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Article Reviews. ← Page 2 of 2 Article Masonic Notes and Queries. Page 1 of 1 Article Masonic Notes and Queries. Page 1 of 1 Article DISTRICT GRAND LODGE OF THE EASTERN DIVISION, SOUTH AFRICA. Page 1 of 1 Article DISTRICT GRAND LODGE OF THE EASTERN DIVISION, SOUTH AFRICA. Page 1 of 1
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Reviews.
, ; th the brethren shall help him . Every man to pay an ntrance fee of half a mark , and threepence every quartr to maintain the right of the brotherhood and thc alms ; wife of a brother to pay other threepence a quarter . Burial f brother or sister to be attended , the common box to bear the cost of burial of those who have nought of their own to I hurled with ; those dying within ten miles of London to I fetched to London for burial . Loans from the box may otnerureinrcn
he "ranted to the brotherhood , but to none . " afosed " of theft , or of any other wicked fame to be put out of the brotherhood without any delay . This gild , thoueh it is not traceable , is supposed to have been also dissolved in the ist of Edward VI . We are much obliged to Alderman Staples for giving us this fresh and striking o-limpse of the guild-life of our ancestors , important as that was in its bearing on the social life of the English ncople , and interesting as that fact is in itself in its relation to and co-existence with , Masonic Operative Guilds . This lucid little history of a well-known City church ^ deserves careful perusal .
Masonic Notes And Queries.
Masonic Notes and Queries .
A MASONIC UNIFORM . Can any member of the Britannic Lodge , or any student confrere , explain the following passage , which I take from the " Table Book" of VV . Hone , p . I 0 4 > published in 1 S 27 ?—"On the 20 th of December ( 17 S 7 ) , a Grand Masonic Lod" -e was held at the Star and Garter , in Pall Mall . The Duke of Cumberland , as Grand Master , thc Prince of
Wales , and the Duke of York , were in the new uniform of the Britannic Lodge , and the Duke of York received another degree in Masonry ; he had some time before been initiated inlhe first mysteries of the Brotherhood . " I believe thc Duke of York was initiated at Berlin . Can Bro . Thomas Fenn , the able Secretary and lucid historian of the Prince of Wales' Lodge , throw any light on this statement ? MASONIC STUDENT .
EARLY USE OF THE WORD FREEMASON . I was lately skimming through part of a scries of articles , written by a Mr . Joseph Moser , and entitled " Vestiges Revived , " which appeared in volume sixty-three of the European Magazine , for January to June , 1 S 13 , when I came across particulars of a monument erected in St . Helen ' s Church , Bishopsgate . Mr . Moser ' s account reads
thus : — . . "The tomb of William Kerwyn , on which four figures in a kneeling posture are sculptured , is enclosed with iron rails : on thc south side of it these words are inscribed : " Here lyeth the body of William Kerwyn of this city Free Mason , -alio departed this life the 26 th of December , I 594- " ... . _ _ _ _ „
Mr . Moser adds that "His wife , Magdalen Kenovn , who died 1594 , and Benjamin Kennyn , their son , who died 27 th July , 1 G 21 , are also commemorated . " It is further stated that "under the large window of the south aisle of this church was this inscription : " This window was glazed at the charge of Joyce Featly daughter to William Kerroyn , Esq ., and wife to Daniel
Featly , D . D ., Anno Domini , 1 G 32 . " Mr . Moser says , in continuing his account , " This window is enriched with three coats of arms in stained glass , viz ., her father ' s , her first and second husband ' s . Mrs . Featly also repaired her father ' s monument , and ( after thc death of her husband ) left to the poor of St . Helen ' s four pound per annum for ever , to be distributed in bread "—a very
considerable annuity in those days . Dr . Featly , it seems , died in the year 1 O 45 , and in all probability the annuity would be equal to about £ 50 per annum now . Mr . Moser , in a footnote , conjectures that " William Kerwyn , Esq ., " was " probably City Mason . " May I be permitted to suggest that had' this "William Kerwyn , Esq ., " lived in these clays , he would in all probability , have
been known as the " City Architec tr Be this as it may , there are one or two points in conncclion with certain facts and terms as illustrated in the foregoing inscriptions , to which I wish to draw attention of readers of thc Freemason , and about wbich I should very much like to hear the opinions of such competent authorities as Bros . Rev . A . F . A . Woodford and Hughan .
It may , of course , be suggested that the term " Free Mason , " as applied to Kerwyn , means nothing more than that he was free of thc Guild of Masons , that is , that he was an Operative Mason , who by having served his term of apprenticeship , or in some other way , had obtained the freedom of his Company . But I incline to a somewhat different view , and for the following reasons :
( a ) 1 his William Kerwyn must have been a man of substance to have had so elaborate a monument , on which " four figures in a kneeling posture " were sculptured , and which was enclosed with iron rails , erected to his memory . It is not likely this would have been done had he been only an Operative Mason . ( b ) He must have been a man of position as well as
substance , or he would not have been designated in the inscription on the window , " which was glazed at the charge " of his daughter Joyce Featly , wife of Daniel Featly , D . D ., as "William Kerwyn , Esq . " The term " esquire" was not then , as it is now , indiscriminately applied to everyone above the rank of artisan and mechanic who has no handle to his name . Its Latin equivalent is " armigcr" —one
who bears arms ; that is , who is entitled to a coat of arms , 'twould have been out of place , therefore , if used in connection with an Operative Mason . ( c ) Mr . Moser describes the window , " which was glazed at the charge of Joyce Featly , daughter to William Away ; ., Esq ., and wife to Daniel Featly , D . D ., " as being enriched with three coats of arms , in stained glass , viz .,
ncr father ' s , her first and second husband's . " Thus William Kerwyn , " Free-Mason , " was also "William Kerywn , j ' -scj ., ' and entitled to a coat of arms . He was thus an armiger , " or " gentleman . " laking these fads together—the elaborate monument erected to his memory , his being designated a Free Mason > n one inscription , and an " esnuirc " in another , and that nis
coat of arms was painted on a window in St . Helen's > - lurch , I feel justified in adopting the conclusion that , n \> y . er , le may ,, avc been ' wither a " Master of Work , " ¦ ike William Shaw of the famous statutes promulgated in Scotland , temp . James VI . ( our James I . ) , thc " Citv lason , as conjectured by Mr . Moser , or , as I have taken "ie libert y of suggesting , somewhat like the " City Archi-
Masonic Notes And Queries.
tect " of our day , he was not an Operative Mason—a mere artisan—who had obtained the freedom of his guild b y birth , by serving his apprenticeship , or in some other legtmate way . But if not an Operative Mason free of his guild , then , being an " esquire , " and entitled to a " coat of arms , " in what sense was he a Free Mason ? Was he one in the same sense as Lord Alexander , Sir Anthony Alexander , and other gentlemen , who were made Masons in the
Lodge of Edinburgh ( St . Mary ' s Chapel ) in 1634 , and later year ' s , and our own Elias Ashmole , who was so made in 1 O 46 ? If so , then the mixed " Operative , " and what we call now " Speculative , " period of Freemasonry in England dates back to an earlier period than it does in Scotland . At all events , these inscriptions raise an interesting question ,
on which 1 trust some of the readers of the Freemason may be able to throw a little light . Perhaps , also , some of them may be able to suggest sources of information from which there is likely to be a chance of obtaining further particulars respecting this " William Kerwyn , Esq ., " of this City ( of London ) " Free Mason . " G . B . A .
District Grand Lodge Of The Eastern Division, South Africa.
DISTRICT GRAND LODGE OF THE EASTERN DIVISION , SOUTH AFRICA .
Thc Regular Communication of the Grand Lodge of this district was held in the Masonic Temple , Cradock , on Thursday , the 9 th June , there being present R . W . Bro . Charles James Egan , A . B ., M . R . C . S ., D . G . M . ; W . Bros . W . S . Leigh , D . S . G . W . ; C . T . Mount , Past District
Grand Deacon , as D . J . G . W . ; J . C . Kemsley , P . D . G . S . W .: Bio . the Rev . A . T . Wirgman , M . A ., D . C . L ., D . G . C . ; VV . Bros . Wm . F . Sissing , District Grand Steward , as D . C . T . ; Geo . Prescott Perks , D . G . S . ; Jas . Mclntyre , P . D . G . Sword Bearer , as D . S . G . D . ; VVm . Wedderburn , D . J . G . D . ; J . VV . Mackay , P . M . S 63 , as D . G . D . of Cer . ; John E . Green , P . M . 14 G 9 , as D . G .
S . B . ; A . E . Austen , P . M . 1469 , as G . Dt Purs . ; VV . A . Smith , D . G . Steward ; James Kemsley , P . M . 711 , as D . G . Steward ; C . T . Wheelright , P . M . S 63 , as D . G . Steward ; J . C . Blakeway , VV . M . 711 , as D . G . Steward ; Bros . Joshua A . Harty , S . VV . S 53 , as D . G . Steward ; Joseph Clarke , S . VV . 1 S 00 , as D . G . Steward ; and the Masters , Past Masters , and Wardens of many lodges .
A report ot XV . Bros . G . P . Perks and J . S . r . Johnson , Auditors of District Grand Lodge accounts , a copy of which was p laced in thc hands of every brother , was then read , showing a balance at the bankers of £ 191 Gs . sd . VV . Bro . VV . S . LEIGH , D . S . G . W ., Right Worshipful District Grand Master , said that although the expenditure for the past year had been very light , and the Treasurer's
account so far satisfactory , he considered it ought to be , more replete in the items of expenditure , such as printing stationery , & c . VV . Bro . VV . F . SISSING , acting Treasurer , promised to furnish the amount in that form in future . W . Bro . C . T . VV . MOUAT , D . J . G . W ., said : Right Worshipful District Grand Master , it appears from the
account just read , that only three District Grand Officers have paid their fees of office for thc past year , and 1 think it very strange that so many should be in arrear . I would therefore suggest that the District Grand Treasurer be directed to collect the outstanding fees without further delay . The Right Worshipful DISTRICT GRAND MASTER directed the Treasurer , to sec to the collection of the fees
mentioned . VV . Bro . J . C . KEMSLEV , Past D . G . W ., suggested that the District Grand Treasurer be directed to prepare for information of District Grand Lodge at the next meeting a statement of all fees overdue . After some remarks by Bros . KELMSLEV and AUSTEN respecting defaulting lodges , the Right Worshipful
DISTRICT GRAND MASTER put the accounts for confirmation , and declared them passed unanimously . The following repoit of the Board of General Purposes was then read , and on thc motion of W . Bro . C . T . VV . MOUAT , D . J . G . W ., seconded by Bro . J OSEPH CLARKE , of Lodge No . 1 Soo , adopted and ordered to be entered on thc minutes :
'' Your Board of General Purposes in presenting this their annual report to thc members of District Grand Lodge , beg to state that in tbeir position they have pleassure in saying there is very little matter to present , as thc current of Masonry has been running very smoothly during the past year . "The only feature which thc District Grand Secretary
has to comment upon is his inability to present thc statistic return showing the increase or decrease of Masonry in the district , asked for by the District Grand Junior Warden atour meeting in Queen's Town , in such a form as to afford the members of District Grand Lodge that information which they havc a right to expect . This is mainly owing to neglect on thc part of some lodges in not
rendering thc necessary returns , and in the case of others m rendering them imperfectly ; and here your Board desire to point out to lodges the importance of complying with the printed instructions at the head of thc return , namely , 'to render their returns to the 31 st December in each year , ' with punctuality , giving with it the names of members who by reason of resignations , suspension , or death
arc omitted from the return , together with the date of such casualty , and the reason for such omission , as without this information it is perfectly impossible to prepare a correct return of members of the district . "A rough statement from the returns to hand has been prepared , showing the approximate position of the Craft at the end of the Masonic year , and is hereunto annexed .
" During the year one new warrant has been applied for for a lodge at Bedford , which lodge was to be opened by the Right Worshipful District Grand Master , on thc occasion of his visit to Cradock . " Your Board would also call thc attention of Worshipful Masters of lodges to clause G , under the head of Private Lodges in thc Book of Constitutions , requiring them to keep a proper registry of members , which would
greatly assist Secretaries of lodges in making out their annual returns . " W . Bro . R . J . Dick was re-elected District G . Treas . Thc Right Worshipful District Grand Master appointed the following brethren to be District Grand Officers for the ensuing year , who were thereupon duly invested by VV . Bro . J . C . Kemsley , I ' . D . G . W . VV . Bro . C . T . Mouat , P . M . 711 ... D . S . G . VV . „ Jafiies Mclntyre , P . M . S 53 ... D . J . G . W .
District Grand Lodge Of The Eastern Division, South Africa.
Bro . Rev . A . T . Wirgman , M . A ., D . C . L ... D . G . Chap . VV . Bro . R . J . Dick , W . M . S 53 ... D . G . Treas . „ Geo . Prescott Perks , P . M . S 35 D . G . Sec . „ James Kemsley , P . M . 711 ... D . S . G . D . ,, Alexander Cruickshank , P . M .
15 S 1 DJ . G . D . „ J . VV . C . Mackay , P . M . S 63 D . G . Dir . of Cer . Bro . A , Barfield , 91 S D . G . Org . VV . Bro . John E . Green , P . M . 1469 ... D . G . Swd . Br . „ A . E . Austen , P . M . 14 O 9 ... D . G . Purst . „ C . T . Wheelwright , P . M . SO 3 ;" 1 A . D . Webb , P . M . 918 ;
G . M . Gates , P . M . 1590 ; O . H . Bate , P . M . 1 S 24 ; > -D . G . Deacons . F . R . Southey , W . M . 1909 ; and Bro . A . Metcalf , 14 G 9 ... ... ... J The usual charge after investment of officers was then delivered by the R . W . D . G . M ., who remarked that in distributing the several District Grand Lodge Offices , he
bestowed them on brethren who in his opinion did their best to promote and advance the principles of Freemasonry in the district , and trusted that the selections made would give general satisfaction . 1 he Right Worshipful District Grand Master then called on W . Bro . VV . F . Sissing , Secretary of the Educational Charity , to read the following report of the Board of Education :
In presenting their annual report , the Board feel themselves justified in stating that the financial condition of the Educational Charity is at the date of their report not in such a prosperous state as they could wish . " A comparison of the financial position in which the Charity stands at this date , with that in which it stood at the date of last year's report will convince the friends and
supporters of the Charity that its revenue has fallen off considerably . " In the previous year the total income amounted to the sum of £ 228 7 s . id ., whilst a reference to the Treasurer ' s statement herewith shows that the receipts from all sources to date amounted to £ 123 iOs ., which , with the addition of the balance brought forward from last year , brings the total
to £ 276 13 s . gd . " Your Board have likewise to report that two of the annual subscribers became Life Governors during this year by the payment of £ 10 ios . each , thereby increasing the number of Governors from two to four . " With reference to the foregoing income , your Board have to report that £ 22 us ., being £ 21 for two Life-Governorships , and £ 1 us . received as donations , have , in
accordance with Clause 2 of the educational scheme , been transferred to the Endowment Fund , by the addition of which that fund is now increased to £ 44 5 s . The education of the children and ordinary expenses absorbed £ iGo gs . 1 id ., and there is a balance of £ 116 4 s . 8 d . to credit for the current year . " During the early part of this year three
childrenone girl , Janet H . Hendry , and two boys , G . VV . Smyth , and C . VV . Rowland , have been admitted to the benefits of the Charity ; and in connection with the admission of these children , it is necessary to explain that at the time of their election it was calculated that the fund then in hand , together with the promised contributions , would be more than adequate to the estimated expenditure for the
year . But your Board lament to state that at the date of this report half of the promised contributions have not even to an appeal from your Board been paid to the Treasurer of the fund , and it is feared that unless efforts are made by lodges and individual subscribers to remit their overdue contributions , thefund of the Charity will but barely meet the estimated expenditure of the next seven months .
Your Board , therefore , cannot but view the apparent indifference , at least of some of the guarantors , with much concern ; the more so , because when they , as a Board , undertook their obligations , it was on the distinct understanding that the subscribers guaranteed their subscriptions for a period of three years . " Your Board have the satisfaction of reporting that
they continbe to receive favourable accounts of the progress and intelligence of both girls and boys at the several schools , and doubt not but that the advanced system of education and training they receive will enable them to realise an honest and independent livelihood in whatever path of life it shall please God to place them . " In conclusion , your Board would earnestly impress upon
the minds of the supporters of the Charity , and biethren generally , the solemn obligation imposed on them of exerting their energy and influence to augment the resources and increase the ability of the Masonic charity of this district to receive within its fold the destitute and bereaved orphans of their deceased brethren . " A discussion then followed with respect to the
non-payment of subscriptions promised to the Charity Fund , which resulted in the following resolution : " That the subscriptions collected by the Charity Stewards be forwarded to the Secretary annually , not later than the 31 st March . " VV . Bro . G . P . PERKS , D . G . S ., then said that from pecuniary motives at the formation of District Grand Lodge it was deemed unadvisable to obtain all the jewels
for D . G . Lodge , but as the state of the funds would now permit of the expenditure he would propose that the regalia necessary for its completion be now obtained . Resolved accordingly that the regalia be obtained . The R . W . D . G . M . said : Brethren , I have to announce that 1 have received a communication from VV . Bro . S . Bain , the D . D . G . M ., resigning his appointment of Deputy
District Grand Master , and I wish to place on record my regret at losing the services and assistance of this valuable and distinguished brother . It was thereupon unanimously resolved , "That District Grand Lodge express their rcgretat Worshipful Bro . Samuel Bain resigning his appointment of Deputy District Grand Master , and further that the resolution be recorded on the
minutes . " VV . Bro . J . C . KEMSLEY , P . D . G . W ., said that nothing gave greater sorrow to the lodges at Port Elizabeth than W . Bro . Bain ' s resignation from the lodges there . It was further unanimously resolved , on the motion of VV . Bro . G . P . PERKS , D . G . S ., "That a vote of thanks be recorded to the VV . M ., Officers , and brethren of the Meridian Lodge for the genial and courteous reception ac * corded to the District Grand Lodge . " All business being concluded , District Grand Lodge \ va § clo 6 cd in due form and with solemn prayer .
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Reviews.
, ; th the brethren shall help him . Every man to pay an ntrance fee of half a mark , and threepence every quartr to maintain the right of the brotherhood and thc alms ; wife of a brother to pay other threepence a quarter . Burial f brother or sister to be attended , the common box to bear the cost of burial of those who have nought of their own to I hurled with ; those dying within ten miles of London to I fetched to London for burial . Loans from the box may otnerureinrcn
he "ranted to the brotherhood , but to none . " afosed " of theft , or of any other wicked fame to be put out of the brotherhood without any delay . This gild , thoueh it is not traceable , is supposed to have been also dissolved in the ist of Edward VI . We are much obliged to Alderman Staples for giving us this fresh and striking o-limpse of the guild-life of our ancestors , important as that was in its bearing on the social life of the English ncople , and interesting as that fact is in itself in its relation to and co-existence with , Masonic Operative Guilds . This lucid little history of a well-known City church ^ deserves careful perusal .
Masonic Notes And Queries.
Masonic Notes and Queries .
A MASONIC UNIFORM . Can any member of the Britannic Lodge , or any student confrere , explain the following passage , which I take from the " Table Book" of VV . Hone , p . I 0 4 > published in 1 S 27 ?—"On the 20 th of December ( 17 S 7 ) , a Grand Masonic Lod" -e was held at the Star and Garter , in Pall Mall . The Duke of Cumberland , as Grand Master , thc Prince of
Wales , and the Duke of York , were in the new uniform of the Britannic Lodge , and the Duke of York received another degree in Masonry ; he had some time before been initiated inlhe first mysteries of the Brotherhood . " I believe thc Duke of York was initiated at Berlin . Can Bro . Thomas Fenn , the able Secretary and lucid historian of the Prince of Wales' Lodge , throw any light on this statement ? MASONIC STUDENT .
EARLY USE OF THE WORD FREEMASON . I was lately skimming through part of a scries of articles , written by a Mr . Joseph Moser , and entitled " Vestiges Revived , " which appeared in volume sixty-three of the European Magazine , for January to June , 1 S 13 , when I came across particulars of a monument erected in St . Helen ' s Church , Bishopsgate . Mr . Moser ' s account reads
thus : — . . "The tomb of William Kerwyn , on which four figures in a kneeling posture are sculptured , is enclosed with iron rails : on thc south side of it these words are inscribed : " Here lyeth the body of William Kerwyn of this city Free Mason , -alio departed this life the 26 th of December , I 594- " ... . _ _ _ _ „
Mr . Moser adds that "His wife , Magdalen Kenovn , who died 1594 , and Benjamin Kennyn , their son , who died 27 th July , 1 G 21 , are also commemorated . " It is further stated that "under the large window of the south aisle of this church was this inscription : " This window was glazed at the charge of Joyce Featly daughter to William Kerroyn , Esq ., and wife to Daniel
Featly , D . D ., Anno Domini , 1 G 32 . " Mr . Moser says , in continuing his account , " This window is enriched with three coats of arms in stained glass , viz ., her father ' s , her first and second husband ' s . Mrs . Featly also repaired her father ' s monument , and ( after thc death of her husband ) left to the poor of St . Helen ' s four pound per annum for ever , to be distributed in bread "—a very
considerable annuity in those days . Dr . Featly , it seems , died in the year 1 O 45 , and in all probability the annuity would be equal to about £ 50 per annum now . Mr . Moser , in a footnote , conjectures that " William Kerwyn , Esq ., " was " probably City Mason . " May I be permitted to suggest that had' this "William Kerwyn , Esq ., " lived in these clays , he would in all probability , have
been known as the " City Architec tr Be this as it may , there are one or two points in conncclion with certain facts and terms as illustrated in the foregoing inscriptions , to which I wish to draw attention of readers of thc Freemason , and about wbich I should very much like to hear the opinions of such competent authorities as Bros . Rev . A . F . A . Woodford and Hughan .
It may , of course , be suggested that the term " Free Mason , " as applied to Kerwyn , means nothing more than that he was free of thc Guild of Masons , that is , that he was an Operative Mason , who by having served his term of apprenticeship , or in some other way , had obtained the freedom of his Company . But I incline to a somewhat different view , and for the following reasons :
( a ) 1 his William Kerwyn must have been a man of substance to have had so elaborate a monument , on which " four figures in a kneeling posture " were sculptured , and which was enclosed with iron rails , erected to his memory . It is not likely this would have been done had he been only an Operative Mason . ( b ) He must have been a man of position as well as
substance , or he would not have been designated in the inscription on the window , " which was glazed at the charge " of his daughter Joyce Featly , wife of Daniel Featly , D . D ., as "William Kerwyn , Esq . " The term " esquire" was not then , as it is now , indiscriminately applied to everyone above the rank of artisan and mechanic who has no handle to his name . Its Latin equivalent is " armigcr" —one
who bears arms ; that is , who is entitled to a coat of arms , 'twould have been out of place , therefore , if used in connection with an Operative Mason . ( c ) Mr . Moser describes the window , " which was glazed at the charge of Joyce Featly , daughter to William Away ; ., Esq ., and wife to Daniel Featly , D . D ., " as being enriched with three coats of arms , in stained glass , viz .,
ncr father ' s , her first and second husband's . " Thus William Kerwyn , " Free-Mason , " was also "William Kerywn , j ' -scj ., ' and entitled to a coat of arms . He was thus an armiger , " or " gentleman . " laking these fads together—the elaborate monument erected to his memory , his being designated a Free Mason > n one inscription , and an " esnuirc " in another , and that nis
coat of arms was painted on a window in St . Helen's > - lurch , I feel justified in adopting the conclusion that , n \> y . er , le may ,, avc been ' wither a " Master of Work , " ¦ ike William Shaw of the famous statutes promulgated in Scotland , temp . James VI . ( our James I . ) , thc " Citv lason , as conjectured by Mr . Moser , or , as I have taken "ie libert y of suggesting , somewhat like the " City Archi-
Masonic Notes And Queries.
tect " of our day , he was not an Operative Mason—a mere artisan—who had obtained the freedom of his guild b y birth , by serving his apprenticeship , or in some other legtmate way . But if not an Operative Mason free of his guild , then , being an " esquire , " and entitled to a " coat of arms , " in what sense was he a Free Mason ? Was he one in the same sense as Lord Alexander , Sir Anthony Alexander , and other gentlemen , who were made Masons in the
Lodge of Edinburgh ( St . Mary ' s Chapel ) in 1634 , and later year ' s , and our own Elias Ashmole , who was so made in 1 O 46 ? If so , then the mixed " Operative , " and what we call now " Speculative , " period of Freemasonry in England dates back to an earlier period than it does in Scotland . At all events , these inscriptions raise an interesting question ,
on which 1 trust some of the readers of the Freemason may be able to throw a little light . Perhaps , also , some of them may be able to suggest sources of information from which there is likely to be a chance of obtaining further particulars respecting this " William Kerwyn , Esq ., " of this City ( of London ) " Free Mason . " G . B . A .
District Grand Lodge Of The Eastern Division, South Africa.
DISTRICT GRAND LODGE OF THE EASTERN DIVISION , SOUTH AFRICA .
Thc Regular Communication of the Grand Lodge of this district was held in the Masonic Temple , Cradock , on Thursday , the 9 th June , there being present R . W . Bro . Charles James Egan , A . B ., M . R . C . S ., D . G . M . ; W . Bros . W . S . Leigh , D . S . G . W . ; C . T . Mount , Past District
Grand Deacon , as D . J . G . W . ; J . C . Kemsley , P . D . G . S . W .: Bio . the Rev . A . T . Wirgman , M . A ., D . C . L ., D . G . C . ; VV . Bros . Wm . F . Sissing , District Grand Steward , as D . C . T . ; Geo . Prescott Perks , D . G . S . ; Jas . Mclntyre , P . D . G . Sword Bearer , as D . S . G . D . ; VVm . Wedderburn , D . J . G . D . ; J . VV . Mackay , P . M . S 63 , as D . G . D . of Cer . ; John E . Green , P . M . 14 G 9 , as D . G .
S . B . ; A . E . Austen , P . M . 1469 , as G . Dt Purs . ; VV . A . Smith , D . G . Steward ; James Kemsley , P . M . 711 , as D . G . Steward ; C . T . Wheelright , P . M . S 63 , as D . G . Steward ; J . C . Blakeway , VV . M . 711 , as D . G . Steward ; Bros . Joshua A . Harty , S . VV . S 53 , as D . G . Steward ; Joseph Clarke , S . VV . 1 S 00 , as D . G . Steward ; and the Masters , Past Masters , and Wardens of many lodges .
A report ot XV . Bros . G . P . Perks and J . S . r . Johnson , Auditors of District Grand Lodge accounts , a copy of which was p laced in thc hands of every brother , was then read , showing a balance at the bankers of £ 191 Gs . sd . VV . Bro . VV . S . LEIGH , D . S . G . W ., Right Worshipful District Grand Master , said that although the expenditure for the past year had been very light , and the Treasurer's
account so far satisfactory , he considered it ought to be , more replete in the items of expenditure , such as printing stationery , & c . VV . Bro . VV . F . SISSING , acting Treasurer , promised to furnish the amount in that form in future . W . Bro . C . T . VV . MOUAT , D . J . G . W ., said : Right Worshipful District Grand Master , it appears from the
account just read , that only three District Grand Officers have paid their fees of office for thc past year , and 1 think it very strange that so many should be in arrear . I would therefore suggest that the District Grand Treasurer be directed to collect the outstanding fees without further delay . The Right Worshipful DISTRICT GRAND MASTER directed the Treasurer , to sec to the collection of the fees
mentioned . VV . Bro . J . C . KEMSLEV , Past D . G . W ., suggested that the District Grand Treasurer be directed to prepare for information of District Grand Lodge at the next meeting a statement of all fees overdue . After some remarks by Bros . KELMSLEV and AUSTEN respecting defaulting lodges , the Right Worshipful
DISTRICT GRAND MASTER put the accounts for confirmation , and declared them passed unanimously . The following repoit of the Board of General Purposes was then read , and on thc motion of W . Bro . C . T . VV . MOUAT , D . J . G . W ., seconded by Bro . J OSEPH CLARKE , of Lodge No . 1 Soo , adopted and ordered to be entered on thc minutes :
'' Your Board of General Purposes in presenting this their annual report to thc members of District Grand Lodge , beg to state that in tbeir position they have pleassure in saying there is very little matter to present , as thc current of Masonry has been running very smoothly during the past year . "The only feature which thc District Grand Secretary
has to comment upon is his inability to present thc statistic return showing the increase or decrease of Masonry in the district , asked for by the District Grand Junior Warden atour meeting in Queen's Town , in such a form as to afford the members of District Grand Lodge that information which they havc a right to expect . This is mainly owing to neglect on thc part of some lodges in not
rendering thc necessary returns , and in the case of others m rendering them imperfectly ; and here your Board desire to point out to lodges the importance of complying with the printed instructions at the head of thc return , namely , 'to render their returns to the 31 st December in each year , ' with punctuality , giving with it the names of members who by reason of resignations , suspension , or death
arc omitted from the return , together with the date of such casualty , and the reason for such omission , as without this information it is perfectly impossible to prepare a correct return of members of the district . "A rough statement from the returns to hand has been prepared , showing the approximate position of the Craft at the end of the Masonic year , and is hereunto annexed .
" During the year one new warrant has been applied for for a lodge at Bedford , which lodge was to be opened by the Right Worshipful District Grand Master , on thc occasion of his visit to Cradock . " Your Board would also call thc attention of Worshipful Masters of lodges to clause G , under the head of Private Lodges in thc Book of Constitutions , requiring them to keep a proper registry of members , which would
greatly assist Secretaries of lodges in making out their annual returns . " W . Bro . R . J . Dick was re-elected District G . Treas . Thc Right Worshipful District Grand Master appointed the following brethren to be District Grand Officers for the ensuing year , who were thereupon duly invested by VV . Bro . J . C . Kemsley , I ' . D . G . W . VV . Bro . C . T . Mouat , P . M . 711 ... D . S . G . VV . „ Jafiies Mclntyre , P . M . S 53 ... D . J . G . W .
District Grand Lodge Of The Eastern Division, South Africa.
Bro . Rev . A . T . Wirgman , M . A ., D . C . L ... D . G . Chap . VV . Bro . R . J . Dick , W . M . S 53 ... D . G . Treas . „ Geo . Prescott Perks , P . M . S 35 D . G . Sec . „ James Kemsley , P . M . 711 ... D . S . G . D . ,, Alexander Cruickshank , P . M .
15 S 1 DJ . G . D . „ J . VV . C . Mackay , P . M . S 63 D . G . Dir . of Cer . Bro . A , Barfield , 91 S D . G . Org . VV . Bro . John E . Green , P . M . 1469 ... D . G . Swd . Br . „ A . E . Austen , P . M . 14 O 9 ... D . G . Purst . „ C . T . Wheelwright , P . M . SO 3 ;" 1 A . D . Webb , P . M . 918 ;
G . M . Gates , P . M . 1590 ; O . H . Bate , P . M . 1 S 24 ; > -D . G . Deacons . F . R . Southey , W . M . 1909 ; and Bro . A . Metcalf , 14 G 9 ... ... ... J The usual charge after investment of officers was then delivered by the R . W . D . G . M ., who remarked that in distributing the several District Grand Lodge Offices , he
bestowed them on brethren who in his opinion did their best to promote and advance the principles of Freemasonry in the district , and trusted that the selections made would give general satisfaction . 1 he Right Worshipful District Grand Master then called on W . Bro . VV . F . Sissing , Secretary of the Educational Charity , to read the following report of the Board of Education :
In presenting their annual report , the Board feel themselves justified in stating that the financial condition of the Educational Charity is at the date of their report not in such a prosperous state as they could wish . " A comparison of the financial position in which the Charity stands at this date , with that in which it stood at the date of last year's report will convince the friends and
supporters of the Charity that its revenue has fallen off considerably . " In the previous year the total income amounted to the sum of £ 228 7 s . id ., whilst a reference to the Treasurer ' s statement herewith shows that the receipts from all sources to date amounted to £ 123 iOs ., which , with the addition of the balance brought forward from last year , brings the total
to £ 276 13 s . gd . " Your Board have likewise to report that two of the annual subscribers became Life Governors during this year by the payment of £ 10 ios . each , thereby increasing the number of Governors from two to four . " With reference to the foregoing income , your Board have to report that £ 22 us ., being £ 21 for two Life-Governorships , and £ 1 us . received as donations , have , in
accordance with Clause 2 of the educational scheme , been transferred to the Endowment Fund , by the addition of which that fund is now increased to £ 44 5 s . The education of the children and ordinary expenses absorbed £ iGo gs . 1 id ., and there is a balance of £ 116 4 s . 8 d . to credit for the current year . " During the early part of this year three
childrenone girl , Janet H . Hendry , and two boys , G . VV . Smyth , and C . VV . Rowland , have been admitted to the benefits of the Charity ; and in connection with the admission of these children , it is necessary to explain that at the time of their election it was calculated that the fund then in hand , together with the promised contributions , would be more than adequate to the estimated expenditure for the
year . But your Board lament to state that at the date of this report half of the promised contributions have not even to an appeal from your Board been paid to the Treasurer of the fund , and it is feared that unless efforts are made by lodges and individual subscribers to remit their overdue contributions , thefund of the Charity will but barely meet the estimated expenditure of the next seven months .
Your Board , therefore , cannot but view the apparent indifference , at least of some of the guarantors , with much concern ; the more so , because when they , as a Board , undertook their obligations , it was on the distinct understanding that the subscribers guaranteed their subscriptions for a period of three years . " Your Board have the satisfaction of reporting that
they continbe to receive favourable accounts of the progress and intelligence of both girls and boys at the several schools , and doubt not but that the advanced system of education and training they receive will enable them to realise an honest and independent livelihood in whatever path of life it shall please God to place them . " In conclusion , your Board would earnestly impress upon
the minds of the supporters of the Charity , and biethren generally , the solemn obligation imposed on them of exerting their energy and influence to augment the resources and increase the ability of the Masonic charity of this district to receive within its fold the destitute and bereaved orphans of their deceased brethren . " A discussion then followed with respect to the
non-payment of subscriptions promised to the Charity Fund , which resulted in the following resolution : " That the subscriptions collected by the Charity Stewards be forwarded to the Secretary annually , not later than the 31 st March . " VV . Bro . G . P . PERKS , D . G . S ., then said that from pecuniary motives at the formation of District Grand Lodge it was deemed unadvisable to obtain all the jewels
for D . G . Lodge , but as the state of the funds would now permit of the expenditure he would propose that the regalia necessary for its completion be now obtained . Resolved accordingly that the regalia be obtained . The R . W . D . G . M . said : Brethren , I have to announce that 1 have received a communication from VV . Bro . S . Bain , the D . D . G . M ., resigning his appointment of Deputy
District Grand Master , and I wish to place on record my regret at losing the services and assistance of this valuable and distinguished brother . It was thereupon unanimously resolved , "That District Grand Lodge express their rcgretat Worshipful Bro . Samuel Bain resigning his appointment of Deputy District Grand Master , and further that the resolution be recorded on the
minutes . " VV . Bro . J . C . KEMSLEY , P . D . G . W ., said that nothing gave greater sorrow to the lodges at Port Elizabeth than W . Bro . Bain ' s resignation from the lodges there . It was further unanimously resolved , on the motion of VV . Bro . G . P . PERKS , D . G . S ., "That a vote of thanks be recorded to the VV . M ., Officers , and brethren of the Meridian Lodge for the genial and courteous reception ac * corded to the District Grand Lodge . " All business being concluded , District Grand Lodge \ va § clo 6 cd in due form and with solemn prayer .