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Article Untitled ← Page 2 of 2 Article THE STATUS OF GRAND OFFICERS, &c. Page 1 of 1 Article THE STATUS OF GRAND OFFICERS, &c. Page 1 of 1 Article Original Correspondence. Page 1 of 2 Article Original Correspondence. Page 1 of 2 →
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Ar00700
IT seems from a letter elsewhere that thc case of Bro . STEWARD has a sympathetic friend . To say the truth , though personall y we have all respect for Bro . STEWARD , we cannot sympathize with him or his complaints . We hold that the lodge
did its duty , and that any laxity just now in this respect may , in Lancashire especially , be very detrimental to Freemasonry . The suggestion of a " carte" of identity , though ingenious and aesthetic , is , we apprehend , open to several
objections , both as a •¦ mal-user " and as a means of still more heartless frauds on charitable brethren . No , the safe wny , tho onl y proper course , is to adhere to our laws , and the directions and
recommendations of our own Grand Lodge . If the Grand Secretary ' s circular alluded to was attended to by all the lodges we should , we think , have little to complain of .
The Status Of Grand Officers, &C.
THE STATUS OF GRAND OFFICERS , & c .
A discussion lia ¦ arisen " Who are the proper persons to respond for the toast ' The rest of the Grand Officers . ' ' " for that was the origin of the whole controversy . Two ¦ most contradictory views have been put before us . One is , that the Grand Officer senior in rank is thc proper person ; the other is . ' •the senior actual and invested Officer of
Grand Lodge present . " Under the first category come all Provincial and District G . Masters ; in the alternative case , the actual present senior Officer of Grand Lodge would respond . Before we commence the discussion , ( to which this paper is a humble contribution ) , we must clear the ground away a little . I . In the first place we must bear in mind that we arc
dealing with a subject which is not touched by the Book of Constitutions . The Constitutions do not concern themselves with the " social circle . " Thev only refer to proceedings in Grand Lodge , Provincial Grand Lodges , District Grand Lodges , private lodges , and public processions , proceedings , consecrations , and funerals . The Masonic " club life" is beyond the range of the Constitutions
altogether , they are limited to the lodire life , and purely Masonic ceremonial , jurisprudence , and work . Therefore , all that we can really deal with are the " comity and courtesy " of Masonic sociality . We cannot lay down any law , neither can any " hard and fast line" be enforced ; neither could it be , by Masonic authority . But , as a matter of fact , thc customs of the social
circle go hand-in-hand with our constitutional arrangements , and what is laid down in the Book of Constitutions is also the law of the " festive gathering . " 2 . And then , in the second place , undoubtedly the " onus proband ! " rests upon those who say that "all is not according to Cocker , " and wish to assert new claims , or to alter existing usages . 1 say it advisedly—since 1 S 25
the rule has been to observe , rightly or wrongly , the present arrangement alike in Masonic ceremonial and at the social board , to a great extent universally . I have attended gatherings , "great and many , " in the time of the Duke of Sussex , Lord Zetland , Lord Ripon , and our present Royal Grand Master , and have known hut few departures from this rule , except at the Grand Festival . For instance .
over and over again , in the presence of some most distinguished brethren—like Bro . Havers and others—has Lord Zetland coupled the name of Bro . Hall , P . G . M . for Cambridgeshire , with the toast of "The Grand Officers , " No doubt examples may be cited of Grand Officers for thc year returning thanks , hut they were the exception , anil to my mind prove the rule . "It is wrong , " sav Bros . "Bayard , "
' Kevircsco , "A Puzzled Student , " anti others ; but how is it wrong ? Why is it wrong ? If it indeed be wrong , thc sooner it is authoritatively elecidcd the better . But , despite much that has been advanced , and more that has been suggested , it still is , according to my view , " i | uod est demonstrandum . " It appears to me that the rank and position of the Prov . anil District GrantI Masters are clear and precise ,
( despite a little haze here anil there perhaps ) , in thc Book of Constitutions . They form an integral position of thc Grand Lodge of England , anil are seventh in number and position of precedence . In the absence of the G . Master , Pro G . Master . Past G . Masters , Past Pro G . Masters , the D . G . M ., Past D . G . M . ' s , thev preside over thc Grand Lodge as the " Grand Officer , or Past Grand Officer next in rank
and seniority , " though one or two conset ] tiences and questions ai ise out of this very law . For instance , it has been said , that by thc use of the disjunctive " or" it is meant that you arc to " exhaust " actual Grand Officers for the year before you call on Past Grand Officers . But that suggestion is met by the law that when the Grand Wardens are present no one else can take their lacesand we must
p , , therefore , I think , understand the law to mean that the Senior Grand Officer or Past Grand Officers present , the 1 rov . and District Grand Masters being Grand Officers in that sense , are those to whom this section refers . Otherwise , to push Ihe argument to an absurdity , a Grand Pursuivant might take precedence of a Prov . or District GrantI Master . It is said that tin re is a difference between a GrantI
Officer and an officer of Granel Lodge , ( invested in Grand ,. ™ se ) , and so there W in oiie sense , but that -ifference is not recognized by the Book of Constitutions , "'Inch undoubtedly considers the Provincial anti District Wand Masters , whether as representatives of the Grand •"aster or as "Grand Master ' s Officers , " as has be ' .-n said , Wand Officers , in the sense to claim rightlv precedence at all
meetings of Grand Lodge , and " ranking" in theorderas * •«forth , pp . , ( - , anj ;> ; n a |] assemblies of the Order . It "just lead to inevitable and undesirable confusion if at our meetings it is a epics , on whether the Provincial and Dis'net Urand Master or the senior Officer of Grand Lodge is ° return thanks , and wc shall probably have to interpolate pother toast , " Provincial and District Grand Masters , " Ufhcers of Grand Lodge
. _ » ut another question comes in here which must be noted , ne precedence of Grand Officers , Present and Past , is not * "ttlecompbcated , ; n that , for instance , Past Grand Warth " " , Past Grand Chaplains take precedence even of ta . _ Gram Treasurer , and Past Grand Treasurers * .. c precedence of the Grand Registrar , the President of
The Status Of Grand Officers, &C.
the Board of General Purposes , the Grand Secretary , & c , & c . It appears to me that after all the whole question resolves itself into this , can you disassociate Provincial and District Grand Masters from their actual position in Grand Lodge , in any matter relating to Freemasonry ? If you cannot , which I hold you cannot , then , to all intents and purposes they are entitled by the "comity of Masonic social customs , " to the same actual and relative rank
which the Book of Constitutions awards them . Here I pause . I have spoken , I hope , clearly and freely , but with no offence to any one , though we should not need such apologies in a Masonic discussion . Since I wrote the above 1 have been informed on very hig h authority that there is a decision of the Board of General Purposes in Bro . Evans ' s time , declaring Prov . and District Grand Masters not officers of Grand Lodge . VV .
Original Correspondence.
Original Correspondence .
[ AVe do not hold ourselves responsible for , or even approving of , the opinions expressed liy our correspondents , but we wish in a spirit of fair play to all , to permit—within eertain necessary limits—free discussion . ]
FREEMASONRY IN WORCESTERSHIRE . To the Eilitor of the Freemason . Dear Sir ^ and Brother , — Allow me to supplement your article on " Freemasonry in Worcestershire , " in your issue of the 25 th ult ., with a few facts omitted . The writer of the article gives the rise of Freemasonry in Kidderminster in 1 S 24 , when Hope and Charity , No . 377 , commenced its labours . Such is not
the case ; Freemasonry existed here many years previous to that date . I have in my possession a book of bye-laws of a lodge held at the Raven Inn , High-street , Kidderminster , dated 1772 , with the names of the members , their contributions and expenditure . The title page runs " In the year of Masonry , 5771 , the mnst noble Prince John , Duke and Marquis of Atholl , Marquis and Earl of Jullibardine , Karl of Strathtay and Strathardle , Viscount of Balluuider ,
Glenalmond , and Glenlyon , Lord Murray , Belveny , and Cask , Heritable Captain and Constable of the Castle and Constabulary of Kincleaven , one of the sixteen Peers of Scotland , Knight of the most Noble and most Antient Order of the Thistle , and Grand Master of thc most Antient and Honourable Fraternity of I *> ee and Accepted Masons , LAURENCE DERMOTT , Esq . D . G . M . WILLIAM CLARKE . Esq ., S . G . W .
J CHRISTIAN , Ksq ., J . G . W . WILLIAM DICKF . V , Esq ., " G . Sec . These bye-laws printed by order of thc Grand Lodge . " On the opposite page " Rules and Orders , which are to be punctually observed and kept by the most Ancient and Honourable Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons , according te > the olel Constitutions- granted by His Royal Highness Prince Eelivin of York in thc year of our Lord
Nine Hundred and 1 wcnty-Six , and in the year of Masonry Four Thousand Nine Hundreel and Twenty-Six . In order to prevent all feuds , controversies , illegal arguments , or debates , which might in any sort disturb or make void thc true intent and meaning of this our unanimous conjunction , we , the Master , Warelens , Deacons , and Secretary , together with the rest of the members of our Lodge , No . 17 S ( by and with the approbation and consent of the
Grand Lodge ) , have thought proper to subscribe and establish the feJllowing rules : — 1 . That a Lodgeof Free and Accepted Masons aforesaid shall be held at the Raven Inn , in thc Bourough of Kidderminster , upon the third Tuesday in each kalender month , " & c . At the end of the byelaws ( twenty-six in number ) follows , " London , 10 th November , in the year of our Lord One Thousand Seven Hundred Seventy and Two , and in the year of Masonry
Five Thousand Seven Hundred Seventy and Two . " By order , " WM . DICKKV , G . Sec . " Then follow the signatures of H . Bradley , M . H . Perrin , S . VV . ; Jas . Warner , J . W . ; W- , . Banks , S . and J . ; thc entries of receipts and expenses me up to December 27 th , 1 S 15 . The list of members contains many well-known Kidderminster names , such as the Porrins , Woodwards , Newcombs , Gowtrs , Watsons , Bradleys , Pardocs , and
others ; two direct descendants of these "Anticnts" are now among our Past Masters , viz .: Bros . E . Perrin and 13 . Woodward . When this lodge ceased to exist I have no proof , hut it was followed by the Faithful , No . ( 1 S 0— a copy of thc seal which was given mc by an old Mason years ago I enclose . 1 knew some of the Past Masters of this lodge ; they are now "dead and turned to clay , " and I have before me ( as I write ) three certificates of deceased members of
this lodge , one admitted as a joining member in 1 S 21 , having been made in Ireland , the other two bearing date of initiation 1 S 22 granted in 1 S 23—this I should think is sufficient proof of the existence of the Faithful . Now Hope and Charity appears on the Masonic horizon ; its charter was granted in 1 S 24 , and during that year it had two Masters , viz ., James Heaton and Wm . Regan . Samuel Gibson followed in 1 S 25 ; this same S . Gibson ' s endorsement is on one of the certificates of the Faithful as W . M . I
theiefore' take it for granted that Hope and Charity was an offshoot of ( iRo ; the original number of Hope anti Charity was ft ) 1 . secondly 523 , anil on the separation of the Canadian Lodges from the Grand Lodge of England , 377 . The Royal Standard , 49 S , at thc present time held at Dudley , was originally a Kidderminster Loelge , No . 730 , consecrated in 1 S 44 , and in a few years transferred to Dudley . I am , yours fraternally , JAMES FITZGERALD , P . M . and Sec . 377 , P . P . S . G . D .
ADMISSION OF VISITORS . To the Editor of the " ¦ Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — Touching- this vexed question , and after full consideration of all thc correspondence thcreanent , it appears probable that the majority of your readers will be under the impression that Bro . J . K . Steward , W . M . i . -ilj , however much ivc must aejoiire adhesion
to lawfully-constituted authority , really had but scant courtesy extended to him on the occasion to which he refers . Nevertheless , the "two sides to a question" principle may be peculiarly applicable to the case before us , and the production of the certificate be considered a sine i / nii non by somenf the Craft , whilst" satisfactory proof or voucher " would suffice for others . To meet the wishes of the former it would be absolutely
Original Correspondence.
necessary for a brother intending to visit lodges , during a provincial tour or a temporary sojourn in the country , to have his certificate always about his person , and very frequently such a necessity would cause great inconvenience and frequent risk of loss of the all-important document . Could not the requirements of both parties be met by the general adoption of a very ingenious arrangement which
numerous brethren of my acquaintance have found in all respects satisfactory for the purpose of introduction and voucher when visiting lodges wherein they had no acquaintance who could speak on their behalf ? I allude to the combined photograph of person and certificate , registered , I believe , but , at any rate , published , by Bro . VV . Shury Marshall , of 40 , Charing Cross . The " carte " of the
brother and the photograph of his certificate , with signature , are enclosed in a small leather case , bearing , in gilt letters , the name and Masonic titles of the owner ; and together form a very much stronger voucher of identity than even tbe production of the original certificate could afford . For a certificate might be presented by one to whom it had never been granted , but who could , nevertheless , if
required , make a very fan- imitation of the marginal signature ; whilst the difficulty of successful misrepresentation could not be overcome when likeness , handwriting , and fac simile of the Grand Lodge parchment united to promote detection .
I recommend these " cartes , " & c , to the notice of those who desire to have with them at all times an effective and inexpensive means of indentifying themselves with the Craft , and satisfying the lodges they may visit that they are not coivans . Yours faithfully and fraternally .
JAMES STEVENS , P . M ., P . Z . [ We are afraid that the " cartes " would have a twofold application , and might be used for bad purposes . We confess that we do not see how a lodge can be properly said to exhibit " scant courtesy " when it simply obeys a ' ' circular" from the . Grand Master . —ED . F . M . ]
THE LATE GRAND SECRETARY .-To the Editor ofthe "Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — I have already announced in your columns that a record of the Masonic life of my dear uncle , Bro . John Hervey , is in course of- preparation by me . As 1 have the additional advantage of being able to consult his private
authentic papers , it is to be hoped that when completed it will possess considerable interest for a large number of his surviving friends and brethren , and perhaps serve to show those who are now pursuing their respective Masonic careers what thc life of a true Mason should be . But any further documents or copies of documents will materially increase the value of my records of a Masonic life , and
if Bra . H . Godfrey , P . M . S 2 , will oblige me with a copy of the letter to which he refers in your issue of the 2 nd inst ., I shall be greatly indebted to him . May I take this opportunity of pointing out to my many friends , brethren , and correspondents that I am now writing from my new residence , and that the labour of removing and re-arranging a
large library has prevented the acknowledgment of anything except the most pressing matters ? I remain , dear Sir and Brother , yours sincerely and fraternally , KENNETH R . H . MACKENZIE , IX" . Clyde House , Wellington-road , Hounslow , Middlesex , October 4 th .
Copy of a letter " re Red Apron Lodges , written by the late G . Secretary , Bro . Hervey , to Bro . Henry Godfrey , W . M . S 2 , May 2 nd , 1 S 77 : — I-Yeemasons' Hall , London , W . C . 2 nd May , 1 S 77 . Dear Sir and Brother , — Your note of the 12 th ult . was a short one , but to
reply to it perfectly would require more time than I have had , or have ever , to devote to it . In the year 172 S , twelve Stewards were appointed who bore thc expenses of the Grand Festival , with the privilege of appointing their successors , and it frequently occurred that no volunteers to fill the oflice could be obtained , and brethren served more than once , twice , or thrice .
In 1731 , the Grand Stewards' Lodge was established , to which none were eligible to be admitted members but such as had served as Grand Stewards . In 1779 , a resolution was come to , that none should be appointed to office in Grand Lodge who had not served as Grand Stewards . After the union of the two Grand Lodges in 1814 , the
number of Grand Stewards was increased to eighteen , and then I imagine thc privilege of nomination was accorded to the same number of lodges , but this I cannot say for certain , and it would take more time to investigate than the enquiry i . s worth . The privilege was accorded by the Grand Master , under thc sanction of Grand Lodge , and has continued until the present time .
' 1 he privilege appears to be restricted to the same lodges , excepting as it is forfeited as laid down in thc Constitutions . The number of lodges possessing the privilege you will find in the Grand Lodge Calendar , p . 7 ( 1 . Present or Past Grand Stewards alone have thc right of joining the Grand Stcwarels' Loelge , the regulations of which you will find at p . 44 , Hook of Constitutions . Yours fraternally , JOHN HERVEY , G . S . Bro . Henry Godfrey , W . M . S _ , Cheltenham .
THF . UN-MASONIC TRIAL . To the Editor of the "Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — I feel constrained to write a line to ask if eno ugh publicity has not been given to the late trial of Voi gt v . 1 revor , and others . It is not discussed , in my humble opinion , in any thing approaching a Masonic spirit , and I
cannot help feeling that such of the outer world as may read your paper will have but a sorry opinion of us , and certainly will ntit exclaim , exceot in bitter irony , " How these Alasons love one another !" For myself , I would give to no fund to assist either ; both havo grievously erred ( Masonically ) .
Bro . Trevor admits going on after hc had paid some £ So in costs , Bro . Voigt must have paid as much , but he was willing to let it drop , but Bro . Trevor wanted his costs back . If that was not so , why have compelled Bro . Voigt to go on . The action , if both had becn willing to pay his own costs , would have been abandoned . Bro . Voigt was willing , why not Bro . Trevor ? I think he was wrong both in that and in his circular .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Ar00700
IT seems from a letter elsewhere that thc case of Bro . STEWARD has a sympathetic friend . To say the truth , though personall y we have all respect for Bro . STEWARD , we cannot sympathize with him or his complaints . We hold that the lodge
did its duty , and that any laxity just now in this respect may , in Lancashire especially , be very detrimental to Freemasonry . The suggestion of a " carte" of identity , though ingenious and aesthetic , is , we apprehend , open to several
objections , both as a •¦ mal-user " and as a means of still more heartless frauds on charitable brethren . No , the safe wny , tho onl y proper course , is to adhere to our laws , and the directions and
recommendations of our own Grand Lodge . If the Grand Secretary ' s circular alluded to was attended to by all the lodges we should , we think , have little to complain of .
The Status Of Grand Officers, &C.
THE STATUS OF GRAND OFFICERS , & c .
A discussion lia ¦ arisen " Who are the proper persons to respond for the toast ' The rest of the Grand Officers . ' ' " for that was the origin of the whole controversy . Two ¦ most contradictory views have been put before us . One is , that the Grand Officer senior in rank is thc proper person ; the other is . ' •the senior actual and invested Officer of
Grand Lodge present . " Under the first category come all Provincial and District G . Masters ; in the alternative case , the actual present senior Officer of Grand Lodge would respond . Before we commence the discussion , ( to which this paper is a humble contribution ) , we must clear the ground away a little . I . In the first place we must bear in mind that we arc
dealing with a subject which is not touched by the Book of Constitutions . The Constitutions do not concern themselves with the " social circle . " Thev only refer to proceedings in Grand Lodge , Provincial Grand Lodges , District Grand Lodges , private lodges , and public processions , proceedings , consecrations , and funerals . The Masonic " club life" is beyond the range of the Constitutions
altogether , they are limited to the lodire life , and purely Masonic ceremonial , jurisprudence , and work . Therefore , all that we can really deal with are the " comity and courtesy " of Masonic sociality . We cannot lay down any law , neither can any " hard and fast line" be enforced ; neither could it be , by Masonic authority . But , as a matter of fact , thc customs of the social
circle go hand-in-hand with our constitutional arrangements , and what is laid down in the Book of Constitutions is also the law of the " festive gathering . " 2 . And then , in the second place , undoubtedly the " onus proband ! " rests upon those who say that "all is not according to Cocker , " and wish to assert new claims , or to alter existing usages . 1 say it advisedly—since 1 S 25
the rule has been to observe , rightly or wrongly , the present arrangement alike in Masonic ceremonial and at the social board , to a great extent universally . I have attended gatherings , "great and many , " in the time of the Duke of Sussex , Lord Zetland , Lord Ripon , and our present Royal Grand Master , and have known hut few departures from this rule , except at the Grand Festival . For instance .
over and over again , in the presence of some most distinguished brethren—like Bro . Havers and others—has Lord Zetland coupled the name of Bro . Hall , P . G . M . for Cambridgeshire , with the toast of "The Grand Officers , " No doubt examples may be cited of Grand Officers for thc year returning thanks , hut they were the exception , anil to my mind prove the rule . "It is wrong , " sav Bros . "Bayard , "
' Kevircsco , "A Puzzled Student , " anti others ; but how is it wrong ? Why is it wrong ? If it indeed be wrong , thc sooner it is authoritatively elecidcd the better . But , despite much that has been advanced , and more that has been suggested , it still is , according to my view , " i | uod est demonstrandum . " It appears to me that the rank and position of the Prov . anil District GrantI Masters are clear and precise ,
( despite a little haze here anil there perhaps ) , in thc Book of Constitutions . They form an integral position of thc Grand Lodge of England , anil are seventh in number and position of precedence . In the absence of the G . Master , Pro G . Master . Past G . Masters , Past Pro G . Masters , the D . G . M ., Past D . G . M . ' s , thev preside over thc Grand Lodge as the " Grand Officer , or Past Grand Officer next in rank
and seniority , " though one or two conset ] tiences and questions ai ise out of this very law . For instance , it has been said , that by thc use of the disjunctive " or" it is meant that you arc to " exhaust " actual Grand Officers for the year before you call on Past Grand Officers . But that suggestion is met by the law that when the Grand Wardens are present no one else can take their lacesand we must
p , , therefore , I think , understand the law to mean that the Senior Grand Officer or Past Grand Officers present , the 1 rov . and District Grand Masters being Grand Officers in that sense , are those to whom this section refers . Otherwise , to push Ihe argument to an absurdity , a Grand Pursuivant might take precedence of a Prov . or District GrantI Master . It is said that tin re is a difference between a GrantI
Officer and an officer of Granel Lodge , ( invested in Grand ,. ™ se ) , and so there W in oiie sense , but that -ifference is not recognized by the Book of Constitutions , "'Inch undoubtedly considers the Provincial anti District Wand Masters , whether as representatives of the Grand •"aster or as "Grand Master ' s Officers , " as has be ' .-n said , Wand Officers , in the sense to claim rightlv precedence at all
meetings of Grand Lodge , and " ranking" in theorderas * •«forth , pp . , ( - , anj ;> ; n a |] assemblies of the Order . It "just lead to inevitable and undesirable confusion if at our meetings it is a epics , on whether the Provincial and Dis'net Urand Master or the senior Officer of Grand Lodge is ° return thanks , and wc shall probably have to interpolate pother toast , " Provincial and District Grand Masters , " Ufhcers of Grand Lodge
. _ » ut another question comes in here which must be noted , ne precedence of Grand Officers , Present and Past , is not * "ttlecompbcated , ; n that , for instance , Past Grand Warth " " , Past Grand Chaplains take precedence even of ta . _ Gram Treasurer , and Past Grand Treasurers * .. c precedence of the Grand Registrar , the President of
The Status Of Grand Officers, &C.
the Board of General Purposes , the Grand Secretary , & c , & c . It appears to me that after all the whole question resolves itself into this , can you disassociate Provincial and District Grand Masters from their actual position in Grand Lodge , in any matter relating to Freemasonry ? If you cannot , which I hold you cannot , then , to all intents and purposes they are entitled by the "comity of Masonic social customs , " to the same actual and relative rank
which the Book of Constitutions awards them . Here I pause . I have spoken , I hope , clearly and freely , but with no offence to any one , though we should not need such apologies in a Masonic discussion . Since I wrote the above 1 have been informed on very hig h authority that there is a decision of the Board of General Purposes in Bro . Evans ' s time , declaring Prov . and District Grand Masters not officers of Grand Lodge . VV .
Original Correspondence.
Original Correspondence .
[ AVe do not hold ourselves responsible for , or even approving of , the opinions expressed liy our correspondents , but we wish in a spirit of fair play to all , to permit—within eertain necessary limits—free discussion . ]
FREEMASONRY IN WORCESTERSHIRE . To the Eilitor of the Freemason . Dear Sir ^ and Brother , — Allow me to supplement your article on " Freemasonry in Worcestershire , " in your issue of the 25 th ult ., with a few facts omitted . The writer of the article gives the rise of Freemasonry in Kidderminster in 1 S 24 , when Hope and Charity , No . 377 , commenced its labours . Such is not
the case ; Freemasonry existed here many years previous to that date . I have in my possession a book of bye-laws of a lodge held at the Raven Inn , High-street , Kidderminster , dated 1772 , with the names of the members , their contributions and expenditure . The title page runs " In the year of Masonry , 5771 , the mnst noble Prince John , Duke and Marquis of Atholl , Marquis and Earl of Jullibardine , Karl of Strathtay and Strathardle , Viscount of Balluuider ,
Glenalmond , and Glenlyon , Lord Murray , Belveny , and Cask , Heritable Captain and Constable of the Castle and Constabulary of Kincleaven , one of the sixteen Peers of Scotland , Knight of the most Noble and most Antient Order of the Thistle , and Grand Master of thc most Antient and Honourable Fraternity of I *> ee and Accepted Masons , LAURENCE DERMOTT , Esq . D . G . M . WILLIAM CLARKE . Esq ., S . G . W .
J CHRISTIAN , Ksq ., J . G . W . WILLIAM DICKF . V , Esq ., " G . Sec . These bye-laws printed by order of thc Grand Lodge . " On the opposite page " Rules and Orders , which are to be punctually observed and kept by the most Ancient and Honourable Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons , according te > the olel Constitutions- granted by His Royal Highness Prince Eelivin of York in thc year of our Lord
Nine Hundred and 1 wcnty-Six , and in the year of Masonry Four Thousand Nine Hundreel and Twenty-Six . In order to prevent all feuds , controversies , illegal arguments , or debates , which might in any sort disturb or make void thc true intent and meaning of this our unanimous conjunction , we , the Master , Warelens , Deacons , and Secretary , together with the rest of the members of our Lodge , No . 17 S ( by and with the approbation and consent of the
Grand Lodge ) , have thought proper to subscribe and establish the feJllowing rules : — 1 . That a Lodgeof Free and Accepted Masons aforesaid shall be held at the Raven Inn , in thc Bourough of Kidderminster , upon the third Tuesday in each kalender month , " & c . At the end of the byelaws ( twenty-six in number ) follows , " London , 10 th November , in the year of our Lord One Thousand Seven Hundred Seventy and Two , and in the year of Masonry
Five Thousand Seven Hundred Seventy and Two . " By order , " WM . DICKKV , G . Sec . " Then follow the signatures of H . Bradley , M . H . Perrin , S . VV . ; Jas . Warner , J . W . ; W- , . Banks , S . and J . ; thc entries of receipts and expenses me up to December 27 th , 1 S 15 . The list of members contains many well-known Kidderminster names , such as the Porrins , Woodwards , Newcombs , Gowtrs , Watsons , Bradleys , Pardocs , and
others ; two direct descendants of these "Anticnts" are now among our Past Masters , viz .: Bros . E . Perrin and 13 . Woodward . When this lodge ceased to exist I have no proof , hut it was followed by the Faithful , No . ( 1 S 0— a copy of thc seal which was given mc by an old Mason years ago I enclose . 1 knew some of the Past Masters of this lodge ; they are now "dead and turned to clay , " and I have before me ( as I write ) three certificates of deceased members of
this lodge , one admitted as a joining member in 1 S 21 , having been made in Ireland , the other two bearing date of initiation 1 S 22 granted in 1 S 23—this I should think is sufficient proof of the existence of the Faithful . Now Hope and Charity appears on the Masonic horizon ; its charter was granted in 1 S 24 , and during that year it had two Masters , viz ., James Heaton and Wm . Regan . Samuel Gibson followed in 1 S 25 ; this same S . Gibson ' s endorsement is on one of the certificates of the Faithful as W . M . I
theiefore' take it for granted that Hope and Charity was an offshoot of ( iRo ; the original number of Hope anti Charity was ft ) 1 . secondly 523 , anil on the separation of the Canadian Lodges from the Grand Lodge of England , 377 . The Royal Standard , 49 S , at thc present time held at Dudley , was originally a Kidderminster Loelge , No . 730 , consecrated in 1 S 44 , and in a few years transferred to Dudley . I am , yours fraternally , JAMES FITZGERALD , P . M . and Sec . 377 , P . P . S . G . D .
ADMISSION OF VISITORS . To the Editor of the " ¦ Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — Touching- this vexed question , and after full consideration of all thc correspondence thcreanent , it appears probable that the majority of your readers will be under the impression that Bro . J . K . Steward , W . M . i . -ilj , however much ivc must aejoiire adhesion
to lawfully-constituted authority , really had but scant courtesy extended to him on the occasion to which he refers . Nevertheless , the "two sides to a question" principle may be peculiarly applicable to the case before us , and the production of the certificate be considered a sine i / nii non by somenf the Craft , whilst" satisfactory proof or voucher " would suffice for others . To meet the wishes of the former it would be absolutely
Original Correspondence.
necessary for a brother intending to visit lodges , during a provincial tour or a temporary sojourn in the country , to have his certificate always about his person , and very frequently such a necessity would cause great inconvenience and frequent risk of loss of the all-important document . Could not the requirements of both parties be met by the general adoption of a very ingenious arrangement which
numerous brethren of my acquaintance have found in all respects satisfactory for the purpose of introduction and voucher when visiting lodges wherein they had no acquaintance who could speak on their behalf ? I allude to the combined photograph of person and certificate , registered , I believe , but , at any rate , published , by Bro . VV . Shury Marshall , of 40 , Charing Cross . The " carte " of the
brother and the photograph of his certificate , with signature , are enclosed in a small leather case , bearing , in gilt letters , the name and Masonic titles of the owner ; and together form a very much stronger voucher of identity than even tbe production of the original certificate could afford . For a certificate might be presented by one to whom it had never been granted , but who could , nevertheless , if
required , make a very fan- imitation of the marginal signature ; whilst the difficulty of successful misrepresentation could not be overcome when likeness , handwriting , and fac simile of the Grand Lodge parchment united to promote detection .
I recommend these " cartes , " & c , to the notice of those who desire to have with them at all times an effective and inexpensive means of indentifying themselves with the Craft , and satisfying the lodges they may visit that they are not coivans . Yours faithfully and fraternally .
JAMES STEVENS , P . M ., P . Z . [ We are afraid that the " cartes " would have a twofold application , and might be used for bad purposes . We confess that we do not see how a lodge can be properly said to exhibit " scant courtesy " when it simply obeys a ' ' circular" from the . Grand Master . —ED . F . M . ]
THE LATE GRAND SECRETARY .-To the Editor ofthe "Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — I have already announced in your columns that a record of the Masonic life of my dear uncle , Bro . John Hervey , is in course of- preparation by me . As 1 have the additional advantage of being able to consult his private
authentic papers , it is to be hoped that when completed it will possess considerable interest for a large number of his surviving friends and brethren , and perhaps serve to show those who are now pursuing their respective Masonic careers what thc life of a true Mason should be . But any further documents or copies of documents will materially increase the value of my records of a Masonic life , and
if Bra . H . Godfrey , P . M . S 2 , will oblige me with a copy of the letter to which he refers in your issue of the 2 nd inst ., I shall be greatly indebted to him . May I take this opportunity of pointing out to my many friends , brethren , and correspondents that I am now writing from my new residence , and that the labour of removing and re-arranging a
large library has prevented the acknowledgment of anything except the most pressing matters ? I remain , dear Sir and Brother , yours sincerely and fraternally , KENNETH R . H . MACKENZIE , IX" . Clyde House , Wellington-road , Hounslow , Middlesex , October 4 th .
Copy of a letter " re Red Apron Lodges , written by the late G . Secretary , Bro . Hervey , to Bro . Henry Godfrey , W . M . S 2 , May 2 nd , 1 S 77 : — I-Yeemasons' Hall , London , W . C . 2 nd May , 1 S 77 . Dear Sir and Brother , — Your note of the 12 th ult . was a short one , but to
reply to it perfectly would require more time than I have had , or have ever , to devote to it . In the year 172 S , twelve Stewards were appointed who bore thc expenses of the Grand Festival , with the privilege of appointing their successors , and it frequently occurred that no volunteers to fill the oflice could be obtained , and brethren served more than once , twice , or thrice .
In 1731 , the Grand Stewards' Lodge was established , to which none were eligible to be admitted members but such as had served as Grand Stewards . In 1779 , a resolution was come to , that none should be appointed to office in Grand Lodge who had not served as Grand Stewards . After the union of the two Grand Lodges in 1814 , the
number of Grand Stewards was increased to eighteen , and then I imagine thc privilege of nomination was accorded to the same number of lodges , but this I cannot say for certain , and it would take more time to investigate than the enquiry i . s worth . The privilege was accorded by the Grand Master , under thc sanction of Grand Lodge , and has continued until the present time .
' 1 he privilege appears to be restricted to the same lodges , excepting as it is forfeited as laid down in thc Constitutions . The number of lodges possessing the privilege you will find in the Grand Lodge Calendar , p . 7 ( 1 . Present or Past Grand Stewards alone have thc right of joining the Grand Stcwarels' Loelge , the regulations of which you will find at p . 44 , Hook of Constitutions . Yours fraternally , JOHN HERVEY , G . S . Bro . Henry Godfrey , W . M . S _ , Cheltenham .
THF . UN-MASONIC TRIAL . To the Editor of the "Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — I feel constrained to write a line to ask if eno ugh publicity has not been given to the late trial of Voi gt v . 1 revor , and others . It is not discussed , in my humble opinion , in any thing approaching a Masonic spirit , and I
cannot help feeling that such of the outer world as may read your paper will have but a sorry opinion of us , and certainly will ntit exclaim , exceot in bitter irony , " How these Alasons love one another !" For myself , I would give to no fund to assist either ; both havo grievously erred ( Masonically ) .
Bro . Trevor admits going on after hc had paid some £ So in costs , Bro . Voigt must have paid as much , but he was willing to let it drop , but Bro . Trevor wanted his costs back . If that was not so , why have compelled Bro . Voigt to go on . The action , if both had becn willing to pay his own costs , would have been abandoned . Bro . Voigt was willing , why not Bro . Trevor ? I think he was wrong both in that and in his circular .