History Of Freemasonry In Cornwall.

nas been witnessed . We see no reason Avhy there should not be a guarantee fund required from the members of the Fraternity in a town Avhere the Provincial Grand Lodge is to be held , on the same principle adopted by the various agricultural and

learned societies of England , and we are persuaded that such a method Avould be of great advantage to the province generally . The lodge had the pleasure of being visited by theD . P . G . M ., February 5 th , 1851 , Avhen that

distinguished Mason very Avarmly congratulated the lodge on its prosperity , both as regards numbers and respectability . We believe the lodge of late has not been visited much officially , from Avhat cause we know not , but surely it is necessary to praise a

lodge for its work , as Avell as blame it for its neglect of Masonry , and hence in this case , although Ave know the W . M . and officers vie with each other as to whom can best discharge the duties of their several offices , a visit UOAV and then from some

recognised authority could not fail in citing the members to still greater zeal and activity . Several fines Avere inflicted about this date on

brethren Avho did not attend although " within the length of their C . T . " One brother had five shillings presented him as a gratuity at the next lodge , and another applicant Avas ivisely refused , because of not havin ° a Grand Lodo-e certificate . We cannot but think that there are several such

travelling applicants for relief UOAV , Avho Avould never have been members of the Fraternity had the admirable laws of our Society been observed , and thus it behoves all members of lodges , as they value their privileges , respect their obligations ,

and seek the Avelfare of the Craft , to use every precaution as to the admission of candidates , remembering that in voting , they are called upon to exercise a right conferred upon them by the Fraternity , which Avill in a great measure determine

the position of the Craft in their neighbourhood , and according to their decision Avill either good or unworthy men be entered into the Society . We hope that those Avho have a sincere regard for the best interests and prosperity of our ancient

Institution , Avill guard Avell the portals , and be ever watchful that none but Avorthy men are received and accepted as Freemasons . Bro . John Roscorla , P . M . Mount Sinai Lodge , Penzance , was thanked for his-kind attendance at so many meetings of

the lodge , especially as his presence was frequently indispensable to enable the lodge to have been opened . A distressed brother from Penzance was

assisted by this lodge , and Ave are glad to find the members so intent on relieving the necessities of unfortunate members . On the 26 th January , 1852 , a brother from Hungary Avas admitted , and having told the tales of his misfortunes , the funds of the

lodge Avere lightened a little to help him , and the members also responded , and testified in a practical manner their sympathy . The by-laAvs Avere again revised during this year , and approved of in their amended state . A considerable amount of

business was transacted , and the initiates seem to have lost no time in receiving their promotion from step to step , as allowed by the Constitutions . Bro . H . J . Molesworth St . Aubyn Avas proposed as a joining member of the lodge Feb . 28 th , 1853 ,

ancl accepted Avith very much pleasure by the members , who subsequently testified their appreciation of the honour by electing him W . M . of their lodge , 9 th January , 1854 . It Avas proposed that the lodge vote the sum of

two guineas toAVards the testimonial being subscribed for by the Fraternity in Cornwall , as a mark of their esteem for Bro . R . Pearce ' s long and faithful services as D . Prov . G . M . for the

province . A special meeting of the Provincial Grand Lodge was held at Penzance , 7 fch March , Avhen a silver salver and a set of dishes were presented as the free-will offering of the Craft in Cornwall to that

most deserving brother , on Avhich Avas an inscription , as follows : " Presented on the 7 th March , 1854 , to Bro . Richard Pearce , Esq ., of Penzance , Past D . Prov . G . M ., & c , of the Ancient ancl Honourable Fraternity of Free and Accepted .

Masons of Cornwall , by the lodges and brethren of the province , a testimony of his constant attention , zeal , and ability in the vaiious offices of the Order , during a period of thirty-six years . "

The members at the lodge held 2 nd Sept ., looo , decided to order thirty copies of the sermon lately published by Bro . the Rev . H . Grylls , Prov . G . Chap ., & c . A letter was received from the Secretary , and read to the members 9 th Nov ., 1859 ,

stating that there Avere certain spurious lodges in the country , aud Avarning the brethren to be cautious in the admission of visitors . The letter Avas ordered to be " pasted to the minute book . " Owing to variable circumstances , the rights of

meeting , as is usual Avith lodges , Avere frequently altered , but having afforded instances of this fact in our sketch of the Falmouth Lodge , that illustration Avill suffice .