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Article FREEMASONRY IN ENGLAND. ← Page 2 of 7 →
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Freemasonry In England.
of the Order , as they are emphatically termed , preserved inviolable from future innovations . The four old Lodges , in consequence of this compact in which they considered themselves as a distinct party , continued to act by their original authority ; and so far from surrendering any of their rights , had them frequently ratified and confirmed by the whole Fraternity in Grand Lodge assembled , and by whom their immemorial power to
practise the rites of Masonry are always acknowledged . No future regulations of the Society could therefore operate with respect to those Lodges if such regulations were contrary to , or subversive of the original Constitutions , by AA'hich only they were governed ; and while they act in coiir formity with those constitutions , no Masonic power can legally deprive them of any right or privilege AA'hich they have ever enjoyed .
The necessity of adhering to the ancient landmarks and thereby preserving the universality of Masonry was so clearly understood aud defined by the Fraternity , that it was established as an unerring rule at every installation , public and private , for the Master ancl Wardens to pledge themselves to submit to and abide by those charges and regulations as Masons have done in all ages . And the brethren at their initiation were
and still are equally bound to act in accordance . Of these Lodges it will be seen that two are entirely defunct and two have assumed UGAV names .
1 . The old Lodge of St . Paul , IIOAV named the Lodge of Antiquity , formerly held at the Goose and Gridiron , St . Paul's Churchyard , is still extant , aud regularly meets at the Freemasons' Tavern , in Great Queen Street , Lincoln ' s Inn Fields on the fourth Wednesday in January , February , March , May , June , October , and November , in every year . This Lodge is principally composed of Grand Officersand possesses many valuable
, ancient relics and records of Masonry . 2 . The old Lodge , No . 2 , formerly held at the Crown , Parkers Lane , Drury Lane , has been extinct sixty-five years , by the death of its members .
3 . The old Lodge No . 3 , formerly held at the Apple Tree Tavern in Charles Street , Covent Garden , has been dissolved many years . By the list of Lodges inserted in the Book of Constitutions printed 1738 , it appears that , in February , 1722-23 , this Lodge was removed to the Queen ' s Head , Knave ' s Acre , on account of some difference among its members , and the members who met there came under a new constitution : though , says the Book of Constitutions they wanted it not , and ranked as No . 10 in the list . Thus they inconsiderately renounced their former rank under an immemorial constitution .
4 . —The Lodge No . 4 , formerly held at the Rammer and Grapes Tavern , in Channel How , Westminster , was thence removed to the Horn Tavern , in New Palace Yard , where it continued to meet regularly , till the members , finding it in a declining state , agreed to incorporate with a new and nourishing Lodge , under the constitution of the Grand Lodge , entitled The Somerset House Lodge , which immediately assumed their rank .
It may be questioned if any of the old Lodges while existing as Lodges have the power of surrendering their rights which were granted to them by the old Masons of the Metropolis in trust , and any individual member of
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Freemasonry In England.
of the Order , as they are emphatically termed , preserved inviolable from future innovations . The four old Lodges , in consequence of this compact in which they considered themselves as a distinct party , continued to act by their original authority ; and so far from surrendering any of their rights , had them frequently ratified and confirmed by the whole Fraternity in Grand Lodge assembled , and by whom their immemorial power to
practise the rites of Masonry are always acknowledged . No future regulations of the Society could therefore operate with respect to those Lodges if such regulations were contrary to , or subversive of the original Constitutions , by AA'hich only they were governed ; and while they act in coiir formity with those constitutions , no Masonic power can legally deprive them of any right or privilege AA'hich they have ever enjoyed .
The necessity of adhering to the ancient landmarks and thereby preserving the universality of Masonry was so clearly understood aud defined by the Fraternity , that it was established as an unerring rule at every installation , public and private , for the Master ancl Wardens to pledge themselves to submit to and abide by those charges and regulations as Masons have done in all ages . And the brethren at their initiation were
and still are equally bound to act in accordance . Of these Lodges it will be seen that two are entirely defunct and two have assumed UGAV names .
1 . The old Lodge of St . Paul , IIOAV named the Lodge of Antiquity , formerly held at the Goose and Gridiron , St . Paul's Churchyard , is still extant , aud regularly meets at the Freemasons' Tavern , in Great Queen Street , Lincoln ' s Inn Fields on the fourth Wednesday in January , February , March , May , June , October , and November , in every year . This Lodge is principally composed of Grand Officersand possesses many valuable
, ancient relics and records of Masonry . 2 . The old Lodge , No . 2 , formerly held at the Crown , Parkers Lane , Drury Lane , has been extinct sixty-five years , by the death of its members .
3 . The old Lodge No . 3 , formerly held at the Apple Tree Tavern in Charles Street , Covent Garden , has been dissolved many years . By the list of Lodges inserted in the Book of Constitutions printed 1738 , it appears that , in February , 1722-23 , this Lodge was removed to the Queen ' s Head , Knave ' s Acre , on account of some difference among its members , and the members who met there came under a new constitution : though , says the Book of Constitutions they wanted it not , and ranked as No . 10 in the list . Thus they inconsiderately renounced their former rank under an immemorial constitution .
4 . —The Lodge No . 4 , formerly held at the Rammer and Grapes Tavern , in Channel How , Westminster , was thence removed to the Horn Tavern , in New Palace Yard , where it continued to meet regularly , till the members , finding it in a declining state , agreed to incorporate with a new and nourishing Lodge , under the constitution of the Grand Lodge , entitled The Somerset House Lodge , which immediately assumed their rank .
It may be questioned if any of the old Lodges while existing as Lodges have the power of surrendering their rights which were granted to them by the old Masons of the Metropolis in trust , and any individual member of