Note: This material was scanned into text files for the sole purpose of convenient electronic research. This material is NOT intended as a reproduction of the original volumes. However close the material is to becoming a reproduced work, it should ONLY be regarded as a textual reference. Scanned at Phoenixmasonry by Ralph W. Omholt, PM in May 2007.
HISTORY
OF THE
ANCIENT AND HONORABLE FRATERNITY OF
FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS,
AND CONCORDANT ORDERS.
Illustrated.
WRITTEN BY A BOARD OF EDITORS:
HENRY LEONARD STILLSON, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF.
WILLIAM JAMES HUGHAN, EUROPEAN EDITOR.
BOSTON AND NEW YORK, U.S.A.:
THE FRATERNITY PUBLISHING COMPANY.
LONDON, ENGLAND:
GEORGE KENNING, 16 GREAT QUEEN STREET, EUROPEAN PUBLISHER,
1906
COPYRIGHT, 1890,
BY LEE C. HASCALL.
COPYRIGHT, REVISED EDITION, 1898,
BY LEE C. HASCALL.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
SOLD ONLY BY SUBSCRIPTION.
Northwood Press
J.S.Cushing & Co. - Berwick & Smith
Norwood Mass. U.S.A.
BOARD OF EDITORS.
HENRY LEONARD STILL.SON, P.M., EDITOR-IN-CHIEF.
WILLIAM JAMES HUGHAN, P.S.G.D., EUROPEAN
WILLIAM R. SINGLETON, 33rd Degree, Grand Secretary, Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia.
WILLIAM STEVENS PERRY, 32nd Degree, D.D., Oxon., LL.D., D.C.L., Bishop of Iowa.
CHARLES E. MEYER, P.M., Melita Lodge, No. 295, of Pennsylvania.
SERENo D. NICKERSON, 33rd Degree, P.G.M., Grand Secretary, Grand Lodge of Massachusetts.
FREDERIC SPEED, 33rd Degree, P.G.M., Past Grand Commander, K.T., of Mississippi.
WILLIAM JAMES B. MACLEOD MOORE (Lieut.Col.), Supreme Grand Master ("Ad Vitam Sovereign Great Priory of Canada, etc.)
JOSIAH H. DRUMMOND, 33rd Degree, P.G.M., Maine.
ALFRED F. CHAPMAN, P.G.G.H.P. of G.G.C. of R.A. Masons, U.S.A 2
EUGENE GRISSOM, M.D.,LL.D., 33rd Degree, P.D.G.M., P.G.H.P., P.G.C., of North Carolina.
J. Ross ROBERTSON, Grand Master, Grand Lodge of Canada.
ADDITIONAL
MYLES JEFFERSON GREENE, M.D., P.G.M., P.G.H.P., Grand Secretary, Grand Lodge of Alabama.$
GEORGE JAMES ROSKRUGE, 33rd Degree, Grand Master, Grand Lodge of Arizona
FAY HEMPSTEAD, Grand Secretary, Grand Lodge of Arkansas.
HY. BROWN, P.G.M., Grand Secretary, Grand Lodge of British Columbia.
ALEXANDER GURDON ABELL, 33rd Degree, Grand Secretary; Grand Lodge of California
JOHN JAMES MASON, Grand Secretary, Grand Lodge of Canada, Member-elect Supreme Council, 33rd Degree.
ED. C. PARMELEE, Grand Secretary and Grand Recorder, Masonic Grand Bodies in Colorado.
JOSEPH KELLOGG WHEELER, 33rd Degree, Grand Secretary and Grand Recorder, Masonic Grand Bodies in Connecticut
CHARLES T. MCCLENACHAN, 33rd Degree, Historian, Grand Lodge, State of New York
JOHN LANE, P.M., P.Z., Masonic Statistician, etc.
JOHN H. GRAHAM, LL.D., P.G.M., Granc Lodge of Quebec.
JESSE B. ANTHONY, 33rd Degree, P.G.M., of New York.
ALFRED A. HALL, P.G.M., etc., of Vermont.
CHARLES E. GILLETT, 33rd Degree, P.E.C., Commandery, No. r r, K.T., of California.
EDWIN A. $HERMAN, 33rd Degree, Hon. Ins. General of the Supreme Council, S.J., U.S.A., and Secretary of the Masonic Veteran Assoc., Pacific Coast, etc., etc.
EDWARD T. SCHULTZ, 32nd Degree, P.G.C.G., G.E., U.S.A., Historian, Grand Lodge of Mary land.
REV. WILLIS D. ENGLE, P.G.P., Past Gen. Grand Secretary, General Grand Chapter, Order Eastern Star.
CONTRIBUTORS.
W. H. HOLT, Secretary of Masonic Bodies in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
WILLIAM BLATT, 33rd Degree, P.G.M., of Dakota.
WILLIAM S. HAYES, Grand Secretary, Grand Lodge of Delaware
GEORGE W. MARSHALL, Delaware. M.D., P.G.M., of
DEWITT C. DAWKINS, K.T., 33rd Degree, Grand Secretary and P.G.M., Grand Lodge of Florida.
ANDREW MARTEN WOLIHIN, 33rd Degree, Secretary, Grand Lodge of Georgia.
J. H. WICKERSHAM, Grand Secretary, Grand Lodge of Idaho.
LOYAL L. MUNN, 33rd Degree, P.G. Com., P.G.H.P., Grand Secretary, Grand Lodge of Illinois.
WILLIAM H. SMYTHE, 33rd Degree, Grand Secretary and Grand Recorder, Masonic Qrand Bodies in Indiana.
EDITOR.
Grand
t Deceased. Vide " Introduction," and " Publishers' Note," introductory to Division XVII.
2 Deceased since this volume went to press. Died March 2o, x891, IEt. 62. $ Deceased since this work was completed.
iv
.4DDITION4L CONTRIBUTORS.
WILLIAM HACKER, 33rd, P.G.M., of Indiana
T. S. MURROW, Grand Secretary, Grand Lodge of the Indian Territory.
T. S. PARVIN, P.G.M., Grand Secretary, Grand Lodge of Iowa.
JOHN H. BROWN, 33rd, P.G.M., Grand Secretary and Grand Recorder, Masonic Grand Bodies in Kansas?
HENRY BANNISTER GRANT, 32nd, Grand Secretary, Grand Lodge of Kentucky; Author K.T.'I'actics, U.S.A.
JAMES CUNNINGHAM BATCHELOR, M.D., 330. Grand Secretary, Grand Lodge of Louisiana.2
WILLIAM GEORGE SCOTT, P,D.G.M., Grand Secretary, Grand Lodge of Manitoba.
J. H. MEDAIRY, Grand Secretary, Grand Lodge of Maryland.
SERENO D. NICKERSON, 33rd, Grand Secretary, Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, etc.
WILLIAM POWER INNES, 33rd, Grand Secretary, Grand Lodge of Michigan.
THOMAS MONTGOMERY, P.G. Com., Grand Secretary, Grand Lodge of Minnesota, Deputy Inspector-General, A.*. A.-. S.*. R.
A. T. C. PIERSON, 33rd, Masonic Author and Historian?
J. L. POWER, Grand Secretary, Grand Lodge of Mississippi.
CORNELIUS HEDGES, P.G.M., Grand Secretary, Grand Lodge of Montana.
ARTHUR HENRY BRAY, Grand Secretary, United Grand Lodge of New South Wales.
WILLIAM R. BRWEN, Grand Secretary, Grand Lodge of Nebraska.
CHAUNCEY N. NOTEWARE, Grand Secretary, Grand Lodge of Nevada.
EDWIN J. WETMORE, P.D.G.M., Grand Secretary, Grand Lodge of New Brunswick.
JOSEPH H. HOUGH, Grand Secretary, Grand Lodge of New Jersey.2
HENRY R. CANNON, P.G.M., of New Jersey. ALPHEUS A. KEEN, Grand Secretary, Grand Lodge of New Mexico.
EDWARD M. L. EHLERS, Grand Secretary, Grand Lodge of New York.
D. W. BAIN, 32nd, P.G. Com., Grand Secretary, Grand Lodge of North Carolina, etc.2
WILLIAM Ross, P.D.G.M., Grand Secretary, Grand Lodge of Nova Scotia.
Rev. DAVID C. MOORE, P.G.M., of Nova Scotia.
J. H. BROMWELL, 32nd, Grand Secretary, Grand Lodge of Ohio.
F. J. BABCOCK, Past Grand Secretary, Grand Lodge of Oregon.
MICHAEL NISBET, Grand Secretary, Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania.
B. WILSON HIGGS, Grand Secretary, Grand Lodge of Prince Edward Island.
JOHN HELDER ISAACSON, 32nd, Grand Secretary, Grand Lodge of Quebec.
EDWIN BAKER, Grand Secretary, Grand Lodge of Rhode Island.
CHARLES INGLESBY, Grand Secretary, Grand Lodge of South Carolina.
JOHN FRIZZELL, Grand Secretary, Grand Lodge of Tennessee.
W. F. SWAIN, Grand Secretary, Grand Lodge of Texas.
CHRISTOPHER DIEHL, Grand Secretary, Grand Lodge of Utah.
WARREN G. REYNOLDS, 33rd, Grand Secretary and Grand Recorder, Masonic Grand Bodies in Vermont.
Rev. S. F. CALHOUN, D.D., 32nd, Past Grand Chaplain ; Member Correspondence Circle, Quatuor Coronati Lodge, No. 2076, England.
WILLIAM BRYAN ISAACS, P.G. Cam., Grand Recorder, Grand Encampment, K.T., U.S.A.
THOMAS MILBURNE REED, 33rd, Grand Secretary, Grand Lodge of Washington.
JOHN W. LAFLIN, Grand Secretary, Grand Lodge of Wisconsin
W. L. KUYKENDALL, Grand Secretary, Grand Lodge of Wyoming.
HENRY W. MORDHURST, 32nd, General Grand Recorder, General Grand Council, R. and S.M., U_S:A.
GEORGE P. CLEAVES, 33rd, Grand Secretary and Grand Recorder, Masonic Grand Bodies in New Hampshire.
t Deceased since this work was begun. Brother Pierson had consented to become the author of an important Division of this volume.
2 Deceased since this work was completed.
Dedication.
To the memory-of the long line of noble Brethren in the Grand Lodge
above, who handed down unimpaired the tenets of the Fraternity
of Ancient, Free, and Accepted Masons, and to the living
Craftsmen who are emulating their illustrious example
- all of whom posterity will rise up and call
blessed - this volume is Fraternally and
sincerely dedicated by the Board
of Editors and Publishers.
PREFACE.
THE purpose of this work is to furnish an outline History of Freemasonry, including many facts not before published. Our effort has been to make an attractive and comprehensive volume, presenting many practical matters not generally known to the Fraternity. While we have no desire to underestimate other historic works on Freemasonry, we still claim that there was need for an entirely new and popular work, which should strictly adhere to the well-known axiom: "In things essential, unity; in things doubtful, liberty; in all things, charity." The first step was to secure the services of well-known and acknowledged specialists, each of whom should give to his work the greatest care. This has been successfully accomplished, and the facsimile signatures of the leading writers bear testimony to their willingness to stand sponsors for the work which they have done.
We feel that the book merits the commendation received from a prominent American, who is himself a Masonic historian of eminence, and whose words we here quote; 111 am glad that you are about to furnish the Fraternity with a History of Freemasonry in one volume, the cost of which will enable a large number of the Craft to possess themselves of it. The old Histories, of any and everything save Masonry, = of the days of Anderson and Oliver, - have led the Brethren astray for, lo, these many years, and worked an infinite amount of harm." He then refers to a work in four volumes, and adds "This work is so high in price as to preclude the larger number of our Brethren from getting it. With the data now accessible and at hand, you may furnish, in a single octavo 'volume, the cream of history,-all that is needed by the majority." Brother William James Hughan, the eminent Masonic Historian of England, says that this book is °1 the American Masonic work of the nineteenth century." These quotations are simply types of many commendations which might be given.
It is not necessary to give any analysis accompanying Table of Contents will show how many and varied are the of the subjects treated, as the
Vlll
PREFACE.
topics discussed, and how thorough has been the work expended upon them Myth here gives up its underlying truth. Research clears away the rubbish, and discloses the sure foundations and majestic arches of a noble structure. In this work some idols are destroyed, but, in their destruction, nothing is lost but the fables with which degenerate men have sought to embellish a truth, the beauty of whose simplicity they could not discern. Under the leadership of these writers we ascend the rugged steeps, until we stand above all clouds and look forth upon a majestic landscape of history, whose varied lights and shades blend to make one grand picture of God-loving, man-serving fraternity.
The several writers have endeavored to make this book absolutely accurate in its statements. One of them, speaking of the " Capitular Rite," says: " 1 hold this, the second half of Division XIII., to be the foundation for an enlarged history of every Grand Chapter in the United States."' Another, writing of the Grand Lodge Divisions, remarks, "I have herein given you the best work of my life."
These words give expression to the motive actuating each one of the entire Board of Editors.
The numerous and beautiful engravings which adorn this work, and its mechanical excellence, bear testimony to the earnest desire of the Publishers to spare no effort or expense necessary to the production of a book which should prove in every way satisfactory to those interested in the subject treated.
It would be absurd to claim that the work is without faults; yet we believe that with this volume in hand, the Masonic student has at his command the best thoughts of the largest corps of contributors ever engaged upon such a work. He certainly has full Statistical Tables never before compiled. The book as a whole is a vast mine of information, indispensable to every Mason who desires to be well informed upon the history of this the oldest and most honorable of all secret fraternities, and the basis of all that have follgwed it.
CONTENTS.
PAGE
INTRODUCTION. SUPPLEMENTAL OF THE DIVISIONS IN THIS WORK................................... 15
PART I.
ANCIENT MASONRY.-THE ANCIENT MYSTERIES, COGNATE ORDERS OF CHIVALRY, AND THE "OLD CHARGES" OF FREEMASONS. (Introductory to the Perfected Organi zation of Modern Times.) Complete in three Divisions.
INTRODUCTION.
THE SIX THEORIES OF THE MYSTERIES ............................................... 37
DIVISION I.
THE ANCIENT MYSTERIES.
A Treatise on the Eastern European, African, and Asiatic Mysteries; the Occultism of the Orient; the Western European Architects and Operative Masons in Britain, commonly called the Antiquities and Legendary Traditions of the Craft to the close of the Operative Period in 1717.Complete in four chapters........................................... 41
DIVISION II.
THE COGNATE ORDERS.
A comprehensive History of the Knights Templars and the Crusades; their patronage by the,See of Rome and subsequent anathema; the connection of these, if any, with the present Degrees of Knights Templar in the United States and Great Britain; the Execution of Jacques de Molai, Grand Master, and Supplemental Historic Notes. Complete in two chapters..................................................................... 11g
DIVISION III.
THE DOCUMENTARY EARLY HISTORY OF THE FRATERNITY.
The Ancient British MSS,; Kalendar of " Old Charges," and comments thereon; the Regius MS., or Halliwell Poem; Legend of "The Four Crowned Martyrs"; the Cooke MS., as annotated by G. W. Speth ; the Grand Lodge MS. Of 1583, with various readings of "Old Charges"; the"Additional Articles,' etc. Complete in three chapters........... 157
PART II.
COSMOPOLITAN FREEMASONRY.-CRAFT, CAPITULAR, CRYPTIC. ("Masonry without Respect to Creed, Clime, or Color.") Complete in twelve Divisions.
INTRODUCTION.
THE AMERICAN RITE OF FREEMASONRY........ .................................. 197 ix
CONTENTS.
PAGE
DIVISION IV. NORTH, CENTRAL, AND SOUTH AMERICA. Lodges in America under the English Constitution, x733-1889. Complete in three chapters, 199
DIVISION V.
FIRST MERIDIAN.
History of the Colonial and Revolutionary Period and Atlantic Slope: The Grand Lodges of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, District of Columbia, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, Souih Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. Complete in two chapters ........................................................................... 217
DIVISION VI.
SECOND MERIDIAN.
I. History of the Eastern Mississippi Valley and the Lakes: The Grand Lodges of Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin, Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana................................................................... 307
II. History of the Western Mississippi Valley: The Grand Lodges of Texas, Arkansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Iowa, Dakota, North Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, and the Indian Territory ... , ..... .. ............................................. 341
Each part complete in one chapter.
DIVISION VII.
THIRD MERIDIAN.
History of the Pacific Coast and Rocky Mountains to Mexico: The Grand Lodges of California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Utah, Wyoming, Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico; Freemasonry in the Hawaiian Islands, Alaska, Mexico, and Central America. Complete in one chapter ........................................... 385
DIVISION VIII.
EARLY AMERICAN MASONIC HISTORY.
The First Glimpses of Freemasonry in North America. Complete in one chapter .......... 439
DIVISION IX. BRITISH AMERICA.
Outline history of the Grand Lodge of Canada, in the Province of Ontario. Freemasonry in the North,-the Grand Lodges of Quebec, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward
Island, Manitoba, and British Columbia. Complete in two chapters.................... 457
DIVISION X.
OTHER COUNTRIES.
Outline History of Freemasonry in Continental Europe. Freemasonry in Australasia and New Zealand,-Grand Lodges of the Southern Sun. Complete in two chapters.. ...... 489
DIVISION XI.
THE MORGAN EXCITEMENT.
An exhaustive Account of that Historic Affair in the United States, treating of its Civil, Social, Political, and Masonic Aspects, as well as of the Deportation of William Morgan ; written from a Masonic stand-point. Complete in two chapters ............................... 507
CONTENTS.
DIVISION XII.
MASONIC JURISPRUDENCE.
- A comprehensive History of the Origin and Development of Masonic Law: The relation of Governing Bodies to one another; the relation of Grand Lodges to their Constituent Lodges, and to individual members of the Craft; the relation of Lodges to one another, to their members, and of Masons to one another; the Origin and Use of public Masonic Forms and Ceremonies; and the customs and peculiarities of the Craft in general. Complete in one chapter............................................. . ................ 537
DIVISION XIII.
THE CAPITULAR DEGREES.
The Royal Arch as a Separate Degree in England and other parts of the British Empire. The Mark Master Mason's Degree as evolved in the United Kingdom. The several Grand Chapters, and the Royal Arch systems of England, Ireland, and Scotland, including Mark Masonry, Mason's Marks, and Past Master's Degree. The Grand Chapters of Canada, Nova Scotia, Quebec, and New Brunswick. The General Grand Royal Arch Chapter, its
origin, powers, and jurisdiction. State Grand Chapters, including the Independent Grand Chapters of Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia; separately considered, and in alphabetical order, together with all Chapters holding charters from the General Grand Chapter. The Order of High Priesthood. Complete to three chapters................. 553
DIVISION XIV.
THE CRYPTIC DEGREES.
The Council of Royal, and Select, and Super-Excellent Masters; together with a comprehensive sketch of its rise and organization; Government by a General Grand Council, Grand Councils, and Councils; including the Independent Grand Councils, and those of Canada and England. Complete in two chapters..................................... 643
DIVISION XV.
EULOGIUM OF THE ANCIENT CRAFT.
The relation of the Symbolic, Capitular, and Cryptic Degrees to one another and to Ancient Craft Masonry; comprising the Foundation, the Superstructure, and Ornaments of the Ancient and Honorable Society of Free and Accepted Masons.
L The Physical, the Spiritual, the Celestial, these three intertwining, ever-blending in per
kct harmony.................................................................... 673 I3. Freemasonry, the Conservator o. Liberty and of the Universal Brotherhood of Man.. 692 Each part complete in one chapter.
PART III.
CONCORDANT ORDERS.-THE CHIVALRIC DEGREES.
Complete in two Divisions.
DIVISION XVI.
KNIGHTS TEMPLAR AND ALLIED ORDERS.
The Knights Templar of the United States of America, and Government by a Grand Encampment, Grand Commanderies, and Commanderies. The Ethics and Ritual of American Templary. Complete in three chapters; to which is added "In Memoriam," MacLeod Moore................................................................... 699
DIVISION XVII.
BRITISH TEMPLARY.
A history of the Modern or Masonic Templar Systems, with a Concise Account of the Origin of Speculative Freemasonry, and its Evolution since the Revival, A.D. 1717. Complete in seven chapters...................................................................... 741
PAGE,
CONTLN= PART IV.
PAGE
ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED SCOTTISH RITE OF FREEMASONRY, AND THE ROYAL ORDER OF SCOTLAND. Complete in two Divisions.
DIVISION XVIII.
SCOTTISH DEGREES, 4° TO 330, INCLUSIVE.
History of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry; its Government by Supreme Councils, Consistories, Chapters of Rose Croix, Councils of Princes of Jerusalem, and Lodges of Perfection. Complete in one chapter................................... 795
DIVISION XIX.
THE ROYAL ORDER OF SCOTLAND,
I. The History and Government of the Society in Europe and America; copies of Patents, and other particulars.. ... ..... ................................................. 829 II. The Royal Order of Heredom of Kilwinning ........................................ 85r Each part complete in one chapter.,
PART V.
MISCELLANEOUS RITES AND ORDERS, AND STATISTICAL DIVISION.
Complete in two Divisions.
DIVISION XX.
OTHER RITES AND ORDERS.
I. The Order of the Eastern Star, comprising a sketch of its origin, rise, teachings, and present condition................................................... ............. 8857
II. The Rosicrucian Society.......................................................... 9 Each part complete in one chapter.
III. Masonic Dates, and Abbreviations, used in this work................................ 874
DIVISION XXI.
STATISTICS OF FREEMASONRY.
These are shown in the Craft Department by tables, as full as it has been possible to compile them. In some cases the Gfand Lodge records have been lost by fire and war, and in
others the books were not kept with tables like these in view. The'Capitular Statistics are
all of late date, the records prior to r86o having been destroyed..... ; ................... 875
MASONIC RECORD .................................................................... 897
INDEX.................................. .. .......................................... 899
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.
• PHIL& ISLANDS, EGYPT
TEMPLE OF KARNAK, THEBES, EGYPT
ILi.USTRATIONS OF THE ANCIENT MYSTERIES, PLATES I. AND II.
WINS OF THE TEMPLE OF ISIS AND OSIRIS
ORIGINAL SITE OF CLEOPATRA'S NEEDLE, EGYPT (Central Park, New York City, Obelisk)
ARMS OF NCIENTS," AND "MODERNS," GRAND-LODGE OF ENGLAND CIIRONOLOG L TABLE
MAP OF THE ANCIENT WORLD, FOLLOWING THE NOACHIAN PERIOD MONTAGUE CHARTER, A.D. 1732 .
RRGIUS MS., OR HALLIWELL POEM
HUGHAN'S ENGRAVED LIST OF LODGES, A.D. 1734
DERMOTT'S ROYAL ARCH . . 6LLECTION OF MASONS' MARKS
,C+RAND LODGE AND GRAND CHAPTER SEALS
,SCOTTISH RITE PATENT, A.D. 1789 (reduced fac-simile)
PATENT OF PROVINCIAL GRAND MASTER, ROYAL ORDER OF SCOTLAND
61URCH OF THE HOLY SEPULCHRE . CRUSADE TOWER, RAMLEH .
SAINT JEAN D'ACRE, LAST STRONGHOLD, KNIGHTS OF ST. JOHN AND KNIGHTS TEMPLARS IN HOLY LAND .
SAINT LOUIS AT JERUSALEM
- CITY WALLS AND TOWERS, RHODES (erected by Knights of St. ,john, A.D. r3rorS23)
ENTRANCE TO "THE MURISTAN," A.D. 1892
T 4~IE MURISTAN : HOSPICE, KNIGHTS OF ST. JOHN, RHODES, AND MALTA
THE CHANCEL, MELROSE ABBEY, SCOTLAND SAINT PAUL'S CATHEDRAL, LONDON, ENGLAND, ARCHITECT
AND
SIR CHRISTOPHER WREN,
PAGE
Frontispiece
36 61
59-6o 118 167-173 211 • 557
569 672 719 847
51
519
125
129 137
355 777 856
141 153
Xiv
LIST OR ILLUSTRATIONS.
PAGE
YORK MINSTER, YORK, ENGLAND 191
THE 'PRENTICE PILLAR, ROSLIN CHAPEL, SCOTLAND, A.D. 1895 . 321
ROSLIN CHAPEL, SCOTLAND 351
ROSLIN CHAPEL (Chancel View), EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND 797
MELROSE ABBEY (Exterior, showing, Chancel Window), MELROSE, SCOTLAND . 831
OLD "GREEN DRAGON" TAVERN, BOSTON, MASS. 245
MASONIC TEMPLE, NEW YORK, N.Y. . 263
MASONIC TEMPLE, PHILADELPHIA, PENN. . 279
MASONIC TEMPLE, DETROIT, MICH. . . 317
MASONIC TEMPLE, CHICAGO, ILL. 325
MASONIC TEMPLE, DENVER, COLO. 427
NEW MASONIC TEMPLE, BOSTON, MASS. 438
EGYPTIAN ROOM, MASONIC TEMPLE, PHILADELPHIA, PENN. • 287
FREEMASON' HALL, LONDON, ENGLAND . • 456
"GENIUS OF SNQUET ONRY" (by Bartolozzi), A.D. 1784-86 687
INTERIOR OF TEMPLE CHURCH, LONDON, ENGLAND . • 787
MASONIC HOME, UTICA, N.Y. 267
MASONIC HOME, SPRINGFIELD, OHIO . • 309
PIONEER MASONIC HOME, LOUISVILLE, KY. • 329
MASONIC LIBRARY, CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA . • 367
UNITED STATES CAPITOL 198
MOUNT VERNON: HOME OF PAST MASTER GEORGE WASHINGTON • 299
FORT MARION, ST. AUGUSTINE, FLA. . • 304
"THE HERMITAGE," NEAR NASHVILLE, TENN. • 333
INDEPENDENCE HALL, PHILADELPHIA, PENN. . 340
MOUNT DAVIDSON,,VIRGINIA CITY, NEY. 411
RICHARD I. (CMUR DE LION) AND GODFREY (DE BOUILLON) . 133
ANTONY SAYRE, GRAND MASTER, A.D. 1717 156
DANIEL COXE, PROVINCIAL GRAND MASTER, A.D. 1730 219
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN (" POOR RICHARD") 283
MARQUIS DE LAFAYET7TE (MAJOR-GENERAL) 361
HENRY PRICE, PROVINCIAL GRAND MASTER, A.D. 1733 451
COLONEL W. J. B. MACLEOD MOORE, G. C. T. 740
GENERAL ALBERT PIKE . . e 794
xv
INTRODUCTION.
THERE is no Society so widely known, and yet really so little known, as that of the Free and Accepted Masons. Even many of the members of that Ancient and Honorable Fraternity are strangely uninformed respecting its eventful past, and although proficiency is attained in regard to what may be termed the ritualistic portion of its deeply interesting ceremonies,‑nowhere more so than in the United States, ‑ yet, somehow or other, the actual history of the Craft, extending over a period of some six centuries, and that of its grand structures, which eloquently speak of its greatness during ages now fittingly described by the term 1| time immemorial," appears to have been relegated to a back seat, and frequently entirely overlooked.
Now this unfortunate result has been due as much to the lack of suitable material for study as to the absence of interest in the matter; for I am fully persuaded that a work brought down to the present time, dealing critically and impartially with the traditions, records, and degrees,‑not too bulky, and yet sufficiently large to treat of all subjects which would naturally be looked for in such a volume, ‑could not fail to be extensively read and become most useful to the Brotherhood.
Such a book is herewith available, through the spirited action of " The Fraternity Publishing Company"; for, in the following pages, our ideal of a handy, condensed history of the Society is fully realized, and all that any wishful Masonic student could reasonably desire in one volume, ‑ covering the whole period of Masonic activity,‑is amply, clearly, and accurately set forth, by eminent, zealous, and competent Craftsmen, who have signed the chapters for which they are alone responsible.
It has been their constant aim, as with the painstaking and indefatigable Editor‑in‑Chief, Brother H. L. Stillson, to secure accuracy, variety, and brevity, without sacrificing aught of general importance to the Fraternity, for whom they have all so ardently and so conscientiously labored. No work was so popular, 1772‑1846, as William Preston's "Illustrations of Masonry," because rigidly condensed and published in a handy form.
It is the confident anticipation of the Editors and Publishers of this, "The History of Freemasonry and Concordant Orders," that its reception by the Craft will be equally hearty, sustained, and still more wide‑spread; and its conspicuous merits, as they become known and appreciated, should make it the most popular book relating to the Craft throughout the continent.
Xvi
INTRODUCTION.
Neither is the work necessarily for Freemasons alone; for not a few of the chapters furnish excellent and suggestive reading for those who would like to know somewhat of the Brotherhood, either prior to seeking to join its ranks, or because of this eligible opportunity to peruse a reliable account of so venerable and preeminently respectable an Organization, whose name and fame have been the common property of all enlightened communities for so many generations.
It seems to me impossible for any one, free from prejudice, and possessing the necessary intelligence, to rise from the study of this volume without becoming desirous to still farther investigate the history of this wonderful Society, which has been so loved and cherished by millions of the human race, and which increases in vitality and usefulness, as the years come and go, throughout the civilized world.
Some, however, object to secret societies, and maintain that if they are what they claim to be, they should not thus be restricted as to membership and thus narrow their influence. At the outset, therefore, it is well to point out that the Masonic Fraternity is not, strictly speaking, a secret society, for it has neither secret aims nor constitutions. Everywhere its laws may be perused by " friend and foe " alike, and its objects are exclusively those which are, and always have been, published to. the world.
It is private rather than secret;*for, unless it be our esoteric customs, which relate, directly or indirectly, to our universal and special modes of recognition, we have no secrets, and even as to these needful ceremonies, all “good men and true" are welcome to participate in them, on petitioning for initiation, followed by an approved ballot.
But while a few object to the Fraternity wholly (and unreasonably), because of its secrecy, others deny its claim to antiquity, and assert that the Freemasons of to‑day date from the second decade of the last century, thus having no connection whatever with the old Society which was entirely Operative. This second objection, urged against the continuity of the Organization, particularly from the sixteenth, throughout, to early in the eighteenth century, is one that must be met by the production of facts which can be authenticated by competent critics, whether members of the "Mystic‑tie," or otherwise.
During the last twenty or thirty years, special attention has been directed to this point by a few of us, in Great Britain and Germany, particularly, the result being that we have accumulated an immense mass of evidence, which had hitherto either eluded detection or had not been investigated ; enabling us to demonstrate the continuity of the Fraternity, Speculative as well as Operative, throughout the period in question, and entirely overlapping what is known as the "Revival," or reconstruction period of A.D. 1717.
We can now take our stand on actual minutes of lodges, beginning as early as the year 1599, and presenting an unbroken series of records to the present year of Grace; supported on the one hand by copies of the 11 Old Charges,"
INTRODUCTION.
Xvii
and laws, dating from the fourteenth century, and on the other, by special regulations of the Craft of some two centuries later. Reproductions and fac‑similes of many of these invaluable and venerable documents will be found herewith, or in certain works specified in this volume, and which can be examined and tested by those interested in tracing the intimate connection existing between Operative and Speculative Freemasonry, especially during the seventeenth century, which has been the real crux to elucidate. Practically, therefore, our readers are placed in the same position, and share the advantages, of those of us who have seen and copied the precious originals, about which a few brief words will now be said, so far as the limited space will permit.
It will be no part of my duty to exhaustively treat of the "Ancient Mysteries," though Freemasonry, undoubtedly, has adopted and absorbed not a few of the usages and customs of antiquity. For this reason many have looked upon the two as continuous developments of one and the same society, but erroneously so.
Unless we are prepared to admit that imitation and adaptation necessarily involve continuity, it must be conceded that the ancient mysteries are so far removed in point of time from all that is known of Freemasonry, that it is simply impossible to construct or discover a bridge of history or theory that can unite the two.
Still, so much have they in common that Brother W. R. Singleton's ably condensed and, withal, exhaustive summary will be welcomed by all Masonic students, because containing all that is essential to the subject, culled from reliable sources and originally and carefully treated. His views as to degrees, however, may require some slight modification in view of recent pronouncements by some of the prominent Craftsmen alluded to, but substantially we are in full agreement with him as to their modern character, comparatively speaking.
As respects age and value, the most important documents relating to our Society are what are known by the title of the "Old Charges," ranging, as regards date, over some five centuries; and are peculiar to the Fraternity. For years they lay neglected in Masonic chests and muniment rooms, and it was only on the advent of the realistic school of Masonic investigators that they were brought out from their hiding‑places and their contents made public.
Thirty years ago not a dozen of these invaluable scrolls had been traced, so little had their evidence been esteemed; whereas now, over fifty are known, through the well‑directed efforts of diligent Craftsmen, and many of these have been published by myself and others.
Their testimony varies in regard to trivial matters, but the oldest version, of the fourteenth century, placed side by side with a roll used by a Lodge one hundred and fifty years ago, exhibit together so many points of resemblance as to demonstrate their common origin and purpose, and prove that they are practically one and the same.
INTRODUCTION.
I have fully explained my position in relation to these extraordinary MSS. in my '| Old Charges of the British Freemasons" (1872); and Brother H. L. Stillson has devoted so much time and attention to their careful study and description in Part I. (Division III.), that a very brief reference to them now is all that can be permitted. Brother Stillson's most interesting and accurate observations and particulars, so usefully abridged and epitomized from the latest works on the subject, cannot fail to prove exceedingly helpful to our readers, especially when it is noted that nothing of vital consequence to a right and comprehensive glance at the subject has been omitted by the indefatigable Editor‑in‑Chief; and the particulars given are down to date of publication.
Now, the precise value of these Rolls lies in the fact that they were employed, generally, by our Masonic ancestors of some two to five and more centuries ago, during the Ceremony of Initiation. In fact, their being read to the apprentices, together with what esoteric information may have been afforded, constituted then the whole ceremony of reception, which was simple though, withal, impressive in character. All known copies are directly or indirectly of English origin, even those used in Scotland apparently being derived from that source.
They are likewise of a markedly Christian type, and of themselves are powerful witnesses in favor of the earliest versions being derived from a prototype, arranged and promulgated under ecclesiastical supervision and composition.
As time went on, it will be seen that while the legendary portion was virtually fossilized, the part which recited the Rules for the government of the Fraternity was gradually added to, until, in like manner, the Regulations became fixed and practically traditional also. Then they were simply read as according to ancient usage, but not for present‑day practice; as, for example, in the lodges of early last century, whose members, while unable to accept these " Old Charges " as their every‑day guides, nevertheless, sought to understand their significance as moral standards, and " time immemorial " indications of the spirit which should animate them in all their transactions, as trade and fraternal organizations.
Their influence thus remained, even long after they ceased to provide the current laws and regulations of the Brotherhood.
They do not throw much light on the inner workings of the old lodges, but without their evidence, all would be veritable darkness down to the sixteenth century; and hence Brother Stillson has acted wisely in devoting so much space to their examination, and discreetly in choosing as aids such trusty authorities as Brothers Robert Freke Gould, George William Speth, and others.
It does not appear to me that the text of the oldest of these MSS. warrants the belief that, at the period of its usage, the Fraternity was in the habit of employing certain " signs, tokens, and words," such as was the custom later on, to secure due recognition as a body wherever its members might travel. It
INTRODUCTION.
XiX ,,
may have been so, but apprentices in any trade were just as much obligated o keep its mysteries, or privitfes, within their own circle, as was the Masonic ization. It is only as we come down to more modern times that we can itively affirm that esoteric privileges and customs were connected with Masonic initiation, wholly distinct and different from that of all other trades. The "Melrose MSS.," however, of A.D. 1581, or earlier (known to us in the transcript of 1674), contains clear intimation of secrets confined to the Free masons, such
as
"Ve privilegee
of
ye
compass, square, level', and
ye plum‑rule."
( Vide Kalendar of MSS., No. 17.) That the Lodge from the first was exclusively used by the brethren seems equally clear, and undoubtedly was kept sacred to the Fraternity, because all the members were bound to preserve the art of building as a monopoly among themselves. The secret then mainly, if not exclusively, was the way io build;' and the tyled lodges contributed to the preservation of such trade mysteries, while and wherever the monopolizing tendencies of the " Old Charges" were respected and followed. So long as their injunctions were obeyed, cowans were unknown; but, as the regulations became relaxed and less stringent laws were permitted, there gradually grew up, side by side with the regularly obligated Brotherhood, another body of operatives, who, in spite of bitter opposition and lack of prestige, without " Old Charges " or || Mason's Word," contrived to hold their own, and eventually broke down the monopoly, thus paving the way for the purely Speculative Society of modern days.
That Speculative Freemasonry existed as far back as the oldest "Charges" preserved, is abundantly confirmed by reference to their text, especially that of the second oldest MS. ; but it is not likely that the gentlemen and tradesmen who were initiated then, and subsequently, contributed to the overthrow of the Masonic monopoly. To my mind, they were among its strongest supporters, and became the means of providing funds for the promotion of strictly lodge work and customs, by payment of increased initiation fees.
Had it not been for the introduction of `| Speculative " membership, that is, the initiation of gentlemen and others who were not Freemasons, or those who had no intention of becoming such, as a means of livelihood, ‑during the seventeenth century, especially, ‑ it looks as if the Ancient Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons would have ceased to exist long ere this, and its tory, generally, would well‑nigh have been forgotten.
The preservation, therefore, of our time‑honored Institution, at a period r,‑when the " Old Charges " almost wholly ceased to be influential as trade rules and authoritative guides, is due more to the Speculative than to the Operative portion of the Fraternity, and proves the wisdom of our Masonic forefathers, in providing for the introduction of other elements than those 1 "We may conclude that the Craft or mystery of architects and Operative Masons was involved ht secrecy, by which a knowledge of their practice was carefully excluded from the acquirement of all whotvere not enrolled in their Fraternity,"‑Rev. Yames Dallaway, 1833.
XX INTROD UCTION.
originally contemplated, by which the permanency and continuity of the Fraternity have been secured to this day.
Unfortunately there are extant no records of actual lodge meetings prior to the year 1599, so that the exact proportion that the Speculative bore to the Operative element, in such assemblies, before that period, is more or less a matter of conjecture, though of its Speculative character, in part, there is no doubt.
It has long been the fashion the honor of designing works erected in England during the period under consideration, but that opinion has received its quietus from the hands of Mr. Wyatt Papworth, who, in his 1| Notes on the Superintendents of English Buildings in the Middle Ages" (1887), has demonstrated that "The Master Masons were, generally, the architects during the mediaeval period in England," and that it is to them we owe those noble structures which are the admiration of the world.
The Reverend James Dallaway enforced a similar view in 1833, in his remarkable "Historical Account of Master and Free Masons," wherein he notes that " The honor, due to the original founders of these edifices, is almost invariably transferred to the ecclesiastics, under whose patronage they rose, rather than to the skill and design of the Master Mason, or professional architect, because the only historians were monks." Any remarks of mine, about the importance and spread of Speculative Freemasonry, are not intended to detract in the slightest degree from the high estimation in which we should hold the original patrons and preservers of the art, while it was, to all intents and purposes, an exclusively operative combination of builders, composed of apprentices, journeymen (or Fellow Crafts), and Master Masons.
The name or title "FREE‑MASON" is met with so far back as the fourteenth century, its precise import at that period being a matter of discussion even at the present time. The original statute, of A.D. 135o, reads "Mestre de franche teer," and thus points to the conclusion that a Freemason then was one who worked in free‑stone, and assuredly a superior artisan to another class, who, as less skilled masons, were employed on rough work only.
It may fairly be assumed that such interpretation applied to the name at that period, whenever used, and soon became the favored term, in lieu of the older designations "cementarius," or "lathomus," etc.
During the following century the Freemasons are frequently referred to in contracts, statutes, *etc. ; and indeed, as Mr. Papworth states (who cites numerous instances), " No later examples need be given, for thereafter Mason and Freemason are terms in constant use down to the present time." The purely fanciful, though ingenious suggestion, that Free‑mason is derived from frere mason (i.e., Brother Mason), does not commend itself to my judgment, for there is not an old record or minute of any lodge which supports to credit certain Church dignitaries with INTRODUCTION.
XXi such a derivation or illustrates such a usage, and so it is wholly destitute of confirmation.
It will be manifest, as the evidence of the lodge‑records is unfolded, that though Freemason originally signified a worker on free‑stone, it became the custom, farther on, to apply the term to all Craftsmen who had obtained their freedom as Masons to work in lodges with the Fraternity, after due apprenticeship and passing as Fellow Crafts. "Cowans," no matter how skilful they may have become, were not Free‑masons, and the Scottish Crafts, especially, were most particular in defining the differences that existed between "freemen " and '| un‑freemen," in regard to all the trades then under stringent regulations.
The "Schaw Statutes," Scotland, of A.D. 1599, provided that "Na Cowains" work with the Masons; the Masters and Fellows being sworn, annually, to respect that exclusive rule. Many of the meetings of the old lodges, in the seventeenth century, were mostly taken up with resisting the gradual but persistent encroachments of these cowans, who, though the civil guilds and Masonic authorities were all in league against them, managed to live amid their foes, and, though not free‑Masons were still Masons.
The earliest known minute of the Lodge of Edinburgh notes an apology for employing a cowan (July 31, 1599) The merchant tailors of Exeter, A.D. 1466, had a regulation in force, that no one was to have a " board," or shop, unless free of the city, and in the ordinances they are called "Free Saweres," and, likewise, "free Brotherys." There were three classes, viz. : master tailors, free sewers (or journeymen), and apprentices.
The "Freemen of the Mystery of Carpenters," in the city of London obliged all non‑Freemen of their Craft to take up their freedom, or fines were imposed. On November 5, 1666, we meet with the suggestive term "Free Carpenters," and in 1651 "Free Sawiers," and, on June 24, 1668, a female was "made free" of the guild or mystery. On September 5, 1442, the " Unfree as ffreemen " were called upon to defend the || town of Aberdeen." The '| Seal of Cause " of the |` Hammermen " of the same city, April 12, 1496, recited that no one should "sett up Buth.to wyrk within the said Burgh quhill he be maid an Freeman thairof," and the " Chirurgeons " and other professions and trades "received frie‑men" as approved candidates, who were thus "Frie‑Burgesses " accordingly.
The venerable Melrose Lodge, in its first preserved minute, of December 28, 16 74, enacted: "yt wn ever a prentice is mad frie Mason he must pay four pund Scotts"; hence we subsequently frequently read in the records that various men were |` entered and received fr[free] to ye trade," and "past frie to ye trade," and similar entries.
No matter what the trade, provision was made in olden time " That every man that is to be made frie‑man be eitamined and provet on their Points," etc., as illustrated in the 11 Regius MS.," and other 11 Old Charges " re Masons.
Xxll
INTRODUCTION.
So that, whether they were the 11 Masownys of the luge " (as noted on June z 7, 1483, at Aberdeen), or members of other guilds, "the great aithe sworne" in those days induced them alike most carefully to provide that their Crafts be exclusively confined to free‑men and brothers, and "to be leile trew on all pontis" (Aberdeen, November
, 1498).
It would be tedious to detail at more length the available evidence respecting the application of the prefix free to the purposes aforesaid, but certainly the explanation offered as to free Mason' free Carpenter, free Sewer, etc., has the merit of being an easy and rational solution confirmed by ancient records. Suffice it to state that even down so late as the year 1763, the "Rules and Orders of the Lodge of Free‑Masons in the Town of Alnwick," provide that " if any Fellows of the Lodge shall, without the cognizance and approbation of the Master and Wardens, presume to hold private Lodges or Assemblies with an Intent to make any Person free of this honourable Lodge, they shall each forfets to the Box the sum of 3Z 6s. 8a:" This lodge, long extinct, has records preserved from the year 1701, and never joined the Grand Lodge of England. (Kalendar of MSS., No. a7.) From the year i6oo (June 8), when a non‑operative) or Speculative Freemason was present as a member, and attested the minutes of the meeting by his mark (as the operatives), the records are so voluminous and important of the " Lodge of Edinburgh " (Mary's Chapel), and of other old Ateliers in Scotland, that it is with extreme difficulty a brief selection can be made with any satisfaction, the wealth of minutes being quite embarrassing. Brother D. Murray Lyon's great work, and numerous volumes besides by other brethren,‑especially the Transactions of the "Quatuor Coronati" Lodge, London, ‑are brimful of invaluable and trustworthy accounts of the Fraternity, extending back nearly three centuries.
The Lodge of Edinburgh, No. 1, was regulated in part by the statutes of 1598, promulgated by William Schaw, " Principal Warden and Chief Master of Masons" to King James VI. of Scotland, who succeeded Sir Robert Drummond as Master of Works, in 1583, and died in 16oa. There are twenty‑two "Items" or clauses, and, being given in full by Brother Lyon, 187r, and |` Constitutions" Grand Lodge of 1848, mention now need only be made of one or two of the more remarkable.
The rules are based on the "Old Charges," but altered to suit that period. They were for all Scotland, and received the consent of the " Maisteris efter specifeit." Apprentices were to serve seven years at the least, and their being || maid fallows in Craft " was dependent on passing an examination as to their operative skill, and Masters were created in like manner, save as to honorary members. It was enacted: " That na maister or fallow of craft be ressauit nor admittit wtout the names of sex maisteris and twa enterit prenteissis, the wardene of that ludge being ane of the said sex, and that the day of 1 John Boswell, Esq., of Auchinleck.
% INTRODUCTION.
xxiii the ressavyng of the said fallow of craft or maister be orderlie buikit and his name and mark insert in the said buik wt the names of his sex admitteris and enterit prenteissis, and the names of the intendaris that salbe chosin." An " assay and sufficient tryall of skill " was a sine qua non of promotion; just as in modern days, the examinations in open lodge, preparatory to a higher degree being conferred, are obligatory, and are the counterparts of the operative essays of by‑gone days. The Masters were " sworne be thair grit aith " [great oath] to truly respect the statutes which were officially issued.
From 16oo to 1634, the records of No. i are silent as to the admission of speculatives, but contain entries of apprentices, and admissions of Fellow Crafts by the 11 friemen and burgesses " of the lodge.
Apprentices were members, and exercised their privileges as such, just as the Craftsmen and Masters; and even attested the elections of members, being present in lodge, and thus consenting to and acknowledging the receptions of Craftsmen and Masters. This proves that the passing to superior grades could not have required any esoteric ceremonies that apprentices were ineligible to witness.
Special care was exercised in registering the names of the proposers or "admitters," and of the "intendaris" or instructors.
An officer called "Eldest Entered Prentice," even officiated at the passing of Fellow Crafts.
The Deacon of the lodge was President (called "Preses," in 1710), and the Warden was Treasurer; but the officers were not uniform in lodges, as in some the Master is mentioned from 1670.
On July 3, 1634, the Right Honorable Lord Alexander was " admitit folowe off the Craft," and also Sir Alexander Strachan. On December 27, 1636, an apprentice was duly made, `| with the heall consent of the heall masters, frie mesones of Ednr"; there being but this one lodge in the city at that time.
