HomeLodge History - Province For the New Initiate
Published with the Permission of W.Bro. Bob Laugharne.
In the begining
Frontispiece of “The Constitutions of the
Free-masons” by Dr. James Anderson, D.D.
Published in 1723, this was the first ever printed version
W.Bro. Francis Laugharne,
P.P.S.G.W.
Extract from “Freemasonry in Hampshire & the Isle of Wight”.
LINK TO THE FULL PROVINCIAL HISTORY WEB SITE
PREFACE Some newcomers into Freemasonry believe they already know a good deal about the fraternity; others admit to knowing nothing. Few, however, know very much of the origins of the Craft.
In 1990 I was privileged to be asked by the Provincial Grand Master to write the official History of the Province, for which purpose I was not only given full access to Provincial records, but received assistance from the Grand Librarian, his staff, and Secretaries of many other Lodges in the Province.
I have tried to extract from that history, just enough to interest the new Initiate into our ancient society. Having set a strict limit on its size, I have had to restrict the content to the early history of the Craft in general and to follow this a few words about the Isle of Wight in particular.
Read this booklet in conjunction with your copy of the History of Sandown Lodge, and if this inspires your curiosity to learn more, you can still, I believe, obtain a paper-back copy of the full Provincial History from the Provincial Office for about £5.00 I have had to edit out numerous interesting little tales from this booklet. I hope that these will help you to understand and enjoy your Freemasonry as countless thousands have done over the preceding centuries.
F.D.L. February 2002
Many volumes have been written on the origins of speculative Freemasonry. Doubts will always remain as to whether it sprang from the admission of honorary members into operative lodges or whether it arose as a totally separate institution, using age old masonic terms to illustrate moral values. The term `free' was often used in connection with a number of crafts, to imply freedom from local taxation or restriction on plying trade.
Certainly the stonemasons of the middle ages achieved a unique position because of the demand for their skills, first in the construction of substantial dwellings and defensive buildings such as castles, and secondly in the construction of places of worship for an all-powerful church. The lodge was the basic unit of organisation, set up when a structure such as a cathedral was to be built, which often took well over a hundred years. Lodges of an even more permanent kind developed in large towns, where there was a continuous supply of work, in the same way as the other craft guilds.
Whilst in Scotland detailed records go back to the sixteenth century, with precise evidence of the admission of persons of importance as honorary members into stonemasons' craft lodges, the same has not been discovered to any great extent south of the Tweed.
The operative mason's art reached its peak in the style we in Britain call “Tudor,” in such works as St.George's Chapel, Windsor (A.D.1501). The mason had become a structural engineer in stone. The swing to “classical” designs derived from Ancient Greece and Rome, was followed by the introduction of structural cast iron, as at Ironbridge in Shropshire. Christopher Wren was, by training, a mathematician, not an architect, and his dome of St.Paul's was only made possible by incorporating iron chains. The mason gave way to the engineer, and true “craft” lodges waned.
The English Freemason today is equally entitled to believe - (as do the Scots) - that he takes his origins from the “operative” masons, or that there is no connection; that the first Freemasons were simply a band of men, who, seeing the great works of the medieval builders, took their works and tools as emblematic of those virtues to which they themselves subscribed. Either view is valid, depending more on sentiment than historical fact. The writer inclines to the first, simpler view.
An early authenticated reference to the speculative Craft is made by Elias Ashmole, founder of the Ashmolian Library, Oxford, in 1646 he recorded in his diary that he was “made a Mason in Warrington in Lancashire.”
The Garter King of Arms, Randle Holme, wrote in his “Academie of Armory” - “I cannot but honour the Fellowship of the Masons because of its antiquity, and the more as being (myself) a member of that Society called Freemasons." A note in Holme's own hand, authenticated by the British Museum as written in 1640-50 reads: - “There is sevrall words & signes of a free Mason to be revailed to yu wch as yu will answ: before God at the Great and terrible day of judgmt yu keep Secret & not to revail the same to any in the heares of any pson w but to the Mrs & fellows of the said Society of free Masons, so helpe me God, xt."
Today, the date of greatest significance is 1717. In that year representatives from at least four lodges met - "on St.John the Baptist's Day ... at the aforesaid “Goose and Gridiron” Ale-house ... and by a Majority of Hands elected Mr Anthony Sayer, Gentleman, `Grand Master of Masons'". This was the foundation of the Grand Lodge.
By the Grand Lodge meeting of 1722, members from 24 lodges were present, when the famous Anderson Constitutions were approved. These were published in 1723. A first List of Lodges was issued.
The Anderson Constitutions stated that "The Grand Lodge consists of, and is form'd by the Masters and Wardens of all the regular particular Lodges upon Record, with the Grand Master at their head, ..." They enshrined the principle that no lodge or mason should be regarded as `regular' but by the authority of the Grand Master, or in the Provinces by (who we now call) the Provincial Grand Master.
The standing of the fledgeling craft was greatly enhanced by the Initiation on 5th March 1737 of the Prince of Wales, the first Royal Freemason. ( Eldest son and heir of George II, he predeceased his father.) In the 1720's and 30's Lodge meetings were advertised in the press, producing the public curiosity, and a series of masonic “exposures,” with which we are not unfamiliar today.
The original Grand Lodge was confined to London, but there were “independent” lodges meeting in many parts of the country. These gradually accepted the authority of the Grand Lodge, and the Grand Master to appoint Provincial Grand Masters to regulate the craft away from the capital. Lodges were grouped roughly on the basis of the long established shires, and the first “Provincial Grand Master” was appointed in 1725 to the Province of Cheshire.
In 1751, dissension led to the setting up of a rival Grand Lodge, which styled itself the “ancients,” claiming to adhere to the ancient usages of the order. They charged the established Grand Lodge - who soon became known as the “moderns” - with eleven specific violations of ancient customs. The most obvious of these were the transposing of the modes of recognition of the first two degrees, and allowing the ceremony of Installation to fall into disuse.
These “ancients” might have made little impression, had they not had the Earl of Atholl at their head, and Bro. Laurence Dermott as their first Grand Secretary. Noted masonic historian Gould describes Dermott as “the most remarkable mason that ever existed, sarcastic, bitter, uncompromising ... and in a philosophical appreciation of the character of the Masonic Institution he was in advance of the spirit of the age.”
Dermott was Initiated in Lodge No.26 I.C., Dublin in 1740, and the founders were soon outnumbered, by English members of the artisan and minor professional classes. Dermott was appointed Grand Secretary in 1752, and by careful organisation soon put the `ancients' on a firm foundation. In particular they chartered many new Military lodges. Through Dermott, the ancients were already on excellent terms with their Irish Brethren, and when in 1773, the Duke of Atholl became "Grand Master Mason of Scotland," they soon developed the best possible relationship with those north of the border.
The situation was further confused by the existence of at least three other Grand Lodges including the most famous, the Grand Lodge of York, but these had all disappeared by 1792.
As some indication of the inroads made by the “ancients”, the total of lodges under their jurisdiction in 1789 was 137, in addition there were 67 military lodges, increasing to a peak of 116. At this date 244 lodges adhered to the “moderns”.
What would have been the course of British Freemasonry had the Union not taken place ? Even without the Military Lodges, the “ancients” already totalled half the strength of the “moderns” and were overtaking them fast. Our own Province had just four “ancient” lodges - Economy 76, Royal Gloucester 130, Albany 151, and East Medina 175 - yet from these have sprung no less than 87 lodges.
The 1790's were times of political turmoil, with the French Revolution, rebellion in Ireland, and the gradual emergence of illegal trade unions. This culminated in 1799 with “An Act for the more effectual suppression of Societies established for seditious and treasonable purposes” - generally known as the “Unlawful Societies Act.”
The Duke of Sussex was Grand Master of the “moderns” and his Royal brother, the Duke of Kent, was now Grand Master of the “ancients”. A few years previously, well-known Scots masons had been associated with Bonnie Prince Charlie. The Earl of Kilmarnock, Grand Master Mason of Scotland, and at least one other member of the ancient Lodge Cannongate Kilwinning No.2. S.C. were executed for their parts.
Through these Royal connections, Freemasonry was specifically excluded from the restrictions of the act, although right up to 1968 Lodge Secretaries had to make a return of all members' names and addresses to the Clerk of the Peace. The Act made it difficult to found new lodges, and both Grand Lodges re-issued the Warrants of lodges which had ceased to function.
Pressure from various sources, and in particular, difficulties with the Grand Lodges of Scotland and Ireland, led in 1813 to the foundation of the United Grand Lodge of England we know today. The new Grand Lodge set up a “Lodge of Promulgation” to examine differences in ritual between the English, Scottish and Irish, (and by inference the ancient) constitutions. Most “ancient” usages were adopted.
To avoid duplication after the Union, all Lodges were re-numbered. The honour of taking Number 1 on the combined Roll was decided by ballot. The “ancients” being successful, “Ancient” Lodge No.1 retained its number, whilst `moderns' No.1 (although considerably older) became the new No.2. Lodges were then taken from each list alternately; “ancient” No.2 becoming the new No.3, “modern” No.2 becoming the new No.4, etc.
Among the curiosities this created, we find that Prince Edwin's Lodge No.128 founded in 1803, has a “daughter,” the Lodge of Hope No.54, founded ten years later, but which had obtained an `ancient' Warrant.
The Union was followed in 1816 by a “Lodge of Reconciliation”, to complete the rapprochement of the two Grand Lodges and to formulate an “official” ritual. This was not successful, although it did establish the English system of craft degrees - Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft and Master Mason, together with the Royal Arch. ( by a peculiar twist, the degree of Mark Master Mason was rejected - but that is another story).
Prior to the union the terms “Master” and “Master's Lodge” had a particular significance. A “Master's” Lodge was not necessarily the same as the Third Degree. The “Transactions, Dorset Master's Lodge” says “In the early eighteenth century few knew the workings of the Third Degree, and there was difficulty in obtaining the M.M.'s degree, and comparatively few troubled about going further than the F.C., in as much as those who had passed to that degree were at this time eligible for even the highest office. By the Constitutions of 1723, F.C.'s were eligible for the Office of Warden, but in 1728 only M.M.'s could take that Office.”
“Master's Lodges,” to raise Masters, often met on Sundays, and were distinct from the regular Lodge under whose warrant they worked. This applied only to the “moderns”, as the “ancients” were familiar with all three degrees.
Procedures with respect to Grand Lodge Certificates were tightened. It had been common practice for a Lodge to issue its own certificate, in addition to, or even in place of, any from a Grand Lodge
The United Grand Lodge was determined to provide itself with a suitable headquarters. Before the completion of the first Freemasons' Hall in 1776, Grand Lodge met in taverns, and in the halls of the livery companies. The most notable early Hall was designed in 1828 by Sir John Soane, architect of the Bank of England, but the explosion in membership soon rendered the building far too small. By 1900 Grand Lodge owned most of the Great Queen Street site.
The First Great War brought all plans to a halt. After the war finished, with undreamed of loss of life, an `Especial Grand Lodge' was held at the Royal Albert Hall, and an appeal was launched for the `Masonic Million' - a fund of £1,000,000.
On 8th August 1925, at Olympia it was announced that £826,000 had been raised. The occasion was attended by the Grand Master, the Duke of Connaught, the Prince of Wales, (Later Edward VIII, and Duke of Windsor), the Duke of York, (Later George VI), the Duke of Kent, (Grand Master 1939-42), and over 7000 Brethren.
A “mock” foundation stone was laid on 14th July 1927 by the Grand Master at a meeting in the Royal Albert Hall, whilst the actual stone was at the same moment laid electrically, on the site. The Hall was dedicated on 19th July 1932.
The Hall has seen many impressive ceremonies, but perhaps the greatest was in 1939, when H.M. King George VI Installed his brother, the Duke of Kent, as Grand Master. There were present Royalty, Nobility, and Grand Masters from across the globe.
THE EARLY YEARS
The Provinces of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight under Dunckerley.
A “Remarkable Freemason” has long been the accepted title of Thomas Dunckerley, reputedly the natural son of George II. Although the absolute truth is unlikely ever to be established, the Gentleman's Magazine for 19th. November 1795 contains the following notice of Dunckerley's death - “at Portsmouth, in his 71st year, Thomas Dunckerley, Esq., Provincial Grand Master of Masonry, and pretty generally supposed to have been a natural son of George II.” His mother, Mary Dunckerley is recorded as interred in the burial ground of the Chapel Royal, Savoy on January 11th 1760.
Dunckerley was a young man of great enterprise and natural intelligence. Unaware of his Royal parentage, he ran away to sea at the age of ten, and made remarkable progress in the Royal Navy. Admiralty records show that in 1744, at the age of twenty he was appointed `schoolmaster' of the seventy-gun Edinburgh, in the Channel Squadron. In 1746 he was warranted as `Gunner' on the sloop Crown and served in this capacity in a number of major ships of the line.
The position of `Gunner' was a senior warranted post of considerable responsibility. His duties ran to eight closely written pages and included overall care of all the warlike stores, guns, and ammunition. Having attained this rank at the age of twenty-two, it appears extraordinary that he rose no further in the service, especially as he was befriended by many very senior officers.
Returning from the siege of Quebec on January 9th 1760, Dunckerley was immediately confronted with his mother's death, and for the first time learned the details of his parentage. He left the Royal Navy in 1763, took up residence in his mothers old quarters in Somerset House, and looked for employment. He studied law, and was called to the Bar in 1774; was commissioned in the South Hampshire Militia, and above all he threw himself wholeheartedly into the furtherance of Freemasonry.
Dunckerley had been initiated at the age of twenty-nine, into the lodge meeting at the Three Tuns Tavern, (or “Three Tonns”), Portsmouth, later known as the Lodge of Antiquity No.28. During his naval career he took an active part in the many lodges then being formed in the Services, and became Master of a lodge in Plymouth in 1756.
Dunckerley's facility for making friends in much higher social stations in life, stood him in good stead when he sought to bring the evidence of his birth to the attention of the King. This proved a difficult task, but finally he was acknowledged by George III, to be the natural son of his grandfather. He was given an allowance from the privy purse, and apartments in Hampton Court Palace. His future was assured.
Dunckerley's meteoric rise in Freemasonry was soon marked by his appointment as the first Provincial Grand Master for the `modern' Province of Hampshire, on 28th. February 1767.
Dunckerley and THE PROVINCE OF HAMPSHIRE
The Province taken over by Dunckerley consisted of some eight Lodges:
Three Tuns No.35, Portsmouth (his own lodge) Warranted 1724 Erased 1838
Royal Oak No.242, Portsmouth Common “ 1759 " 1768
Red Lion No.278, Gosport " 1762 " 1767
Kings Arms No.291, Portsmouth " 1762 " 1773
Havant No.298 " 1763 " 1768
Stubbington No.302 " 1763 " 1773
Ringwood No.318 (Now Unity No.132) " 1764
Hilsea No.323 " 1764 " 1767
There were also at least two lodges, and meeting under the banner of the `ancients.' (now Economy 76 & Royal Gloucester 130). Dunckerley sat in Grand Lodge as Senior Grand Warden at this time.
In 1771 he reported to Grand Lodge - "….. the Lodge held at the Nagg's Head, Lymington, in Hampshire, has paid no regard to my letters for two years past ... I am to request ……….. the aforesaid Lodge to be struck off ….."
After intervention by Grand Lodge the matter was apparently settled amicably. The lodge, (Unity No 132), moved to Ringwood in 1777, where after a shaky start, it still meets today.
The first lodge actually constituted by Dunckerley was almost certainly the `New Inn' Lodge No.405 at Christchurch on 23rd. November 1770. (Now Hengist No.195)
Dunckerley and the ISLE OF WIGHT
Until 1869, the Island was, on paper at least, a separate Province, albeit from time to time sharing Dunckerley as its Provincial Grand Master with Hampshire. Even Dunckerley got confused, for on the dispensation to reinstate Medina he described himself as "Past P.G.M., acting in the absence of the Right Hon. Lord Charles Montagu, the Provincial Grand Master for this County." ( Lord Montagu, was, of course the P.G.M. for Hampshire only). - However, this suggests that even when separate provinces, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight had close masonic relations.
The earliest record of the `modern' Province of the Isle of Wight as entrusted to Dunckerley in 1772, is that of its only Lodge, Medena No.39 - (now Medina Lodge No.35) - with fewer than twenty members, although there were Military lodges holding `ambulatory' warrants from the ancients, or under the Irish Constitution.
Medena was warranted as No.111 at the Theatre Tavern, Goodsman's Fields, on February 17th 1732, until it was re-formed to meet at West Cowes in 1761. Even then it was in a poor state, being erased in 1773 and reinstated by Dunckerley in 1778, when he personally attended the first five meetings. In three weeks no less than sixteen ceremonies were conducted.
In 1787 Dunckerley made the first appointment of Provincial Officers of the Province of the Isle of Wight. They were all members of Medina Lodge except the Deputy P.G.M., W.Bro. Edward Rushworth, with whom the members were little pleased.
Having held the appointment for five years, he had not paid them a single visit, despite many requests. An appeal to Dunckerley for a replacement had the desired effect, and W.Bro. W. Holloway was given the appointment, which he held for many years.
In 1786 Grand Lodge resolved unanimously, "That the Rank of Past Senior Grand Warden ... be granted to Thomas Dunckerley Esq., ... in grateful testimony ... of his zealous and indefatigable exertions ... to promote the honour and interests of the Society."
As late as 1793 an article about this now legendary masonic leader referred to him as "Provincial Grand Master of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight." In addition to his grace and favour apartment at Hampton Court, Dunckerley had long had a home at Portsmouth, and it was here that he died at the age of 70. He was buried in the Churchyard of St.Mary's, Kingston; parish church of Portsea.
The church record contains a bare note of his interment on 27th November 1795. An era was ended.
PROVINCE OF THE ISLE OF WIGHT 1795-1869
SIR LEONARD THOMAS WORSLEY HOLMES, Bt.,M.P. P.G.M. 1812~1825
Sir Leonard held sway only over the Medina Lodge, which in the early 19th century was again having a difficult time, and its `daughter,' the Vectis Lodge of Peace & Concord No.388, meeting at the Wheatsheaf Inn, Newport.
The “Modern” Grand Lodge was going through a troublesome period, locally but the `ancients' were very active. It will be remembered that they were especially strong in the Army. The Island had long been a garrison area in war and peace. There were no less than eight regular barracks and seven other military establishments. Sixty regiments, half of whom had regimental lodges attached were stationed on the Island between 1795 and 1828, and six more or less permanent `ancient' lodges were noted there at this period. These were:
No. 200 Albany (1801) - ( Sandown’s “Mother Lodge” )
No. 232 East Medina (1813)
No. 248 76th Regiment of Foot (1778)
No. 252 23rd Regiment of Foot (1778)
No. 291 The Hiram Lodge (1795)
No. 309 52nd Regiment of Foot Lodge (1797)
Only Albany (now 151) and East Medina (now 175) have survived. They were classic cases transfers of warrant from defunct Lodges. The Hiram Lodge No.291(A) was the Lodge of the East India Company, constituted about 1795. It moved to the hospital depot at Parkhurst from Chatham in 1802, and met for some time at the Castle and Banner.
Antagonism between the two Grand Lodges was not evident on the Island. Many apocryphal tales are told of `unofficial' contacts and visits between the adherents of the rival Grand Lodges. The effect of the mere proposition of the Union on the Island was immediate.
On June 17th 1813, six members of Albany “ancients” Lodge No.200 were proposed for membership, initiated, passed, and raised in the Medina “modern” Lodge No.31 by William Holloway. The only fee was 5/- registration.
Two weeks later, Holloway and four other members of Medina were admitted to Albany Lodge. On the Jubilee of George III, six “modern” and four `ancient' Lodges attended Church together at Newport and afterwards took dinner together at the Vectis Lodge of Peace and Concord. This grass roots reaction in the Island anticipated Grand Lodge by some months.
The Province now consisted of four Lodges - Medina, Albany, East Medina, and Vectis Lodge of Peace & Concord. That same year his Provincial Lodge met at the George Hotel, Yarmouth, on St.John's Day, July 6th,* when after divine service the ladies joined the brethren "to take wine and cake."
* The term “St.John’s Day frequently crops up in masonic records. There are two “St.John’s Days - St.John the Baptist on June 24th & St.John the Evangelist (Apostle) on December 27th. At one time Masters were elected for six months only and Installations were commonly held on St. John’s Days. This also led Freemasons to being known as “St.John’s men” or less kindly as “Johnny masons.” Medina got the date wrong or there is an error in the minutes, or it may have been the nearest meeting day.
THE EARL OF YARBOROUGH P.G.M. 1826~46
Lord Yarborough’s wife was the niece of Sir Richard Worsley, of Appuldurcombe. He became Baron Worsley, and owner of the finest classical mansion on the Island.
Medina Lodge, recorded in 1825, that W.Bro. Pinhorn proposed Lord Yarborough as a candidate for Initiation. The proposal being "unanimously accepted, the Lodge adjourned to Appuldurcombe House for the ceremony." The Deputy Grand Master, the Earl of Durham, visited the Island on 16th May 1835 to lay the Foundation Stone of the Royal Victoria Arcade, Ryde,. After the usual preliminaries the upper stone `weighing half a ton was raised and a quantity of Maunday money... was placed in the cavity.' (Is it still there ?)
A Provincial Meeting at Ryde Town Hall on 2nd. March 1846 saw the largest attendance yet recorded, 138. W.Bro. Hearn, Dep.P.G.M., said that he had "convened this meeting in compliance with a request .... by the Members of the Royal Victoria Yacht Club ... and it was (his) opinion that according to the strict principles of the Craft that he should have declined allowing the Brethren to attend ... the ceremony of laying the foundation stone ... entrusted to one un-numbered amongst its members." (Prince Albert).
SIR JOHN SIMEON, Bt.,M.P. P.G.M. 1847~1852
Inaction by Sir John was matched by two very active Deputies, Bro. J.H. Hearn and Bro. Alexander Clarke, both members of the East Medina Lodge. The first, appointed in 1845 by the late Earl of Yarborough, was , who at the time was also Master of his Lodge.
W.Bro. Hyde Pullen was by far the most influential mason in the Province. Initiated into Prince Edwin's Lodge No.125, Hythe, Kent, he showed such zeal that he had reached the Chair in just fifteen months. On the Island he joined several lodges, becoming Master of East Medina three times, Yarborough twice, and Ryde Lodge, of which he was a founder, twice. He was appointed Deputy P.G.M. in 1855. A keen ritualist, he was a founder of a London Chapter of the Royal Order of Scotland. He paid a visit to that country to obtain fuller information about the order, and accepted an invitation to visit Glasgow, to show "our Scotch Craftsmen the correct method of installing a Master."
The only record of Sir John Simeon's retirement is a letter dated 25th April 1851 in the Minutes of East Medina Lodge 175 stating that his intention was by "this days post to place that office at the disposal of Lord Zetland."
THOMAS WILLIS FLEMING P.G.M. 1852~1869
W.Bro. Thomas Fleming's appointment was immediately marked by yet another controversy surrounding the Prince Consort. It concerned the laying by Prince Albert of the foundation stone of the rebuilt St.Thomas' Church, Newport, to which ceremony the members of Albany Lodge had been invited, and in which they wished to take part. In a letter to his Deputy, dated 26th. July 1854, the P.G.M. said quite simply that it was his "conviction is that it is wrong for us under the circumstances to make any Masonic demonstration on laying the foundation stone of the Church."
Correspondence involved the Provincial Grand Master, the Deputy P.G.M., the Master of Albany Lodge, and the Grand Master, the Earl of Zetland. The Provincial Grand Master was supported by his Deputy, who advised that it is improper to adjourn the Provincial Grand Lodge "to see the uninitiated work." The Grand Master himself wrote "I entirely agree with you in the view you take of the application made to you ... I think such processions ought not to take place .. "
Albany Lodge persevered and after further letters they were permitted to proceed "on the understanding that we do so out of respect for H.R.H. Prince Albert, but that such conduct being irregular must not again be repeated." Whether this dissension had any bearing on the events of 1869 - ( The union with Hampshire ) - will never be known.
Clearly the ceremony was most impressive. It was attended by representatives of virtually all the Lodges in Hampshire, as well as those of the Isle of Wight, ranged under their respective banners. Mark Masons were ranged under the Mark Banner. There were present, the Provincial Grand Master, his Deputy and Officers, the Grand Chaplain, the Civil Magistrates, the Lord Bishop of Winchester, and Prince Albert. Music was provided by the band of the Royal Marine Corps. The Mayor, Francis Pittis requested His Royal Highness to lay the stone, and the Provincial Grand Master to "level and prove the work."
Under the stone were deposited current and ancient coins, lists of the members of Albany Lodge, of the Albany T.I. Mark Lodge and their marks, and of the Companions of Albany Royal Arch Chapter. After the stone was laid, the Bishop thanked His Royal Highness, and the procession returned to the Town Hall. The Brethren dined at the Star Hotel, whilst the Mayor gave a grand banquet at the Guildhall. The Prince, however is reported to have been so ruffled by the proceedings that he left without his dinner.
Island Freemasons had raised a large part of the costs of the building, but their unwillingness to yield pride of place to the Consort of Queen Victoria, who meant so much to the Island, reflects on the way that the British never really opened their hearts to Albert the way they did to all his descendants. Perversely, Victoria and Albert's great attachment to, and constant presence on the Island, posed problems not encountered on the mainland.
Correspondence relating to the stone-laying was read at the next Provincial Grand Lodge on 5th July 1855. The 1856 meeting took place at the Royal Hotel Ventnor under the banner of the Yarborough Lodge, and in 1857 it was held in a marquee at Binstead.
The erasure of the Vectis Lodge of Peace and Concord in 1838 reduced the Province to just four Lodges, but the Consecration of Ryde Lodge No.999 by W.Bro. Pullen in 1857 restored the number to five, at which it remained until the union with Hampshire in 1869.
Sir Lucius Curtis, P.G.M. for Hampshire, attended the 1858 Meeting, and Albany Lodge, as hosts, were requested to "re-embellish with much good taste both the interior and exterior of their Masonic Hall for the occasion." The Governor of the Island, Viscount Eversley, placed Carisbrooke Castle at the disposal of the Brethren for the entertainment of “their lady friends.” Peace and Harmony 359 circulated full travel details from Southampton to Carisbrooke Castle, and noted that “the `Place of Arms will be appropriated for dancing.” Travel has not improved, the last ferry departed Cowes later in 1858 than it does in 1990!
Later that year, Lord Carnarvon attended a Provincial meeting at Ryde, in the form of what we would now call a “Festival,” to found a “Relief Fund” for the Province. The Grand Master, the Earl of Zetland, wrote expressing his “entire approval and most sincere wishes for the success of their benevolent intentions.” £150 was collected.
The 1863 final closing-up of the Grand Lodge List introduced the numbers with which we are familiar today:
Medina Lodge No. 41 became No. 35
Albany Lodge No.176 ...... No. 151
East Medina No.204 ...... No. 175
Yarborough Lodge No.809 ...... No. 551
Ryde Lodge No.999 ...... No. 698
Sandown (Warranted 1880) was the first Island Lodge to retain its original number to this day.
There was unrest amongst the Island Brethren. The P.G.M. was continually absent, there was no Provincial Meeting for two years. On 17th October 1866, Pullen's own Lodge, East Medina 175 voiced the general feelings - ".. that a deputation wait upon the Dep.P.G. Master Pullen to complain that no Provincial Grand Lodge has been held for two years, and to confer with him as to the rumoured resignation of Bro. Fleming, P.G.M."
The last recorded minute of the Province of the Isle of Wight was entered on 5th January 1863. It was a reply from the Provincial Grand Master to a message of sympathy sent on his continued severe illness.
Difficulty in finding a suitable Brother to act as Provincial Grand Master brought suggestions that the Isle of Wight should amalgamate with Hampshire. There were very strong feelings against any such union, and a `Special Committee' was set up to maintain the Island as a separate Province.
From the Islanders standpoint, the death of Sir Lucius Curtis, Provincial Grand Master for Hampshire could not have come at a worse moment. Despite their activities, on 25th June 1869 the Grand Secretary wrote that the M.W. Grand Master had appointed the Rt.Hon. William Wither Bramston Beach, M.P.,D.L.,J.P., to be Provincial Grand Master of the combined Province of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
the present era had begun.
MORE TO COME....
Bottom of Article
A brief introduction
to the ancient origins of Freemasonry for the New Initiate.