Masonic Notes And Queries.

Masonic Notes and Queries .

2 ( 54 ] RICHARD PLANTAGENET—MASON ! The rector of St . Edmond's , London , the Rev . VV . Benham , has been doxvn here in Alargate lecturing on the " Historical Alemorials of Kent . " He says , or rather the reporter of Kcblc ' s Gazette ( ioth November ) : "At Eastxvcll there is to be seen this entry in the church registry' Richard PlantagenetDecember 22 nd 1550 . He was

, , , son of ' Richard 111 ., xvho fled thither after the battle of Bosworth and xvorked as a mason for his living . ' " Of course Air . Benham never meant that the King , xvho xvas siain in battle , fled thither , but his son , Richard Plantagenet ,- that this son thenceforth earned his living as a mason , and the notice in the registry I take to be that of his death . Noxv Bosxvorth field was fought in 14 S 5 so that

Kichard must have xvorked as a mason for at least 05 years and died , say , an octogenarian . But xvho was Richard ? 1 have no good history with me ; but if I remember rightly Richard III . only had one son mentioned in history who xvas destined by his father to marry Elizabeth of York , ultimately the wife of Henry VII . Tins son hoxvever died too soon for the accomplishment of this purpose . Had he

any other sons ? And if so , on xvhat authority does Air . Benham state that he xvorked as a mason ? Let us prove this statement and we shall have indeed one royal brother at least previous to the revival . Had 1 been at the lecture I should havc soucrht an interview xvith Air . Benham ;

it is noxv too late , but if the editor would forward him a copy of this query next week ; xve might perhaps elicit from bim some \* ery interesting information . If a fact , let us knoxv all the particulars ; if only a tradition , let us know on what grounds it is based . A letter from Air . Benham to the Freemason xvill be appreciated by all of us . G . WM . SPETH .

263 } A GERAIAN WORK . The treatise alluded to by Bro . Tweddell , as quoted by Bro . Col . Alacleod Aloore , as translated in America , is mentioned by Kioss as published separately at Leipsic , in 1 S 02 , by Hartnoch . J . G . Von Herder , the great thinker and xvriter , seems to have composed it , and published it originally in thc " Adrastea , " a magazine of xvhich he xvas

the editor in 1 S 02 . Von Herder xvas made a Freemason at Riga in 17 G 6 , or 1767 , and in 1769 made a sea voyage , and is said to have visited England betxveen Alay and July , / 1 SG 9 . He was back in his own country in August , and at Paris in September , 1769 , and does not seem to have , again visited England . He may then have been at Liverpool , but 1 think we are bound to take his xvords " cum grano , "

as in the first place he xvas a very young Mason , and could knoxv nothing ol English Masonry generally . Even supposing his xvords arc literally true , they have no archmlogical importance , as no one doubts or denies that English Freemasons and Freemasonry did not enjoy a hundred years ago the good opinion and " prestige" they do noxv . Knoxving , hoxvever , from experience hoxv xvords are misunderstood , and

often twisted , I confess I should like to see the original German . Alasonic comity xvould bid us assume that the American translator quoted by Bro . Col . M . Moore has translated correctly . The essay as it appeared in the "Adrastea " runs thus : "Freimaurer , Fama Fraternitatis , Ueber den Zxveck der Freimaurerei , xvie sie von aussem erscheint . " It is singular that neither Lenning , Gadicke , Findel , nor thc Handbuch knoxv anything of this passage , and Lenning and

Gadicke do not mention Herder , though " Lenning ' s Encyclopedia" xvas published in 1 S 2 S , and Gadicke's "Freimaurer Lexicon " in 1 S 1 S . Von Herder xvas born in 1744 and died in 1 S 03 . I do not quite understand Bro . Txveddell ' s allusion to Cagliostro , as there is no evidence of his knowing Bro . Herder in any xvay . If any American or Student brother can put me in the xvay of seeing the original essay or translation I shall be much obliged . y AIASONIC STUDENT .

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS .

Craft ilasonrg .

FAITH LODGE ( No . 141 ) . —Tho installation meeting of this old lodge xvas held at Anderton ' s Hotel , Fleet-street , on the 30 th ult . Among those present xvere Bros . T . C . Walls , P . P . G . S . B . Aliddlescx , VV . M . ; Clarke , S . W ., VV . AI . elect ; Jordan , J . W . ; Fromholtz , S . D . ; Holmes , I . G . ; Carter , P . M ., Treas . ; VV . Stuart , P . M ., Sec . ; VV . Pope , P . AI . ; E . Hopxvood , P . P . G . S . B . AliddlescxP . AL ; GreenP . AI . ; Themans , P . AL ; C . Dairy ,

, , P . M . ; Rumball , P . AI . ; Alorrison , P . AI . ; Heaphy , I . P . AI . ; and others . Among the visitors were Bros . Emanuel , 15 ; Shells , 144 ; Ramsey , P . AI . 162 ; Foord , 179 ; Dickcson , 179 ; Cook , P . AI . 3 S 2 ; Langdale , 401 ; Hance , 507 ; Inman , SOi ; Blake , P . AI . 94 s ; Pratt , 037 ; Rec ) , 1044 ; Pope , P . AI . 1305 / Schwartz , 1425 ; lidgly , 144 ( 3 ; Pawsey , 1539 ; Cox , 1563 ; Jay , . 1614 ; Rushton , 1 C 77 ; Smith , 1 G 5 G ; Spooner , 165 G ; Newmard , Smith

1 G 93 ; Wray , P . M . 1707 ; Steng , 1790 ; and , 179 ° * 'ihe minutes ot the previous meeting having been read and confirmed txvo gentlemen xvere balloted for , and being in attendance xvere duly initiated into Craft mysteries by the W . M . Bro . Clarke , S . VV ., having been duly presented hythe I . P . M ., he xvas installed into the chair of K . S . by the W . M ., with the assistance of Bros . Hopxvood , P . M ., as S . W . ; Dairy , P . M ., as J . W . ; Stuart , P . AL , as D . C . ; and Morrison , P . AL , as I . G . The officers appointed and

invested xvere as follows : Bros . Jordan , S . W . ; fromholtz , J . VV . ; Carter , P . M ., Treas . ( 25 th time ); W . Stuart , Sec ; Coope , S . D . ; Holmes , j . D . ; AlcMulIen , I . G . ; Hudson , W . S . ; Hakim , A . W . S . ; Steng , D . C . ; Nathan , A . D . C . ; and Longstaffe , Tyler . The lodge xvas then closed and the brethren adjourned to the banquet . The usual toasts folloxved . " The Health of the W . AI . " xvas proposed by the I . P . M . " The Initiates " folloxved . This toast having been duly honoured and a response given , " The Health of the Installing Officer and

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I . P . M . " came next in order . At thc conclusion of his speech the W . AI . presented Bro . Walls xvith a Past Master ' s jeiVcl . The recipient having replied , the toast of " The Visitors" folloxved and was acknoxvledged by Bros . Blake , P . M . ; Pope , P . AI . ; and others . The pledge of" The Past Masters" xvas coupled with the name of Bro . VV . Pope , xvho replied . " The Treasurer and

Secretary " xvas xvarmly given from the chair , and the toast having been drunk xvith enthusiasm , Bros . Carter and Stuart ' replied . " The Masonic Charities " was responded to by Bros . Walls and Dairy , and " The Officers" by Bros . Jordan and Fromholtz . The proceedings , xvhich were throughout of a most agreeable and successful nature , then terminated .

DOMATIC LODGE ( No . 177 ) . —Presentation to Bro . George Everett and Mrs . Everett . —This lodge its regular November meeting on the 9 th inst . at Anderton ' s Hotel , Bro . William Herbage , W . M ., presiding . Amongst the brethren xvho attended were Bros . W . M . Foxcroft , S . W . ; J ? . Pierpoint , J . W . ; George Everett , P . AI ., Treas . ; Thomas Morris , P . AL , Sec ; H . Bowman Spink , P . AI . ; W . 1 . Ferguson , P . M . ; J . R . Foulger , P . M . ; Frederic

Kent , P . M . ; Edward White , P . M . ; Isaac Buscall , P . M . ; Harry Price , S . D . ; A . Simner , J . D . ; R . Alontague , I . G . ; and Richard Harvey , Stxvd . Visitors : Bros . H . Wootton , 19 S 6 ; H . M . Appleton , S . W . 1381 ; C . H . Everett , 19 S 7 ; G . Coles , 13 S 1 ; H . Stiles , I . P . M . 1507 ; VV . T . Buxton , 13 S 1 ; E . Ayling , W . AL 975 ; R . T . Whitley , P . AL 946 ; P . P . G . D . of C . Middlesex ; T . H . Pulsford , P . AI . n S , R . I . Vincent , W . AI . 1963 ; J . VV . Batton , S . D . 1613 ; VV .

E . Greaves , 1744 ; VV . Alann , P . AI . 1 S 6 ; T . H . Hartley , 106 S ; W . H . Baker , I . G . 144 G ; C . W . Blake , 11 S 5 ; VV . P . Webb , P . AL 13 S 1 ; G . A . Potter , J . W . 1964 ; H . Share , ' 55 Sj VV . H . Coulran , 1 G 37 ; R . H . Clemoxv , J . D . 15 S 9 ; F . H . Clemoxv , P . AI . 1 744 ; and H . Massey , P . AI . G 19 and 192 S ( Freemason ) . The Worshipful Master first raised Bro . VV . H . Emmerson , then passed Bro . E . J . Cook , and afterxvards initiated Mr . Carlo Torriani and Air . William Haynes .

After a notice of motion had been given by Bro . K Kent , P . M ., the lodge entered upon its next business , xvhich xvas the presentation of a testimonial to Bro . George Everett , P . AL , Treas ., and Airs . Everett . The testimonial to Bro . Everett consisted of an elegant tea and coffee service , and to Mrs . Everett of a gold brooch and earrings . On the tea caddy was this inscription : " Presented xvith a silver tea and coffee service to Bro . George Everett , P . M .

i ? 7 i rjSi , and P . Z . 177 and 13 S 1 , as a token of esteem and respect by the brethren and friends of the Domatic Lodge , No . 177 , Nov . 18 S 3 . " Accompanying the tea . and coffee service xvas an illuminated vellum framed in oak . The scroll on xvhich xvas inscribed the names of the subscribers xvas of quite a novel kind from a design of Bro . Harry Price , S . D . of the lodge , and beautifully painted by Miss Chargois , daughter of Bro . P . Chargois , of the Atlingxvorth

Lodge , Brighton . The border xvas composed of lilies and pomegranates . At the top forming a centre was a column surmounted by a globe xvith a veil throxvn over it , the xvholc forming a very pretty presentation of net n'ork , lily xvork and pomegranates . It xx-as . nicely framed in oak and forms a very handsome souvenir of the occasion . The inscription xx-as as folloivs . * " Domatic Lodge , No . 177 , Bro . Wm . Herbage , W . AI . Presented xvith a silver tea

and coffee service ( in open lodge ) to Bro . Geo . Everett , P . M . and Treas ., as a mark of esteem and respect by the lodge and the folloxving members and friends ; also a gold brooch and earrings for Airs . Everett as a souvenir of the occasion . " The brethren xvho subscribed the scroll xvere 98 in number . The list xvas signed by " Isaac Buscall , P . AL , Hon . Treas . ; Harry Price , S . D . ; Richard Harvey , VV . S ., joint Hon . Secretaries . "

In making the presentation , Bro . Herbage , VV . M ., said : I have something noxv to state xvhich I believe is for the good of Freemasonry in general and I am sure it is for the good of the Domatic Lodge in particular . You xvill see stated on the summons , " To present , at a quarter-past six o ' clock , a testimonial to Bro . George Everett , P . AI ., Treas . " I xvould remind you , brethren , that xvhen I xvas installed Alaster in this chair after you had unanimously re-elected

| Bro . George Everett Treasurer of this lodge , and thereby confirmed an appointment he had held for many years , I then stated that I felt it xvas a great pleasure to me to invest him xvith the collar , and I also stated that I considered myself fortunate that during my year of ofiice xve should have had such a Treasurer . That opinion has been confirmed , and I appeal to all the brethren to join me in thanking him fervently and sincerely for his great

serx'ices to the lodge . He holds a most important duty , and it is a duty which he discharges thoroughly , efficiently , and xvell , and xvhen you consider the number of the brethren of this lodge it does not matter xvhether a brother is Tyler of the lodge or Inner Guard or ! any _ other officer , to all of xvhom I am so much indebted for efficiently and xvell performing their duties , xve all knoxv there is a good deal to think of and to do , and everyone is bound to give them his

hearty sympathy and support . But if there is one officer on xvhom a great deal of work is throxvn , especially for the benefit and I may say with respect to the guidance of thc lodge—it is the Treasurer , and it is a duty xve all feel xve must acknoxvledge , to say that to such a Past Master as Bro . Everett our thanks are are eminently due . I am sure that there are many things going on in the lodge in xvhich xve are alxvays ready and willing to consult him , and

xvhen xve consult him he gives us his best advice most readily . It is just possible that some might think the Alaster or Treasurer or some of | the officers do not alxvays perforin their duties in the xvay they should , but I am sure that in Bro . Everett you have a standard of perfection xvhich you would all desire to attain to . But ot this 1 am certain , that although you may not think that the Treasurer and myself come up to the standard that you might picture to

yourselves , generally you give us your hearty support here as regards the Treasurer . One and all of us are indebted to him for the very kind and efficient xvay in xvhich he performs his duties . You may say I have been from my initiation in the lodge to the present time brought to a certain extent up as a sponsor to him , for Bro . Everett passed mc and raised me in this lodge ,

and I xvell recollect that xvhen I was initiated in the lodge the remarks made by Bro . Everett at his installation in reference to the purposes of Freemasonry , its grand design and scope . They made a great impression on my mind ; and I only xvish from the xvay he put it then there was some report of it , for as years go by xve do not always see—it is very difficult indeed to find out what xvas said . But 1 car

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

safely say this to you , a very great impression xvas made upon my mind as an initiate then , and 1 am quite sure that the high standard he put for Freemasonry xvas a right and a proper proper one , and I believe this lodge has benefited by his exertions in that way . I do not wish to say more . 1 recollect hearing Lord Aberdare tell a very short , little story about a testimonial to a master of hounds in a great hunting county , xvhere the' members of the hunt subscribed

liberally to the testimonial , xvliich consisted of a vase . The question xvas xvho should present it , and they agreed among themselves that the Whip should do it , as he knexv the Alaster best . The Whip , in presenting the testimonial , said : " My lord , the vase , " and the Alaster said : " Jack , 1 thank you . " Therefore , as the clock is going round , 1 xvill ask you to alloxv me to present this testimonial also shortly . You will know if 1 do so it is not because I do not

join heartily in the testimonial , and do not expect the lodge to respond heartily , but because I think xvhat I might say might xveaken the heartiness xvith xvhich xve xvish to give this gift to Bro . Everett , and I am quite sure our good xvishes go xvith it . All I xvould say is , long may he be spared to the lodge to give us the benefit of his efficient services in the future as in the past . You all see the testimonial , and you will admit that the money is put to good use . The

testimonial is silver , and xve hope it may long continue in the family , lt is a nice xvork of art ; 1 think it is a very nice presentation to him as xvell as the one to his good wife , xvho has taken great interest in the lodge . On the last occasion of our summer festival the decorations xve wore xvere made by that xvorthy lady , and I believe that for some years past it has been her custom to do the same thing . In presenting her xvith a testimonial xve shoiv our

thanks . It takes a practical turn , and I am sure you give this xvith your hearty good xvishes that they may long live and that the gifts may descend to their family , xvho may always look upon them as associated xvith the lodge . It is xvith much pleasure that 1 present these testimonials to our xvorthy Treasurer and his wife . We beg his acceptance of the gift , xvith a little memorial of it stating the object of the gift and the name of the subscribers and the purposes for

xvhich it xvas given . I present it noxv to our xvorthy Treasurer xvith our best xvishes for his health , his xvealth , and his prosperity . Bro . George Everett , P . AI . and Treasurer , in reply said : Worshipful Alaster and brethren , I approach thc task before me xvith considerable misgiving . As a rule I am not at a loss for something to say , but the occasion this evening is so unusual that 1 must ask your indulgence for any shortcomings on my part . That the present

moment is one of the happiest of my life , that I cannot find xvords adequate to thank you for your kindness , that my heart is almost too full for the tongue to speak , are all stereotyped phrases , and yet truly although very imperfectly express my feelings at this moment . The pleasure of your splendid gift is much enhanced by the kind , generous , and graceful manner in which the VV . M . as your mouthpiece , has made the presentation . The great value of this

testimonial in my eyes arises more particularly from the fact that the movement xvith regard to it xvas entirely spontaneous . That 1 never sought it , or expected it , or even thought of it , is best knoxvn to those xvhose kindness prompted them to set about the movement , xvhich has been carried as you knoxv to so successful an issue . 1 further prize the testimonial because I find among thc subscribers , not only the oldest , but also the youngest

members of the lodge , and some very dear friends . Among the names xve find that of our Bro . Robert Baker , P . AI ., the father of this lodge . Our Bro . Baker is knoxvn to but fexv here ; he is of 30 years'standing a member of this lodge , and as its father I am very pleased to find his name among the list . Then xve come to our good Bro . James Brett , another old P . AI . But for the kindness and encouragement I received from Bro .

James Brett the probability is I should have remained a very obscure Mason indeed , for in my early days I did not aspire to very great things in Alasonry . However , from the good example Bro . James Brett set me it induced me to go on , and I am only sorry xve noxv see so little of him . There is also our Bro . Foulger , P . M . He is engaged in other lodges , and we seldom see him noxv . But he has done me the honour to come here and

xvitness the presentation , and I am glad to see him sitting at my side , and I thank him . I also tender my thanks to our Bro . Ferguson , xvho assists as P . M . Then xve come to our Bro . Kent , my predecessor in office , and also to all those P . AI . 's who folloxved me . I do not mention their names , because they are knoxvn to you . When I find all their names on that list as subscribers to the testimonial , 1 feel very , very delighted and pleased indeed . It is not only the Past Alasters

but the youngest members of the lodge xvho have subscribed . 1 thank them , and also those dear friends outside thc lodge xvho have also contributed . I noxv come to the present to my good xvife . I am sure it is very kind and good of you to have thought of her . She has a very high opinion of Freemasonry . She thinks a great deal more of it than ladies usually do . She hears me talk of £ 40 , 000 subscribed annually to enable the Charities belonging to Freemasons

to carry out their noble objects , and she is sensible enough to think that the good thus done , more than atones for a fexv late nights and a little extra indulgence . lam quite sure she will prize highly the present you have given to her to-night , or rather given to me on her behalf . I do not knoxv that I have much more to say . As pur W . M . says , " time is going on . " We have to go to the banquet , and I am rather at a disadvantage in having to speak before the banquet

instead of after . These things are done better after dinner . You have more pluck and courage than you have before . If 1 have failed to thank you as heartily as I could xvish to do , believe me it is not for the xvant of xvill but of poxver to express myself . I xvould only say in conclusion , speaking of the very great success that has been achieved in this matter , that 1 have to thank those very much indeed who have worked hardest , namely , our Bros . Isaac Buscall , P . M ., Hon .

Treas . ; Harry , Price , S . D . ; and Richard Harvey , W . S ., joint Honorary Secretaries . They have taken a great deal of trouble in the matter . Quite unexpected it xvas to mc that they exerted themselves on my behalf , but I appreciate very much indeed their great kindness ; and I am quite sure that the indefatigable manner in xvliich they xvorked

made it this great success . I can only in conclusion thank you very heartily indeed for this splendid present . So long as God spares me I shall look upon it as a very dear gift from you ; and 1 trust that those xvho come after me xvill see in it an evidence of the place I had the pleasure to hold in the hearts and affections of my Brother Alasons . The speeches of both the W . M , and of Bro . Geo . Everett