . D . ... ... ... Grand Visitor . „ Sir R . Harley , K . C . M . G . ... ... Grand Standard Bearer . „ Edgar Bowyer , 18 ° , P . G . Std . Br . ... ... Grand Bow Bearer . „ Lennox Browne , 18 ° ... ... ... Grand Guarder . „ H . D . Sandeman , 33 ° , P . D . G . M . Bengal ... Grand Councillor . „ A . M . Broadley , 32 ° , P . P . G . W . ... ... Grand Councillor . „ Rowe ... ... .,, ,,, Grand Sentinel .
Further appointments will be made shortly . A model set of by-laws was discussed and finall y recommended to be adop ted , subject to any ( non-fundamental ) alterations desired by a conclave . The number of applications for membership of the Order is already very large j and it is confidently believed that as soon as it becomes well known , a conclave of the Order will be as necessary an accompaniment of any Craft lodge as is at present a Royal Arch Chapter .