Sir Edwarcl Letchworfh, F.S.A.

Sir Edwarcl Letchworfh , F . S . A .

THE appearance of the Grand Secretary's name in this year ' s list of His Majesty ' s birthday honours has given the greatest satisfaction to the brethren , not only of the English Grand Lodge , but of those of other jurisdictions . The honour is distinctly a compliment to the Craft and a recognition of His Majesty ' s continued interest

in the body of which he was for so many years the head . But the personal element is not wanting in the appointment , and no more worthy recipient of the Royal favour than Bro . Letchworth is to be found in this year ' s list . For the past ten years he has carried out the arduous duties of his office to the entire satisfaction of the Craft . His legal training has enabled him to deal with all questions

Sill EDWARD LETCHWORTH .

¦ of Masonic jurisprudence , while his knowledge of Masonic ritual makes him a perfect exponent of the beautiful ceremony which he is so often called upon to perform . Bro . Sir Edward Letchworth ' s connection with Masonry commenced in 1865 in which year he was initiated in the

, Jerusalem Lodge , No . 197 , and of which lodge he is still a member and its Treasurer . He is also a Past Master of the Lodge of Antiquity , No . 2 , and of the St . James ' s Lodge , No . 1579 , Enfield . In 1877 he was appointed Provincial Grand Registrar of Middlesexand in 188 4 Junior Grand

, Deacon of England . He has twice filled the chair of First Principal in the St . James ' s Chapter , attached to the Antiquity Lodge , No . 2 , and is also a P . Z . of the Enfield Chapter , No . 1237 , and the Bard of Avon Chapter , No . 77 8 , and in 188 4 was . appointed Past Grand Standard Bearer of

Supreme Grand Chapter . For several years he rendered valuable service as a member of the Board of General Purposes , of the then existing Colonial Board , and of the Committee of Grand Chapter . In the Mark Degree , the Order of the Temple , and the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite he has filled the highest

positions , and his services have been recognised by appointment to Grand rank . This record was established before his appointment as Grand Secretary , and the subsequent period has , from a Masonic point of view , been one of abnormal activity . Since the year 1892 no less than 53 6 lodges have been added to the roll of the Grand Lodge of England , besides Royal Arch

chapters to the number of about 300 , and of these the whole of the London lodges and chapters have been consecrated by Sir Edward . This alone would constitute a claim to be classed amongst the hardest of hard working Masons , but it by no means represents his devotion to the interests of

Freemasonry . As a generous supporter of the Masonic Charities and member of Committees of the great Central Institutions , he has shown his sympathy with the charitable side of our ancient Institution . We have had quite recently , in common with many

hundreds of the Fraternity , the pleasure of offering our sincere congratulations and good wishes to Bro . Letchworth on the occasion of his marriage . We have now to offer to him with equal pleasure our felicitations on the distinguished honour conferred on him by His Majesty .