|
History Of Masonry In England
During The Reign Of
King George II
SECTION Ix
BOOK Iv - The History of Masonry in England
illustrations of masonry
william preston
The first Grand Lodge after the accession of George II, to the
throne was held at the Devil Tavern, Temple-bar, on the 24th of June 1727; at
which were present, the earl of Inchquin, Grand Master, his officers, and the
Masters and Wardens of forty lodges. At this meeting it was resolved to extend
the privilege of voting in Grand Lodge to Past Grand Wardens; that privilege
having been heretofore restricted to Past Grand Masters, by resolution of 21st
November 1724; and to Past Deputies, by another resolution of 28th February
1726.
The Grand Master having been obliged to take a journey into
Ireland before the expiration of his office, his lordship transmitted a letter
to William Cowper Esq. his Deputy, requesting him to convene a Grand Lodge for
the purpose of nominating lord Colerane Grand Master for the ensuing year.
A Grand Lodge was accordingly convened on the 19th of December 1727, when his
lordship was regularly proposed Grand Master elect, and being unanimously
approved, on the 27th of the same month was duly invested with the ensigns of
his high office at a grand feast at Mercers'-hall in the presence of a numerous
company of his brethren. His lordship attended two communications during his
mastership and seemed to pay considerable attention to the duties of his office.
He constituted several new lodges and granted a deputation to hold a lodge in St
Bernard's Street in Madrid. At the last Grand Lodge under his lordship's
auspices, Dr Desaguliers moved, that the ancient office of Stewards might be
revived, to assist the Grand Wardens in preparing the feast; when it was agreed
that their appointment should be annual, and the number restricted to
twelve.
Lord Kingston succeed lord Colerane, and was invested with the
ensigns of his high office on the 27th of December 1728, at a grand feast held a
Mercer's-hall. his lordship's zeal and attachment for the fraternity were very
conspicuous, not only by his regular attendance on the communications, but by
his generous present to the Grand Lodge, of a curious pedestal, a rich cushion
with gold knobs and fringes, a velvet bag, and a new jewel set in gold for the
use of the Secretary. during his lordship's administration, the Society
flourished at home and abroad. Many lodges were constituted and among the rest,
deputation was granted to George Pomfret Esq, authorising him to open a new
lodge at Bengal. This gentlemen first introduced masonry into the English
settlement in India, where it has since made such rapid progress, that, with
these few years, upwards of fifty lodges, have been constituted there, eleven of
which are now held in Bengal. The annual remittances to the charity and public
funds of the Society from this and other factories of the East India Company
amount to a considerable sum.
At the Grand Lodge held a Devil Tavern on the 27th of December
1729, Natheniel Blackerby Esq, the Deputy Grand Master, being in the chair, in
the absence of lord Kingston, produced a letter from his lordship, authorising
him to propose the duke of Norfolk Grand Master for the ensuing year. This
nomination meeting with general approbation, the usual compliments were paid to
his grace, and he was saluted Grand Master elect. At an assembly and feast at
Merchant-taylors'-hall on the 29th of January following his grace was duly
installed, according to ancient form, in the presence of a numerous and
brilliant company of masons. His grace's absence in Italy soon after his
election, prevented him from attending more than one communication during his
mastership; but the business of the Society was diligently executed by Mr
Blackerly his Deputy, on whom the whole management had devolved. Among other
signal proofs of his grace's attachment to the Society, he transmitted from
Venice to England the following noble patents for the use of the Grand
Lodge:
1. Twenty pounds to the charity.
2. A Large folio book, of the finest writing paper, for the
records of Grand Lodge, richly bound in Turkey and gilt, with a curious
frontispiece in vellum, containing the arms of Norfolk, amply displayed, and a
Latin inscription of the family titles, with the arms of masonry emblazoned.
3. A sword of state for the Grand Master, being the old trusty
sword of Gustavus Adolphus king of Sweden, which was next wore by his
brave successor in ware Bernard duke of Saxe-Weimar, with both their names on
the blade, and further enriched with the arms of Norfolk in silver on the
scabbard. For these presents his grace was voted the public thanks of the
Society.
It is not surprising that masonry should flourish under so
respectable a banner. His grace appointed a Provincial Grand Lodge at New Jersey
in America. A provincial patent was also made out under his auspices for
Bengal. From this period we may date the commencement of the consequence and
reputation of the Society in Europe; as daily application were made for
establishing new lodges, and the most respectable character of the age desired
their names to be enrolled in our records.
The duke of Norfolk was succeeded by lord Lovel, afterwards earl
of Leicester, who was installed at Merchers'-hall on the 29th of March 1731. His
lordship being at the time much indisposed with an ague, was obliged to withdraw
soon after his installation. Lord Colerane, however, acted a proxy during the
feast. On the 14th of May, the first Grand Lodge after lord Lovel's election was
held at the Rose Tavern in Mary-le-bone, when it was voted that in future all
past Grand MAsters and their deputies shall be admitted members of the quarterly
Committees of Charity, and that eevry committee shall have power to vote five
pounds for the relief of any distressed mason; but no larger sum, without the
consent of the Grand Lodge in Communication being first had and obtained. This
resolution is still in force.
During the presidency of lord Lovel, the nobility made a point of
honouring the GRand Lodge with their presence. The dukes of Norfolk and
Richmond, the earl of Inchiquin, and lords Colrane and Montagu, with several
other persons of distinction, seldom failed to give their attendance; and though
the subscriptions from the lodges were inconsiderable, the Society was enabled
to relieve many worthy objects with small sums. As an encouragement to gentlemen
to accept the office of steward, it was ordered that in future each Steward
should have the privilege of nominating his successor at every annual grand
feast. the most remarkable event of lord Lovel's administration, was the
initiation of Francis duke of Lorraine, afterward emperor of Germany. by
virtue of a deputation from his lordship, a lodge was held at the Hague, where
his highness was received into the frist two degrees of masonry. At this lodge,
Phillip Stanhope earl of Chesterfield, then ambassador there, presided; Mr
Strickland, esq, acted as Deputy, and Mr Benjamin Hadley with a Dutch brother as
Wardens. His highness coming to England in the same year, was advanced to the
third degree at an occasional lodge convened for the purpose at Houghton-hall in
Norfolk, the seat of sir Robert Walpole; as was also Thomas Pelham, duke of
Newcastle.
The Society being now in a very flourishing state, deputations
were granted from England, for establishing lodges in Russia and Spain.
Lord Viscount Montagu was installed Grand Master at an assembly
and feast at Merchant-Taylors'-hall on the 19th April 1732. Among the
distinguished personages present on that Occasion were the dukes of Montagu and
Richmond; the earl of Strathmore; and lords Colerane, Teynham and Carpetner; sir
Francis Drake and sir William Keith barts. and above four hundred other
brethren. At this meeting it was first proposed to have a country feast
and agreed that the brethren should dine together at Hampstead on the 24th
June, for the purpose cards of invitation were sent to several of the nobility.
On the day appointed, the Grand Master and his Officers, the dukes of Norfolk
and Richmond, earl of Strathmore, lord Carpenter and Teynham, and above a
hundred other brethren, met at the Spikes at Hampstead, where an elegant dinner
was provided. Soon after the dinner, the Grand Master resigned the chair to Lord
Teynham, and from that time till the expiration of his office never attended
another meeting of the Society. His lordship granted a deputation for
constituting a lodge a Valenciennes in French Flanders, and another for opening
a new lodge at the Hotel de Buffy in Paris. Several other lodges were also
constituted under his lordship's auspices; but the Society was particularly
indebted to Thomas Barton esq. the Deputy Grand Master, who was very attentive
to the duties of his office, and carefully superintended the government of the
craft.
The earl of Stratmore succeeded lord Montagu in the office of
Grand Master, and being in Scotland at the time, was installed by proxy at an
assembly at Mercers'-hall on the 7th of June 1733. On the 13th December, a Grand
Lodge was held at the devil tavern, at which his lordship and his officers, the
earl of Crawford, sir Robert Mansel, a number of Past Grand Officers, and the
Masters and Wardens of fifty-three lodges were present. Several regulations
were confirmed at this meeting respecting the Committee of Charity; and it
was determined, that al complaints, in future to be brought before the Grand
Lodge, previously be examined by the Committee, and from thence referred to the
next Communication.
The history of the Society at this period afford no remarkable
incident to record. Some considerable donations were collected, and distributed
among distressed masons, to encourage the settlement of a new colony which had
been just established in Georgia in 'America. Lord Strathmore showed every
attention to the duties of his office, and regularly attended the meetings of
Grand Lodge; under his auspices the Society flourished at home and aboard, and
many genteel presents were received from the East Indies. Elven German masons
applied for authority to open a new lodge in Hamburgh under the patronage of the
Grand Lodge of England, for which purpose his lordship was pleased to grant a
deputation; and soon after, several other lodges were constituted in Holland
under the English banner.
The earl of Strathmore was succeeded by the earl of Crawford, who
was installed at Mercers'-hall on the 30th March 1734. Public affairs attracting
his lordship's attention, the Communications during his administation were
neglected. After eleven months vacatioln, however, a Grand Lodge was convened,
at which his lordship attended and apologized for his long absence. To atone for
past omission, he commanded two communcations to be held in little more than six
weeks. The dukes of Richmond and Buccleugh, the earl of Balcarras, lord
Weymouth, and other eminent persons, honoured the GRand Lodge with their
presence during the earl of Crawford's presidency.
The most remarkable proceedings of the Society at this period
related to a new edition of the Book of Consititutions, which brother James
Anderson was ordered to prepare for the press; and which made its appearance in
January 1738, considerably enlarged and improved.
Among the new regulation which took place under the administration
of lord Crawford, was the following; That if any lodge with the bills of
mortality shall cease to meet during twelve calendar months, the said lodge
shall be erased out of the list, and if re-instated, shall lose its former rank.
Some additional privileges were granted to the Stewards, in consequence of an
application for that purpose; and to encourage gentlemen to serve the office, it
was agreed, that in future all Grand Officers, the Grand Master excepted, shall
be elected out of that body. A few resolutions also passed respecting illegal
conventions of masons, at which it was reported many persons had been initiated
into masonry on small and unworthy considerations.
The earl of Crawford seems to have made the first encroachment on
the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge in the city of York, by constituting two
lodges within their district; and by granting, without their consent, three
deputations, one for Lancashire, a second for Durham, and a third for
Northumberland. This circumstance the Grand Lodge of York highly resented, and
ever after viewed the proceeding of the brethren in the metropolis with a
jealous eye. All friendly intercourse ceased, and the York masons from that
moment considered their interest distinct from the masons under the Grand Lodge
in London.
Lord Weymouth succeed the earl of Crawford, and was installed at
Mercers'-hall on the 17th April 1735, in presence of the dukes of Richmond and
Athol; the earls of Crawford, Winchelsea, Balcarras, Wemys and Loudon; the
marquis of Beamont; lords Catheart and Vere Bertie; sir Cecil Wray and sir
Edward Mansel barts. and a splendid company of other brethren. Several lodges
were constituted during lord Weymouth's presidency; and among the rest the
Stewards' Lodges. His lordship granted a deputation to hold a lodge at the seat
of the duke of Richmond at Aubigny in France; and, under his patronage masonry
extended considerably in foreign countries. He issued warrants to open a new
lodge at Lisbon, and another at Savannah in Georgia; and, by his special
appointment, provincial patents were made out for South America, and Gambay in
West Africa.
Lord Weymouth never honoured any of the Communications with his
presence during his presidency; but this amission was less noticed on account of
the vigilance and attention of his Deputy, John Ward, esq. after lord viscount
Dudley and Ward, who applied with the utmost anxiety to every business which
concerned the interest and well-being of the Society.
One circumstance occurred while lord Weymouth was Grand Master; of
which it may be necessary to take notice. The twelve Stewards, with sir Robert
Lawley, Master of the Stewards' Lodge, at their head, appeared for the first
time in their new badges at a Grand Lodge held at the Devil Tavern on the 11th
of December 1735. On this occasion they were not permitted to vote as
individuals; but it being afterwards proposed that they should enjoy this
privilege, and that the Stewards' Lodge should in future be represented in Grand
Lodge by twelve members, many lodges objected to the measure as an encroachment
on the privilege of every lodge which had been previously constituted. When the
motion was put up for confirmation, such a disturbance ensued, that the Grand
Lodge was obliged to be closed before the sentiments of the brethren could be
collected on the subject. Of late years the punctilio has been waved, and the
twelve Stewards are now permitted to vote in every Communication as individuals.
The earl of Louden succeeded lord Weymouth, and was installed
Grand Master at Fishmongers'-hall on the 15th of April 1736. The dukes of
Richmond; the earls of Albermarle and Crawford, lords Harcout Erksine and
Southwell; Mr Anstis garter king at arms, Mr Brady lion king of arms, and a
numerous company of other brethren, were present on the occasion. His lordship
constituted several lodges and granted three provincial deputation during his
presidency, viz, one for New England, another for South Carolina, and a third
for Cape Coast Castle in Africa.
The earl of Darnley was elected Grand Master, and duly installed
at Fishmonger's-hall on the 28th of April 1737, in presence of the duke of
Richmond, the earls of Crawford and Wemsys, lord Gray, and many ohter
respectable brethren. The most remarkable event of the his lordship's
administration, was the imitation of the late Frederick prince of Wales, his
present majesty's father, at an occasional lodge convened for the purpose at the
palace of Kew, over which Dr Desaguliers presided as Master. Lord Baltimore,
col. Lumley, the hon. major Madden, and several other brethren, were present.
His royal highness was advanced to the second degree at the same lodge; and at
another lodge. convened at the same place soon after, raised to the degree of a
master mason.
There cannot be a better proof of the flourishing state of the
Society at this time, than by adverting to the respectable appearence of the
brethren in Grand Lodge, at which that Grand Master never failed to attend.
Upwards of sixty lodges were represented at every Communication during
Lord Darnley's administration, and more Provincial patents were issued by him,
than by any of his predecessors. Deputations were granted for Montserrat,
Geneva, the Circle of Upper Saxony, the Coast of Africa, New York, and the
Islands of America.
The marquis of Carnarvon, afterwards duke of Chanos, succeeded
lord Darnley in the office of Grand Master, and was duly invested and
congratulated at an assembly and feast hled at Fishmonger's-hall on the 27th of
April 1738. At this assembly, the duke of Richmond; the earls of Inchiquin,
Loudon and Kintore; lords Colerane and Gray; and a numerous company of other
brethren, were present.
The marquis showed every attention to the Society during his
presidency, and in testimony of his esteem, presented to the Grand Lodge a gold
jewel for the use of the Secretary; the device, two cross pens in a knot; the
knot and points of the pens being curiously enameled. Two deputations for the
office Provincial Grand Master were granted by his lordship; one for the
Caribbee Islands and the other for the West Riding of Yorkshire. This latter
appointment was considered as another encroachment on the jurisdiction of the
Grand Lodge of York, and so widened the original breach between the brethren in
the North and the South of England, that from thenceforward all future
correspondence between the Grand Lodges totally ceased.
On the 15th of August 1738, Frederick the Great. afterwards king
of Prussia, was initiated into masonry, in a lodge in Brunswick, under the Scots
constitution, being at that time Prince Royal. So highly did he approve of the
initiation, that, on his accession to the throne, he commanded a Grand Lodge to
be formed at Berlin, and for that purpose obtained a patent from Edinburgh. Thus
was masonry regularly established in Prussia, and under that sanction it has
flourished there ever since. His majesty's attachment to the Society soon
induced him to establish several new regulations for the advantage of the
fraternity; and among others he ordained,
1. That no person should be made a mason, unless his character was
unimpeachable and his manner of living and profession respectable.
2. That every member should pay 25 rix-dollars (or £4. 3s 0d) for
the first degree; 50 rix-dollars (or £8. 6s. 0d) on his being initiated into the
second degree; and 100 rix-dollars (or £16. 12s. 0d) on his being made a
master-mason.
3. That he should remain at least three months in each degree; and
that every sun received should be divided by the Grand Treasurer into three
parts: one to defray the expenses of the lodge; another to be applied to the
relief of distressed brethren; and the third to be allotted to the poor in
general.
No other remarkable occurrence is recorded to have happened during
the administration of the marquis of Carnarvon, except a proposition for
establishing a plan to appropriate a portion of the charity to place out the
sons of masons apprentices, which, after a long debate in Grand Lodge, was
rejected.
Some disagreeable altercations arose in the Society about this
period. A number of dissatisfied brethren separated themselves from the regular
lodges, and held meetings in different places for the purpose of initiating
persons into masonry, contrary to the laws of the Grand Lodge. These seceding
brethren taking advantage of the breach which had been made in the friendly
intercourse between the Grand Lodges of London and York, on being censured for
their conduct, immediately assumed, without authority, the character of York
masons. The measures adopted to check them stopped their progress for some time;
till, taking advantage of the general murmur spread abroad on account of
innovations that had been introduced, and which seemed to authorize an omission
of, and a variation in the ancient ceremonies, they rose again into notice. This
imprudent measure of the regular lodges offended many old masons; but, through
the mediation of John Ward esq. afterwards lord viscount Dudley and Ward,
matters were accommodated, and the brethren seemingly reconciled. This, however,
proved only a temporary suspension of hostilities, for the same soon broke out
anew, and gave rise to commotions, which afterward materially interrupted the
peace of the Society.
Lord Raymond succeeded the marquis of Carnarvon in May 1739, and
under his lordship's auspices the lodges were numerous and respectable.
Notwithstanding the flourishing state of the Society, irregularities continued
to prevail, and several worthy brethren, still adverse to the encroachments on
the established system of the institution, were highly disgusted at the
proceeding of the regular lodges. Complaints were preferred at every succeeding
committee, and the communications fully employed in adjusting differences and
reconciling animosities. More sessions taking place, it became necessary to pass
votes of censure on the mist refractory and to enact laws to discourage
irregular associations of the fraternity. this brought the power of the Grand
Lodge in question; and in opposition to the laws which had been established in
that assembly, lodges were formed with any legal warrant, and persons initiated
into masonry for small and unworthy considerations. To disappoint the views of
these deluded brethren, and to distinguish the persons initiated by them
the Grand Lodge readily acquiesced in the imprudent measures which the regular
masons had adopted, measures which even the urgency of the case could not
warrant. Though this had the intended effect effect, it gave rise to a new
subterfuge. The brethren who had seceded from the regular lodges immediately
announced independency, and assumed the appellation of ancient masons. They
propagated an opinion, that the ancient tenets and practices of masonry were
preserved by them; and that the regular lodges, being composed of modern masons,
had adopted new plans, and were not to be considered as acting under the old
establishment. To counteract the regulations of the Grand Lodge, they instituted
a new Grand Lodge in London, professedly on the ancient system, and under that
assumed banner constituted several new lodges. There irregular proceeding they
pretended to justify under feigned sanction of the Ancient York Constitution,
and many gentlemen of reputation were introduced among them, so that their
lodges daily increased. Without authority for the Grand Lodge of York, or form
any other established power of masonry, ther persevered in the measures they had
adopted, formed committees, held communications, and appointed annual feasts.
Under the false appellation of the York banner, they gained the countenance of
the Scotch and Irish masons, who, placing implicit confidence in the
representations made to them, heartily joined in condemning the measures of the
regular lodges in London, as tending, in their opinion, to introduce novelties
into the Society, and to subvert the original plan of the institution. The
irregular masons in London, having acquired an establishment, noblemen of both
kingdoms honoured them with their patronage for some time, and many respectable
names and lodges were added to this list. Of late years the fallacy has been
detected, and they have not been so successful; several of their best members
have renounced their banner and come under the patronage of the Grand Lodge of
England. It is much to be wished, in that a general union among all the masons
in the kingdom could effected, and we are happy to hear that such a measure is
likely soon to accomplished, through the mediation of a Royal Brother at present
abroad.
During the presidency of lord Raymond, no considerable addition
was made to the list of lodges and communications were seldom honoured with the
company of the nobility. His lordship granted only one deputation for a
provincial Grand Master during his presidency, viz: for Savoy and Piedmont.
The earl of Kintore succeeded lord Raymond in April 1740 and, in
imitation of his predecessor, continued to discourage irregularities. His
lordship appointed several provincials: particularly, one for Russia; one for
Hamburgh and the the Circle of Lower Saxony; one for the West Riding of York, in
the room of William Horton esq. deceased; and one for the island of
Barbadoes.
The earl of Morton was elected on the 19th of March following, and
installed with great solemnity the same day at Haberdashers'-hall, in preference
of a respectable company of the nobility, foreign ambassadors, and others.
Several seasonable laws were passed during this lordship's mastership, and some
regulations made concerning procession and other ceremonies. His lordship
presented a staff of office to the Treasurer, of neat workmanship, blue and
tip't with gold; and the Grand Lodge resolved, that this officer should be
annually elected, and, with the Secretary and Sword-beaker, be permitted to rank
in future as a member of Grand Lodge. A large cornelian seal, with the arms of
masonry, set in gold, was presented to the Society, at this time, by brother
Vaughan, the Senior Grand Warden; and William Vaughan esq. was appointed by his
lordship, Provincial Grand Master for North Wales.
Lord Ward succeeded the earl of Morton in April 1742. His lordship
was well acquainted with the nature and government of the Society having served
every office from the Secretary in a private lodge to that of Grand Master. His
lordship lost no time in applying effectual remedies to reconcile the
animosities which prevailed; he recommended to his officers, vigilance and care
in their different departments; and by the his own conduct, set a noble example
how the dignity of the Society ought to be supported. Many lodges, which were in
a declining state, by his advice, coalesced with other in better circumstances;
some, which had been negligent in their attendance on the Communications, after
proper admonitions were restored to favour; and others, which persevered in
their contumacy, were erased out of the list. Thus his lordship manifested his
regard for the interests of the Society, while his lenity and forbearance were
universally admired.
The unanimity and harmony of the lodges seemed to be perfectly
restored under his lordship's administration. The free-masons at Antigua built a
large hall in that island for their meetings, and applied to the Grand Lodge for
liberty to be styled the Great Lodge of St John's in Antigua, which favour was
granted to them in April 1744.
Lord Ward continued two years at the head of the fraternity,
during which time he constituted, many lodges, and appointed several Provincial
Grand Masters; viz. one for Lancaster, one for North America, and three for the
island of Jamaica. he was succeeded by the earl of Strathmore, during whose
administration, being absent the whole time, the care and management of the
Society devolved on the other Grand Officers, who carefully studied the general
good of the fraternity. His lordship appointed a Provincial Grand Master for the
island of Bermuda.
Lord Cranstoun was elected Grand Master in April 1745, and
presided over the fraternity with great reputation two years. under his auspices
masonry flourished, several new lodges were constituted, and one Provincial
Grand Master was appointed for Cape Breton and Louisburg. By a resolution of the
Grand Lodge at this time it was order, that public procession on feast-days
should be discontinued; occasioned by some mock processions, which a few
disgusted brethren had formed, in order to burlesque those public
appearances.
Lord Byron succeeded lord Cranstoun, and was installed at
Drapers'-hall on the 30th of April 1747. The laws of the Committee of Charity
were, by his lordship's order, revised, printed, and distributed among lodges,
and a handsome, contribution to the general charity was received from the lodge
at Gibraltar. During five years that is lordship presided over the
fraternity. no diligence was spared to preserve the privileges of masonry
inviolate, to redress grievances, and to relieve distress. When business
required his lordship's attendance in country, Fotherly Baker esq. his Deputy
and Secretary Revis, were particularly attentive to the business of the
Society. the former was distinguished by his knowledge of the laws and
regulations; the latter, by his long and faithful services. under the auspices
of lord Byron, provincial patnets were issued for Denmark amd Norway,
Pennsylvania, Minorca, and New York.
On the 20th March, 1752, lord Carysfort accepted the office of
Grand Master. The good effects of his lordship's application to the real
interests of the fraternity soon became visible, by the great increase of the
public fund. No Grand Officer ever took more pains to preserve, or was more
attentive to recommend, order and decorum. He was ready, on all occasions, to
visit the lodges in person, and to promote harmony among the members. Dr.
Manningham, his Deputy, was no less vigilant in the execution of his duty. He
constantly visited the lodges in his lordship's absence, and used every
endeavour to cement union among the brethren. The whole proceedings of this
active officer were conducted with prudence, and his candor and affability
gained him universal esteem. The Grand Master's attachment to the Society was so
obvious, that the brethren, in testimony of their gratitude for his lordship's
great services, re-elected him on the 3d of April 1753; and during his
presidency, provincial patents were issued for Gibraltar, the Bahama Islands,
New York, Guernsey, Jersey, Alderney, Sark, and Mann; also for Cornwall, and the
counties of Worcester, Gloucester, Salop, Monmouth, and Hereford.
The marquis of Carnarvon (afterward duke of Chandos) succeeded
lord Carysfort in March 1754. He began his administration by ordering the Book
of Constitutions to be reprinted, under the inspection of a committee,
consisting of the Grand Officers, and some other respectable brethren. The Grand
Master's zeal and attention to the true interests of the Society were shewn on
every occasion. He presented to the Grand Lodge, a large silver jewel, gilt, for
the use of the Treasurer, being cross keys in a knot, enamelled with blue; and
gave several other proofs of his attachment.
Soon after the election of the marquis of Carnarvon, the Grand
Lodge took into consideration a complaint against certain brethren, for
assembling, without any legal authority, under the denomination of
ancient masons; who, as such, considered themselves independent of the
Society, and not subject to the laws of Grand Lodge, or to the control of the
Grand Master. Dr. Manningham, the Deputy Grand Master, pointed out the necessity
of discouraging their meetings, as being contrary to the laws of the Society,
and openly subversive of the allegiance due to the Grand Master. On this
representation the Grand Lodge resolved, that the meeting of any brethren under
the denomination of masons, other than as brethren of the ancient and honourable
Society of Free and Accepted Masons established upon the universal system, is
inconsistent with the honour and interest of the craft, and a high insult on the
Grand Master and the whole body of masons. In consequence of this resolution,
fourteen brethren, who were members of a lodge held at the Ben Jonson's head in
Pelham-street, Spitalfields, were expelled the Society, and that lodge was
ordered to be erased out of the list.
No preceding Grand Master granted so many provincial deputations
as the marquis of Carnarvon; in less than two years the following patents were
issued;
1. for South Carolina;
2. for South Wales;
3.
for Antigua;
4. for all North America where no former provincial was
appointed;
5. for Barbadoes, and all other his majesty's islands to the
windward of Guadaloupe;
6. for St. Eustatius, Cuba, and St. Martin's,
Dutch Caribbean islands in America;
7. for Scilly, and the adjacent
islands;
8. for all his majesty's dominions in Germany, with a power to
chuse their successors; and
9. for the County Palatine of Chester, and
the City and County of Chester.
The greater part of these appointments appear to have been mere
honorary grants in favour of individuals, few of them having been attended with
advantage to the Society.
The marquis of Carnarvon continued to preside over the fraternity
till the 18th of May 1757, when he was succeeded by lord Aberdour; during whose
mastership the Grand Lodge voted, among other charities, the sum of fifty pounds
to be sent to Germany, to be distributed among such of the soldiers as were
masons in prince Ferdinand's army, whether English, Hanoverians, or Hessians.
This sum was soon after remitted to general Kingsley for the intended
purpose.
Such was the state of masonry during the reign of George II. On
the 5th of October 1760, his majesty expired at his palace at Kensington, in the
77th year of his age, and the 34th of his reign. It may be truly said, that this
period was the golden æra of masonry in England; the sciences were cultivated
and improved, the royal art was diligently propagated, and true architecture
clearly understood; the fraternity were honoured and esteemed; the lodges
patronised by exalted characters; and charity, humanity, and benevolence, were
the distinguishing characteristics of masons.
back to top |
