THE BUILDER MAY 1925

Foreword

By R. W. BRO. SIR ALFRED ROBBINS, P. G. W.

PBESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF GENERAL PURPOSES, UNITED GRAND LODGE OF ENGLAND

iT is a keen pleasure to be asked to give an introductory word to a Masonic
literary experiment, which should do much to promote among American and
English Freemasons a more complete comprehension of each other's point of
View. The pleasure is the keener when the effort to be thus foreworded--and
thereby forwarded--is the product of some of the most skilled and alert of
English living students of Masonry. In these times, among the ripest of our
thinkers, Masonic study is no longer a matter of phantasm and fantasy, of
vague imaginings with vain embroidery. It is a systematic endeavor to find
what are the true origins of the wonderful system which today is world-wide in
influence and enthusiasm, and to trace its development from small beginnings
to the vast organization we now see.

Masonry, we have been assured from our earliest moments within thc Craft, is a
progressive science; and this is a truth accustomed to be lost sight of by
those who act as if, at some undefined moment in its history, its growth was
suddenly arrested, its development sharply checked, and certain new Tables of
the Law were enacted which it were heretical to doubt and iniquitous to
disobey. Those who read the series of articles here brought together by
Masonic authors of differing powers and points of view, but all at one in the
simple design of seeking the true inwardness of things, will perceive why the
best instructed English Mason of today does not accept a claim for
infallibility coming from whatever quarter it may. They will see why that
Mason declines to accept as infallible the statements of James Anderson, of
William Preston, or of George Oliver, to take the three most prominent among
early English Masonic authorities. They will realize how much more we know of
what Freemasonry truly is if we allow our minds the same freedom of judgment,
based upon constantly increasing knowledge, we claim in other relations of
life.

"Wisdom is before him that hath understanding." So says the sage in Holy Writ;
and it enjoins that we shall seek not only to gather knowledge but to exercise
our intellect towards its fullest comprehension. The descendants of Hiram
should resemble that early Grand Master himself in being "filled with wisdom
and understanding"--not alone possessed of facts but the facility to apply
them. The cardinal weakness of some of the earliest popular Masonic writers
was that, when unpossessed of facts, they were fullest of facility. At the
time they were most precise, they were often most erroneous; and, if Masonry
is to hold an unchallenged position among the learned and the thoughtful, it
must resolutely set its face against continuing to accept fancies, however
venerable, when it can rest on a sure basis of fact. Our Craft, so far from
standing to lose by stripping itself of the accretions derived from an
uncritical age, will be the stronger and the purer for depending on clearly
revealed and attested truth.

"Understanding !" This is the word to be given to every brother, wherever
dispersed over the face of earth and water, as his guide in Masonic work. And
it should be given in its varied meaning, as applied to intellectual and
fraternal conditions alike. In the first variant, it enjoins an effort to
derive lasting wisdom from acquired knowledge. In the second, it implies an
endeavor to secure a closer comprehension of the point of view of brethren
other than ourselves. The series of papers now presented will materially
assist in both directions. They furnish in small compass and effective form a
striking body of information concerning the development of the Craft, its
ideals, and its ideas during the opening century of its organization as a
great social power. In the very process lines of divergence were initiated
acquaintance with which clears the path for comprehension of the others'
viewpoint.

The latter is the main phase on which I desire at the moment to dwell. It has
been my great good fortune to be the bearer from the Masons of England to
their brethren of the United States the expression not only of heartfelt wish
for a continuance and growth of the friendly spirit that has always prevailed
between them, but of keen desire for the promotion by more full, free, and
frequent intercourse of a thorough understanding. This, I am convinced, will
best be secured by a closer study of each other's problems, unfettered by
prepossessions, and unshackled by humble submission to traditional observance.
The American Mason, visiting an English lodge for the first time, is apt to
criticize what to him appears a lack of the ornate and the oratorical. The
English Mason, in his earliest experience of American working, is as prone to
condemn the presence of drama in a developed degree. Neither realizes that
both phases have sprung from the same stock, deriving their original nurture
from the like root, and branching in somewhat divergent, but never entirely
different, directions because, at the outset, of local and sometimes national
conditions. It should be the object of the studious Mason to show what these
were, and to insist on the great and lasting truth that what in Freemasonry,
as in daily life, we must always insist on is, "In essentials, unity; in
non-essentials, variety; in all things, charity." Given an open mind and a
good heart, we shall all come with closeness together. Let American and
English brethren alike, be like Hiram, "filled with wisdom and understanding,"
and they will carry with them the whole Masonic world.

The United Grand Lodge of England: A Retrospect, 1717-1813

BY BRO. GILBERT W. DAYNES, Associate Editor, England

FROM June 24, 1723, when William Cowper--Clerk of the Parliaments, and a
member of the Horn Lodge, Westminster--was appointed Secretary, we have the
records of the Grand Lodge of England in unbroken sequence to the present day.
These records give no hint of any earlier minutes, now missing. Except for
some contemporary newspaper notices we are entirely dependent upon Dr. James
Anderson for an account of the first six years of the premier Grand Lodge of
the World, an account published in the Second Edition of the Book of
Constitutions in 1738. Unfortunately Dr. Anderson's capacity as an historian
has been impugned frequently, and, where independent evidence has been
forthcoming, many statements made by him have been proved to be inaccurate.
However, it must also be remembered that some of the Grand Officers, who
participated in these early events, must have perused and passed the account.

Dr. Anderson tells us that the members of four lodges, then existing in
London, "and some old Brothers," constituted themselves into a Grand Lodge, at
an unknown date, prior to June 24, 1717, when, at an Assembly and Feast held
at the Goose and Gridiron Alehouse, St. Paul's Churchyard, the brethren then
present "by a Majority of Hands elected Mr. Anthony Sayer, Gentleman, Grand
Master of Masons."

The first Grand Master was succeeded by George Payne in 1718, who in turn was
replaced by Dr. J.T. Desaguliers in 1719. The latter is said to have revived
"the old regular and peculiar Toasts or Healths of the Free Masons." On June
24, 1720, George Payne, who was responsible for framing early Regulations for
the Craft, was elected Grand Master for a second time. On June 24, 1721, John,
Duke of Montagu, became Grand Master, and, for the first time, a Deputy Grand
Master was appointed in addition to the two Grand Wardens. Ever since this
election either nobility or royalty have reigned over the premier Grand Lodge,
and, later, the United Grand Lodge of England. In 1723, James Anderson
published the First Edition of the Book of Constitutions; but not a word
appeared therein as to the formation, and the first six years' working, of the
Grand Lodge. In June, 1722, Philip, Duke of Wharton, was elected Grand Master
Anderson would have us believe that the election was whoily irregular, and
that no Deputy Grand Master was appointed, until the Duke of Montagu called a
special meeting of Grand Lodge, in January, 1723, to put matters right.
Contemporary newspaper paragraphs, however, negative these assertions, and one
paper states that Dr. Desaguliers was appointed D.G.M. at the June meeting.

From the MS. list of "Regular Constituted Lodges," in the first Minute Book of
Grand Lodge, commenced on Nov. 25, 1723, we know that there were, early in
1724, fifty-two lodges on the roll. The names of 731 brethren are given in
respect of thirty-six of these lodges; so we may, perhaps, assume that there
were then about one thousand members in the lodges owning allegiance to Grand
Lodge. On Feb. 19, 1724, a Regulation was passed, "that no Brother belong to
more than one Lodge at one time within the Bills of Mortality." This
resolution., however, soon became a dead letter. The new Grand Lodge, at its
inception, certainly never intended to exercise authority over lodges outside
London, and, in the 1723 Book of Constitutions, there are also indications
that its scope had not, at that date, been enlarged. However, in the list of
lodges of 1723, we find that lodges had been constituted at Edgware, Acton,
and Richmond. During 1724 the process of extension is in active operation, and
nine lodges in different parts of England a constituted under the authority of
Grand Lodge - Bristol, Bath, and Norwich leading the way. By April, 1729, this
extension is still further developed, and lodges at Madrid, Gibraltar, and
Fort William, Calcutta have been constituted. During the next decade lodges
are being planted in the New World, and in many parts of Europe not under the
British Crown.

LODGE LISTS ARE DESCRIBED

To enable brethren to know where the regular, constituted lodges met, and
when, Engraved Lists of the Lodges, giving the necessary details, were
published from time to time. The earliest known list was issued in 1724. On
Dec. 27, 1727, Grand Lodge ordered "that it be referr'd to the succeeding
Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master, and Grand Wardens, to inquire into the
Precedency of the several Lodges, and to make Report thereof at the next
Quarterly Communication in order that the same may be finally settled and
ent'red accordingly." In the Engraved List for 1729, the lodges, for the first
time, appeared numbered, and in order of seniority. Re-numbering the lodges
took place on five further occasions during the eighteenth century. For many
years the Engraved Lists were published annually, and even oftener, but in
1775 they were replaced by The Freemasons' Calendar, which has been published
yearly ever since, being now known as The Masonic Year Book.

THE GENERAL CHARITY IS OBGANIZED

The first act of charity mentioned in Grand Lodge minutes was a collection of
28-17-6 pounds on Feb. 19, 1724, on behalf of Henry Prichard, "that he should
not be a sufferer." On Nov. 21, 1724, the Earl of Dalkeith recommended the
creation of "a Generall Charity." In due course a treasurer was appointed, and
also a committee to regulate such charity. It was not, however, until Nov. 25,
1729, that the first contributions-- 9-8-6 pounds in all--were received. To
augment the "General Charity" it was resolved by Grand Lodge on Dec. 27, 1729,
"that for the future every Lodge of Masons, that shall be Constituted by the
Grand Master or by his Authority shall pay the Sum of two Guineas towards the
Charity upon their being Constituted." Previously no fee had, apparently, been
charged. This fee has been retained ever since, but the amount of it has been
altered from time to time.

The Committee of Charity--now known as the Board of Benevolence--was enlarged
in 1730, and again in 1733, when it was agreed by Grand Lodge "that all such
Business which cannot conveniently be despatched by the Quarterly
Communication shall be referred to the Committee of Charity." It thus became
in effect a Committee of General Purposes.

THE ANNUAL FEAST WAS MAINTAINED

The Annual Feast and Assembly seems to have been a recognized function, in
connection with the Grand Lodge, from its formation. At first held in one of
the taverns it was, in 1721, removed to the hall of one of the city companies.
This change necessitated stewards, but we learn from Dr. Anderson that "the
Grand Officers not finding a proper Number of Stewards, our Brother Mr. Josiah
Villeneau, Upholder in the Burrough of Southwark, generously undertook the
whole himself, attended by some Waiters." We next hear of stewards at the
Feast on June 24, 1723, Anderson naming six brethren as having served in that
capacity. In 1724 Anderson says that there were twelve stewards, but the Grand
Lodge Minutes do not state the number. On Dec. 27, 1725, the arrangements were
in the hands of John James Heidegger, and at the two following Feasts, Edward
Lambert--a celebrated confectioner--acted in the same capacity. On Nov. 26,
1728, on the motion of Dr. J.T. Desaguliers, the office of steward was
revived, and twelve brethren offered their services. By 1732 the twelve
serving stewards had acquired the right to nominate their successors. They
were also permitted to have their jewels pendant to red ribbons, and their
Aprons lined with red silk. In 1735 Grand Lodge resolved that all the Grand
Officers, except the G. M., should from thenceforth be selected from the
stewards and the stewards also received further privileges in connection with
attendance at Grand Lodge. The stewards were given permission to have a lodge,
composed of those who were serving, or had served, the office of Grand
Steward, and this lodge was constituted on June 25, 1735, at The Shakespeare's
Head, Covent Garden, London. On April 18, 1792, the Steward's Lodge was placed
at the head of the roll, by order of Grand Lodge, without a number.

As the popularity of the Craft grew, so did the curiosity of the uninitiated.
In 1724, to gratify this curiosity, the so-called "exposures" begin to appear,
both in newspaper and in book form. In 1730, two exposures were published,
which attracted the attention of Grand Lodge. On Aug. 28, Dr. Desaguliers,
referring to the Mystery of Free Masonry, printed in the Daily Journal for
Aug. 15, "recommended several things to the Consideration of the Grand Lodge .
. . for preventing any false Brethren being admitted into regular Lodges and
such as call themselves Honorary Masons." Nathaniel Blackerby, D. G. M., also,
"proposed several Rules to the Grand Lodge to be observed in their respective
Lodges for their Security against all open and Secret Enemies of the Craft."
On Dec. 15, the D. G. M. referred to Masonry Dissected, published by Samuel
Prichard, the previous October, and characterized it as "a foolish thing not
to be regarded." But the Grand Lodge minutes further state, that "in order to
prevent the Lodges being imposed upon by false Brethren or Imposters: Proposed
till otherwise ordered by the Grand Lodge, that no Person whatsoever should be
admitted into Lodges unless some Member of the Lodge then present would vouch
for such visiting Brother being a regular Mason." In the opinion of many
Masons some of the recommendations, which were adopted this year, had relation
to the Ritual, and being of an esoteric character, were not committed to
writing. Four years later, William Smith published The Free-Mason's Pocket
Companion, first in London, and, shortly afterwards, in Dublin. In his Preface
he has this rather significant passage:

"I need not say more in relation to the Book itself, but must here beg leave
to exhort the Brotherhood, that avoiding all Innovations they adhere strictly
to the antient Practices of the Order."

Was this merely a warning, or did it refer to something, which was then
happening, or, perhaps, had happened, within the Craft? William Smith was
certainly not the spokesman of the Grand Lodge, because we are told by Grand
Lodge minutes, that, on Feb. 24, 1735, Dr. Anderson having "represented that
one William Smith said to be a Mason, had without his privity or Consent
pyrated a considerable part of the Constitution of Masonry aforesaid to the
prejudice of the said Br. Anderson it being his Sole Property," Grand Lodge
resolved, "that every Master and Warden present shall do all in their Power to
discountenance so unfair a Practice, and prevent the said Smith's Books being
bought by any Members of their respective Lodges." It may be mentioned that
Dr. Anderson brought out a Second Edition of the Book of Constitutions in
1738, and that further editions of the work were published in 1756, 1767, and
1784.

THE "ANTIENT" GRAND LODGE WAS FORMED

Between 1730 and 1740 we perceive indications of the beginning of what turned
out to be, perhaps, the most important event of the century, viz., the rise of
the Grand Lodge of the Antients. From Anderson's Constitutions, and the
records of Grand Lodge, we have evidence from which we may gather that, from
the first days of the Grand Lodge there were in existence lodges quite
independent of the new organization, and on that account considered irregular,
because they never would accept a constitution from their hands. Many reasons
would keep these lodges from joining the Grand Lodge, the influx of society
into Freemasonry, and the extension of the ceremonies being probably not the
least important.

As time went on these old brethren, finding the breach widening, doubtless
continued their own independent lodges, and made their friends and relations
Masons in them. The references to irregular lodges, appearing in the Grand
Lodge minutes, may relate to lodges such as these. It is also apparent that
Irishmen --mostly of the artizan class--coming over to England during this
period, would find the atmosphere of these independent lodges far more
congenial than the more refined lodges, constituted by Grand Lodge, especially
if they found altered ceremonies being practiced in these latter lodges. It
only wanted some such circumstance as happened on Dec. 11, 1735, to
consolidate this position. On this date we learn, from Grand Lodge minutes,
that,

"Notice being given to the Grand Lodge that the Master and Wardens of a Lodge
from Ireland attended without, desiring to be admitted, by virtue of a
Deputation from the Lord Kingston present G. Master of Ireland. But it
appearing there was no particular Recommendation from his Lord'p in this
affair their Request could not be comply'd with, unless they would accept of a
new Constitution here."

At this meeting, it is interesting to note, George Payne was acting as G. M.
in the absence of Lord Weymouth, while Dr. Anderson and Jacob Lamball were
Grand Wardens, pro tempore. There were also present the Masters and Wardens of
fifty-seven lodges, of which all but one met in London. Anderson was no lover
of Irish Masons; the Irish Grand Lodge had copied extensively from his
Constitutions in 1730, and William Smith--probably an Irish Mason--had also
pirated portions. Jacob Lamball was one of the old Masons who had, in 1717,
thrown in his lot with the Grand Lodge. Hence the Irishmen received little
consideration. The offer of an English Constitution does, I think, show that
the Irishmen were no mere visitors to London, but had come to stay. Given the
cold shoulder by their English brethren, it is at least probable that this
lodge became the center of union of Irish Masons coming to London.

In course of time other independent lodges would naturally come into existence
in London with a strong Irish membership. In 1745 Ireland actually warranted a
lodge at Norwich but, beyond the names of the seven founders, nothing is known
concerning it. Thanks to the researches of Bro. Henry Sadler, we can now state
with confidence that it was from these independent lodges that the Grand Lodge
of Antients emerged.

The beginnings of this Grand Lodge were small indeed. From their records it
would appear that in July, 1751, when the decision to form a Grand Lodge was
reached, there were not more than six lodges, with a total membership not
exceeding eighty to come under its authority. In February, 1752, Laurence
Dermott was appointed Grand Secretary, and to his enthusiasm and great
organizing capacity is mainly due the success of that body.

This Grand Lodge gathered weight as the years rolled on. It was responsible
for the warrants of the majority of the Military Lodges, and, consequently,
sent Freemasonry into many different parts of the world. This Grand Lodge was
in fraternal communication with the Grand Lodges of Scotland and Ireland. By
the skill and ability of its rulers it became, in course of time a power equal
to that of the premier Grand Lodge, and was thus enabled, when the opportune
time arose, to negotiate a union on equal, if not advantageous, terms.

During the eighteenth century there were, in addition to the two Grand Lodges
already dealt with, three other Grand Lodges in England, viz., The Grand Lodge
of All England, with its headquarters at York; The Grand Lodge of All England
South of the River Trent, the effort of William Preston; and The Supreme Grand
Lodge of Scottish Masons in London, discovered by Bro. Sadler. None of these
Grand Lodges gave any great uneasiness to the premier Grand Lodge, nor did
they in any way affect the Masonic events of the period. They had all
disappeared by the end of the eighteenth century, and we may therefore pass
them by.

ATTEMPTS WERE MADE TO INCORPORATE GRAND LODGE

We must now return to the doings of the premier Grand Lodge. It was fully
alive to the growing power of the Grand Lodge of the Antients, and did its
utmost to organize and increase the power of its own Body. In October, 1768,
the Duke of Beaufort, G. M., formed a plan to have the Society incorporated.
This appears to have been a blow aimed at the rival body, and was so regarded
by them. As we shall see it miscarried as did most efforts in that direction.

In 1769, the Grand Lodge agreed to the project of its G. M. and, the proposed
Charter of Incorporation being drawn up, copies were circulated in favor of
incorporation, only forty three being opposed to it, amongst which were to be
numbered the Stewards, Royal, and Caledonian Lodges. The two former
memorialized Grand Lodge to discontinue its project, but the Caledonian Lodge
went further, and actually entered a caveat against it in the office of the
Attorney General. Only a public apology prevented this lodge from being erased
for this offense. Eventually, however, the minority won for in 1741, in
consequence of the vigorous opposition in Parliament, in which "Antient"
brethren participated, the consideration of the bill was postponed sine die
upon the motion of the D. G. M., the Hon. Charles Dillon.

GRAND LODGE ACQUIRES A HOME

Contemporaneously with the attempted incorporation anotherand more successful
effort was launched. The desire for a public hall resulted in Grand Lodge
considering, in October 1768, "the most effectual means to raise a fund for
defraying the expenses of building a Hall." By the end of 1774 premises in
Great Queen Street were purchased, and the foundation stone of the new hall
was laid on May 1, 1775. On May 23, 1776, the hall being completed, it was
duly opened and dedicated in solemn form to Masonry, Virtue, Universal
Charity, and Benevolence. In 1788, it was resolved to pull down and rebuild
Freemason's Tavern, and as a consequence the Grand I.odge became heavily in
debt. Many methods were adopted to raise funds, and inducements were offered
to those who either gave to Grand Lodge, or forgave loans made to them. At the
end of the century a special annual fee of 2/- per member, throughout the
Craft, was levied, and remained in force until 1810.

At the December meeting in 1797 of the Grand Lodge of the Antients, a motion
was proposed unsuccessfully "that a Committee be appointed by the R. W. Grand
Lodge to meet one that may be appointed by the Grand Lodge of Modern Masons
and with them to effect a Union." The beginning of the nineteenth century saw
further, but unsuccessful, negotiations.

In 1804 an address to his Grace the Duke of Atholl, on the subject of a union
between the two rival bodies, was printed, but nothing came of it at that
time. Negotiations then languished, but were resumed in 1809. On April 12, of
that year, the premier Grand Lodge resolved that the necessity no longer
existing, the several lodges be enjoined "to revert to the ancient Land Marks
of the Society." The next important step was the issue of a warrant, dated
Oct. 26, 1809, by the Earl of Moira, Acting Grand Master, to the seven Grand
Officers of the year, and eight other brethren forming them into a lodge--
afterwards known as the Special Lodge of Promulgation--"for the purpose of
Promulgating the Ancient Land Marks of the Society, and instructing the Craft
in all such matters and forms as may be necessary to be known by them." The
warrant was only to continue in force until Dec. 31, 1810, a date subsequently
twice extended, and finally fixed at March 31, 1811.

This lodge commenced its deliberations on Nov. 21, 1809. They held it to be
their duty "first to ascertain what were the Ancient Land Marks and the
Ancient practice, and then to communicate them to the Craft at large." All the
forms and ceremonies of the Three Degrees, and the Installation Ceremony, were
carefully gone through and approved; and it is clear that the outcome of their
deliberations was largely in favor of the so-called Antient Masons. Amongst
other things, the lodge resolved, on Oct. 18, 1810, that, "the Ceremony of the
Installation of Masters of Lodges is one of the two Landmarks of the Craft and
ought to be preserved." Bro. W. B. Hextall has pointed out that the word "two"
in the minutes must have been sheer blundering. Either the scribe added this
word to the original resolution, or wrote that word for the word "true." The
lodge also decided that, "Deacons (being proved on due investigation to be not
only Ancient but useful and necessary Offlcers) be recommended."

A UNION IS CONSUMMATED

Concurrently with the deliberations of the Special Lodge of Promulgation, the
Grand Lodge of the Antients appointed, in December, 1809 a committee to
consider and adopt measures for accomplishing a Masonic Union. This committee
duly reported to its Grand Lodge and, in March, 1810, that Body resolved "that
a Masonic Union on principles equal and honorable to both Grand Lodges and
preserving inviolate the landmarks of the antient Craft would in the opinion
of this Grand Lodge be expedient and advantageous to both."

This was forwarded to the premier Grand Lodge and, on April 10, 1810, they
passed a resolution, "that this Grand Lodge welcomes with unfeigned cordiality
the desire expressed by the Grand Lodge under his Grace the Duke of Atholl for
a Union." They also appointed the original members of the Special Lodge of
Promulgation to be a "Committee to negotiate the desirable arrangement." A
committee of the Grand Lodge of the Antients was also appointed to confer with
that committee, and the Articles of Union signed at Kensington Palace on Nov.
25, 1813, and duly ratified on the first of December following, was the
result. These articles provided (inter alia) for the union of the two Grand
Lodges, for the re-numbering of the lodges; the degrees to be recognized; that
Past Masters should become members of Grand Lodge; and that a Lodge of
Reconciliation should be warranted to deal with the forms and ceremonies to be
used.

The Lodge of Reconciliation was to be formed by each Grand Master appointing
"nine worthy and expert Master Masons, or Past Masters, of their respective
Fraternities." The Grand Master of the premier Grand Lodge issued a warrant
for the nine brethren to form a lodge under the name of the Lodge of
Reconciliation. There was, apparently, no warrant issued by the Grand Lodge of
the Antients to their nine brethren, who were brought into being by special
dispensation. The first meeting, a joint one, took place on Dec. 10, 1813, and
further meetings were held by each body prior to the 27th. Their work
consisted in re-obligating brethren in preparation for the Union. The work of
the Lodge of Reconciliation subsequent to the Union lies outside the scope of
this article. The lodge continued in existence until 1816, and it well known
that their labors contributed, very largely, to developing the ritual into the
form we now use in our lodges in England today.

On Dec. 27, 1813, both Grand Lodges met at Freemasons' Hall, Great Queen
Street, London. In this solemn Act of Union the members of the two Grand
Lodges were intermingled. so as to show the Union into one single society. The
Grand Master of both Grand Lodges were present, and on the proposition of H.
R. H. the Duke of Sussex was unanimously, and with great acclamation, elected
Grand Master of the

UNITED GRAND LODGE OF ANCIENT FREEMASONS OF ENGLAND.

