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Article CONSECRATION OF THE HENLEY CHAPTER, No. 1472. ← Page 2 of 2 Article FREEMASONRY IN LINCOLN, A.D. 1732-42. Page 1 of 1 Article A NEW MASONIC TEMPLE. Page 1 of 2 →
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Consecration Of The Henley Chapter, No. 1472.
spectability . " They could hardly hope to be a famous chapter ; they could hardly look forward to a brilliant career ; but they did look forward hopefully and confidently to a career of usefulness , and an appreciation and practice of those high and moral duties which are at once the formation and keystone of their grand and noble Institution . He thanked Comp . Colonel Shadwell H . Gierke for his kindly expressions , and the companions for the hearty way in which they had received the toast .
The next toast was that of "The Consecrating Officer , ALE . Comp . Col . Shadwell H . Clerke , Grand Scribe E ., " and , in putting it , thc M . E . Z . paid an eloquent tribute to the masterly skill displayed by Comp . Clerke in carrying out the duties of his exalted position . Comp . SHADWELL H . CLERKE , in responding , thanked the M . E . Z . for the very kind and flattering remarks used by him in proposing the toast ,
and the companions for their hearty reception of the same ; but a companion had just sung a song , " The Soldier's good-bye , " and the time had almost arrived when he must say the same , and be going . It was his duty , as executive officer of Grand Chapter , to carry out the duties of consecration , and it was not merely his duty , but his pleasure to do anything lhat Iaid'in his power for the benefit of Masonry , either Craft or Royal Arch Masonry .
He paid a high compliment to those companions who had assisted him , especially referring to M . E . Comp . Cox , who , although not in robust health , had come down at short notice to assist him in carrying out the duties of his office ; while without Comps . Bowyer and Mather the work could not have been accomplished . They had been kindly welcomed by the companions , and he wished , and indeed felt , that the chapter would achieve the success it deserved . There was a time when Royal Arch Masonry seemed to be
going to sleep , and it was said that there were too many Royal 'Arch chapters , but he felt that the time had arrived when Masonic education desired the extension of the Royal Arch , and he felt sure the time would come when they could look back with pride to the work done that day , namely , the consecration ofthe Henley Chapter . Our gallant and esteemed companion and his colleagues then left for town amid every demonstration of respect , and amid ringing cheers .
The other toasts were— " The Visitors , " " The Officers , " " The Masonic Charities , " and the Janitor ' s toast , all of which were duly honoured ; and then " God save the Queen " concluded a successful and memorable gathering . The whole of the chapter furniture , which is of the newest and most handsome design , was manufactured b \* Comp . G . Kenning , London .
The companions in office , each and severally , presented their robes , jewels , and sashes of office ; Comp . Penfold further presented the pedestal , circle , and letters , so that the companions have the satisfaction of knowing that the chapter starts practically free and out of debt .
Freemasonry In Lincoln, A.D. 1732-42.
FREEMASONRY IN LINCOLN , A . D . 1732-42 .
Dr . Oliver , in his " Brief History of the Witham Lodge" ( 1841 ) speaks of an old lodge in the City of London , and confuses it with one constituted in A . D . 1732 . Of the former he slates that " the precise date of its establishment is not known , " evidently being unaware of its origin , which , however , is easily verified by reference to Bro . Gould ' s " Four Old Lodges . "
The Doctor , however , 'had access to the early Records , that is evident , as his extracts agree with those made more recently by Bro . Watson , of Lincoln , and published a few years since by Bro . Hughan . From these two sources the following sketch is derived , and is narrated in the hope that others will follow , descriptive of various old lodges , whose histories deserve to be written , and should be , by competent brethren , of whom there are not a few to whom it would be a real pleasure to examine and report as to the character and importance of such early records .
The earliest minute is dated " Dec . ye 5 th , 1732 , " and recites the transactions of " a Lodge held this day at tlie place aforesaid : " the By-Laws being of the same date . The rules are curious , and indicative of the period of their preparation . A neglect of one law involved the forfeit of " a bottle of wine , to be drank by the brethren after the lodge is closed to make them
some part of amends , " and not to have " three leaves , part of the Constitutions ( 1723 ) of the Fraternity read immediately after the opening of the lodge , " involved a like penalty , as also did the omission of the Secretary to send circular letters to the above of each of the members two days at least before the clothing of the Iodge .... to make peace with such neglected brother . "
Rule 9 , of 1732 , provided that "No Brother made in another lodge shall be pass'd Master in this under half a guinea , to be paid for the Entertainment of the Masters present ; and if he be a member of another Lodge , he must bring the Leave of the Officers thereunto belonging , if the Lodge is still existing , over and above . The members are to be excused for five shillings , when they are sufficiently qualified to bc admitted to that Degree . "
The 1 hird Degree , thus alluded to , was not so generally conferred then as now , as it evident from old records that many brethren never went beyond the First or Second Degrees . A " Lodge of Masters " seems to have been called to work that ceremony , quite distinct from the regular meetings of the lodge , hence the term noted in early Lists " Masters' Lodges , " and a fee was
paid by candidates additional to lhat for initiation , & c , In the Freemason August 27 th , 1872 , will be found the rules of a lodge , which provided that for " every Brother who shall pass the Degree of F . C . and M ., " a fee of seven and sixpence was exigible , and another lodge , warranted in 1730 , charged five shillings for the " Superior Degree of Masonry , " i . e ., the Third Degree .
The minutes preserved run from 1732 to 1742 , but do not allude to any ceremony but that of initiation , save as follows : On Tuesday , December , 3 rd , 1734 , the record reads , "But in regard our said two new Wardens as well as several other brothers of this lodge , well qualified and worthy of the Degree of Master , had not been called thereto ,
our said Right Worshipful Master was pleased to direct that a lodge of Masters should be held at the place aforesaid , on Monday , ye thirtieth inst ., at which time , the said ( names given ) should be severally admitted to the Degree of Master on their paying severally 5 a piece to the Box and 12 to the Door Keeper . "
On 31 st December , 1735 , the brethren concerned " were in due form admitted to the Degree of Master . " " After which a general lodge was held . " 4 *
On this subject brethren interested should consult Bro . Hughan's latest work , which is on the " Origin of the English Rite of Freemasonry , " and does justice to the intricate subject of the Third Degree , its origin and character .
A New Masonic Temple.
A NEW MASONIC TEMPLE .
The happy idea that prompted Bro . Augustus Harris and the array of distinguished Masons to establish the Drury Lane Lodge has borne fruit far beyond the anticipations of the most sanguine of its founders . The magnificent gathering lhat assembled at Freemasons' HaU to witness the consecration of this Iodge ( a full report of which appeared in the Freemason at the time ) will be fresh in the memories of all who were fortunate enough
to be present , and the brilliancy of that event has proved only an augury of a success which is almost without a precedent in thc annals of the Craft . Drury Lane Lodge appears to have sprung like a transformation scene into the firmament of " ye mystic tie , " and is destined to glisten there like a star of the first magnitude . Scarcely two months have elapsed since the occasion to which we refer when Lord Londesborough , as the first W . M .
of the lodge , gathered around him so distinguished and representative an assemblage of the brethren ; yet so eager has been the desire of the prominent members of the professions for which the lodge was designed to attach themselves to it , that already there is need of caution in order that the lodge may not suddenly assume unwieldly proportions . Drury Lane Lodge has already become one of the strongest , and certainly one of the
most representative lodges in the metropolis and elsewhere . The success which has attended this enterprise , the object of which is to afford more frequent opportunities for social intercourse amongst members of the dramatic profession , and the devotees of literature , music , and art , is deserving special mention , and must be particularly gratifying to the founders , who are Bro . Lord Londesborough , P . G . S . W . ; Bro . Augustus
Harris , Senior Warden ; Bro . Sir John Eldon Gorst , Q . C , M . P ., Solicitor General , Junior Warden ; Bro . H . Neville , P . M . ; Bro . A . M . Broadle 3 ' , Past Deputy District Grand Master of Malta , Secretary ; Bros . Charles Warner , Thomas Thorne , Henry Pettitt , R . C . Woodville , Lieut .-Colonel H . H . Kitchener , J . S . Fleming , Treas . ; Admiral Sir Edward A . Inglefield , C . B ., and J . H . Clynds . By dint of the active exertions of those distinguished brethren , surrounded as they are bv men of taste and
culture in all the higher grades of public and professional life , tlie lodge has assumed the most enviable proportions and calibre ; and Lord Londesborough has the felicity of posing as the Worshipful Master of one of the finest and most popular lodges in the Masonic world . The roll of membership already includes the names of many influential individuals connected with the drama , literature , and other leading professions , and there are a great many others still desirous of participating in the advantages of this unique section of the Craft .
At the consecration banquet a few weeks ago it was shadowed forth that for the comfort and convenience of the members of the Drury Lane Lodge a special temple would be provided within the precincts of the " National Theatre " itself , and this work has been accomplished in a manner that has elicited the unqualified admiration of all who have seen the magnificent effect produced . The temple was virtually opened on Tuesday
afternoon last week , when , although there was no special attraction in the form of the Fourth Degree , there was nevertheless a goodly attendance of brethren , under the presidency of Bro . J . C . Parkinson , P . G . D ., who officiated in the absence of the W . M . A brief description of the " stalely and superb edifice , " which has been fitted up in so chaste and elaborate a manner within the walls of " Old Drury , " maj * be of interest to our readers .
Though comparatively limited as regards space , it is without comparison by any similar institution , either in London or the provinces , for compactness and elegance of design . The walls are painted in light terra cotta , panelled vvith dado of dark red , and the cornices are embellished wilh Egyptian figures and hieroglyphics in gold , vermillion , blue , and other tints . Around the walls there is a fitize of mediaeval design , and the lodge room is covered
in by a dome-shaped canopy , richly painted , and emblazoned with Masonic emblems . The floor is laid with the orthodox musiac pavement , with ornamental border , and there is a raised dais on which stand the Principal chair and the seats alloted to Provincial and Past Officers . The furniture is of oak , polished , the columns and chairs being suitably decorated with the Doric , Corinthian , and Ionic capitals respectively in gilt , and the facades
of ihe pedestals are ornamented with the various emblems in perforated brass . The chairs are covered with crimson velvet , as also are thc cushions , the latter being richly embroidered , whilst the jewels and fittings of the lodge are not only of a chaste and costly description , but strictly in keeping with the otherappointments of the temple . Over the Master ' s chair is a handsome silk banner , presented by l . orl Londesborough , to mark his year of office as the first President of the lodue . This is
exquisitely embroidered , and embossed with the arms of the Londesborough family , and the title of the lodge is prettily worked in ribbon . The columns forming the back of the Master's chair are surmounted by globes , and there are larger ones , bolh terrestrial and astronomical , on either side of the dais . In the four cornersof the room are niches , containing fine specimens of palm , in pots , which add greatly to the picturesque
aspect of the whole . The lodge is supplied with abundant light by means of the large sun-burner dependent from the dome , in which there is a special and ingenious apparatus for ventilation and the expulsion of heated and vitiated atmosphere , and the canopy is allegorically embellished with clouds and stars , whilst over all is " the glory of the sun . " The doors of the lodge-room are painted in representation of bronze , the panels being
rosetted with bosses of a somewhat lighter hue , and the whole of the fittings are in complete harmony with the rest of the structure . Over the doors are massive Egyptian groups , from which radiate pilastres painted in spiral designs of scarlet and blue . It may thus be inferred that this bijou Temple presents an air of luxury and refinement unsurpassed by any hall of its kind that we know of ; and when lighted and filled with brethren at work it presents a
most cosy and Oriental appearance . Adjoining the lodge are the requisite " convenient " and Tyler ' s rooms , which are also appropriately embellished and lilted with every appliance for the transaction of the business ol the lodge . The walls are painted in panels , as also are the ceilings , which are decorated with gilt rosettes of very handsome appearance . Every device which taste and skill could suggest forthe complete comfort of thebrethren ,
and the celebration ot the impressive rites and ceremonies of the Craft has been studied in the minutest detail , and the result is such as to reflect the highest credit upon Bro . Augustus Harris , who has no doubt been largely assisted by the counsel and assistance ot Bro . A . M . Broadley , his indefatigable Secretary , whose experience in Egypt and the East will have proved valuable in ihe inception and making the plans for the arrange-
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Consecration Of The Henley Chapter, No. 1472.
spectability . " They could hardly hope to be a famous chapter ; they could hardly look forward to a brilliant career ; but they did look forward hopefully and confidently to a career of usefulness , and an appreciation and practice of those high and moral duties which are at once the formation and keystone of their grand and noble Institution . He thanked Comp . Colonel Shadwell H . Gierke for his kindly expressions , and the companions for the hearty way in which they had received the toast .
The next toast was that of "The Consecrating Officer , ALE . Comp . Col . Shadwell H . Clerke , Grand Scribe E ., " and , in putting it , thc M . E . Z . paid an eloquent tribute to the masterly skill displayed by Comp . Clerke in carrying out the duties of his exalted position . Comp . SHADWELL H . CLERKE , in responding , thanked the M . E . Z . for the very kind and flattering remarks used by him in proposing the toast ,
and the companions for their hearty reception of the same ; but a companion had just sung a song , " The Soldier's good-bye , " and the time had almost arrived when he must say the same , and be going . It was his duty , as executive officer of Grand Chapter , to carry out the duties of consecration , and it was not merely his duty , but his pleasure to do anything lhat Iaid'in his power for the benefit of Masonry , either Craft or Royal Arch Masonry .
He paid a high compliment to those companions who had assisted him , especially referring to M . E . Comp . Cox , who , although not in robust health , had come down at short notice to assist him in carrying out the duties of his office ; while without Comps . Bowyer and Mather the work could not have been accomplished . They had been kindly welcomed by the companions , and he wished , and indeed felt , that the chapter would achieve the success it deserved . There was a time when Royal Arch Masonry seemed to be
going to sleep , and it was said that there were too many Royal 'Arch chapters , but he felt that the time had arrived when Masonic education desired the extension of the Royal Arch , and he felt sure the time would come when they could look back with pride to the work done that day , namely , the consecration ofthe Henley Chapter . Our gallant and esteemed companion and his colleagues then left for town amid every demonstration of respect , and amid ringing cheers .
The other toasts were— " The Visitors , " " The Officers , " " The Masonic Charities , " and the Janitor ' s toast , all of which were duly honoured ; and then " God save the Queen " concluded a successful and memorable gathering . The whole of the chapter furniture , which is of the newest and most handsome design , was manufactured b \* Comp . G . Kenning , London .
The companions in office , each and severally , presented their robes , jewels , and sashes of office ; Comp . Penfold further presented the pedestal , circle , and letters , so that the companions have the satisfaction of knowing that the chapter starts practically free and out of debt .
Freemasonry In Lincoln, A.D. 1732-42.
FREEMASONRY IN LINCOLN , A . D . 1732-42 .
Dr . Oliver , in his " Brief History of the Witham Lodge" ( 1841 ) speaks of an old lodge in the City of London , and confuses it with one constituted in A . D . 1732 . Of the former he slates that " the precise date of its establishment is not known , " evidently being unaware of its origin , which , however , is easily verified by reference to Bro . Gould ' s " Four Old Lodges . "
The Doctor , however , 'had access to the early Records , that is evident , as his extracts agree with those made more recently by Bro . Watson , of Lincoln , and published a few years since by Bro . Hughan . From these two sources the following sketch is derived , and is narrated in the hope that others will follow , descriptive of various old lodges , whose histories deserve to be written , and should be , by competent brethren , of whom there are not a few to whom it would be a real pleasure to examine and report as to the character and importance of such early records .
The earliest minute is dated " Dec . ye 5 th , 1732 , " and recites the transactions of " a Lodge held this day at tlie place aforesaid : " the By-Laws being of the same date . The rules are curious , and indicative of the period of their preparation . A neglect of one law involved the forfeit of " a bottle of wine , to be drank by the brethren after the lodge is closed to make them
some part of amends , " and not to have " three leaves , part of the Constitutions ( 1723 ) of the Fraternity read immediately after the opening of the lodge , " involved a like penalty , as also did the omission of the Secretary to send circular letters to the above of each of the members two days at least before the clothing of the Iodge .... to make peace with such neglected brother . "
Rule 9 , of 1732 , provided that "No Brother made in another lodge shall be pass'd Master in this under half a guinea , to be paid for the Entertainment of the Masters present ; and if he be a member of another Lodge , he must bring the Leave of the Officers thereunto belonging , if the Lodge is still existing , over and above . The members are to be excused for five shillings , when they are sufficiently qualified to bc admitted to that Degree . "
The 1 hird Degree , thus alluded to , was not so generally conferred then as now , as it evident from old records that many brethren never went beyond the First or Second Degrees . A " Lodge of Masters " seems to have been called to work that ceremony , quite distinct from the regular meetings of the lodge , hence the term noted in early Lists " Masters' Lodges , " and a fee was
paid by candidates additional to lhat for initiation , & c , In the Freemason August 27 th , 1872 , will be found the rules of a lodge , which provided that for " every Brother who shall pass the Degree of F . C . and M ., " a fee of seven and sixpence was exigible , and another lodge , warranted in 1730 , charged five shillings for the " Superior Degree of Masonry , " i . e ., the Third Degree .
The minutes preserved run from 1732 to 1742 , but do not allude to any ceremony but that of initiation , save as follows : On Tuesday , December , 3 rd , 1734 , the record reads , "But in regard our said two new Wardens as well as several other brothers of this lodge , well qualified and worthy of the Degree of Master , had not been called thereto ,
our said Right Worshipful Master was pleased to direct that a lodge of Masters should be held at the place aforesaid , on Monday , ye thirtieth inst ., at which time , the said ( names given ) should be severally admitted to the Degree of Master on their paying severally 5 a piece to the Box and 12 to the Door Keeper . "
On 31 st December , 1735 , the brethren concerned " were in due form admitted to the Degree of Master . " " After which a general lodge was held . " 4 *
On this subject brethren interested should consult Bro . Hughan's latest work , which is on the " Origin of the English Rite of Freemasonry , " and does justice to the intricate subject of the Third Degree , its origin and character .
A New Masonic Temple.
A NEW MASONIC TEMPLE .
The happy idea that prompted Bro . Augustus Harris and the array of distinguished Masons to establish the Drury Lane Lodge has borne fruit far beyond the anticipations of the most sanguine of its founders . The magnificent gathering lhat assembled at Freemasons' HaU to witness the consecration of this Iodge ( a full report of which appeared in the Freemason at the time ) will be fresh in the memories of all who were fortunate enough
to be present , and the brilliancy of that event has proved only an augury of a success which is almost without a precedent in thc annals of the Craft . Drury Lane Lodge appears to have sprung like a transformation scene into the firmament of " ye mystic tie , " and is destined to glisten there like a star of the first magnitude . Scarcely two months have elapsed since the occasion to which we refer when Lord Londesborough , as the first W . M .
of the lodge , gathered around him so distinguished and representative an assemblage of the brethren ; yet so eager has been the desire of the prominent members of the professions for which the lodge was designed to attach themselves to it , that already there is need of caution in order that the lodge may not suddenly assume unwieldly proportions . Drury Lane Lodge has already become one of the strongest , and certainly one of the
most representative lodges in the metropolis and elsewhere . The success which has attended this enterprise , the object of which is to afford more frequent opportunities for social intercourse amongst members of the dramatic profession , and the devotees of literature , music , and art , is deserving special mention , and must be particularly gratifying to the founders , who are Bro . Lord Londesborough , P . G . S . W . ; Bro . Augustus
Harris , Senior Warden ; Bro . Sir John Eldon Gorst , Q . C , M . P ., Solicitor General , Junior Warden ; Bro . H . Neville , P . M . ; Bro . A . M . Broadle 3 ' , Past Deputy District Grand Master of Malta , Secretary ; Bros . Charles Warner , Thomas Thorne , Henry Pettitt , R . C . Woodville , Lieut .-Colonel H . H . Kitchener , J . S . Fleming , Treas . ; Admiral Sir Edward A . Inglefield , C . B ., and J . H . Clynds . By dint of the active exertions of those distinguished brethren , surrounded as they are bv men of taste and
culture in all the higher grades of public and professional life , tlie lodge has assumed the most enviable proportions and calibre ; and Lord Londesborough has the felicity of posing as the Worshipful Master of one of the finest and most popular lodges in the Masonic world . The roll of membership already includes the names of many influential individuals connected with the drama , literature , and other leading professions , and there are a great many others still desirous of participating in the advantages of this unique section of the Craft .
At the consecration banquet a few weeks ago it was shadowed forth that for the comfort and convenience of the members of the Drury Lane Lodge a special temple would be provided within the precincts of the " National Theatre " itself , and this work has been accomplished in a manner that has elicited the unqualified admiration of all who have seen the magnificent effect produced . The temple was virtually opened on Tuesday
afternoon last week , when , although there was no special attraction in the form of the Fourth Degree , there was nevertheless a goodly attendance of brethren , under the presidency of Bro . J . C . Parkinson , P . G . D ., who officiated in the absence of the W . M . A brief description of the " stalely and superb edifice , " which has been fitted up in so chaste and elaborate a manner within the walls of " Old Drury , " maj * be of interest to our readers .
Though comparatively limited as regards space , it is without comparison by any similar institution , either in London or the provinces , for compactness and elegance of design . The walls are painted in light terra cotta , panelled vvith dado of dark red , and the cornices are embellished wilh Egyptian figures and hieroglyphics in gold , vermillion , blue , and other tints . Around the walls there is a fitize of mediaeval design , and the lodge room is covered
in by a dome-shaped canopy , richly painted , and emblazoned with Masonic emblems . The floor is laid with the orthodox musiac pavement , with ornamental border , and there is a raised dais on which stand the Principal chair and the seats alloted to Provincial and Past Officers . The furniture is of oak , polished , the columns and chairs being suitably decorated with the Doric , Corinthian , and Ionic capitals respectively in gilt , and the facades
of ihe pedestals are ornamented with the various emblems in perforated brass . The chairs are covered with crimson velvet , as also are thc cushions , the latter being richly embroidered , whilst the jewels and fittings of the lodge are not only of a chaste and costly description , but strictly in keeping with the otherappointments of the temple . Over the Master ' s chair is a handsome silk banner , presented by l . orl Londesborough , to mark his year of office as the first President of the lodue . This is
exquisitely embroidered , and embossed with the arms of the Londesborough family , and the title of the lodge is prettily worked in ribbon . The columns forming the back of the Master's chair are surmounted by globes , and there are larger ones , bolh terrestrial and astronomical , on either side of the dais . In the four cornersof the room are niches , containing fine specimens of palm , in pots , which add greatly to the picturesque
aspect of the whole . The lodge is supplied with abundant light by means of the large sun-burner dependent from the dome , in which there is a special and ingenious apparatus for ventilation and the expulsion of heated and vitiated atmosphere , and the canopy is allegorically embellished with clouds and stars , whilst over all is " the glory of the sun . " The doors of the lodge-room are painted in representation of bronze , the panels being
rosetted with bosses of a somewhat lighter hue , and the whole of the fittings are in complete harmony with the rest of the structure . Over the doors are massive Egyptian groups , from which radiate pilastres painted in spiral designs of scarlet and blue . It may thus be inferred that this bijou Temple presents an air of luxury and refinement unsurpassed by any hall of its kind that we know of ; and when lighted and filled with brethren at work it presents a
most cosy and Oriental appearance . Adjoining the lodge are the requisite " convenient " and Tyler ' s rooms , which are also appropriately embellished and lilted with every appliance for the transaction of the business ol the lodge . The walls are painted in panels , as also are the ceilings , which are decorated with gilt rosettes of very handsome appearance . Every device which taste and skill could suggest forthe complete comfort of thebrethren ,
and the celebration ot the impressive rites and ceremonies of the Craft has been studied in the minutest detail , and the result is such as to reflect the highest credit upon Bro . Augustus Harris , who has no doubt been largely assisted by the counsel and assistance ot Bro . A . M . Broadley , his indefatigable Secretary , whose experience in Egypt and the East will have proved valuable in ihe inception and making the plans for the arrange-