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^ wx ^ r ^^ S' ^ wWv ^ v v'y v T # 'y ^ ib iyjt ^ gj ) jyvTp £ i SATURDAY , OCTOBER 23 , 1886 .

Original Correspondence.

Original Correspondence .

£ \ Ve do not hold ourselves responsible for , or even approving of the opinions expressed by ourcorrespondents , but we wish in a spirit of fair play to all to permit—within certain necessary limits—free discussion , ]

LOYAL FREEMASONRY . To the Editor of the "Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , I have read with much satisfaction , in the Freemason Notes and Queries of this week , the article written by our very worthy bro . T . B . Whytehead , on " Loyal Freemasonry . " There is , perhaps , far more need now than in

1794 for all of us who are Freemasons , to pay attention to the political character of those who offer themselves as candidates for our Order . It is not that we have any care whether the political bias is on one side or the other of the party politics of the day , for of this we take no note , but we know there are many who believe neither in Queen nor Constitution , and

would perhaps gladly see both done away . Let me then ask my brethren to take the caution of Bro . Whytehead into their serious consideration , and let us all be careful that we propose or vote for no one , unless we are satisfied they will do honour to our choice , and that they will honestly and truly love the brotherhood , fear God , and honour the Kin * -. —I am , yours fraternally , C . FENDELOW . Wolverhampton , October 16 th .

Masonic Notes And Queries.

Masonic Notes and Queries .

6 S 5 ] FRENCH FREEMASONS IN ENGLAND . My honoured friend , R . W . Bro . Kelly , of Leicester , writes me that he has had photographs taken of the two certificates of the old French lodge at Ashby-de-Ia-Zouch , and kindly sent me one of each . They may be had from Messrs . Spencer , booksellers , Market-place , Leicester , at two shillings each . The furniture used by that lodge has

passed into the possession of the Royal Sussex Lodge , No . 353 , Winshill , Derby , and is used now by that body , and also by the William Kelly Lodge of Mark Masters . Many of us would like particulars of the furniture , so as to complete the history of the subject , and I hope , therefore , the W . M . of 353 will kindly furnish us with a few interesting facts thereon . Bro . Kelly tells me that the daughter of

the Bro . Jean , referred to in the old certificates , Ashby-de-Ia-Zouch , now a widow , over 70 years of age , has just been appointed , through the good offices of the Mayor of Leicester , Bro . Hart , and also , I know , by Bro . Kelly's kind representations , as an inmate for life of Trinity Hospital , The latter brother is now collecting subscriptions to furnish a room for the old lady , so as to make her remaining days as comfortable as possible : and , I feel

assured , not a few of us will be glad to aid in such an excellent object . W . j . HUGHAN . P . S . —Since writing the above , I have again heard from Bro . Kelly , who tells me that the W . M . 353 states the furniture in question consists of four pedestals , the pillars and canopy for the Master ' s chair , and that he will be pleased for any brother to examine these relics of an almost forgotten French lodge .

6 S 6 ] THE 1 S 65 CONSTITUTIONS . Prior to the Masonic Exhibition at Shanklin , I was not aware that there was ir . existence a Book of Constitutions bearing the above date ; an edition of 1 S 65 is not mentioned in the official list , and so far as I am aware not a single copy has been preserved for the Grand Lodge Library . This is much to be regretted ; the only way I can account

for the omission is that it was not then considered a distinct edition , consequently not worth preserving ; whether it is so or not I must leave to the decision of such of your readers as are more familiar with the niceties and technicalities of the publishing trade , after having placed before them all the facts which up to now I have been able to gather bearing on the subject .

On the iSth July , 1 S 65 , the Grand Secretary reported to the Board of General Purposes " That the Book of Constitutions was out of print , no copies of either size remaining for sale . " It was resolved that a Committee be appointed " to collate the work and to suggest any verbal alterations or

transposition of sentences that may be deemed necessary to render the sense more clear . " On the 2 ist November , 1 S 65 , " The following report of the Committee on the Constitutions was read and ordered to be entered on the minutes , viz .:

"To the Board of General Purposes . / 'The Committee appointed to collate the Book of Constitutions and to suggest any verbal alterations or transposition of sentences that may be deemed necessary to render the sense more clear , beg to report as follows : "The Committee find that 2000 copies of the octavo Edition of the Book of Constitutionsand 4000 copies of

, the small edition , were printed in 1 SG 3 , and have all been sold . There is not a copy of cither of them on hand . " Your Committee understand that another Committee of the Board , in conjunction with the President and Vice-I resident of the Colonial Board , is sitting at the present woment , as to the powers of District Grand LooVcs in the

glomes and Foreign parts ; the result may lead to alterations in the Book of Constitutions . " If this Committee were now to collate the Book , and suggest alterations or transpositions , it would take some time , and the Book would , in the meantime , remain out of print . "They therefore suggest that , to supply the daily wants ot Lodges and Brethren , an impression of 500 of . thc small

Masonic Notes And Queries.

edition be reprinted , and they recommend that this Committee be continued , that they may proceed with the collation of the Book in order to the issue of an improved edition in the Spring . " On motion duly made , the foregoing report was adopted and referred back to the Committee to carry out their recommendation .

It was also resolved , That the Committee be continued for the purpose of carrying out their suggestions as regards a fresh Edition . " On becoming acquainted with the foregoing , I was prompted to rush to the conclusion that the socalled 18 G 5 Constitutions was neither more nor less than a verbatim reprint of the 1 S 63 edition , on which , by some clerical error , the date of 1 S 05 had been

printed . However , thanks to the courtesy of Bro . George Taylor , who is the fortunate possessor of the only copy I have ever seen bearing the latter date on the cover and title page , I have been able to make a careful comparison between the two editions , with the result that up to page no both books are exactly alike ; but on this page several alterations are to be found , more than enough indeed to effectually dispose of my preconceived

notion as to its being a verbatim reprint of 1 S 63 . Another fact of considerable importance came to light during my examination of Bro . Taylor ' s book , which is that , with the exception of 1 S 65 on the cover and title page , it is precisely the same as another copy we have here bearing date 1 S 66 on those portions of the Book , but which , like Bro . Taylor's , has " December 1 S 65 " on the page bearing the sanction of Grand Lodge

and the signature of the Grand Secretary . It is quite evident , therefore , that both these books form a portion of the 500 ordered by the Board of General Purposes on the 2 tstof November , 1865 . Having in mind the fact that there- was not a single Book of Constitutions to be had at the Grand Secretary ' s office , I am of opinion that the printer was requested to send in a portion of the order as quickly as possible , and this may have been done during the latter

end of December 1 S 65 , and that it is one of these books that Bro . Taylor has , and that the remainder and principal portion of the order was delivered early in 1866 , which date was printed on the cover and title page . The point to be settled is , what constitutes an edition ? Is it the whole of the order of 500 copies , sanctioned by Grand Lodge on the 6 th December , 1865 , or can a portion presumably

published in the latter year , and another early in the following year , be considered as two distinct editions ? There was another edition printed in 1 S 66 , but this is quite a different book to those already mentioned , and was sanctioned by Grand Lodge at the September meeting of that year . My own opinion is that , supposing any portion of the 500 copies to have been published and sold in 1865 , the remainder ought to have borne that date , and not 1 S 66 . H . SADLER .

Craft Masonry.

Craft Masonry .

ai ^ MS ^ mS ^ i

ST . JOHN | S LODGE ( NO . 167 ) . —The 119 th installation meeting of this old and respected lodge took place on Tnesday , the 12 th inst ., at Jack Straw ' s Castle , Hampstead , when Bros . John Potter , W . M . ; Coffin , S . W . ; Fry , J . W . ; Freeman , S . D . ; W . A . Scurrah , J . D . ; Dr . Goodchild , I . G . ; Edwin Storr , l . P . M . ; J . T . Rowe , P . M ., Treas . ; 1 . R . Thompson , P . M . Sec ; and

a goodly array of members and visitors attended . The minutes of the previous meeting and the report of the Audit Committee having been read and confirmed , Bro . Smith was raised to the Degree of M . M ., the ceremony being ably performed by the W . M . Bro . Edwin Storr , l . P . M ., then took the chair , and Bro . Henry Ellis Coffin was presented for installation . The usual charges

having been given , and the ancient regulations read and assented to , a Board of 17 Installed Masters was formed , and Bro . H . E . Coffin was impressively installed into the chair of K . S ., according to ancient custom . Having been saluted and greeted , he then invested his officers for the ensuing year , viz .: Bros . John Potter , I . P . M . ; Fry , S . W . ; Freeman , J . W . ; J . T . Rowe , P . M ., P . P . G . D .

Herts , Treas . ; Edwin Storr , P . M ., Sec . ; J . R . Thompson , P . M ., D . C . ; W . A . Scurrah , P . G . Supt . of Works Middx ., S . D . ; Dr . Goodchild , J . D . ; John Hearsum , I . G . ; A . W . Lane , W . S . ; and Bowler , Tyler . The addresses were then delivered by the Installing Master , and attentively listened , to by the brethren . A candidate for initiation was proposed , and upon the motion of Bro .

Edwin Storr , P . M ., seconded by Bro . John Potter , I . P . M ., a cordial vote of thanks was unanimously directed to be recorded on the minutes of the lodge to Bro . J . R . Thompson , P . M ., for the able and efficient way he had fulfilled the duties of Secretary for the past 17 years . After the lodge was closed the brethren adjourned to the banquet table , where an enjoyable evening was spent .

The loyal and Masonic toasts were tersely and happily given by the W . M ., who truly said that though the whole of the Craft were loyal and devoted , St . John ' s Lodge yielded to none in their loyalty to the Throne and devotion to the Craft . The toast of "The W . M . " was hailed with acclamation , as was also the following one , "The Installing Master . "

" The Visitors next had a cordial reception , to which many responded , and expressed their pleasure and gratification at being present . "The l . P . M ,, Bro . John Potter , " was next honoured , and a handsome jewel was also presented to him for his services during the past year . The toast of "The Masonic Charities " , l was ably responded to by Bro . John Mason , P . M . " The Officers of the Lodge " and the Tyler ' s toast

brought a very happy and well to be remembered evening , intermingled with songs and recitations , to a close . Amongst the members present were , in addition to the officers , Bros . Brett , J . G . Humphreys , P . M . ; Madsery , Beauchamp , Smith , Fielding , Dutton , P . M . ; Wilkinson , P . M ., and others . Amongst the visitors were Bros . W . M . Stiles , P . M . ; Izant ; James Pain , P . M . ; J . Mason , P . M . ; Rose ; Dale ; L . Solomon , P . M . ; G . R . Bolton , W . M . ; Kevv , P . M . ; t \ . H . Scurrah ; Holmes , P . M ., and many others .

Craft Masonry.

STANHOPE LODGE ( No . 1296 ) . —The installation meeting of this lodge was held on Tuesday , the [ 2 th inst ., at the Surrey Masonic Hall , Camberwell Newroad , when there were present Bros . B . G . Fratnpton , W . M . ; ) . H . Lane , S . W ., W . M . elect ; A . S . de 1-ivas , J . W . ; J . C . Ring , P . M ., Treas . ; Henry Wood , P . M ., Sec ; H . I . Wicks , S . D . ; G . T . Poole , I . D . ; I . Spicer ,

I . G . j W . C . Canton , P . M ., D . C ; W . C . Page , I . P . M . ; and a large gathering of members of the lodge . The lodge was opened in due form , and after the preliminary business , the Worshipful Master proceeded to advance Bro . Mead to the Degree of F . C ., the ceremony being performed in a manner worthy of this lodge . The ceremony of installation was next proceeded with , and Bro .

Page , P . M ., who , at the request of the W . M ., undertook the duties of Director of Ceremonies , presented Bro . John Henry Lane for installation , and the VV . M . performed the ceremony in a way that met with the approbation of all present . Bro . Lane then invested his officers , and Bro . B . G . Frampton , l . P . M ., delivered the addresses in a most impressive manner , and elicited thc hearty applause of all

brethren present . After the W . M . had received " Hearty good wishes " from all present , the lodge was then closed and the brethren adjourned to the banquet , which was served in a first-class manner . Forty-one brethren sat down to partake of it , which included visitors from the Domatic , Joppa , Royal Savoy , Farringdon Without , and other lodges . 'Ihe various

loyal and Masonic toasts were proposed by the W . M ., and were well received by the brethren . The musical arrangements in connection with this meetingwere carried out under the direction of Bro . Seymour Smith , Org ., and a capital programme of music was presented . The list of artistes including the names of Miss Meta Russell , Miss Annie Morley , Bro . Arthur Weston , and Bro . Seymour Smith .

During the evening the "Charge of the Light Brigade " was rendered by Bro . Arthur Kestin , in splendid style . After the brethren had thoroughly enjoyed themselves , and spent a most agreeable evening , the Tyler's toast followed , which brought the proceedings to a close , and the brethren and visitors departed feeling highly gratified at the very kind and fraternal reception that had been given them .

KENNINGTON LODGE ( No . 1381 ) . —This lodge met at the London Bridge Hotel ( by dispensation ) on the 5 th inst . Among those present were Bros . Plowman , W . M . j R . LaFeuillade , S . W . ; Lingley , J . W . ; Geo . Everett , P . M ., Treas . ; W . Stuart , P . M ., Sec . ; H . Foale , S . D . ; J . Le Feuillade , J . D . ; Westley , I . G . ; Grover , Org . ; H . Higgins , P . M . ; T . C . Walls , P . M ., P . P . G . S . B .

Middx . ; C . H . Kohler , P . M . ; VV . P . Webb , P . M . ; Cockburn , P . M . ; Appleton , P . M . ; Stranger , l . P . M . ; Reinardt , Tyler ; and others . Bro . Pierrepoint , P . M . 177 , was a visitor . The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed . The ballot was taken on behalf of Mr . E . VV . Davis , and it proving to be unanimous he was duly initiated . The ballot was also taken for Bro . 1 . I . Gorham . of the

Royal Union Lodge , and it proved to be unanimous . In consequence of the lamented deaths of Bros . W . Mann , P . M ., and G . Coles , the brethren wore Masonic mourning . Votes of thanks were passed to the respective families of the deceased brethren upon thc motion of Bro . G . Everett , P . M . and Treas . The lodge was then closed , and the brethren adjourned to refreshment . The usual toasts followed .

ALDERSGATE LODGE ( No . 1657 ) . —The October meeting of the above lod ge was was held on Monday last , at the Albion Tavern , Aldersgate-street , the brethren present were Bros . E . Y . Jolltffe , W . M . j VV . H . Froom , l . P . M . ; George Vickery , J . W . ; Alfred Brookman , P . M ., Treas . ; Kcv . Dr . P . H . E . Brette , P . M ., Sec ; Joseph Retials , S . D . ; Arthur B . Hudson , I . D . 1

John Larli'n , D . C . ; Fred . Crockford , I . G . ; C . Lovett , Org . ; Matthew R . Webb , Stwd . ; Geirge Rawlins in , Stwd . ; E . F . B . Fuller , Stwd ; George Kenning , P . M . ; Samuel White , P . M . ; Dr . Samuel Benton , P . M . ; J . Shottcr , J . S . Jarvis , Thos . Benskin , and P . Saillard . Visitors ; Bros . John Sayers , 1636 ; J . Starkey , W . M . 349 ; H . Roberts , 22 ; Alderman Davey , 732 ; W , I nil Iff ** c / lrt lamac f" * s \ nnr < i » D Vf . C £ n . I .. I C j * 1 UI 1 i

« .. « -jvy 1 j- * - « --ij V ^ -LIVJI , , » , jouy , junn OCOtu D . W . M . 259 ; S . H . Soper , P . M . 732 ; G . P . Cox , 1 S 03 Charles Lee , 1624 ; J . R . Lovett , I . G . 3 ; - Rev . Walter W . Martin , P . M . 14 G 0 and 135 ; S . Dale , Duke of Leinster Lodge ; and Ftedk . J . Gordon , J . W . 534 . The minutes of the last meeting were reid and confirmed .

Letters regretting inability to attend were read from Bros , the Lord Mayor , John Derby Allcroft , P . M ., Past Grand Treas . ; Edward Anderton , S . W . ; and others . The lodge was then adjourned until November . The brethren afterwards dined together under the presidency o £ the W . M .

MONTAGUE GUEST LODGE ( No . 1900 ) . The installation meeting of this lodge took place at the Inns of Court Hotel , on Wednesday , the 13 th inst . Bro . H . Slyman , W . M ., occupied the chair , and was supported by the following members : Bros . W . H . Gardener S . W . ; S . Brooks , J . W . ; J . D . Collier , P . M ., Sec . ; E . M . Dobie , S-9 ; i . }• Stacey , J . D . ; F . R . W . Hedges . P . M .. Sec .

K . M . institution for Girls ; W . Goodman , Stwd . ; A . h u " 'u- i * P herd . - Gray , C . Philippi , R . Hen wood , F . Hutchinson , E . C . Fenouller , and others . The visitors included Bros . F . Binckes , P . G . Stwd ., Sec . R . M . I . B . ; F- H"nt , 18 S ; E . T . Madeley , 2120 ; W . F . Larkin , 2 oo ; A . N . Crewdsou , 2120 ; E . A . Hogg , 177 ; J . Wilson , 700 ; G . F . Spencer , 186 ; T . W . Walford , Org . 771 ;

w . r . summers , 771 ; H . C . Leigh Bennett , P . M . S 70 , P . P . G . S . W . Surrey ; J . Savory , 21 ; VV . J . Coutts , Prudence ; and W . W . Lee , 1 S 97 . The lodge was opened in due form , and the minutes of the April meeting read and confirmed . The report of the Audit Committee , showing the finances of the lodge to be in a satisfactory state , was next read and adopted , after

which Bro . Banks was elected 1 yler . The installation ceremony was then proceeded with , and Bro . W . H . Gardener , S . W ., having been presented as W . M . elect ' he was regularly installed into the chair by the Installing Officer , Bro . Slyman . Bro . Gardener next appointed and invested his officers as follows : Bros . S . Brooks S W E . M . Dobie , J . W . ; G . P . Festa , Treas . ; J . D . Collier !