047653 
 
 Q^atttell Uniaecaitg Sibcatg 
 
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 FROM THE 
 
 BENNO LOEWY LIBRARY 
 
 COLLECTED BY 
 
 BENNO LOEWY 
 
 1854-1919 
 BEQUEATHED TO CORNELL UNIVERSITY 
 
Hssg/xr^'DM""'""'""-'""^ 
 
 A histon 
 
 of freemasoni 
 
 I 
 
 n Lincolnshire 
 
 Clin, J ^924 030 291 276 
 

Cornell University 
 Library 
 
 The original of tiiis book is in 
 tine Cornell University Library. 
 
 There are no known copyright restrictions in 
 the United States on the use of the text. 
 
 http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924030291276 
 
Jfmmagonrg in pncoln^hiu. 
 
A HISTORY OF 
 
 FREEMASONRY IN LINCOLNSHIRE 
 
 BEING A 
 
 RECORD OF ALL EXTINCT AND EXISTING 
 LODGES, CHAPTERS, &c. ; 
 
 A CENTURY OF THE WORKING OF 
 PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE and THE WITHAM LODGE ; 
 
 TOGETHER WITH 
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES OF 
 
 PROVINCIAL GRAND MASTERS AND OTHER 
 
 EMINENT MASONS OF THE COUNTY. 
 
 BY 
 
 WILLIAM DIXON, P.M. 297, 
 
 Honorary Librarian of Provincial Grand Lodge. 
 
 WITH AN INTRODUCTION BY 
 
 W. J. HUGHAN, 
 
 Past Grand Deacon of England. 
 
 f incdn : 
 
 Bro. JAMES WILLIAMSON, 290 HIGH STREET. 
 1894. 
 
H-S 
 
 HZ' 
 
 /\ ,'i:2^Dl1 
 
 LINCOLN : 
 BRO. JAMES WILLIAMSON, PRINTER, 290 HIGH STREET. 
 
To 
 William Henry Smyth, 
 
 Esquire, 
 of Elkington Hall^ 
 
 Provincial Grand Master of Lincolnshire, 
 
 and for Fifty Years a faithful Brother of the Craft, 
 
 this History of Freemasonry in the County 
 
 is respectfully dedicated, 
 
 with most sincere and fraternal regard, 
 by 
 
 The Author. 
 
Page 
 
 Dedication to the R.W. Bro. W. H. Smyth, Prov. G.M.... vii. 
 
 Preface of October, 1894 ... ... ... ... ... ix 
 
 Introduction by Bro. W. J. Hughan (Oct. 20th, 1894) ... xi. 
 
 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire prior to formation of P. G.L. ... i 
 
 Old Lodge at Lincoln, 1730 (earliest records of a Masters' 
 
 Lodge known) .. . ... ... ... ... ... 2 
 
 Second Lincoln Lodge, 1737 18 
 
 Old Lodge at Spalding and Dr. William Stukeley ... 20 
 
 Rev. William Dodd, LL.D. (Grand Chaplain, 1776) ... 23 
 
 Revival of Masonry in Lincolnshire ... ... ... 27 
 
 St. Matthew's Lodge, Barton-on-Humber, 1787 ... ... 28 
 
 Prince of Wales' Lodge, Gainsborough, 1787 ... ... 33 
 
 Doric Lodge, Grantham, 1791 ... ... ... ... 39 
 
 Office of Prov. G.M. and Provincial G.L,, their origin, &c. 45 
 
 P.G.L. of Lincolnshire, 1792 ... ... ... ... 54 
 
 Do. Table of Meetings, 1 792-1893 ... ... ... 109 
 
 Officers of P.G.L. of Lincolnshire, 1792-1893 ... ... in 
 
 Position of Lodges of Province on Roll of G. Lodge ... 121 
 
 Summary of the Register of the Province, 1836-1891 ... 122 
 
 Prov. G. Masters of Lincolnshire, Biographies of... ... 123 
 
 Lodges formed since the Establishment ofP.G.L., 1 792-1890 141 
 
 The Rev. Samuel Oliver ... ... ... ... ... 267 
 
 The Rev. Matthew Barnett, 1787-1833 (D. Prov. G.M.)... 274 
 
 The Rev. George Oliver, D.D. (D! Prov. G.M., 1833-1841) 282 
 
 Lincolnshire Lodges under the Ancient or Athol Constitution 309 
 
 Royal Arch Masonry in Lincolnshire from 1788 ... ... 323 
 
 Royal Arch Masonry, Prov. G. Chapter ... ... ... 343 
 
 Mark Masonry in Lincolnshire from 1798 346 
 
 The Fraternity of Masonic Knights Templars in Lincolnshire 350 
 
 The Provincial Charities and Memorial Funds ... ... 351 
 
 Addenda — 
 
 The Old Lodge at Spalding, 1739, &c. {^iih Illustratiofi) 354 
 
 The Shakspere Lodge, Spilsby 355 
 
 Index (tenfag^es) 356 
 
^xzhtz. 
 
 T N view of the Centenary Celebration of Provincial Grand 
 -*■ Lodge in 1892, it was suggested that some account of 
 
 its past meetings would be acceptable to the Brethren, and 
 
 add interest to the event. 
 
 When proceeding to carry out this suggestion, it was 
 very soon apparent that the simple minutes of P.G.L. could 
 not be satisfactory without considerable explanation, neces- 
 sarily involving a search among the records of Grand Lodge 
 and those of the several Lodges in the Province. 
 
 Thus finding it impossible to complete the work by 
 the Festival, the plan was enlarged, and a history of the 
 Lincolnshire branch of the Craft attempted. 
 
 It is pleasing to state that with very few exceptions 
 the applications — nearly a hundred — for information and 
 assistance were met with every courtesy and attention. 
 
 Thanks are especially due to Mrs. Gerard Ford for the 
 memoir of her husband's ancestor, the Rev. Matthew Barnett; 
 and to Brother W. J. Hughan, of Torquay, and to Brother 
 Henry Sadler, Sub- Librarian at Grand Lodge, for the very 
 valuable aid which they have so heartily afforded from the 
 commencement of the work. 
 
 Well knowing the prevailing opinion concerning much 
 of what has hitherto held to be reliable Masonic history, 
 every effort has been made to verify the statements con- 
 tained in the following pages, either by a personal inspection 
 of the original documents wherever possible, or from reliable 
 official information. 
 
X. Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 The result in some cases may probably occasion a slight 
 shock to existing traditions, but on the other hand the 
 names of several brethren almost forgotten will be found 
 occupying the honourable positions their services to the 
 Craft have merited. 
 
 The book is now submitted to the Brethren in the hope 
 that they may derive as much pleasure from a perusal of 
 the contents as the Avriter has had in their collection and 
 arrangement, and also that they will look kindly upon any 
 shortcomings which they may observe. 
 
 Lincoln, October, 1894. WILLIAM DIXON. 
 
introtittctiott. 
 
 I THINK Bro. Dixon has acted very wisely in committing 
 his memoranda as to " Freemasonry in Lincolnshire ' 
 to print, for reliable data as to that Province, and so many 
 others, are much needed, particularly during the early part 
 of last century. 
 
 According to Dr. Stukeley's testimony. Freemasonry in 
 Lincolnshire began in 1726, for in June of that year he tells 
 us in his Common Place Book : — 
 
 " I retired to Grantham thinking by country exercise to 
 get the better of it [the gout]. Here I set up a lodg of 
 freemasons, wh. lasted all the time I lived there." 
 
 He left this town for Stamford in 1730, and retired from 
 the craft " for good and all, on his removal from Grantham 
 to Stamford, in February, 1730." 
 
 The first Lodge constituted in the Province, under 
 Grand Lodge auspices, was No. 73 at the " Saracen's Head,". 
 Lincoln, to meet on the "First Tuesday," and dated Sept. 7th, 
 1730. The numeration was agreed to 26th Nov., 1728, the 
 successive additions being numbered consecutively in order 
 of precedence. In the oldest engraved list preserved of 
 the "Regular Lodges according to their Seniority and 
 Constitution " * of the fourth decade of the last century, the 
 sign of the inn at which the Lincolnshire Lodge assembled 
 is duly depicted. 
 
 Another old Lodge is in the engraved lists from 1738, 
 and described as " Angel Above Htll, 'Ba.Wmlc^ of Lincoln, 
 23 Dec. 1737." We know nothing as to this Lodge, but of 
 the senior one there are happily records extant from 1732, 
 which were reproduced by Bro. Dixon in an excellent paper,-f- 
 
 * Hughan's "Engraved List of Regular Lodges for a.d. IT^^" facsimile, 1889. 
 
 + The Old Lodt^at Lincoln,hyVii\\w.m'Dnoxt, " Ars Quatuor Coronatorum, " 
 1891. 
 
Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 and likewise appear in the present history. These minutes 
 have been known, more or less, to Masonic students for some 
 time, as it was my good fortune to publish a number of 
 them, from a transcript made by Bro. Frederick Watson, of 
 Lincoln, many years ago* Their importance cannot well 
 be over estimated, there being so few particulars known of 
 the craft in England 1 732-1 740. 
 
 A remarkable feature of these minutes at Lincoln is the 
 absence of any reference to the Fellow Craft Degree, which 
 has led some brethren to infer that the ceremony was not 
 worked there and then, but to my mind such silence is not 
 of itself sufficient to prove the Degree was not conferred in 
 that Lodge 1732 onward. Secretaries during this period, 
 and so often later, were provokingly reticent as to details, 
 but so long as we sometimes meet with records of the 
 F.C. Degree in Lodge minutes of that decade, it is reason- 
 able to suppose that the custom was generally observed of 
 conferring the three Degrees, as provided for in the Book of 
 Constitutions, 1738, and dating from the year 1725, when 
 the " Master of a Lodge with his Wardens and a competent 
 number of the Lodge assembled in due Form " were allowed 
 to " make Masters and Fellows at discretion." Unless by 
 dispensation, Dr. Anderson declares that prior to this date 
 (22 Nov., 1725), " Fellow Crafts fl«(f Masters" were only 
 admitted or passed, &c., in Grand Lodge, which may or 
 may not have been the case. 
 
 So early as 1724-5 we meet with the records of brethren 
 being " pass'd Fellow Crafts " and " pass'd Masters " in one 
 or more private LodgeSj^f and we know that from 1 730-1 
 there is no lack of evidence as to such separate and distinct 
 ceremonies, sometimes the E.A. and F.C being conferred 
 at the same meeting ; at other times the F.C. and M.M., and 
 frequently the whole three given at the one assembly. The 
 F.C. appears to have been thought but little of, and 
 apparently when communicated the same eve as the E.A. 
 was not always recorded, but absorbed in the word "making." 
 * See page 108. 
 + Hughan's Origin of the English Rite of Freemasonry, 1884. 
 
• Introduction. xiii- 
 
 We read of " Passing Fellow Craft" Jan. 15th, 1735, and 
 "Passing Master" Aug. 3rd, 1737, in the Salisbury Lodge,* 
 and at Edinburgh, 31st Mar., 1735, a brother was "admitted 
 Fellow Craft " and three others " Master Masons."f Also 
 in the very suggestive and valuable extracts from the " Old 
 King's Arms Lodge" from 1733, cited by Bro. Dixon, it is 
 recorded, March 27th, 1734, Lord Vere Bertie and Wm. Todd 
 " were severally admitted in Form F.C. and E.P.," and yet 
 (with the knowledge of these three degree being* conferred) 
 in the records of the " Lodge of Felicity" from 1737, there 
 is not a single reference to the Fellow Craft ceremony for 
 many years, nor is the degree noted in the By-laws of 1737. J 
 
 The earliest By-laws of a Regular Lodge that I know 
 of which provide for the three degrees being conferred, are 
 those of No. 83, of Jan. 5th, 1731 (old style), when it was 
 enacted — 
 
 " That all & every Person, or Persons recommended & 
 accepted as above, shall pay for his or their making the 
 sum of Three pounds three shillings. And for their admit- 
 tance the sum of Five shillings, and every Brother who 
 shall pass the Degrees of F.C. and M. shall pay the further 
 sum of Seven Shillings and Sixpence,"§ 
 
 Bro. Dixon's researches have been most successful, and 
 have resulted in the accumulation of a mass of material of 
 the greatest importance and interest in relation to what is 
 known as " Modern " Freemasonry, amply justifying him in 
 his decision to do justice to his own Province and the 
 Lodges in the county by writing this exhaustive history. 
 
 Lincolnshire did not take kindly to the "Atholl" or 
 "Ancient Masons," whose Grand Lodge was formed on 
 July 17th, 1751. In many Provinces they flourished, but it 
 was not until 1803 that the "Ancients" obtained support 
 in the county of Lincoln, the Lodge being called the 
 
 * History of Freemasonrv in Wiltshire, F. H. Goldney, 1880. 
 
 + History of the Canongate-Kilwinning Lodge, iVo. 2, by Allan Mackenzie, 1 88 1 . 
 
 % History of Lodge of Felicity, 1737 to 1887," by W. Smithett, 1887 and 1891. 
 
 § Freemason, April 27th, 1872, 
 
xiv. Freemasonry tn Lincolnshire. 
 
 " Good Intent," and was held at Stamford. It was the second 
 issue of No. 87, the first having been chartered in the Leicester 
 Militia, and existed for two or three years from 1761. 
 
 The second Lodge of this organization was warranted 
 at Grimsby as No. 61 in 181 1, duly noted by Bro. Dixon. 
 It also was a second issue, the premier No. 61 having been 
 established in London in 1757, but according to Bro. John 
 Lane's invaluable Masonic Records, iyiy-1886, died out the 
 same year.- The revival in this Province does not appear 
 to have been successful, for the Lodge soon collapsed, and 
 was erased in 1823. 
 
 Singular to state, these are the only two subordinates 
 of the " Ancients " that were ever in Lincolnshire (excepting 
 Military Lodges), and poor representatives they were. 
 
 I am very pleased to see a reproduction of the Royal 
 Arch Warrant of No. 58, held at Barton-upon-Humber, of 
 1788. The Grand Chapter for the " Moderns " was formally 
 constituted in 1767, and though not officially recognised 
 was warmly supported by many influential members of the 
 regular Grand Lodge. The numbers of the Chapters were 
 distinct from those of the Lodges, hence the Chapter of 
 A.D. 1788 was 58, though the Lodge held in the same town 
 (whose members were favourable to the degree) was 497 
 and warranted in 1787. 
 
 The next Chapter under the "Moderns" was No. 183, 
 the " Aletheia," Great Grimsby, of 1813, and the third was 
 the "Concord," No. 184, Lincoln, which, though not 
 warranted until 18 17, had an independent existence for at 
 least some ten years before. Until Bro. Dixon's History 
 was being written I had no idea that another Charter had 
 been issued after 183, which in my Ori^n of the English 
 Rite of Freemasonry, 1884, ends the roll, but evidently 183 
 was not the last, but No. 184 of A.D. 18 17. The latter was 
 the only one of the three that seems to have come on the 
 United Roll, which is printed in the Laws and Regulations 
 of 1823, the numbers then being those of the Lodges to 
 which the Chapters were attached. 
 
Introduction. xv. 
 
 Bro. Dixon also affords particulars of a " Modern " 
 R.A. Chapter, meeting from 1807 or earlier, without any 
 regular authority. 
 
 The earliest reference to the Mark Degree in the 
 Province is of 1798, but it was worked in England as far 
 back as the year 1769, at Portsmouth, as traced lately by 
 Bro. Alexander Howell. 
 
 Surely I have said enough to prove the great importance 
 and interest of these old records, so fully reproduced in the 
 following pages, and also to lead Masonic students generally 
 to thank the author of Freemasonry in Lincolnshire for thus 
 giving them to the craft in such a compact and useful form, 
 with much valuable information besides respecting the 
 Province during the last century. I am not aware of any 
 other work of the kind that has been so thoroughly and 
 ably done, and involving so much labour to produce. The 
 publication of old Lodge records has been a matter in 
 which I have taken great interest for many years past, and 
 it is always a pleasure for me to aid in any way in securing 
 their reproduction, especially in the form of histories, by 
 competent brethren. 
 
 W. J. HUGHAN. 
 DuNscoRE, Torquay, 
 
 October 20th, j8g4. 
 
^xtzm^Bonx^ in yincolnskire 
 
 Prior to the Formation of Provincial Grand Lodge. 
 
 WITHOUT entering into the question of the connection 
 of Modern Speculative Masonry with the old Guilds 
 of Operative Builders, a question which has been so exhaus- 
 tively treated by the historian of the Order, Bro. R. F. Gould, 
 but which is nevertheless a subject of the greatest interest 
 to the craft of our county, with its noble ecclesiastical 
 buildings, — it may truly be said that, though we are one of 
 the latest-formed Provinces, existing records establish the 
 fact of Lincolnshire Speculative Masonry being well to the 
 front in the early years of the Society's organization, 
 Doctor Stukeley, the noted antiquarian (a Lincolnshire 
 man, born at Holbeach), recording in his Diary that he 
 assisted in founding a Lodge at Grantham as early as 1726. 
 The Doctor, after practising medicine several years in 
 London, writes in his Common Place Book, under June, 
 1726: — "I expected my great friends who encouraged me 
 in the pursuit of Antiquarian Studys, would have made 
 some provision for me. But seeing no probability of that 
 after 7 years waiting I was resolved to provide for myself 
 and get a little money in the country where I could confine 
 myself to practise & indulge in the pure simple way of 
 the country life at the same time. I chose Grantham, 
 because a very pleasant place, in a very fine country, in my 
 own county & near my estate & place of nativity at 
 Holbech. Here I set up a lodg of Freemasons, wh. lasted 
 all the time I lived there." (It may be as well to remark 
 here that the Doctor's hopes were realized, being well sup- 
 ported by the gentry of the neighbourhood, and doubtless 
 enabled to " get a little money."; 
 
Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 There is no record of the Grantham meetings at Grand 
 Lodge, that body as yet having asserted no authority out- 
 side the Metropolis. No regular Warrant to constitute is 
 believed to have been issued by the Central Authority for 
 several years after its formation in 17 17, the verbal consent 
 of the Grand Master or his Deputy being apparently all 
 that was required. 
 
 The large increase of Lodges about this time was, in 
 Stukeley's opinion, not by any means a gain to Masonry, 
 and the worthy Doctor would have no scruples as to con- 
 stituting and carrying on his Lodge without any connection 
 with Grand Lodge and its fashionable supporters. 
 
 The foregoing extract from Stukeley's papers is a very 
 early, and, if we except the meagre York records, probably 
 the earliest record of the establishment and continual 
 carrying on of a purely Speculative lodge outside London ; 
 and the Doctor's connection with the early days of Grand 
 Lodge, together with his antiquarian researches, learned 
 friends, and aristocratic acquaintance must have made the 
 meetings of " the lodg he set up " remarkably interesting. 
 
 The year following " the setting up " at Grantham saw 
 the institution of the office of Provincial Grand Master, 
 and the commencement of Grand Lodge to extend its 
 authority beyond London and Westminster. It is not im- 
 probable that the proceedings at Grantham may have 
 helped to bring this matter forward. 
 
 THE OLD LODGE AT LINCOLN. 
 
 The earliest documentary evidence of Lincolnshire 
 Masonry in connection with Grand Lodge is a portion of 
 a Minute Book now in the archives of the Witham Lodge, 
 Lincoln. A perusal of this interesting book identifies it as 
 being a record of the proceedings of the Lodge shown in 
 the Constitutions of 1738 held in " Lincoln at the Saracens 
 Head. Constituted 7th Sep. 1730 and meets first Tuesday." 
 Number on the Engraved List, 73. The book in size is 
 
The Old Lodge at Lincoln. 
 
 about sixteen inches by six inches, bound (probably about 
 half a century ago) in paper boards. It consists of General 
 Laws (eleven), Regulations (seven), and By-Laws (thirteen), 
 and also of continuous minutes for over three years. 
 
 These records are exceedingly interesting and valuable, 
 for several reasons. In the first place, as being a portion 
 of the earliest Private Lodge minutes yet brought to light 
 (leaving out, of course the old Operative records and those 
 at York, which are of little service as regards masonic 
 procedure). Secondly, as clearing up and deciding a long- 
 disputed point of Masonic authorship; and, lastly, as showing 
 work of the then most approved fashion, owing to the fact 
 of the Master, Sir Cecil Wray, filling at the same time the 
 chair of a noted London Lodge and the office of Deputy 
 Grand Master of England. 
 
 As these minutes have been recently edited by me, and 
 published in the Transactions of Lodge Quatuor Coronati, 
 I shall only give such extracts as will enable one to compare 
 the Lodge procedure with similar extracts half a century 
 later and with that of the present time, stating for the 
 information of the studious brother that he may find in 
 Parts I and 2 of Volume iv., Ars Quatuor Coronatorum, a 
 full account of the Old Lodge at Lincoln, together with an 
 excellent Sketch of the famous mason, Martin Clare, by 
 R. F. Gould, in which that brother has incorporated and 
 reproduced in facsimile several Lincoln minutes : — 
 
 "Monday January ye 2nd 1732. 
 
 " At a Lodge held this Day at the Place aforesaid when 
 were present — Sir Cecil Wray Barrt. Master; Coningsby 
 Sibthorp Esqe. Senr. Warden ; Thomas Becke Gent. Junr. 
 Warden; Sir John Tyrwhitt Barrt; Mr. Willm. Rayner 
 Alderman ; The Revd. Mr. John Curtois ; Mr. Isaac Clarke 
 and Mr. John Cooper. 
 
 "When it was proposed by our Right Worshipful 
 Mastr., that Sr. Christopher Hales Barrt. be voted a Member 
 of this Society who being well recommended the Same was 
 agreed to on Brother Thos. Becke's undertaking to pay the 
 
Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 usual Sum of Five Guineas for and on behalf of our said 
 Brother Elect. And in Regard our Right Worshipful 
 Master was going for London in a few Days it was agreed 
 that Willm. Carter Esq. together with the said Sr. Christopher 
 Hales should be initiated the same Evening, which was 
 done accordingly with due Solemnity when our Right 
 Worshipful Master gave an elegant Charge and in Respect 
 to our new Brother it was further agreed to cloath and 
 entertain the Lodge. £ s. d. 
 
 " Paid for Gloves and Aprons ... 2 17 o 
 "Expended 231 
 
 " Total of Payments 501 
 
 " Reed, of Sr. Christopher Hales ... o 10 6 
 
 The By-Law referring to this custom, viz., new Aprons 
 and Gloves, is as follows : — 
 
 "When there have been Two new Brethren thus 
 admitted to the Lodge, The Lodge shall then be decently 
 cloth'd and entertaind ; The Time of wh. shall be appointed 
 by the M"^ and Wardens ; but it shall never be on a Lodge 
 Night. 
 
 "The new Brethren shall when the Lodge is thus 
 cloathed &c. put each of them more into the Box 
 
 for the Uses of the Lodge." 
 
 "Wednesday October ye 23rd 1734. 
 " At a Lodge held this Day at the Place aforesaid when 
 were present— Sr. Cecil Wray Barrt. Master D.G.M. ; 
 Coningsby Sibthorp Esqe. Senr. Warden ; Thomas Becke 
 Gent. Junr. Warden ; Sr. Christopher Hales Barrt. ; Henry 
 Every Esqe.; The Revend. Mr. John Curtois; Willm. 
 Rayner Gent. Alderman ; Charles Newcomen Gent. ; Mr. 
 Isaac Clarke ; Mr. John Becke Visitor ; at which time Mr. 
 Henry Goakman & Mr. Stephen Harrison were severally 
 initiated in Form with due Solemnity, when our Right 
 Worshipful Master gave an Elegant Charge also went thro' 
 an Examination and the Lodge was closed with a Song 
 and decent Merriment." 
 
The Old Lodge at Lincoln. J 
 
 " Tuesday December ye 3rd 1734. 
 
 " At a Lodge held this Day at the Place aforesaid when 
 were present — Sr. Cecil Wray Barrt. D.G.M. Coningsby 
 Sibthorp Esq. Senr. Warden Thomas Becke Gent. Junr. 
 Warden (and seven others) when it was proposed that there 
 should be an Election of new Members and at the Request 
 of the whole Lodge Sr. Cecil Wray was re-elected Master 
 of the Same who was pleased to nominate Sr. Christopher 
 Hales Bart. Senr. Warden and Henry Every Esqe. Junr. 
 Warden for the ensuing Year. 
 
 " But in Regard our said two new Wardens as well as 
 several other of the Brethren of this Lodge well qualifyed 
 and worthy of the Degree of Master had not been called 
 thereto ; Our said Right Worshipful Master was pleased to 
 direct that a Lodge of Masters should be held at the Place 
 aforesaid on Monday ye Thirtieth instant. At which Time 
 the said Sr. Christopher Hales & Henry Every Esqe. as 
 also Bro. Curtois Bro. Rayner Bro. Newcomen and Bro. 
 Clarke should be severally admitted to the Degree of Master; 
 on their paying severally 5s. apiece to ye Box & I2d. to 
 ye Doorkeeper. 
 
 " After which it was proposed by Bro. Rayner that Mr. 
 William Kelham Master of ye House should be voted a 
 Member of this Society, who being well recommended the 
 Same was agreed to on his paying for his Gloves, Apron 
 & 2s. 6d. to ye Doorkeeper only. 
 
 " And it was therefore further agreed, that after making 
 of the several Masters abovenamed, a general Lodge should 
 be formed for ye initiating our said Bro. Elect, and yt ye 
 Lodge should be entertained with a Dinner at i8d. Ordinary. 
 
 "And then it was proposed yt every Member should 
 pay \ a Guinea towards a Bank for defraying ye Expenses 
 of ye ensuing Year into ye Hands of Brother Thomas Becke 
 as Treasurer who is to be accountable for ye Same. After 
 which the Master went thro' an Examination and several 
 of ye Regulations out of the Book of Constitutions were 
 read and the Lodge was closed with a Song." 
 
Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 " December ye 31st 1734. 
 "At a Lodge of Masters held this Day at the Place 
 aforesaid when were present— Sir Cecil Wray Barrt. D.G.M. ; 
 Coningsby Sibthorp Esqr. who acted as Senr. Warden; 
 Thomas Becke Gent, who acted as Junr. Warden ; And in 
 pursuance of ye Order of ye last Lodge the several Brethren 
 following were in due form admitted to ye Degree of Master 
 to wit &c. &c. After which a general Lodge was formed 
 in the persons of Sir Cecil Wray &c. &c. At which Time 
 Mr. Willm. Kelham Master of the House was initiated in 
 Form with due Solemnity When our right Worshipful Master 
 gave an Elegant Charge, also went thro' an Examination, 
 and the Lodge was closed with a Song and decent 
 meriment." 
 
 From the foregoing it will be seen that the proceedings 
 were a combination of Lodge-work and supper, and that 
 only two degrees were known, the Master's degree not 
 following as a matter of course, though apparently its 
 possession was a necessary qualification for the Warden's 
 Chair. 
 
 By-law No. 5 provides that in cases of initiation the 
 Lodge shall meet two hours earlier. This points to an 
 elaborate ceremony, requiring time to properly carry out, 
 and also strengthens the now almost accepted theory that 
 the first degree included all the secrets and privileges of 
 what are now the first two degrees. The penalty for a 
 breach of discipline or omission of duty was the forfeiture 
 af " a Bottle of Wine to be drank by the Brethren after the 
 Lodge is clos'd to make them some part of Amends." 
 
 Regulation No. 6 : — "On the Lodge nights next preceed- 
 ing Lady Day and Michaelmas a Master shall be elected to 
 fill the Chair for the half year next ensuing."* 
 
 * Notwithstanding this and other corroborative testimony as to the half- 
 yearly elections, we are still gravely informed at every installation that "from 
 time immemorial it has been customary once in each year to elect a Master for 
 the ensuing twelve months" 
 
Tfie Old Lodge at Lincoln. 
 
 This regulation is somewhat remarkable, inasmuch as 
 it was (I believe) the universal custom in the Speculative 
 Lodges to elect their Masters on the festivals of the two 
 Saints John. 
 
 One of the few Operative Lodges of which there is any 
 account, namely, that at Alnwick, held the election at 
 Michaelmas. This opens out rather an interesting question 
 as to whether the Lincoln Lodge was not a survival of an 
 earlier one under operative guidance, a supposition con- 
 siderably strengthened by the facts of the new Church of 
 Saint Peter-at-Arches being just completed, and, that after 
 the Lodge had been meeting a few years " it was agreed to 
 purchase a Sett of new Columns with Jewells of both kinds 
 throughout." 
 
 Meetings were regularly held up to January, 1735, the 
 new year commencing at Lady Day. 
 
 At the Lodge held the preceding October the minute 
 says " it was agreed by all the Members present that our 
 right Worshipful Master should buy for the use of the 
 Lodge a Sett of New Columns with Jewells of both kinds 
 throughout with other Implemts. necessary to furnish the 
 Lodge & to be allowed the Same out of the public Stock 
 in Fund belonging to ye Lodge." 
 
 In the following May Sir Cecil Wray died from an 
 attack of asthma, and the Lodge meetings were apparently 
 suspended, nothing being recorded until Sept. 27th, 1742, 
 when "It was voted Nemine Contradicente that Henry 
 Every Esq. be elected Master of the said Lodge for the 
 year ensuing Who was pleased to. accept the Same and 
 nominated Coningsby Sibthorp Esq. Sen. Warden and 
 Thomas Becke Gent. Junr. Warden. After which it was 
 agreed that the next Lodge should be held on Monday ye 
 25 of October next." 
 
 The succeeding minutes (if there were any) are unfor- 
 tunately lost, and nothing further is known of the Lodge 
 except the information supplied by the late Grand Secretary, 
 Bro. Shadwell H. Gierke, that the number of the Lodge 
 
8 
 
 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 \ 
 
 was changed to 63 in 1740, and again in 1755 to 38. It 
 was erased by Grand Lodge 17th Nov., 1760, because no 
 representative had attended the quarterly meetings for a 
 considerable time. 
 
 An Officer's Jewell, presented by one of the Welbys in 
 1742, is said to have been in the possession of the Witham 
 Lodge, but I have not been successful in tracing it. 
 
 The following names appear in connection with the Old 
 Lincoln Lodge : — 
 
 Sir Cecil Wray, Bart. 
 Coningsby Sibthorp, Esq. 
 Thomas Becke, Gent. 
 Sir John Tyrwhitt, Bart. 
 John Becke, Alderman. 
 The Rev. Mr. John Curtois. 
 William Rayner, Alderman. 
 Sir Christopher Hales, Bart. 
 Henry Every, Esq. 
 John Welby, Esq. 
 Richard Welby, Esq. 
 Charles Newcomen, Gent. 
 Mr. John Cooper. 
 Mr. Isaac Clarke. 
 Doctor Samuel Finley. 
 Sigismund Trafford, Esq. 
 Henry Goakman, Apothecary. 
 Mr. Stephen Harrison. 
 Mr. William Kelham. 
 Bro. Manderson, Doorkeeper. 
 
 Members. 
 
 / 
 
 William Carter, Esq. 
 Edward Walpole, Esq. 
 Christopher Neville, Esq. 
 George Neville, Esq. 
 Henry Polixfen, Gent. 
 Thomas Maples, Gent. 
 Mr. John Becke. 
 Mr. John Goodchild. 
 
 ) Visitors. 
 
The Old Lodge at Lincoln. 
 
 Sir Cecil WraY, Baronet, of Glentworth, Lincolnshire, 
 succeeded his brother. Sir Christopher, loth baronet, in 1710. 
 High Sheriff of Lincolnshire in 171 5. Died 9th May, 1736 ; 
 buried at Branston. Life-sized busts of Sir Cecil and 
 Dame Mary (Harrison) his wife are on either side of the 
 monument in Branston Church, doubtless excellent like- 
 nesses, as the inscription states that Sir Cecil prepared 
 them some years before his death. 
 
 The founder of the family was Sir Christopher Wray, 
 Lord Chief Justice in the reign of Elizabeth. The title 
 became extinct on the death of the 1 5th baronet in 1 809. 
 
 During the Civil Wars the Wrays took an active part 
 on the Parliamentary side. 
 
 Sir Cecil, the 13th baronet, was the one who contested 
 the famous Westminster Election of 1784 against Charles 
 James Fox. The polling lasted forty days, and was 
 decided in favour of Fox, a result said to be owing in a 
 great measure to the assistance rendered by Georgiana, 
 the beautiful Duchess of Devonshire, who it is affirmed 
 bribed a sturdy butcher with a kiss. 
 
 During the time Sir Cecil Wray presided over the 
 Lincoln brethren he filled the position of Deputy Grand 
 Master and also that of Master of the Lodge now The Old 
 King's Arms Lodge No. 28. Brother H. Newland, the 
 Treasurer of No. 28, has kindly supplied me with a copy 
 of the minutes which refer to Sir Cecil. These extracts, 
 together with those of Lincoln, bear ample testimony to 
 the baronet's zeal for the Craft, and show him to have been 
 equally esteemed in the two Lodges. They record, in 
 addition, the close connection existing between Sir Cecil 
 and Martin Clare, the author of the celebrated Defence of 
 Masonry* and will be found of especial interest when read 
 in conjunction with the Lincoln record of attendance and 
 procedure. 
 
 * See Masonic Celebrities, No. 2, by R. F. Gould, in the Transactions 
 of Lodge Quaiuor Coronati. 
 
10 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 Extracts from the Minutes of the Lodge held at the 
 Cross Keys, Henrietta Street, now The Old Kings Arms 
 Lodge No. 28:— 
 
 "Monday Sepr. 3rd 1733. 
 "This being the time for the election of a Master to 
 serve for the ensuing six months it was unanimously agreed 
 to adjourn the nomination and election till the next Lodge 
 night. And agreed in the meantime a letter be sent to our 
 very worthy Bro. Sir Cecill Wray to request him to accept 
 of the chair for the half year ensuing which was undertaken 
 by the present Master." 
 
 "Monday October ist 1733. 
 
 "Bro. Robt. Goodchild for his Brother informed the 
 Lodge that Sir Cecil Wray had been applyed to and that 
 he was pleased to accept of the office offered by the good- 
 will of the Bretheren provided Bro. Clare would support 
 the chair till his arrival in town. This Bro. Clare could 
 not refuse so good a Master & so worthy affriend and 
 being desired by the Bretheren to accept the chair he did so." 
 
 " Mr. John Beck Son of Mr. Thom. Beck a Member of 
 our Sister Lodge at Lincoln was at the recommendation 
 & by the order of our Rt. Worshipful Master Sir Cecil 
 Wray proposed as a Candidate for Masonry. A person so 
 well recommended & so handsomely spoken of by some 
 of the Lodge that personally know him was voted a Brother 
 Elect and his Health was toasted with a general satisfaction." 
 
 " Monday Novr. 5th 1733. 
 " Bro. Beck elect not having been well could not attend 
 for Institution at this time." 
 
 "Wednesday Feb. 13th 1733-4. 
 " The Master Sir Cecill Wray being come to Town his 
 Wor'ip was pleased to convene as many of the Members of 
 the Lodge as could be conveniently got together this 
 evening at 8 o'clock in order to give Mr. Jno. Beck our Bro. 
 elect according to the transactions of the ist of October last 
 in regard his Father there mentioned happend to be in Town 
 
The Old Lodge at Lincoln. 1 1 
 
 and was desirous to see justice done his said Son before he 
 left it, which was therefore complied with & the Ceremony 
 performed by the Master assisted by the Bretheren named 
 in the list with great Solemnity and order." 
 
 " His Wor'ip retird about high time & the members 
 early not very early next morning." 
 
 " Monday March ii... 1733-4. 
 " The late Master Sir Cecill Wray convened a Committee 
 of the Lodge this evening at 6 when he informed the Lodge 
 that the Lord Viscount Weymouth and the Lord Viscount 
 Killmurray had by their Friend our Bro. Capt. Needham 
 desird admission into the craft by his hands. This was 
 seconded and supported and Institution ordered them 
 immediately provided their Lo'ps deposite each 3 Guineas 
 to the use of the Lo: & defray the expences of this extra- 
 ordinary Convention. Their Healths were severally proposed 
 and drank too with all possible Satisfaction." 
 
 " The two Bretheren elect attended and reed. Institution 
 in Form about 8 o'clock." 
 
 "Wednesday March 27 1734, 
 " The late Mar. Sr. Cecill Wray conven'd a Committee 
 of the Lodge this Evening at 7 o'clock consisting of the 
 following Members vizt. Bro. Weymouth, Bro. Killmurray, 
 Bro. Douglas, Bro. Streatfield, Bro. Smith, Bro. MacuUoch, 
 Bro. Jno. Goodch'd acting J.W. Bro. A. Clare acting S.W. 
 Bro. Robt. Goodchild To whom his Wor'p communicated 
 the desire of the Lord Vere Bertie* and Wm. Todd Esq. 
 both Relations of his Wor'ip, who desird they might be 
 privately admitted into the Craft by his Wor'p who was 
 pleased to give the Members a very good Acct. of them 
 and so good a Recommendation having its due Wei't with 
 the Assistants they voted them Bretheren elect and drank 
 
 * Son of the Duke of Ancaster. Afterwards married Sir Cecil Wray's 
 illegitimate daughter. 
 
 "Lord Vere Bertie to Miss Casey at Lincoln— worth ;^7o,ooo." — Gentle- 
 man's Magazine, Oct., 1736- 
 
12 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 to their healths with much Satisfaction provided they 
 deposite according to the Statutes for the Uses of the 
 Lodge which was agreed to. They were severally admitted 
 in Form F C. and E.P." 
 
 "Monday March 3rd 1734. 
 
 "The Rt. Woripl. the Lord Crauford Gd. Mast, the 
 Rt. Wl. Sr. Cecill Wray D.G. Mr. the Woripl. Bro. Trafford 
 Sr. G. W., Br. Carter Jr. G.W. with the Major part of the 
 Stewards for the present year did this Lodge the favour of 
 a Gd. Visit this Evening at 8." 
 
 " The Rt. Wopl. the D.G.M. was pleased to propose to 
 the Bretheren of this Lodge Dr. Edward Hody F.R.S. as a 
 person everyway qualified to make a worthy Bror. This 
 motion was seconded and supported by several worthy 
 Bretheren of this Lodge and Institution ordered him this 
 day sevennight at 7 o'clock, the D.G.M. was pleased to 
 undertake for the deposit Money and his Health was pro- 
 posod and drank to with great Satisfaction." 
 
 " Monday April 7th 1734. 
 
 " The D.G.M. was pleased to recommend the Rt. Honble- 
 John Lord Visct. Tyrconnel to be admitted a Mason at 
 their convenience this was seconded in the warmest Manner 
 and supported and his Health was drank to with a particular 
 regard." 
 
 " Fryday April nth, 1735. 
 
 " Lord Tyrconnel having changed his mind did not 
 appear and it being suggested to the Lodge that his Lop. 
 desired to withdraw his claim the Lodge not only approved 
 thereof but also ordered the restitution of his Deposite." 
 
 " Fryday May 2nd 1735 
 " The same Gentleman (Bro. Hody) from Sir Cecill Wray 
 late D.G.M. proposed the admission of John Wreden Esqr. 
 and so singular a good character was given of him and it 
 was so affecionately recommended and seconded by Bro. 
 Hellot that he was voted a Bro. elected nemine contradicente 
 and Institution ordered him on Monday." 
 
The Old Lodge at Lincoln. 13 
 
 " Monday May 5 1735. 
 
 " Sir Cecill Wray late D.G.M. was pleased to act on 
 this occasion as S.W. 
 
 " It was taken notice of by the Junr. Gd. Warden that 
 the 17th of the General Regulations establishd in the 
 year 1721 expressly said that the Gd. Officers can not act 
 at the same time in a private Officers in a private Lodge. 
 It was therefore by him apprehended that the Chair of this 
 Lodge was vacant by the Promotion of Lord Weymouth 
 and that therefore it would be proper to think of a proper 
 person to succeed his Lop. for the Residue of his Mastership 
 the Lodge immediately turned their eyes upon their old 
 Friend & Benefactor Sr. Cecill Wray and he was unani- 
 mously chosen Mar. for that Purpose with a general 
 Satisfaction and he took the Chair accordingley." 
 
 "Monday Deer, ist 1735. 
 
 " A Motion was made that the Foot Cloth made use of 
 at the Initiation of new Members should be defaced on 
 Acct. of Convenience carried nemine contradicente." 
 
 " A second Motion was made that our Rt. Woripl. Bror. 
 Sr. Cecil Wray's Picture late D.G.M. and that the Cloth 
 mentioned should be applyed to that Purpose and that our 
 Brother West be appointed to draw the same and that the 
 Lodge do pay for it when done." 
 
 " Bror. West was pleased to desire that he might have 
 the pleasure to present the Lodge with Sr. Cecill's Picture 
 if his Worp. will do him the Honour to sit to him this was 
 a most acceptable Proposition to the Society and Bror. 
 West's Health was proposed and drank to with great 
 
 Satisfaction." 
 
 "Monday March 1735-6. 
 "There were present also the Rt. Woripl. Sr. Cecill 
 Wray Bart, late D.G.M. and the Rt. Honble. the Lord 
 Loudon G.M. did this Lodge the Honour of a visit and 
 they favourd the Society with their Company to Midnight 
 when the Lodge was closed by the Officers of the Lodge." 
 
14 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 "Fryday Aprill 2 1736. 
 "The Master convened a Lodge this evening at Bro. 
 Long's Jn. Holies Street, present besides Sr. Cecill Wray 
 Bart. John & Robt. Goodchild and Martin Clare When Sr. 
 Cecill Wray proposed the admitting Mr. Christopher Taylor 
 a Candidate for Masonry (a Relation of his Worships) a 
 good acct. of him was given to the Society, this w^as 
 Seconded and Supported by others present & he w^as voted 
 a Candidate for Masonry, & a ballot ordered him on 
 Monday Night next his health was proposed & drank to 
 with great pleasure." 
 
 " Munday Aprill 5 1736. 
 
 " The Minutes of the last Convention were read and 
 . . . . & Mr. Christopher Taylor (Candidates for 
 Masonry) were all Balloted for & Institution orderd them 
 next Lodge Night. 
 
 " Bro. John Goodchild requested the Master to call an 
 extraordinary Lodge to give Institution to Mr. Christopher 
 Taylor and Mr. John Clarke two of our Bros. Elect they 
 being Desirous to be made before the Ensuing Grand feast." 
 
 "Tuesday 6 April 1736. 
 " The Lodge was this Night regularly opened by the 
 proper Officers pursuant to the adjournment in order to 
 Admit Mr. Christopher Taylor to Institution Bror. 
 Christopher Taylor accordingly reed. Institution in full 
 form this Night." 
 
 " Monday 6 of June 1736. 
 " Brr. West was pleas'd to bring his kind Present [of the 
 picture] of our late Friend and Venerable Masr. Sr. Cecill 
 Wray according to his Proposal of Deer, ist last which 
 happend to be finished but just before it pleased Almighty 
 God to call him to himself, which [the picture] appeared 
 to the Society to be done with so much Dexterity and 
 Happiness that it was by a majority carried that in order 
 
The Old Lodge at Lincoln. 1 5 
 
 to make this worthy Bror. some sort of Amends and to 
 show a decent gratitude for the same it would be proper to 
 make him a present of ten Guineas." 
 
 CONINGSBY SiBTHORP, Esq., of Canwick, Colonel of 
 Royal South Lincoln Militia ; High Sheriff of the county 
 of Lincoln, 1733. 
 
 The Colonel successfully contested the city of Lincoln 
 at the elections of 1734, 1744, 1747, and 1761 ; in the latter 
 year the poll was adjourned through the riotous doings of 
 the mob. The supporters of the successful candidates, the 
 Hon. George Monson and Colonel Sibthorp, were paid as 
 follows: — "Freemen residing in the City Three Guineas, 
 Out'ners Four Guineas and Londoners Five Guineas." 
 
 Colonel Sibthorp died at Canwick, July, 1779. 
 
 Two of his descendants have presided over the Witham 
 Lodge, one of whom, Col. Charles De L. W. Sibthorp, was for 
 many years a well known character in the political world. 
 
 Thomas Becke, Esq., Alderman John Becke, and 
 John Becke, Junr., were members of a very old Lincoln 
 family. 
 
 The former was buried at Cherry Willingham, where his 
 monument records that he was " The Founder and Patron 
 of this Church, whose experienc'd Abilities in the Profession 
 of the Law, and unparalled Industry enabled him to acquire 
 a Fortune (without the sordid means of avaricious Parsimony) 
 in times to whose Extravagance few Patrimonys sufficed." 
 He dyed 19th Oct., 1757." 
 
 This little Church, like that of St. Peter-at-Arches, 
 Lincoln, is built, as the old Constitutions would say, in the 
 " Augustan " style. 
 
 Alderman John Becke was Mayor of Lincoln in 1727. 
 
 The initiation of the younger John Becke is shown in 
 the records of the " Old King's Arms." He is noted in the 
 Lincoln minutes as a visitor " from our Sister Lodge in 
 London." 
 
1 6 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 A curious and interesting tablet of the Beckes is to be 
 seen in the vestry of St. Peter-at-Arches, having been 
 removed there from St. Benedict's. 
 
 Sir John Tyrwhitt, of Cammeringham, Member of 
 Parliament for Lincoln City, 1722-34. 
 
 The Rev. JOHN CURTOIS, LL.B., Rector of Branston. 
 Died 1767. 
 
 William Rayner, Mayor of Lincoln, 173 1 and 1748. 
 His gravestone, date 1757, is to be seen on the west side of 
 St. Swithin's churchyard. 
 
 Sir Christopher Hales, Bart, of Lincoln, son of Sir 
 Edward Hales, Bart., of Coventry. Married in 1736 a step- 
 daughter of Sir Cecil Wray. Died May 8th, 1776. 
 
 Henry Every, Esq., eldest surviving son of the Rev^ 
 Sir Simon Every, Bart., of Egginton, co. Derby, and Rector 
 of Navenby, co. Lincoln. Brother of Rev. John Every, 
 who held the livings of Bracebridge and Waddington. He 
 was born at Navenby in 1708; in 1742 he was styled "of 
 Armston co. Lincoln." High Sheriff of the county of Derby 
 in 1748. Succeeded his father in the title in 1753. Died 
 in London, 1755. 
 
 John and Richard Welby, Esqrs., belonged to the 
 Welbourn branch of that name. 
 
 Charles Newcomen is sometimes designated " Gent." 
 and at others as " Mr." The Newcomens were of Scremby in 
 the early part of the last century, and a Charles Newcomen 
 was Mayor of Lincoln in 1707. 
 
 Doctor Samuel Finley is recorded as living at Hale. 
 
 SigISMUND Bcehm Trafford, Esq., of Dunton Hall, 
 Tydd, was born about the year 1693. He was High Sheriff 
 of Lincolnshire in 1723, and married Elizabeth, daughter 
 of Sir Gilbert Heathcote, who was Lord Mayor of London 
 in 1 711. Sigismund Trafford was admitted a member of 
 the Spalding Gentlemen's Society in 1740. He was the 
 author of an essay on the Fen Drainage, and died in 1741. 
 He is doubtless the one referred to in the Old King's Arms 
 minute of March, 1734. 
 
The Old Lodge at Lincoln. 17 
 
 The family was founded by John Trafford, who died in 
 1666. He was succeeded by his son Sigismund, who rebuilt 
 Dunton Hall on a magnificent plan, at a cost of ;^22,ooo, 
 and died in 1723, at the age of 80. 
 
 The estate then passed to his great nephew, Sig. Boehm, 
 the subject of this memoir, who was succeeded by his 
 nephew, Clement. Clement Trafford was High Sheriff in 
 1760, and was knighted the following year. He squandered 
 the estate, pulled down the fine mansion at Dunton, and 
 sold the materials and fittings, 
 
 Henry Goakman, Apothecary, was Mayor of the City 
 in 1752. 
 
 Stephen Harrison, Chorister of the Cathedral, 1712; 
 Junior Vicar and Master of the Boys, 1730. Died 1756, 
 aged 58. Buried in the Cathedral Cloisters. 
 
 The minute which records Bro. Harrison's entrance into 
 the craft runs as follows : — 
 
 "Then Brother Every recommended Mr. Stephen 
 Harrison of the Close of Lincoln Music Master as a proper 
 person to be admitted a Member of this Society and 
 proposed to give a Guinea towards the Charges of his 
 Admission; Sir Cecil Wray proposed to give another 
 Guinea, Sir Christopher Hales half a Guinea to which Sir 
 Cecil Wray added another Guinea. And in Regard Mr. 
 Harrison might be useful and entertaining to the Society, 
 The Lodge agreed to admit him for the sum of ;^3 - 13 - 6." 
 It also states that on his initiation " the lodge was cloathed 
 and entertained with a dinner," and that at the conclusion 
 "Our Right Worshipful Master gave an Elegant Charge 
 and the Lodge was closed with a Song and decent merri- 
 ment." 
 
 William Kelham was mine host of the Saracen's Head. 
 
 Edward WalpolE, Esq., of Dunston, the author of an 
 
 imitation of the sixth Satire of the first book of Horace, and 
 
 other works. He was, I believe, a Roman Catholic, and 
 
 died in 1740 at an early age. 
 
Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 Christopher Neville was a Grand Steward in 1734. 
 
 The Nevilles were probably located at Aubourn. 
 
 John Goodchild, Esq., of Teddington, married one of 
 the Wrays. 
 
 Brothers GoODCHiLD and Carter were doubtless 
 members of the sister Lodge in London. 
 
 The Lodge No. 73 and "Saracen's Head" appear in 
 Picart's celebrated engraving of 1735. 
 
 The old inn was chiefly built of timber. 
 
 The Gentleman's Magazine for 1 802 contains an engraving 
 of some curious oak carved panels found in the Saracen's 
 Head Inn, Lincoln, " lately taken down." 
 
 THE SECOND LINCOLN LODGE. 
 
 The second Lodge in the county, according to the 
 Official Record was at " Lincoln Above Hill in the Baily 
 Wyke at The Angel, constituted 23 Dec. 1737 and meets 
 1st and 3rd Monday." 
 
 The Lodge is shewn on the Engraved List as No. 166. 
 
 Of whom this Lodge consisted it is impossible to say, 
 as unfortunately no record of either proceedings or members 
 is extant. Grand Lodge simply showing the erasure from 
 its Roll in 1754. 
 
 The death of Sir Cecil Wray and the apparent discon- 
 tinuance of the meetings at the Saracen's Head suggest the 
 idea of the brethren of that Lodge moving up-hill, but if 
 that were the case why should a new Constitution have 
 been obtained or the day of meeting changed? Two 
 meetings each month indicate a full complement of members, 
 and the fact of one of these being fixed for the day previous 
 to the below-hill meeting favours the idea that an inter- 
 change of visits if not of membership was contemplated. 
 We have, moreover, the statement of Dr. Stukeley that 
 
The Second Lincoln Lodge. 19 
 
 the craft "became a public fashion and ran itself out of 
 breath thro' the folly of its members." 
 
 One of the By-laws of the Saracen's Head Lodge was 
 as follows : — " This lodge will at no time hereafter admit 
 more than one and twenty Members into the lists at the 
 same time." 
 
 This wording is somewhat ambiguous, but I am of 
 opinion that it was intended to limit the number of members 
 to twenty-one. That masonic procedure of the last century 
 took a more convivial turn than is the case now, is evidenced 
 not only by the old Lincoln minutes but by the early 
 Constitutions and publications of the craft, in all of which 
 masonic songs and toasts occupy a prominent place.* 
 
 The custom up to the early part of the present century 
 was for the brethren to sit at a long table placed up the 
 centre of the room. When the Lodge was " called off" a 
 loyal or masonic toast would be proposed, the wine or 
 punch go round and the Master's or Wardens' Song given 
 by some brother present.f 
 
 It is very probable that a score of members were con- 
 sidered a sufficient number to ensure perfect good fellowship ; 
 failing this I cannot suggest any reason for the establishment 
 of a second Lodge in Lincoln, the population of the city at 
 
 * An early regulation for the Grand Feast at Grand Lodge reads : — 
 "After the Oration, the Five Public Healths may be toasted and before or 
 after each a Masonic Song with the best Instruments of Music." 
 
 + No Member of this Lodge shall take his place at the Table without his 
 full clothing in Lodge Hours. 
 
 The Lodge hours are from Six to Ten, from Michaelmas to Lady day and 
 
 from Seven to Ten from Lady day to Michaelmas Regulations of the Old 
 
 Lodge at Lincoln. 
 
 Dr. Oliver writes : — At this period Song appears to have been incorporated 
 into the ceremonies of the Order, Music being one of the seven liberal sciences, 
 which the Craft profess to cultivate in these Lodges, it was not thought incon- 
 sistent that it should be reduced to practice, and become part and parcel of 
 the details which constituted the legitimate business of their private and social 
 meetings. Labour and Refreshment relieved each other like two loving 
 brothers ; and the gravity of the former was rendered more engaging by the 
 characteristic cheerfulness and jocund gaiety of the latter. Labour, ariiongst 
 other important duties, taught the theory of Music as a science connected with 
 the Order ; and the song of Refreshment shed a bright lustre over Labour, by 
 its animated recommendation of the pursuits which the laws of Masonry 
 prescribe. 
 
20 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 the time precluding the idea that the Lodge might be 
 composed of citizens or others of a somewhat lower social 
 status. 
 
 The Angel Inn, where the Lodge met, was then, and 
 for many subsequent years, the chief inn above hill. It had 
 galleries all round, and is said to have been erected by Sir 
 Christopher Wren. The Inn and yard occupied ground 
 north of the road enclosed between the two Gateways 
 formerly existing in Eastgate. One of these gates was at 
 the corner of the White Hart, immediately on the Bail ; 
 the second further eastward, near the Black Horse Inn, on 
 a line with the present Exchequer-gate and with one which 
 formerly stood at the south-west of St. Mary Magdalene's 
 Church. They were, together with the Roman East-gate, 
 taken down at the instigation of Sir Cecil Wray (not the 
 baronet previously mentioned) about the time — 1757 — he 
 built the house in Eastgate now occupied by Mr. A. Shuttle- 
 worth. 
 
 The Angel yard ceased to be a public thoroughfare 
 some few years back, the old buildings abutting on the 
 street being pulled down and the roadway widened. 
 
 THE OLD SPALDING LODGE. 
 
 All we know of the Old Spalding Lodge is the place 
 and date of its institution, viz., " The Black Bull," 22nd 
 June, 1739, No. 186, and its erasure in 1754. 
 
 The Black Bull, where the Lodge was constituted, was 
 also for a time the meeting place of the famous Gentlemen's 
 Society of Spalding. 
 
 This Society, founded by Maurice Johnson (a native of 
 Spalding) about the year 1710, had amongst its members 
 many of the noted literary men of the day — Sir Isaac 
 Newton, Sir Hans Sloane, Pope and Gay the Poets, &c. 
 The names also of many eminent Freemasons appear on 
 the list, including several Grand Masters and Deputy Grand 
 
The Old Spalding Lodge. 2 1 
 
 Masters, Doctor William Stukeley, the Antiquarian, together 
 with the following members of the Lincoln Lodge, viz.. Sir 
 Christopher Hales, Sigismund Trafiford, Edw. Walpole, 
 and Richard Welby, Esquires. 
 
 A notice of the Lincoln brethren has already been given, 
 as well as an account of Stukeley's introduction of the 
 craft into Grantham. A recent publication of the Doctor's 
 famous Diary has brought much interesting matter to light, 
 and places his testimony as regards the craft in a very 
 important position. 
 
 William Stukeley was born at Holbeach in 1687. 
 After studying medicine at Cambridge he began a practice 
 at Boston, afterwards practising in London and Grantham. 
 M.D. Cambridge, Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians ; 
 eventually entered the Church, and became successively 
 Vicar of All Saints', Stamford, and Rector of St. George 
 the Martyr, Queen's Square, London. 
 
 The Diary, under date Jan. 6, 172 1, states : — 
 
 " I was made a Freemason at the Salutation Tavern 
 Tavistock Street with Mr. Collins, Capt. Rowe, who made 
 the famous diving Engine." 
 
 A paragraph in the Autobiography says : — 
 
 " His curiosity led him to be initiated into the mysterys 
 of Masonry, suspecting it to be the remains of the mysterys 
 of the Antients, when with difficulty a number sufficient 
 was to be found in all London. After this it became a 
 public fashion, not only spred over Brittain & Ireland, but 
 all Europe." 
 
 In another place we read : — 
 
 " I was the first person made a freemason in London 
 for many years. We had great difficulty to find members 
 enough to perform the ceremony. Immediately after that 
 it took a run & ran itself out of breath thro' the folly of 
 the members." 
 
 " 1721 Dec. 27. We met at the Fountain Tavern Strand 
 & by consent of Grand Mr. present Dr. Beal (D.G.M.) con- 
 stituted a new lodge there where I was chose Mr." 
 
22 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 " 1722 May 25. Met Duke of Quensboro, Lord Dun- 
 barton, Hinchinbroke &c. at Fount. Tav. Lodg. to consider 
 of Feast of St. Johns." 
 
 "Nov. 3. The Duke of Wharton and Ld. Dalkeith 
 visited our Lodg at the Fountain." 
 
 "1723 Oct. 4. I read my discourse of the Dorchest. 
 Amphit. at the Lodg. & deliver'd to every Bror. a Copy." 
 
 "June 1726 being sadly plagu'd with the gout I retir'd 
 to Grantham, thinking by country exercise to get the 
 better of it. Here I set up a lodg. of Freemasons, wh. 
 lasted all the time I lived there." 
 
 No mention of the Grantham Lodge is to be found in 
 the records of the Grand Lodge, Stukeley probably not 
 deeming any connection with that body either necessary or 
 desirable. 
 
 Doctor Stukeley died from the efifects of a paralytic 
 stroke in 1765.* 
 
 If any records were kept of the proceedings of the Old 
 Spalding Lodge, which scarcely admits of a doubt, there 
 may be yet a possibility of something interesting turning 
 up amongst the mass of material collected at Spalding by 
 the old Society. 
 
 According to Bro. Gould's History, the year 1754 
 witnessed, in addition to the erasure of the two Lincolnshire 
 Lodges, that of 19 other country Lodges and about 50 in 
 the metropolis. The cause assigned for these erasures is 
 non-attendance at the Quarterly Communication, and the 
 consequent omission to "pay to the Grand Charity" the 
 amounts occasionally levied by Grand Lodge, 
 
 Attendance even by country Lodges appears to have 
 been necessary, as a By-law of the Saracen's Head Lodgef 
 allows the Master and Wardens a sum "towards their 
 Expences at the Qy. Communication that they may there 
 attend and take Care of the Interests of the Lodge." 
 
 * See an excellent paper on Dr. Stukeley, by R. F. Gould, in Vol. 6 of 
 the Transactions of Lodge Quatuor Coronati. 
 
 + Lodges ceased to be known by the signs of the houses where they were 
 held after about 1 770. 
 
Dr. William Dodd. 23 
 
 This compulsory visit to Grand Lodge would be all very 
 well providing the members were in town, but an especial 
 journey for the purpose would soon become very irksome. 
 
 Circumstances other than these may have conduced to 
 the decline of the craft in country districts, and probably 
 Doctor Oliver was not wide of the mark in the reasons he 
 assigns, viz., " the alterations which took place in the customs 
 of the higher ranks of society about the middle of the last 
 century, in the time of taking meals, appear to have caused 
 the discontinuance of their meetings, as they did also those 
 of the aristocratic club at the Green Man on Lincoln Heath 
 and several other convivial associations of a similar nature 
 in various parts of the kingdom." 
 
 Whether or not this was the case, the fact remains, that 
 with the extinction of these Lodges the craft appears out 
 of fashion in the county, no warrant being granted for 
 nearly half a century, nor with two or three exceptions, so 
 far as I have been able to trace, is a Lincolnshire family 
 mentioned in connection with any of the metropolitan 
 Lodges. A change will be noted in the social status of the 
 brethren on the revival in 1787. We no longer find the 
 majority in the Lodges consisting of county gentry, but 
 composed of people in the middle class and clergymen ; 
 the latter, indeed, appear to have entered zealously into the 
 working of the order, several names being mentioned as 
 attending the early Provincial meetings. 
 
 DR. WILLIAM DODD. 
 
 One of the most famous and eventually most notorious 
 men of his day was the Reverend William Dodd, Doctor of 
 Laws. Dodd was born at Bourne, Lincolnshire, where his 
 father was Vicar, in the year 1729. A man utterly devoid 
 of principle, yet possessing marvellous gifts of eloquence 
 and persuasion. As a popular preacher he was unrivalled, 
 and although his true character was again and again 
 exposed, such was his popularity, that a continual career of 
 
24 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 dissipation appeared to be ignored, and the people flocked 
 in overwhelming numbers to listen to his oratory. Nothing, 
 apparently, was too gross for Dodd to attempt ; amongst 
 other things recorded against him is the offer of a direct 
 bribe of ;£'3,ooo for the living of St. George's, Hanover 
 Square. Notwithstanding the amount of money he must 
 have received, he was always in debt, and most unscru- 
 pulous in the means of extricating himself. One of the 
 Doctor's lucrative positions was that of tutor to Philip 
 Stanhope, son of the Earl of Chesterfield. Being hard 
 pressed for money Dodd forged his pupil's signature to a 
 bond for ;^4,200, and although a great part of the money 
 was repaid he was arrested, tried, and convicted for forgery, 
 and sentenced to death. The most strenuous efforts were 
 made to obtain a pardon, the " Case of the unfortunate 
 Dr. Dodd" being the absorbing topic of conversation. 
 One petition alone is said to have contained over 20,000 
 signatures, but without avail, and the unhappy wretch was 
 carried from Newgate in a cart and hanged at Tyburn. 
 
 Doctor William Dodd was neither better nor worse 
 than the majority of his contemporaries. While he for his 
 misdoings was punished in this world, they, in this 
 respect more fortunate, were perhaps equally deserving of 
 punishment. Thackeray, in his Four Georges, writes: — 
 " A few years ago his [Hervey] heirs opened the lid of the 
 Ickworth box ; it was as if a Pompeii was opened to us — 
 the last century dug up, with its temples and its games, its 
 chariots, its public places. Wandering through that city of 
 the dead, that dreadfully selfish time, through those godless 
 intrigues and feasts, through those crowds, pushing and 
 eager, and struggling — rouged, and lying, and fawning — I 
 have wanted some one to be friends with. I have said to 
 friends conversant with that history, ' Show me some good 
 person about that Court; find me, among those selfish 
 courtiers, those dissolute, gay people, some one being that 
 I can love and regard . . . .' I read that Lady Yarmouth 
 (my most religious and gracious King's favourite) sold a 
 
Dr. William Dodd. 25 
 
 bishopric to a clergyman for ;^S,ooo. He betted her ;^ S.ooo 
 that he would not be made a bishop, and he lost, and paid 
 her. Was he the only prelate of his time led up by such 
 hands for consecration. As I peep into George II.'s, 
 St James's, I see crowds of cassocks rustling up the back 
 stairs of the ladies of the Court ; stealthy clergy slipping 
 purses into their laps ; that godless old King yawning under 
 his canopy in his Chapel Royal, as the chaplain before him 
 is discoursing about righteousness and judgment. Whilst 
 the chaplain is preaching, the King is chattering in german 
 almost as loud as the preacher, so loud that the clergyman 
 actually burst out crying in his pulpit because the Defender 
 of the Faith and dispenser of bishoprics would not listen to 
 him ! No wonder that the clergy were corrupt and indif- 
 ferent amidst this indifference and corruption, that sceptics 
 multiplied and morals degenerated." 
 
 Dodd doubtless saw in the masonic body and its aristo- 
 cratic connection a means of rising to eminence, and 
 evidently exerted himself to the utmost to achieve popu- 
 larity. He was initiated in the St. Alban's Lodge, No. 25, 
 London, April 3rd, 1775, and on May ist of that year, when 
 the foundation stone of Freemasons' Hall was laid, he was 
 appointed the first Grand Chaplain. 
 
 At the dedication of the building in the year following 
 the Doctor delivered a magnificent oration, a portion of 
 which I append : — 
 
 " But, give Masonry once to exert her heaven-descended 
 talents, let her rear the dwelling, and teach the lofty temple 
 to emulate the clouds ; — see what a train of Arts immediately 
 enter, and join, in ample suite, to give their patron Archi- 
 tecture completion and glory ! — Lo ! at their head. Sculpture 
 with his animating chisel bids the forming marble breathe ! 
 See Painting with his vivid pencil steal Nature's fairest 
 tints, while the glowing canvas starts beneath his touch into 
 beauty and life. But not the manual arts alone attend : 
 hark ! — through the finished dome divine Music pours her 
 soul-commanding sounds ; with her artful hand and finely- 
 
26 Preemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 varied tones sweetly enforcing the lofty and instructive 
 lessons of heaven born Poesy ! which, whilst it wraps the 
 delighted mind in deep contemplation, gives birth and 
 being to those sage, those civil, those legislative and moral 
 plans; or in one word, to all that round of speculative 
 Masonry, which secures, adorns, and dignifies society ; and 
 represents in strong contrast the savage and the civilized 
 man. And, while amidst the scientific labours of the Lodge, 
 elevated schemes of improving Art engage and enrapture 
 our Minds ; while holy and ancient mysteries warm the 
 imagination with improvement's kindred glow ; while in the 
 mournful investigation of a Brother's wants pleading pity 
 melts our eye, and generous compassion swells the feeling 
 breast ; While amidst the cheerful exertions of inoffensive 
 mirth, of heart enlarging, friendly communication, reflection 
 shall be enabled to look back with pleasure, and impartial 
 conscience shall find nothing to disapprove: then, my 
 brethren, may we with comfort and with confidence, lift up 
 our adoring hearts ; And we do lift them up to Thee, great 
 Nature's adorable and wondrous Geometrician ! Almighty 
 Parent of the World ! wise Former of Man ! imploring on 
 this, and on all other laudable undertakings. Thy favour, 
 Thy blessing, Thy aid : without which vain and fruitless 
 are all the efforts of feeble man ! 'Tis from Thee beneficent 
 Founder of our frame, that we have received the heart to 
 feel, the hand to labour, the eye to behold ; the ear to hear, 
 the tongue to proclaim ; and all the faculties which make 
 us susceptible of moral, partakers of natural good ! Teach 
 us, then, to delight in them, to improve them as Thy 
 blessing; and through the beauty, order, and excellence 
 of created things, to view, contemplate, and adore Thy 
 uncreated excellence and beauty ! Formed as Thy Temple, 
 and enriched with the ornaments of Thy creative wisdom — 
 consummate Architect of Thy master building, Man !— we 
 look up to Thee, to inspire us with understanding, with 
 science, with virtue, with all which can dignify, refine, and 
 exalt our nature, and render the temple at least not wholly 
 
The Revival of Masonry in Lincolnshire. 27 
 
 unworthy of its sacred inhabitant ! To this end, direct us 
 to make the Blessed Volume of Thy instructive wisdom, 
 the never erring square to regulate our conduct ; the compass 
 within whose circle we shall ever walk with safety and with 
 peace ; the infallible Plumb line and criterion of rectitude 
 and truth. Enable us to fill up every sphere of duty with 
 exactness and honour ; and by our amiable attention to all 
 the sweet and blessed offices, the endearing charities of 
 social life in particular, teach us to win the love of those 
 who unite in those tender offices with us ; and as fathers, 
 husbands, friends — as worthy men and worthy masons, to 
 distinguish and exalt the profession which we boast." 
 
 The revival of MASONRY in LINCOLNSHIRE. 
 
 Though dormant in Lincolnshire, Masonry was not by 
 any means in this condition generally. The great schism 
 in the government of the craft had arisen and prospered to 
 such an extent as to almost equal in authority the original 
 Grand Lodge. In 1775 was published with the approbation 
 of the Grand Master The Spirit of Masonry, by William 
 Hutchinson. This excellent work was the earliest of a 
 class which treats of the philosophic aspect of Masonry. 
 Its title, " The Spirit of Masonry," was happily imagined. 
 It has had many successors, but as an English Masonic 
 Classic it still holds sway with many of the craft's best 
 members. Hutchinson, who for upwards of four-score years 
 led a blameless and upright life, was born at Barnard Castle, 
 Durham, in 1732 ; a solicitor by profession, but an antiquarian 
 and archaeologist by taste and conviction. The History 
 and Antiquities of the County Palatine of Durham is a well 
 known work from his pen. 
 
 A few years after the publication oiThe Spirit of Masonry 
 Hutchinson became the first Master of the Raby Lodge at 
 Staindrop, near Darlington. One of the early members of 
 the Lodge was Matthew Barnett. It is exceedingly probable 
 
28 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 that the zeal and devotion to the tenets of the order which 
 were so conspicuously exhibited by Bro. Barnett during 
 many years as D.P.G.M. of Lincolnshire owe their existence 
 to Hutchinson and his admirable book. 
 
 THE SAINT MATTHEW'S LODGE AT 
 BARTON-UPON-HUMBER. 
 
 It is somewhat remarkable that the craft should almost 
 simultaneously spring up in different parts of the county, 
 viz., Barton in the north and Gainsborough in the west. 
 Only six months intervene between the formation of the 
 two Lodges, and so far as existing records show there was 
 no connection beyond an occasional interchange of visits. 
 
 As the Barton warrant was issued first, its precedence 
 seems always to have been acquiesced in. 
 
 The written proceedings of the St. Matthew's Lodge 
 are very scanty, a list of members and a cash book being 
 the most important. The warrant, together with a portion 
 of the Lodge furniture, have been preserved, but it is much 
 to be regretted that no minutes of its proceedings are forth- 
 coming. 
 
 The circumstances of Barnett's coming into Lincoln- 
 shire and his connection with the celebrated Hutchinson 
 are given elsewhere. Hutchinson being an officer of Grand 
 Lodge would naturally conduct the proceedings in a strictly 
 constitutional manner. Barnett of course would in the 
 St. Matthew's Lodge carry on as far as possible in the same 
 lines, and there can be no doubt, from his well known 
 business habits, that proper minutes of the Lodge business 
 would be made. 
 
 Could these be found, not only a valuable contribution 
 to the doings of the Province, but an extremely interesting 
 record of the best working of the day would be shown. 
 
 Bro. Barnett, after settling at Barton, appears almost 
 immediately to have set about establishing a Freemasons' 
 
The Saint Matthew's Lodge at Barton-upon-Humber. 29 
 
 Lodge. In the latter part of 1786 three of the intended 
 founders of the new Lodge received the three degrees in 
 the Minerva Lodge, Hull. 
 
 On the 20th of March, 1787, a warrant was granted 
 to form a Lodge at the George Inn (Bro. J. Morley's), 
 Barton-upon-Humber, to be called the Saint Matthew's 
 Lodge, and numbered 497. 
 
 On the first list of members, dated March 30th, 1787, 
 the following brethren are styled Institutors of the Lodge: — 
 
 Matthew Barnett, Schoolmaster, Barton-upon- 
 Humber, W.M. 
 
 Rev. Thomas Robinson, S.W., Barton-upon-Humber. 
 
 Field Dunn, Tanner, J.W., Barton-upon-Humber. 
 
 Rd. Nicholson, Attorney-at-Law, Brigg. 
 
 John Western, Mariner, Hull. 
 
 John Stevenson, Hull. 
 
 Thomas Matteson, Silk Mercer, Hull. 
 
 On the 2 1 St of September (St. Matthew's Day) the 
 Lodge was constituted or dedicated by Brother Fletcher, of 
 the Minerva Lodge, assisted by brethren of the Rodney 
 Lodge, Hull, and St. George's, East York Militia. 
 
 The bill for the furniture amounted to £\6 4s. Sd., and 
 comprised three chairs (Chippendale), £6 i8s. ; a malet and 
 two truncheons ; 3 candlesticks, £2 los. ; 2 Dorick columns, 
 IIS. 6d. ; and a wainscot boot jack, 8d. 
 
 The proceedings at the dedication of the new Lodge 
 included an oration by Bro. Barnett, a procession to the 
 Church of St. Peter, and Sermon by the Rev. Thos. Robinson. 
 About this time, also, three new members of St. Matthew's, 
 together with three of the founders, were exalted in the 
 Minerva Chapter. 
 
 As neither of the Barton churches are dedicated to 
 St. Matthew, we may presume that the new Lodge was 
 named after its principal founder. 
 
 The officers of St. Matthew's in Dec, 1794, were:— 
 Matthew Barnett, M. ; James Bygott, Draper and Grocer, 
 P.M. ; Field Dunn, Tanner, S.W. ; Wm. Benton, Surgeon, 
 
30 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 J.W.; Wm. Hesleden, Solicitor, Trea. ; Thos. Marris, 
 Solicitor, Sec. ; Wm. Johnson, Joiner, S.D. ; John Nicholson, 
 Surgeon, J.D. Admiral the Hon. Thomas Shirley, of 
 Horkstow, a past Warden of Grand Lodge (1764), joined 
 the St. Matthew's in 1796. The cash book contains entry 
 of payment of one guinea to Bro. Hilton, of Lincoln, for a 
 flag, provided according to order of P.G.L. in 1804. Many 
 entries are also made of cash to a distressed brother 
 
 In 1819 Daniel Greenwood, of Barton, printed an 
 Account of the present state of The St. MatthevJs Lodge 
 No. 4.88 Barton upon Humher. The book consists of 
 " Observations," •' The Excellency of Masonry displayed " 
 (chiefly a reprint from Preston), and new By-laws. 
 
 No statistics or anything approaching a history is 
 included. A paragraph in the " Observations " runs : — 
 
 " Since Free-masonry was first introduced into Barton, 
 numerous changes have taken place, some occasioned by 
 the removal of its members from the town, but far the 
 greater number, by peremptory calls to that ' bourn from 
 whence no traveller returns ! ' The Society however, has 
 been fortunately supplied with a succession of zealous 
 friends and advocates who by a strict adherence to the 
 systematic rules and precepts, and attention to the discipline 
 of the By-laws, have, in a short time, enabled it to discharge 
 all the heavy pecuniary claims : and the members can now 
 with pleasure boast of having a surplus in the hands of their 
 treasurer, with a prospect of such rapid increase, as will 
 enable the Lodge to relieve the poor and needy ; to reward 
 merit and virtue in distress ; persons who are incapable of 
 extricating themselves from misfortune in the journey 
 through life; industrious brethren, who from inevitable 
 accidents, and acts of Providence have fallen into ruin, and 
 the aged, whose spirits are exhausted, whose arms are 
 unbraced by time, and thereby rendered unable to procure 
 for themselves that sustenance they could accomplish in 
 their youthful days." 
 
 The By-laws were 31 in number. The Lodge met twice 
 a month in winter and once in summer. 
 
The Saint Matthew's Lodge at Barton-upon-Humber. 3 1 
 
 The ballot for a candidate must be unanimous. 
 The fees for making : — Three guineas and a half, which 
 included the G. Lodge registry half-a-guinea, and half-a- 
 crown to the Tyler. Certificates were furnished by the 
 Secretary, the charge being half-a-crown. 
 
 The yearly subscription was ten shillings and sixpence 
 for Lodge expenses, and two shillings to the Fund of 
 Benevolence. 
 
 The Festival was kept on Saint Matthew's Day, "at 
 which time the brethren shall dine together, and the whole 
 of the Fraternity shall be bid, including residents of Barton, 
 and non-residents; and the R.W.M. and Wardens shall 
 invite the brethren of any provincial or other lodges they 
 may think proper, towards promoting brotherly love, good 
 fellowship, and the reciprocal interests of the fraternity." 
 
 By-law 22. — "When the Candidate has obtained his 
 first Degree, the R.W.M. or his deputy, shall read the 
 initiatory prayer with proper solemnity from the pedestal ; 
 and also deliver the exordium on Masonry, the brethren all 
 standing. He shall further explain to him the nature and 
 advantages of the Order, and the importance of his under- 
 taking." 
 
 The Rev. Matthew Barnett removed from Barton to 
 Market Rasen some time between 1813-1816.* 
 
 The Lodge apparently steadily progressed up to about 
 1820. At the P. G. Lodge held at Lincoln in April of that 
 year the St. Matthew's was represented, and new Stewards 
 appointed as usual. 
 
 This, so far as the records show, was the last attendance 
 
 at RG.L. No initiation took place between 1 820-1 825 ; 
 
 whether or no the brethren met during this interval it is 
 
 impossible to state with certainty. In 1825 George Capes 
 
 is notified as W.M. 
 
 * At a Quarterly Communication of Grand Lodge, Dec. 7th, 1842, a sum 
 of rta was voted to the widow of the late Rev. M. Barnett. When discussing 
 the petition it was stated that Bro. Barnett had not subscribed to any lodge 
 after 1815. J- Lee Stevens, a personal friend of Dr. Oliver, had the case in 
 hand on behalf of the widow. The determination of the Committee appears 
 to have been adjourned several times, but whether on account of the non- 
 subscription, or mere opposition to its supporter, is difficult to say. 
 
32 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 Bro. Capes, a Draper, of Barton, was initiated in the 
 St. Matthew's Lodge in 1808. He appears as Prov. G. 
 Secretary in 18 16, and held the post for several years. In 
 conjunction with C. Curtois, he selected the design for the 
 P.G.L. Banner, painted by the famous Hilton. 
 
 In 1826 Bro. Capes published his Remmiscenses of Free 
 Masonry. This little book shows the writer to have been a 
 most earnest and intelligent craftsman. It is, indeed, 
 surprising to find a country draper of that age possessed of 
 such a thorough grasp of the subject. 
 
 Bro. Capes' accession to the chair was signalized by the 
 admission of eleven new members, one of the last of these 
 being William Hiram Shearwood, Surgeon, of Barrow. 
 
 After 1825 no initiation fees are entered in the cash 
 book, and the Lodge appears to have gradually declined. 
 
 Notice was served on the W.M. to produce his books at 
 the P.G.L. held at Lincoln in May, 1834. The last entry 
 in cash book is dated Sept., 1836. 
 
 The few remaining members (seven in 1836) continued 
 their dues to Grand Lodge for many years, but so far as the 
 Province is concerned no mention is made of St. Matthew's 
 after the 1820 meeting. That the Lodge met occasionally 
 is evident from a copy of a petition to the P.G.M. (Tennyson) 
 appealing against the decision of the D.P.G.M. (Barnett) in 
 refusing a dispensation to enable the Lodge to lay the 
 foundation stone of a new school. 
 
 The St. Matthew's Lodge was erased from the roll of 
 Grand Lodge in 185 1. The warrant is now in the possession 
 of the present Lodge, as well as a portion of the furniture, 
 the latter including Masters' and Wardens' chairs, columns, 
 ballot box, and a copy, painted on a board, of the Ten 
 Commandments and the Apostles' Creed. 
 
 James Bygott, whose name has previously been men- 
 tioned, continued a member of the Lodge for many years 
 and undertook the duties of Provincial Secretary in 1807. 
 
 He appears also to have been a subscriber, and possibly 
 a contributor, to the Freemasons' Magazine, at the starting 
 
The Prince of Wales' Lodge, Gainsborough. 33 
 
 of that periodical in 1792. Three volumes of this work, 
 bearing the signature James Bygott, Barton, came into the 
 possession of Bro. W. G. Moore, of Lincoln, and were by 
 him presented to the Witham Lodge Library during his 
 year of office as W.M. (1868). The perusal of these books 
 considerably influenced the compiling of the present work. 
 
 THE PRINCE OF WALES' LODGE, 
 GAINSBOROUGH. 
 
 A few months after the warrant was issued for the 
 St. Matthew's Lodge another was granted for a Lodge to 
 be held at the White Lion Inn, Gainsborough, bearing date 
 28th November, 1787, numbered 514, and to be called the 
 Prince of Wales' Lodge. 
 
 This warrant is now in the possession of Brother T. E. 
 Jacobson, of Sleaford, having, together with a jewel of the 
 Lodge, been confided to his keeping by one of the old Hope 
 members. The document, written on vellum, is in an old 
 gilt frame and glazed. 
 
 The old minute book of the Prince of Wales' Lodge, 
 now among the archives of the Yarborough, contains its 
 history for over twenty years, and shows it to have been one 
 of the most energetic and prosperous Lodges in the county, 
 due probably in a great measure to the position which the 
 town held as the key to the navigation of the Trent and 
 the Midland Counties, and also to the zeal and energy of 
 Bro. Gervas Parnell, Surgeon, who for over twenty years 
 presided over its destinies as Worshipful Master. The 
 copious extracts which I have taken will, I believe, interest 
 both the student and the youngest mason— the former as 
 showing how the Lodge procedure had changed during the 
 fifty years between the Lincoln and Gainsborough records, 
 and the latter by enabling him to compare the working of 
 1787 with that of the present time. 
 
34 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 As just stated, the Lodge was chartered on 28th Nov. 
 The brethren must immediately have commenced operations 
 or very probably had a provisional authority to work by, as 
 the first entry in the minute book is a Lodge of Emergency 
 dated Wednesday, 17th Dec, only nineteen days after date 
 of warrant, nothing being mentioned as to by-laws, fees, or 
 routine business of any description, which must have pre- 
 viously been agreed upon. The following is the minute 
 just referred to : — 
 
 "Gainsborough Wednesday 17th December AL. 5787 
 AD. 1787. 
 
 "Lodge No. 514 The Prince of Wales ( ^fl^, ^V^^ 
 ^, T- I White Lion. 
 
 Of Emergency 
 
 " Was this night opened in due Form, in the first degree, 
 or that of an Entered Apprentice, when Mr. Saml. Houghton, 
 Mr. Edmund Woodhead, Mr. John Groombridge, Mr. W. P. 
 Martindale and Mr. John Trevor, Candidates for Masonry 
 were Ballotted for and unanimously approved of and received 
 the first Step or that of an Entered Apprentice, the Lecture 
 worked & the Lodge closed." 
 
 " Brethren Present Visiting Brethren 
 
 " Edward Peart R. W. M. {M.D.) Robt. Sutton of Lodge 497. 
 "James Mosgrave S.W. {Sea Thos. Tomes-25 Gibraltar. 
 
 Captain) 
 "Francis Woodhouse J.W. {Mariner). 
 "John Turner {Merchant). 
 "Geo. Dickinson A.S. Geo. Dickinson A.S." 
 
 The Lodge met again five days later. Balloted for and 
 made an E. A., immediately afterwards giving him the 
 second degree in company with the five initiated on the 17th. 
 A motion (proposed by a five days' old brother) " that the 
 same regularity {sic\ respect to a Brother and obedience to 
 the Master be shewn at the time of supper as in the Lodge " 
 was carried. A Mr. C. H, was balloted for and rejected, 
 another name being accepted. The services of one of the 
 visitors were requisitioned soon after. The minute of 
 March 6th, 1788, records that Thomas Tomes, W.M., and 
 
The Prince of Wales' Lodge, Gainsborough. 35 
 
 Edwd. Peart, R. W.M., held a Lodge and passed five brethren 
 through the chair. This custom of passing the chair is 
 continued right through the records, though I do not find 
 another instance where only two held a Lodge. In the 
 following month a Lodge of Emergency was held when the 
 " Brothers met and the Lodge open'd in the first Degree, 
 when the Right Worshipful Master Edwd. Peart appointed 
 Brother Parnel to fill the Chair as W.M. who appointed 
 Bro. Woodhead S.W. and Bro. Groombridge J.W." 
 
 The R.W.M. and W.M. are frequently mentioned as being 
 in Lodge together, the latter sometimes being styled DM. 
 
 Brother Edward Peart was a Physician of some eminence 
 in his day, and the author of one if not more medical works. 
 He soon resigned the management of the Lodge to Bro. 
 Gervas Parnel, and there is no future record of his presence 
 on any important occasion. 
 
 On Dec. i, 1788, the Lodge ordered "A proper Case 
 with folding doors for the Warrant or Constitution." 
 
 Lodges were frequently held twice a week ; the first and 
 second degrees usually conferred at the same time. The 
 Lodge was opened at once in the degree required, and the 
 lectures were invariably worked. The night's bill averaged 
 about seven shillings. There are many entries showing 
 that the Lodge carried out its principles of relief to the 
 distressed. 
 
 Visitors attended nearly every meeting, and included 
 brethren from all parts of England and very frequently 
 from abroad, several hailing from the West Indies; one 
 brother is entered as Moses Pinto, a Turk, another as Bro. 
 Cozens, or Cousans, Lodge of Antiquity No. i. The Master 
 and Officers were elected, and the feast kept, on St. John's 
 Day in a right loyal manner. 
 
 The Tyler appears to have been somewhat shaky, as 
 there is several times appended to his election the warning 
 Dum bene gesserit. 
 
 On July 20, 1789, a motion was made "that Mr. Richd. 
 Wharam an Antient Mason be made a Modern Mason and 
 become a Member of this Lodge," 
 
36 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 Bro. Gervas Parnell, of course, would not countenance 
 any disloyalty to the Grand Master, consequently Mr. 
 Richard Wharam was re-obligated or re-initiated in the 
 ordinary manner. 
 
 This was the usual custom of the Lodge, but it redounds 
 to its credit that relief was always afforded to Antient 
 brethren. 
 
 Notice was inserted in the Lincoln papers the preceding 
 three weeks that the Lodge would celebrate the Prince of 
 Wales' birthday on the 13th Aug., 1792. Accordingly, on 
 the day named, the brethren went in procession to Church, 
 in the following order : — 
 
 A Tyler with his sword. 
 
 Union Flag displayed. 
 
 Band of Music of the i6th Reg. of Light Dragoons. 
 
 Brethren of the North Nottinghamshire Lodge, Retford. 
 
 Corinthian Lodge, Newark. 
 
 St. George's Lodge, Doncaster. 
 
 Doric Lodge, Grantham. 
 
 St. Matthew's, Barton-on-Humber. 
 
 Provincial Grand Officers. 
 
 Prince of Wales' Lodge, Gainsborough. 
 
 The sermon was preached by the Rev. B. Jordan from 
 I Tim. 1-5. 
 
 Visitors present from Birmingham, Epsom (Surrey) 
 Sandwich, St. George's ist Dragoon Guards, St. George's 
 East York Militia, and Congleton (Cheshire). 
 
 "1799. A motion was carried that a Proper Gown 
 Trousers be made for the Initiating of the new made 
 Brethren." 
 
 In January, 1800, most of the members joined the 
 Masonic Benefit Society. 
 
 The last entry, made in 1808, shows the Lodge in a 
 flourishing condition. Unfortunately the next minute book 
 is missing, and nothing is known as to the cause of its 
 decline. 
 
The Prince of Wales' Lodge, Gainsborough. 37 
 
 The Grand Lodge records state that the warrant was 
 removed to New Sleaford in 1818, being called the Lodge 
 of Hope. It there appears to have flourished for a few 
 years, a very successful Provincial Lodge being held under 
 its banners in 182 1. It was erased from Grand Lodge in 
 1828, and with the exception of the warrant and jewel 
 before mentioned no record of the Sleaford working exists. 
 
 Gervas Parnell, to whose energetic management 
 the Gainsborough Lodge doubtless owed its success, was 
 born about the year 1753, and initiated in the Prince of 
 Wales' Lodge, Gainsborough, 21st Jan., 1788. He appears 
 to have been highly esteemed, and an excellent mason, 
 being elected W.M. of the Lodge the April following his 
 initiation. To him and the Rev. M. Barnett must be 
 allotted the credit of carrying on the formation and business 
 of the new Province. Parnell successively filled the chairs 
 of P.J.W., S.W., and D.P.G.M., and was probably a contri- 
 butor to the Freemason^ Magazine. 
 
 The following congratulatory letter, sent to him on his 
 marriage, shows the estimation in which he was held by 
 his brethren in the Lodge : — 
 "Sep. 1 8th 1797. 
 
 " Right Worshipful Master. 
 
 " I am desired by the Worshipful Master and Brethren 
 of the Prince of Wales' Lodge to congratulate you on the 
 Honourable Bands of Wedlock. May Prosperity, Health 
 and Happiness attend you Both and may you ever continue 
 to be what you have been, A Friend to the oppressed, 
 Candid in your Undertakings Not equal'd in your Profession 
 and we may with propriety say an Ornament to Mankind, 
 Particularly to our Antient and Honourable Society. 
 
 "That^ you and yours may long enjoy in Peace and 
 Harmony the Nuptial Band is the sincere wish," &c. 
 
 This nuptial band lasted for nearly thirty years. A 
 massive gravestone under the east window of the Parish 
 Church records the death in 1825 of" Anne Wife of Gervas 
 Parnell aged 70 years. Also of Gervas Parnell who died 
 December 19th 1831 Aged 78 years." 
 
38 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 Thomas Cooper, the sometime Chartist Leader, but 
 latterly Baptist Preacher and Lecturer, was a Blue-coat boy 
 at Gainsborough in 1813. His reminiscences, published 
 1879, say, "The day after Christmas Day was a high day 
 with us as Bluecoat boys. We then received our yearly 
 new coat and cap, at the house of Dr. Parnell. Gervase 
 Parnell Esquire, was his full name and title ; and a finer 
 specimen of the old-fashioned gentleman, with his powdered 
 head and gold-headed cane, you would nowhere see." 
 
 The motion for Brother Parnell's re-election to the chair 
 was usually as follows : — 
 
 " Bro. B. then proposed ' that the universal Satisfaction 
 and Happiness which the Brothers had been impressed with 
 during the time the R.W.M. Gervas Parnell had been in the 
 Chair, that he be again solicited to continue that ofifice for 
 the Ensueing Year.' " 
 
 The last entry in the minute book is a truly Masonic 
 
 record : — „ xx „ , „ « 
 
 "Dec. 28th 1808. 
 
 " Brother Trevor proposed that the Brethren present do 
 
 contribute such sums as they think proper for the assistance 
 
 and Relief of Brother J. Buxton Master of the Hope 
 
 Transport, who had been taken prisoner by the French, 
 
 where he then was in prison, but no particulars had then 
 
 been heard of him, and it was not known how to address to 
 
 him— when the sum of ;^3 - 17 o was immediately 
 
 collected from the Bros, present and paid into the hands of 
 
 the R.W.M. Bro. Parnell with a request from the Lodge to 
 
 administer any part of the sum raised to the Relief of the 
 
 Wife of Bro. Buxton who was left by the unfortunate Event 
 
 with Six children in great distress." 
 
 A similar motion for the relief of a sick brother produced 
 the sum of £2 3s. 
 
 The chairs so ably occupied by Bro, Parnell and his 
 Wardens occupy a similar position in the present Gains- 
 borough Lodge. To fill them as worthily may properly be 
 the emulation of every Yarborough brother. 
 
Tke Doric Lodge, Grantham. 39 
 
 The following letter from the D.P.G.M. to the Grand 
 Secretary shows the decline of the Lodge : — 
 
 " Market Rasen Jany. 22 1817. 
 " Dear Sir & Brother, 
 
 " I have had an application from the Master of the 
 Prince of Wales's Lodge at Gainsbro, to allow them to 
 dispose of their Warrant of Constitution to the Brethren of 
 the Welland Lodge at Spalding. Through want of Economy 
 and without a due observation of the Rules of Masonry 
 they have got a little wrong in their Finances. I exhorted 
 them to live up to the Duties and precepts of Masonry, to 
 use Economy, and they would soon again increase and 
 flourish. But they still persevere in the Idea of disposing 
 of their Warrant in answer to which I told them, that as a 
 true Friend of the Institution I would not encourage their 
 Intention and they might if they chose, write to you on the 
 Subject — you will therefore act as you think proper, and if 
 you have any directions to give me please to forward them 
 on the blank part of the last Quarterly Communication, 
 which I have not yet received. 
 
 " I am dear Sir & Brother 
 
 " Yours very sincerely 
 
 " Matthew Barnett D.P.G.M." 
 
 Several letters on the subject are also among the Barnett 
 papers in P.G. Lodge. 
 
 THE DORIC LODGE, GRANTHAM. 
 
 We now come to the last of this series. 
 
 As noticed in the memoir of our first Provincial Grand 
 Master, the Rev. W. Peters was instituted to the Rectory 
 of Woolsthorpe, near .Grantham, in 1788, coming into 
 residence about 1790. It is very probable owing to this 
 circumstance, that Masonry in Grantham came again into 
 activity. The presence in the neighbourhood of one so 
 famous in his profession as an artist, so specially honoured 
 
40 Freemasonry tn Lincolnshire. 
 
 in the craft, and also Incumbent of one of the Rutland 
 livings, would naturally be an inducement to those who 
 had been initiated to start a Lodge under such favourable 
 auspices, and, to others, to join a society which numbered 
 amongst its adherents the highest in the land. 
 
 Who first mooted the idea is not known, but, as will be 
 seen, the reverend gentleman gave it encouragement. 
 
 From the old minute book now in possession of the 
 present Doric Lodge we learn that the following petition, 
 bearing date Sept. 22nd, 1791, was forwarded to Grand 
 Lodge : — 
 
 "We the undersigned Brethren in Masonry, being 
 Masters, having signified our intention to Brother Peters 
 G.P.P. of applying to the Grand Lodge in London for a 
 Warrant. He having assisted us by giving a Recommenda- 
 tion, we the undermentioned Masters forward our Petition 
 requesting a Warrant to empower us to hold a Lodge at 
 the George Inn Grantham to be called the Doric Lodge. 
 
 " Signed John Dodsworth 
 John Langwith 
 Peter Tyler." 
 
 Brother Peters had evidently well backed the petition, 
 for in a very short time a warrant was received from Sir 
 Peter Parker, Deputy Grand Master, numbered 582, dated 
 1st October, 1791, "in consideration of the great trust and 
 confidence reposed in every one of the Petitioners, do hereby 
 constitute the said Brethren into a regular Lodge of Free 
 and Accepted Masons under the Title or Denomination of 
 the Doric Lodge, to be held at the George Inn, Grantham." 
 
 A preliminary meeting of the brethren was held on 
 Oct. Sth, and on the 13th of the same month the officers 
 were duly installed, the Master of the Corinthian Lodge, 
 Newark, Sherbrooke Lowe, Esq., (late High Sheriff of 
 Notts.), Bro. W. Gibson, and eight other brethren coming 
 over to Grantham for the purpose. The minute book 
 records as follows : — 
 
The Doric Lodge, Grantham. 41 
 
 "Lodge night Oct. 13th 1791 
 
 " at the George Inn 
 ' Lodge opened in ye Degree of Master, & ye officers 
 Installed by Brother Gibson. 
 
 « John Dodsworth R.W.M. 
 " P. Tyler S.W. 
 " R. Winter J.W. 
 " W. Cooper Sec. 
 "T. Liddiard 
 " C. Costal 
 
 " Wm. Bradley Tyler 
 "W. T. Catlett 
 "J. Langwith 
 "After ye Installation & Charge the Lodge proceed & 
 made Wm. Todhill Catlett Master. 
 
 " Clos'd the Lodge in Mrs. Degree & Open'd in ye F.C. 
 R. Winter Ma'd F.C. 
 
 " Lodge Closed in ye Degree of F.C. & opened in ye 
 E.P. Wm. Bradley Mai'd E.P. 
 
 "Closed ye lodge in ye E.P. degree & opened in ye 
 degree of F.C. 
 
 " Wm. Bradley Past to F.C. & made Tyler." 
 
 All the above mentioned brethren, with the exception 
 of Dodsworth, had been a few months previously initiated 
 in the Newark Lodge. 
 
 "Nov. 3rd 1791. An Order is this Day made in the 
 Doric Lodge, that the R.W.M., Deputy M., Wardens, or 
 any Brothers wish to visit any of other Lodges it must be 
 agreed upon at a Lodge Night in the Lodge, and if any 
 Brother go for the Benefit of the Lodge, only his or their 
 expences are to be pay'd out of the funds." 
 
 The Lodge about this period consisted of a R.W.M., 
 D.M., S.W., J.W., Sec, Trea., and seventeen others. 
 
 The Lodge relieved strange brethren, including several 
 Turks. 
 
42 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 "May 1 8th 1792. 
 
 " It is agreed that a Lodge of Emergency is held on 
 Thursday ye 21st of June next being the Day fix'd for 
 holding the Anniversary of the Doric Lodge and a Sermon 
 is to be preached by Our Revd. Brother Nicholson. 
 
 " And letters must be sent to all the neighbouring Lodges 
 And to Wright to Darby & Gainsboro." 
 
 This 2 1st of June was the date of the first meeting of 
 P.G.L. The Rev. W. Peters presided at the June Lodges, 
 and from the small attendance it seems almost as if the 
 Doric members were not very enthusiastic over their new 
 ruler. 
 
 "June 14 1792. The Rev. W. Peters P.G.M. presided. 
 The Rev. Mr. Hoe of Knipton ballotted for and accepted. 
 Only 6 Brethren present. Eleven absent including the 
 R.W.M. D.M. & Rev. Brother Nicholson." 
 
 On June 20, the day before P.G.L. Meeting, Peters 
 again presided, five only being present, thirteen noted as 
 absent. 
 
 No mention of the proceedings of Prov. G. Lodge are 
 recorded in the Doric minutes. 
 
 On the 5th of Oct., 1792, the Rev. J. Nicholson, of 
 Aswarby, was installed Master. In the following December, 
 a Royal Proclamation having been issued concerning the 
 circulation of seditious writings, &c., the Lodge passed a 
 resolution " expressing their loyalty and attachment to the 
 King and Constitution." 
 
 Jan. 1 1. " Bro. Thos. Robins conduct being taken into 
 consideration it was unanimously agreed that he is an 
 Injured Individual & this Lodge is satisfyd that the Stigma 
 was unjust." 
 
 Mar. 14, 1794. Lodge removed from the George to the 
 Ship Tavern. 
 
 In April, 1794, the by-laws were revised, and two 
 initiations are recorded. 
 
The Doric Lodge, Grantham. 43 
 
 Oct. 10, 1794. Brother Winter was elected Master. 
 
 Nov. 14, 1794. Lodge met, but no record of business 
 is made. 
 
 With this entry the written proceedings abruptly 
 terminate, not the slightest hint or clue, beyond the usual 
 complaints as to arrears of subscriptions, being given, 
 whereby any reason can be assigned for such a sudden 
 collapse. 
 
 The following extracts from the records of the Prince 
 of Wales' Lodge, Gainsborough, somewhat elucidate the 
 mystery : — 
 "Dec. 17th 1792. 
 
 " A letter being read from the Provincial Grand Master 
 respecting the additional sum of five shillings being paid 
 by every new made Br. — it was proposed by the R.W.M. 
 & seconded by Br. Bromby that it be decented from and a 
 Proper Letter be sent to the Pro. G. Master." 
 
 We have already noticed the apparent coolness between 
 the P.G.M. and the Doric brethren. If this were so, the 
 feeling would be much intensified by the impost of five 
 shillings, and probably, when the levy was decented from, 
 the Proper Letter would not be written. 
 
 At the second P.G.L., held at Barton, August, 1793, the 
 D.P.G.M., Chap., Sec, Trea. (members of the Doric Lodge), 
 were not present. The Doric is not recorded as being 
 "represented," though Bro. Langwith as P.G.Arch. and 
 Bro. Bradley as Tyler attended. 
 
 Another Gainsborough minute, dated April i8th, 1796, 
 reads : — 
 
 "A memorial from the Provincial Grand Master was 
 then read as follows ' The Doric Lodge at Grantham having 
 ceased to meet or refused to comply with the laws of the 
 Provincial Society of Free-Masons founded on the Consti- 
 tutional Law of the Grand Lodge of England, is by the 
 Provincial Grand Master's command erased from the list of 
 Provincial Lodges. . gj^^^^ Peters P.G.M.' 
 
44 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 " It was therefore unanimously agreed that the R.W.M. 
 be re-imbursed the sum of Thirteen Shillings, being this 
 Lodge's proportion of the Arrears due from the Doric Lodge 
 for expences of the Provincial Grand Meeting in the year 
 1794 which was accordingly paid him." 
 
 The advertisement inserted in the Stamford Mercury 
 convening the Lincoln meeting concludes : — 
 
 " The Doric Lodge at Grantham having ceased to meet 
 or declined conforming to the constituted Laws of the 
 Grand Lodge of England is no longer acknowledged by the 
 Prov. G. Master as a Lodge of Regular Masons. 
 " Knipton near Belvoir Castle. 
 "May 23 1796 
 " Peters 
 
 " Grand Master for the County of Lincoln 
 "John Bullen Grand Secretary." 
 
 On 4th April, 1798, nine Lodges, including the Doric, 
 were erased by Grand Lodge from the list, having ceased 
 to meet or neglected to comply with the laws of the society. 
 No return by the Doric was made after nth Oct., 1792. 
 In the course of correspondence which took place at the 
 formation of the present Lodge, 1819-20, it was elicited that 
 the names of several brethren initiated in 1791 had never 
 been returned for registration. There can be little doubt, 
 from the frequent communications passing between the 
 P.G.M. and the Grand Lodge officials, that the social status 
 of the leading Doric members was well known at head 
 quarters, and that the omission in making the regular returns 
 was looked upon somewhat in the light of contumacy, 
 hence the summary and unusual course of erasure within 
 so short a time of commencement. 
 
The Office of Prov. Grand Master &• Prov. Grand Lodge. 45 
 
 THE OFFICE OF PROVINCIAL GRAND MASTER 
 AND PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE. 
 
 As an introduction to this stage of our history some 
 few remarks appear necessary regarding the formation and 
 growth of the Grand Lodge of England, that body from 
 which our Provincial Masters derive their authority. 
 
 There can be no doubt that when the few London 
 brethren met together in 17 17 to form the first Grand 
 Lodge not the remotest idea would be entertained of its 
 authority being extended over all England. 
 
 Indeed, according to Doctor Stukeley's account of his 
 initiation, the Society for some time made no progress at 
 all. In 1 72 1 the brethren experienced the " happy Prospect 
 of being again patronized by Noble Grand Masters " by 
 the acceptance of the office by the Duke of Montagu. 
 After this the Lodges increased rapidly, too rapidly for 
 the Doctor, who writes as if he were disgusted with the 
 course of events. It is evident that no design of extending 
 the authority of Grand Lodge existed at the time of the 
 publication of the First Book of Constitutions in 1723, as 
 the Regulations are expressly stated to be for the " Use of 
 the Lodges in and about London and Westminster!' A 
 minute of Grand Lodge of the same year also states that it 
 was " agreed that no new lodge in or near London should 
 countenanced without it be Regularly Constituted." 
 
 Several similar regulations are applied only to Lodges 
 within the "Bills of Mortality" or "within ten miles of 
 London. 
 
 These extracts suffice to show that Stukeley transgressed 
 no law or custom of the craft when he " set up his lodg. at 
 Grantham." 
 
 Bro. Gould, in his History (which every one should 
 consult on this interesting epoch of the craft), gives the list 
 of Lodges, eighteen in number, which were represented at 
 Grand Lodge in December, 1727. These without exception 
 were Metropolitan Lodges. 
 
46 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 He also records an application by the members of the 
 Lodge at the King's Head, Salford, Manchester, at the 
 same meeting, " that their names might be entered in the 
 Grand Lodge Books and themselves taken under the care 
 and patronage of Grand Lodge," which was acceded to. 
 Bro. Gould goes on to say that this application deserves to 
 be recorded, both as showing the existence at that time of 
 Lodges other than those forming part of the regular estab- 
 lishment, as well as the tendency of all such bodies to 
 gradually become absorbed within the central organization. 
 
 A similar course of action to that of the Salford brethren 
 would doubtless be taken by the other country Lodges 
 whose names appeared on the early Engraved Lists, a fact 
 which would at once suggest to Grand Lodge the desirability 
 of an extended sphere of authority. 
 
 It should also be noted that, notwithstanding the inde- 
 pendence of the York Grand Lodge being always acknow- 
 ledged, no scruple appears to have been felt by the London 
 Lodge as to the propriety of appointing Deputations to the 
 north of England. 
 
 The office and duties of the Provincial Grand Master, or 
 as it was then styled. Deputation, appear in 
 
 NEW BOOK 
 
 OF 
 
 Constitutions 
 
 OF THE 
 
 Stntfcnt and HotiourabU Fraternity 
 
 OF 
 
 FREE and Accepted MASONS. 
 
 CONTAINING 
 
 Their History, Charges, Regulations, &c. 
 
 Collected and Digested 
 
 By Order of the Grand Lodge from their old Records, 
 
 faithful Traditions and Lodge-Books, 
 
 For the Use of the LODGES. 
 
 By James Anderson, D. D . 
 
 Z ND N: M DCC XXXVIII. 
 
The Office of Prov. Grand Master & Prov. Grand Lodge. 47 
 
 The first appointment to the office is recorded as 
 follows : — 
 
 "Thus on 10 May 1727. 
 
 "INCHIQUIN Grand Master granted a iOeputatiOn to 
 Hugh Warburton, Esq; to be ^robtllCtal Grand Master 
 of North- Wales at Chestet." 
 
 A second edition of this work, printed " in the Vulgar 
 Year of Masonry 574^" has a title page with table of 
 contents, " To which are added 
 
 " VI. A List of the Lodges in and about London and 
 Westminster; with the Deputations of several grand Masters 
 for the forming of Lodges in Wales, the remote Parts of 
 England, and in foreign Realms." 
 
 We must presume that Lincolnshire was not then con- 
 sidered a remote part of England, as three of these 
 Deputations, viz., Lancashire, Durham, and Northumber- 
 land, were granted during the Grand Mastership of the 
 Earl of Craufurd, whose Deputy was Sir Cecil Wray, the 
 Master of the Lodge held at the Saracen's Head, Lincoln, 
 and also of one (now No. 28) in London — a most zealous 
 and energetic mason, in fact just such a man, had he lived 
 in our day, as the Grand Master would delight to honour 
 by conferring upon him a Provincial Mastership.* 
 
 The early manner of forming a new Lodge in London, 
 and doubtless followed in Lincolnshire, was by petition to 
 the Grand Master to constitute. On the prayer being 
 granted the Grand Master, or his Deputy, together with the 
 Grand Wardens, would attend on the day agreed upon and 
 perform the usual ceremony. Little is known beyond the 
 account in Anderson's Constitutions of the " Antient Manner 
 of Constituting a Lodge." The ceremony was apparently 
 somewhat on the lines of our present installation ; and, as 
 
 * It should be stated that Bro. H. Sadler gives in The Freemason, '^yine, 1886, 
 an official list of the members of a Chester Lodge dated Nov., 1725, which is 
 headed by the name of Col. Columbine, Provincial Grand Master. Bro. Sadler, 
 however, remarks that no account of the appointment is to be found, neither 
 did any Chester member ever attend Grand Lodge, nor pay anything to the 
 Charity. 
 
48 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 mention is there made of "the several parts and usages 
 being gone through in the just Solemnity," it may also have 
 included some form of dedication. 
 
 When the idea began to be entertained by Grand Lodge 
 of extending its authority outside the Metropolis, the im- 
 possibility of the Grand Master attending to constitute in a 
 distant part of the country must at once have suggested a 
 delegation of this function to some resident brother, who 
 would also foster the formation of loyal Lodges, and dis- 
 countenance those (of which no doubt there were several) 
 who owned no allegiance. 
 
 Whether the new Provincial Rulers answered the ex- 
 pectations of Grand Lodge it is impossible to say. In the 
 course of a few years the warrant became of paramount 
 importance, and was styled " The Constitution." The old 
 ceremony, whatever that may have been, whether much or 
 little, being apparently of no consequence. This at least 
 was the case in our own county, no Grand officer or 
 Provincial officer being recorded as present at the opening 
 of any Lodge prior to the appointment of Doctor Oliver as 
 D.P.G.M. 
 
 It is very remarkable, considering the calling of our first 
 P.G.M., and the determination he exhibited at all times of 
 keeping up the dignity of the office, that he should have 
 shown no interest in the consecration or installation ceremony 
 of the Witham Lodge ; yet it is a fact that neither he nor 
 any of his officers were present, and that not only the con- 
 secration ceremony but the carrying out of the instructions 
 contained in the warrant were due to the masonic zeal of 
 an official from another Province. 
 
 Bro. Henry Sadler, in his Life of Thomas Dunckerley, 
 whom he terms " the Father of the present race of Provincial 
 Grand Masters," says, " In the year 1767 the office was 
 virtually dormant in England, as were also most of those 
 who held it. At the outside there were not more than a 
 dozen, some of whom had not been heard of by the Grand 
 Secretary for several years ; this however, was not of much 
 
The Office of Prov. Grand Master & Prov. Grand Lodge. 49 
 
 consequence, as in the early days, the appointments were 
 generally made without the slightest regard to either 
 expediency or efficiency, social standing and local influence 
 being the chief considerations. The advent of Dunckerley, 
 and the earnest and methodical enthusiasm which he 
 brought to bear upon his new duties, with the most satis- 
 factory results, doubtless awakened the authorities to the 
 knowledge that it was possible for a Provincial Grand Master 
 to be a real help to the Society, instead of merely an 
 ornamental addition to it." 
 
 The Province of Lincolnshire was doubtless founded to 
 give honour in Grand Lodge to one eminent in his profession, 
 and who had by the exercise of his skill placed that body 
 under an obligation, which this distinction was probably 
 the best way of acknowledging ; whilst our second P.G.M. 
 must be classed in the category of the ornamental members, 
 as it is almost certain that he never set foot in the county 
 in his official capacity. 
 
 The articles of the Book of Constitutions bearing on the 
 selection and appointments of the Prov. G. Master and his 
 Deputy are somewhat anomalous; whilst the latter must 
 have previously served the office of Master in a Regular 
 Lodge, the Grand Master may appoint any brother of 
 eminence and ability in the craft whom he may think 
 worthy to the dignity of Prov. G. Master. 
 
 The authority to form or constitute new Lodges which 
 we learn from the old Constitutions was the original duty 
 of the Prov. G. Master has long been discontinued. 
 
 The Witham warrant, and probably that of the old 
 Lodge at Brigg, were issued entirely by the Prov. G. Master 
 and without the signature of any Grand Lodge official ; the 
 Rev. M. Barnett, as D.P.G.M., up to the time of his death 
 also granted dispensations to hold Lodges pending the 
 drawing up of the regular warrant. This privilege is now, 
 according to Art. 116, reduced to an expression of opinion 
 as to the desirability of the new Lodge, though a previous 
 section (82) declares that a Prov. G. Master is by the patent 
 
so Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 " invested with a rank and power in his particular Province 
 similar to those possessed by the Grand Master." In con- 
 cluding these few remarks on the office, it may be truthfully 
 affirmed that, with a few rare exceptions, the Prov. Grand 
 Masters have during the past quarter of a century worthily 
 filled their position, and the flourishing state of the craft in 
 this country is owing in a great measure to the zeal and 
 ability with which they have managed its concerns in their 
 respective districts. 
 
 The following addition to their privileges, which might 
 prove beneficial to the craft, is respectfully submitted, viz. : 
 Giving the Prov. G. Masters the authority, on the recom- 
 mendation of any Lodge, of conferring the degree and 
 dignity of a Past Master on a brother who has done good 
 service to his Lodge or the craft generally, but who, owing 
 to various causes, has never been elected W.M. 
 
 The honour was regularly conferred by the old Lodges 
 up to half a century ago, and its partial restoration would, 
 I believe, conduce to a better attendance on the part of the 
 elder brethren. It is scarcely seemly for a thirty or forty 
 year brother, possibly an ex treasurer, secretary, or warden, 
 to be seated amongst the youngest E.A.s whilst the dais is 
 occupied by P.M.s many years his junior. 
 
 Provincial Grand Lodges, if not originated by Thomas 
 Dunckerley, unquestionably owe much of their popularity to 
 that indefatigable brother. 
 
 Dunckerley's authority extended over eight Provinces, 
 the first appointment, that of Hants., being made early in 
 1 76y. The Constitutions of that year gave (possibly through 
 Dunckerley's instrumentality) the officers of Prov. G. Lodges 
 the privilege, hitherto restricted to Grand officers, of wearing 
 Aprons lined and edged with blue silk, in place of the plain 
 white Aprons then in use in private Lodges. 
 
 It is not a little remarkable, considering the intimacy of 
 Brothers Dunckerley and Peters, that they should have taken 
 such opposite views of the " additional degrees of Masonry," 
 and, that whilst we find the former zealously promulgating 
 
The Office of Prov. Grand Master & Prov. Grand Lodge. 51 
 
 both the R. A. and K. T. the latter warns his Deputy as to 
 their evil effect in a very strongly worded epistle. 
 
 Notwithstanding this difference of opinion, Dunckerley's 
 successful career doubtless exercised considerable influence 
 with the Rev. Wm. Peters in the formation and manage- 
 ment of the new Province. Both men fully realized the 
 importance of the office, and allowed no infringement of its 
 dignity and privileges. The Lincolnshire records and those 
 given by Bro. Henry Sadler in his Life of Thomas Dunckerley 
 show several points in common, the Doric incident and the 
 contest with the Athols both having their counterpart. 
 
 The appointment of a Prov. Grand Master for Lincoln- 
 shire appears to have been received with approval by the 
 two senior Lodges, both of which gave a ready and loyal 
 support. The junior Lodge, on the other hand, was not 
 very enthusiastic, notwithstanding the chief honours of the 
 event falling to its share. Whether any other grievance 
 existed besides the fees question it is impossible to say, but 
 it is a significant fact that the name of the first D.P.G.M. 
 never appears again on the records. Matthew Barnett, of 
 Barton, and Gervas Parnell, of Gainsborough, had from the 
 beginning been loyal supporters of the Constitution, and 
 they both seem to have entered zealously into the new 
 order of things and made Prov. G. Lodge a success. 
 
 To Barnett especially is a debt of gratitude due for his 
 able management of the Province during the long period of 
 nearly forty years, a considerable portion of which he had 
 no superior. 
 
 When estimating and comparing the attendance and 
 popularity of the early Lincolnshire Provincial Meetings 
 the extent of the county, and means of locomotion a century 
 ago, must necessarily be taken into consideration. 
 
 We have no record of the number of brethren attending 
 until the year 1804. At the meeting held at Louth in that 
 year upwards of 60 brethren dined at the King's Head. 
 The county then had only 4 Lodges, viz.. Barton, Gains- 
 borough, Lincoln, and Louth, and I should say, judging 
 
52 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 from the records of these Lodges, that nearly every member 
 would be present in P.G.L. 
 
 At the Lincoln meeting in 1820 seven Lodges were 
 represented and 133 brethren were at the dinner table. 
 These attendances speak well for the popularity of Pro. G. 
 Lodge in the early years and for the zeal of its early 
 members. The Centenary Meeting of P.G.L. at Grantham, 
 out of a roll of 24 Lodges with an aggregate of 1,085 
 members, shewed only an attendance of 285. 
 
 The first Grand Feasts held on the Grand Master's 
 birthday lasted two days — one day for business and the 
 other, after attending Church Service, for a social gathering 
 and renewal of old acquaintance. 
 
 After a few years this arrangement was doubtless found 
 inconvenient. We accordingly find P.G.L. summoned to 
 meet at nine o'clock in the morning, thus allowing a good 
 long day. 
 
 On Doctor Oliver's accession to power the annual 
 business meeting was agreed to be held in spring, with an 
 occasional assembly of a strictly social nature in the 
 summer. The worthy D.P.G.M. was a firm believer in the 
 utility of Provincial assemblies. 
 
 He writes in 1841 : — " The influence of a P. G. Lodge in 
 stimulating private Lodges to the practice of that regularity 
 which alone can secure permanency and success, operates 
 not merely towards the preservation of a just discipline and 
 the dispensation of honorary rewards to worthy and meri- 
 torious brethren ; but by its periodical meetings, it introduces 
 distant brethren to each other, promoting the interchange 
 of mutual good will and fraternal courtesy, and cultivating 
 those great principles by which Freemasonry is adorned 
 and supported. And the Charges which are usually 
 delivered ex cathedra on those occasions, embracing all the 
 points which are of practical reference to the state of the 
 Province, as well as much important information on the 
 structure of the science in general, and the management of 
 a lodge in particular — have often proved a powerful means 
 
The Office of Prov. Grand Master £f Prov. Grand Lodge. 53 
 
 of ensuring success. It is a duty incumbent on the Lodges 
 of Masons, dispersed as they are, not only throughout this 
 Kingdom, but also in every country under the canopy of 
 heaven, to show themselves to the world as being endowed 
 with a corresponding activity in the performance of every 
 moral and social duty. Mankind are too apt to entertain 
 an unfavourable opinion of a society from which they are 
 carefully excluded ; and, as suspicion generates envy, and 
 envy uncharitableness, so they do not hesitate to reduce 
 evil surmises to words, and speak with bitterness respecting 
 practices, of whose existence they do not possess the means 
 of obtaining accurate information. But our periodical Grand 
 Lodges, by bringing the science ostensibly before the public, 
 have tended in a great measure to soften these feelings, and 
 produce a more favourable construction of our motives, in 
 the minds of those who are unacquainted with the true 
 intent and meaning of our benevolent association." 
 
 Times have changed since the Doctor thus expressed 
 his views. The craft is no longer looked upon with 
 suspicion ; processions are regarded with disfavour by many 
 of the brethren, though it is a question whether we have 
 not gone to the other extreme in the matter of outside 
 demonstrations. One strong point of the Doctor's was 
 sociability. Whether it is owing to the number of members 
 or the infrequency of meetings, sociability now-a-days 
 appears out of joint ; very few attempt to fraternize with a 
 strange brother, each Lodge keeps to itself, and worse than 
 this, some of the members occasionally dine elsewhere. 
 
 There is doubtless a reason for all this, and probably a 
 remedy. If the institution is to fulfil its original purpose, 
 it is worth while considering what are its weak points. 
 
 Provincial Grand Lodge is now, from the nature of its 
 constitution, a fairly representative assembly, the majority 
 of the officers sitting both as Past Masters and Provincial 
 Officers. Its members have increased concurrently with 
 those of Grand Lodge from the original Master, Deputy, 
 Wardens, and Stewards, to nearly thirty different officers. 
 
54 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 Nearly all these vacate their seats each year, but retain 
 their rank and status so long as they continue to subscribe 
 to any Lodge in the Province. In addition to the work 
 done in P.G.L., an elaborate arrangement for the collection 
 and disposition of the various local and general charities is 
 carried on by the Secretary and Charity Committee. 
 
 The appointment of officers is an opportunity for the 
 Prov. G. Master to show his appreciation of services rendered 
 by brethren to their respective Lodges or the craft generally. 
 
 To give honour where it is due makes the selection not 
 the least onerous of his duties, especially in a large Province. 
 In addition to the moral and intellectual qualifications of a 
 new member a little care is advisable in fitting the office 
 and its occupant, as the profane world, naturally looking at 
 these things from a strictly operative point of view, is apt 
 to make sarcastic remarks when it finds a little man Grand 
 Sword Bearer, the Superintendent of Works one who cannot 
 or dare not climb a scaffold, or a Grand Organist who 
 cannot play a hymn tune. 
 
 THE PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE 
 OF LINCOLNSHIRE. 
 
 The following advertisement was inserted in the Lincoln, 
 Rutland, and Stamford Mercury of June i, 1792 : — 
 
 "Most Ancient & Honourable Society of Free 
 
 & Accepted Masons. 
 
 " A Grand Feast of the Provincial Grand Officers and 
 
 Brethren of this Masonic Honourable Society will be held 
 
 at the George Inn Grantham on Thursday the 21st of the 
 
 instant June. The Brethren are requested to assemble at 
 
 the George Inn by Eleven O'clock in the morning to 
 
 proceed to Church where a Sermon will be preached by the 
 
 Rev. Brother Nicholson on the Principles of Masonry viz. — 
 
 " Universal Charity, Brotherly love and Peace. 
 
 " Dinner to be on the Table at Two O'clock precisely. 
 
The Provincial Grand Lodge of Lincolnshire. 55 
 
 "The Company of every Brother will be esteemed a 
 favour. Those who dine are requested to send their Names 
 to the Bar of the George Inn Two Days at least previous 
 to the Meeting that Dinner may be provided accordingly. 
 " By command of the Most Worshipful 
 " the Provincial Grand Master for the 
 " County of Lincoln. 
 
 " Cooper Secretary Grantham."* 
 
 On June 21st, 1792, the members of the St. Matthew's 
 Lodge, Barton-on-Humber ; the Prince of Wales' Lodge, 
 Gainsborough, and the Doric Lodge, Grantham, met at the 
 George Inn, Grantham, for the purpose of installing their 
 first Provincial Grand Master, and to assist in the formation 
 of the first Provincial Grand Lodge. A diploma of appoint- 
 ment by H.R.H. The Prince of Wales, Grand Master, was 
 read, and the Rev. William Peters, LL.B., was installed 
 Provincial Grand Master of Lincolnshire by John Dodsworth, 
 of the Doric Lodge. 
 
 The following address, signed by the P.G.M. on behalf 
 of the Lodge, was ordered to be forwarded to the Grand 
 Master enclosed in a Column of Heart of Oak of the Doric 
 
 Order :— 
 
 " To His Royal Highness 
 
 George Prince of Wales &c. 
 
 Grand Master of Masons, 
 
 The humble address of the most antient and 
 
 honourable society of 
 
 Free and Accepted Masons 
 
 resident in the County of Lincoln. 
 
 In Grand Lodge assembled. 
 
 " May it please Your Royal Highness, 
 
 " We, the Provincial Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master, 
 Grand Wardens and Brethren of the most antient and 
 honourable Society of Free and Accepted Masons, in the 
 County of Lincoln, in Grand Lodge assembled, Do humbly 
 
 ♦ See minute of the old Doric Lodge referring to this date. 
 
56 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 beg leave to approach your Royal Highness with our 
 unfeigned thanks for the great honour you have done the 
 craft, by graciously condescending to accept the Chair as 
 Grand Master. It is an Era which will ever be recorded in 
 the future annals of Masonry with exultation and gratitude ; 
 and we embrace with joy this opportunity of our first 
 meeting together in Grand Lodge to express our unshaken 
 Loyalty to our King, Duty to your Royal Highness, and 
 firm Attachment to that Constitution and Form of Govern- 
 ment by which we are enabled through every part of the 
 Globe, to meet each other free and uninterrupted, and in 
 the fullest extent to pursue the great objects of Masonry, 
 in promoting and diffusing among men Universal Charity, 
 Brotherly Love and Peace. These are the leading principles 
 of our hearts, and will ever be the great rule of our actions — 
 and by due submission, and ready obedience to the Laws 
 of our Country, to testify to the world, that we are men, 
 neither insensible of, nor ungrateful for the invaluable 
 blessing of Liberty, so essential to Masonry, which we 
 Britons at this moment enjoy, in a far more enviable degree, 
 than is known to any other of our fellow-creatures under 
 the canopy of Heaven. 
 
 " That our Almighty Creator, the great Architect of the 
 Universe, may ever preserve you in his holy keeping, is the 
 heartfelt prayer of us, and of all true Masons. 
 " Grantham 
 
 "June 21, 1792." 
 
 The Grand Festival was ordered to be kept on the 12th 
 August, the Prince of Wales' birthday. A procession to 
 Church ; sermon preached by the new P.G. Chaplain, the 
 Rev. J. Nicholson. The following brethren were nominated 
 the first P.G. officers : — 
 P.G.M The Reverend Wm. Peters, LL.B., 
 
 Chaplain tothePrinceofWales,&c. 
 D.P.G.M John Dodsworth, Esq., M.D., Doric 
 
 Lodge. 
 P.S.G.W The Rev. Matthew Harnett, St. 
 
 Matthew's Lodge. 
 
The Provincial Grand Lodge of Lincolnshire. 57 
 
 PJ.G.W The Rev. Thomas Smith, Prince of 
 
 Wales' Lodge. 
 
 P. G. Treasurer Thomas Liddiard, Doric Lodge. 
 
 P.G. Chap. Rev.John Nicholson (V. of Aswarby), 
 
 Doric Lodge. 
 
 P.G. Archt John Langwith, Doric Lodge. 
 
 P,G. Painter Wm. Pulteney Pudsey, Prince of 
 
 Wales' Lodge. 
 • Rev. Thos. Robinson fV. of Hork- 
 
 stow), St. Matthew's Lodge. 
 P.G. Stewards \ Martin Brumby, Prince of Wales' 
 
 Lodge. 
 James Douthwaite, Doric Lodge. 
 
 P.G. Sec William Cooper, Doric Lodge. 
 
 P.G. Sword Bearer... Peter Tyler, Doric Lodge. 
 P.G. Tyler W. Bradley, Doric Lodge. 
 
 A letter from Mr. Peters to Matthew Barnett, dated 
 Aug. 2nd, after thanking the latter for services, &c., 
 proceeds : — 
 
 "The absence of the Prince of Wales from London 
 prevented my waiting upon him with the address until a 
 
 few days ago it has been in the Oracle (the 
 
 Paper the Prince of Wales takes in) ... . The Prince 
 was much flattered by the attention of his brethren, & we 
 have had much credit & honour in being the first who paid 
 that very necessary and proper compliment to His Royal 
 Highness." 
 
 The names of the D.P.G.M. and other Grantham 
 brethren, with the exception of Bro. J. Langwith, for 
 reasons already stated in the account of the Doric Lodge, 
 do not again appear on the roll of attendance at Prov. G. 
 Lodge. The Prov. G. Architect was a loyal supporter for 
 many years. 
 
 Wm. Pulteney Pudsey was a most energetic mason, a 
 painter by profession or trade, and also " Mine Host " of the 
 White Lion, Gainsborough, for several years. The oiifice of 
 
58 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 Grand Portrait Painter held in Grand Lodge by the Rev. 
 Wm; Peters and by Bro. Pudsey in our Province, was not 
 again filled up. 
 
 Bro. Pudsey also for a short time acted as Pro. G. Sec. 
 He and three other members of the old Prince of Wales' 
 Lodge signed the petition for the present Yarborough Lodge 
 (Trent), Gainsborough, and on its formation resumed his 
 old post as Secretary. Bro. Pudsey, however, did not live 
 to attend many meetings of the new Lodge, the minutes 
 recording his death on Nov. 17th, 1834, aged 75 years. 
 
 In the following August the Provincial officers were the 
 guests of the Prince of Wales' Lodge, at their celebration 
 of the Grand Master's birthday. 
 
 1793, nth and 12th August. P.G.L. at the George Inn, 
 Barton-upon-Humber. 
 
 Notice having been sent by the Prov. G. Master to the 
 several Lodges of his appointment of the Reverend Matthew 
 Barnett as Dep. Prov. G. Master — Bro. Barnett presided 
 accordingly. Only five of the officers appointed at Grantham, 
 including the Tyler, were present. 
 
 Three Lodges were represented, the Urania, Brigg, in 
 place of the Doric. 
 
 There was a large attendance of brethren. The first day 
 was devoted to business, the nature of which, unfortunately, 
 we have no account, but doubtless the Doric incident would 
 be fully gone into. The proceedings appear to have 
 terminated satisfactorily. 
 
 The following day the Grand Feast was held, it being 
 the anniversary of the birthday of His Royal Highness the 
 Prince of Wales, Grand Master. 
 
 The brethren went in procession to the Church ot 
 St. Peter; the new Chaplain read the prayers, and the 
 D.P.G.M. preached the sermon. 
 
 The Freemason^ Magazine of that date says :— 
 " Nothing could exceed the regularity and decorum with 
 which the Procession was conducted ; and the day was 
 
The Provincial Grand Lodge of Lincolnshire. 59 
 
 spent with the greatest Harmony, Loyalty, and Unanimity, 
 diffusing Joy and Gladness through the whole Society; 
 every one happy with himself and pleased with each other." 
 
 The next Grand Feast to be held 12th August, 1754, at 
 Gainsborough, unless a Lodge should be formed before that 
 period in the county town and city of Lincoln. 
 
 A complete set of jewels of gilt was ordered. 
 
 1794, Aug. II and 13. P.G.L. at the White Hart, 
 Gainsborough. The Rev. M. Barnett presided. 
 
 "Brothers met and the Lodge opened in the Third 
 Degree to celebrate the Anniversary of the Birth of His 
 Royal Highness George Prince of Wales Grand Master, 
 assisted by Brethren from the Neighbouring Lodges all 
 which being properly cloathed and arranged walked to 
 Church in the following procession 
 
 " A Tyler with his Sword 
 
 Band of Music 
 
 Union Flag displayed 
 
 Royal Brunswick Lodge Sheffield 
 
 North Nottinghamshire Lodge East Retford 
 
 Corinthian Lodge Newark 
 
 Witham Lodge Lincoln 
 
 Urania Lodge Brigg 
 
 Prince of Wales's Lodge Gainsborough 
 
 Saint Matthew's Lodge Barton 
 
 The Provincial Grand Lodge. 
 
 "The Order of the Procession was regtilar and well 
 
 conducted, the crowd of spectators from Town and Country 
 
 very numerous. Prayers being read by the Revd. Bro. Jordan 
 
 and an excellent Sermon adapted to the- occasion preached 
 
 by the Revd. Bro. Robinson Grand Chaplain from the 22nd 
 
 Chaptr. of Proverbs Verse the 2nd 
 
 " The Rich and Poor meet together 
 The Lord is the maker of them all. 
 "They returned from Church in the same order they 
 went. 
 
6o Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 " Thanks were then returned to the G.C. for his excellent 
 Sermon after which they dined in a very numerous body 
 at the Town Hall when many Loyal, Constitutional and 
 Masonic Toasts were Drank and the Day being spent in 
 great festivity and Hilarity ; the Lodge closed in good order 
 and harmony."* 
 
 The Rev. Thos. Robinson was appointed Vicar of 
 Horkstow 1 78 1. 
 
 179s, May 8th. P.G.L. at the Angel Inn, Brigg, to 
 celebrate the nuptials of H.R.H. George Prince of Wales, 
 G.M., with a Princess of the illustrious house of Brunswick. 
 The brethren, wearing cockades in their hats, went in 
 procession to the Chapel at Brigg, where a sermon was 
 preached by Bro. Rev. G. Marris, and after their return 
 dined together. 
 
 1795, Aug. 1 1 and 12. Annual P.G.L. at the Rein Deer, 
 Lincoln. Procession from the Assembly Rooms, Above- 
 hill, to the Cathedral, where a sermon was preached by 
 Rev. Bro. E. Jordan ; returning to the Rein Deer. 
 
 The Rev. E. Jordan was appointed Vicar of Messing- 
 ham 1785. 
 
 1796, June 13th. P.G.L. at the Rein Deer Inn, Lincoln. 
 The Doric Lodge, Grantham, was erased from the list of 
 Provincial Lodges, by command of the P.G.M., for having 
 ceased to meet or refused to comply with the laws of 
 the P.G.L. 
 
 The brethren dined together, and the Lodge was closed 
 and adjourned to the Fourth Monday in Trinity, at eleven 
 o'clock in the forenoon, at the Rein Deer Inn, Lincoln. 
 
 Provincial G. Lodge was summoned by advertisement 
 in the Stamford Mercury to meet at Lincoln on July 3rd, 
 1 797. This, however, apparently not suiting the convenience 
 of the P.G.M., was not held. 
 
 1797, In the minute book there is no record of any 
 P.G.L. held this year, but there is an entry, signed by Bro. 
 
 • Copied from the Gainsborough minutes. 
 
The Provincial Grand Lodge of Lincolnshire. 6i 
 
 Pudsey, P.G. Sec, dated Gainsborough, June 26, 1797, 
 stating that the D.P.G.M. (Gervas Parnell) had yesterday 
 received a letter from the P.G.M. " signifying that on finding 
 no particular business which rendered it necessary to call 
 them together there would be no P.G.L. this year. But 
 that whenever any occurrence either National or Masonic 
 might occasion the brethren to consult together, or that on 
 the Masters and Wardens of any two Lodges signifying 
 their wish of calling a Grand Lodge, that he would imme- 
 diately issue his summons for that purpose." The D.P.G.M. 
 (Barnett) to be invested on the first meeting in St. Matthew's 
 Lodge by the present D.P.G.M., if in his power to attend ; if 
 not, by the Master of that Lodge. 
 
 1804. The next recorded P.G.L. was Aug. 13th, at the 
 New King's Head, Louth. Ordered a Grand Architect's 
 jewel, and that the Lodges provide for themselves flags with 
 suitable emblems. A procession to Church ; sermon by the 
 Rev. Dr. Orme, P.G.C. A current newspaper account says : — 
 
 " A very appropriate sermon was preached by the Rev. 
 Dr. Orme, in which he gave a short account of the antiquity 
 of the institution and adduced such strong arguments in 
 favour of its utility, and the brotherly love and charity it 
 enjoins to its members, as well as the strictest observance 
 of their duty to both God and their King, that as Felix 
 said to St. Paul, ' Thou almost persuadest me to become a 
 Christian ' — so many might have replied to the Dr. ' Thou 
 almost persuadest me to become a Brother Mason.' The 
 text was from the 2nd Chap, ist Epistle to St. Peter V. 17 — 
 Honour all men. Love the Brotherhood, Fear God, Honour 
 the King. Upwards of 60 brethren dined, and the day was 
 spent with the utmost good order and sociality." 
 
 The advertisement convening the Louth meeting 
 concludes : — 
 
 "As the Masons of Lincolnshire pride themselves on 
 preserving pure and unsullied those chaste principles of 
 English Masonry which dignify the Man and do honour to 
 
62 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 the Craft it is expected that no Person whatever shall 
 appear in their Procession to Church or at their Dinner, in 
 any other dress or insignia of Masonry or pretended 
 Masonry than such as is used in and sanctioned by the 
 Grand Lodge of England." 
 
 A Witham minute records that the R.W.M., Saml. 
 Thorold, sent to all the Regular Lodges in the county " a 
 Staff proper for the Flag which each is to exhibit at the 
 Provincial Meeting at Barton on the 12th Aug. 1805." 
 
 1805, Aug. 12. P.G.L. at the George Inn, Barton-on- 
 Humber. No record of business. A procession to Church, 
 and sermon by Dr. Orme. 
 
 A Gainsborough minute of Sept. says : — " It was unani- 
 mously agreed that the silk aprons provided for the 
 Procession at Barton should be disposed of to the Members 
 wishing to purchase them to prevent the expences falling 
 upon the funds. 
 
 The advertisement announcing the Grand Feast at 
 Barton continues : — 
 
 "The Provincial 'Grand Master thinks it necessary to 
 make known that as the pure and uncontaminated principles 
 of Religion and Loyalty are zealously cherished by the 
 Masons of this County, no Man who belongs not to a 
 Constitutional Lodge, or who hath not in times past been 
 a Member of such Lodge shall be permitted to walk in the 
 procession or be at the Feast on the 12th of August. 
 
 " It is in an especial manner thought proper to give this 
 notice, as attempts have been made by men who pass under 
 the name of what is falsely called the higher degrees of 
 Masonry to obtrude themselves into this County, whose 
 impious and destructive principles are of such a nature as 
 shall never gain admittance into the county of Lincoln 
 without the names of the parties concerned being made 
 public. 
 
 " By the Provincial Grand Masters command 
 " Wm. Gray Grand Secretary. 
 "Vicars' Court Lincoln June 3rd 1805." 
 
The Provincial Grand Lodge of Lincolnshire. 63 
 
 1806, Aug. 12. P.G.L. at the Prince of Wales' Lodge 
 Room, Gainsborough. 
 
 A letter was read from Rev. W. Peters, in excuse for 
 his absence, and circumstances respecting a Lodge of Masons 
 at Stamford were stated, and reasons given for avoiding 
 communication with them, and the pure and upright 
 principles of English Masonry strictly enjoined to be 
 observed. 
 
 The Lodge referred to was doubtless " The Good Intent," 
 meeting at the Salutation Inn, Stamford, being at that time 
 No. 87 on the Roll of the Ancients. Bro. Peters' sentiments 
 towards the "schismatics" is fully shown in the Athol 
 account. Curiously enough, in ten years' time the same 
 Lodge is censured for not fraternizing with the Province. 
 
 A red apron was ordered to be given to Bro. Charles 
 Curtois, Acting W.M. of the Witham Lodge, Grand Steward. 
 
 Dr. Oliver speaks of Bro. Curtois as a talented and 
 zealous mason, whose early and lamented death prevented 
 him from rising to the highest honours in masonry. He 
 attached the R.A. Chapter to the Witham Lodge. 
 
 There appearing to have been some difficulty in obtain- 
 ing and settling the accounts at former Provincial Meetings, 
 it was resolved that in future the Lodge of that place where 
 the Grand Festival is held be at the charge of music and 
 other incidental expenses. 
 
 The meeting next year was settled to be held at the 
 Witham Lodge Room, Lincoln, on the 12th August, at nine 
 o'clock in the morning. 
 
 A grand procession, headed by the Retford Volunteers' 
 Band, then proceeded from the Town Hall to Church, each 
 Lodge having its flag displayed. A large muster of 
 Provincial officers, six of the number being Clergymen. 
 
 The Rev. Bro. Smith read prayers, and Dr. Orme 
 prea'ched from Acts vi. 26, " Sirs ye are brethren." 
 
 The brethren afterwards dined together at Bro. Moody's, 
 " and the Day spent in that Festivity, Hilarity, and good 
 order peculiar to Masons." 
 
64 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 A Witham minute of July, 1807, records that the Master 
 (S. Thorold) was desired by the D.P.G.M. to consult the 
 Witham Lodge respecting the propriety of deferring the 
 Provincial Meeting, on the ground of the P.G.M. and his 
 Deputy being unable to attend. 
 
 The Witham brethren unanimously agreed that it was 
 desirable to hold the meeting according to previous arrange- 
 ment. The decision evidently did not suit the Prov. G.M., 
 as the following minute records that the Secretary do '' write 
 to all the Lodges in the Province informing them that the 
 P.G. Meeting is postponed, it not meeting the approbation 
 of the Prov. G. Master." 
 
 From letters written to the D.P.G.M. by the Rev. W. 
 Peters we learn that the lives of the prebendal lease at 
 Langford, Berkshire, had recently fallen in, thereby yielding 
 its fortunate possessor ;^i,ioo per annum, together with 
 certain other privileges, and that " he was much engaged in 
 making a large house comfortable." 
 
 1808, Aug. 12. P.G.L. at the Rein Deer Inn, Lincoln. 
 First attendance of the Lodge of Harmony, Boston. Pro- 
 cession up to the Cathedral. Dr. Orme preached; 66 
 brethren dined. Names entered in the Witham books. 
 
 A newspaper account says : — " The splendid Insignia of 
 office which many of the members wore, several beautiful 
 flags and an excellent band of music contributed to make 
 the procession effective. It might be said to be ' true beauty 
 borrowing the aid of ornament,' so that there was at once 
 what delighted the benevolent who contemplated the object 
 of the Institution, and those who looked no further than the 
 glitter of the procession." 
 
 1809, Aug. 15. P.G.L. at the Town Hall, Boston. 
 
 A letter was read from the Prov. G. Master wishing the 
 Grand Feasts to be suspended for some time ; unanimously 
 agreed to ! 
 
 A vote of thanks was passed to Dr. Orme for his excellent 
 sermon. No record of meeting until 
 
The Provincial Grand Lodge of Lincolnshire. 65 
 
 1 8 13, Aug. 12. P.G.L. at Grimsby, to dedicate the 
 Apollo Lodge (Room). 
 
 The new Lodge was dedicated in masonic form by the 
 Rev. M. Barnett, D.P.G.M. 
 
 A procession to Church and sermon by Dr. Orme. 
 
 The Rev. W. Peters, P.G.M., be solicited to favour the 
 P.G.L. with an emblematical design for a Provincial flag. 
 
 Two Stewards from each Lodge appointed, the Rev. 
 Geo. Oliver representing the Apollo, of which he was the 
 first Master. 
 
 The design for the flag does not appear to have been 
 furnished. 
 
 The year following (18 14) the deaths of the Rev. Wm. 
 Peters, P.G.M., and the Rev. Dr. Orme, P.G.C., took place. 
 
 Authority from the Grand Master was sent to the Rev. 
 M. Barnett to transact the necessary business in the Province 
 during the vacancy of the office of P.G.M. This was 
 probably supplemented by a similar document from Peters' 
 successor, W. H. White. 
 
 From this time till his death in 1833 Barnett virtually 
 ruled the Province. In the communications to the Grand 
 Secretary, White's name scarcely ever occurs, Barnett 
 apparently always acting as if the office of P.G.M. were 
 vacant. Towards the latter part of his life. Dr. Oliver 
 relieved him to a great extent in the Provincial work. 
 
 Oliver writes: — "In 1813 P.G.M. Peters presented me 
 with the red apron of a P.G. Steward. Three years after- 
 wards I was appointed P.G. Chap, by P.G.M. White, and 
 preached my first sermon at Barton-upon-Humber. From 
 that year till 1818 no Prov. G. Lodge was held in Lincoln- 
 shire. About this period I was taken into the counsels of 
 Bro. Barnett, the D.P.G.M., who was the actual manager of 
 masonry in the Province ; for neither Bro. Peters nor Bro. 
 White, held a Prov. G. Lodge in my time. 
 
 "Thenceforward Bro. Barnett never convened a P.G. 
 Lodge or took any step in the execution of his office without 
 consulting me." 
 
66 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 1816, Aug. 14. P.G.L. at the George Inn, Barton-upon- 
 Humber. 
 
 The Grand Master's authority for holding the Lodge 
 was read, and the Acting P.G.M (the Rev. M. Barnett) 
 pronounced an eulogy on the Rev. Wm. Peters, P.G.M., 
 deceased since the last meeting of the Lodge. 
 
 Ordered a flag with an appropriate emblem for P.G.L. 
 
 Notice made, that there had been no representation of 
 the Prince of Wales' Lodge, Gainsborough, since 1809. 
 
 A current newspaper account says : — 
 
 "The Barton ringers welcomed the day with a most 
 harmonious peal of bells in their accustomed masterly style. 
 Prayers were read by Brother the Rev. G. Marris Prov. G. 
 Treasurer, and to the service were added a masonic hymn 
 written by Bro. Porter of St. Matthew's, an ode by Bro. 
 Dunckerley, and an anthem with the grand Hallelujah 
 chorus from the Messiah judiciously appended thereto, and 
 which sung by the brethren of the St. Matthew's Lodge, 
 assisted by the most skilful of the Church choir had a most 
 inspiring and sublime effect." 
 
 A most eloquent discourse was delivered by Bro. the 
 Rev. G. Oliver from the loth chap, of the ist Cor., latter 
 part of 31st verse, " elucidating the central point of Masonry 
 to be Religion, and showing the approximation of its rules 
 and precepts to be identified therewith." 
 
 The brethren returned to the George, concluded their 
 business, and " sat down to a very sumptuous entertainment 
 provided by Brother Baynton and which did honour to his 
 purveying ability." A 4ong list of toasts, songs, and glees 
 followed. 
 
 "The A.P.G.M. retired at eight o'clock, amid the acclama- 
 tion of the brethren ; and the conviviality of the meeting 
 was continued with masonic spirit, uncontaminated by 
 tumultuous disorder or irrational indecorum. All was 
 harmony and concord, the natural concomitants of brotherly 
 love. The social order that prevailed, the reciprocal interests 
 and general pleasure of the brethren, characterised this 
 truly masonic meeting as 'the feast of reason and the 
 flow of soul'" 
 
The Provincial Grand Lodge of Lincolnshire. 6y 
 
 1818, Aug. 14. P.G.L. at the Town Hall, Spalding. 
 First attendance of the Hope Lodge, Sleaford, and the 
 Welland, Spalding. 
 
 The P.G.L. flag was produced ; painted by Bro. Hilton, 
 of Lincoln, design selected by Bros. Curtois and Capes. 
 The emblems represent the genii of the masonic order 
 lighting their torches as figurative of friendship and social 
 union, and at the same time unfolding a mantle containing 
 the mysterious emblems of the order under the scrutinizing 
 inspection of the Eye of Providence. 
 
 " A remonstrance to be sent to the Good Intent Lodge 
 for having neglected to correspond with the D.P.G.M. and 
 to fraternize with the Welland Lodge on the present 
 occasion." 
 
 The Good Intent, reference to which was made in 
 P.G.L. in 1806, was No. 87 on the Athol Roll. At the 
 union of the two Grand Lodges in 18 13-15 it was numbered 
 109, but like several of the Athols, it made no return to the 
 new authority. 
 
 In the calendar of the day it is classed as a Lincolnshire 
 Lodge; hence the apparent authority of our P.G.L. for 
 sending the remonstrance. Considering the orders promul- 
 gated at Gainsborough, it is not surprising to find the Good 
 Intent absent on the present occasion. 
 
 It is very probable that Peters' letter intensified the 
 illwill between the rival bodies to such an extent that the 
 time intervening since the union had not sufficed to heal 
 the breach. 
 
 Note is afterwards made that " An apology was sent by 
 the W.M. of the Good Intent Lodge to the D.P.G.M. and 
 accordingly the remonstrance was not sent." 
 
 The county Lodges were ordered to communicate once 
 a year to the D.P.G.M. a list of members, date of admission, 
 profession, &c. 
 
 Procession to Church, and sermon by Rev. G. Oliver, 
 P.G. Chap. 
 
Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 From a printed order of proceedings we learn that the 
 D.P.G.M. would take his seat in the Lodge at 9.30 a.m. 
 
 " On the D.P.G. Master's entering the Church he must 
 be conducted by the R.W.M. of the Welland Lodge, or his 
 Deputy, to a commodious and convenient seat, previously 
 provided for the exclusive accommodation of himself and 
 the Prov. Grand Officers. 
 
 "An appropriate anthem or psalm to be sung during 
 Divine service, is indispensable. 
 
 " It is unnecessary to remark to Brother Masons that 
 the utmost propriety of conduct must be strictly observed. 
 
 "The Grand Occasion imperiously demands that a 
 corresponding seriousness unmixed with unbecoming 
 levity, should be observed during the whole of the 
 proceedings." 
 
 1820, April 21. P.G.L. at Lincoln. 
 
 Lodge opened at the Witham Room, about 10 a. m. 
 
 A procession was formed, headed by a band of music, 
 to the Church of S. Peter-at- Arches, " the use of which was 
 very politely offered for the occasion by the Rev. F. Swan, 
 after the Cathedral had been refused by the Dean and 
 Chapter contrary to all former precedent." The Rev. Mr. 
 Galland read the prayers, and Bro. the Rev. G. Oliver 
 preached from the text, " As concerning this sect, we know 
 that it is everywhere spoken against " (Acts xxviii. 22). 
 
 The new Doric Lodge attended P.G.L. for first time. 
 
 An address of condolence to George IV., Grand Patron, 
 on the death of his father, forwarded to Bro. Chas. Tennyson, 
 M.P., for presentation. 
 
 The D.P.G.M. expressed his wish— That no public 
 masonic meeting or procession should at any time be held 
 by any of the county Lodges without his special permission ; 
 that Lodges be held in private rooms in preference to public- 
 houses ; Sunday evening Lodges of Instruction should be 
 dispensed with; and that returns of members should be 
 transmitted the first week in January. 
 
The Provincial Grand Lodge of Lincolnshire. 69 
 
 The Rev. G. Oliver, having eulogized the character of 
 the Rev. M. Barnett/D.P.G.M., who had introduced masonry 
 into Lincolnshire, had lieeri, elevated to the rank of D.P.G.M. 
 in 1793, and had subseqiiently presided as Acting P.G.M. 
 at fourteen different meetings, proposed, " That a piece of 
 Plate should be presented to the Acting Grand Master, the 
 expense of which to be defrayed by the County Lodges." 
 
 The office of Provincial Grand Master of Ceremonies 
 was formed and conferred on Bro. Charles Curtois, of the 
 Witham Lodge. Bro. Widdowson, of the Rein Deer, 
 provided an excellent banquet. A sum of nineteen guineas 
 was raised for the Barnett testimonial. Bro. Jas. Simpson, 
 of Lincoln, supplied " A New Fashionable Silver Tankard, 
 Gilt inside & Engrd in front." 
 
 The engravings consisted of appropriate masonic 
 emblems, and the following inscription : — 
 
 " Presented to 
 
 Brother the Reverend 
 
 Matthew Barnett D.P.G.M. 
 
 for the County of Lincoln 
 
 Pursuant to 
 
 the unanimous Resolution 
 
 of a P.G. Lodge 
 
 of Free and Accepted Masons 
 
 holden in the City of Lincoln 
 
 April 2 1st 1820. 
 
 As a small tribute 
 
 of Gratitude 
 
 for the benefits 
 
 Masonry has derived 
 
 from his unwearied exertions 
 
 in its behalf 
 
 during a period 
 
 of more than 
 
 27 years." 
 
 A letter from Barnett to the Grand Secretary, dated 
 
 "Market Rasen 25 Apl. 1820," after referring to business 
 
 connected with the formation of the Doric Lodge, continues : 
 
 " On Friday last I held a Grand Lodge and Feast in 
 the City of Lincoln which was numerously attended, it was 
 
70 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 a fine Day — a gay procession — and we had a very excellent 
 Sermon by the P.G. Chaplain which will be published in 
 the course of a few days. At the above Meeting I moved 
 an Address of Condolence and Congratulation to the King 
 which was unanimously approved of I signed it on Behalf 
 of the Meeting, and I expect it was yesterday presented to 
 His Majesty. 
 
 " We dined 132 and I do not recollect that we ever had 
 a more pleasant Meeting. 
 
 "The Brethren of this County very much wish that 
 instead of Provincial Deputy Grand I shou'd be Grand 
 Master, but I think myself quite as well in the Situation 
 which I hold unless I retire altogether. 
 
 " As the P.G.M. has left the Country (I shou'd suppose 
 for ever) and as the Brethren would not be satisfied with a 
 Grand Master who is not a native or resident in this 
 County. Shou'd it be thought necessary to appoint a new 
 one, Charles Tennyson Esq. M.P. for Great Grimsby wou'd 
 be a proper person." 
 
 The writer then, curiously enough, advances his own 
 claims to the dignity, and concludes, " The Grand Masters 
 have never been present but once at any of the meetings 
 but confided the whole of the business to me." 
 
 1821, June 28th. P.G.L. at the Hope Lodge, Sleaford. 
 
 The A. P.G.M. returned thanks for the piece of plate 
 voted at the last Lodge and presented through the Rev. G. 
 Oliver. The following letter had previously been sent to 
 the subscribing Lodges : — 
 
 " Brethren, I thank you most sincerely for this token of 
 your regard and attachment. It gives me great pleasure 
 to find that any exertion of mine for the prosperity & 
 welfare of the Craft should meet with your approbation. 
 Your steady adherence to the Rules & Regulations of the 
 Society has afforded me at all times great satisfaction, and 
 will always secure to you my assistance and protection." 
 
 Every Lodge was required to pay the Treasurer five 
 shillings for each Provincial meeting, to defray certain 
 incidental expenses. A procession of over 100 brethren to 
 Church ; sermon by Rev. G. Oliver. Banquet at the Old 
 White Hart Inn. 
 
The Provincial Grand Lodge of Lincolnshire. 71 
 
 The P.G.L. banner to be in charge of the brethren 
 where the ensuing meeting is to be held. 
 
 1822 June 27th. P.G.L. at the Sessions House, Grantham. 
 The usual Church procession and sermon by Rev. G. Oliver. 
 Banquet at the Town Hall. No record of business. 
 
 Oliver writes : — " Owing to Bro. Barnett's infirmities no 
 P.G.L. was held from that time [1822] till 1825 when it was 
 convened at Boston on the petition of the Lodge of 
 Harmony." 
 
 1825, Sept. 21. P.G.L. at the Guildhall, Boston. 
 
 Six Lodges represented. Rev. M. Barnett presided. 
 A procession to Church, and the display exceeded every 
 former meeting of the kind in Lincolnshire. A sermon 
 (composed by the Rev. G. Oliver, P.G. Chap., unable to 
 attend through indisposition) was preached by Rev. W. 
 Smith, P.G. Sec. The music to the cantata, " Let there be 
 light," composed expressly for the occasion by Bro. Reddie, 
 who also played the organ. 120 brethren dined at the 
 Guildhall. 
 
 The original of which the following is a copy is in the 
 
 Witham archives : — 
 
 " Free Masons Hall London 
 " W. Master " i8th December 1826. 
 
 " I am commanded by the M. W. Grand Master, The 
 Duke of Sussex, to acquaint you that His Royal Highness 
 has been pleased to appoint The R. W. Brother Charles 
 Tennyson Esqr. of Bayons Manor Lincolnshire, M.P. to be 
 Provincial Grand Master for the County of Lincoln, and to 
 whom therefore all applications and references are to be 
 made on Masonic Business, except the Returns of your 
 Lodge and applications for Grand Lodge Certificates. 
 " With fraternal Regard I am 
 " W. Master 
 " Your obedt. Servant & Brother 
 
 "William H. White G.S." 
 
 1827, Feb. 20. An address of condolence to H.R.H. 
 the Duke of Sussex, G.M., on the death of his brother, the 
 
72 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 Duke of York, was signed on behalf of P.G.L. by Charles 
 Tennyson, P.G.M.,and Matthew Barnett, D.P.G.M., Lincoln. 
 A reply from the Duke on Feb. 24th. 
 
 With the exception of this address and reply there is no 
 entry of a P.G.L. between the years 1825-32. The stirring 
 movements in the political world doubtless engrossed 
 nearly the whole time and energies of the new Prov. G. 
 Master. 
 
 Oliver gives a very gloomy account of the period. He 
 writes : — " Masonry during this inauspicious period declined 
 so much that there was scarcely an efficient Lodge in the 
 Province. The Barton, Grantham, Grimsby, and Sleaford 
 lodges had entirely discontinued their meetings. Even the 
 Lincoln and Boston Lodges were feeble. Bro. D'Eyncourt 
 [Tennyson] was at length roused to the necessity of doing 
 something; and he accordingly convened a P.G.L. at 
 Lincoln." On 7th June, 1832, proposal made in the Witham 
 Lodge to write to H.R.H. the Duke of Sussex about the 
 P.G. Master's neglect. 
 
 1832, Nov. 19th. P.G.L. at the Guildhall, Lincoln. 
 The Rev. Matthew Barnett opened P.G.L., and then 
 
 installed the Rt. Hon Charles Tennyson into the office of 
 P.G.M., in the room of Bro. W. H. White. 
 
 Procession to St. Martin's Church ; sermon by Rev. G. 
 Oliver. 
 
 Banquet at the City Arms Hotel. 
 
 First attendance of the Olive Union Lodge, Horncastle. 
 
 1833. P.G.L. at the Olive Union Lodge, Horncastle. 
 The Prov. G. Master presided, and installed the Rev. 
 
 George Oliver D.P.G.M., vice the Rev. Matthew Barnett 
 deceased. 
 
 A motion to discontinue the Church processions, made 
 by Bros. Hickson and W. A. Nicholson, of Lincoln, was 
 negatived without a division. The brethren attended 
 Church as usual. Banquet at the Bull Inn. ■ The .new 
 D.P.G.M. zealously commenced his duties by proposing a 
 
The Provincial Grand Lodge of Lincolnshire. 73 
 
 Code of By-laws, and appointing new men to ofifice, many 
 of which had not been changed for years. He appears also 
 to have at least remodelled if In'otiOriginated the procedure 
 and ritual of Prov. G. Lodge". ..The 'Doctor's draft MS., 
 in possession of P.G.L,, tallies^ with* that now in general use, 
 but whether he was the first to introduce it into the craft I 
 am not able to state. So far as our own Province was 
 concerned, no particular formality was used prior to 1834. 
 
 1834, May 22. P.G.L. at the Guildhall, Lincoln. 
 
 A new office was created, that of Prov. Grand Registrar, 
 and conferred upon Bro. Z. Barton,' the first W.M. of the 
 Bayons Lodge, Market Rasen. The.Rev. G. Oliver presided. 
 The By-laws prepared by the D.P.G.M. were passed, and 
 ordered to be printed and sold for is. per copy. 
 
 1834, October 23rd. P.G.L. at the Mansion House, Louth. 
 
 A procession to Church ; prayers were read by the Rev. 
 R. Fenton, of Waltham ; sermon by Rev. G. Oliver. 
 
 The Lindsey Lodge, Louth, the Bayons Lodge, Market 
 Rasen, and the Trent Lodge, Gainsborough, attended P.G.L. 
 for first time ; 23 officers were . appointed, four being styled 
 P.G. Marshalls. The P.G.M. presided. 
 
 There is no record of Prov. G. Lodge attending at the 
 opening or consecra,tion of either, the Bayons or Trent 
 Lodges, Bro. Hickson, of the Witham Lodge, presiding at 
 the opening of the latter. - , , , 
 
 At the Louth meeting in 1834 the new. jewels for officers 
 of P.G. Lodge were first worn. Bro. Acklam, of London, 
 supplied them for the sum of ;^33, this amount being con- 
 tributed as follows : — 
 
 
 £ 
 
 s. 
 
 d. 
 
 Olive Union Lodge .. 
 
 ■ 3 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 Lindsey Lodge 
 
 I 
 
 
 
 
 
 Bro. Z. Barton ... ... .. 
 
 I 
 
 
 
 
 
 Right Hon. C. Tennyson .. 
 
 • 5 
 
 5 
 
 
 
 Sir W. A. Ingliby ... . 
 
 • 3 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 Lord Yarborough 
 
 . 20 
 
 
 
 
 
74 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 1835, June nth. P.G.L. at the Town Hall, Spilsby. 
 
 The Rev. G. Oliver presided, and dedicated the Shakspere 
 Lodge in masonic form, Major Ed. Brackenbury, W.M., 
 and the Rev. G. Coltman, J.W. of the new Lodge, taking 
 office as P.S.G.W. and P.G. Chap, respectively. The new 
 Chaplain, who was Rector of Stickney, preached at Church 
 Service. 
 
 1835, Aug. 27. P.G.L. at the White Hart, Gainsborough. 
 No record of business. Procession to Church; the 
 
 Bible, Constitutions, &c., carried by four sons of Bro. 
 Jerrams, of the Trent Lodge. Sermon by Rev. G. Coltman. 
 Thirty-four brethren took office. A Prov. G. Inner Guard 
 and Prov. G. Organist appointed, the former being conferred 
 on Bro. J. Whitehouse and the latter on Bro. W. Gandy, 
 both of the Witham Lodge. Major Brackenbury, in the 
 absence of the P.G.M., presided. 
 
 1836, May 12. P.G.L. at the Guildhall, Lincoln. 
 By-laws revised and ordered to be reprinted. 
 
 A proposition was carried limiting the price of the 
 dinner ticket to 2s. 6d., to enable brethren in every station 
 to participate. This was not confirmed at the next Lodge. 
 
 Banquet at the White Lion Inn. 
 
 Dr. Oliver presided, and made a splendid oration, in 
 the course of which he referred to his recent appointment 
 to the Collegiate Church of Wolverhampton, which would 
 necessitate his resigning the office of D.P.G.M. 
 
 1836, Oct. 20. P.G.L. at the National School Room, 
 Market Rasen. 
 
 This meeting appears to have been convened out of 
 compliment to the P.G.M., who on succeeding to the family 
 estates a short time previous had assumed the additional 
 name of D'Eyncourt, in compliance with his father's will. 
 
 Amongst other festivities and rejoicings which had been 
 going on at Willingham House during the early part of the 
 week a parade of Yeomanry was not the least attractive. 
 
The Provincial Grand Lodge of Lincolnshire . 75 
 
 Prov. G. Lodge was announced to be opened at eleven 
 o'clock, and shortly after that hour the procession issued 
 from the School Room to the Church. The way was kept 
 by the dismounted Yeomanry, who closed their ranks as 
 the procession passed, and joined the brethren in the Church. 
 The P.G. Chaplain, Bro. Coltman, preached the sermon. 
 A portion of the Cathedral Choir from Lincoln attended, 
 including Messrs. Brook, Ashton, Jones, and Martin, the 
 anthem being by Dr. Boyce, " I have surely built thee a 
 house." About eighty brethren sat down to dinner at the 
 White Hart. The Rt. Hon. Charles Tennyson-D'Eyncourt, 
 P.G.M., presided, supported on either side by Dr. Oliver, 
 D.P.G.M., and Rev. G. Coltman, P.G.C., Major Sir Edward 
 Brackenbury, P.S.G.W., filling the vice-chair. 
 
 After the cloth was drawn, " Non Nobis Domine " was 
 sung by members of the Cathedral Choir. 
 
 The P.G.M., in proposing the toast of the Duke of 
 Sussex, Grand Master, referred to the recent severe 
 affliction (blindness) of His Royal Highness. The speaker 
 continued : — " Having the honour to be connected with the 
 household of His Royal Highness he had had opportunities 
 of witnessing the exemplary fortitude which he displayed 
 under the most trying circumstances of deprivation and 
 pain ; bereaved of the power of enjoying literary pursuits, 
 which had for years been his chief solace, he still found 
 consolation in those sublime truths which every true Mason 
 is acquainted with ; and the craft will fully estimate the 
 intensity of his zeal in the mystic art when they know that 
 his first public exertion after his happy recovery will be to 
 attend a Masonic festival ; and that the last exercise of his 
 power of vision previous to his calamity was to append his 
 signature to a Masonic document." 
 
 In returning thanks for the toast of his health, the P.G.M. 
 expressed his gratification at the meeting being held at a 
 Lodge which had done him the honour to adopt the name 
 of his residence as its title, and in a town with whose 
 interests and prosperity he had been identified through 
 
yQ Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 many long years. With the most able and valuable 
 assistance of his excellent friend, Bro. W. A. Nicholson, 
 Prov. G. Sup. of W., he was repairing his old house, where 
 he trusted, he should at no distant period be found to 
 discharge the duties of hospitality among his neighbours 
 after the old English- fashion ; and when the P.G. Lodge 
 next assembled at-Market Rasen, he should hope to have 
 the gratification of receiving his brethren at Bayons Manor. 
 
 Dr. Oliver, in the course of his reply to the toast of his 
 health, proposed by the Chairman, informed the brethren 
 that he had made arrangements to live six months of the 
 jj^ear in Lincolnshire, and thus be enabled to retain his 
 office, the worthy Doctor concluding his speech with a 
 magnificent testimony to masonic teaching. 
 
 Various other toasts followed, bringing to an end this 
 very red letter day in the annals of Prov. G. Lodge. 
 
 1837, Oct. 19. P.G.L. at the Sessions House, Spilsby. 
 
 Procession to Church ; sermon by Bro. G. Coltman. 
 
 " The Church was crowded with attentive hearers ; and 
 seldom have we heard the vocal performances in a country 
 choir so truly chaste and tasteful as in the curious old 
 fabric of Spilsby." 
 
 Bro. Marshall, of the White Hart, provided a most 
 excellent dinner. The Prov. G.M. presided. 
 
 The D.P.G.M. read a communication from Dr. Crucifix 
 relative to his proposed visit to P.G.L. to secure its support 
 to the projected Aged Asylum. Oliver expressing his 
 approval of the scheme, said : — " In this point of view we may 
 consider Freemasonry as a beautiful polished column of 
 pure white marble, based on Charity. Its plinth as the 
 fund of benevolence for the destitute virtuous Mason ; the 
 fluted shaft composed of those noble institutions the Girls 
 and Boys Orphanages. . But it still wants a capital ; and 
 what can be so effectual to complete the sublime fabric as 
 an Asylum for aged, and decayed Brethren ! While the 
 superannuated soldier and sailor have their hospitals of 
 Chelsea and Greenwich as places of honourable retirement 
 
The Provincial Grand Lodge of Lincolnshire. yj 
 
 from the storms and privations of life, why should not the 
 aged Mason have his Asylum, where he may not, indeed, 
 like the gallant defenders of our Country, 
 
 ' Fight all his battles o'er again,' 
 but 'Work all his lectures o'er again.'" 
 The rev. gentleman's sentiments were fully reciprocated 
 by the brethren, the P.G.M., Sir Edw. Brackenbury, and the 
 Rev. G. Coltman all speaking in favour of and promising 
 their support to the Institution. 
 
 1839, Nov. 2ist. P.G.L. at the Doric Lodge Room, 
 Grantham. 
 
 Dr. Oliver presided, and preached at Church. 
 
 Two special anthems composed by Bro. Wm. Dixon, 
 Organist of the Parish Church, Grantham, were sung during 
 the service. 
 
 Dr. R. T. Crucifix, P.G.D., attended and explained the 
 principles on which the Asylum for Aged and Decayed 
 Freemasons is founded. A Masonic Conversazione was 
 afterwards held at the Red Lion. Crucifix and Oliver met 
 for the first time, a meeting long anticipated. Crucifix, in 
 the course of his speech, observed: — "The literature of 
 Dr. Oliver (for it is a literature of itself) is most unexcep- 
 tionable, its grandeur and its simplicity are so sweetly 
 contrasted — the learning of the philosopher and the piety 
 of the divine are so happily blended, that while man 
 admires, woman can approve." 
 
 Fifty guineas were promised to the Asylum. 
 
 1 84 1 , Sept. 9th. P. G. L. at the Assembly Rooms, Boston. 
 
 Sir Ed. Ffrench Bromhead, Bart., resigned his office of 
 P.S.W. owing to indisposition (blindness).* 
 
 A proposal was made by Bro. Goodacre, W.M. of the 
 Witham Lodge, for the establishment of a County Fund of 
 Benevolence. 
 
 A procession to Church ; sermon by Dr. Oliver, in place 
 of P.G.C. 
 
 * An account of Sir E. Ff. Bromhead appears in the Witham notes." 
 
78 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 Banquet at the Wool Pack, Bro. Button's. 
 
 The P.G.M. presided both at Lodge and banquet. 
 
 During the interval between this and the next Lodge 
 the dismissal of Dr. Oliver from his office of D.P.G.M. took 
 place, particulars of which are given elsewhere. 
 
 The P.G.L. minutes are exceedingly reticent on the 
 subject. 
 
 It should also be noted that the Prov. G.M. and several 
 of his officers had been on i6th April previously the guests 
 of the W.M. (Bro. R. S. Harvey) and brethren of the 
 Witham, at the laying of the foundation stone of the new hall 
 in Saltergate. Reasons why the 1840 annual Lodge was 
 not held were given. 
 
 1842, Sept. 29th. P.G.L. at the Town Hall, Spalding. 
 The P.G.M. presided. 
 
 The Rev. George Coltman was installed D.P.G.M., in 
 the place of Rev. Dr. Oliver, removed. 
 
 The P.G.M. gave an explanation of his dismissal ol the 
 Rev. G. Oliver, D.D., from the office of D.P.G.M. 
 
 A vote of thanks to the Rev. G. Oliver for his masonic 
 services, deeply lamenting his loss as D.P.G.M., and a con- 
 tribution of five guineas towards a masonic offering to him 
 unanimously carried. 
 
 A procession to Church ; sermon by Bro. W. Mockler, 
 from Ps. 133, V. I. 
 
 1843, Mar. 7th and Aug. 31st. P.G.L. at the Freemasons' 
 Hall, Lincoln. 
 
 The advisability of establishing a Provincial Fund of 
 Benevolence was discussed, and various resolutions passed, 
 but none of them appear to have been carried out 
 
 A procession to St. Martin's Church ; sermon by Rev. 
 J. O. Dakeyne. Banquet at the City Assembly Rooms. 
 
 Dr. Oliver announced that Grand Lodge had voted 
 ;^S0 to the widow of the late D.P.G.M., Rev. Matthew Barnett. 
 
 1844, March 12th — Lincoln. 
 
 1845, May 29th — Boston. Sept. nth— Gainsborough. 
 
The Provincial Grand Lodge of Lincolnshire. 79 
 
 1846, June 4th — Spilsby. Again on October ist. 
 
 1847, March 8th— Lincoln. 
 
 1848, March 6th — Lincoln. First attendance of the 
 Ancholme Lodge, Brigg. 
 
 There is scarcely any record of business at these meetings. 
 The Prov. G. Master's name appears as presiding only at 
 Gainsborough. 
 
 Sometimes a dinner, sometimes a supper, is recorded. 
 
 The Provincial Lodges from 1843 to 1849 evidently 
 were not popular. 
 
 Three of the meetings were convened at Lincoln during 
 the Assize-week ; certainly a most inauspicious time to hold 
 a masonic gathering. The arrangement was doubtless 
 made under the impression that a larger attendance would 
 be the result, but (as will be noted) it almost caused a 
 collapse of the Lodge. 
 
 Several Lodges are recorded at every meeting as " not 
 being represented," the Doric Lodge, Grantham, not attend- 
 ing at all until 1850. 
 
 Brethren remained in office several years, though it is 
 difficult to say whether this was owing to so few coming up 
 to the Deputy's standard of merit or to a lack of brethren 
 willing to occupy the various chairs. A motion, that on a 
 brother being re-elected to office, no fee of honour should 
 be required, points to a scarcity of brethren ; whilst on the 
 other hand, notwithstanding the well-known apathy of the 
 P.G.M., the high character and energy of the D.P.G.M., the 
 Rev. G. Coltman, which had been so conspicuous from the 
 time of his entering the Province in 1836, required a corres- 
 ponding energy on the part of his subordinates, not always 
 obtainable. 
 
 In 184s the Church processions, by the order of the 
 D.P.G.M., were to be discontinued. This very probably 
 would not meet with general approval, the previous attempts, 
 when moved in open Lodge, having been defeated by a large 
 majority. 
 
8b Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 At the Lincoln meeting in 1848 only nine officers were 
 present, the P.G.M., together with the majority of the 
 officers, being probably engaged at the Assize Court. The 
 D.P.G.M. was absent through illness. Only one brother 
 (the P.G.O.) occupied his proper place in the Lodge. Five 
 of the nine present were members of the Witham ; Shakspere, 
 Harmony, and Trent furnishing the remainder. 
 
 According to the Provincial By-laws, the annual meeting 
 was to be held in Spring, at which all business matters 
 were to be determined. If a second were held, it was 
 understood to be a gathering of a purely social kind. 
 
 The old custom of a Church procession and banquet 
 carried out this intention admirably. The Deputy's veto 
 put an end to a custom which had been in regular use since 
 the establishment of the Province, the propriety of which 
 had moreover been always strenuously advocated by Dr. 
 Oliver and the old masons. 
 
 It does not appear upon what ground the rev. gentleman 
 objected to Church procession, but that its discontinuance 
 was not approved of by the bulk of the brethren is evidenced 
 by their absence from the meetings. 
 
 On the 23rd of November, 1848, a meeting was held at 
 Lincoln "to take into consideration the present state of 
 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire," and a letter of remonstrance 
 was sent to the P.G.M. At a following meeting, held at 
 Boston, another letter was forwarded, requesting him to 
 resign his office. With this request the right worshipful 
 brother complied, the Deputy's resignation taking place 
 after his installing the new Pro. G. Master. 
 
 1849, April 1 2th. P.G.L. at the County Assembly 
 Rooms; Lincoln. 
 
 Lodges represented — Witham, Harmony, Trent, Shaks- 
 pere, Ancholme. 
 
 The Rev. G. Coltman installed the Earl of Yarborough, 
 D.G.M., in the office of Prov. G. Master for Lincolnshire, 
 vacant by the resignation of the Right Hon. Charles 
 Tennyson-D' Eyncourt. 
 
The Provincial Grand Lodge of Lincolnshire. 8 1 
 
 The P.G.M. appointed the Rev. Charles Nairne,D.P.G.M., 
 in the place of the Rev. G. Coltman, resigned. 
 
 A rate of is. on all subscribing members to be laid upon 
 the several Lodges towards defraying expenses of P.G.L. 
 
 The Masters of the various Lodges to be a Committee 
 to revise the By-laws. 
 
 1849, Aug. 23. P.G.L, at the Assembly Room, Boston. 
 Report of the Committee adopted, and new code passed. 
 The Hundred of Elloe Lodge asked for time to pay 
 
 their arrears, owing to their furniture and regalia having 
 been destroyed by fire. 
 
 Dec, 1 849. The name of the Trent Lodge, Gainsborough, 
 was by permission of the P.G.M., changed to the Yarborough 
 Lodge. 
 
 1850, April 18. P.G.L. at the Old Hall, Gainsborough, 
 adjourned to May 2nd at the Great Northern Hotel, Lincoln, 
 to assist the P.G.M. in laying the first stone of the Penitent 
 Females' Home. P.G.L., in number about 90, went in 
 procession, preceded by the band of the Blue Coat School, 
 from the Great Northern Hotel, along the High Street, and 
 past St. Martin's Church and the Asylum to the site of the 
 new building, when the first stone was laid in due masonic 
 form by the Earl of Yarborough, D.G.M. and P.G.M. The 
 procession returned by the same route, and the proceedings 
 terminated with a dinner at the Great Northern. 
 
 1850, Oct. 3rd. P.G.L. at Spalding. 
 
 The Elloe Lodge was excused ;^3 arrears. 
 
 The best thanks of P.G.L. voted by acclamation to the 
 Earl of Yarborough for his donation of six jewels for 
 Stewards and one for S. of W. 
 
 Lodge met at Lincoln following 6th of December, to 
 receive the M.W. the Earl of Zetland, G.M. His Lordship 
 being prevented by illness from attending, an address of 
 condolence was passed to him. Ninety members present. 
 
82 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 1851, June 12. P.G.L. at Town Hall, Spilsby. 
 
 An additional shilling was levied on each subscribing 
 member for this year, in order to meet the extra expendi- 
 ture incurred by P.G.L. 
 
 Banquet at the White Hart. 
 
 1852, P.G.L. May 26, at the Town Hall, Brigg. 
 
 A petition for relief from a Lincoln brother was read ; 
 there being no Provincial funds, a subscription was made. 
 Banquet at the Lion Hotel. 
 
 1853, June 6th. P.G.L. at the Assembly Room, Boston. 
 The Rev. C. Nairne presided. 
 
 A letter of apology from the P.G.M. for his non-attend- 
 ance was read, and also his request to the brethren to assist 
 in laying the foundation stone of the new Town Hall at 
 Louth. 
 
 1853, June i6th. P.G.L. at Louth. 
 
 The brethren walked in procession from the Lodge, held 
 at the King's Head, to the Mansion House, when they were 
 most munificently entertained at a dejeunkr given by the 
 Mayor, S. Trought, Esq., after which they proceeded to the 
 site of the intended new Town Hall, when the foundation 
 stone was laid in due masonic form by the R.W. the Earl 
 of Yarborough, D.G.M., and P.G.M. for Lincolnshire. 
 
 1854, May 18. P.G.L. at the new Masonic Hall, 
 Grantham Street, Lincoln. 
 
 The brethren went in procession to St. Martin's Church, 
 where a sermon was preached by Bro. E. R. Larken, 
 Chaplain to the Witham Lodge. The new Lodge Room 
 was then solemnly dedicated by the R.W. the Prov. G. 
 Master. 
 
 Banquet at the Saracen's Head. 
 
 185s, May 31. P.G.L. at the Old Hall, Gainsborough. 
 
 No returns having been made by the Ancholme and 
 St. Botolph's, the D.P.G.M. was directed to write to the 
 W.Ms, of those Lodges. 
 
 Banquet at the White Hart, 
 
The Provincial Grand Lodge of Lincolnshire. 83 
 
 1856, May 8th. P.G.L. at the Assembly Rooms, Boston. 
 The Rev. C. Nairne presided. 
 
 A resolution of regret at the indisposition of the P.G.M., 
 and hearty prayer for his restoration unanimously carried. 
 Banquet at the Guildhall. 
 
 1857, May 7th. P.G.L. at Lincoln. 
 
 The propriety of the brethren attending Church at the 
 P.G.L. meetings was discussed, and the Prov. G. Master 
 expressed his approval of such a course being adopted. 
 
 Bro. C. Pocklington gave notice of his intention to 
 propose the formation of a P.G.L. Benevolent Fund. 
 
 1858, July 1st. P.G.L. at the Assembly Rooms, Boston. 
 Brother Cabourn Pocklington brought forward his 
 
 motion for the formation of a P.G.L. Benevolent Fund, and 
 a Committee was duly appointed. 
 
 No further steps appear to have been taken in the 
 matter, probably owing to the serious indisposition of the 
 P.G.M. 
 
 Procession to Church, and sermon by Bro. Rev. B. J. 
 Wood, P.G. Chaplain. 
 
 1859, May 26th. P.G.L. at the Assembly Rooms, Lincoln. 
 The Deputy Prov. G. Master reported that the Ancholme 
 
 Lodge, Brigg, had ceased to meet, and that he had returned 
 the Warrant to the Grand Secretary. 
 Banquet at the Saracen's Head. 
 
 i860, April 20th. P.G.L. at the Assembly Rooms, 
 Boston. 
 
 A special meeting; for the purpose of laying the founda- 
 tion stone of the new Masonic Hall. 
 
 The Rev. Charles Nairne, D.P.G.M., presided, and laid 
 the stone in masonic form. 
 
 Annual meeting at Sleaford, July 12th, 
 
 No change of officers, 
 
84 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 1861, May 23rd. P.G.L. at the City Assembly Rooms, 
 Lincoln. 
 
 The D.P.G.M. presided. 
 
 First appearance of the Franklin Lodge, Boston. 
 
 A silver epergne, of the value of eighty guineas, presented 
 to Bro. Richard Hall, Pro. G. Secretary. 
 
 The Prov. G. Secretary to write to the Lindsey and 
 Pelham Pillar Lodges to express surprise that they had 
 never been represented at Prov. Grand Lodge. 
 
 In the following June the Rev. C. Nairne, in consequence 
 of failing health, resigned his office as D.P.G.M. 
 
 The Reverend Charles Nairne was initiated at 
 Cheltenham in 1828; Passed in St. John's Lodge, Dunkeld, 
 Perthshire, 1845 ; Raised in the Witham Lodge, Lincoln, 
 1846; Exalted in the Chapter of Concord, 1847; W.M. of 
 the Witham Lodge, 1848, and Deputy Provincial Grand 
 Master of Lincolnshire in 1849. Brother Nairne was inde- 
 fatigable in his exertions for the good of the craft. It is, I 
 believe, owing to his care and research that the records of 
 Prov. G. Lodge were collected and tabulated, and it is due 
 to his memory to state that neither time nor trouble were 
 spared in the work. He was born on shipboard during a 
 voyage from China to England ; this, coupled with the fact 
 of his mother being a native of China and his father a 
 Scotchman, rendered Brother Nairne's nationality some- 
 what complex. 
 
 The reverend gentleman was Perpetual Curate of St. 
 Botolph's and St. Peter-at-Gowts, Lincoln, in 1 837 ; Prebend 
 of St. Botolph's in the Cathedral, 1845 ; and Vicar of Bonby, 
 on the presentation of Lord Yarborough, in i860. Died in 
 Scotland about 1 867. Bro. Nairne is said to have been an 
 inveterate smoker. 
 
 Death of the Earl of Yarborough, Prov. G. Master. 
 
 January 7th, 1862, died, in his 53rd year, the Right 
 Honourable Charles Anderson Worsley Pelham, 2nd Earl 
 of Yarborough, Past Deputy Grand Master of England and 
 Provincial Grand Master for Lincolnshire. His Lordship 
 died at Brighton after a prolonged illness. 
 
The Provincial Grand Lodge of Lincolnshire. 85 
 
 1862, April 29th. P.G.L. at the County Assembly 
 Rooms, Lincoln, for the purpose of installing as Prov. G. 
 Master His Grace the Duke of St. Albans, in the place of 
 the late Earl of Yarborough. 
 
 The venerable brother, the Rev. Geo. Oliver, D.D., 
 P.D.P.G.M., presided. 
 
 The patent of appointment having been read by Bro. 
 Rd. Hall, P.G. Secretary, his Grace, introduced by the R.W. 
 Brother T. H. Hall, P.G.M. for Cambridgeshire, took the 
 obligation. After an address by the installing Master, the 
 Duke, accompanied by Dr. Oliver and the past Masters of 
 the Province, retired to an ante-room, when his Grace took 
 the usual ob. and "passed the chair." On the return 
 of the procession the installation ceremony was continued 
 in masonic form by Dr. Oliver. 
 
 Bro. R. S. Harvey was appointed D.P.G.M., and delivered 
 a warm eulogium on the late P.G.M. 
 
 A resolution expressing the deep sense of the loss 
 P.G.L. had sustained was passed, and a copy was forwarded 
 to Adelaide, Countess of Yarborough, and to the present 
 Earl. A banquet was held at 3.30 in the City Assembly 
 Rooms. A ball at the County Assembly Rooms in the 
 evening. 
 
 1863, May 28th. P.G.L.at the Assembly Rooms,Boston. 
 The new Masonic Hall, in Main Ridge, was dedicated 
 
 in due masonic form by the Duke of St. Albans, Prov. G.M. 
 
 1864, May 19th. P.G.L. at the Town Hall, Louth. 
 The Prov. G.M. presided. 
 
 The W.M. and Wardens of the Witham Lodge having 
 made complaint against the W.M. and brethren of the 
 Yarborough Lodge for initiating persons from Lincoln of 
 whom they disapproved, both parties were summoned to 
 attend P.G.L. 
 
 The D.P.G.M., the W.M. of the Yarborough Lodge, the 
 W.M. and I.P.M. of the Witham Lodge, and the Rev. G. 
 Coltman, P.D.P.G.M, having spoken on the subject, the 
 
86 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 W.M. of the Yarborough Lodge resigned his office of P.G. 
 Steward. The P.G.M. hoped that in future proper courtesy 
 would be exercised between the different Lodges in the 
 Province whenever candidates sought admission from neigh- 
 bouring towns which possessed Lodges. 
 
 Bro. Major W. H. Smyth was appointed D.P.G.M., in 
 the place of Bro. R. S. Harvey resigned. 
 
 Banquet at the Masons' Arms. 
 
 1865. P.G.L. at Grantham 25th May, and at Boston 
 24th August. 
 
 A vote of condolence was passed to the Right Hon. the 
 Earl of Zetland, M.W. Grand Master of England, on the 
 death of the Countess. 
 
 A proposition made by Brother C. E. Lucas, P.G. 
 Secretary, and seconded by Brother Cabourn Pocklington, 
 Boston, that a Prov. G. L. Benevolent Fund be established, 
 was carried unanimously, and the rules and regulations 
 which had been drawn up by the P.G. Secretary were 
 adopted. 
 
 A new code of By-laws having also been submitted by 
 the P.G. Secretary, and approved by a committee appointed 
 to consider the same, was unanimously adopted. 
 
 A sum of £y:y was voted from P.G.L. funds to the new 
 Benevolent Fund, and £2 2s. each to the three Central 
 Charities. 
 
 Banquet at Town Hall, Grantham, and the Peacock 
 Hotel, Boston. 
 
 1866, May loth. P.G.L. at the Corn Exchange, Lincoln. 
 W. Bro. the Rev. Dr. Oliver, P.D.P.G.M., delivered an 
 
 oration " On the superiority of Freemasonry over all other 
 Social Institutions," and also " A Farewell Address to the 
 P.G. Lodge." A cordial vote of thanks being passed, the 
 venerable Doctor placed the MS. in the hands of the P.G. 
 Secretary for publication, desiring that the profits arising 
 from the same might be given to the Benevolent Fund. 
 
The Provincial Grand Lodge of Lincolnshire. 87 
 
 A sum of ;£'30 was ordered to be transferred from the 
 P.G.L. Fund to the Benevolent Fund. 
 
 The P.G. Sec. stated that he had already received for 
 this charity, in response to his application, nearly ;^200. 
 
 A minute was entered in the books alluding in feeling 
 terms to the loss the P.G. Lodge had sustained in the death 
 of Brother Greenwood, the P.G.D. of C. 
 
 The By-laws were unanimously confirmed, and ordered 
 to be printed. 
 
 A vote of thanks was accorded to Brother C. Ferneley, 
 P.G.J.W., for publishing his interesting lecture entitled 
 " Speculations on Speculative Masonry," and devoting the 
 profits arising from the sale of it to the P.G.L. Benevolent 
 Fund. 
 
 Banquet at the Saracen's Head. 
 
 1867, May 2nd. P.G.L. at the Mechanics' Institute, 
 Grimsby. 
 
 On the motion of his Grace the Duke of St Albans, 
 P.G.M., seconded by Bro. Major Smyth, D.P.G.M., the 
 following resolution was entered upon the minutes : — 
 
 " The Officers and Brethren of the P.G.L. here assembled, 
 desire unanimously to record their deep sense of the loss 
 they have sustained in the death of their venerable Brother 
 Dr. Oliver. They feel well assured that this feeling will 
 pervade the hearts of Masons, not only in this Province, 
 but throughout the world. Few indeed are spared to be 
 united to Masonry for so long a period as our deceased 
 Brother, and still fewer who can leave behind them so 
 magnificent a proof how truly and constantly during a 
 period of sixty-five years our revered Brother's heart beat 
 in accord with the highest principles of the Craft, and how 
 hard he laboured to advance the prosperity of the Order. 
 
 " May the last words which he uttered in his Farewell 
 Address to this Lodge a year ago be fully verified : ' I with- 
 draw in the firm belief that the Order will continue to 
 increase, under the protection of the Most High, until it 
 includes all mankind who may be worthy to participate in 
 its inestimable principles.' " 
 
88 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 A sum of three shillings to be paid to the Benevolent 
 Fund by every new brother in the Province. 
 
 The P.G.M. addressed the brethren at considerable 
 length in reference to the great increase in their number. 
 
 Banquet at the Royal Hotel. 
 
 1868, Aug. 6th. P.G.L. at the Corn Exchange, Spalding. 
 Bro. W. G. Moore, 297, stated what had been done in 
 
 connection with the Oliver Memorial. 
 
 ;^io, proceeds of sale of the Oliver oration, were given 
 to the Benevolent Fund. 
 
 A vote of congratulation to the Prov. G. Master, on his 
 marriage, was carried with the warmest enthusiasm. 
 
 Towards the close of the banquet, held in the Assembly 
 Rooms, Bro. F. Binckes, Secretary of the Royal Masonic 
 Institution for Boys, made a powerful appeal on behalf of 
 that excellent charity. 
 
 1 869, July 27th. P.G. L. at the Assembly Rooms, Boston. 
 Major W. H. Smyth, D.P.G.M., presided. 
 
 A weekly allowance was granted to an old and faithful 
 officer of P.G.L. 
 
 Bro. C. E. Lucas. Prov. G. Sec, reported that the Province 
 had subscribed £\2\ to the R.M.I. for Boys. 
 
 The Prov. G. Registrar notified the consecration of the 
 Hereward Lodge, Bourne, No. 1232, on Monday, 9th Nov., 
 1868, by the D.P.G.M., assisted by many officers and 
 brethren of the Province. 
 
 All business connected with the charities to be carried 
 out by the Charity Committee. " That no candidate shall 
 be eligible for selection unless the same be duly proposed 
 and seconded by two members of the Committee, who must 
 be present, and have made themselves well acquainted with 
 the case." 
 
 1870, Nov. 3rd. P.G.L. at the Old Hall, Gainsborough. 
 Bro. E. Locock, Prov. Steward at the festival of the 
 
 R.M.I.B., announced contributions from the brethren of the 
 Province amounting to £,\Z<j. 
 A Provincial Seal was ordered. 
 
The Provincial Grand Lodge of Lincolnshire . 89 
 
 1 87 1, Aug. 17th. P.G.L. at the British School Room, 
 Lincoln. 
 
 Major W. H. Smyth, D.P.G.M., presided. 
 
 A Steward to be elected annually to represent the 
 Province at the festivals of the Central Charities. Bro. W. 
 H. Radley, P.P-.G.W., was appointed to the office. 
 
 After the Prov. G. Officers had been duly invested 
 the brethren walked in procession to the site of the proposed 
 Masonic Hall, where the foundation stone was laid by the 
 R.W.D.P.G.M. with the usual masonic observances. 
 
 The D.P.G.M. alluded in a most feeling manner to the 
 great loss the Province had sustained by the death of Bro. 
 C. E. Lucas, the late Prov. G. Secretary. 
 
 1 872, May 30th. P.G.L. at the Corn Exchange, Sleaford. 
 Major W. H. Smyth, D.P.G.M., presided. 
 
 The following congratulatory address was ordered to be 
 forwarded — 
 
 " To the Queen's Most Excellent Majesty. 
 
 "We the members of the Provincial Grand Lodge of 
 Antient Free and Accepted Masons of Lincolnshire, in 
 Provincial Grand Lodge assembled, humbly tender to your 
 Majesty our sincere congratulations that the Great Architect 
 of the Universe has been pleased in His infinite mercy to 
 raise His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, P.G.M., 
 from a bed of sickness to his present satisfactory state of 
 convalescence. 
 
 "We further sincerely trust that His Royal Highness 
 will be speedily restored to perfect health, and that he may 
 long be spared to his Family, the Nation, and the Craft. 
 
 " In conclusion, we beg to assure your Majesty of our 
 devoted and loyal attachment to your Throne and Person." 
 
 Bro. E. Locock was appointed Prov. Charity Steward. 
 Banquet, provided by Bro. Sharpe, of the Bristol Arms, 
 held in the Corn Exchange. 
 
 1873, May 29th. P.G.L. at the Town Hall, Louth. 
 Major W. H. Smyth presided. 
 
 The Lodge was in masonic mourning for the late Earl 
 of Zetland, G.M. 
 
90 Preemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 The Prov. Sec. notified a reply from Her Most Gracious 
 Majesty the Queen to the vote of congratulation forwarded 
 from last Lodge. 
 
 Bro. J. Sutcliffe undertook the duties of P. Charity 
 Steward. 
 
 Bro. W. H. Smyth announced his intention of endowing 
 the chair of D.P.G.M. as Vice-President of the R.M.I.B. in 
 perpetuity. 
 
 A letter of condolence to be sent to the present Earl of 
 Zetland on the death of the late Grand Master. 
 
 Banquet at the Corn Exchange, provided by Bro. 
 Richardson, of the Masons' Arms. 
 
 i874,May28th. P.G.L.at the Corn Exchange, Grantham. 
 
 The Prov. G. Master presided. 
 
 The Charity Committee congratulated the Province in 
 their being able to afford relief to the whole of the petitioners 
 who have made known their claims. 
 
 Bro. W. Pigott accepted the Charity Stewardship. 
 
 A vote of thanks passed to Bro. J. Sutcliffe for his 
 services in the past year. 
 
 Bro. Binckes, Sec. of the R.M.I.B., also attended, and 
 conveyed the thanks of the Governors of that Institution to 
 Bro. Sutcliffe for his services and liberality on their behalf. 
 
 Banquet at the Guildhall, St. Peter's Hill. 
 
 187s, June loth. P.G.L. at the Assembly Rooms.Boston. 
 
 Major W. H. Smyth, D.P.G.M., presided. 
 
 Subscriptions amounting to ;£'S7S i8s. had been received 
 by Bro. Pigott for the Aged Freemasons' Charity, and a 
 hearty vote of thanks was accorded Bro. Pigott for his 
 exertions. 
 
 Bro. J. R. Boyall accepted the Charity Stewardship. 
 
 An address of congratulation to be forwarded to H.R.H. 
 the Prince of Wales, on his elevation to the dignity of 
 Grand Master of England. 
 
 On Monday, 2nd August, 1875, P.G.L., under the 
 presidency of Bro. T. Slator, Act. D.P.G.M., met at the 
 
The Provincial Grand Lodge of Lincolnshire. gt 
 
 Mechanics' Institute, Grimsby, and proceeded to the site of 
 the new Masonic Hall in Osborne Street, when the founda- 
 tion stone was laid by Brother J. Sutcliffe with masonic 
 honours, in the presence of a large gathering of gentlemen 
 and ladies of the neighbourhood. 
 
 1876, June 6th. P.G.L. at Brigg. 
 The P.G.M. presided. 
 
 An acknowledgment from the Grand Master of the 
 illuminated address designed and forwarded at the request 
 of P.G.L. by Bro. Jas. Fowler. 
 
 Bro. Boyall's list of subscriptions, amounting to £564 14s., 
 in aid of the R.M.I, for Girls, was presented, and hearty 
 thanks were recorded for his services. 
 
 Bro. H. Watson, P.G. Registrar, having explained the 
 object of the Oliver Memorial Fund, this charity was 
 recommended to the special consideration of the Province 
 for the ensuing year. 
 
 Provincial Charity Steward, Brother Jas. Fowler. 
 
 Banquet, in a marquee, provided from the Angel. 
 
 1877, June 7th. P.G.L. at Horncastle. 
 
 A P.G.L. banner presented by Bro. John Hadfield, 792. 
 A new jewel ordered for the office of P.G. Standard 
 Bearer. 
 
 Bro. Fowler was requested to continue as Charity Steward. 
 Banquet at the Bull Hotel. 
 
 1878, July nth. P.G.L. at the new Masonic Hall, 
 Osborne Street, Grimsby. 
 
 Installation of Brother William Henry Smyth, Esq., as 
 Provincial Grand Master in the place of the Duke of 
 St. Albans, resigned, to become P.G.M. of Nottinghamshire. 
 
 P.G.L. was opened at one o'clock by Bro. the Rev. G. 
 Coltman, P.D.P.G.M. 
 
 The P.G.M. designate was accompanied into the Lodge 
 by a deputation of seven Past Masters, and presented to 
 the A.G.M. by Bro. James Fowler. 
 
92 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 After the patent of appointment had been read by the 
 P.G. Sec, and prayer offered by the Acting P.G. Chaplain, 
 the P.G.M.-Elect took the ob., and was duly invested 
 and enthroned. The Prov. G. Master then appointed Bro. 
 E. Locock his Deputy. 
 
 An address of congratulation to the P.G.M. on behalf 
 of the brethren was given by Bro. the Rev. G. Coltman, 
 and duly acknowledged by the Right Worshipful Brother. 
 
 Bro. James Fowler announced that the sum of one 
 thousand guineas had been contributed to the Oliver 
 Memorial Fund. 
 
 Bro. W. H. Sissons presented the Lodge with a set of 
 Stewards' Regalia. 
 
 An illuminated address to be forwarded to the late 
 P.G.M., His Grace the Duke of St. Albans, on the occasion 
 of his installation as P.G.M. of Nottinghamshire. 
 
 In October following his Grace acknowledged the 
 address in a very fraternal letter to the P.G.M. 
 
 A memorial of the late esteemed brother, John Sutcliffe, 
 was unveiled by the P.G.M. 
 
 223 brethren signed the attendance sheet. 
 
 Banquet at the Town Hall. 
 
 1879, June 19th. P.G.L. at Corn Exchange, Spalding. 
 
 Procession to Church, and sermon by the Rev. G. W. 
 Lowe, P.G.C. 
 
 Bros. J. Hodgins and Jack Sutcliffe, Joint Charity 
 Stewards. 
 
 The banquet, provided by Bro. Harper, White Hart, 
 held in a marquee erected in the spacious grounds of 
 Ayscough Fee, the residence ot Bro. C. F. Bonner, W.M. 469, 
 which were kindly thrown open to the brethren. 
 
 On Dec. ist P.G.L. met at Gainsborough. 
 
 Several alterations were made in the Benevolent rules. 
 
 The brethren afterwards lunched in the Banqueting 
 Room of the Old Hall with the Companions of the P.G. 
 R.A. Chapter, whose meeting had been previously held. 
 
The Provincial Grand Lodge of Lincolnshire. 93 
 
 1880, June 24th. P.G.L. at Lincoln. 
 
 Ordered " that a Form of Enquiry respecting Candidates 
 for Initiation &c. who are non-residents be adopted by the 
 Province." 
 
 A motion by Bros. W. H. Sissons and W. H. Radley, 
 that contributions be soHcited for raising the sum of one 
 thousand guineas for educational purposes, was unanimously 
 carried. 
 
 An honorarium of ;^20 was voted to the Prov. G. Sec. 
 for his faithful services to the Province, and " that in con- 
 sequence of increased duties the Prov. G. Sec. shall in future 
 be paid a yearly honorarium of ;£'20 from the Lodge Fund." 
 
 Bro. W. H. Sissons accepted the Charity Stewardship. 
 
 The new charity to be designated the " Smyth Scholar- 
 ship Fund," as an acknowledgment of the earnest services 
 oftheP.G.M. 
 
 Banquet at the Corn Exchange. 
 
 1 88 1 , April 2 1 St. P.G.L. at the Estate Offices, Skegness. 
 A special meeting to dedicate the Lumley Lodge, 1893. 
 June 20. P.G.L. at the Old Hall, Gainsborough. 
 After the disposal of routine business, the brethren were 
 
 formed in procession by Bro. W. H. Roberts, and proceeded, 
 headed by the band of the ist Rifle Volunteers, to the site 
 of the proposed new Church of St. John the Divine. 
 
 After an address by Bro. T. H. Oldman, and prayer by 
 the P.G. Chaplain, the W.M. of the Yarborough Lodge, 
 Bro. the Rev. J. R. U. Elliott, presented an elaborately 
 chased silver trowel to the Prov. G. Master, and the founda- 
 tion stone was duly laid and tried according to " Antient 
 Custom." 
 
 Banquet at the Old Hall, provided by Bro. Lindley. 
 
 1882, June 22nd. P.G.L. at the Corn Exchange, Sleaford. 
 The brethren from Lincoln, Louth, Gainsborough, &c., 
 
 journeyed from Lincoln to Sleaford by special train, kindly 
 placed at their disposal by Brother Ralph Firbank, the 
 contractor for the new railway. 
 
94 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 The P.G.M. was heartily congratulated on his appoint- 
 ment as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire. 
 Banquet by Bro. Sharpe, Bristol Arms. 
 
 1883, May 31st. P.G.L. at the Town Hall, Louth. 
 Previous to the assembling of P.G.L. a Court of Enquiry 
 
 as to alleged breach of By-laws in one of the Lodges of the 
 Province was held. 
 
 The thanks of the Lodge were accorded to Bro. F. D. 
 Marsden for his services as P.G. Secretary during the past 
 twelve years. 
 
 Banquet at the Exchange Hall, provided by Bro. 
 Richardson, Masons' Arms. 
 
 July 26th. P.G.L. at the Guildhall, Grantham. 
 
 A special meeting to lay the north-east corner-stone of 
 the extended nave of the Church of St. John the Evangelist, 
 Spittlegate, Grantham. 
 
 The brethren went in procession, preceded by the 
 Volunteer Band, to the Parish Church, where a short service 
 was held, and appropriate sermon preached by the Rev. C. 
 Elsmere, W.M. 362. The procession being re-formed, pro- 
 ceeded to the site where the stone was to be laid. 
 
 After the Antient Opening Address, given by Bro. the 
 Rev. C. Elsmere, and prayer said by the Rev. J. A. Chalmers, 
 P.G. Chaplaia, the corner-stone was duly laid by the Prov. 
 G. Master, and tried according to Antient Custom. 
 
 An interesting address was then delivered by the P.G.M., 
 on " Historical Operative Masonry and its Speculative 
 application," the proceedings being closed by prayer from 
 the P.G. Chaplain. 
 
 1884, May 29th. P.G.L. at the Corn Exchange, Market 
 Rasen. 
 
 Bro. W. H. Sissons, P.G. Charity Steward, reported that 
 the required sum of one thousand guineas had been sub- 
 scribed to the Sniyth Scholarship Fund. 
 
 Numerous alterations were made in the By-laws, to 
 bring them in accord with the new Book of Constitutions, 
 
The Provincial Grand Lodge of Lincolnshire. 95 
 
 An address of condolence to Her Majesty the Queen on 
 the death of the Duke of Albany was signed by the P.G.M. 
 and Sec. on behalf of P. G.L. 
 
 Banquet at the Town Hall, provided by Bro. Scott. 
 
 1885, May 2ist. P.G.L. at Boston, in the Assembly 
 Rooms. 
 
 A resolution expressing the thanks of Prov. G. Lodge 
 to be illuminated on vellum and presented to Bro. W. H. 
 Radley on his retirement from the Secretaryship of the 
 Charity Committee, a position he has filled for sixteen years. 
 
 On the motion of Bros. H. Clark and A. Bates, it was 
 resolved to solicit contributions towards raising a sum of 
 one thousand guineas, to be called the Sutcliffe Memorial 
 Fund, after the late Brother John Sutcliffe, of Stalling- 
 borough, to be applied to the relief of necessitous Freemasons 
 and their widows. 
 
 Bros. Clark and Bates appointed Stewards for the Fund. 
 
 A resolution deprecating the practice of reporting 
 masonic business in non-masonic publications was approved. 
 
 New jewels and clothing ordered for the additional 
 officers. 
 
 Bro. J. W. Woodall, Grand Treasurer, was present, and 
 received the congratulations of the brethren. 
 
 Banquet at Shodfriars' Hall, provided by the Misses 
 Jackson, Peacock Hotel. 
 
 The P.G.M. dedicated the St. Lawrence Lodge, Scun- 
 thorpe, on February loth, and the new hall at Spilsby on 
 9th April, 1885. 
 
 1886, May 27th. P.G.L. at Grantham. 
 
 Bro. Hewson appointed Charity Steward, in conjunction 
 with Bros. Clark and Bates. 
 
 Several necessary alterations were made in the rules of 
 the Oliver Memorial Fund. 
 
 Banquet at the Westgate Hall. 
 
96 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 1887, June 2nd. P.G.L. at the Masonic Hall, Lincoln. 
 
 Celebration of the Queen's Jubilee. 
 
 Loyalty to the Queen and country, which has ever 
 distinguished the craft in England, was conspicuous in the 
 Province of Lincolnshire on the 2nd of June, 1887, when a 
 large number of brethren attended the Prov. Grand Lodge, 
 held in the county town, to celebrate the Jubilee of Her 
 Most Gracious Majesty Queen Victoria, the illustrious 
 patron of our Order. 
 
 After the transaction of routine business, P.G.L. was 
 adjourned, for the purpose of proceeding to the Cathedral. 
 
 The brethren formed in procession under the direction 
 of Bros. Roberts, Mackinder, Mortimer, and Dickinson, and 
 preceded by two brothers of the loth Regiment, and the 
 band of the ist Volunteer Battalion, passed along Beaumont 
 Fee, Asylum Road, and Drury Lane to the Cathedral, which 
 was kindly granted by the Dean and Chapter, for a special 
 service at 2.30. 
 
 The Prov. G. Chaplains, Bros, the Rev. W. H. Mills and 
 the Rev. J. G. Bayles, by the courtesy of the Cathedral body, 
 read the lessons. The canticles were sung to the beautiful 
 setting by E. J. Hopkins in the key of F ; Handel's mag- 
 nificent " Zadok the Priest " being the appropriate anthem. 
 
 The sermon was preached by Bro. the Very Rev. A. P. 
 Purey-Cust, D.D., Dean of York, Past Grand Chaplain of 
 England, the offertory for the masonic charities amounting 
 to £2\. 
 
 Service being ended, the brethren grouped themselves 
 about the west door-way, and Bro. R. Slingsby succeeded 
 in getting an excellent photograph of the gathering. 
 
 The procession re-formed, and passed down the New 
 Road and Silver Street to the Masonic Hall, where business 
 of P.G.L. proceeded. 
 
 It was unanimously resolved that the following Address 
 be presented to Her Most Gracious Majesty the Queen on 
 attaining the fiftieth year of her reign : — 
 
The Provincial Grand Lodge of Lincolnshire. 97 
 
 " May it please your Majesty, 
 
 " We, the Provincial Grand Lodge of Lincolnshire, con- 
 sisting of the Prov. G. Master, Dep. Prov. G. Master, Officers 
 and Brethen of 22 Lodges of Antient Free and Accepted 
 Masons, now assembled in Provincial Grand Lodge humbly 
 approach your Majesty as the Patroness & Head of our 
 Order. 
 
 "As representatives of 1000 Members of this Province, 
 we tender most sincerely our loyal and dutiful congratula- 
 tions on the happy attainment of the 50th year of your 
 Majesty's prosperous and glorious reign. 
 
 " And we earnestly pray that it may please the Great 
 Architect of the Universe to long spare your Majesty to 
 reign over your vast Empire, and over the various races of 
 mankind, who have gratefully enjoyed your Majesty's 
 beneficent rule." 
 
 A banquet was held in the Corn Exchange. 
 
 The P.G.M. presided, and was supported by the D.P.G.M., 
 Bro. Gerard Ford (D.G.M. for Sussex), the Very Rev. the 
 Dean of York, and several members of the Cathedral 
 Chapter. The assemblage was also graced by the presence 
 of several ladies. Brethren wore their masonic clothing, 
 the company numbering about 300. 
 
 The P.G.M. and several of the officers of P.G.L. after- 
 wards attended a soiree given by the Lincoln brethren in 
 the large room of the Masonic Hall. 
 
 1888, May 31st. P.G.L., Spilsby. 
 
 Bro. H. Clark reported that the required sum of one 
 thousand guineas had been subscribed towards the Sutcliffe 
 Memorial Fund. 
 
 Twenty guineas over and above the usual sum of £Z 
 were granted to the Witham Lodge, in consideration of the 
 heavy expenditure incurred at the last P.G.L. 
 
 Bro. H. E. Cousans was appointed Charity Steward. 
 
 Jubilee honours were conferred upon four brethren. 
 
gS Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 The following letter was read : — 
 " Sir " Whitehall 19 July 1 887. 
 
 " I have had the Honour to lay before the Queen the 
 loyal and dutiful Address of the Provincial Grand Lodge 
 of Lincolnshire of Antient Free and Accepted Masons, on 
 the occasion of Her Majesty attaining the Fiftieth Year of 
 Her Reign. And I have to inform you that Her Majesty 
 was pleased to receive the same very graciously. 
 " I have the honour to be Sir 
 
 " Your Obedient Servant 
 " W. H. Smyth Esq." " Henry Matthews^ 
 
 Banquet in a large marquee. 
 
 1889, June 6th. P.G.L. at the Masonic Hall, Grimsby. 
 Bro. H. E. Cousans reported subscriptions amounting 
 
 to £aSO towards the Central Charities. 
 
 A Charity Jewel to be presented to brethren who have 
 twice filled the office of P.G. Charity Steward. 
 
 Bro. James Fowler was installed Deputy P. G. Master, 
 in the place of Bro. Locock, resigned through ill health. 
 
 Bros. C. E. Ward and H. J. Bellerby appointed Charity 
 Stewards. 
 
 Banquet at the Town Hall. 
 
 1890, June Sth. P.G.L. at the Dock Buildings, Sutton 
 Bridge. 
 
 Bro. Ward's list of subscriptions for R.M.I, for Girls 
 amounted to ;^5So. 
 
 Bros. Ward and W. Goodwin Charity Stewards for the 
 ensuing year. 
 
 After the close of P.G.L. the brethren went in procession 
 to the Parish Church. Sermon by Rev. G. A. F. Foxton, 
 P.P.G.C. 
 
 Banquet in the Dock Buildings. 
 
 1 891, June 8th. P.G.L. at the Volunteers' Hall, Barton. 
 Bros. M. Smith, T. Staniforth, and C. Smyth, Charity 
 
 Stewards for ensuing year. 
 
 Rev. J. G. Bayles presented a Chaplain's Jewel. 
 
 Prov. G. Lodge to celebrate its Centenary at Grantham, 
 the first meeting having been held there in 1792. 
 
The Provincial Grand Lodge of Lincolnshire. 99 
 
 The Centenary Festival at Grantham, June 9, 1892. 
 
 The first meeting of Provincial Grand Lodge having 
 been held at Grantham, it was deemed fit and proper that 
 its Centenary Festival should be held at the same place. 
 The desire of the Prov. Grand Master having been notified 
 to the Grantham brethren, the Worshipful Master, with 
 other members of the Doric Lodge, attended the half-yearly- 
 Committee Meeting at Louth, held in the latter part of 
 September. 
 
 A suggestion that the Doric Lodge should appoint a 
 Committee to co-operate with the representatives of P.G.L. 
 was adopted, Bros. H. E. Cousans, W. Dixon, and B. Vickers 
 (P.G. Sec.) being nominated on behalf of the Province. 
 
 In the following March Bros. Anderson, Beeson, and 
 Russell, as representatives of the Doric Lodge, attended at 
 Lincoln and submitted their suggestions. 
 
 The 2 1st of June, the actual anniversary, being deemed 
 inconvenient, several other dates were suggested, and 
 eventually it was decided to hold the gathering on Thurs- 
 day, June 9th. 
 
 This in one respect proved an unfortunate date, as by a 
 strange coincidence the two adjoining Provinces of Notts, 
 and Northampton had fixed the same day for holding their 
 annual meetings at Newark and Peterborough, which no 
 doubt prevented many visitors from attending our gathering. 
 
 The suggestions adopted comprised a procession to the 
 Parish Church, headed by a band of music, and a musical 
 ceremony, as far as practicable, in the Lodge. 
 
 The correspondence which afterwards took place between 
 the Prov. G. Secretary and the Grantham Committee 
 resulted in a decision to hold the service at St. John's 
 Church, Spittlegate. The facts that a few years previously 
 the foundation stone of a new aisle had been laid with 
 
lOO Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 masonic honours ; the Vicar, Churchwardens, and Organist 
 being members of P.G.L. ; and the majority of the Doric 
 brethren attending St. John's, marked it as being especially 
 fitted for P.G.L. commemoration. 
 
 The following indicates the ground of the selection of 
 the music. Within a few months of the establishment of 
 P.G.L. 1792, one of the world's best masons and greatest 
 men — Mozart, the immortal musician — breathed his last. 
 His biographer says : — 
 
 "Freemasonry was to Mozart as to many others, the 
 basis of a deep religious conviction, he was a pure minded, 
 honest straightforward mason, one who took the principles 
 and teachings of the craft thoroughly to heart — of his last 
 sickness it is said 'that he contemplated the approach of 
 death with equanimity and that the lesson of the third 
 degree had prepared his mind to await with calmness the 
 opening of the door which leads to eternity.'" 
 
 What more proper than a performance in Lodge of this 
 excellent and renowned brother's music, especially (though 
 strange it may appear) since his latest completed work, 
 " Laut verkiinde uns're Freude " (a performance of which is 
 portrayed in a well-known picture as taking place at the 
 bedside of Mozart two days before his death; was composed 
 for a similar festive gathering. 
 
 Bro. H. P. Dickinson, to whose zeal and ability the 
 carrying out of the suggestion is chiefly due, is to be con- 
 gratulated on the performance, doubtless for the first time 
 in an English Lodge, of a work equally worthy of its author 
 and the occasion. 
 
 It must also be noted that the very excellent translation 
 from the original German was done by Mr. Vernon Howard, 
 of the Peterborough Grammar School. 
 
 The 9th of June was a glorious summer's day; the 
 weather, so important a factor in an out-door ceremony, 
 was all that could be desired. 
 
The Provincial Grand Lodge of Lincolnshire. loi 
 
 The town was en fite, flags were flying from many- 
 houses, from the Town Hall and the tower of St. John's 
 Church, while the bells of the Parish Church rang out a 
 joyous welcome to the visitors. 
 
 Contingents of brethren arrived by the various routes, 
 and wended their way to the Town Hall, where refreshment 
 was provided. 
 
 Grantham has undergone many changes since the Rev. 
 W. Peters opened his P.G. Lodge at the George Inn. An 
 attendance at either Barton or Grantham in the pre-railway 
 times must have been a considerable undertaking. 
 
 Prov. G. Lodge was summoned to meet at the Theatre 
 at High Twelve. 
 
 The M. M's. Lodge having been opened by the W.M. 
 and officers of the Doric, the Prov. Grand Master and his 
 officers entered, the band playing the "Priests' March" 
 from Zauberfldte. 
 
 The P.G.M. and many members of P.G.L. were seated 
 on the stage, a background of shrubs and plants making a 
 very pleasing effect. 
 
 The Wardens and brethren occupied the body of the 
 building, from the walls of which were suspended the 
 banners of the various Lodges. In the north-east corner 
 were seated the brethren comprising the small orchestra, 
 the vocal contingent occupying the adjoining seats. 
 
 After P.G.L. had been opened, and the "Hymn of 
 Invocation " sung, the cantata commenced, under the direc- 
 tion of Bro. H. P. Dickinson, the solo portions being sung 
 by Bro. G. H. Gregory. 
 
 The following extract from the opening recit. shows how 
 ably the translator had grasped the spirit of the occasion : — ■ 
 
 " After a century of years, noble brothers, we re-assemble 
 in the abode of knowledge and virtue. Sweet is the sensa- 
 tion of the mason on such a festal day, which binds anew 
 and firmer the chains of brotherhood ; sweet the thoughts 
 of that order in which every Brother's heart shews him 
 
I02 Freemasonry m Lincolnshire. 
 
 plainly what he was, what he is, and what he can become, 
 where example teaches him, where genuine brotherly love 
 surrounds him and Charity the best and holiest, the Queen 
 of all virtues, is enthroned in silent splendour." 
 
 The cantata being ended, the Prov, Grand Master read 
 the following address to the brethren : — 
 
 "After a century of years ! these words just sung by our 
 brother in his opening solo doubtless form the key-note of 
 our thoughts to-day. 
 
 " After a century of years, this Provincial Lodge meets 
 again in this Town of Grantham. A Century of years ! 
 
 "As Masons we have been forcibly instructed in the 
 advantages of contemplation, it is therefore especially fitting 
 on the completion of the hundred years of our corporate 
 existence that we should turn our minds back and contem- 
 plate the changes which have taken place during the last 
 century in our beloved Craft and Province. 
 
 " As with individuals so with Kingdoms and Societies — 
 time brings many vicissitudes. The Craft of Masonry has 
 been no exception to this rule, yet I would that each of us 
 individually could show such a balance to his credit at the 
 completion of a long term of years, as is shown by the 
 annals of the Craft in general and those of this Province in 
 particular. 
 
 " In the short time we have at our disposal, it is meet 
 and proper that I should recall to your notice some of those 
 events in our history which will stamp the past hundred 
 years as a golden age in masonry. 
 
 "As you all know, in 1792 the Rev. Wm. Peters was 
 appointed Grand Master of the New Province of Lincoln- 
 shire. The Grand Master of England at that time was the 
 Prince of Wales, afterwards George IV. Of those great 
 institutions of our order, the three Central Charities, one 
 had only just been founded, viz., the Girls' School, which 
 owes its existence to the efforts of the Chevalier Ruspini ; 
 this worthy and excellent mason was I believe a member 
 of the famous Prince of Wales Lodge, the first Secretary of 
 which was the Rev. W. Peters the celebration of whose 
 appointment as P.G.M. of Lincolnshire we celebrate to-day. 
 
 "This noble institution the Girls School was shortly 
 followed by a similar one for Boys, and eventually by the 
 
The Provincial Grand Lodge of Lincolnshire. 103 
 
 Institution for Aged Freemasons. The flourishing state of 
 these valuable Masonic Institutions bears ample record to 
 the vitality of one of the great landmarks of the Order. 
 
 " As just stated The Prince of Wales was Grand Master 
 at the time our Provincial History begins ; on his appoint- 
 ment as Prince Regent he resigned the Grand Mastership 
 in favour of his brother the Duke of Sussex. 
 
 " Shortly after the appointment of this noble Brother 
 the unfortunate schism which had divided English Masonry 
 for many years was healed, and the United Grand Lodge 
 of England was established. The accomplishment of this 
 desirable event was due in a great measure to the true 
 masonic spirit of the Duke of Kent the Father of our 
 beloved Queen and the Grandfather of our present Royal 
 Ruler. 
 
 " It needs no words of mine Brethren to remind you, 
 that the same high regard in which the Duke of Kent was 
 held in his day, exists at the present time between the 
 brethren and their Grand Master. 
 
 " Leaving the Craft in general and coming to our own 
 Province we see a similar advance in the application of one 
 of our great principles. 
 
 "In 1 84 1 a proposition to establish a Provincial Benevo- 
 lent Fund was made by Bro. Goodacre of the Witham 
 Lodge but owing to an unfortunate misunderstanding in 
 the Province the scheme fell through. It was again mooted 
 in 1843 and again in 1857, when a committee was appointed 
 on the motion of Brother Cabourn Pocklington of Boston. 
 Nothing however apparently came of it, and it was not till 
 1865 that practical steps appear to have been taken. 
 
 " On the 25th of May of that year the motion made by 
 our late Brother Lucas P.G. Sec. and seconded by Bro. 
 Pocklington that a Fund be established was adopted. A 
 Code of By-laws was agreed to and P.G.L. started the 
 fund with a subscription of ;^30. 
 
 " This has been followed by the Oliver Memorial Fund 
 for the education of Boys, The Smyth Scholarship Fund 
 for the education of Girls, and The Sutcliffe Memorial Fund 
 for the Aged Freemasons and Widows. Each having a 
 thousand guineas invested. With these local charities and 
 the support which is afforded to the central, we, brethren 
 of this Province may I think claim to a faithful carrying 
 out of one of the great virtues of Freemasonry." 
 
104 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 The Right Worshipful Brother went on to mention 
 several past and present members of P.G.L., bestowing a 
 warm eulogy on several tried and trusty brethren. He 
 then continued : — 
 
 "A Century ago the Province contained only three 
 Lodges and there were probably not a hundred masons in 
 the County, to-day our Roll contains 24 Lodges and nearly 
 1 100 members. Here as your Prov. Grand Master let me 
 add a word of admonition. The strength of Masonry lies 
 not in the number of its adherents, but in the spirit by 
 which its members are actuated. As with the general 
 body so with individual lodges : The prosperity of a lodge 
 is not always advanced by a large increase of members. Each 
 lodge should be composed of brothers in deed as well as in 
 word — therefore let none be initiated be his position what 
 it may, who seeks entrance from unworthy motives or 
 whose character will not bear the strictest investigation. 
 
 " I cannot better close this address than by quoting an 
 extract from a masonic oration, delivered over a century 
 ago by a famous Lincolnshire brother — words equally true 
 to-day as then : — 
 
 "'At the present hour while we find the brotherhood 
 successfully established in every kingdom of the earth, we 
 are happy to rank in that list many names which do honour 
 to their own — would have done honour to any age. To 
 enumerate them would be a task abundantly pleasing ; but 
 the time allows me not. It is remarked with peculiar 
 pleasure that in whatsoever else men may dispute and 
 disagree, yet they are all unanimous to respect and to 
 support a singularly amiable institution ; which annihilates 
 all parties ; conciliates all private opinions and renders those 
 who by their Almighty Father were made of one blood, to 
 be also of one heart and one mind ; Brethren bound, firmly 
 bound, together by that indissoluble tie the love of their 
 God, and the love of their kind.'" 
 
 An address of condolence on the death of the R.W 
 Brother the Duke of Clarence was moved by the P.G.M. 
 
 Bro. W. Harling Sissons was installed D.P.G.M. in the 
 room of Bro. J as. Fowler. 
 
The Provincial Grand Lodge of Lincolnshire. 105 
 
 Bro, C. M. Nesbitt was elected Treasurer for the twenty- 
 seventh consecutive year. 
 
 A jewel, subscribed for by the Lodges in the Province, 
 was presented to Bro. J. Fowler, P.D.P.G.M. 
 
 The Prov. Charity Stewards announced contributions 
 amounting to £624. 
 
 To mark the Centenary of P.G.L., it was decided that 
 endeavours should be made to raise the Provincial Bene- 
 volent Fund to 1,000 guineas. 
 
 It was also resolved that a Library in connection with 
 the Province be established. Bro. W. Dixon was appointed 
 Librarian. 
 
 Brothers M. Smith and T. Staniforth again undertook 
 the duties of Prov. G. Charity Stewards. 
 
 The brethren then walked in masonic order, headed by 
 the band of the 4th Battalion Lincolnshire Regiment, to 
 St. John's Church, Spittlegate, 
 
 Brilliant sunshine, and the clothing and jewels of the 
 brethren, made the procession very effective, the whole 
 route being lined with interested spectators. 
 
 The Churchwardens, Messrs. A. G. Gamble and J. Hall, 
 with their wands of office, met the procession at the west 
 door, and conducted the brethren to the places allotted to 
 them. A profusion of flowers and some magnificent palms 
 were placed in the chancel, making a most effective decora- 
 tion. Copies of the special order of service were distributed 
 through the Church. These had, on the front page, views 
 of the two Grantham Churches attended by P.G.L. 1792- 
 1892, and the symbol of the " Point within a Circle with the 
 two Great Parallels," the latter being depicted in such a 
 manner as would have rejoiced the heart of our good old 
 D.P.G.M., Dr. Oliver. 
 
 The musical portion of the service was admirably ren- 
 dered by the choir of St. John's, Bro. H. P. Dickinson, the 
 Organist of the Church, conducting, Bros. G. H. Porter and 
 H. L. Burtonshaw assisting at the organ. 
 
 The anthem was " Where shall wisdom be found ? " by 
 Doctor Wm. Boyce, a prominent mason in his day, and 
 composer to the Chapels Royal. 
 
io6 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 Prayers were read by the Prov. G. Chaplain, the Rev. 
 T. Gregory ; and the P.P.G. Chaplain, the Rev. C. Elsmere, 
 Vicar of St. John's, preached from i Cor. xiii. 13, "And now 
 abideth faith, hope, and charity." Towards the close of an 
 eloquent discourse the preacher said : — 
 
 " I regard our gathering in this Church as a link, which 
 our Order has assisted us to make. 
 
 " One hundred years ago P.G. Lodge probably went to 
 the grand old Parish Church, and it is linking the old with 
 the new in assembling here to-day. 
 
 " It is a new link in the chain of the endless circle. 
 
 " Brethren, the centuries pass, and carry us away with 
 them. Nothing is lasting but God and His love. None 
 here remember the first P.G. Lodge Church Service. The 
 centuries see whole generations fade. The very years see 
 individuals. A scarcely closed grave is before the very eyes 
 of our own Lodge to-day. The years pass ; the centuries 
 come round. Man passes away in the one, and his place is 
 no more found in the other. But God is still the centre 
 and His love encircles all. Passing time only tells us of 
 work to do and a mission in life to fulfil." 
 
 The offertory was devoted towards a window-light 
 representing St. John the Evangelist, which will occupy a 
 position over the corner-stone laid in 1884, and be a record 
 both of that event and the Centenary Service. 
 
 Service being ended, the procession re-formed and 
 returned by another route; the usual business resumed, 
 and the Lodge closed. 
 
 The meeting was honoured by the presence of the Earl 
 of Mount-Edgcumbe, D.G.M. of England. 
 
 Several congratulatory telegrams were received, and 
 duly acknowledged by Bro. Vickers, the Prov. G. Secretary. 
 
 A banquet took place at the Exchange Hall, provided 
 by Bro. Fillingham, of the George. The P.G.M. presided 
 over a large assembly of brethren, due honour being paid 
 to the usual loyal and masonic toasts. 
 
 On the suggestion of Bro. Vickers, Prov. G. Sec, an 
 artistic memento of the gathering, drawn by Bro. W. 
 Mortimer, was distributed to each brother in the Province. 
 
The Provincial Grand Lodge of Lincolnshire. 107 
 
 The design is an illuminated summons, in the form of 
 an arch. Portraits of the Provincial G. Masters, connected 
 by a chain, are suspended from the key-stone (letter G), 
 three on either side, with Grantham Parish Church in the 
 centre. Various symbols are distributed about the ground, 
 and the twenty-four Lodges composing the Province appear 
 round the border in chronological order. The inscription 
 reads : — 
 
 " The first Prov. G. Lodge was held at Grantham 
 
 2 1st of June 1792 
 
 Wm Peters P, G. M. 
 
 The Centenary Lodge to be holden at Grantham 
 
 on Thursday 9th June 1892 
 
 at High Twelve 
 
 W. H. Smyth P. G. M." 
 
 A silver medal of exquisite workmanship was also struck 
 to commemorate the event. 
 
 One of the most significant signs of the times is the 
 extension of and interest taken in masonic literature. The 
 long-standing reproach of the Craft having no history has 
 been met by the magnificent work of Bro. R. F. Gould, and 
 a taste for masonic study and research is being fostered 
 and disseminated throughout the craft by the publications 
 of the Quatuor Coronati Lodge. 
 
 Many interesting facts have been brought to light, but 
 many more yet remain to reward the persevering and 
 industrious craftsman along his journey up the Winding 
 Stairs. The Inner Chamber of the Temple has not yet 
 been reached, but it is encouraging to believe that increased 
 numbers are making the ascent. 
 
 As regards the English branch of the Craft, masonic 
 literature until recent times received but little encourage- 
 ment from its rulers. It was not until 1880 that energetic 
 steps were taken to form a library worthy of the Grand 
 
io8 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 Lodge of England. As far back as 1837 that Institution 
 voted ;^ioo for the purpose. Ten years afterwards Bro. J. 
 R. Scarborough proposed in Grand Lodge that the sum of 
 ;^20 should be laid aside annually for the formation of a 
 Library and Museum, and in a characteristic speech is 
 reported to have shown " the desirability of possessing the 
 means of cultivating intellectuality more than gastronomy ; 
 that the other bottle did not do half so much good as the 
 other volume; that it was laughable to tell a poor but 
 inquiring brother to make a daily advance in masonic 
 knowledge, and the arts and sciences his particular study, 
 if we withheld from him the means of doing so, and did 
 not even give him a hint where masonic knowledge could 
 be gathered." 
 
 There can be no question as to the desirability of estab- 
 lishing a Library and Museum in connection with the 
 Province, and that such an establishment will also worthily 
 commemorate the Centenary of Provincial Grand Lodge. 
 Many interesting and valuable mementos of our history 
 are doubtless scattered about the county. If these were 
 placed in a central collection and properly catalogued, they 
 would not only be of service to the brethren generally, but 
 stand a far better chance of being preserved than in their 
 present position. It is surprising to find what a very few 
 years suffice for an important occurrence to be forgotten. 
 
 The following is a case in point : — 
 
 Casually reading a work published half-a-century ago, 
 I saw mention of an old MS. record. After considerable 
 search this was found. Apparently only a single member 
 of the Lodge knew of its existence, and strange to say, 
 afterwards finding extracts from this MS. in the handwriting 
 of a well-known brother, and calling his attention thereto, 
 he had not the slightest recollection of either the MS. or 
 copying. 
 
Table of Meetings of Provincial Grand Lodge. 109 
 TABLE OF MEETINGS 
 
 OF 
 
 PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE. 
 
 Barton 1793. 1805, 1816, 1891. 
 
 Boston 1809, 1825, 1841, 1845, 1849, 1853, 1856, 
 
 1858, i860, 1863, 1865, 1869, 1875, 
 1885. 
 
 Brigg 1795, 1852, 1876. 
 
 Gainsborough ... 1794, 1806, 1835, 1845, 1850, 1855, 1870, 
 
 1879, 1881. 
 
 Grantham i792> 1822, 1839, 1865, 1874, 1883, 1886, 
 
 1892. 
 
 Grimsby 1813, 1867, 1875, 1878, 1889. 
 
 Horncastle 1833, 1877. 
 
 Lincoln i795) 1796, 1808, 1820, 1832, 1834, 1836, 
 
 1843, 1844, 1847, 1848, 1849, 1850, 
 
 1854, 1857, 1859, 1861, 1862, i866, 
 
 1871, 1880, 1887. 
 
 Louth 1804, 1834, 1853, 1864, 1873, 1883. 
 
 Market Rasen ... 1836, 1884. 
 
 Skegness 1881, 1893. 
 
 Sleaford 1821, i860, 1872, 1882. 
 
 Spalding 1818, 1842, 1850, 1868, 1879. 
 
 Spilsby 1835, 1837, 1846, 1857, 1888. 
 
 Sutton Bridge ... 1890. 
 
no Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 The Names of Brethren who have held Office in 
 THE Provincial Grand Lodge of Lincolnshire. 
 
 Notwithstanding every care having been taken to give 
 the following names correctly, doubtless some errors will 
 appear. The identification of brethren with their respective 
 Lodges in the early years of P.G.L. has been a work of 
 considerable difficulty. 
 
 The Lodges to which the numbers refer are shown in 
 the following Tables. 
 
 At the time Provincial Grand Lodge was established 
 the officers took rank in the following order : — 
 
 Grand Master. 
 
 Deputy Grand Master. 
 ^ Senior Grand Warden. „• 
 
 "E Junior Grand Warden. "H 
 
 ^ Grand Treasurer. ^ 
 
 ^ Grand Secretary. ^ 
 
 -o Grand Chaplain. -a 
 
 rt Grand Architect. g 
 
 O Grand Portrait Painter. O 
 
 Grand Sword Bearer, 
 
 Grand Tyler. 
 
^ 
 
 Officers of Provincial Grand Lodge of Lincolnshire. 1 1 1 
 
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112 
 
 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 Year. 
 
 1792 
 1793 
 1794 
 1795 
 
 1796 
 
 1797 
 i8oi 
 1804 
 
 1806 
 
 1808 
 1813 
 
 1816 
 
 1818 
 
 1820 
 
 1821 
 1822 
 1825 
 
 1832 
 1833 
 1834 
 
 1835 
 
 1836 
 1837 
 1839 
 
 1841 
 
 1842 
 1843 
 
 1844 
 1845 
 1846 
 
 1849 
 
 1850 
 
 Stewards, 
 
 Wardens. 
 
 Rev. T. Robinson 497, M. Brumby 514, J. Douthwaite 582 
 
 F. Dunn 4Q6, J. Trevor 5141 J. Taylor 582, R. Nicholson 510 ... 
 
 T. Parkinson 510, J. Simpson 530 
 
 J. Scott 530, R. Robinson 530 
 
 J. Bygott 406 
 
 F. Dunn 406 
 
 W. Johnson 406, R. Ward 406, J. Wharam 423, H. Brumby 423, 
 C. Curtois 530, J. Brotherton 530, S. C. Pettener 510, 
 G. Hindley 510. 
 
 M. Atkinson 530 
 
 W. Raby 423, W. Brotherton 453, G. Thompson 453, J. Wray 530 
 C. Gregory 406, J. Bygott 406, Bromby 423, G. Oliver 510, 
 
 G. Parker 510. 
 W. Harmston 557, B. Jacklin 557, W. Langton 544 
 
 W. Morley 488, C. Wellman 512, T. Carritt $44, Shacklock 496, 
 J. Baxter 496, W. Vise 679, W. Cartwright 679. 
 
 Robinson 488, R. C. Clayton 512, W. Hickson 557, Rev. W. 
 Smith 544, Clement 679, R. Turner 719, F. Newcomb 719. 
 
 P. Cartledge 557. 
 
 W. Brocklesby 557. 
 
 Richmond 544 
 
 J. Morley 858, S. Fowler 858. 
 
 C. T. White 587, J. Grey 374 
 
 E. L'Oste 602, J. J. Moody 602, J. Smedley 587, J. W. Pashley 6i i, 
 
 J. Wood 466, S. Harris 587, J. Thorpe 612, J. Donovan 602. 
 W. Walker 617, E. Pennington 612, W. A. Cavie6i7, W. Howden 
 
 339, J. Garner 466, G. Thompson 339, W. Jerrams 611, 
 
 W. Procter. 
 
 J. Wilkinson, R. C. Moore, F. Malin, H. Button, J. Evans, 
 
 Z. Woodward 
 
 J. Roberts, J. R. Bull, R. Goodacre, G. Oliver, jun., C. Rainey, 
 
 J. Clarke, W. R. King. 
 
 G. Edwards, W. Barnes 
 
 J., Ward, E. A. Bromehead, J. Middleton 
 
 C. Fardell, T. Rainey ... 
 R. Stainbank, W. H. Lewin 
 J, Guy, J. T. W. Bowden 
 
 Rev. M. Barnett 497., 
 Rev. T. Smith 514. 
 W. Hesleden 406 
 Gervas Parnell 514. 
 Gervas Parnell 423 .. 
 Rd. Nicholson 510. 
 J. Simpson 530 
 J. Peacock 530. 
 
 Samuel Thorold 530 
 (J.W.) 
 
 S. Thorold 530. 
 C. M. Clarke 510. 
 
 R. E.Johnson 406 (J.W.') 
 
 R. E. Johnson 488 ... 
 Chas. Curtois 557. 
 
 C. Wellman 512 
 R. Cropper 544. 
 
 R. Cropper S44 
 Joseph Williamson 512. 
 
 J.W. Morley 587 (J.W.) 
 Major E.Brackenbury6i7 
 W. Hickson 374. 
 
 R. Turner 466 (J.W.)... 
 
 Sir E. F. Bromhead 374 
 
 J. Wood 466. 
 
 F. Newcome 466 (J.W.) 
 
 W. H. Adams, 339 ... 
 Rev.J. O. Dakeyne374 
 
 Rev. J. O. Dakeyne 374 
 R. Mansel 617. 
 Sir E. Brackenbury 617 
 E. A. Bromehead 374. 
 
Officers of Provincial Grand Lodge of Lincolnshire. 
 
 "3 
 
 Secretaries. 
 
 W. Cooper 582 
 W. Benton 406 
 
 J. BuUen 530 ... 
 
 W. P. Pudsey 423. 
 J. Bygott 406. 
 
 Rev. W. Gray 530 
 
 M. Atkinson 530. 
 G. Capes 406,., 
 
 Rev. W. Smith 544. 
 
 H. Wilson 617 
 Rev. R. Fenton 602. 
 H. Goddard 374. 
 
 T. Thimkeby 617. 
 
 J. Middleton 374 
 
 Chaplains. 
 
 Rev. J. Nicholson 582 
 
 (V. Aswardby). 
 Rev. T. Robinson 406 
 
 (V. Horkstow). 
 Rev. E. Jordan 423. 
 (V. Messingham). 
 Rev. C. Gordon 530... 
 (V. Wellingore). 
 
 Doctor Orme 510. 
 (Louth). 
 
 Eev. G. Oliver 544. 
 (V. Clee). 
 
 Rev. G. Coltman 617. 
 (R. Stickney). 
 
 Rev. E. R. Larken 374. 
 (R. Burton). 
 
 Architects. 
 
 John Langwith 582 
 
 John Scott 530. 
 
 Jos. S. Langvfith 557. 
 
 W. A. Nicholson 374. 
 
 Superintendents 
 of Works. 
 
 J. S. Langwith 466. 
 
 J. Wilson 466. 
 
 Sword Bearers. 
 
 Peter Tyler 582. 
 J. Holgate 406. 
 
 W. Bristow 530. 
 
 S. Peacock 530. 
 
 J. Hawson 374. 
 
 B. Taylor 374. 
 W. Howell 339. 
 
114 
 
 Freemasonry tn Lincolnshire. 
 
 Stivtards. 
 
 Wardens. 
 
 G. T. W. Sibthorp, T. Fricker, Rev. B. J. Wood ... 
 W. Nicholson, E. Coupland 
 
 L. Daulton, F. L. Hopkins, E. R. Cousans, G. Smith 
 
 R. Hall, J. Moxon 
 
 E. Kainey, C. R. Worsley 
 
 J. Penney, H. Bates, J. W. Robinson. 
 
 J. Shuttleworth, S. Shaw, J. Howard, W. Clegg ... 
 
 J. NichoUs, A. Woodrow. 
 
 R. J. Taylor, V. Grantham 
 
 T. H. Oldman, R. W. Payne, W. Snart, W. L. Mason 
 
 E. D. Johnson 
 
 J. Best, C. Harrison, F. Rainey, E. H. Clark, E. Locock 
 
 H. V. CUve, J. B. Betham, B. Fountain .. 
 
 H. Josse, W. Plunkett, E. F. Cole 
 
 F. R. Larken, W. W. Copeland, T. J. Tomlinson, H. Johnson, 
 
 J. Laughton, T. W. Ramplin. 
 H. E. Tumour, S. W. Johnson, G. Wise, Rev. C. J. Browne, 
 
 A. Kirk, W. Watkins. 
 T. M. Ashton, G. Jackson, H. J. Parker, S, S. Mossop, 
 
 A. Chambers. 
 F. Foster, H. Shepherd, J. G. Settle, E. Crow, J. Scarborough, 
 
 J. Sutcliffe. 
 J. G. Tupholme, C. Jackson, C. Scorer, J, T. Slater, M. Cook, 
 
 G. Nelson. 
 
 E. F. Hudson, Rev. J. C. K. Saunders, H. Watson, W. Pigott, 
 
 J. Allen, W. B. T. Hamlin. 
 T. Fryer, F. Watson, W. H. Sissons, W. S. Bladon, W. H. B. 
 Bratley, J. W. Palmer. 
 
 F. Goodhand, H. Sharp, E. R. Dibben, E. E. Jevons, W. A. Field, 
 
 H. Snaith. 
 R. Goodman, J. Robinson, W. B . Oliver, H. Clark, H. Nicholson, 
 
 R. Garfit. 
 J. Woodward, T. Cleugh, A. A. Padley, S. Haddelsey, F. C. 
 
 Ramshaw, M. Woodhall. 
 J. Eley, T. M. Wilkinson, J. W. Richardson, E. Wilson, 
 
 A. L. Peacock. 
 
 C. Rice 858 
 
 J. W. Pashley 611. 
 
 J. Guy 611. 
 C. Fardell 617. 
 W. Howden 339 
 
 B. Williamson 690. 
 
 F. Cook 339 
 
 T. Wood 466. 
 
 J. W. H. Tidsweliego 
 S. B. Roberts 339. 
 
 G. T, W. Sibthorp 374 
 F. L. Hopkins 858. 
 
 F. L. Hopkins 339 ... 
 J. U. S. Smith 785. 
 W. H. Smyth 712 ... 
 W. Clegg 272. 
 
 W. Clegg 272 
 
 C. Feneley 362. 
 
 C. Pocklington272,S.W. 
 
 G. H. Shipley 297 ... 
 W. Snart 272. 
 
 F. P. Cupiss 792 
 H. Bates 469. 
 
 R. Hall 297 
 
 A. F. Cartwright 469. 
 
 E. Locock 712 
 
 W. H. Radley 838. 
 V. C. Elwes 1282 ... 
 Dr. Mackinder 422. 
 J. Sutchtfe 1294 
 
 C. Harrison 297. 
 
 F. R. Larken 297 ... 
 T. E. Jacobson 588. 
 
 J. Fowler 712 
 
 J. Bellamy 588. 
 
 T. H. Oldman 422 ... 
 
 R. J. Boyall 362. 
 
 T. Slator 838 
 
 J. A, Thomas 272. 
 W. Pigott 1282 
 F. Watson 1336. 
 R. J. Ward 297 
 H; Sharp 1304. 
 
 D. Hanson 792 
 T. Coates 1294. 
 
 C. F. Bonner 469 ... 
 W. H. Sissons 1447. 
 
Officers of Provincial Grand Lodge of Lincolnshire. 
 
 115 
 
 Secretaries. 
 
 T. Heffernan 374 
 Rd. HaU374." " 
 
 C. E. Lucas 712 
 
 F. D. Marsden 712 
 
 Chaplains. 
 
 Rev. W. N. Jepson 374 
 (S.Martin's.Lmcoln). 
 
 Rev. J. Wood 617. 
 ... (resigned 1859) ... 
 
 Rev. E. R. Larken 374 
 
 Rev. G. Nash 712. 
 
 Rev. E.E.Hadath 1232 
 Rev. W. H.Hewitt 712 
 Rev. J, C. Browne 1304 
 Rev. J. R. Humble 469 
 Rev. Daniel Ace 422... 
 
 Eev. J. C. K. Saunders 
 
 1286 
 Rev. G. W. Lowe 272 
 
 Rev. W. LynessSS ... 
 
 Rev. G. W. Lowe 272 
 
 Rev.T. P. Holdich 1286 
 
 Superintendents 
 of Works. 
 
 J. U. S. Smith 785 ... 
 W. P. Astley6ll. 
 F. L. Hopkins 339 ... 
 Doctor Mackinder 611. 
 J. Fowler 1014. 
 
 W. H. Wheeler 272.. 
 C. H. Clark 792 
 G. Young 272 
 F. Rainey 426 
 A. Johnson 272 
 W. Watkins 297 
 
 F. Long 1294 
 
 C. Hensman 1304 .. 
 W. J. Mantle 297 
 A. Parkin 1482 
 E. Chamberlain 1232., 
 E. J. Bell 1482 
 C. A. Kirby 712 
 J. Chapman 1294 
 
 Sword Bearers. 
 
 H. Young 690. 
 
 J. W. H. Tidswell 690. 
 
 G. Waghorne 339. 
 
 J. Noonan 297. 
 
 C. C. Warden 469. 
 J. Wellington 297. 
 R. J. Taylor 297. 
 H. Josse 792. 
 
 F. R. Larken 297. 
 T. M. Ramplin 362. 
 
 G. Jackson 838. 
 A. Richdale 426. 
 F. Foster 588. 
 W. Swallow 1447. 
 W. S. Bladon 422. 
 J. H. Gray 426. 
 C. Scorer 297. 
 
 R. Garfit 1600. 
 
 
ii6 
 
 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 Year. 
 
 1880 
 1881 
 1882 
 1883 
 1884 
 
 1885 
 1886 
 1887 
 
 1888 
 1889 
 1890 
 1 891 
 1892 
 1893 
 
 Stewards. 
 
 Wardens. 
 
 C. F. Liversidge, H. J. Seels, jun., J. R. Dudding, W. Cocking, 
 
 W, Rainforth, W. Gray. 
 W. R. Fowler. G. Howsham, C, R. Farmer, W. Hipkins, 
 
 F. J. Green, J. Casterton. 
 
 F. Thomas, J. Chambers, S. Cartwright, J. Ferguson, R. P. Mossop, 
 
 H. C. Chambers, S. Taylor. 
 W. Mortimer, J. W. Curtis, J. Hewson, J. Hemingborough, 
 
 R. Cartwright, W. C. Wood. 
 C. Reeve, J. Padley, G. Majer, W. Wheeldon, J. A. Gifford, 
 
 B. H. Russell. 
 
 F. Cartwright, W. PoUit, J. Staniforth, J. H, Carter, R. Mackinder, 
 
 J. A. Robinson. 
 H. E. Cousans, J. Duke, S. Beaumont, J- Spring, J. Benner, 
 
 R. Wood. 
 A. Robinson, H. H. Kirby, W. Goodwin, J. J. Musgrave, 
 
 R. Dannatt, G. Green. 
 
 -'' »: 
 
 F. D. Davy, J. E. Mason, R. Collingwood, H. J. Bellerby, 
 
 W. W. Ham, W. F. Read. 
 J. C.Jackson, W.H. Close, J. Barber, E. H. Shepherd, J. Hadden, 
 
 G. C. Bimrose. 
 
 C. R. Morton, B. Beeson, C. F. Bedford, G. Todd, A, Meggitt, 
 
 M. Enderby. 
 
 D. Stevenson, S. Thurlby, J. Clare, M. Smith, J. Reddish, 
 
 J. Norfolk. 
 J. S. Battle, C. F. Carter, J. Constable, H. Cottingham, 
 
 J. J. Rainey, J. F. Spring. 
 F. Baines, W. Hurst, G. Clark, T. Bennett, R. Gibson, 
 
 J. E. Townsend. 
 
 T. M. Wilkinson 297 
 G. M. Lowe 1386. 
 
 A. Kirk 422 
 
 J. Ferguson 838. 
 
 R. Thorpe 588 
 
 W. J. H. Wood 838. 
 
 G. G. Birkett 712 .. 
 
 W. Gray 1447. 
 
 Rev. J. C. K. Saunders 
 
 1286. 
 M. Perry 469. 
 
 J. Eley 272 
 
 J. Allen 838. 
 A. G. Gamble 362 ... 
 W. PoUitt 1294. 
 C. J. Fox 426 
 H. E. Cousans 297. 
 A. V. Grantham 426. 
 C. M. Nesbitt 712. 
 J. Sutcliffe 1294. 
 H. Watson 297. 
 G. H. Porter 712 ... 
 A. Clark 792. 
 W. F. Read 1294 ... 
 W. Goodwin 792. 
 C. E. Ward 985 
 R. Collingwood 362. 
 F. D. Davy 1447 
 W. T. Sharpe 1304. 
 F. Higgins 1600 
 R. W. Anderson 362. 
 T. Staniforth 1482 ... 
 Mark Smith 712. 
 
Officers of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Lincolnshire. 
 
 117 
 
 Secretaries. 
 
 Chaplains. 
 
 Superintendents 
 of Works. 
 
 Sword Bearers. 
 
 B. Vickers 297 
 
 Assistant Secretaries. 
 J. L. Rayner 297 
 
 A. Bott 1232 
 
 Jas. Williamson 297 ,. 
 C. Smith 588 
 
 A. Robinson 426 
 H. J. Bellerby 1482 . 
 W. H. Close 1386 . 
 H. "W. Meggitt 1447. 
 R. C. Hallowes23Si. 
 J. S. Battle 297 
 
 Rev. W. P.Jones 1294 
 Rev. J. R.U.Elliott 422 
 Rev. C. Elsmere 362... 
 Rev. J. A. Chalmers 1304 
 Rev. E. T. ■Wigg297,.. 
 
 Rev. W. H. InsuU 2078 
 Rev. C. R. Patey 426. 
 Rev. B. Matthews 469 
 Rev. W. H. Mills 712. 
 Rev.G.F.H.Foxton98s 
 Rev. J. G. Bayles 297. 
 
 Rev. E. N. Weigall 2078 
 Rev. C. Laing 422. 
 Rev. R. Thomas 1294 
 Rev.J.B.LeGassick 1482 
 Rev. P. Lawrence 1286 
 Rev, J. G. Munday 712. 
 Rev. T. Gregory 2351 
 
 Rev. C. Elsmere 362 .. 
 
 Rev. E. Cowburn 1304 
 Rev. R. G. Ash 469. 
 
 S. G. Gamble 362 ... 
 P. P. Dickinson 297... 
 A. Harrison 469 
 S. T. Haddelsey 1294 
 R. Cartwright 426 ... 
 
 G. Howsham 422 
 
 A. S. Steffenson 792... 
 
 C. H. Brady 712 
 
 "W. Challans 838 
 
 W, H. Kirby 838 .. 
 
 M. Cox 985 
 
 W. Langbridge 2078., 
 W. Wheeldon 422 ., 
 J. Clare 588 
 
 J. B. Swallow 1447. 
 W. Henson 1286. 
 W. Waddingham 1447. 
 R. P. Mossop 985. 
 A. L. Peacock 1386. 
 
 M. Woodhall 1447. 
 G. H. Williams 588. 
 J. Waldram 792. 
 
 J. Padley 272. 
 W. Abbott 985. 
 J. Hadden 1304. 
 C. F. Bedford 588. 
 J. B. Morton 792. 
 J. Read 2078. 
 
ii8 
 
 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 
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Officers of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Lincolnshire. 1 19 
 
 «5 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 G M. Fox 297. 
 
 R. J. Boyall 362. 
 W. H. Radley 838. 
 B. Milne 422. 
 J. Bellamy 588. 
 T. G. Hessay 838. 
 J. H. "White 469. 
 
 B. Fountain 469. 
 S. S. Mossop 985. 
 T. Marris 1282. 
 
 C. Smyth 712. 
 A. Kirk 422. 
 
 J. Queenborough 272. 
 G. G. Birkett 712 
 
 
 W. Mason 297. 
 
 C. Starmer 426. 
 G. H. Porter 712. 
 "W. H. Burland 272. 
 G. Robinson 422. 
 J. G. Bayles 297. 
 H. P. Dickenson 362. 
 J. C. Lambert 588. 
 
 J. Barraclough 1386 ... 
 "W. Mason, jun., 297 ... 
 T. H. Nicholson 1386 ... 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 T. Small 1 140. 
 R. Dyer 339. 
 E. F. Cupiss 792. 
 J. F. Waite 712. 
 
 J. Norton 297. 
 E. Rainey 426. 
 R. "W^. Payne 588. 
 J. Harup 792. 
 E. D. Johnson 362. 
 C. Harrison 297. 
 J. Best 838. 
 G. Smith 426. 
 
 E. B. Bogg 588. 
 "W. J. Bland 838. 
 
 "W. W. Copeland 792. 
 W. Seaton 712. 
 M. Crowden 838. 
 J. Laughton 422. 
 H. E. Tumour 1286. 
 T. B. Hildred 272. 
 W. H. Barker 985. 
 J. Hadfield 792. 
 
 F. Snaith 272. 
 
 A. "Woodrow 469. 
 
 G. Ford 1286. 
 
 T. "W. Thimbleby 426. 
 J. Sutcliffe 1294. 
 J. Robinsnn 792, 
 T. Fryer 1282. 
 H. Shepherd 838. 
 
 i 
 
 "W. Greenwood 339. 
 G. D. Pennell 858. 
 "W. Greenwood 339. 
 T. E. Jacobson 588. 
 
 "W. Greenwood 339. 
 T. E. Jacobson. 
 T. E. Jacobson 588. 
 W. Griffin 712. 
 T. E. Jacobson 588. 
 "W. Griffin 712. 
 T. E. Jacobson 588. 
 "W. Griffin 712. 
 "W. Griffin 712. 
 "W. E. Howlett 422. 
 "W. Griffin 712. 
 R. C. Carline 297. 
 S. W. Johnson 1232. 
 T. J. Tomlinson 588. 
 T. J. Tomlinson. 
 A. Bates 1294. 
 A. Bates. 
 "W. Griffin 712. 
 J. R. Boyall 362. 
 "W. Pooles 858. 
 "W. Pooles. 
 G. Nelson 1282. 
 G. Nelson. 
 R, Nicholson 1304. 
 R. Nicholson. 
 W. F. Vise 469- 
 
 1 
 
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120 
 
 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
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Position of Lodges of Province on Roll of Grand Lodge. 1 2 1 
 
 Position of the various Lodges of the Province 
 ON THE Roll of Grand Lodge. 
 
 In and between the years 1781. 
 
 1792, 
 
 1814. 
 
 1832. 
 
 1863. 
 
 St. Matthew's, Barton (18) 
 
 497 
 
 406 
 
 488 
 
 321 
 
 1447 
 
 Prince of Wales, Gainsboro'f 
 Hope, Sleaford f 
 
 S14 
 
 423 
 
 496 
 
 
 
 Harmony, Boston (2) 
 
 544 
 
 453 
 
 512 
 
 339 
 
 272 
 
 Doric, Grantham (3) 
 
 S82 
 
 491 
 
 719 
 
 466 
 
 362 
 
 Urania, Brigg ..S 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 St. James, Louth V 
 
 ... 
 
 510 
 
 544 
 
 362 
 
 ... 
 
 Apollo, Grimsby _) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Witham, Lincoln (l) 
 
 ... 
 
 530 
 
 557 
 
 374 
 
 297 
 
 Welland, Spalding 
 
 
 
 679 
 
 441 
 
 ... 
 
 Olive Union, Horncastle (16) 
 
 ... 
 
 ... 
 
 858 
 
 587 
 
 1304 
 
 Lindsey, Louth (8) 
 
 
 
 
 602-1014 
 
 712 
 
 Yarborough (Trent), Gainsboro' (4) 
 
 ... 
 
 ... 
 
 
 611 
 
 422 
 
 Bayons, Market Rasen (14) 
 
 
 ... 
 
 
 612 
 
 1286 
 
 Shakspere, Spilsby (5) 
 
 
 
 
 617 
 
 426 
 
 Elloe, Hundred of, Spalding (6) ... 
 
 
 ... 
 
 
 690 
 
 469 
 
 Ancholme, Brigg (13) 
 
 ... 
 
 
 
 785 
 
 1282 
 
 St. Botolph's, Sleaford (7) 
 
 
 
 
 858 
 
 588 
 
 Pelham Pillar, Grimsby (9) 
 
 
 ... 
 
 
 1094 
 
 792 
 
 Franklin, Boston (10) 
 
 
 ... 
 
 
 1 140 
 
 838 
 
 Alexandra, Sutton Bridge (11) 
 
 
 ... 
 
 
 ... 
 
 985 
 
 Hereward, Boum (12) 
 
 
 
 
 ... 
 
 1232 
 
 St. Alban's, Grimsby (15) 
 
 
 ..- 
 
 
 
 1294 
 
 St. Hugh, Lincoln (17) 
 
 
 ... 
 
 
 
 1386 
 
 Isle of Axholme, Crowle (19) 
 
 ... 
 
 ... 
 
 
 ... 
 
 1482 
 
 Hamilton, Alford (20) 
 
 
 ... 
 
 
 ... 
 
 1600 
 
 Lumley, Skegness (21) 
 
 ... 
 
 
 
 ... 
 
 1893 
 
 St. Lawrence, Scunthorpe (22) 
 
 
 ... 
 
 
 ... 
 
 2078 
 
 Smyth, Grimsby (23) 
 
 
 ... 
 
 
 ... 
 
 2284 
 
 Ermine, Lincoln (24) 
 
 ... 
 
 ... 
 
 
 
 2351 
 
 The seniority of the present Lodges as regards the Province is shown 
 within the brackets. 
 
122 
 
 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 Summary of the Register of the Province. 
 
 
 1836. 
 
 1841. 
 
 1851. 
 
 186 
 
 7. 1871. 
 
 1881. 
 
 1891. 
 
 Witham 
 
 • IS 
 
 39 
 
 44 
 
 64 
 
 \ 103 
 
 91 
 
 85 
 
 Harmony 
 
 • 14 
 
 19 
 
 46 
 
 S« 
 
 69 
 
 59 
 
 66 
 
 Doric 
 
 . 16 
 
 20 
 
 8 
 
 it 
 
 > 33 
 
 49 
 
 65 
 
 Olive Union (old) 
 
 • 13 
 
 18 
 
 ... 
 
 
 
 
 
 Lindsey (old) 
 
 • 14 
 
 
 ... 
 
 
 
 
 ... 
 
 Trent — Yarborough 
 
 . 20 
 
 17 
 
 20 
 
 2C 
 
 > 47 
 
 "S3 
 
 44 
 
 Bayons (old) 
 
 ■ 13 
 
 13 
 
 
 .. 
 
 
 
 
 Shakspere .. 
 
 • 14 
 
 33 
 
 27 
 
 21 
 
 24 
 
 54 
 
 SO 
 
 EUoe 
 
 
 13 
 
 19 
 
 le 
 
 > 44 
 
 51 
 
 74 
 
 Ancholme (old) 
 
 
 
 12 
 
 .. 
 
 ... 
 
 
 .. 
 
 S. Botolph's 
 
 
 
 12 
 
 21 
 
 19 
 
 29 
 
 26 
 
 Lindsey (new) 
 
 
 
 
 3; 
 
 47 
 
 46 
 
 60 
 
 Pelham Pillar 
 
 
 
 
 4C 
 
 ' 78 
 
 117 
 
 167 
 
 Franklin 
 
 
 
 
 22 
 
 45 
 
 61 
 
 S9 
 
 Alexandra 
 
 
 
 
 
 20 
 
 32 
 
 38 
 
 Hereward 
 
 
 
 
 
 12 
 
 20 
 
 3; 
 
 Ancholme (new) 
 
 
 
 
 
 29 
 
 39 
 
 26 
 
 Bayons (new) 
 
 
 
 ... 
 
 
 20 
 
 20 
 
 21 
 
 St. Albans 
 
 
 
 
 
 20 
 
 23 
 
 25 
 
 Olive Union (new) 
 
 
 
 
 .. 
 
 24 
 
 34 
 
 49 
 
 St. Hugh 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 70 
 
 67 
 
 St. Matthew's (new) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 47 
 
 32 
 
 Isle of Axholme 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 21 
 
 45 
 
 Hamilton 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 30 
 
 30 
 
 Lumley 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 12 
 
 23 
 
 St. Lawrence 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 ... 
 
 21 
 
 Smyth 
 
 
 
 ... 
 
 
 
 
 33 
 
 Ermine 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 25 
 
 Total 
 
 • 119 
 
 172 
 
 188 
 
 31 
 
 I 634 
 
 958 
 
 1 164 
 
The Provincial Grand Masters of Lincolnshire. 123 
 
 THE PROVINCIAL GRAND MASTERS OF 
 LINCOLNSHIRE. 
 
 The Rev. William Peters. 
 
 Shortly after the formation of the Doric Lodge at 
 Grantham, H.R.H. the Prince of Wales, Grand Master, was 
 pleased to appoint another Deputation, the honour being 
 conferred upon the Rev. Wm. Peters, with the County of 
 Lincoln for his Province. 
 
 William Peters was born in the Isle of Wight. His 
 father soon afterwards being appointed to a post in the Irish 
 Customs, the family removed to Dublin, young Peters being 
 eventually placed under the care of the famous Dr. Sheridan, 
 with a view to entering the Church. During this period 
 he showed such a decided artistic talent and desire to see 
 the works of the great masters, that his friends decided to 
 suspend his studies and permit him to travel and gratify 
 his inclination. He twice visited Italy, making most 
 excellent copies of the celebrated pictures of Corregio, 
 Titian, and Rubens. During his first visit, in 1763, he was 
 elected a member of the Imperial Academy of Florence ; 
 and on returning to England in 1777, after his second visit, 
 he was made a Royal Academician. 
 
 His career up to this time must have been most grati- 
 fying both to himself and his friends. Well educated and 
 connected, and gifted with exceptional talent, it is not 
 surprising to find him in the first society of the day. The 
 Earls of Rutland, Exeter, and others, men of great wealth 
 and influence, gave the young painter their patronage and 
 friendship, adding his works to their galleries, and forwarding 
 his interests on every possible occasion. 
 
 Having now reached the summit of the profession, 
 Peters determined to take up that career which his parents 
 had first intended he should follow — the Church. 
 
124 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 This decision was probably influenced by his accidentally 
 discovering a skilful fellow artist in an almost destitute 
 condition. 
 
 A lady desiring some landscapes, asked Peters to recom- 
 mend the artist. Wilson, a man of talent, industry, and 
 integrity was selected for the work. A visit to Wilson's 
 house, with the commission for four pictures, found the 
 poor man in such a condition that he had not the wherewithal 
 to buy canvas and colours for the work. 
 
 Whether this incident disgusted Peters with the profes- 
 sion, or whether he desired a higher sphere of life, it is 
 impossible to say ; probably both had a share in forming a 
 decision. A position in the Church would at least save 
 him from such neglect as had befallen his friend, whilst the 
 Clergyman's duties at that time were not so onerous as 
 would debar him from spending a large portion of his time 
 in his favourite occupation. Accordingly he matriculated 
 at Oxford in November, 1779, entered Exeter College, took 
 the degree of LL.B., and received orders in due course. 
 In 1782, at the request of the Duke of Rutland, Peters went 
 to Paris to copy a famous picture in the Carmelite Church. 
 During this visit he became acquainted with the Duke of 
 Manchester, at that time English Ambassador at the French 
 Court. The Duke, who had been Grand Master of England 
 for the five years preceding his appointment to Paris, 
 manifested his friendship and patronage until his death; 
 and Peters' appointment as Chaplain-in-Ordinary to the 
 Prince of Wales was directly due to his Grace's influence. 
 The following circumstance, so very characteristic of the 
 then French Court, occurred about this time : — " The Duke 
 asked permission of the Queen for Mr. Peters to paint a 
 portrait of the Dauphin. Trifling as the request seemed to 
 be, it occasioned a Council to be held, in which it was 
 debated whether the health of the Heir Apparent might be 
 affected by the smell of even the small quantity of paint 
 which would necessarily be upon the pallet while the picture 
 was proceeding. After due deliberation the request was 
 
The Provincial Grand Masters of Lincolnshire. 125 
 
 granted, notice of which was sent in a complimentary card 
 from Madame de Polignac to the Duke in the name of the 
 Queen." The chronicler* adds (writing in 1794, just after 
 the great Revolution): — "What a dreadful proof of the 
 vicissitudes of life and the instability of fortune has been 
 seen in the fate of that Queen and her family within the 
 space of twelve years ! " 
 
 Among his most famous pictures are " The Resurrection , 
 of a Pious Family," "The Guardian Angel," "Cherubs," 
 and " Scenes from Shakspere." The engravings from the 
 latter were exceedingly popular. 
 
 The picture formerly over the altar in Lincoln Cathedral 
 was also his work. 
 
 This sketch amply shows us the conspicuous and 
 honourable position attained by our first P.G.M. in the 
 world of society and art. 
 
 Like the rest of the leading men of his time, Peters 
 came under the satyric lash of the notorious Peter Pindar. 
 The following two stanzas are from the XII. Ode on Peters' 
 " The Angel and Child " :— 
 
 " Dear Peters ! who like Luke the Saint, 
 A man of Gospel art, and paint, 
 
 Thy pencil flames not with poetic fury : 
 If Heaven's fair Angels are like thine 
 Out Bucks, I think, O grave Divine, 
 
 May meet in t'other world the Nymphs of Drury. 
 
 The Infant Soul I do not much admire, 
 
 It boasteth somewhat more of flesh than fire — 
 
 The Picture, Peters, cannot much adorn ye. 
 I'm glad though that the red-fac'd little sinner. 
 Poor soul ! hath made a hearty dinner 
 
 Before it ventur'd on so long a journey." 
 
 We will now turn to his masonic career, which in a 
 great measure exhibits the same energy and success. 
 
 For much valuable information on this point we are 
 again indebted to the researches of Bro. Henry Sadler, 
 whose Life of Thomas Dunckerley, published recently, comes 
 at a most opportune moment. 
 
 * Freemasons' Magazine. 
 
126 Freemasomy in Lincolnshire. 
 
 The official records state that Wm. Peters was initiated 
 in the Somerset House Lodge No. 2, on the 27th of Feb., 
 1769. 
 
 Bro. Sadler, than whom is no better authority, says that 
 Peters was a friend of Dunckerley, who probably initiated 
 him. 
 
 Of the quality and status of the brethren of the Somerset 
 House Lodge the work just referred to says :— " The list of 
 members included nearly all the earnest workers and 
 leading lights in English masonry from about 1768 to 1800." 
 
 In 1785 Bro. Peters painted and presented to Grand 
 Lodge the portraits (whole length) of Lord Petre and the 
 Duke of Manchester. In acknowledgment of this elegant 
 present, " which opened a prospect to the Society of having 
 its Hall ornamented with the successive Portraits of the 
 Grand Masters in future," H.R.H. the Duke of Cumberland, 
 Grand Master, on the recommendation of the Duke of 
 Manchester, D.G.M., conferred the title of Grand Portrait 
 Painter, on the donor. Bro. Gould, in his great History, 
 says — The Grand Portrait Painter ranked after the Grand 
 Architect, and before the Grand Sword Bearer. The office 
 was regarded as a purely personal one, to be held by Peters 
 quamdiu se bene gesserit, and though his name is not in- 
 cluded in the list of annual appointments declared on the 
 Grand Feast Day, it duly appears among those of the 
 Grand Officers of the Society published in successive 
 editions of the Freemason^ Calendar from 1787 to 1814. 
 The new Grand Officer proved himself to have been in 
 every way worthy of the mark of distinction conferred by 
 the Grand Lodge; and on the 28th Nov., 1787, a resolution 
 was passed conveying the thanks of that body to the Rev. 
 W. Peters for " his kind superintendence and great liberality, 
 in the beautifying and ornamenting of the Hall." 
 
 To these portraits were afterwards added those of the 
 Duke of Cumberland and the Prince of Wales. The 
 following, copied from the original letter now in the archives 
 of Grand Lodge, bespeaks the man : — 
 
The Provincial Grand Masters of Lincolnshire. 127 
 
 " Sir, 
 
 " I have received the Letter which by desire of the Hall 
 Committee you did me the honour to write to me on the 
 14th inst. — & am happy that the Copy which I sent them 
 from the Portrait of our late most excellent & sincerely 
 lamented Grand Master, has met with their approbation. 
 
 " From the first moment of my initiation into the 
 Mysteries of Masonry, it has been my constant wish and 
 endeavour to promote, on every occasion, the Honour & 
 Prosperity of the Craft; — happy when my feeble efforts 
 were crowned with success, & happier still when fresh 
 opportunities of being useful presented themselves to me ; — 
 You say that the Committee desire to know what they are 
 indebted to me for this Picture ; permit me. Sir, to request 
 that you would present my most affectionate Compliments 
 to them, & to assure them that the pleasure I feel in showing 
 my respectful Gratitude to the memory of his late Royal 
 Highness the Duke of Cumberland, & the duty I owe to 
 my Master the Prince of Wales, & present Grand Master 
 of Masons is far more grateful to my feelings, than any 
 pecuniary return could possibly be ; I beg then the Society 
 would continue their kind indulgence by accepting of this 
 picture ; as a memorial of my attachment to men, whose 
 doctrine and principles are, universal Charity, Brotherly 
 love, & Peace. 
 
 " I have the honour to be with great regard Sir 
 " Your most obliged & Obed' Servant 
 " William Peters. 
 " Great Newport Street, 
 
 " Apl. 1 6th 1792. " Mf- W. White, Grand Secretary." 
 
 These four portraits were unfortunately destroyed by 
 the fire which devastated the Hall in 1883. A likeness of 
 George IH., now hanging in the Board Room, is believed 
 to be by Peters, and is the only portion of his work remaining 
 at Grand Lodge. 
 
 On 6th Feb., 1787, the Prince of Wales was initiated 
 into masonry. Shortly afterwards H.R.H. became one of 
 the founders of the now famous Prince of Wales' Lodge. 
 Membership of this Lodge was at first restricted to those 
 who were either in the service of His Royal Highness or 
 
128 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 " firmly attached to his person and interests." The original 
 plan seems to have been carried out most strictly, even to 
 the extent of making masons of the household servants of 
 the Prince, four of whom were initiated and passed at the 
 first meeting, many others being afterwards made, although 
 they were not received as members of the Lodge. The 
 Secretary was the Rev. W. Peters, who, as already stated, 
 was one of His Royal Highness's Chaplains. 
 
 The first list of members supplied to Grand Lodge, 
 dated lOth May, 1788, is in Peters' own handwriting, and is, 
 I believe, an unique return, the " Remarks " column being 
 especially amusing. For instance : — 
 
 " Francis Broderif 37 Musical instrument maker Haymarket. 
 
 ' A good jolly fellow.' 
 " William Dickenson 34 Engraver Bond St. ' A well looking 
 
 dark man.' 
 " John Hickey Sculptor. ' A very genteel young man.' 
 " George Saunders Carpenter. ' A smart dapper lad.' 
 " Henry Holland Architect. ' A comely man.' 
 "Thos. Ogle 40 Surgeon to the Prince of Wales. 'Very 
 
 well — not too tall.' 
 "Thos. Hammersley 41 Banker, Pall Mall. 'Much the 
 
 gentleman, but go not near him with forged drafts.' 
 " Wm. Addington 50 Justice of the Peace. ' Visit him not 
 
 in Bow Street.' 
 " Arthur Robinson 45 gentleman, Pall Mall. ' Very well.' 
 " Thos. Dunckerley 63 gentleman, Hampton Court. ' Some- 
 thing royal about him.' 
 " J.J.PritchardAttorney-at-law,DoctorsCommons. 'Beware 
 
 of the Law.' " 
 
 The Prince of Wales, afterwards George IV., presided 
 over this Lodge until 1820, being followed by three of his 
 brothers, and in 1874 by his great-nephew, our present 
 Most Worshipful Grand Master. 
 
 The same year (1787J saw the Rev. William Peters a 
 beneficed Clergyman in the Diocese of Lincoln, being 
 instituted to the Rectory of Scalford, in Leicestershire, on 
 the 19th May. Whether or not our rev. brother had pre- 
 viously laboured in any other diocese I am unable to state. 
 
The Provincial Grand Masters of Lincolnshire. 129 
 
 The Episcopal Register at Lincoln shows him to have been 
 as fortunate in his ecclesiastical as in his art career. Even in 
 those good old plurality times, three rectories, a vicarage, 
 and a couple of prebend's stalls would doubtless be thought 
 a fair proportion of the loaves and fishes. The ecclesiastical 
 conscience is at times wonderfully elastic, reaping where 
 they had not sown being by no means an exceptional 
 occurrence amongst the higher ranks of the cloth. In 
 addition to the Rectory of Scalford, Peters was instituted 
 to the Rectory of Knipton 2Sth June, 1788, and again 
 30th Oct., 1795 ; the Rectory of Woolstrop (Woolsthorpe) 
 30th Oct., 1 788, and again on April 26th, 1796; Vicar of Eaton 
 lOth Sept., 179s ; and Prebend of St. Mary Crackpool in 
 Lincoln Cathedral 8th July, 1791, resigning this for the 
 more valuable stall of Langford Ecclesia nth June, 1795. 
 A pretty good record. Art thus being the handmaid of 
 religion in a material as well as a spiritual sense. 
 
 The second institution to the two rectories is, I believe, 
 accounted for by the law at that time prohibiting the holder 
 of a rich living from accepting a poor one, but allowing the 
 holder of the poor living to accept a richer one. The tem- 
 porary resignation just kept the letter ol the law, the 
 spirit being utterly ignored. It should, however, be remem- 
 bered that many of the benefices were extremely poor at 
 this time. In all this scheming Peters only followed the 
 almost universal custom of the day, the Mother Church of 
 Lincoln setting one of the worst examples. It is satisfactory 
 to find the Rector faithfully fulfilling his parochial duties, 
 and transferring to his new sphere of work the same con- 
 scientious energy which had distinguished him in his 
 secular pursuits. 
 
 The entries in the Parish Registers of Woolsthorpe and 
 Knipton (contiguous places) from 1790 to the beginning of 
 1808 are almost invariably signed by W. Peters, and those 
 of the latter occasionally till his death in 18 14. The 
 Woolsthorpe Register records on June 12th, 1792, the 
 burial " in the inner south east angle of the Chancel in the 
 
130 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 old ruined Church of this Parish" of Elizabeth, infant 
 daughter of the Rev. Wm. Peters, of this parish, and 
 Margaret Hannah his wife. 
 
 The fact of Peters having become resident in Lincoln- 
 shire appears to have suggested to the Prince of Wales, 
 G.M., another means of showing his appreciation of the 
 munificent gifts and services rendered to the craft by his 
 Chaplain. 
 
 The Rev. Wm. Peters was accordingly nominated the 
 first Prov. G. Master for Lincolnshire. 
 
 The appointment was no doubt offered and accepted 
 with great mutual satisfaction, Peters naturally being 
 gratified at another mark of his august patron's favour, 
 whilst the Prince on his part would get much credit for the 
 selection. 
 
 The new P.G.M. was masonically well fitted for the post. 
 His professional reputation and high moral character were 
 calculated to create a favourable impression concerning the 
 craft among the outside world, and Grand Lodge by the 
 selection would in a distant county have a strong and loyal 
 supporter of its interests and dignity, an important consi- 
 deration in the then divided state of masonic authority. 
 
 About this time Peters' name also appears as the Deputy 
 of Bro. Thomas Boothby Parkyns, P.G.M. of Derby, Notts., 
 Rutland, and Leicester, though probably his superintendence 
 did not extend outside the county of Leicester. 
 
 On the 3rd of January, 1793, the St. John's Lodge at 
 Leicester (then, I believe, the only one in the county under 
 the Grand Lodge of England) sent a letter to Bro. Peters 
 "expressive of the satisfaction this Lodge feels at the 
 appointment, and of their hopes of being frequently 
 honoured with his attendance and assistance." Their hopes 
 of a frequent attendance were never realized. Peters 
 presided over the first meeting of P.G.L. on the i8th of 
 June following, that so far the St. John's Lodge is concerned 
 being his last appearance. 
 
 The Lincolnshire Prov. records show scarcely any 
 attendance on the part of the P.G.M., ordinary and routine 
 
The Provincial Grand Masters of Lincolnshire. 131 
 
 business matters, as was then the custom, being left almost 
 entirely to the Deputy. The Rev. Matthew Barnett was 
 appointed D.P.G.M. in 1793, and continued in office, 
 excepting 179S-6, for forty years. Barnett was an enthusi- 
 astic and energetic mason, well up in the craft, and fully 
 capable of presiding over and managing the affairs of the 
 Province. In 1793 the warrant founding the Witham 
 Lodge was granted and signed by William Peters as P.G.M., 
 the Urania, at Brigg, having been issued the year previous, 
 probably by the same authority. After granting the charter 
 the P.G. Master's duties apparently ended, the presence of 
 no Provincial Grand Officer being recorded either at the 
 opening or consecration of the Witham Lodge. The 
 Witham minutes record a very rare instance of a Provincial 
 Grand Master "making a Mason at sight," a privilege 
 generally supposed to be restricted to the Grand Master. 
 
 On June 13th, 1796, the P.G.M. called a Lodge of 
 Emergency, and made the following entry in the minute 
 book : — 
 
 " For divers causes us hereunto moving, we do by these 
 presents dispence with the usual previous notice of Initiating, 
 & we do permit the Reverend William Gray of the Cathedral 
 Church of Lincoln to be initiated into these mysteries at 
 this Lodge. 
 
 " (Signed) William Peters 
 " Grand Master of the County of Lincoln." 
 
 This and a previous visit in 1794 are the only occasions 
 where I find him personally presiding over the Lincoln 
 brethren. 
 
 Peters died at Brashed Place, Sevenoaks, Kent, on the 
 20th March, 18 14, having gone there for the benefit of his 
 health. 
 
 A considerable quantity of the masonic correspondence 
 of the Rev. W. Peters is now in possession of P.G.L. 
 
 These letters, some of which are made use of in the 
 present work, indicate the writer as a man of strong personal 
 character, giving homage where due, and requiring the same 
 
132 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 from others. Although he rarely personally presided in 
 P.G.L. after the first meeting, yet he through the D.P.G.M. 
 directed the affairs for many years, and one gathers from 
 the letters that had health permitted he would have attended 
 on many occasions. 
 
 William Henry White. 
 
 After the death of the Rev. W. Peters the Duke of 
 Sussex appointed William Henry White as nominal ruler 
 over the Province of Lincolnshire. What this brother's 
 qualification was, or why an entire stranger to the county 
 should be selected for the office, does not now appear, as, 
 has been already noted, the business of the Province had 
 for many years as regards personal attendance been con- 
 ducted by the D.P.G.M. This indeed at that time was 
 almost the usual custom throughout the country, the Prov. 
 G. Master's duties being deemed at an end with the appoint- 
 ment of an efficient Deputy ; a notable exception being that 
 most excellent mason Thomas Dunckerley, whose superin- 
 tendence of half-a-dozen Provinces was marked by such 
 energy and zeal that has been rarely equalled. The authority 
 deputed to Barnett appears to have been absolute. Indeed, 
 so far as the Provincial records show, Bro. White was never 
 installed, never attended a meeting, and never interfered or 
 took any interest whatever in the Province. Barnett is 
 frequently styled Acting Prov. G. Master, and I have not 
 come across anything to show that he gave or was required 
 to give any account of his stewardship. White's name only 
 occurs once in P.G.L. records, when " Bro. C. Tennyson 
 was installed P.G.M. vice W. H. White deceased." 
 
 Dr. Oliver, in one of his latest addresses, says, " Neither 
 Bro. Peters nor Bro. White ever held a Provincial Lodge in 
 my time." Oliver of course would derive his knowledge of 
 White from Barnett, but he appears to have thought the 
 appointment of so little consequence as to never refer to 
 him again. Bro. Lucas, the late P.G. Secretary, who was 
 
The Provincial Grand Masters of Lincolnshire. 133 
 
 very intimate with the Doctor, and frequently discussed the 
 affairs of the Province with him, seems to ignore the 
 appointment altogether, as he marks the office between the 
 years 1814-26 "vacant." 
 
 By a very curious coincidence the name of the Grand 
 Secretary at that date was William Henry White; this 
 similarity of names naturally suggested the idea that the 
 Grand Secretary and the Lincolnshire P.G.M. were the 
 same person. 
 
 No doubt this idea was strengthened by the modern 
 custom of placing a vacant Province under the control of 
 the Grand Registrar, this latter office being of comparative 
 modern date, and instituted to relieve the Secretary of some 
 of his duties. The opinion as to the identity of the G.S. with 
 the Lincolnshire P.G.M. was held by our late Bro. Colonel 
 Shadwell Gierke until a short time before his lamented 
 decease 
 
 Brother Henry Sadler, Sub-Librarian at Grand Lodge, 
 with his ever ready kindness and courtesy, has gone into 
 the matter very thoroughly, and his account of these two 
 masonic Dromios, W. H. White, G.S., and W. H. White, 
 P.G.M., is so very interesting and to the point that I quote 
 in extenso : — 
 
 " During the years 1811-12-13-14-15 both these brethren 
 were in Grand Lodge at the same meetings; one as the 
 R.W. W. H. White Esqr. Prov. G. Master and the other as 
 Mr. W. H. White G.S. Our W. H. White was initiated in 
 the Emulation Lodge (present No. 21) isth April 1799 age 
 22 Attorney — Artillery Place; Master of his Lodge in 1801 
 and Grand Steward in 1805. He was also a member of 
 several other well known and highly respectable lodges in 
 the Metropolis, appointed joint Grand Secretary with his 
 Father in 1810, and Grand Secretary from 1813 to 1857. 
 He was exalted in the St. James's Chapter, then No. 60, in 
 1 811; and another curious coincidence is, that j/our man 
 was also exalted in that Chapter thirteen years earlier. 
 
 "William Henry White Gentn. was initiated in the 
 Lodge of Regularity No. 130 (present No. 91) 23rd of 
 March 1791. Address, Northampton. Grand Steward in 
 
134 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 1809. Appointed Prov. G. Master of Westmoreland, by 
 Patent dated 8th May 181 1. Sometime in 1813 he appears 
 to have been appointed P.G.M. for Wiltshire and was 
 present in Grand Lodge under that title on the ist of Dec. 
 18 1 3, when an important meeting took place to ratify the 
 Proceedings of the two Grand Lodges, and to confirm the 
 Articles of Union. 
 
 "In the Official Calendar for 18 14 — printed in 1813 — 
 he is also described as P.G.M. for Wiltshire but Westmore- 
 land is omitted. Against his name is written ' transferred,' 
 I think in the handwriting of our W. H. White. 
 
 This probably meant that he was transferred to Lincoln- 
 shire, for in the Grand Secretary's Calendar for the year 
 181 5 (printed in 18 14) he is Prov. G.M. of Lincolnshire; 
 and Wiltshire is omitted. 
 
 " In the register of St. James's Chapter No. 60 (present 
 No. 2) appears the name of 'Capt. White' exalted ilth 
 June 1798, and against it in Pencil is written ' Wm. Henry' 
 undoubtedly in the handwriting of our White, who had 
 nothing to do with these R.A. registers until he was 
 appointed Grand Recorder in 1812 when probablyexamining 
 the list of members of his own Chapter and having an 
 intimate knowledge of the person referred to, he added the 
 Christian names. Your man was appointed (or elected) 
 Prov. G. Superintendent for Notts. 4th March 1806, Lincoln 
 7th April 1807, and in the minutes of Grand Chapter loth 
 Dec, 181 1, he is described as Gd. Superintendent for Wilts., 
 Notts., and Lincoln. This probably will account for his 
 subsequent appointment as P.G.M. for two of these provinces. 
 The minutes of Grand Chapter 30th April 1803 have the 
 following — 'Proposed as an associated member of the 
 Grand Chapter, Wm. Henry White Esq. of Parliament 
 Place and of St. James's Chapter.' 
 
 " Our man visited the Grand Chapter for the first time 
 on the 2nd April 181 1, directly after he was exalted (14th 
 March 181 1) ; your man was present at the time also. On 
 the 1 8th June following he was appointed Gd. Standard 
 Bearer, and in 1812 Grand Recorder. They were both 
 frequently in Grand Chapter at the same time, one as 
 Grand Superintendent the other as Standard Bearer or 
 Recorder." 
 
 From the letter written by Bro. Barnett to the Grand 
 Secretary in 1820, given in the Prov. records under that 
 
The Provincial Grand Masters of Lincolnshire. 135 
 
 year, we learn that Bro. White had then left the country ; 
 the reasons for his going apparently were well known, as 
 Barnett expresses the opinion that he would never return. 
 
 Charles Tennyson was appointed to the office in 1826, 
 and in 1832 it is recorded that he was installed into the 
 office of P.G.M., vacant by the death of Bro. W. H. White. 
 
 The Right Hon. Charles Tennyson-D'Eyncourt. 
 
 The Rev. Matthew Barnett's letter to the Grand Secretary 
 suggesting the name of Charles Tennyson, Esq., M.P. for 
 Grimsby, as a " proper person " to be appointed Prov. 
 Grand Master for Lincolnshire, together with the official 
 appointment of that gentleman to the post, are given in the 
 records of Prov. G. Lodge. 
 
 The new P.G.M. was a Lincolnshire man, the son of 
 George Tennyson, Esq., of Bayons Manor, near Market 
 Rasen. He studied at Trinity College, Cambridge, and 
 graduated B.A. in 1805, and in the following year was called 
 to the Bar. Mr. Tennyson commenced a very distinguished 
 Parliamentary career in 1818 as member for Grimsby, 
 representing that constituency till 1826. He took up the 
 cause of Constitutional Reform with remarkable energy and 
 success. An eloquent and fluent speaker, of excellent 
 voice, he quickly made his mark in the fierce political war- 
 fare of the pre-reform period. He strenuously supported 
 the cause of Queen Caroline, published a pamphlet on her 
 case, and in a remarkable speech in the House of Commons 
 urged the restoration of her name to the Liturgy. His 
 first great stroke for Parliamentary reform was the intro- 
 duction of a bill to disfranchise the then notorious borough 
 of East Retford and transfer the representation to Bir- 
 mingham. This debate, which was protracted through four 
 sessions, caused such a split in the House as paved the way 
 in a great measure for the introduction of Lord John Russell's 
 famous Reform Bill. 
 
136 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 In 1826 Mr. Tennyson was returned for Bletchingley, a 
 pocket-borough of a relative. 
 
 In 1830 he pluckily contested, unsuccessfully, the borough 
 of Stamford, in opposition to the influence of the Marquis 
 of Exeter, but was triumphantly returned the following 
 year after a very severe contest. 
 
 The amount of money spent over these two elections 
 was said to be enormous, and political feeling ran so high 
 as to cause a duel between Mr. Tennyson and Lord Robert 
 Cecil, Lord Exeter's brother. 
 
 The result of the Stamford election was hailed with 
 delight by the Reform Party, who thus saw one of their 
 champions returned for a seat almost deemed impregnable. 
 
 At the next general election Mr. Tennyson was returned 
 for the new Metropolitan Borough of Lambeth, and con- 
 tinued its representative for twenty years. 
 
 His subsequent Parliamentary exertions were principally 
 devoted to a repeal of the Septennial Act. In this, how- 
 ever, he failed, though several close divisions occurred. 
 
 Mr. Tennyson was sworn a Privy Councillor in 1832, 
 and in 1835, in compliance with the will of his father, he 
 assumed the additional surname of D'Eyncourt, an ancient 
 Lincolnshire barony. About this time, also, he was on 
 very friendly terms with the Duke of Sussex, and was 
 appointed one of His Royal Highness' Equerries, 
 
 In 1852 the Rt. Hon. Gentleman was, owing to purely 
 local causes, defeated at Lambeth by a majority of 193, and 
 retired into private life. Throughout the whole of his 
 Parliamentary career Mr. D'Eyncourt appears to have been 
 thoroughly consistent in his political principles. He was 
 popularly known as " The Radical Member for Lambeth," 
 and to the last advocated those opinions which many of his 
 contemporaries in the contest were content to drop and to 
 " rest and be thankful." 
 
 A magnificent vase, of the value of 400 guineas, was 
 presented to him by his political friends, as a mark of their 
 gratitude and esteem. 
 
The Provincial Grand Masters of Lincolnshire. 1 37 
 
 The vase, a beautiful work of art, bears the following 
 inscription : — 
 
 " Presented on the 22nd June 1853 
 by the Electors of the Metropolitan Borough of Lambeth 
 
 to the Rt. Honourable Charles Tennyson-D'Eyncourt 
 Their representative for twenty years in the first five 
 parliaments after their enfranchisement in i832.- 
 A Tribute of affectionate attachment and esteem for 
 his private worth, of respect for his patriotic and 
 independent character, and of gratitude for his able 
 consistent and faithful services in the cause of civil, 
 religious and commercial freedom, throughout a 
 parliamentary career of thirty four years." 
 
 Brother D'Eyncourt's masonic career appears in the 
 records of P.G.L. and in the memoir of Dr. Oliver. 
 
 His speeches on the rare occasions when he presided at 
 P.G.L. were eloquent and interesting. 
 
 One feels bound to believe that the action in the 
 Crucifix-Oliver business was owing in a great measure to 
 his position in the Duke's establishment, and that our Right 
 Worshipful Brother would have made a most excellent 
 Prov. G. Master had he, in the words of the Old Charge, 
 " been resolved against all politics, as what never yet con- 
 duced to the welfare of the Craft and never will." 
 
 The Right Hon. Charles Tennyson-D'Eyncourt died in 
 London, after a brief illness, at the residence of his son-in- 
 law, Mr. J. H. Palmer, Q.C., on July 12th, 1861. 
 
 The Earl of Yarborough. 
 
 Charles Anderson Worsley Pelham, 2nd Earl of Yar- 
 borough, was born April 9th, 1809. 
 
 He commenced an active public life at an early age. 
 
 In 1 83 1, when in his 22nd year, being then the Hon. 
 Charles Anderson Worsley Pelham, he was elected Member 
 for Lincolnshire, with Sir W. Ingilby, Chas. Chaplin, Esq., 
 of Blankney, the previous colleague of Sir W. Ingilby, not 
 contesting the seat. 
 
138 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 In 1832, after the passing of the Reform Bill, when the 
 representation of the county was increased, and two members 
 apportioned to each division, the Hon. Mr. Pelham and Sir 
 W. Ingilby became candidates for the North Division, and 
 were opposed by Sir R. Sheffield. Mr. Pelham obtained 
 an immense majority. He was returned again in 1835, and 
 also in 1837, having then become Lord Worsley, on the 
 elevation of his father to the earldom. On the death of the 
 first Earl, who was Prov. G. Master for the Isle of Wight* 
 from 1826 to his death in 1846, Lord Worsley was called 
 to the Upper House, after having represented the county 
 fifteen years. During the whole of this time he was 
 eminently a working member, and a more earnest county 
 representative than Lord Worsley probably never sat in 
 Parliament. 
 
 He undertook the arduous task of introducing and 
 carrying through the House of Commons the Inclosure Bill, 
 a measure which is still known as Lord Worsley's Act. 
 
 In 1847, the year after the right hon. gentleman was 
 raised to the Upper House, a magnificent piece of plate, 
 weighing 1,400 ounces, together with an address signed by 
 2,200 of his late constituents, were presented to him, as an 
 expression of their appreciation of his services and upright 
 conduct during the fifteen years he had been their repre- 
 sentative. 
 
 His Lordship was appointed Vice- Admiral of the Coast 
 of Lincolnshire in 1854, and Lord Lieutenant of the county 
 in 1857. He married, in Dec, 1831, the Hon. Marie 
 Adelaide Maude, second daughter of Viscount Hawarden. 
 
 Our noble brother (then Lord Worsley) was initiated 
 into the craft in the Prince of Wales' Lodge (No. 324) in 
 Feb., 1837, and was exalted in the same Chapter the 
 following year. 
 
 In 1843 he joined the Royal Alpha Lodge, in 1846 
 the Witham Lodge, Lincoln, and the Medina, Cowes, 
 
 * The Earl gave a handsome subscription towards the cost of our 
 Provincial jewels. See Louth meeting of P.G.L., 1834. 
 
The Provincial Grand Masters of Lincolnshire. 139 
 
 Isle of Wight; in 1848 the Chapter of Concord, Lincoln ; 
 in 1851 the Social Lodge, Manchester; in 1856 the Royal 
 York Lodge, Brighton, and in i860 assisted in establishing 
 the Yarborough Lodge, No. 11 13 (now 811), in the same 
 town. In 1846 his Lordship was appointed Deputy Grand 
 Master of England, becoming in virtue of that office Grand 
 H. of the Grand Chapter, and March 9th, 1849, he was 
 appointed to rule over the Province of Lincolnshire. 
 
 The noble Earl was a Trustee of both funds of The Royal 
 Benevolent Institution for Aged Freemasons and Widows. 
 In addition to a liberal support of the Central Masonic and 
 other Charities, his Lordship's purse was always open to 
 relieve real distress, and the various Lodges of which he 
 was a member were used as a means to enable him to 
 practice this great principle of the Order. 
 
 The death of the noble Earl took place at Brighton on 
 Jan. 7th, 1862, after a protracted illness, the result of a 
 paralytic seizure some years previous. 
 
 Lord Yarborough's successor in the Province was 
 
 William Aubrey Aurelius De Vere Beauclerk, 
 tenth Duke of St. Alban's, 
 
 of Redbourne, Lincolnshire, and Bestwood, Notts. His 
 Grace was installed Prov. G. Master at Lincoln 29th April, 
 1 862, and filled the office for about sixteen years. On the 
 death of the Duke of Newcastle, Prov. G. Master for Notts., 
 the Duke of St. Albans was transferred from the Province 
 of Lincolnshire to that of Nottinghamshire, over which 
 he still presides. 
 
 William Henry Smyth, 
 of Elkington Hall, Louth, our present Right Worshipful 
 Provincial Grand Master, was initiated in the Scientific 
 Lodge, Cambridge, Feb. 13th, 1845; exalted in the Royal 
 York Chapter of Perseverance, Feb. 23, 1847, and joined 
 the Middlesex Lodge same year. Towards the close of 
 
140 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire, 
 
 i860 Bro. Smyth joined the Lindsay Lodge, and filled 
 both Wardens' and the Master's chairs in due course. 
 He was also one of the Founders and first Z. of the Oliver 
 Chapter; the latter office he again filled in 1868. On the 
 formation of the R. A. Province of Lincolnshire Comp. 
 Smyth was by patent dated 25th March, 1875, appointed 
 Grand Superintendent. Our Right Worshipiul Brother's 
 connection with P.G. Lodge commenced in 1863 by his 
 appointment as Senior Warden. In the following year he 
 was appointed Dep. P.G. Master in the room of Bro. R. S. 
 Harvey, resigned, and Provincial Grand Master by patent 
 dated April i, 1878. Bro. Smyth has also taken several of 
 the additional degrees of masonry. 
 
 It is recorded in the life of an early Grand Master of 
 the craft (Sir Christopher Wren), that a visitor to St. Paul's 
 asked to be shown the Architect's monument, and was told 
 to look around. In like manner the flourishing condition 
 of the Craft in Lincolnshire demonstrates the zeal and care 
 of its venerated chief 
 
 By a happy coincidence, the first Provincial Charity of 
 One Thousand Guineas was announced as completed on the 
 day our Right Worshipful Brother was installed. On the 
 stone laid that day a superstructure has been raised, alike 
 creditable to the craft and the Province, and which will be 
 a lasting honour to the builders when time with them shall 
 be no more. 
 
141 
 
 LODGES FORMED SINCE THE ESTABLISHMENT 
 OF PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE. 
 
 ^! 
 
 THE URANIA, AT BRIGG ; 
 THE SAINT JAMES, AT LOUTH : 
 THE APOLLO, AT GRIMSBY; 
 Warrant No. 510. 
 
 The first Lodge formed in the new Province was the 
 Urania, warranted at the Angel Inn, Glamford Briggs, 
 20th October, 1792. 
 
 In the first return to Grand Lodge the following 
 brethren are styled " Institutors of the Lodge " : — 
 Richard Nicholson, Attorney, Brigg. 
 Thomas Parkinson, Innholder, Brigg. 
 Michael Atkinson, Attorney, Kirton Lindsay. 
 
 Richard Nicholson was initiated, together with several 
 from Barton, in the Minerva Lodge, Hull, nth Oct., 1786. 
 
 He was appointed P,G. Steward in 1793, and Prov. 
 G.J. Warden the year following. 
 
 Thomas Parkinson and Joseph Goodwin were initiated 
 in the Saint Matthew's Lodge, Barton, in 1791. 
 
 Parkinson, doubtless the landlord of the Angel, was 
 Prov. G. Steward in 1794. 
 
 The Witham records state that Michael Atkinson joined 
 that Lodge in 1800. He was P.G. Steward and Secretary 
 for several years. In 1803 his name appears in the Gazette 
 as being appointed Master Extraordinary in the High 
 Court of Chancery. 
 
 The choice of the name Urania would probably be 
 influenced by the Minerva brethren, who were then a very 
 flourishing and speculative Lodge. 
 
 Eight members of the Urania are noted as attending 
 the Provincial meeting at Gainsborough in 1794. 
 
142 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 In the following year the unfortunate marriage of the 
 Prince of Wales with the Princess Caroline took place. 
 
 The Prov. G. Master, the Rev. W, Peters, as might be 
 expected, considered this a favourable opportunity to do 
 honour to the new Lodge, and at the same time express 
 his loyalty and devotion to his august patron. 
 
 The notice convening P.G.L. was as follows : — 
 
 " Most Ancient and Honorable Society of Free & Accepted 
 
 Masons. 
 
 " A Grand Feast of the Provincial Grand Officers and 
 Brethren of this Masonic Society will be held at the Angel 
 Inn Brigg on Friday the Eight day of May 1795 to celebrate 
 the Nuptials of his Royal Highness George Prince of Wales 
 Grand Master of Masons with a Princess of the Illustrious 
 House of Brunswick. 
 
 " The Brethren are requested to assemble at the Angel 
 Inn by Eleven o'clock in the Morning to proceed to Church 
 where a Sermon will be preached by Brother G. Marris. 
 
 " The Company of every Brother that can make it con- 
 venient to attend will be esteemed a favour. 
 
 " Dinner to be on the table at Two o'clock precisely. 
 
 " By the Command of the Rev. William Peters Provincial 
 Grand Master (acting under the authority of the Prince) 
 for the County of Lincoln. 
 
 "William Benton P.G.S." 
 
 Unfortunately no account of this interesting meeting is 
 forthcoming save the short notice in P.G.L. record, viz. : — 
 
 " The Brethren wearing cockades in their hats, went in 
 procession to the Chapel at Brigg where a Sermon was 
 preached by Bro. Rev. G. Marris; and after their return 
 dined together." 
 
 The Rev. George Marris, of Croxton, was Provincial 
 Treasurer for several years. 
 
 The condition of the county generally at the close of 
 the last and early years of the present century was not 
 conducive to the spread of masonry. It was a period of 
 great scarcity and distress — wheat at one time up to nearly 
 £^ per quarter, and the quartern loaf sold at is. lod. Added 
 
The Urania Lodge, Brigg. 143 
 
 to this was the fear of foreign invasion by Bonaparte. 
 Almost all the able-bodied men of the country were 
 under military training, either as militia or volunteers. 
 
 Each parish was under the necessity of finding men for 
 the militia, a bounty in some cases of £y:) being offered for 
 a substitute. Very strong bodies of volunteers were raised 
 in every division of Lincolnshire. The " North Lincolnshire 
 Legion " had their headquarters at Brigg, Lord Yarborough 
 being in command, and Richard Nicholson having the 
 management of the finances, &c. 
 
 The names of nearly all the officers of P.G.L. appear on 
 the several rolls, not only as subscribing handsomely, but 
 many also giving personal service. 
 
 It is very probable that this state of affairs may have 
 been in a great measure the cause of the decline of the 
 Craft in Brigg. 
 
 At the meeting of Prov. G. Lodge held at Lincoln in 
 August, 179s, the Urania was represented, this, so far as 
 the records show, being the last appearance. 
 
 As seen in the annals of that body, no meeting was 
 apparently held between 1796 and 1804. During this 
 interval, negociations for removing the Lodge from Brigg 
 to Louth took place. 
 
 In 1803 notice was returned to Grand Lodge of Warrant 
 510 being transferred to the New King's Head, Louth, and 
 styled the Saint James' Lodge (after the patron saint of 
 the parish church). 
 
 These removals were by no means uncommon at the 
 time. Grand Lodge authorities apparently not troubling so 
 long as the returns were regularly made. 
 
 A warrant was in many cases considered as an appen- 
 dage to the inn, the landlord (generally having a vested 
 interest in the document) occasionally selling it if the Lodge 
 got hopelessly in arrears or ceased meeting. 
 
144 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 The earliest mention we have in the Province of the 
 St. James' Lodge is a Witham minute ot 1803 : — 
 
 " Resolved that a Congratulatory letter be addressed to 
 the Master of the St. James Lodge at Louth, expressing 
 our wish to assist the Lodge as far as we have ability." 
 
 The following notice was inserted in the Mercury : — 
 
 " Freemasonry. 
 "The Friends of Freemasonry are informed that the 
 Meeting of the St. James' Lodge (No. 510) is to be holden 
 at the New King's Head Louth Lincolnshire on the 
 Tuesday nearest the full Moon. 
 
 " Thos. Orme R.W.M. and P.G.C. 
 « C. M. Clarke M.D.— S.W. 
 " S. C. Pettener Warden of Louth J.W. 
 "January 17th 1804." 
 
 The Rev. Thomas Orme, D.D.,F.S.A., Vicar of Barholm, 
 was appointed Head Master of Louth Grammar School in 
 1796, having previously occupied a similar position at 
 Oakham. 
 
 He was collated to the Prebendal Stall of Louth in 
 Lincoln Cathedral by the Bishop in 1801. 
 
 Doctor Orme was an excellent Mason, and took an 
 energetic part in the affairs of the Province. 
 
 He was installed Prov. G. Chaplain at the Louth meeting 
 in 1804, and is recorded as preaching at every subsequent 
 meeting of P.G.L. up to the time of his death. The fact of 
 these meetings being held at Lincoln, Gainsborough, Boston, 
 Barton, and Grimsby, places entailing a tedious journey for 
 a person of three score years, testifies to the zeal and interest 
 felt for the order by our Provincial Grand Chaplain. 
 
 Doctor Orme died 20th October, 18 14, in his 70th year, 
 and was buried under the altar of Louth Church. 
 
 A mural tablet to his memory, erected by his pupils, is 
 just within the altar rails. The monument had originally 
 masonic emblems on it, but these disappeared somewhat 
 mysteriously between thirty and forty years ago. 
 
The Saint Jame^ Lodge, Louth. 145 
 
 C. M. Clarke, M.D., was a leading man in the town 
 and neighbourhood. He was in command of the local 
 Volunteers, of whom it is recorded, that, soon after formation, 
 they attended Divine Service at Louth Church, and after a 
 sermon had been preached to them by Doctor Orme, the 
 men advanced to the chancel and took the Oath of Allegiance. 
 
 Bro. Clarke was Prov. Warden in 1806. 
 
 S. C. Pettener was a Surgeon in Louth. 
 
 " Warden of Louth " was the title of the head of the 
 Warden and six Assistants of the Free Grammar School 
 of King Edward VI. in Louth, which body, up to the 
 passing of the Municipal Reform Act, was also the governing 
 body of the town, so that the Warden's office corresponded 
 with that of the present Mayor, plus his school functions. 
 Bro. Pettener's name is among the Prov. Stewards for 1804. 
 
 Warrant No. 510 does not appear to have been more 
 successful at Louth than Brigg. The St. James' Lodge was 
 represented at the Boston Provincial Meeting in 1809, but 
 between that time and the next meeting (18 13) arrange- 
 ments had been made for another removal. 
 
 No clue is given as to the decadence of the Lodge, 
 unless it be the death of the landlord of the King's Head, 
 Bro. Wolfe, who is said (on the authority of the late Bro. 
 Blakelock) to have been buried with masonic honours. It 
 is not unlikely that he may have had a vested interest in 
 the effects of the Lodge. In any case the furniture, &c., 
 were sold, the purchaser being George Oliver, Head Master 
 of the Grammar School, Grimsby. 
 
 The removal of the Warrant to Grimsby was notified to 
 Grand Lodge in 181 1, the name being changed to "The 
 Apollo," thus again reverting to its Minerva origin. 
 
 The foundation of a new hall was laid in i8i2, and its 
 formal dedication was deemed by the Prov. G. Master as a 
 fitting occasion to call a Lodge and celebrate the annual 
 Grand Feast. 
 
146 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 At this Dedication Festival, which was held Aug. 12th, 
 181 3, George Oliver, Master of the Apollo Lodge, was 
 appointed Prov. G. Steward, and thus commenced a 
 connection with Lincolnshire Provincial Masonry which 
 continued for over half a century. 
 
 A Provincial Stewardship in the early days of Grand 
 Lodge, seems to have been considered the highest honour. 
 
 The following letter (probably the last) written by the 
 Rev. W. Peters, P.G.M., to his Deputy, the Rev. M. Barnett, 
 is interesting as showing the beginning of Doctor Oliver's 
 career in the councils of the Province. It is headed : — 
 
 "Brashed Place Sevenoaks Kent July ist 18 13. 
 
 " . . . . Taking for granted that the Apollo Lodge 
 (which name however I have no recollection of having heard 
 of before) will nominate two respectable men to be their 
 Stewards at the ensuing festival, I should be glad to add to 
 their consequence by giving them the rank of Grand Steward 
 on the morning of the Feast that they may be then invested 
 with that Honour by you in my name — you will be pleased 
 to make this known to the brethren that they may transmit 
 
 to you their names and be prepared for Investiture 
 
 I am sorry my health has obliged me for the present to 
 breathe a more southerly air than Knipton, and fear I shall 
 not be at Knipton this summer. 
 
 " I should have been happy to have presided on the 12th 
 of August. Be pleased however to give the brethren my 
 most affectionate Love, with every good wish of health to 
 the Members and Prosperity to the Lodge." 
 
 Bro. Oliver, when reporting his preparations for the 
 Feast to the D.P.G.M., thus writes : — 
 
 "The honor you are about to confer on two of our 
 Brethren by investing us with the Red Apron, merits a 
 return of thanks greater than it is in my power to find 
 words to express ; and the only method by which we can 
 return the obligation is by supporting the respectability of 
 Masonry in such a manner that this Lodge may prove 
 creditable to the Craft in general & to you its principal 
 governor & the rest of the Grand Officers in particular. 
 
The Apollo Lodge, Grimsby. 147 
 
 " Myself & my S.W. (Bro. Parker) who are appointed to 
 accept of that honor, have provided ourselves with Aprons 
 for the occasion. 
 
 "As I presume you will arrive at Grimsby on the 
 evening preceding the Festival, I hope you will favour me 
 so far as to take a Bed at my House, there being one 
 entirely at your service. 
 
 " I am Dr. Sir 
 " To Rev. M. Barnett « Your hbl. Servt. & Bro, 
 " D.P.G.M. for the " Geo. Oliver R.W.M. 
 
 " County of Lincoln. " of the Apollo Lodge." 
 
 The Apollo under Bro. Oliver's guidance at once entered 
 on a most successful career, having at one time ninety 
 members on its books. 
 
 Strange to say, our worthy brother up to this time (as 
 will be seen from the following letter) had never been 
 -registered in Grand Lodge : — 
 
 " Freemasons Hall 
 
 "3rd Aug. 1 8 19. 
 " Bro. the Rev. George Oliver, who was initiated in your 
 Lodge about the year 1802-1803 having applied for a Grand 
 Lodge Certificate, it has been found, upon examining the 
 Books of the Grand Lodge that his name has never been 
 returned for registry by your Lodge. 
 
 " This neglect on your part has been communicated to 
 Board of General Purposes, and we are directed by that 
 Board to require, that you will immediately register the 
 Name of that Brother or of any other which may have been 
 neglected to be transmitted for that purpose. 
 " The Master of 605 " We are &c. 
 
 " St. Peters Peterborough." 
 
 The Apollo was regularly represented at the Provincial 
 meetings up to 1825. At the next meeting held in Lincoln 
 November, 1832, the Lodge is not mentioned. Its last 
 payment to Grand Lodge was made in 1829, the brethren 
 then meeting in the Bull Ring. The following letter to the 
 Grand Secretary, shows about the time the Lodge would 
 leave its private room. 
 
148 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 "Grimsby Apr. 24 1829. 
 " My dear Sir & Brother 
 
 " Having an opportunity of forwarding a Letter by a 
 Friend, I write to thank you for your candid opinion on the 
 subject of my enquiry, which as you desire it shall be strictly 
 confidential. I should be glad however to know, before the 
 ensuing Lodge night (Tuesday May Sth) whether you think 
 it probable that the Grand Lodge will sanction the Billiard 
 Room as the legitimate place of meeting for the Apollo 
 Lodge. 
 
 " I may further observe that the Room is regularly open 
 for Billiards at all times except the hours when the Lodge 
 actually meets, and this has already caused many reflections 
 derogatory to the purity of the Institution. 
 " I am Dear Sir 
 
 " Your faithful Brother 
 " E. Harper Esq." " Geo. Oliver. 
 
 In 1833 the furniture of the Lodge was sold by auction. 
 Some portion of it again reverted to Louth, having been 
 purchased for the newly-formed Lindsey Lodge. 
 
 In 1834 Doctor Oliver returned the warrant to Grand 
 Lodge, and the Apollo was erased from the roll in the 
 following year. 
 
 Several relics of the Apollo now adorn the hall of the 
 present Pelham Pillar Lodge at Grimsby. 
 
 Amongst these is a tablet formerly over the chimney- 
 piece in the old hall, and which bears the following 
 inscription : — 
 
 " This building erected for a Lodge, dedicated to Masonry 
 on the Festival of St. John the Evangelist A.D. 1812. Bro. 
 Geo. Oliver R.W.M.; Geo. Parker S.W.; T. Travis J. W. ; 
 W. Piercy P.M. This stone, a part of the Temple of Apollo 
 at Delos, was brought and presented to the Lodge by 
 Bro. Potter." 
 
The Witham Lodge, Lincoln. 149 
 
 THE WITHAM LODGE, LINCOLN. 
 
 At the Prov. G. Lodge held at Barton-on-Humber in 
 1793 it was agreed that "The next Grand Feast be held 
 1 2th Aug. 1794 at Gainsborough, unless a Lodge should be 
 formed before that period in the County Town and City of 
 Lincoln." 
 
 The warrant of the Witham Lodge I have transcribed 
 verbatim, as, in addition to founding what is now the senior 
 Lodge of the Provinqe, it is interesting as being granted by 
 the Provincial Grand Master, an exercise of the authority 
 allotted to the office at its formation : — 
 
 ©"William Peters P.G.M. 
 "No. 530. ''Co all aim eberg Our Right 
 Worshipful, Worshipful & loving Brethren. We, 
 The Reverend William Peters, LL.B. Rector of 
 Woolsthorp in the County of Lincoln, & of Knipton in the 
 County of Leicester, Prebendary of Lincoln, Chaplain to His 
 Royal Highness the Prince of Wales &c. Provl. Grand Master 
 for the County of Lincoln, Acting under the Authority of 
 His said Royal Highness Grand Master of the Most Ancient 
 & Honorable Society of Free & Accepted Masons, send 
 Greeting. 
 
 •• iSnotal Se— That We, at the humble Petition of our 
 right Trusty and well beloved Brethren, John Bullen, John 
 Langwith, James Simpson, Thomas Grey.Myrton Hamilton, 
 John Peacock, Robert Robinson, John Scott, John Beckett, 
 James Eachus, Thomas Browne, and several other Brethren 
 residing in or near the City of Lincoln, Do hereby Constitute 
 the said Brethren into a regular Lodge of Free & Accepted 
 Masons (under the Title or Denomination of the Witham 
 Lodge) to be opened at a House known by the Name of 
 the Rein Deer Inn, in the City of Lincoln. And do further 
 at their said Petition and of the great trust and confidence 
 reposed in every of the above named Brethren, hereby 
 appoint the said John Bullen to be Master, Thomas Browne 
 Senior Warden and James Simpson Junior Warden for 
 
150 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 opening the said Lodge and for such further time only as 
 shall be thought proper by the Brethren thereof; It being 
 our will that this our appointment of the above Officers 
 shall in no wise affect any future Election of Officers of the 
 Lodge, but that such Elections shall be regulated agreable to 
 such Bye Laws of the said Lodge as shall be consistent with the 
 general Laws of the Society contained in the Book of Consti- 
 tutions. And we hereby will and require you the said John 
 Bullen to take special Care that all and every the said Brethren 
 are or have been regularly made Masons and that they do 
 observe, perform and keep all the Rules and Orders contained 
 in the said Book of Constitutions. And further that you 
 do from time to time cause to be entered in a Book kept 
 for that purpose an account of your proceedings in the 
 Lodge together with all such Rules, Orders and Regulations 
 as shall be made for the good government of the same, 
 that in no wise you omit once in every Year to send to Us 
 or our Successors Provincial Grand Masters or to the Revd. 
 Matthew Barnett our Deputy Provincial Grand Master or 
 to the Deputy Provincial Grand Master for the time being 
 an Account in Writing of your said Proceedings and Copies 
 of all such Rules, Orders and Regulations as shall be made 
 as aforesaid together with a List of the Members of the 
 Lodge and such a Sum of Money as may suit the circum- 
 stances of the Lodge and reasonably be expected towards 
 the Grand Charity. Moreover we hereby will and require 
 you the said John Bullen as soon as conveniently may be 
 to send an Account in Writing of what shall be done by 
 virtue of these Presents. 
 
 " Given at London under Our Hand & Seal of Masonry 
 this 23rd Day of September A.L. 5793 A.D. 1793. 
 
 " By the Provincial Grand Master's Command 
 " Witness " Matthew Barnett D.P.G.M. 
 
 "Wm. Benton P.G.S." 
 
 The Rein Deer Inn comprised the whole of the south 
 side of Guildhall Street to Water Lane, and abutted on the 
 High Street to Much Lane. 
 
 According to a letter of Thomas Sympson, Clerk of the 
 Works, &c., at the Cathedral, an excellent authority, the 
 Common Chamber in 1 74 1 purchased the old timber building, 
 which they rebuilt "with brick and stone in a grand manner. 
 
The Witham Lodge, Lincoln. I S i 
 
 It is not yet finished [Sept., 1743] and will cost the City 
 upwards of £2,000. There is one chamber in which the 
 City purposes to have the public feasts which is 63 ft. long 
 21 ft. wide and 16 ft. high." 
 
 The old timber building referred to by Sympson 
 was known as the George Inn. The account given in 
 Nichols's Royal Progresses, of King James' visit to Lincoln, 
 says: — "On Wednesday being the second of April [1617], 
 his Majesty did come in his caroche to the Sign of the 
 George by the Stanbowe to see a cocking thear, when he 
 appointed four cocks to be put on the pit together, which 
 made his Majesty very merrie." 
 
 The house was afterwards known as the City Arms. 
 Shops were erected on the site in 1847, that at the 
 corner of High Street is now (1894) transformed into 
 a Bank. 
 
 When clearing the ground for erecting the shops many 
 interesting fragments were found of the ancient church of 
 St. Peter ad Placita, which, with its churchyard, stretched 
 far back in a narrow margin from the High Street. 
 
 The following brethren became founders of the Witham 
 Lodge : — 
 
 Thomas Browne, Brazier. 
 
 John Scott, Gentleman. 
 
 James Simpson, Watchmaker. 
 
 Robert Robinson, jun., Gentleman. 
 
 John Peacock, Watchmaker. 
 
 John Ray, Gentleman. 
 
 Rev. Charles Gordon. 
 
 John Bullen, Farmer, Greetwell. 
 
 Thomas Browne, an Ironmonger near the Stonebow, 
 took a leading part in the Lodge for several years. He was 
 D.P.G.M. 1795; Sheriff of Lincoln 1796. 
 
 John Scott was Treasurer of the Witham and Prov. 
 G. Architect for over sixteen years. It is recorded that he 
 resigned the latter office " from great infirmity." He died 
 
152 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 in Dec, 1821, and was buried in St. Botolph's with masonic 
 ceremony; fifty-one brethren present. A tablet to his 
 memory is on the wall of the south aisle. 
 
 James Simpson, Prov. S.G.W., was Treasurer for twelve 
 years and W.M. seven or eight times. He was Sheriff in 
 1817, and died in 1831. 
 
 Robert Robinson, Jun., appears as the landlord of 
 the Rein Deer. 
 
 John Peacock, Prov. J.G.W., died in 1804. Brother 
 Peacock and his son Samuel (initiated in 1806) were in 
 office as Secretary or Treasurer for upwards of forty-five 
 years. It is very probable that the preservation of the 
 Lodge records is due in a great measure to this fact. 
 
 John Ray (or Wray) died in London, 1826. 
 
 The Rev. Charles Gordon was Prebendary of the 
 Cathedral and Vicar of Wellingore ; Prov. G. Chaplain and 
 Witham Secretary for several years. 
 
 John Bullen, Prov. G.Sec. 1795, probably identical with 
 the Sheriff of that year. The BuUens took a leading 
 position in the neighbourhood for several years. 
 
 The first name recorded after the founders is that of 
 William Bristow, Publican. 
 
 In 1803 Bristow kept the Freemasons' Arms, near the 
 Stonebow. " He has lately built very convenient stables 
 near the House and has engaged three large paddocks near 
 to the same for Beasts Sheep &c." 
 
 The population of Lincoln about this time was a little 
 over 7,000. 
 
The Witham Lodge, Lincoln. 153 
 
 "Witham Lodge No. 530. 
 
 " Lodge of Emergency, held at the Rein Deer Inn in 
 the City of Lincoln the 28th September one Thousand 
 seven Hundred & Ninety Three, by Virtue of a Dispensation 
 being granted for that purpose, from our Right Worshipful 
 Provincial Grand Master the Revd. Willm. Peters. 
 
 " This Lodge being opened in Due Form on the three 
 Degrees, Thos. Browne Master Pro Tempore, John Scott 
 Senior Warden pro tempore, James Simpson Junr. Warden, 
 on a Motion made by the Worshipful Master it was unani- 
 mously agreed that the Secretary do prepare and send a 
 Letter fin the Name of the Brethren of the Lodge) to our 
 right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master with our sincere 
 Thanks for his kind attention to the Prayer of our Petition 
 for a Constitution 
 
 " A Lecture from the Chair on the three Degrees, the 
 Lodge clos'd in Harmony and due time with all Honours 
 paid to the Grand." 
 
 A Code of By Laws twenty-four in number was adopted. 
 
 " Every member shall behave himself in the Lodge with 
 due decorum and appear therein in decent apparel and 
 proper Cloathing. He shall not curse, swear, offer to lay 
 Wagers, use any lewd or unbecoming language, in derogation 
 of God's Name, and corruption of good Manners ; nor behave 
 himself ludicrously or jestingly while the Lodge is engaged 
 in any thing serious and solemn. He must never appear 
 at the Lodge disguis'd in Liquor. He shall behave himself 
 out of the Lodge, on all occasions as an honest Man, and 
 carefully avoid every action that may bring an Odium upon 
 his Reputation, and reflection upon the Fraternity." 
 
 The initiation fee was ;^3 8s., and the subscription Ss- 
 per quarter. A subscription of £l 3s. was entered into on 
 Nov. 7th, 1793, and again in the following year, to furnish 
 the Lodge, &c. 
 
 Dec. S, 1793. Brothers Bullen, Simpson, Robinson, and 
 Peacock were Pass'd the Chair by Brother Gibson, of the 
 Corinthian Lodge, Newark. Bro. J. Langwith, from Gran- 
 tham, was present, and received order to make three 
 masonic candlesticks and a pedestal for the use of the Lodge. 
 
154 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 Feb. 6th, 1794. "Our worthy Brother John Scott 
 presented the Lodge with a Large Broad sword as a token 
 of his respect for the Craft." 
 
 Notice of the consecration of the Lodge, ordered to be 
 advertized in the Lincoln Mercury. Invitations to be sent 
 to all the Lodges in the county and the Corinthian 470. 
 
 Saturday, Feb. 22nd; 1794. " In pursuance of the 
 resolutions entered into by the brethren of this Lodge, the 
 advertisements were made, the invitations sent, and the 
 necessary preparations made for consecrating this Lodge, 
 which was accordingly performed in due form by Brother 
 Gibson, of Screveton, (in this county) \sic\ and other brothers 
 of this Lodge." 
 
 /Brother Gibson of Newark 470. 
 
 Wallis 
 
 Holt 
 
 , Atkinson, Urania. 
 
 Visitors \ Parkinson 
 
 Bankes 
 
 Baxter, Union, Nottm. 
 Davies. 
 
 Ogle, 496, North Nottinghamshire. 
 Brother Wm. Gibson, who was the first Master of the 
 Corinthian Lodge, Newark, was evidently a Mason of note 
 in his day. 
 
 The Rev. W. E. Berry, Rector of Screveton, Bingham, 
 Notts., kindly supplies the following from the tombstone 
 (slate) in the churchyard : — 
 
 " William Gibson, A. P. G. M. for the County 
 of Nottingham, R. A. and KT. St. J. 
 of J. K. D. O. S. H. 
 The Remains of Willm. Gibson rest near this 
 place. He departed this life Oct. 20th 1820 
 in the 82nd year of his age." 
 The stone is embellished with masonic devices, and is a 
 very early record of the Chivalric Degrees, these being 
 probably taken in the last century. 
 
 The letters A.P.G.M. evidently represent Acting Pro- 
 vincial Grand Master for Notts, a position filled for many 
 years in our own Province by the Rev. Matthew Barnett, 
 
The Witham Lodge, Lincoln. 155 
 
 Wm. Gibson, gentleman, was about 1790 a member of the 
 Chapter of Justice No. 68, Nottingham (which was for 
 several years under the care of Thomas Dunckerley). 
 Knight Templar of Saint John of Jerusalem, of Palestine, 
 Rhodes, and Malta, H.R.D.M., K.D.S.H. Bro. W. J. Hughan 
 says :— " The 30th deg. of the A. & A. Rite of England 
 (the 1 8th Rose Croix) previous to 1845 was worked in 
 connection with the K.T. Some Preceptories have conferred 
 them from 1791 till very recently. 
 
 March, 1794. '^t%o\yi&A,ih3X'(!s\e Freemasons^ Magazine, 
 taken in by this Lodge, be distributed for perusal by the 
 brethren. Thanks sent to Bro. Green, of this city, for the 
 use of his masonic jewels, at the same time requesting the 
 further use of them, and also expressing a wish that he 
 would sometimes favour them with a visit. 
 
 Sept. 15, 1794. The Most Worshipful Provincial Grand 
 Master was present, and the Lodge claimed the privilege of 
 holding the annual Grand Feast in Lincoln, as agreed at 
 the first Provincial meeting at Grantham. 
 
 The new officers of the Lodge were invested on St. John 
 the Baptist's Day (June 24th). This continued the custom 
 for half a century, when, at the request of the Rev. G.Coltman, 
 D.P.G.M., the installation was changed to the Festival of 
 St. John the Evangelist, Dec. 28th. After the lapse of 
 another half century the Lodge in its wisdom (?) decided it 
 should take place in the latter part of January. 
 
 June 13th, 1796. Lodge of Emergency duly opened 
 by the Grand Master. 
 
 " For divers causes us hereunto moving we do by these 
 presents dispence with the usual previous notice of Initiating 
 a Person into the Sacred Mysteries of Masonry, & do permit 
 the Reverend William Gray of the Cathedral Church of 
 Lincoln to be initiated into these mysteries at this Lodge. 
 
 " William Peters 
 " Grand Master for the County of Lincoln." 
 
156 Freemasonry tn Lincolnshire. 
 
 This is the only instance known to me of a P.G.M. 
 " making a Mason at sight." 
 
 The Rev. W. Gray was a Vicar Choral of the Cathedral, 
 and also held the livings of Friesthorpe together with those 
 of St. Mary Magdalen and St. Nicholas, Lincoln. Bro. Gray 
 received the second and third degrees at the same meeting. 
 This was frequently the custom for many years. 
 
 He was Master of the Lodge in 1 800-1, and died in 
 1826; buried in the Cloisters. 
 
 About this time eleven officers of the Essex Fencibles 
 were initiated in the Lodge. The regiment afterwards 
 obtained a charter under the Irish Constitution. 
 
 June, 1797. A Senior and Junior Deacon appointed. 
 
 Nov., 1797. A subscription for the relief of the widows 
 and families of those unfortunate men who fell in the late 
 engagement with the Dutch Fleet by Admiral Lord Duncan. 
 
 April 5, 1798. "The Lodge being opened regularly on 
 the first, second, third Degrees of Masonry & a lecture on 
 each delivered, Bro. Plunkett being present & several 
 Brethren Members of the Witham expressing a wish to be 
 acquainted with the Degree of a Mark-Mason, He, in con- 
 junction with other Brethren previously initiated in that 
 Order did make & acquaint & regularly initiate Brothers 
 Simpson, Caparn & Gray. After which a Lecture was 
 given by Bro. Plunkett. The Lodge was then regularly 
 closed with that peace & harmony characteristic of Men & 
 Masons." 
 
 This is, I believe, the only reference in the Province to 
 the Mark degree until recent times. 
 
 In 1800 the Master and several brethren attended by 
 invitation the consecration of the new hall of the Rodney 
 Lodge, Hull. 
 
 The names of the brethren present at each Lodge are 
 duly recorded in a separate book up to the beginning of 
 1798. Then the following appears : — 
 
The Witham Lodge, Lincoln. 157 
 
 " Tho' the subscribing members have regularly assembled 
 since the first of Feby. '98, but from the Masonic Business 
 having engaged their attention they have not been regularly 
 entered yet their meetings have been very handsomely 
 attended & the business of Masonry well conducted by the 
 Witham Lodge No. 530. .< ^ g^^^^^ P.D.P.G.M. 
 
 " Lincoln May ist 1800." 
 
 1 801, March. Samuel Thorold, the Squire of Harmston, 
 received the E.A. and F.C. degrees the same evening. Bro. 
 Thorold was elected R.W.M. in June, 1803, and occupied 
 the chair five years in succession. 
 
 He appears to have been highly esteemed by his 
 brethren and fellows, and was again elected to office, but 
 declined to serve. A handsome pair of silver compasses, 
 the gift of Bro. Thorold, are still in regular use in the Lodge. 
 
 The taking of the degrees in the Lodge did not confer 
 membership, another proposition being required. No 
 joining fee, except 2s. 6d. for registration. 
 
 1801, July. Three brethren were invested with the 
 insignia of Provincial officers, by command of the P. G. Master. 
 
 1802. Six brethren " Pass'd the Chair." 
 
 A brother apologised to the Lodge for conduct unbe- 
 coming a Mason. 
 
 1803. Bro. Widdowson presented the Lodge with a 
 very handsome sword. 
 
 Resolved that a congratulatory letter be addressed to 
 the Master of the St. James' Lodge at Louth, expressing 
 our wish to assist the Lodge as far as we have ability. 
 
 The R.W.M., Bro. Thorold, invested as Prov. G. Junior 
 Warden, 
 
 All Master Masons to Pass the Chair on the first 
 opportunity. 
 
 1804, June. Bro. Caparn, Secretary, records the attend- 
 ance of several brethren "Members of the Volunteer 
 
IS8 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 Infantry of Gainsbro' now on permanent duty at Lincoln," 
 and concludes the entry with "God Save the King," to 
 which the Chaplain, Bro. theRev. J. R. Deacon, adds "Amen." 
 
 The Rev. Wm. Gray invested with a Blue Apron as 
 Prov. G. Secretary. 
 
 The thanks of the Lodge given to Qr.-Master Scaley, of 
 the 6th Dragoon Guards, for covering the Bible with his 
 umbrella at Bro. Peacock's funeral. 
 
 1805. " Proposed that Five Guineas be subscribed out 
 of the Lodge Funds in Aid of the Charitable Institution 
 for Female Children St. George's Fields. Also that the 
 Lodge Cheerfully imbrace the motion of 5s. being paid by 
 every new Initiated Brother towards the same Institution 
 and an Annual Subscription of One Guinea out of the 
 Lodge Funds." 
 
 The Freemason^ Callandar and the last edition of 
 Preston ordered for the Lodge. 
 
 1806, March. William Hilton, on the proposition of 
 the Rev. Wm. Gray, was initiated in the Lodge. 
 
 Brother HILTON, who afterwards became so famous as 
 a painter, was born in Lincoln in June, 1786, so that he was 
 scarcely twenty years old when he was initiated. 
 
 He died in London Dec. 30th, 1839, and was buried in 
 the churchyard of the Savoy. 
 
 Some years after his death a monument was placed to 
 his memory immediately under the great east window of 
 the Cathedral, bearing the following inscription : — 
 
 " In memory of William Hylton Esq. R.A. one of the 
 most eminent historical painters this Country has produced ; 
 he was for many years keeper of the Royal Academy ; in 
 which office he was distinguished as well by his private 
 worth as by the honourable and efficient discharge of his 
 public duties." 
 
 In 1 8 19 the Lodge paid Bro. Hilton £\o 5s. for painting 
 a white satin flag. A portion of this banner is now in the 
 Lodge Room. 
 
The Witham Lodge, Lincoln. 159 
 
 1806. The Rev. W. Peters, P.G.M., elected an honorary 
 member. 
 
 " Every Master Mason who has not already pass'd the 
 Chair, do go thro' that ceremony on the next Lodge Night." 
 
 1808. The meetings postponed for City Election and 
 Burton Hunt Races. 
 
 A discussion as to the removal of the Lodge from the 
 Rein Deer. Brother Capp to be tried six months longer. 
 " Six brethren passed the Chair in Regular form." 
 Samuel Peacock appointed Secretary, which office he 
 filled, except for a short period, till his death in 1839, rarely 
 missing a meeting. 
 
 1809. It was agreed "that a Boat should be engaged 
 & fitted out for the accommodation of the Brethren to go 
 to Boston for the Provincial meeting." 
 
 A Benefit Society in connection with the Lodge was 
 established. The monies and fees previously paid to the 
 Cumberland School to be given to the new Benefit Society. 
 
 The minutes for the next ten years are missing, the 
 Register, made in 1843, being compiled from an Attendance 
 Book and (probably) a Treasurer's Book. This book 
 records the attendance of many visitors from various parts 
 of England on 6th Dec, 18 14, including Bro. Gibson, of 
 Newark, who consecrated the Lodge. 
 
 A Lodge every week in April and May, 1815, visitors 
 being frequently " re-obligated." 
 
 No entry between March, 1817, and March, 18 19. 
 
 In the latter year Bro. Peacock, who in the meantime 
 had filled the Wardens' chairs, resumed his post as Secretary, 
 and the attendance and minutes are again carefully recorded. 
 
 There were doubtless several other initiations than those 
 recorded in the Register. 
 
 The Lodge Register, to which reference has been made, 
 is written on parchment, and contains the names, occupation, 
 and date of brethren initiated or who have joined the 
 
i6o Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 Lodge, and in many cases also records the date of death or 
 removal from the city. It also notes various occurrences 
 connected with the Lodge and Province, some account of 
 Provincial Grand Lodge, and a list of the officers of 
 the Lodge from its foundation. From a note at the 
 commencement we learn that it was written about 1843. 
 No name or initials appear to the note, and it is difficult 
 to say with certainty whose work it is. I am strongly of 
 opinion, after comparing the minute book of about that 
 period, that the Register was written by Brother Robert 
 Goodacre. 
 
 It is a work that would be a credit to any one, and is a 
 model of painstaking research and industry. 
 
 The Chapter of Concord has a similar work, done in 
 the same handwriting. 
 
 About 1 8 14 the meetings were held at the Green Dragon, 
 and in Dec, 18 17, the Lodge removed to the room in the 
 White Swan yard. 
 
 This room, built, I believe, expressly for the Lodge, was 
 well adapted for the purpose. The minutes convey the 
 impression that the building was owned or leased. Brother 
 Peacock always writing "held in our own private room." 
 It is also recorded that the Lodge afterwards let the room 
 to the landlord of the White Swan. 
 
 The Chapter Register records its places of meeting as 
 the King's Arms, August, 1808, and the Green Dragon, 
 1809. This implies that Bro. Capp was tried and found 
 wanting. 
 
 1 8 19. An organ was purchased for £26. 
 
 Jan., 1820. A proposition to establish a Catch and Glee 
 Club in connection with the Lodge. 
 
 20th April, 1820. "This being the Night prior to the 
 Provincial Grand Lodge, it was thought highly requisite to 
 hold a Lodge for the mutual information of the Brethren 
 from the different Lodges in the County ; when the Brethren 
 were assembled the D.P.G.M. entered the Lodge and was 
 rec'd with every demonstration of respect." 
 
The Witham Lodge, Lincoln. i6i 
 
 Present 20 Witham brethren, i Grantham, 3 Newark, 
 6 Spalding, 2 Sleaford, 2 Hull. 
 
 Aug., 1820. A vote of thanks to Bro. P. Jilks, Green 
 Grocer, Carnaby Market, London, "for the very polite 
 manner in which he has always shown himself towards this 
 Lodge in giving to the Brethren the Instruction in Masonry 
 as laid down by the United lodge of Promulgation." 
 
 The following account of this famous Masonic Preceptor 
 is extracted from Bro. R. F. Gould's History : — 
 
 "Peter Gilkes was born May i 1765 baptized a Catholic 
 and named after the then Lord Petre. By his industry and 
 perseverance he acquired a small property, the interest of 
 which amounted to about nine shillings a day. Upon this 
 he retired from business and devoted himself wholly to 
 Masonry. 
 
 " He filled the Chair in nine different Lodges and may 
 be said to have died in harness as the Master of S. Michaels 
 211. It was his custom to teach gratuitously such brethren 
 as were disposed to attend at his house every day from one 
 o'clock until it was time for him to attend some Lodge or 
 other, where his evenings were generally spent. His fame 
 as Preceptor of the Emulation Lodge of Improvement was 
 widely diffused, but though many times offered the collar of 
 a Grand Officer, he invariably declined, on the plea that his 
 circumstances in life were not equal to the appointment. 
 
 "His death occurred Dec. 11 1833. 
 
 " Bro. Gilkes was a great smoker, and averaged thirty 
 pipes of tobacco and coltsfoot daily. He generally used 
 the same pipe for three months, and when completely black 
 would present it to some favourite pupil." 
 
 Jan. I, 1822. Bro. Page Cartledge W.M. 
 
 An officer of the Lodge was requested to attend more 
 regularly to his duties. 
 
 " The W.M. then strongly recommended the necessity 
 of the Brethren appearing neatly and respectably cloathed 
 as Masons in order to add dignity and respect to the Eyes 
 of Visitors," &c., &c. 
 
1 62 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 " There being no other business to occupy the attention 
 of the Worshipful Lodge, it was closed in regular order, a 
 Lecture in the Anti Room & the Evening spent in Harmony, 
 all Honor paid to the Grand." 
 
 1 820. A basket containing a turkey, goose, and pheasant 
 sent as a present, carriage paid, to Bro. Harper, the Grand 
 Secretary. A similar present sent in 1821, 1823, and 1826. 
 
 May, 1822. A motion to repair and beautify the walls 
 and ceiling being opposed by the Treasurer, " Bro. J. Ward 
 proposed to give the Lodge credit for the amount for seven 
 years, & if he should die in the time, the debt should die 
 with him." 
 
 A brother, after admonition from the W.M., still persisting 
 in his irregular conduct, a ballot was taken as to his expul- 
 sion from the Lodge. 
 
 Nov., 1822. Brethren attended Bro. Morris' funeral at 
 Spridlington. 
 
 The Duke of Sussex's (G. Master) birthday was cele- 
 brated at Bro. Slack's, the Globe Inn. 
 
 An annual subscription to the Educational Charity. 
 
 Feb., 1824. Silver jewels for the Deacons were presented 
 by Bro. Hickson, the W.M. 
 
 A brother's arrears excused through long and painful 
 illness. 
 
 June, 1824. Bro. Robt. Tate, of the Tuscan Lodge 
 No. 14, London, gave an explanation of the Floor Board 
 of the First Degree. 
 
 A vote of thanks to Bro. Jilks for his kind instructions 
 on all occasions to those brothers who have visited him in 
 London. 
 
 Feb., 1825. A vote of thanks to Sir Ed. F. Bromhead, 
 Bro. G. Neville, Esq., of Thorney, and Bro. the Rev. F. 
 Glover, of Wispington, for their very handsome present of 
 
The Witham Lodge, Lincoln. 163 
 
 game sent to the brethren of the Witham Lodge for their 
 annual dinner to celebrate the birthday of His Royal 
 Highness the Duke of Sussex, M.W.G.M. 
 
 August, 1825. Bro. Matthew White, W.M. 
 
 A new banner to be provided against the Prov. G. Meeting. 
 
 The meeting referred to was held at Boston Sept. 21, 
 when it is recorded — " The display exceeded every former 
 meeting of the kind in Lincolnshire." 
 
 Banner painted by Mr. Tuke.* 
 
 Bro. Peter Gilkes came to Lincoln and held four Lodges 
 of Instruction in September. 
 
 Dec. 12, 1825. Donald Trafford was buried at St. 
 Swithin's with masonic honours ; 34 brethren attended. 
 
 February, 1827. An address of condolence on the death 
 of the Duke of York sent to King George IV. and the 
 Duke of Sussex. 
 
 July, 1827. A subscription of sixteen guineas towards 
 defraying the expenses of a Prov. G. Lodge, The meeting 
 did not take place. 
 
 June, 1828. A dispensation from Rev. M. Barnett, 
 D.P.G.M., to enable Bro. Cartledge to occupy the chair for 
 the third successive year ; 27 members returned to D.P.G.M. 
 
 January, 1830. Brother Jno. Harmston was buried with 
 masonic honours at Waddington. 
 
 Bro. Widdowson offered to supply a hearse and chaise, 
 provided the Lodge paid the Post Boys. 
 
 Col. Sibthorp, W.M., sent £t, for the widow. Five 
 shillings a week allowed by the Lodge. 
 
 Robert Ely Leary, Printer, initiated. In 1866 Bro. Leary 
 published The Lincoln Date Book, from which several 
 extracts have been taken for this history. 
 
 * Samuel Tuke afterwards attained considerable reputation as a painter. 
 He died in 1857. 
 
164 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 July, 1830. The funeral of King George IV. The 
 Lodge accompanied the Corporation to St. Peter's Church. 
 
 183 1. Brother William Leafe was murdered in the 
 early part of this year. Great sympathy was shown to the 
 widow and family. A grant of £ 10 from the Benevolent 
 Fund, and an allowance of Ss. per week from the Lodge. 
 
 A Charitable Assembly for the benefit of Widow Leafe 
 and family, under the patronage of Mr. Pretyman, the 
 Mayor, Col. Sibthorp, and J. Fardell, Esq., M.P., realized 
 ;£^I50. An Amateur Play for the same object added £26. 
 
 Sept. 7, 1 83 1. The brethren celebrated the Coronation 
 of William IV. by a dinner at Bro. Weston's. Dinner 
 ticket 3s. each, malt liquors included. 
 
 1 832. An emergency meeting " to consider the propriety 
 of Petitioning His Royal Highness the Duke of Sussex to 
 call a Provincial Meeting of the County, Bro. Tennyson 
 P.G.M. having been wrote to on that subject but no Answer 
 has been given to the Letter." 
 
 Remonstrances and petitions appear to have been sent 
 from all the Lodges in the Province, and the P.G.M. was 
 roused to the necessity of doing something. 
 
 1st Nov., 1832. The following letter received from 
 Bro. Barnett, referring to the forthcoming Prov. Meeting : — 
 
 " I hope we shall have the use of the Minster, Bro. 
 Tennyson will write to the Dean by this Post; and he 
 thinks that the Lion Hotel will not be quite respectable 
 enough — that if the Duke of Sussex be at Newstead Abbey 
 he will probably attend if he be well enough, as will also 
 Col. Wildman, Lord Yarborough, and perhaps some Brother 
 or Brethren from London. Bro. Tennyson wishes we could 
 dine at the Guildhall, Rein Deer, or Assembly Room Above 
 Hill. Bro. Peacock will of course write to the neighbouring 
 Lodges out of the County to invite them. 
 
The Witham Lodge, Lincoln. 165 
 
 March, 1833. Bro. Levi Green resigned his office as 
 Tyler after twenty years' service. Bro. John Hawson 
 appointed in his place. It was resolved to let the large 
 room to the landlord of the White Swan. " According to 
 the present number of the Members the Lodge business 
 might be conducted in the Ante Room." 
 
 July. A letter of condolence forwarded to Mrs. Barnett 
 on the death of the D.P.G.M, 
 
 December. Captain Stevens was buried with masonic 
 honours at St. Peter's-in-Eastgate. 
 
 Sept., 1834. It was proposed and seconded that Bros. 
 Whitehouse, Harvey, Widdowson, and Brown should be 
 Passed the Chair, and each of them having been examined 
 as to his qualification and found competent, each was 
 accordingly installed, and was greeted and saluted in 
 ancient form. 
 
 This is the last recorded instance of brethren " passing 
 the chair." Though not absolutely essential, the degree of 
 P.M. was required by some R.A. Chapters previous to 
 exaltation. This custom of " passing the chair " might have 
 been retained with advantage to the Lodge, not as a 
 preparation for the R.A., but as a means of acknowledging 
 old and valued services. 
 
 1835. Part of the furniture, including the organ, ordered 
 to be sold. Lodge removed to the White Hart. Meetings 
 almost discontinued. 
 
 1836. Proposed that the unhappy dissensions of the 
 brethren of the Witham Lodge, and the peculiarities of its 
 circumstances at the present time, be respectfully submitted 
 to the D.P.G.M. at the Provincial Meeting, for his counsel 
 and advice. 
 
 Lodge removed to Bro. Weston's, the Lion Hotel. 
 Brethren resign and re-join several times over. 
 
 1 838. Bro. Weston died from the effects of a fall from 
 his horse. 
 
 The Lodge removed to the City Arms. 
 
1 66 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 During the first thirty years of the century the Witham 
 Lodge had practically but half-a-dozen Masters. These 
 apparently were men of intelligence, and spared no effort 
 to advance the craft. 
 
 James Simpson, as one of the founders, has already 
 been mentioned. 
 
 Charles Curtois, a cabinet maker by trade, joined the 
 Witham in 1802, and up to the time of his death, in 1822, 
 was in constant attendance. He instructed the Lodge in 
 the working laid down by the Lodge of Promulgation, and 
 was doubtless one of those Witham brothers who visited 
 the famous Peter Gilkes for instruction according to the 
 new order of things. He was a founder of the R.A. Chapter, 
 and occupied the First Principal's chair eleven times. Bro. 
 Curtois was Prov. G. Warden for several years, and also 
 the first to fill the office of Prov. G. Director of Ceremonies. 
 
 Under Bro. Matthew White's direction the Lodge also 
 attained great efficiency. 
 
 Brothers Wilson Hickson, and Page Cartledge were 
 prominent citizens in their day. 
 
 In 1826 Page Cartledge was Mayor, and Wilson Hickson 
 and John Hayward Sheriffs. Page Cartledge again filled the 
 civic chair in 1833. The Lincoln Date Book records that Mr. 
 Page Cartledge on May 15th, 1817, lighted his shop with 
 gas, made on the premises. It also, in 1837, records the 
 death of Mr. Page Cartledge, after a long affliction, aged 53. 
 " He was an Alderman of the old Corporation and for many 
 years was numbered amongst the staunch and determined 
 reformers of Lincoln, being one of the few who dared to 
 advocate the correction of Abuses against the will of the 
 Tory corporate brethren." 
 
 This line of action doubtless made him many enemies. 
 
 In 1834 the Lodge took into consideration grave charges 
 made against the W.M., and " were unanimously of opinion 
 that they are without foundation in fact, and are the result 
 of base Perjury in unprincipled persons." 
 
The Witham Lodge, Lincoln. 167 
 
 Doctor Oliver, writing in 1841, says : — 
 
 "The Craft in Lincoln at this period [18 10] was in a 
 palmy and prosperous state, and possessed several worthy 
 and assiduous brethren under whose judicious superinten- 
 dance the Lodge sustained its proper and legitimate rank. 
 In 1820 there appear to have been seldom less than thirty 
 or forty brethren present at the regular meetings of the 
 Lodge, and on some occasions upwards of fifty, and for 
 nearly forty years there was scarcely a Lodge night in 
 which a candidate was not either initiated or passed or 
 raised. 
 
 "About the year 1833 a great laxity of discipline 
 appears to have prevailed. The Lodge was thinly attended, 
 and sometimes the numbers were so small that it was in- 
 capable of being opened. In 1835 the fund was reported 
 to be in a state of disarrangement, the meetings were no 
 longer held with their accustomed precision, and chasms of 
 many months occurred between one Lodge and another. 
 Dissentions prevailed amongst the brethren, which made 
 the restoration of order and harmony still more difficult. 
 It was at length resolved to dispose of part of the furniture 
 of the Lodge, and to discontinue the private room where 
 the brethren had so long and creditably met, and remove 
 to an Inn. This proceeding introduced unmasonic habits. 
 The Lodge was often opened at a late hour, and the sittings 
 were consequently protracted in an unseasonable manner; 
 until at length the Lodge got into such discredit, that many 
 of the Brethren ceased to attend and withdrew their sub- 
 scriptions, and the remainder were obliged to resort to the 
 most unworthy means for the purpose of procuring a 
 meeting. And in the opinion of thinking Brethren the 
 Witham Lodge had virtually ceased to exist." 
 
 Matters were at this low ebb when Bro. W. A. Nicholson 
 determined to undertake the task of restoring the popularity 
 and influence of the Lodge. He consulted the Provincial 
 authorities, and after accepting the office of W.M. in 1838, 
 he entered into communication with Sir E. F. Bromhead, 
 Sir E. Brackenbury, R. S. Harvey, and a few other masonic 
 worthies of Lincoln and neighbourhood. He discovered 
 that the defects in the former system of management 
 principally consisted of irregularities in the time of opening 
 
1 6$ Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 and closing the Lodge — little labour and abundant refresh- 
 ment. The latter custom, from which so great an amount 
 of evil had ensued, was strictly prohibited during Lodge 
 hours. 
 
 The following resolutions, on the motion of Sir E. F. 
 Bromhead, were adopted and printed on the circular 
 summons : — 
 
 " That punctuality and early hours are essential to the 
 character of the order and the domestic comforts of the 
 brethren." 
 
 " That the Lodge be not holden if it be not formally 
 opened within ten minutes of the time specified in the notice." 
 
 " That the question of adjournment be put at half-past 
 nine o'clock, and every succeeding interval of ten minutes." 
 
 A gratifying increase of membership immediately 
 followed on the regulations ; most of the seceding brethren 
 re-entered their names, many initiations succeeded, and the 
 Lodge once more resumed its former discipline and respect- 
 ability. 
 
 1838, June 28th. Coronation of Queen Victoria. 
 
 The brethren accompanied the Corporation to the 
 Cathedral, and from thence proceeded to S. Peter-at-Gowts, 
 when the first stone was laid of the Victoria Schools by 
 Bro. C. Beatty, M.D. 
 
 Aug., 1838. Doctor Oliver presided, and initiated a 
 candidate, and delivered an eloquent address to the Lodge. 
 
 The Treasurer's Book, 1 829-1 840, shows the initiation 
 fee to have been £\ 4s. The account of the former year 
 contains frequent payments to Levi Green, the Tyler, " for 
 warming a Lodge of Emergency." Two shillings were 
 given to " distressed brethren," who numbered on an average 
 three a month, and hailed from various parts of the world. 
 Payments are also recorded to the Ringers on the Grand 
 Master's birthday, to Freemasons' Hall Fund, and for music 
 at funerals or other public demonstrations. 
 
The Witham Lodge, Lincoln. 169 
 
 1838. The back numbers of The Freemasons' Quarterly 
 Review were bought, the following numbers being taken in 
 due course. Mention is also made of a pianoforte, organ, 
 and seraphine. 
 
 William Adams Nicholson W.M. Bro. Nicholson was 
 one of the most energetic brethren who have presided over 
 the Lodge. A Past Master's jewel was presented to him 
 by "Thirty Brethren of the Witham Lodge, initiated or 
 joined during his two years as W.M. June 24th 1841." 
 
 Bro. Nicholson was eminent in his profession as an 
 architect. Bayons Manor, near Market Rasen, Wesley 
 Chapel and the Old Corn Exchange, Lincoln, are amongst 
 his numerous designs. He died suddenly at Boston in 1 8 5 3. 
 
 1839, loth Feb. (Sunday). Bro, Sam. Peacock was 
 buried with masonic honours in St. Swithin's churchyard. 
 
 1839, Nov. Sth. George Oliver, junr., was initiated. 
 
 This being also the anniversary of the birthday of the 
 D.P.G.M., the worthy Doctor, together with the Witham 
 brethren, were entertained by Sir E. F. Bromhead at a 
 banquet at the City Arms. A numerous company, in- 
 cluding several non-masons, attended. A silver salver was 
 presented to the Doctor, on behalf of the Lodge, " In 
 Testimony of their warm regard towards him as a man, 
 and as a Mason ; And of their veneration for the learning 
 and talent with which he has adorned the craft." 
 
 Sir Edward Ffrench Bromhead, Bart., of Thurlby 
 Hall, joined the Witham Lodge in 1838. He was the elder 
 son of Sir Gonville Bromhead fan early Witham member;, 
 the first baronet, and Jane, daughter of Sir C. Ffrench, co. 
 Galway, Sir Edward was born in 1789. Graduated at 
 Caius College, Cambridge (with the founder of which he 
 was ancestrally connected). B.A. 1812, M.A. 1815, and 
 was called to the bar at the Inner Temple in 1813. He 
 succeeded to the title in 1822, and died, unmarried, in 1855. 
 
170 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 Sir Edward, who was afflicted with bhndness several years 
 before his death, is said to have been a gentleman of elegant 
 and accomplished taste, an ardent lover of church architecture 
 and antiquarian studies, and a zealous supporter of all 
 charitable institutions in his county and neighbourhood. 
 He was a most excellent and zealous Mason, and was 
 highly esteemed throughout the Province. The Witham 
 Lodge is especially indebted to him for assistance and 
 support in a time of need. Sir Edward at the time of his 
 lamented resignation was Senior Warden both in the Lodge 
 and Province. The family has a very old connection with 
 the parish of St. Peter-at-Gowts. The gallant conduct of 
 Captain Bromhead, a brother of the present baronet, in the 
 recent Zulu Campaign will be long remembered. 
 
 In Nov., 1840, the Lodge proposed to the Corporation 
 to become tenants on a ground rent of the old gaol adjacent 
 to the Guildhall,* and to erect thereon a suite of rooms for 
 masonic and other purposes. The Corporation agreeing 
 to the terms (one clause allowed the Corporation on pay- 
 ment of outlay and twelve months' notice, to acquire the 
 new rooms), the requisite sum for completing the under- 
 taking was raised in shares amongst the brethren. The 
 following dispensation was granted : — 
 
 * This was formerly known as "The Kitchen," and the adjoining pass^e 
 as "Kitchen Lane." It is supposed to have been originally the kitchen for 
 preparing the Corporation feasts. In the Prison Survey of Howard, cite. 1780, 
 it is described as one of the most loathsome gaols in the kingdom. 
 
 Nield, in his account of the prison at the Stonebow Gate in 1802, says : — 
 " The rooms for criminals are two dungeons down three steps, one has a 
 flagged the other a damp earthen floor ; the dimensions are 13 ft. by 12 and 
 about 9 ft. square. The rooms have neither light nor air but which is received 
 thro' a small iron grated window to each room about 2 ft. square. Numbers 
 of persons continue at the windows talking with the prisoners. The bars of 
 the small iron grated window are wide enough to admit a pot of beer with 
 which the publican supplys thera at all hours and spirituous liquours are con- 
 veyed to the prisoners in the same manner by vagrants. Upstairs are similar 
 compartments for debtors .... the long neglect and scanty allowance 
 not 24d. a day are a disgrace to the City and shocking to humanity. " 
 
 The prison was closed in 1809, on the completion of the present City Gaol. 
 
The Witham Lodge, Lincoln. 171 
 
 "To the Worshipful Master, the Past Masters and 
 Officers of the Witham Lodge No. 374 holden in the City 
 of Lincoln. 
 
 " Whereas it has been represented to me that you intend 
 to erect a Hall for the purposes of Masonry in the City of 
 Lincoln, the Foundation Stone of which is to be laid on 
 Thursday the 15th of April next, and that you are desirous 
 of giving solemnity to the ceremonial by a Public Procession 
 and Divine Service in the Church of St. Peter's at Arches, 
 in the said City — 
 
 " I, the Reverend George Oliver, Doctor in Divinity, 
 Deputy Provincial Grand Master of Free & Accepted 
 Masons for Lincolnshire, lawfully constituted, do hereby 
 authorize you to assemble the members of your Lodge on 
 the above named day at the house of Mrs. Weston, 
 commonly called the Lion Hotel, and after opening and 
 adjourning the Lodge in form, to proceed in your masonic 
 clothing and insignia to the above Church ; and also to 
 invite the several members of the several Lodges in the 
 Province to join in your said procession. 
 
 " You are further authorized, at the conclusion of Divine 
 service to proceed along Silver St., Bank St. and Salter Gate 
 to the site of the intended structure, and when the foundation 
 stone shall have been duly levelled, to return in like manner 
 to the said Lion Hotel. And you are strictly charged to 
 take especial care that none of the brethren do appear 
 abroad in any of the clothing or insignia of the Craft, 
 except in going to and returning from the above place of 
 worship, and that due order and decorum be preserved and 
 the honour of the Craft maintained. And you are to cause 
 this Dispensation to be read in open Lodge before the 
 Procession takes place, and to be recorded in your minutes ; 
 and you are to transmit an account to me of what shall be 
 done herein for the information of the Provincial Grand 
 Master. 
 
 " Given under my hand and seal at Scopwick, this thirty- 
 first day of March, in the year of our Lord 1841. 
 "Geo. Oliver D.D. 
 
 " D.P.G.M. for Lincolnshire." 
 
 Summonses and invitations were forwarded to the P.G. 
 officers and to all the county Lodges, and on the day 
 appointed a great number of brethren assembled to assist 
 at the ceremonial. 
 
172 Freemasonry tn Lincolnshire. 
 
 The Lodge was opened at the Lion Hotel by Bro. R. S. 
 Harvey, the W.M. of the Witham Lodge. 
 
 The procession, arranged by Bro. Williamson, P.G. Dir. 
 
 of Cer., proceeded in the following order : — 
 
 Union Flag 
 
 Borne by the son of a Master Mason. 
 
 Band of Music. 
 
 Marshal with Baton. 
 
 Tyler with a Sword. 
 
 Visiting Brethren, according to the seniority of their Lodges. 
 
 Rough Ashlar, borne by the son of a Master Mason. 
 
 Entered Apprentices. 
 
 Tracing Board of the First Degree. 
 
 Corinthian Column, borne by the son of a M. M. 
 
 Brethren of the Witham Lodge, not being in office. 
 
 Tracing Board of the Second Degree. 
 
 Ionic Column. Doric Column. 
 
 Perfect Ashlar on a Platform. 
 
 Trowel. Inscription Plate. Mallet. 
 
 Junior Deacon with Pillar. Senior Deacon with Pillar. 
 
 Director of Ceremonies. 
 
 Tracing Board of the Third Degree. 
 
 Salver with Corn, Wine, Oil, and Salt, 
 
 borne by the son of a M. M. 
 
 Secretary Treasurer 
 
 With Book of Constitutions. With Coins to be deposited. 
 
 Junior Warden with the Plum Rule. 
 
 Banner of the Witham Lodge. 
 
 Senior Warden with the Level. 
 
 The Provincial Grand Officers. 
 
 P.P.G. Sup. of Works with Plans. 
 
 The Covenant, with Square and Compasses, 
 
 borne by four sons of M. M. 
 
 Steward. Dep. Prov. Grand Master. Steward. 
 
 Master of the Witham Lodge with the Square. 
 
 Union Flag. 
 
 Marshal with a Baton. 
 
The Witham Lodge, Lincoln. 173 
 
 Passing from the Lion Hotel up the High Street, on 
 arriving at the Stone Bow, an avenue was formed by the 
 brethren from the Saracen's Head to the church gates of 
 St. Peter-at-Arches, along which the Provincial Grand 
 Master, C. Tennyson-D'Eyncourt, M.P., passed from the 
 inn, attended by his Sword Bearer and four Stewards, the 
 procession closing in after and following in inverted order. 
 The banners of the several county Lodges; the Master 
 Masons' sons, to the number of eighteen (two of these 
 being the D.P.G.M.'s grandsons), decorated, in an uniform 
 manner, with sky-blue scarves and rosettes ; made the pro- 
 cession very effective. The Rev. G. S. Dickson, Incumbent 
 of St. Swithin's, read the service of the day. The Choristers 
 of the Cathedral were in attendance, and sang a hymn 
 written for the occasion by Bro. Goodacre, the S.W. of the 
 Witham Lodge, and Boyce's anthem, " Where shall wisdom 
 be found." 
 
 Dr. Oliver preached from 2 Cor. v. i. The following 
 prayer preceded the sermon : — 
 
 " Almighty and everlasting God, Great Architect of the 
 Universe, by Whose creative iiat matter was first invigorated 
 by the prolific influence of Light, look down upon us thy 
 unworthy servants, professing the tenets of a peculiar insti- 
 tution, whose origin and support are derived from the 
 exercise of thy benignity and paternal love, accept and 
 sanctify the work which is dedicated to holiness and virtue. 
 We are about to build a House to thy glory — may it be 
 known to all mankind that the design is acceptable to thee. 
 When this house is opened by the labours of Freemasonry, — 
 when the Master stands in the quarter where the sun rises to 
 open the day that he may instruct his Craftsmen in wisdom, 
 may thou sanctify his endeavours with thy approbation, 
 and vouchsafe thy grace that all may unite to work out 
 their salvation with fear and trembling. And when death, 
 the great leveller of all human greatness, hath drawn his 
 sable curtain round us, and the Angel of the Lord declares 
 that time shall be no more, may we all attain possession of 
 an immortal inheritance in those heavenly mansions veiled 
 from mortal eye, where every superexcellent degree, shall 
 be opened, never to be closed ; and may the great I AM 
 the Grand Master of the whole Universe, install us into that 
 celestial Lodge, where order, peace and harmony shall 
 eternally preside." 
 
174 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 The service being ended, the procession re-formed and 
 proceeded by way of Bank Street to Saltergate. 
 
 The ceremony of laying the stone was carried out most 
 effectively. At the west end of the ground a rising platform 
 had been constructed, on which about two hundred visitors, 
 mostly ladies, were arranged, and on the south side another 
 rising gallery was occupied by the Masons, members of the 
 Corporation, and others. 
 
 The proceedings closed with a dinner at the City Arms. 
 Bro. R. S. Harvey, W.M. of the Witham, presided, having 
 the Prov. G. Master and Sir E. L. Bulwer, M.P., on his 
 right, and the D.P.G.M. and the Mayor of the City on his left. 
 
 Some excellent speeches were delivered during the 
 evening. Doctor Oliver, in the course of his speech, said : — 
 
 " I rejoice in the transactions of this day. I rejoice, 
 because I am anxious — and I have expressed my anxiety 
 for years, both in public & in private — that Freemasonry 
 should take its station amongst mankind as an institution 
 which may contribute to the advancement of their moral & 
 social interests. And this effect it is well calculated to 
 produce, when practised in the spirit which has recently 
 characterized the proceedings of the Witham Lodge. The 
 day I hope is approaching, when scientific men of all classes 
 will assemble in a mason's lodge with the same ardour 
 which animates them in their attendance on an interesting 
 literary society. And why should they not ? Freemasonry, 
 when properly defined, is ' a science which includes all other 
 sciences ; but more especially that which teaches a know- 
 ledge of ourselves, and the duties we owe to God & man.' 
 If a general diffusion of knowledge, as a medium of pro- 
 ducing universal happiness in society, be in unison with the 
 progressive improvement of the times in which we live — 
 Freemasonry, practised as it ought to be, is a most efficient 
 agent for that purpose. It is well calculated to produce the 
 greatest public & private blessings. And is not that a 
 most valuable instititution, which thus provides for the 
 moral & religious advantages of the community at large ? 
 Nobody can deny it. And I hope — nay I am sure — under 
 the present judicious management of the superior officers 
 
The Witham Lodge, Lincoln. 175 
 
 of the Witham Lodge, the Masonic Hall, whose foundations 
 have been so auspiciously levelled this day, will rise into an 
 edifice, which will be hailed by all classes of society in the 
 city of Lincoln, as a great public benefit." 
 
 The new hall was completed in about twelve months, 
 and solemnly dedicated by Doctor Oliver, as Chaplain of 
 the Lodge, on Thursday, 9th June, 1842. The day was 
 also observed as the Centenary Festival of the Lodge, and 
 appears to have been calculated from the last entry in the 
 minute book of the old Saracen's Head Lodge. 
 
 The recent removal of Dr. Oliver from the office of 
 D.P.G.M., particulars of which appear elsewhere, and which 
 was at this time engrossing the attention of the Province, 
 doubtless threw a gloom over what would otherwise have 
 proved a very festal gathering. 
 
 The brethren were scarcely settled in their new hall 
 when the Corporation gave notice of their intention to 
 acquire possession of the building for municipal offices. 
 This necessitated another change. Accordingly arrange- 
 ments were made for the Lodge to meet at the County 
 Club Hotel, Castle Hill. 
 
 The Rev. E. R. Larken, the present senior member of 
 the Lodge, was initiated Jan. 7th, 1845. In the following 
 July Bro. Larken, at the request of the D.P.G.M,, was 
 invested by the W.M. as Prov. G. Chaplain. 
 
 Dec, 1845. Lodge removed to the Coffee Rooms, 
 No. 8, The Bail, opposite Eastgate. 
 
 The Honorary Fee Fund established. Besides those 
 now in force, fees were to be paid to the fund when taking 
 office in Provincial Grand Lodge. 
 
 " The Installed Masters to enquire how far the exact 
 landmarks are usually adhered to in the various ceremonials. 
 Also to request that they will take the requisite steps for 
 reviving the Mark Masons' Lodge formerly held in connec- 
 tion with the Witham Lodge, and also to make inquiry as 
 to the steps requisite to be taken to regain the early number 
 and rank of the Lodge." 
 
 M 
 
176 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 Bro. the Rev. Chas. Nairne, previous to being raised, 
 satisfactorily answered the questions "according to the 
 manner practised by the ancient lodge (that is, the present 
 Scotch form)." 
 
 1846. Nearly thirty brethren attended the funeral of 
 Brother Robinson at St. Mary Magdalene's Church. 
 
 July 21, 1846. Special Lodge at the County Assembly 
 Rooms, the furniture having been removed for the P.G. 
 Chapter to be held on the following day. The Rev. E. K. 
 Lutt and Louis C. Tennyson-D'Eyncourt were initiated. 
 It is noted that this is the first time since 1840 that the 
 Lodge was prolonged after half-past nine. 
 
 August, 1846. "A Ballot was taken for The Right 
 Worshipful the Lord Worsley, M.P., the Deputy Grand 
 Master of England, as a joining member of the Witham 
 Lodge, which was declared to be unanimous, amidst the 
 acclamations of the brethren." 
 
 The W.M. and several brethren attended a Lodge in 
 Hull presided over by the Earl of Zetland, "at which 
 meeting the Grand Master was pleased to take especial 
 notice of the Witham lodge." 
 
 Dec, 1846. A. L. Bromhead presented tracing boards, 
 J. C. Osborne a Deacon's chair, and H. Cotton a large 
 punch bowl. 
 
 Bro. Jennings, Grand Director of Ceremonies, visitor. 
 
 Brother Henry Cotton, the senior member of the Lodge 
 for many years, was one of those brethren who was P.M. 
 without being actual Master of the Lodge. He was initiated 
 August, 1818, Passed and Raised in the Corinthian Lodge, 
 Newark. In the books of that Lodge Bro. Cotton is 
 described as " of Lincoln," and he also joined the Witham 
 Lodge the same year — a somewhat curious proceeding. 
 For a considerable period he was one of the officials of 
 the County Court, and died in 1872. 
 
The Witham Lodge, Lincoln. 177 
 
 The ritual in present use in the Lodge was probably 
 revised about this time. The Revs. C. Nairne and 
 W. N. Jepson are known to have taken part in the work, 
 and most likely were assisted by Bros. Oliver, Bromehead, 
 Taylor, Dakeyne, and Goodacre. 
 
 A certificate, written in Latin and English, by the Rev. 
 J. O. Dakeyne, was furnished to a brother about to proceed 
 to South America. 
 
 January, 1848. John Hawson, the Tyler, buried with 
 masonic honours at St. Michael-on-the-Mount. 
 
 A brother of the Lodge rode forty miles to fetch the 
 dispensation. 
 
 Bro. Goodacre presented the portraits of the Duke of 
 Sussex and the Earl of Moira, and Bro. Broadbent that of 
 Doctor Oliver. Bro. Durance presented a sword (dagger). 
 
 March, 1849. A congratulatory address sent to the 
 Earl of Yarborough on his appointment as Prov. G. Master. 
 
 1852. Property in Grantham Street purchased for £\ 80. 
 Pending the necessary alterations, the Lodge met for 
 six months at the Great Northern Hotel. 
 
 The new hall was dedicated by the P.G.M. i8th May, 1854. 
 
 1855. Bro. J. G. Shotton was buried with masonic 
 honours at St. Peter-at-Gowts. Bro. Shotton was acciden- 
 tally killed. 
 
 November 12th, 1855. The following acknowledgment 
 of a resolution of the Lodge, received from the Prov. G. 
 Master : — 
 
 ,T^ c^- o T, n. " Lord Warden Hotel, Dover. 
 
 " Dear Sir & Brother, 
 
 " My excellent friend the D.P.G.M. of our Province has 
 
 forwarded to me a copy of a resolution passed at a meeting 
 
 of the Witham Lodge of Freemasons held on the 6th inst. 
 
 and I will thank you at the next meeting of the Brethren 
 
 of that Lodge to express to them in my name my warmest 
 
178 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 acknowledgements for the congratulation on my much im- 
 proved state of health, and the assurance that so long as 
 the Great Architect of the Universe is pleased to give me 
 health and strength to attend to the interests of the Brethren 
 in the Province of Lincolnshire I shall be proud to continue 
 to occupy the post of Prov. Grand Master of that Province. 
 
 " I am thankful to say I have made excellent progress 
 towards recovery but am particularly cautioned against 
 getting chilled or being over excited. 
 
 " With my best wishes for the prosperity of each Brother 
 in the Lodge I remain yours fraternally 
 " Bro. Richard Hall." « Yarborough D.G.M. & P.G.M. 
 
 1855. Festival of St. John the Evangelist. Bro. Richard 
 Hall installed W.M. Eighteen meetings held during the 
 year. Doctor Oliver gave several lectures. 
 
 The Earl of Zetland's portrait presented to the Lodge 
 by the Prov. G. Master. 
 
 The following election of W.M. not being confirmed, 
 the new Master, the Rev. Chas. Nairne, was not installed 
 till March. Twenty-two meetings were held during the 
 year by the W.M. and I.P.M. 
 
 1857. Bro. E. A. Bromehead was elected an honorary 
 member, in consideration of the many and valuable services 
 rendered to the Lodge. 
 
 Three brethren erased from the roll for non-payment of 
 subscriptions for five years. 
 
 1858. Music re-introduced into the ritual. 
 
 The Rev. C. Nairne's portrait subscribed for by a few 
 brethren of the Lodge. 
 
 1859. Earl de Grey and Ripon, afterwards G.M., joined 
 the Lodge. 
 
 1863, March loth. Marriage of the Prince of Wales. 
 
 The Lodge entertained the Mayor and Corporation 
 Bro. Bramley Moore, M.P., and several other citizens, at 
 breakfast at the Great Northern Hotel. 
 
 The brethren afterwards joined the public procession 
 to the Cathedral 
 
The Witham Lodge, Lincoln. 179 
 
 In 1864 a petition for a new Lodge in Lincoln was 
 signed, but the matter was not carried further. 
 
 1869. The foundation stone of the Church of St. Peter- 
 in-Eastgate was laid with masonic ceremonial. 
 
 1 87 1 . The Masonic Hall Company, Limited, was floated, 
 for the erection of a suite of rooms for masonic purposes, 
 together with others to be let for public meetings, &c. 
 
 A capital site was obtained in Newland. The foundation 
 stone of the new building, from the design of Bro. W. 
 Watkins, was laid by the D.P.G.M. on 17th Aug., 1871, 
 and the Lodge Room was dedicated on 29th Oct. of the 
 following year by the Duke of St. Alban's, P.G.M., a 
 banquet, to which the leading citizens were invited, being 
 held in the large hall. 
 
 The Masonic Hall Co. did not prove a commercial 
 success, and ended most disastrously both for the share- 
 holders and the Lodge. After a few years occupancy, the 
 rent required by the then owners was found to so seriously 
 cripple the Lodge, as to necessitate a removal to other 
 quarters. Much discussion ensued as to the locality to be 
 selected, one section of the brethren wishing to move the 
 Lodge up-hill ; eventually Bro. Robt. Dawber offered his 
 premises in Mint Street on very advantageous terms, and 
 the Lodge was moved thither in 1888. 
 
 The Lodge has now (1894) partially regained its financial 
 prosperity, and in commemoration of the Centenary of the 
 Warrant, the brethren are engaged in the erection of another 
 home on the north side of Mint Street, in the immediate 
 neighbourhood of the hall in Newland and of the temporary 
 premises occupied during the last few years. 
 
 1887. Died, Bro. Charles Mann, for upwards of thirty- 
 five years the worthy and respected Tyler of the Lodge. 
 
 The present Tyler, Bro. Wm. Strangward (Assistant 
 1 871), is the fourth who has filled the office during the 
 past eighty years. 
 
i8o Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 In 1 87 1 the Saint Hugh Lodge commenced its career 
 in the city. It has, from the commencement, held its meetings 
 in the Witham room, many brethren being members of both 
 Lodges. A fraternal regard has hitherto existed between 
 them, and the intentions of the promoters of the St. Hugh 
 realized, viz., " that the welfare and prosperity of the Craft 
 in Lincoln would be materially benefitted by the formation 
 of another Lodge." 
 
 The Witham Lodge has among its furniture and 
 ornaments several portions of value and interest. 
 
 The Bible is a fine black-letter breeches edition, with 
 numerous genealogical tables, &c. Unfortunately, the 
 title-page of the Old Testament is missing. The New 
 Testament, "translated from the Greeke by Theo. Beza 
 Englished by L. Tomson," is dated 1616. Appended is 
 the metrical version of the Psalms, by Sternhold and 
 Hopkins, " with apt notes to sing them withal," 1618. 
 
 The Master's and Wardens' chairs are massive and 
 effective. The former was presented by the Rev. J. O. 
 Dakeyne during his Mastership, the canopy being added 
 about twenty years ago. 
 
 The supper room contains the two chairs formerly in 
 Doctor Oliver's study, bought at the Doctor's sale by Bro. 
 Richard Hall, and presented by him to the Lodge; the 
 original Master's chair, a fine specimen of Chippendale, 
 with an inlaid Rising Sun ; and a very interesting oak chair, 
 brought from Gloucestershire, and recently purchased by 
 the Lodge. Of this latter chair. Vol. 5, pt. I.^ Transactions 
 of Lodge Quatuor Coronati contains a drawing, showing the 
 Square, Compasses, Plumb, and interlaced Triangles on the 
 lower panels ; the name Pierpoynt, and date, 1683, along 
 the top rail, and surmounted by a half-circle enclosing a 
 Balance. The following account is appended : — 
 
 "As the name Pierpoynt upon the Chair indicated a 
 connexion with the family of Earl Manvers a letter to his 
 Lordship elicited the following information — 
 
The Witham Lodge, Lincoln. i8i 
 
 " ' From investigations we have made, it appears most 
 probable that the chair must have belonged to William 4th 
 Earl of Kingston, who was Lord Chief Justice (in eyre) 
 beyond the Trent and died in 1690.'" 
 
 The Lodge also possesses a small valuable library, several 
 fine specimens of glass ware, a capacious masonic punch 
 bowl, four large banners formerly used in Provincial proces- 
 sions, some interesting portraits, and a collection of tracing 
 boards, pictures, &c. 
 
I82 
 
 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 Brethren who have held the Office of Master 
 
 OF THE WiTHAM LODGE. 
 
 1793- 
 
 Thomas Browne. 
 
 
 1820. 
 
 Wilson Hickson and 
 
 1793- 
 
 John BuUen. 
 
 
 James Simpson. 
 
 
 
 182I. 
 
 Page Cartledge, died 1837. 
 
 June . 
 
 24. 
 
 1822. 
 
 Page Cartledge. 
 
 1794. 
 
 Thomas Browne. 
 
 1823. 
 
 Wilson Hickson. 
 
 1795- 
 
 Thomas Browne. 
 
 1824. 
 
 Matthew White, died 
 
 1796. 
 
 James Simpson,died 1 83 1 . 
 
 
 1854. 
 
 1797. 
 
 James Simpson. 
 
 1825. 
 
 Matthew White. 
 
 1798. 
 
 John Caparn. 
 
 1826. 
 
 Page Cartledge. 
 
 1799. 
 
 John Caparn. 
 
 1827. 
 
 Page Cartledge. 
 
 1800. 
 
 Rev. Wm. Gray, died 1826. 
 
 1828. 
 
 Page Cartledge. 
 
 1801. 
 
 Rev. Wm. Gray. 
 
 1829. 
 
 Col. Chas. de Laet Waldo 
 
 1802. 
 
 James Simpson. 
 
 
 Sibthorp, died 1855. 
 
 1803. 
 
 Samuel Thorold, died 
 
 1830. 
 
 Col. Chas. de Laet Waldo 
 
 
 1820. 
 
 
 Sibthorp. 
 
 1804. 
 
 Samuel Thorold. 
 
 183I. 
 
 John Gray. 
 
 1805. 
 
 Samuel Thorold. 
 
 1832. 
 
 Charles Wright.died 1848 
 
 1806. 
 
 Samuel Thorold chariea 
 
 1833- 
 
 Page Cartledge. 
 
 1807. 
 
 Samuel Thorold 
 
 Curtois 
 Acting 
 
 1834. 
 
 Joseph Whitehouse, died 
 
 1808. 
 
 Samuel Thorold 
 
 Master. 
 
 
 i860. 
 
 1809. 
 
 James Simpson. 
 
 1835- 
 
 Thomas Brown. 
 
 1810. 
 
 Charles Curtois, died 1822. 
 
 1836. 
 
 John Ward, died 1845. 
 
 1811. 
 
 James Simpson. 
 
 1837- 
 
 John Ward. 
 
 1812. 
 
 Charles Curtois. 
 
 1838. 
 
 Wm. Adams Nicholson, 
 
 1813. 
 
 James Simpson. 
 
 
 died 1853. 
 
 1814. 
 
 James Simpson. 
 
 1839. 
 
 Wm. Adams Nicholson. 
 
 1815. 
 
 Charles Curtois. 
 
 1840. 
 
 Rd. Sutton Harvey, died 
 
 1816. 
 
 Charles Curtois. 
 
 
 1882. 
 
 1817. 
 
 James Simpson. 
 
 1841. 
 
 Robert Goodacre. 
 
 1818. 
 
 Charles Curtois. 
 
 1842. 
 
 Wm. Adams Nicholson. 
 
 1819. 
 
 Wilson Hickson, died 
 
 1843. 
 
 Rev. J. Osmond Dakeyne, 
 
 
 1843. 
 
 
 
 died i860. 
 
The Witham Lodge, Lincoln. 
 
 183 
 
 Dec. 27. 
 
 1843. ByrequestoftheD.P.G.M. 
 
 the Installation was 
 altered from St. John 
 Baptist, June 24, to St. 
 John Evangelist,Dec.2 7. 
 Bro. Dakeyne retained 
 office 18 months. 
 
 1844. Edmund Arthur Brome- 
 
 head, died 1867. 
 
 1845. Ralph Taylor, died 1874. 
 
 1846. John Middleton. 
 
 1847. Edward Farr Broadbent, 
 
 died 1877. 
 
 1848. Rev. Charles Nairne, died 
 
 1867. 
 
 1849. Rev. Wm. Noah Jepson, 
 
 died 1865. 
 
 1850. Gervase Tottenham Waldo 
 
 Sibthorp, died 1861. 
 
 1 85 1. George Hopkins Shipley. 
 
 1852. Robt. Coddington Moore, 
 
 died 1868. 
 
 1853. Thomas Heffernan, died 
 
 1886. 
 
 1854. Rev. Wm. Noah Jepson, 
 
 1855. Richard Hall. 
 
 1856. Rev. Charles Nairne. 
 
 1857. Geo. Hopkins Shipley. 
 
 1858. Richard Hall. 
 
 1859. George Maples Fox, died 
 
 1878. 
 i860. Richard Hall. 
 
 1861. Charles Rawlinson. 
 
 1862. George Brown. 
 
 1863. John Norton, junr. 
 
 1864. John Norton, junr. 
 
 1865. Charles Harrison. 
 
 1866. Charles Harrison. 
 
 1867. Wm. George Moore, died 
 
 1879. 
 
 1868. Francis Roper Larken. 
 
 1869. Richard Cotton Carline, 
 
 died 1893. 
 
 1870. William Watkins. 
 
 1871. Richard John Ward. 
 
 1872. Charles Scorer. 
 
 1873. William John Mantle, 
 
 died 1884. 
 
 1874. Edward Jas. Cullen. 
 
 1875. Peter Platts Dickinson. 
 
 1876. William Watkins, 
 
 1877. Benjamin Vickers. 
 
 1878. Thomas CradockLazenby 
 
 1879. Thos. Marshall Wilkinson, 
 
 died 1893. 
 
 1880. John Smith Codd, died 
 
 1882. 
 
 1881. John Edward Fox. 
 
 1882. John Lumley Rayner. 
 
 1883. Henry Edward Cousans. 
 
 1884. James Williamson. 
 
 1885. Stephen Thurlby. 
 
 1886. William Mansell. 
 
 1887. Charles Harrison. 
 
 1888. John Scoley Battle. 
 
 1889. William Dixon. 
 
 1890. William Scorer. 
 Installation changed to 
 
 January 27th. Bro. 
 Scorer remained in 
 office 13 months. 
 Jan. 27. 
 
 1892. Edward Percy Dalton, 
 
 died 1894. 
 
 1893. Walter Dawson. 
 
 1894. Wm. H. Holdich Moore. 
 
184 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 Names of Brethren who have been Initiated in or 
 WHO have Joined the Witham Lodge since its 
 formation. 
 
 Names marked with asterisk (and probably others) were Joining Members. 
 
 1793- 
 
 *Browne, Thomas Lincoln Brazier. 
 
 *Scott, John do Gentleman. 
 
 *Simpson, James do Watchmaker. 
 
 *Robinson, Robt., Jun. .. do Gentleman. 
 
 *Peacock, John do Watchmaker. 
 
 *Ray, John Gentleman. 
 
 *Gordon, Rev. Charles. 
 
 *Bullen, John Greetwell ... Farmer. 
 
 Young, James Lincoln Sheriff's Officer. 
 
 Bristowe, William do Publican. 
 
 1794. 
 
 Robinson, Rob., Sen Lincoln China Dealer. 
 
 *Bankes, Henry. 
 
 Broughton, Robert Horncastle . . . Grazier. 
 
 Tasting, John Newton. 
 
 Tye, James Wragby. 
 
 1795- 
 
 Carter, Thomas Sleaford Spirit Merchant. 
 
 Stevenson, Rev. Seth Ellis Wellingore. 
 
 Piotty, James Lincoln Optician. 
 
 Newstead, Nathaniel Qr.-Master, Norfolk Dragoons. 
 
 1796. 
 
 Howe, John Qr.-Master, Norfolk Dragoons. 
 
 Gray, Rev. Wm Lincoln. 
 
 Pilkington, Nicholas Grantham ... Attorney. 
 
 Band, Capt. F. H Essex Fencibles. 
 
 Daniels, Robert Cornet, Essex Fencibles. 
 
 Caparn, John Lincoln Schoolmaster. 
 
 Headon, Francis Qr.-Master, Essex Fencibles. 
 
 Stirkey, William do. do, 
 
The Witham Lodge, Lincoln. 185 
 
 1797. 
 
 Canham, James Qr .-Master, Essex Fencibles. 
 
 Payne, Thomas do. do. 
 
 Morris, Joseph Mr. -Music, do. 
 
 Hutchins, Nicholas do. do. 
 
 Brock, James Lieut, do. 
 
 *Byne, E do. do. 
 
 Hawkins, John Everitt Qr.-Master, do. 
 
 Mauricio, Zacchaeus. 
 
 Lane, Cornelius Horncastle. 
 
 1799. 
 
 Brotherton , John Lincoln Hatter. 
 
 Steel, Jeremiah. 
 
 Bugg, Thomas Lincoln. 
 
 Laycock, Rev. [? M.D.] 
 
 Goodlad, George Horncastle ... Hairdresser. 
 
 Tasker, Matthew, Jun. ... do. ... Shoemaker. 
 
 1800. 
 
 Bailey, John Horncastle ... Watchmaker. 
 
 Jacklin, Benjamin Lincoln Saddler. 
 
 Carratt, Samuel do LeatherBreechesMkr. 
 
 Arnold, William do Waiter. 
 
 ♦Atkinson, Michael do Solicitor. 
 
 Capp, Robert do Innkeeper. 
 
 Rose, John Gainsburgh .. Painter. 
 
 Kelsey, Charles Morton Miller. 
 
 Rainforth, George Lincoln Stationer. 
 
 1801. 
 
 Wharrie, Thomas Horncastle. 
 
 Thorold, Samuel Harmston ... Esq. 
 
 *Sharpless, George Gainsburgh... Miller. 
 
 Millward, Richard Lincoln Gunsmith. 
 
 Deacon, Rev. John Rawlins Waddington. 
 
 Picking, Edward Morton Lieut., N. L. Mil. 
 
Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 1802. 
 
 Harmston, William Lincoln Publican. 
 
 *Beaty, Charles, M.D do Regimental Surgeon. 
 
 *Brocklesby, William do Cabinet Maker. 
 
 *Miramack, William do Letter Carrier. 
 
 *Gibson, George do Tailor. 
 
 *Curtois, Charles do Cabinet Maker. 
 
 Hawson, John, Sen do Musician. 
 
 Widdowson, William do Mercer. 
 
 1803. 
 
 Hutchinson, William Hale Fen Grazier. 
 
 Jeflfries, Samuel Lincoln Gov. House of Indust. 
 
 Glover, Rev. Robt Wispington. 
 
 Elmhirst, Richard Lincoln Cap., N. L. Mil. 
 
 Hudson, Francis. 
 
 Jeffries, Geo. Wm Lincoln Woolcomber. 
 
 Broadbent, Rev. Wm. ... Timberland. 
 
 ♦Bennett, Charles Lincoln Gentleman. 
 
 *Harvey, Thomas Sgt.-Major, lothFoot. 
 
 Freeman, Richard Helpringham Excise Officer. 
 
 Broughton, Rd. Palmer ... Lincoln Corporal. 
 
 1804. 
 
 Nelthorp, Sir Henry Cap., N. L. Mil. 
 
 Cust, Hon. John [afterwards Earl Brownlow] Major, N. L. Mil. 
 Imlay, Walter Boston. 
 
 1805. 
 
 Dodd, Edward Lincoln Mail Guard. 
 
 Atkinson, John. 
 
 Morris, William Spridlington Farmer. 
 
 Baldwin [? Matthew] Lincoln Solicitor. 
 
 Marshall, Thomas do Servant. 
 
 Wells, William, Junr Boston. 
 
 Waite, West do. 
 
 Brotherton, West do. 
 
 *Brooke, Thomas Lincoln Servant. 
 
The Witham Lodge, Lincoln. 187 
 
 1806. 
 
 Whittaker, Richardson. 
 
 Hilton, William Lincoln Painter. 
 
 Mettham, Charles do Gentleman. 
 
 Scott, Wm. Lister Fen ton Lieut. 
 
 Peacock, Samuel , .. Lincoln Watchmaker. 
 
 *Peters, Rev. Wm. 
 
 Briggs, John Lincoln Roper. 
 
 *Bromhead, Sir Gonville . . . Thurlby Baronet. 
 
 *Wray, John Lincoln Banker. 
 
 1807. 
 
 Carr, James Lincoln Captain. 
 
 Lang, Peter Thomas do Plumber. 
 
 Foster, Aaron do Victualler. 
 
 1808. 
 
 North, John Lincoln Schoolmaster. 
 
 Cresswell, Richard do. 
 
 Storr, John do Brewer. 
 
 Kew, John Burton Blacksmith. 
 
 Colonett, Edward do Gamekeeper. 
 
 Hill, John Lincoln Victualler. 
 
 Cooling, Robert .'. do do. 
 
 1809. 
 
 Evans, William Ruskington. 
 
 Trafiford, Donald Lincoln Coal Merchant. 
 
 *Grant, Thomas. 
 
 Chambers, Joseph Lincoln Gentleman. 
 
 Langwith, Jos. Sylvester... Grantham ... Architect. 
 
 Mawer, George Sleaford Victualler. 
 
 Ashlin, George Lincoln Butcher. 
 
 Bennett, George Wrawby. 
 
 1810. 
 
 Jennings, Richard Lincoln. 
 
 Taylor, Thomas. 
 
 Hickson, Wilson Lincoln Grocer. 
 
 1812. 
 Gillson, William Lincoln Banker's Clerk. 
 
i88 
 
 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 1813. 
 Green, Levi. 
 
 1814. 
 Trafford, Robert. 
 
 1815. 
 Petchell, Thomas. 
 
 1816. 
 Wilkinson, William. 
 
 Lincoln Grocer. 
 
 1817. 
 
 Lunn, George Horncastle. 
 
 Cartledge, Page Lincoln ... 
 
 Wine Merchant. 
 
 1818, 
 
 *Sharman, Matthew Lincoln Shoemaker. 
 
 Collinson, James do China Dealer. 
 
 Mason, Joseph. 
 
 *Johnson, Christopher Lincoln Pensioner. 
 
 *Jones, Thomas do. 
 
 *Agar, Thomas do. 
 
 *Shepherd, William do. 
 
 *Gandy, William do. 
 
 *Cotton, Henry do. 
 
 *Stokes, John do. 
 
 *Clayton, Joseph do. 
 
 Pilgrim, Samuel do. 
 
 1819. 
 
 *Burton, William Lincoln ... 
 
 *Hawson, John, Jun do. 
 
 Barnes, Rev. Wm Horncastle. 
 
 Wilson, John Hull. 
 
 *Tooley, John Lincoln ... 
 
 Leafe, William do. 
 
 1820. 
 
 Kirk, Richard Lincoln ..., 
 
 Sharp, John do 
 
 *Casson, William do. 
 
 White, Matthew do 
 
 Ward, John do 
 
 Ealand, Thompson Hackthorn , 
 
 Millson, James Lincoln ... 
 
 Shoemaker. 
 
 Excise Officer. 
 
 Tailor. 
 
 Carver and Gilder. 
 
 Waiter. 
 
 Tailor. 
 
 Pensioner. 
 
 Hosier. 
 
 Shoemaker. 
 Tailor. 
 
 Clerk. 
 Merchant. 
 
 Victualler. 
 
 Merchant. 
 
 Clerk. 
 
 Confectioner. 
 
 Plasterer. 
 
 Schoolmaster. 
 
 Spirit Merchant. 
 
The Witham Lodge, Lincoln. 
 
 189 
 
 1821. 
 
 Wright, James 
 
 Harland, Jas. Clark 
 
 Lincoln Mariner. 
 
 do Excise Officer. 
 
 1822. 
 
 Baines, Joseph Sudbrook ... Yeoman. 
 
 Brotherton, John Lincoln Hatter. 
 
 Caparn, Thomas do Banker's Clerk. 
 
 Slack, John do. Currier. 
 
 Glenn, Edward do Sheriff's Officer. 
 
 1824. 
 
 *Tate, Robert London. 
 
 Peart, William Lincoln . 
 
 Musician. 
 
 1825. 
 
 Hunt, Marshall Lincoln Attorney's Clerk. 
 
 Whitehouse, Joseph Waddington Yeoman. 
 
 Wright, Charles Lincoln Currier. 
 
 Bavin, John Blankney ... Farmer. 
 
 ■*Morey, Barnett. 
 
 White, Robert Lincoln Confectioner. 
 
 Hall, John do Printer. 
 
 1826, 
 
 *Lings, Robert Lincoln Attorney. 
 
 Harmston, John = do do. 
 
 Sibthorp, C. de Laet Waldo Canwick Esq., M.P. 
 
 Flower, John Lincoln Baker. 
 
 1827. 
 Corbett, Thomas George 
 
 Ward, Richard 
 
 Harris, Samuel 
 
 Bills, John 
 
 *Brown, Thomas 
 
 1828. 
 Errington, Matthew ,. .. 
 Wilson, Jonthn. Pearson,. 
 Clifton, Rev. William . 
 Merryweather, Thomas .. 
 Moody, Joseph John ... . 
 Grey, John, Jun 
 
 Elsham Hall Esq. 
 
 Lincoln Bricklayer. 
 
 Horncastle ... Victualler. 
 
 Lincoln Waiter. 
 
 do Attorney. 
 
 Lincoln Engineer. 
 
 do Clerk. 
 
 Market Rasen. 
 
 Lincoln Tailor. 
 
 Louth. 
 
 Lincoln Butcher. 
 
igo Freemasonry tn Lincolnshire. 
 
 1829. 
 
 Hayward, John Lincoln Attorney. 
 
 *Weston, George do Victualler. 
 
 Patterson, Richard do Confectioner. 
 
 1830. 
 
 Leary, Robert Ely Lincoln Printer. 
 
 Ranshaw, Robert, Jun. ... do Coachman. 
 
 *Pearson, George do Quill Merchant. 
 
 Reynolds, John do Mariner. 
 
 1831. 
 
 Palmer, George Lincoln Mariner. 
 
 Nicholson, William Adams do Architect. 
 
 *Rawlings, Wm do Regimental Surgeon. 
 
 1832. 
 
 Thornton, Thomas Lincoln Victualler. 
 
 L'Oste, Edward Horncastle ... Surgeon. 
 
 1833- 
 
 Widdowson, William, Jun. Canwick Farmer. 
 
 Harvey, Richard Sutton... Lincoln Surgeon. 
 
 Thornton, John Lawrence Market Rasen Victualler. 
 
 1834. 
 Pashley, John William ... Gainsburgh ... Wine Merchant. 
 
 1836. 
 Snowden, Joseph Ingham Schoolmaster. 
 
 1838. 
 
 *Melton, Thomas Lincoln Innkeeper. 
 
 *Bromhead, Sir Edwd. Ff... Thurlby Baronet. 
 
 *01iver. Rev. George, D.D. Scopwick. 
 
 *Goddard, Henry Lincoln Architect. 
 
 Wilkinson, John do Attorney. 
 
 Garton, Richard do Tobacconist. 
 
 Drury, Edward Bell do Printer. 
 
 Thornton, Joseph do Slater. 
 
 Williams, Henry do Solicitor. 
 
 Adcock, William do Pianoforte Maker. 
 
 Webber, William do Tailor. 
 
do. 
 
 Spirit Merchant, 
 
 do. . 
 
 Schoolmaster. 
 
 do. 
 
 Cheesemonger. 
 
 do. 
 
 .. .. Gov. of Castle. 
 
 dlineton 
 
 ... Farmer. 
 
 The Witham Lodge, Lincoln. 191 
 
 1839. 
 
 Moore, Robert Coddington Harmston ... Schoolmaster. 
 
 Huddleston, Gent Lincoln Solicitor. 
 
 *Goodacre, Robert do Editor. 
 
 Oliver, George, Jun Newton Surgeon. 
 
 1840. 
 
 Hebb, Geo. Wriglesworth Lincoln Solicitor. 
 
 Pratt, Charles 
 
 *Beeton, Durham Chadwell 
 Richardson, Geo. Boness.. 
 Nicholson, John, Lieut.... 
 
 Osborne, John Cotes Edlington 
 
 Hughes, Charles Lincoln Schoolmaster. 
 
 1841. 
 
 Hardman, Robert Lincoln Schoolmaster. 
 
 Bromehead, Edmund Arthur do Proctor. 
 
 Seely, Charles do Merchant. 
 
 Jepson, William Noah ... do Ironmonger. 
 
 Pepperdine, Lemuel do Timber Merchant. 
 
 Taylor, Ralph do Cabinet Maker. 
 
 *Watson, Lieut.-Col. Lewis Leasingham... Gentleman. 
 ■*Rylander, Oscar Gustave Sg. in Lincoln Artist. 
 
 *Evans, Edward Gainsburgh .. Engraver. 
 
 1842. 
 
 *Proctor, William Taylor... Nettleham ... Chemist. 
 
 Hardy, John Spence Lincoln Architect. 
 
 Kirk, Frederick do Hairdresser. 
 
 Harrison, Stephen do Grocer. 
 
 Dakeyne, Rev. J. Osmonde do. 
 
 Oliver, Chas. Wellington Nottingham... Bookseller. 
 
 Middleton, John Lincoln Ironmonger. 
 
 Inman, John do Innkeeper. 
 
 1843. 
 
 *Everard, Richard Great Hale ... Gentleman. 
 
 Robinson, Wm. Richard Lincoln Watchmaker. 
 
 Wilson, John do Mariner. 
 
 Heffernan , Thomas do Banker's Clerk. 
 
192 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 1844. 
 
 Swinton, Ahijah Lincoln Civil Engineer. 
 
 Broadbent, Edw. Farr ... do Surgeon. 
 
 Taylor, Robert do Cabinet Maker. 
 
 1845. 
 
 Larken, Rev. Edm. Roberts Burton. 
 *Dearle, Geo Grantham ... Organist. 
 
 Tweed, John Thomas . . . Lincoln Solicitor. 
 
 Shipley, Geo. Hopkins ... do Schoolmaster. 
 
 *Nairne, Rev. Charles do. 
 
 1846. 
 
 Collins, Chas. Fras Lincoln Chemist. 
 
 Crossby, Thomas do Draper. 
 
 Bromhead,Rev.Alex.Leslie do. 
 
 Collins, Henry Ward Sleaford Solicitor. 
 
 Sandon, Rev. Thomas ... Lincoln. 
 
 Marshall, Chas do Plumber. 
 
 Lutt, Rev. Edw. Kefford do. 
 
 D'Eyncourt, L. C. Tennyson-, London Barrister. 
 
 *Barlow, Philip Beckett ... London Barrister. 
 
 *Rt. Hon. Charles Anderson Pelham, ... M.P. 
 Lord Worsley, [afterwards Earl of 
 Yarborough]. 
 
 Silvester, Thomas Brigg Bank Manager. 
 
 Nicholson, William do Wine Merchant. 
 
 Nicholson, John do Chemist. 
 
 Squire, William do Innkeeper. 
 
 Kelsey, Amos Waddingham Farmer. 
 
 Woodcock, Matthew Lincoln Draper. 
 
 1847. 
 
 Durance, Joseph, Jun. ... Lincoln Stonemason. 
 
 Sibthorp,Gervase T.Waldo do Esq. 
 
 Howard, Rev. Isaac Gossett Hemswell. 
 
 Cracroft, Peter Hackthorn ... Commander R.N. 
 
 O'Hare, John Sleaford Currier. 
 
The Witham Lodge, Lincoln. 193 
 
 1848. 
 
 Mann, Charles Lincoln Parish Clerk 
 
 Smith J.UpplebyStapylton Brigg Esq. 
 
 *Fardell, Charles Holbech Esq. 
 
 ♦Wilkinson, Frederick Lincoln Waiter. 
 
 *Gordon, George William do Esq. 
 
 Postlethwaite, Thomas ... Washingboro' Farmer. 
 
 *Collins, James Lincoln Gentleman. 
 
 1849. 
 
 Toynbee, Robert Lincoln Solicitor. 
 
 *Moyes, John Andrew ... do Hotelkeeper. 
 
 1850. 
 
 Heywood, Charles Samuel Lincoln Railway Agent. 
 
 Heseltine, James do Innkeeper. 
 
 1851. 
 
 Mackinder, William Bracebridge ... Farmer. 
 
 Ward, Charles Lincoln Builder. 
 
 Sharp, Jonathan Plowright Blankney Fen Farmer. 
 
 Hartley, George Lincoln Miller and Merchant. 
 
 *Hardcastle, Stephen do Supt. Police Officer. 
 
 *Thornton, John Lawrence do Innkeeper. 
 
 Seagrave, William Lissington . . . Farmer. 
 
 1852. 
 
 Hall, Richard Lincoln Attorney's Clerk. 
 
 Murr, Charles Henry do do. 
 
 Shotton, John James Geo. do Attorney. 
 
 Rutherford, Thomas Jones do Warder at Castle. 
 
 Taylor, James Newington . . . Merchant. 
 
 1853- 
 Cousans, Edward Ralph... Lincoln Stationer. 
 
 Penney, John do Merchant's Clerk. 
 
 1854. 
 
 Trafford, George Robert Lincoln Tailor. 
 
 Lockyer, George James ... do Stationer. 
 
 Walsh, Francis Delaval ... do Surgeon. 
 
 Guilmette, Chas. Alexander do Professor of Music. 
 
 Guilmette, James William do Tobacconist. 
 
194 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 1855- 
 
 Peppercorn, Benjamin ... Lincoln Druggist. 
 
 1856. 
 
 *Fox, George Maples Lincoln Ironmonger. 
 
 Wallhead, George Edward do Decorative Painter. 
 
 Odling, Charles do Draper. 
 
 *Musson, William Edward do Surgeon. 
 
 Kirton, William Branston Farmer. 
 
 Drury, Michael Lincoln Architect. 
 
 1857- 
 
 *Brown, John Owersby Farmer. 
 
 ♦Josephs, Alfred Lincoln Factor. 
 
 *Plaxton, Charles do Merchant's Clerk. 
 
 *Loder, Alexander do Stationer. 
 
 *Edwards, George do Bank Agent. 
 
 Holmes, Edw. Henry do Shoemaker. 
 
 Slight, John do Chemist. 
 
 Rawlinson, Charles do Draper. 
 
 Robinson, David do Grocer. 
 
 Grantham, Hen. Valentine Stourton Capt., R. N. L. M. 
 
 Robinson, Charles Edwin Lincoln School Assistant. 
 
 Taylor, Robert John Burnham Capt., R. N. L. M. 
 
 Eaton, Charles Ormston... Tixover Banker. 
 
 Norton, John, Jun Lincoln Draper. 
 
 Pratt, Richard Montague do Wine Merchant. 
 
 Hanly, John Laffan do. Editor. 
 
 White, Thomas Matthew do Banker's Clerk. 
 
 Pears, William Scopwick ... Miller. 
 
 Ruston, Joseph Lincoln Engineer. 
 
 Shuttleworth, Joseph do Engineer. 
 
 Hebb, Henry Kirke do Solicitor. 
 
 1858. 
 
 *Tedswell, Jas. Wm. Hono. Spalding Accountant. 
 
 Hall, Richard Lincoln Coach Builder. 
 
 Simpson, Thomas do Ironmonger. 
 
 Godson, William, Junr. ... Market Rasen Innkeeper. 
 
 Imre, Ebeczky Pesth Gentleman. 
 
 Ford, William Lincoln Soda Water Manufcr. 
 
The Witham Lodge, Lincoln. 195 
 
 1859. 
 
 *De Grey and Ripon, George Nocton Peer of the Realm. 
 
 Frederick, Earl 
 
 Taplin, Benjamin Button Lincoln Surgeon. 
 
 *Gadsby, Henry do Cutler. 
 
 Coleman, John do Artist. 
 
 ♦Brown, George do Reporter. 
 
 Hibbert, George do Confectioner. 
 
 i860. 
 
 *Odling, Anselm , Louth Draper. 
 
 Hayward, Charles John . . . Lincoln Chemist. 
 
 White, Henry do <> Dentist. 
 
 1861. 
 
 *George, William Lincoln Bandmaster, Mil. 
 
 Dawber, Robert do Brewer. 
 
 ♦Wellington, James do Sergt., Militia. 
 
 *Owston, Robert Henry. 
 
 Glasier, George Lincoln Surgeon. 
 
 Barker, William Ross do Grocer. 
 
 Seely, John do Confectioner. 
 
 Mountain, William do Clerk. 
 
 *Frost, William Toplis ... do Grocer. 
 
 Reeve, William do Plumber. 
 
 1862. 
 
 Mason, William Lincoln Professor of Music. 
 
 *St. Albans, Duke of, Redbourne ... Peer of the Realm. 
 Wm. Aurelius Aubrey de Vere 
 
 Spafford, Edward Boothby Farmer. 
 
 Thornton, Lawrence Thos. Skellingthorpe Farmer. 
 
 Rudgard, John Richard Lincoln Gentleman. 
 
 *Noonan, John do Sergt., Militia. 
 
 Harrison, Charles do Surgeon. 
 
 1863. 
 
 Cooke, John Lincoln Merchant. 
 
 Jones, Bartholomew do Draughtsman. 
 
 Huddleston, Wm do Builder. 
 
 Ehrenfeuchter, C. A. ... do Professor of Music. 
 
196 
 
 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 Bacon, George Lincoln 
 
 Frost, Ralph do. 
 
 Slingsby, Robert do. 
 
 *Bannister, Ed. Jas do. 
 
 Brewer's Clerk. 
 Grocer. 
 Artist. 
 Stationer. 
 
 1864. 
 
 Kirkup, George Bracebridge ... 
 
 Waller, James Lincoln 
 
 Chichester, Thos. Ely ... do 
 
 *Pratt, Walter George do 
 
 Moore, William George . . . do 
 
 Locking, John Market Rasen 
 
 Hart, George Lincoln 
 
 Smith, John do 
 
 *Branthwaite, Harnson ... Heighington... 
 
 Ashley, John King's Cross... 
 
 Keeling, Ricd. Ratcliffe... Lincoln 
 
 Steward. 
 
 Painter. 
 
 Gentleman. 
 
 Watchmaker. 
 
 Solicitor. 
 
 Doctor of Medicine. 
 
 Gas Engineer. 
 
 Innkeeper. 
 
 Surgeon. 
 
 Goods Manager G.N. 
 
 Post Office Clerk. 
 
 1865. 
 
 *Handley, James Lincoln Super, of Police. 
 
 Porter, J. T. B do Gas Engineer. 
 
 Mantle, Wm. John do Schoolmaster. 
 
 Fisher, John Dixon do Watchmaker. 
 
 Carline, Rd. Cotton do Solicitor. 
 
 Shepherd, Jas. Wood do Auctioneer. 
 
 Morgan, George do Builder. 
 
 1866. 
 
 Phillips, Aaron Lincoln Commercial Traveller 
 
 Gentleman. 
 Gentleman. 
 Gentleman. 
 Banker's Clerk. 
 Soda Water Manufcr. 
 Engineer's Clerk. 
 Solicitor. 
 Club Manager. 
 
 Blyth, Henry do. 
 
 Betham, WiUiam do. 
 
 Moore, Henry Reg Gray's Inn 
 
 White, Thomas Lincoln .., 
 
 Bayne, Kenneth do. 
 
 Watson, Frederick do. 
 
 Rex, William do. 
 
 Haviland, George do. 
 
The Witham Lodge, Lincoln. 197 
 
 1867. 
 
 Howse, Henry Lincoln Veterinary Surgeon. 
 
 Loder, Charles do Bookseller. 
 
 Chapman, G, Chatterton Brattleby Farmer. 
 
 Watkins, William Lincoln Architect. 
 
 Raymond, W. G do Surveyor of Taxes. 
 
 Liddell, Edw Newark Super, of Police. 
 
 Cook, Robert Lincoln Coal Merchant. 
 
 Andrew, Frederick do Solicitor. 
 
 Arnold, F. E. M do Grocer. 
 
 Mills, Samuel do Surgeon. 
 
 Larken, Fra. Roper do Solicitor. 
 
 CuUen, Ed. Jas do Merchant's Clerk. 
 
 Prickett, G. F do Hotelkeeper. 
 
 Woodward, Henry do Draper's Assistant. 
 
 Dickinson, Peter Platts ... do Auctioneer. 
 
 Savage, George do Chemist. 
 
 Tumour, H. Ed Market Rasen Doctor of Medicine. 
 
 Bayles, John Glenn ... Cherry Willingham Gentleman. 
 *Thropp, Frederick Lincoln Articled Clerk. 
 
 1868. 
 
 Ward, Richard John Lincoln Solicitor. 
 
 Scorer, Charles do Solicitor. 
 
 *Goshawk, Edwin do Waiter. 
 
 Shipley, G. H., jun do Banker's Clerk. 
 
 Moore, Bernard do Lieut. R.N. 
 
 Berwick, W. Menzies ... do Banker's Clerk. 
 
 Tmgey, Henry Sandy, Beds... Lace Manyfacturer. 
 
 Chambers, H. Croft Market Rasen Solicitor. 
 
 Carline, H. Snow Lincoln Solicitor. 
 
 1869. 
 
 *Hill, Henry Lincoln Engineer's Clerk. 
 
 Jevons, Ed. Enos Market Rasen Chemist. 
 
 Mantle, Edward Lincoln Clerk. 
 
 Makins, F. Waite Market Rasen Draper. 
 
 Barsby, Thos do. Sup. of Police. 
 
 Motley, George Caenby Gentleman. 
 
igS Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 Watson, Henry Lincoln Accountant. 
 
 Langford, James do House Steward. 
 
 Vickers, Benjamin do Accountant. 
 
 Barrett, Jas. Michaelmas do Clerk in Holy Orders. 
 
 Adcock, Halford do do. 
 
 ♦Johnson, William do G.N. Station Master. 
 
 *Escritt, Fred Michael do Publisher. 
 
 Cooling, William do Attorney's Clerk. 
 
 1870. 
 
 Drury, Robert Lincoln Chemist. 
 
 Hind, Henry Harper do Cabinetmaker. 
 
 Bourne, Thos. Chas do Solicitor. 
 
 Lowe, George May do Doctor of Medicine. 
 
 Goddard, Francis H do Architect. 
 
 Truman, S. J do Surgeon. 
 
 Seymour, W do Hairdresser. 
 
 Emerson, Chas do Auctioneer's Clerk. 
 
 Holder, C. H do Surveyor of Taxes. 
 
 Bentley, Jos do Gardener. 
 
 Whitaker, Chas do Grocer. 
 
 Read, Jas. Manning do Merchant. 
 
 Mann, Jas. Chris London Clerk. 
 
 Close, Hy. Stanley Lincoln Builder. 
 
 1871. 
 
 Codd, J. Smith Lincoln Butcher. 
 
 *Jones, Eus. Hinton do Publisher. 
 
 Barnsdall, Oswald Newark Gentleman. 
 
 Thompson, Edwin Lincoln Tailor. 
 
 Childs, Alfred do House Steward. 
 
 Fletcher, Thomas do Veterinary Surgeon. 
 
 Barraclough, John do Lay Vicar. 
 
 Pratt, William do Wine Merchant 
 
 Martin, Thomas do Builder. 
 
 White, William Babworth . . . Farmer. 
 
 *Elwick, George Market Rasen Instructorin Musketry 
 
 Hill, Rob. Markham Lincoln Clerk in Holy Orders. 
 
 Smith, Haskett do do. 
 
 Crake, J. W do Schoolmaster. 
 
 Boocock, Johnson do Hosier. 
 
 Strangward, Wm do Tinner. 
 
The Withani Lodge, Lincoln. 199 
 
 Chamberlain, Edw Harmston ... Coal Merchant. 
 
 Davies, Thos Lincoln Stonemason. 
 
 Mansell, Wm do Chief Constable. 
 
 1872. 
 
 Jewell, Thomas Lincoln Butcher. 
 
 iainforth, Wm do Merchant. 
 
 *C^ss, William do Wine Merchant. 
 
 *Tlafford, R. J do Innkeeper. 
 
 Laienby, T. Cradock do Clothier. 
 
 Hovard, W. H do Cabinetmaker. 
 
 Craft, Thos do Bootmaker. 
 
 * Warwick, Thos do Stationraaster, M. 
 
 *Bodei Albert do Engineer's Clerk. 
 
 Goodwin, T. C London Professor of Music. 
 
 Jay, George Lincoln Accountant. 
 
 Dixon, William do Organist. 
 
 1873- 
 
 Hughes, Thos. Eady Lincoln Solicitor. 
 
 Clench, Frederick do Engineer. 
 
 Bell, Thos do Accountant. 
 
 *Mason, William, Jun do Organist. 
 
 1874. 
 
 * Arnold, Ed. Farr Lincoln Plumber. 
 
 Elsey, Josiah do Builder. 
 
 Rayner, John Lumley do Sheriff's Officer. 
 
 Wilkinson, Thos. Marshall do Surgeon. 
 
 Haynes, George do Hotelkeeper. 
 
 Sims, William do Builder. 
 
 Reading, J. Bennett Newark Architect. 
 
 Belton, Francis W Metheringham Builder, 
 
 Holland, G. A. Mackinder Mere Hall ... Farmer. 
 
 Housley, John Rockley M.D. 
 
 1875- 
 
 Eckstein, Wm Birmingham .. Commercial Traveller 
 
 Lovett, Jas Lincoln Clothier. 
 
 Hall, Albert Wingfield ... do Merchant. 
 
 Sneesby, Charles Sheffield Catde Dealer. 
 
200 Freemasonry tn Lincolnshire. 
 
 1876. 
 
 Conlon, F. Patrick Lincoln Brewer. 
 
 Wileman, W. H do Clerk. 
 
 Cooling, Edward do Builder. 
 
 Cooling, Thos do do. 
 
 Ackroyd, J do Grocer. 
 
 Harrison, Ed do do. 
 
 Peacock, Albert Louis . . . do Surgeon. 
 
 Denton, J. H do Bank Manager. 
 
 Fox, John Edward do Articled Clerk. 
 
 Taylor, W.H do Chemist. 
 
 1877. 
 
 Williamson, James Lincoln Stationer. 
 
 Cumberland, F. C do Railway Clerk. 
 
 Hicks, Henry Metheringham Veterinary Surgeon. 
 
 Taylor, W. Wood Lincoln Builder. 
 
 Robson, Chris. Bell Nettleham ... Farmer. 
 
 Bramley, G. H Greetwell ... do. 
 
 *Thurlby, Stephen Lincoln Grocer. 
 
 Trotter, Reuben do Ironmonger. 
 
 1878. 
 
 *Pratt, Henry Lincoln Wine Merchant. 
 
 Cousans, H. E do Printer and Publisher. 
 
 *Hughes, Charles do Hotelkeeper. 
 
 *Allott, J. J do Accountant. 
 
 Fitt, Walter do Auctioneer. 
 
 Piper, Reginald London Wine Merchant. 
 
 Hood, F. Sinclair Nettleham ... Esquire. 
 
 *Gamble, E. L. G Lincoln Surgeon. 
 
 Stephen, Reg. Arthur do Solicitor. 
 
 1879. 
 
 Malby, J. GrifBn Brixton Woollen Merchant. 
 
 Turnell, J. C Lincoln Ironmonger. 
 
 *Ramage, Andr ew do Banker's Clerk. 
 
 Broad, Thomas Birmingham... Commercial Traveller 
 
 1880. 
 
 Dawson, Walter Lincoln Currier. 
 
 Scorer, WiUiam do Architect, 
 
The Witham Lodge, Lincoln. 201 
 
 1881. 
 
 Scott, W. Ed Lincoln Surgeon. 
 
 Wigg, Rev. Ed. T Broxholrae ... Clergyman. 
 
 *Le Tall, William Lincoln Miller. 
 
 *Firbank, Ralph Washingboro' Railway Contractor. 
 
 Battle, Arthur Edwin Lincoln Engineer. 
 
 Battle, John Scoley do Chemist. 
 
 Tredinnick, Stephen do Mining Engineer, 
 
 Morton, Wm. Henry North Carlton Farmer. 
 
 1882. 
 
 Dalton, Ed. Percy Lincoln Solicitor. 
 
 Conlon, Augustus do Brewer. 
 
 *Robinson, J. A do Maltster. 
 
 *Dashper, Gilbert J do Solicitor. 
 
 *Goy, James Dixon do Dentist. 
 
 MacBrair, R. A do Civil Engineer. 
 
 Lansdowne, Ed. Vincent do Builder. 
 
 Moore, W. H. Holdich ... do Solicitor. 
 
 1883. 
 
 Cooling, Alfred Metheringham Ironmonger. 
 
 White, Thos. Harry Lincoln Surgeon and Dentist. 
 
 Dalton, Chas. Gerald do Surgeon. 
 
 1884. 
 
 Lowe, Sutton Harvey Lincoln Engineer. 
 
 *Betts, John do Surgeon. 
 
 Cousans, Eustace Allanson do Printer. 
 
 Wormal, Wm. Nathan ... do Bank Clerk. 
 
 *Jekyll, Herbert H do Merchant. 
 
 Hay ward, Chas. Pears ... do Manufactrg. Chemist. 
 
 1885. 
 
 Lilly, William Robt Lincoln Accountant. 
 
 *D'Ombrain, James do Clerk in Holy Orders. 
 
 Smith, Wm. Walker do Gentleman. 
 
 Smith, John do Chemist. 
 
 1886. 
 Rowland, Bart. Richmond Lincoln Engineer's 
 
 Draughtsman. 
 
202 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 1887. 
 
 *Shepherd, Thos Lincoln Pensioner. 
 
 Sime, John do Inland Revenue. 
 
 Shaw, Fred. Wm do Auctioneer. 
 
 Ward, Thomas do Pawnbroker. 
 
 'Roberts, Chas. Henry ... Bracebridge.... Clerk in Holy Orders. 
 
 1888. 
 
 Mc.Kel vie, William Lincoln Surveyor. 
 
 Hattersley, Isaac Alf Bayswater ... Accountant. 
 
 Whitton, Richard Lincoln Wine Merchant. 
 
 Trotter, Alexander do Solicitor. 
 
 Thornton, Fred. Lawrence do Wine Merchant. 
 
 White, John Henry do Accountant. 
 
 1889. 
 
 Kirkby, Henry Barker ... Lincoln Land Agent. 
 
 Wood, Ernest H. E do Organist. 
 
 Andrew, William do Tailor. 
 
 1890. 
 
 *Kemp, Chas. Percival ... Lincoln Solicitor. 
 
 Foster, Edwin Thos do Draper. 
 
 Smith, StapyltonH.Gouger do Solicitor. 
 
 *Musgrave, John Jos do Surgeon Dentist. 
 
 1891. 
 
 Dunkerton, Edw Lincoln Lay Clerk. 
 
 Dawson, James do Currier. 
 
 1893. 
 
 Elmitt, George Lincoln Chemist. 
 
 Hart, Edwin E do Ironmonger. 
 
 Dunn, Herbert H do Surveyor. 
 
 1894. 
 
 Peel, Alfred Lincoln Merchant. 
 
 Elsey, Henry do Merchant. 
 
The Lodge of Harmony, Boston. 203 
 
 THE LODGE OF HARMONY, BOSTON. 
 
 The third Lodge formed in the new Province (the second 
 on the present Roll) was the Lodge of Harmony at Boston. 
 The earliest reference to Freemasonry in Boston is (so far 
 as I know) found in the minute book of the Witham Lodge. 
 This records in 1805, the initiation of several from Boston, 
 and also that " Bro. Brotherton at the request of several 
 Brothers at Boston requested a copy of our By-laws for 
 their use when they shall have obtained a Constitution." 
 The Warrant of the Lodge of Harmony bears date 20th 
 August, 1789, and was granted for a Lodge to meet at the 
 White Hart, in the Drapery, Northampton. No return of 
 members, however, was made to Grand Lodge after 1792. 
 
 This attempt to establish the craft in Northampton not 
 proving a success the promoters would, according to the 
 general custom, seek to recoup themselves by disposing of 
 the warrant and effects ; and eventually, through the agency 
 of Bro. Whitwell, of the Peterborough Lodge, transferred 
 them to the Boston brethren. 
 
 There appears to have been no difficulty with Grand 
 Lodge in the matter, that body having doubtless learnt by 
 experience the danger of holding the reins too tightly in 
 the then divided state of masonic government. 
 
 The following endorsement appears on the Warrant, or, 
 as it was then styled, the Constitution :— 
 
 " To all whom it may concern ; be it known that the 
 Lodge of Harmony formerly No. 544 but which by the 
 general alteration of numbers in the year 1792 became 
 No. 453 and held at the White Hart in the Drapery in the 
 Town of Northampton on the application of the Brethren 
 of the said Lodge and with the approbation of the Deputy 
 Grand Master Admiral Sir Peter Parker Baronet was 
 removed to the Ship Tavern in the Borough of Boston in 
 
204 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 the County of Lincoln to be there held under the aforesaid 
 name or denomination of the Lodge of Harmony." 
 
 " In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand 
 and the seal of the Grand Lodge this eighteenth day of 
 January A.L. 5806 A.D. 1806. „ ^^ ^j^j^^ (^ g „ 
 
 We gather from the records that the expenses incurred 
 by the brethren in setting up the Lodge were £2^ 5s. 
 
 The following return of Founders' Names was made to 
 the Grand Secretary : — 
 
 R.W.M., Owner Smith, Law Scrivener. 
 S.W., Charles Wellman, Brewer. 
 J.W., Walter Imlay, Joiner. 
 P.M., William Wells, Grocer. 
 Trea., West Waite, Ironmonger. 
 Sec, West Brotherton, Hatter. 
 William Wilkinson, Hosier 
 Anthony Allen, Tailor. 
 James Strofton, Builder. 
 Thomas True, Writer. 
 John Wilson, Joiner. 
 Adam Dods, Surgeon. 
 Richard Whitaker, Brewer. 
 William Drake, Schoolmaster. 
 The family of the Brothertons is mentioned several 
 times in the Harleian MSS. in connection with the parish 
 of Benington, near Boston. 
 
 Bros. Wellman (a Brewer, of Sutterton) and Brotherton 
 took a leading part in the craft at Boston for many years. 
 
 The first meeting of the new Lodge was held at the 
 Ship on 4th February, 1806. The brethren present entered 
 into a subscription for expenses. Seven candidates for 
 initiation were proposed, and a vote of thanks passed to 
 Bro. Whitwell " in consideration of the marked attention 
 shewn by him for the welfare of this Lodge." 
 
 Provincial Grand Lodge was held at Gainsborough in 
 the following August, but the Harmony was not represented. 
 This might be owing to distance, or possibly the P.G.M. 
 
The Lodge of Harmony, Boston. 205 
 
 did not entirely approve of the Grand Secretary trespassing 
 on his prerogative by transferring the warrant. A Benevo- 
 lent Fund in connection with the Lodge was established in 
 1808. Grants from this Fund were made for the relief of 
 English prisoners in France 1808-1811, and in 1857 to the 
 Indian Mutiny Relief Fund. 
 
 The first meeting of Provincial G. Lodge at Boston was 
 held pursuant to the following notice : — 
 
 " Grand Lodge and Feast. 
 
 " Peters Provincial Grand Master. 
 
 "A Grand Lodge and Feast of the most Ancient & 
 
 Honourable Society of Free and Accepted Masons in the 
 
 County of Lincoln will be held at Boston on Tuesday the 
 
 iSth day of August 1809. 
 
 " The Grand Officers and Masters and Wardens of the 
 different Lodges in the County will assemble in Grand 
 Lodge at nine o'clock in the morning at the Lodge of 
 Harmony in Boston, and afterwards proceed with the rest 
 of the Brethren in procession to the Church to hear Divine 
 Service. 
 
 " By order of the Prov. G. Master, 
 
 " Michael Atkinson P.G.S." 
 
 A newspaper account says : — 
 
 "The scene at Boston attracted a great number of 
 spectators. 
 
 " Dr. Orme preached an appropriate and excellent 
 sermon from Romans 12, 10, 'Be kindly affectioned one to 
 another with brotherly love.' 
 
 "A Dinner was provided at the Town Hall at which 
 Barnett, Deputy Grand Master, presided and the day was 
 spent as on former occasions in the greatest harmony." 
 
 The account continues : — 
 
 " It occurs to one who was present ; — not of the brother- 
 hood, but highly respecting them ; — to ask a few questions — 
 By what authority are the following particulars in their 
 hand bill (issued just before church time) warranted ? 
 
 " The order of the Masonic Service to be performed in 
 the Parish Church of Boston. Proper Psalms and Lessons — 
 the Communion Service, the Collect & Epistle for Quinqua- 
 gesima Sunday and the Gospel for the 1 3th Sunday after 
 
206 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 Trinity. If the Order established by law for morning prayer 
 in the Church of England, may be thus altered by the Free 
 Masons what alteration may not be made by other associated 
 bodies? and what will become of the Uniformity of the 
 Public Service of our Church ? " 
 
 It was long customary in the Lodge of Harmony to 
 confer the degree of Installed Master, or, as it was styled, 
 " Pass the Chair," on deserving brethren. On St. John's 
 Day, 1806, eight brethren " Passed the Chair," in 1809 four, 
 in 181 5 six, in 1825 ten, and in 1836 two. 
 
 Similar customs are recorded in the Witham and Trent 
 Lodges, as well as in the old Gainsborough Lodge.* 
 
 In 1812 twenty-nine initiations took place, seventy 
 members being on the roll. 
 
 Dissension among the brethen caused the meetings to 
 be suspended from 1830 to 1833. In the latter year the 
 Lodge removed from the Ship to the New London Tavern, 
 afterwards meeting in private rooms in Church Street and 
 Corpus Christi Lane. 
 
 The following list of members of the Lodge of Harmony 
 is dated 14th March, 1836: — 
 
 Benj. Williamson Ship Agent Boston, W.M. 
 
 Wm. Howden ... Engineer „ S.W. 
 
 Peter Tuxford ... Solicitor „ J.W. 
 
 Jos. Williamson... Builder „ Trea. 
 
 J. G. Heardson ... Gentleman Surfleet. 
 
 Geo. Thompson . . Machine Maker . . . Skirbeck. 
 
 R. C. Clayton ... Boot Maker Boston, Sec. 
 
 Henry Smith Merchant „ J.D. 
 
 E. M. Close .... Tax Collector „ S.D. 
 
 Jn. Dalton Painter.. „ I.G. 
 
 Wm. Howell Mariner „ Tyler. 
 
 W. T. Proctor ... Druggist. 
 
 J. C. Lambert ... Comedian. 
 
 Z. Woodward ... Gentleman Donington Fen. 
 
 * " Passing the Chair ' was worked as a ceremony preparatory to conferring 
 the R.A. within the last fifty years, but was not then necessary; only the old 
 custom was retained by some Chapters, which required a Brother to be a Past 
 Master actual or assumed in order to qualify for the R.A. 
 
 Originally, the ceremony was for those who had passed the chair, and for 
 long that idea was upheld by fictitious Past Masterships. — ffughan. 
 
The Lodge of Harmony, Boston. 207 
 
 A Special Lodge and Banquet were held in 1856, to 
 celebrate the jubilee of the Lodge's connexion with the 
 Province. 
 
 On 20th April, i860, the corner stone of the Masonic 
 Hall, in Main Ridge, was laid by the Rev. Charles Nairne, 
 D.P.G.M., and on May 28th, 1863, the building was 
 dedicated by the Duke of St. Albans, Prov. G. Master. 
 This remarkable edifice consists of an entrance hall, kitchen, 
 and banquet room on the ground floor; extending over 
 these is the Lodge room, 40 ft. by 20 ft. 
 
 The portico, a reproduction of the Temple of Dandour, 
 in Nubia, is pure Egyptian. On either side of the entrance 
 are two massive cylindrical pillars. The base of the pillars 
 is adorned with leaves, and the chapiters or capitals with 
 leaves and the fruit of the palm tree; overspreading the 
 entrance as well as on the cove of the cornice are winged 
 spheres and twisted asps. Their connection with and appli- 
 cation to Freemasonry are of exceeding interest to the 
 intelligent craftsman. 
 
 The motto of the Lodge, " Know Thyself," is over the 
 principal doorway in Greek characters ; and the following 
 inscription in Egyptian hieroglyphics, written by Brother 
 Cabourn Pocklington, is upon the cornice and pillars of the 
 portico : — 
 
 " In the 22nd year of the reign of Her Majesty, the 
 Royal Daughter, Victoria Lady most gracious, this Hall 
 was erected ; May it be prosperous : 
 
 Zetland was Ruler of the Mysteries and St. Albans 
 Ruler of the District when this building was dedicated to 
 the God of Truth, who lives for ever, in the year 1863, 5th 
 month and 28th day." 
 
 The upper room, in addition to the usual ornaments of 
 a Mason's Lodge, contains several well-known Egyptian 
 symbols in alto-relievo. A visit to the hall under the 
 guidance of Bro. Pocklington is a source of great pleasure. 
 Few have studied this division of Masonry more or have 
 a better grasp of the subject than he. 
 
2o8 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 Among other interesting articles belonging the Lodge 
 are a copy of an old apron, printed and coloured on silk by 
 R. F. Newman, 1708, a curious earthenware quart pot, and 
 a handsome old poignard. 
 
 The brethren of the Lodge of Harmony have from the 
 commencement well taken their part in the concerns of the 
 Province. Brother W. H. Adams, whose name appears in 
 connection with the Oliver dismissal and testimonial, was 
 at that time Mayor of Boston. He was afterwards appointed 
 Chief Justice of Hong Kong. 
 
 To Brother W. Clegg not only the Province but the 
 English branch of the craft is indebted as the author of the 
 hymns " Hail Eternal, by Whose aid " and " Now the 
 evening shadows falling." These hymns have for several 
 years been in constant use at opening and closing in Lodges 
 throughout this country and America, but the copies rarely 
 give the writer's name. 
 
 Bro. C. Pocklington's Masonic services were in February, 
 1892, acknowledged by his Lodge presenting him with an 
 illuminated address, on his having celebrated his golden 
 wedding and his fortieth year in Freemasonry. 
 
The Wetland Lodge, Spalding. 209 
 
 THE WELLAND LODGE, SPALDING. 
 
 The Welland Lodge, number 679, was founded by a 
 dispensation granted in August, 18 16. Meetings to be 
 held at the Talbot Inn, Spalding. Recommended by the 
 W.M. and brethren of the Harmony Lodge. The dispen- 
 sation (as was usual) was in force for twelve months. In 
 the meantime negotiations were entered into for transferring 
 the Prince of Wales', Gainsborough, warrant to Spalding. 
 
 This course, though frequently adopted, was strongly 
 discountenanced by the authorities, and the Welland brethren 
 at the earnest wish of the D.P.G.M. declined the proposal. 
 
 The Welland Lodge is first mentioned as attending 
 Provincial Grand Lodge at the meeting held at Spalding, 
 Aug. 14th, 1818. The Rev. Matthew Barnett presided and 
 the Rev. George Oliver preached on the occasion. 
 
 The procession was memorable as being the first display 
 of the new Provincial banner painted by Hilton. 
 
 Among the Barnett letters in possession of P.G.L. are 
 several relating to the action taken by a member of the 
 Welland Lodge, Bro. Cartwright, in relation to a Provincial 
 appointment. 
 
 The Welland Lodge was regularly represented at the 
 Provincial meetings until the break in 1825. 
 
 A letter (now amongst the Witham papers) recom- 
 mending Bro. Thos. Brown to the notice of the Witham 
 brethren was signed in the Welland Lodge 8th Feb., 1827, 
 by Henry Young, W.M., James Thornton, S.W., Thomas 
 Cansdale, J.W., and J. W. Burrows, Sec. Henry Young, 
 Schoolmaster, and Jas. Thornton were afterwards founders 
 of the present Lodge. 
 
 Bro. Thos. Brown, Solicitor, joined the Witham in Dec, 
 1827, and was installed W.M. in 1835. 
 
2IO Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 There is no record of a Welland brother filling a Prov. 
 office except as Steward. This office apparently at that 
 day was the most coveted, the Red Apron no doubt showing 
 to advantage in the processions. Oliver, writing on this 
 period, . says : — " The Provincial Officers had not been 
 changed for years." This was not encouraging to a new 
 Lodge, and may account for its decay, though the cause 
 only admits of conjecture, as I understand there are no 
 records (save the Barnett letters) of the Lodge proceedings 
 nor any former member of it living. 
 
 Some relics of the Welland Lodge are supposed to be 
 yet in existence, and will doubtless some day be secured by 
 the present Spalding brethren. 
 
 When the Provincial meetings were resumed in 1833 
 the Welland is not mentioned. 
 
 It was erased from Grand Lodge Roll in 1838, probably 
 having ceased to meet for several years previous. 
 
 An account of the Masonic impostor, John Middleton, 
 and his doings at Spalding, appear in the memoir of the 
 Rev. M. Barnett. 
 
 In the roll of the Corinthian Lodge, Newark, occurs the 
 following: — "Vise, William, Spalding, E.A. June 1805." 
 
The Hope Lodge, Sleaford. 21 1 
 
 THE HOPE LODGE, SLEAFORD. 
 
 At the Prov. G. Lodge held at Barton in 18 16 "Notice 
 was made that there had been no representation of the 
 Prince of Wales' Lodge, Gainsborough, since 1809." Between 
 this and the next meeting, 18 18, arrangements had been 
 made to transfer the warrant to New Sleaford. How this 
 was effected will be seen by the following extract from a 
 letter written by the Grand Secretary to the Master of the 
 Hope Lodge, in answer to the latter's return of members 
 and application for certificates : — 
 
 "London June 9th 1820. 
 " . . . . Other Names are given improperly (as 
 Brethren who purchased the Dormant Warrant No. 423) 
 without specifying the Name and Number of the Lodge 
 they were made in or formerly belonged to. 
 
 " Signed, &c., E. Harper." 
 
 One would gather from this letter that the W.M. and 
 Secretary had never known the Lodge in its palmy days at 
 Gainsborough, when that excellent brother, the R.W. 
 Gervas Parnell and his no less excellent Secretary, Bro. 
 Pudsey, ruled its destinies and made it a model Lodge. 
 Such a return as brought down the censure of the Grand 
 Secretary would never have been sent, the utmost order 
 and propriety distinguishing its work for over twenty years. 
 
 The Hope Lodge, like the Welland, appeared first at 
 the Prov. G. Lodge at Spalding, 18 18, and continued its 
 attendance up to 1825. 
 
 A Provincial meeting was held at Sleaford 28th June, 
 1821. The account states that over 100 brethren attended 
 Church, the Rev. G. Oliver preaching. 
 
 The Grand Lodge records say the warrant was removed 
 to New Sleaford, 1818, and the Lodge erased in 1828. 
 
212 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 The warrant, together with a silver-gilt jewel, were 
 some years ago confided to the care of Bro. T. E. Jacobson 
 by an old member. These are believed to be the only 
 relics of the Lodge in Sleaford. 
 
 No names of Hope brethren appear on the Provincial roll 
 except the two Stewards in 1818. One of these, Joseph 
 Shacklock, joined the present Sleaford Lodge on its estab- 
 lishment in 1856. 
 
 Bro. Shacklock, who was a hatter by trade, took a great 
 interest in the new Lodge until his death. 
 
 In a minute of April, 1859, the St. Botolph's brethren 
 " desire to place on record the high sense they entertained 
 of the character of Bro. Shacklock as a Mason and a 
 member of Society as well as to acknowledge the services 
 he rendered in the formation of the Lodge." 
 
 1828, October. Jonathan Pearson Wilson, Clerk, who 
 had been initiated at Sleaford, but obtained no certificate, 
 was re-initiated in the Witham Lodge. George Weston, 
 another Hope brother, also joined the Witham in the 
 following year, and became a prominent member of the 
 Lodge. 
 
The Doric [New) Lodge, Grantham. * 213 
 
 THE DORIC (NEW) LODGE, GRANTHAM. 
 
 It appears that after the erasure of the old Doric Lodge 
 at the close of the last century, the warrant was never 
 returned, but remained in the possession of one of the old 
 members. This fact, coupled with what has either been a 
 case of neglect or loss of important document during trans- 
 mission, has been a cause of considerable misunderstanding 
 between the Grand Lodge authorities and the Grantham 
 brethren. 
 
 To clear the matter as much as possible, it will doubtless 
 be the better plan to give what correspondence has been 
 brought to light on the subject. 
 
 The following is addressed to the Grand Secretary : — 
 
 "Market Rasen 4th Dec. 18 19. 
 " I have rec'd a petition from several of the Brethren at 
 Grantham to have their Warrant of Constitution restored, 
 which warrant one of them is in possession of and on their 
 having promised all due obedience to the orders &c. 
 
 " I have granted them a Dispensation until the further 
 Will and pleasure of the Grand Lodge shall be made known. 
 " Signed. Matthew Barnett D.P.G.M." 
 
 Barnett's dispensation was written on the back of the 
 old 1 79 1 warrant. 
 
 The reply to Barnett's letter : — 
 
 "Freemasons Hall i8th Dec. 18 19. 
 " We are in receipt of your favour dated 4th inst. — in 
 respect of certain Brethren at Grantham who wish to have 
 their Warrant restored. You are aware it seems that this 
 very Warrant, the holders of which for Nonconformity to 
 the Laws of the Society, was in the year 1798 erased from 
 the list of Lodges, and in consequence of the alteration of 
 numbers at the time of the Union of the two Fraternities 
 the Lodge was left out and the numbers altered accordingly. 
 So that however respectable and deserving the Brethren 
 may be who now wish to form another Lodge it is quite 
 impossible that the old number can be ceded to them." 
 
214 ' Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 The letter then goes on to give instructions as to the 
 form of application for a warrant according to the 
 Constitutions. 
 
 On December 20 (by return of post) Barnett forwarded 
 the petition which had been sent to him by the Grantham 
 brethren the previous November, together with the following 
 letter, endorsed on the back of the document : — 
 
 "Market Rasen Dec. 20th 18 19. 
 " To the Grand Secretary. 
 " Dear Sir & Brother, 
 
 "Not having an opportunity at present of consulting 
 the Book of Constitutions, Cannot say whether the petition 
 is precisely correct, if it cannot be accepted you will have 
 the goodness to write to me immediately. 
 
 With respect to the old Warrant (if it is restored) a 
 Dispensation I suppose will be granted to alter the number. 
 As soon as the Business is settled, you will of course forward 
 to me the Warrant or Dispensation with the expenses 
 thereon, which I will take care shall forthwith be remitted 
 to you. 
 
 " I am dear Sir 
 
 " Your obedient Servant & Brother, 
 
 "Mattw. Barnett D.P.G.M."* 
 
 The petition was drawn up according to the usual form 
 of application for a new Lodge, and was signed by five 
 members of the old Doric Lodge, viz., John Langwith, 
 Wm. Todkil Catlett, William Cooper, Richard Winter, and 
 John Lynn, together with eight other brethren. J. Langwith 
 to be W.M., W. T. Catlett, S.W., Rob. Turner, Jun., Hope 
 Lodge, Sleaford, J.W. 
 
 Apparently this petition did not receive the usual scrutiny 
 at Grand Lodge till the lapse of about six months, though 
 the following remarkable dispensation was granted to the 
 brethren named therein : — 
 
 * Bro. Barnett's application for a Dormant Warrant was apparently based 
 on the following : — 
 
 "Constitutions, 1815, Art. 35. If the brethren holding a Warrant for a 
 Lodge render themselves unworthy of longer possessing it, the Grand Master 
 may, after the G. Lodge has decided on that, transfer such warrant to other 
 Brethren whom he may think deserving, with a new number at the bottom of 
 the Lodges then on record." 
 
The Doric {New) Lodge, Grantham. 215 
 
 " We do hereby authorize and empower our said Brothers 
 I congregate and assemble &c. until such time as a dormant 
 [arrant can be transferred under the Seal of the Grand 
 L\.dge. 
 
 \''And for so doing this Dispensation shall be their 
 sur^cient authority. 
 
 " To be in force for the space of Twelve Months from 
 the 4ate hereof 
 
 "Given under our hand and seal at Kensington the 
 22nd day of January, 1820." 
 
 Signatures of the Duke of Sussex, Wm. H. White, and 
 Ed. Harper. 
 
 The next communication to hand is from Barnett to the 
 Grand Secretary : — 
 " Dear Sir & Brother, " Market Rasen 25th Apl. 1820. 
 
 " I have this Day sent you Five Guineas for the Grantham 
 Dispensation by my Neighbour Mr. Clark, who is not a 
 Mason and probably will not see you; I have therefore 
 requested him to give it to Mrs. Asperne 32 Cornhill, and 
 shou'd he not pay the Cash soon you will have the goodness 
 to enquire for it. 
 
 " In the Dispensation to the Doric Lodge it is specified 
 to be in Force for one year only ; now if a Dormant Warrant 
 is not found previous to the expiration of that Time what 
 is commonly done ? 
 
 " Be so good as to alter the place of Meeting from the 
 Angel to the Granby Inn. 
 
 " The Brethren of the Doric Lodge have their Original 
 Warrant, what am I to do with it in this case ? Will you 
 give me Directions what I am to write upon it if it is 
 restored them, or will you have it sent up to the Grand 
 Secretary ? " 
 
 The receipt for the money and reply are unfortunately 
 not to be found. 
 
 On 2nd Sept., 1820, Brother J. Langwith, when making 
 the first return of members of the new Lodge, concludes as 
 follows : — 
 
 " The W.M. has desired me to say that the Old Warrant 
 was never cancelled, it is in our possession & wishes to be 
 informed, if it is sent to you whether that would be renewed 
 to us, or whether it is obsolete." 
 
2i6 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 The Grand Secretary acknowledged the receipt or 
 Sept. Sth, and informed the W.M. that several of the brethren 
 who signed the petition "are not registered Masons by 
 reason of the Lodge in which they are represented to have 
 been initiated neglecting to return their names for registry 
 in the Grand Lodge Books.* In consequence of which they 
 cannot be recognised as members of any Lodge until fheir 
 names be recorded and the register fees paid." 
 
 The names requiring registration included the W.M. and 
 S.W.-Elect, Wm. Cooper, and Richard Winter, all prominent 
 members of the old Doric. 
 
 Towards the conclusion of the letter the G.S. writes :— 
 " The Warrant of the former Lodge having been Cancelled 
 is of no force or virtue whatever and should therefore be 
 returned to the Grand Lodge." 
 
 This, so far as is known, closed the correspondence. 
 On 23rd Feb., 1821, the Rev. Matthew Barnett, D.P.G.M., 
 again endorsed the old warrant : — 
 
 "By virtue of the Dispensation which you now hold 
 under His Royal Highness the Duke of Sussex Most 
 Worshipful Grand Master, I hereby empower and authorize 
 you to continue to assemble as Masons and to proceed in 
 and transact all business in a constitutional manner accord- 
 ing to the Laws and Regulations of the Craft until the 
 further Will & pleasure of the Grand Lodge shall be known 
 to you." 
 
 No dormant warrant nor other document making known 
 the " further Will and pleasure " having been received since 
 the Duke's dispensation, and moreover, none of the foregoing 
 correspondence known at Grantham, the Doric brethren 
 have for many years been under the impression that they 
 were working by the authority of the old charter, the 
 account supplied twenty-five years ago to the then Prov. G. 
 Secretary being understood as correct, viz., "The Doric 
 Lodge was founded October ist 1791 — For some years the 
 
 * The Corinthian Lodge, Newark, 
 
The Doric {New) Lodge, Grantham. 217 
 
 Charter was in abeyance, but in the year 1820 the Warrant 
 of Constitution was restored under its original name and 
 number by H.R.H. the Duke of Sussex G.M." 
 
 In October, 1890, application was made to Grand Lodge 
 for a Centenary Jewel. 
 
 In the course of the correspondence the Grand Secretary 
 (Bro. the late Shadwell Gierke) said, "The Doric Lodge 
 evidently did not obey the order of Grand Lodge sth Sep. 
 1820; but retained the old and worthless document and the 
 dispensations and endorsement of Bro. Barnett, apparently 
 based on the erroneous idea that the warrant was dormant 
 instead of dead" 
 
 The sum of five guineas (the full fee at that time) having 
 been received, a new warrant was granted, and "if the 
 Lodge has lost the warrant under which it exists, it comes, 
 I regret to say under Arts. 125 and 126 Book of Cons, and 
 it should forthwith apply to the Grand Master for a warrant 
 of Confirmation to enable it to legally continue its meetings." 
 
 There being no other course open, the Doric brethren 
 accordingly surrendered the old document, remitted two 
 guineas, and received a Warrant of Confirmation, which 
 commences as follows : — 
 
 " Whereas it appears by the Records of the Grand Lodge 
 that a Warrant of Constitution was granted bearing date 
 the 3rd January 1820 to Brothers John Langwith as Master, 
 William Todkill Catlett as Senior Warden, Robert Turner 
 Jun. as Junior Warden, Wm. Parker, Jos. Silvester Langwith, 
 Immanuel Manuel, John Tomkins & 8 others authorizing 
 & empowering them and their regular Successors to hold a 
 Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons at the Sign of the 
 Angel Inn Grantham Lincolnshire, & which Lodge was 
 then registered in the Books of the Grand Lodge as 719 
 and denominated the Doric Lodge — And Whereas it has 
 been represented to us by the Brethren composing the said 
 Lodge that the Warrant or Constitution granted to them 
 has disappeared and cannot now be traced and they have 
 therefore prayed us to grant them a Warrant of Confirmation 
 in lieu thereof," &c., &c. Dated December loth, 1890. 
 
 It should here be noted that the existence of the Sussex 
 dispensation of Jan. 22, 1820, was not discovered till some 
 
2i8 Freemasonry in Lmcolnshire. 
 
 time after 1890. Had it been submitted to the Grand 
 Secretary, doubtless the confusion of dates would have been 
 explained in his letter. 
 
 The conclusion one may draw from this correspondence 
 is — That on 3rd Jan., 1820, the order for the warrant was 
 given, and pending the drawing up of the document and 
 receipt of the fee the customary provisional authority would 
 be sent off. 
 
 When Bro. Langwith made his return to the Grand 
 Secretary in September, that official, on referring to the 
 books, would at once note that the names and fees of the 
 old members had never been remitted. Grand Lodge of 
 course would delay issuing the warrant until the names had 
 been properly registered, while the Grantham brethren 
 would doubtless consider that the demand should have 
 been made prior to the dispatch of the dispensation, and 
 that, as they had paid the five guineas, being all that was 
 asked for, declined further payment, at least for a time, and 
 so the matter went on till it dropped out of recollection. 
 
 What became of Warrant No. 719 is, and probably 
 will, remam a mystery. Evidently it had not arrived at 
 Grantham on 21 Feb., 1821, or Barnett would not have 
 renewed the Duke's dispensation. A Prov. G. Lodge was 
 held at the Doric rooms in June, 1823, when the subject 
 naturally would be mentioned. But the most remarkable 
 feature is that lor nearly seventy years no Doric brother 
 should have had the curiosity to look into the matter. 
 
 A very successful P.G.L. was held at Grantham in 1839, 
 which was attended by Dr. Crucifix. The Doric entered 
 warmly into the Oliver dismissal question; and elected 
 Crucifix an honorary member. 
 
 The Lodge possesses several very interesting masonic 
 charts, engravings, &c. The following old Scotch certificate 
 is extremely curious and rare : — 
 
 " No. 253. 
 " ' And the Darkness comprehended it not. 
 ' In the East a place of Light, where reign 
 ' Silence and Peace.' 
 " Be it known to all whom it may concern, that, We, 
 the Master, Wardens, Treasurer, and Secretary 
 
The Doric {New) Lodge, Grantham. 219 
 
 "St. Cuthbert's or Durham Militia Lodge No 253 
 holding its charter under the Grand Lodge of Scotland, do 
 hereby certify and declare to all worthy brethren round the 
 Globe, that the bearer hereof William Dawkins of Barnard 
 Castle in the County of Durham lawfully entered Apprentice 
 in the said Lodge, passed Fellow Craft and after sustaining 
 the painful Trials with Strength and Firmness obtained as 
 a recompense the sublime Degree of a Master Mason. 
 
 "Given under our Hands and the great Seal of our 
 Lodge at Barnard Castle aforesaid this twenty second Day 
 of April in the year of Light 5819 & of our Lord 18 19." 
 
 For several years after 1851 the Grantham Lodge was 
 very feeble. 
 
 In 1866 Brother Charles Ferneley, at the special request 
 of Prov. G. Lodge, published his Speculations on Speculative 
 Masonry. This little book, the proceeds of which were 
 devoted to the Provincial charities, may be read with 
 pleasure and profit. 
 
 The Doric Lodge, No. 362, is now the third on the 
 Provincial roll. A reference to the List of Past Officers 
 will show its members to have taken a fair share of the 
 work, and both the Central and Provincial Charities bear 
 witness to a well carrying out of one of the great principles 
 of the Order. 
 
 The following is the roll of Doric members, April, 1836 : 
 
 Robert Turner. 
 
 Jos. S. Langwith. 
 
 Wm. Parker. 
 
 Thos. Pinder. 
 
 W. T. Catlett. 
 
 T. H.Mowbray J.W. 
 
 John Garner S.W. 
 
 T. C. Howson, Druggist 
 
 W. Dawkins Sec. 
 
 John Wood W.M. 
 
 Thos. Winter, Solicitor. 
 
 J. K. Halison, Teacher of Languages. 
 
 Thos. Wood, Auctioneer. 
 
 John Wilson, Surveyor. 
 
 Geo. Pawson, Plumber. 
 
 Jos. Roberts, Auctioneer. 
 
220 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 THE OLIVE UNION (OLD) LODGE, 
 HORNCASTLE. 
 
 The earliest reference to hand of this Lodge is the 
 following letter, forwarded to the Grand Secretaries, White 
 and Harper, by the Rev. M. Barnett, dated 
 
 "Market Rasen May 26th 1831. 
 
 " A Certain Number of Gentlemen at and near Horn- 
 castle in this County applied to me for Instructions how to 
 proceed to obtain a Dispensation to hold a Lodge there; 
 accordingly a Petition was made out and sent to me which 
 I forwarded to Bro. Tennyson the Prov. G. Master, who 
 signed a Dispensation to open and hold a lodge by the 
 name and title of the Olive Union until the further will and 
 pleasure of the Grand Lodge was made known to them : 
 
 " I received the Five Guineas for the Dispensation which 
 I paid to Bro. Tennyson, who amidst all his electioneering 
 proceedings has neglected to pay Attention to the Business. 
 
 " You will probably now write to them or to me with 
 any further Instructions you may think proper to give. . . ." 
 
 The Olive Union warrant was dated 20th April, 1831, 
 the number being then 858, afterwards changed to 587. 
 
 It was first represented in Prov. G. Lodge at the meeting 
 held at Lincoln Nov. 9th, 1832, when the Right Hon. 
 Charles Tennyson was installed P.G.M. 
 
 In the following year P.G.L. was held at the Bull Inn, 
 Horncastle, and Dr. Oliver was installed D.P.G.M. 
 
 The Stamford Mercury states : — 
 
 "The announcement last week of a Grand Masonic 
 Festival excited general interest here ; and to-day we have 
 had an extraordinary influx of Visitors to witness the 
 proceedings of ' the Free & Accepted Brethren.' At a few 
 minutes past 12 o'clock, the Prov. G. Master Chas. Tennyson 
 Esq. M.P. atterided by the Members of the Olive Union, 
 Doric, Good Intent, Welland, Apollo, Harmony, Witham, 
 
The Olive Union {Old) Lodge, Homcastle. 221 
 
 St. Matthew, and the Prov. Grand Lodge, in their peculiar 
 garbs and bearing the cymbols of the Society proceeded to 
 the Church. 
 
 " The Service was read by the Rev. Mr. Smith of Great 
 Coates, after which an excellent Sermon was preached by 
 the Rev. G. Oliver P.G.C. from the 3 Chap, of St. James 
 II Ver. 
 
 " The Church was completely filled during the service 
 and the demeanour of the congregation was an evident 
 proof of their regard for the interests of the craft." 
 
 The founders of the Shakspere and Bayons Lodges were 
 members of the Olive Union in 1834, the total number then 
 amounting to 31. 
 
 The following return was made 3rd March, 1836 : — 
 
 Saml. Harris Maltster Horncastle, W.M. 
 
 C.T.White Gentleman „ S.W. 
 
 Thos. Rayson .. Bricklayer „ J.W. 
 
 Jos. Stevenson ... Tailor „ J.D. 
 
 Jno. Bailey Watchmaker ... „ Sec. 
 
 Geo..Nidd Painter „ Tyl. 
 
 MajorBrackenbury Gentleman Skendleby. 
 
 Sir W. A. Ingilby M.P Ripley Castle. 
 
 Thos. Hammond... Farmer. 
 
 Robt. Button Innkeeper Horncastle. 
 
 W. S. Northouse. . . Wine Merchant Lincoln. 
 
 Robt. Glover Clerk Wispington. 
 
 J. W. Morley Surgeon Horncastle. 
 
 The Rev. Robt. Glover, of Wispington, was initiated in 
 the Witham Lodge in 1803. Several other Horncastle 
 names also appear on that register about the same date. 
 
 On 24th Jan., 1839, Wm. Rose King, of Coningsby, was 
 installed W. Master, and C. T. White Lecturer. Bro. King 
 appears to have been an intelligent Mason, and commenced 
 his year with good promise ; but, according to the returns 
 to P.G.L., no change of officers took place after. 
 
 The last return was made in June, 1843, and showed a 
 roll of fifteen members, half of whom had continued from 
 
222 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 the commencement. Dr. Oliver joined the Lodge in 1836 
 or 1837. Dissensions afterwards arose among the brethren 
 of such a serious nature as to necessitate the interference 
 oftheD.P.G.M. 
 
 At the Prov. G. Lodge held at Spilsby in 1846, the 
 warrant of the Olive Union Lodge was delivered up to the 
 Prov. G. Sec. for transmission to London, and it was erased 
 from the Grand Lodge Roll in the following year. 
 
 A portion of the furniture, &c., is now in use in the 
 present Olive Union. 
 
The Lindsey {Old) Lodge, Louth. 223 
 
 THE LINDSEY (OLD) LODGE, LOUTH. 
 
 After the lapse of over twenty years another Lodge 
 was commenced at Louth, called the Lindsey, warranted in 
 1833, and numbered 602. The Apollo Lodge at Grimsby 
 having ceased to meet, the Rev. George Oliver sold part of 
 the furniture, &c., to the Louth brethren for their new Lodge. 
 
 At the P.G.L. held at Louth, 23rd October, 1834, three 
 new Lodges were added to the roll, viz., the Lindsey, the 
 Trent, and the Bayons. Prov. G. Lodge jewels were first 
 worn at this meeting. Bro. J. J. Moody is mentioned as 
 the first Master of the Lindsey, R. Cropper S.W,, and 
 E. L'Oste J.W. 
 
 The following return is dated March Sth, 1836: — 
 
 Geo. Oliver, D.D., Clerk, Wolverhampton, C.R.A.C. 
 
 J.J. Moody, 30, Woollen Draper, Louth, C.R. A. C.,Trea. 
 
 Robt. Cropper, 47, Surveyor, Louth, C.R.A.C., W.M. 
 
 Stepn. Fowler, 33, Farmer, Ranby, C.R.A.C, S.W. 
 
 S. C. Blakelock, 46, Sadler, Louth, M.M., J.W. 
 
 W. T. Leake, 65, Builder, Louth, K.T., Steward. 
 
 Rd. Fenton, 47, Clerk, Waltham, M.M., Chaplain. 
 
 Jno. Otter, 40, Clerk, Ranby, M.M. 
 
 W. S. White, 26, Clerk, Horncastle, M.M. 
 
 N. Lyn, 38, Wire-worker, Horncastle, M.M., Tyler. 
 
 W. Heath, 46, Farmer, Louth, M.M., S.D. 
 
 E. Richardson, Painter, Horncastle, C.R.A.C. 
 
 J. Phillips, Clerk, Skidbrooke, M.M. 
 
 J. Thistlewood, 55, Farmer, Kelstern, M.M. 
 
 A joining member (David Simpson) in 1837 is described 
 as of the Spurn and Humber Lodge No. 61. This was the 
 Athol Lodge at Grimsby, to which reference is made in 
 another chapter. 
 
 Financial difficulties appear to have been the cause of 
 the Lodge's decline, which is somewhat surprising, if the 
 status of the brethren returned in 1836 were maintained. 
 
224 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 Brother Stephen Fowler, the Lodge Treasurer, writing to 
 Dr. Oliver, the D.P.G.M., Dec. sth, 1839, says :— " Altho' our 
 subscription is but los. a year several of the brethren are 
 from los. to 30s. in arrears. Three years quaterages to 
 Grand Lodge and a year and a half rent are due." Altogether 
 the worthy treasurer reckons he should be ;£'io out of 
 pocket, and he asks the Doctor's advice (unofficially) what 
 had best be done to recoup himself. The Doctor in reply 
 states that he was placed in similar circumstances with the 
 Apollo brethren, and advises Bro. Fowler to hold the Lodge 
 furniture, promising to dispose of it for him on the first 
 opportunity. 
 
 Accompanying the Treasurer's letter were the Minute 
 Book and the Warrant. The latter was apparently returned 
 to Grand Lodge a few days afterwards, and the Lindsey 
 Lodge was erased from the roll. 
 
The Trent {Yarborough) Lodge, Gainsborough. 225 
 
 THE TRENT (YARBOROUGH) LODGE, 
 GAINSBOROUGH. 
 
 The following brethren signed the petition for a warrant 
 from G.L. : — 
 
 Wm! Sr^^"'^'^^ ) ^^V^ °/ the Prince of Wales 
 Wm. Smith \ Lodge No. 423 late held 
 
 Wm. Jerrems ) '" Gamsborough. 
 
 Thos. Travis ) late of the Apollo Lodge 
 
 Robert Duckle S. W. J late held at Great Grimsby. 
 Isaiah LevyJ.W.,late of St. George's Lodge Doncaster. 
 J. W. Pashley W.M., of the Witham Lodge Lincoln. 
 
 The brethren met Aug. 9th, 1834, under the authority 
 of a dispensation from Bro. the Rev. G: Oliver, D.P.G.M. 
 
 Bro. Pudsey resumed his old office as Secretary, Bro. 
 Jerrems being Treasurer, and Bro. Smith S. Deacon. 
 
 On Aug. nth Bros. W. Hickson, P.S.G.W., John Gray, 
 P.G. Sec, W. A. Nicholson, P.G.A., and J. Gandy, P.G. Org., 
 Commissioners of the Rev. G. Oliver, D.P.G.M., constituted 
 the Trent Lodge, and installed the officers. Date of 
 warrant, 29th Sept., 1834; number, 611. 
 
 In December following it is recorded that Bro. Pudsey 
 "departed this life on 17th Nov. last." 
 
 J. W. Pashley died in 1886, having subscribed to the 
 Lodge fifty-two years. 
 
 The Rev. Robert Duckle owned a considerable estate 
 near Gainsborough. He resigned his membership of the 
 Lodge some years before his death. 
 
 Bro. Levy left the town. 
 
 On 24th June, 1836, it was unanimously resolved that 
 (as such of the Brethren as were of the Degree of 
 Companions of the Holy Royal Arch had succeeded in 
 obtaining an Order of the Grand Chapter for a Charter of 
 Constitution to hold a Chapter of Royal Arch Masons to 
 be attached to this Lodge) the Lodge adopt their proceedings 
 therein. 
 
 It is frequentlyrecorded that brethren "passed the chair." 
 
226 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 July 13th, 1836. A congratulatory address forwarded 
 to the G.M., H.R.H. the Duke of Sussex, on his restoration 
 to health. 
 
 The brethren met (Aug. ist) in their new room, 
 Jerrems Street. 
 
 1837. A member expelled for ill conduct towards some 
 of the brothers of the Trent Lodge. £1 is. was voted to 
 the Asylum for Aged Masons. 
 
 The following return is dated Jan. 4th, 1836: — 
 
 J. W. Pashley,29, Wine Merc.,Gainsbro',C.R.A.,W.M. 
 
 Isaiah Levy, 47, Silver Smith, Gainsbro', C.R.A., S.W. 
 
 Edric Lansdale, 30, Chemist, Gainsbro', M.M., J.W. 
 
 Wm, Jerrems, 50, Grocer, Knt. Templr., Trea. 
 
 Jno. Swift, 29, Auctioneer, M.M., Sec. 
 
 Wm. Smith, 58, Plumber, M.M., S.D. 
 
 Wm. Rollit, 63, Cab. Maker, M.M., J.D. 
 
 Thos. Travis, 59, Buildr. & Auctionr., C.R.A, I.G. 
 
 Wm. Raby, yT, Town Officer, M.M., Tyler. 
 
 Thos. Agar, 51, Super. Excise, C.R.A. 
 
 Robt. Duckle, 39, Clerk, Knt. Temp. 
 
 J. Hawksworth, 33, Painter, M.M. 
 
 Jno. Herratt, 46, Innkeeper, M.M. 
 
 Josh. Osborne, Ironmonger, M.M. 
 
 Jos. Guy, 39, Attorney, M.M. 
 
 J. C. Williamson, 37, Merchant, M.M. 
 
 Peter Johnson, 27, Innkeeper, M.M. 
 
 T. C. Garfit, 27, Wine Merchant, M.M. 
 
 Ed. Newmarch, 23, Joiner, M.M. 
 
 T. H. Dobbs, 27, Innkeeper, E.A.P. 
 
 1 84 1. Letter read from the Grand Secretary enclosing 
 the resolutions adopted at the Quarterly Communication 
 held 3rd March, 1841, concerning the publication of 
 masonic proceedings. 
 
 In the following September Bro. Thos. Sissons, Junr., 
 with the approval of the Lodge, forwarded a letter to the 
 Earl of Zetland, P.G.M. Yorks., complaining that he had 
 been requested to withdraw from the Humber Lodge, Hull, 
 at an Emergency Meeting held to enquire into the alleged 
 misconduct of some of its members. 
 
 The Earl's reply justified the action of the W.M. of the 
 Humber Lodge. 
 
The Trent ( Yarborougli) Lodge, Gainsborough. 227 
 
 In 1849 Bro. Raby, over ninety years of age, "gave the 
 brethren in a very distinct manner the History of H.A." 
 
 Oct., 1849. Motion proposed that the name of the 
 Trent Lodge be altered to that of Prince of Wales, in con- 
 sequence of a letter being intercepted by the Secretary of a 
 Lodge of Odd Fellows in Gainsborough bearing the same 
 name. 
 
 The change of name received the approval of the Prov. 
 G. Master, and was duly notified to the Grand Secretary. 
 
 In the following December " In consequence of a letter 
 from the Grand Sec. stating that as Prince Albert was not 
 a mason it was not to be expected he would allow a Lodge 
 to take the Name of the Prince of Wales, neither was it 
 right to take any personal name without leave from the 
 person ; it was proposed that permission be asked to call 
 the lodge Yarborough." 
 
 Bro. J. Guy, W.M., received the following : — 
 
 " Brockelsby, Ulceby, Hull, 
 " My dear Sir & Brother, " Dec. 31st 1849. 
 
 " Pray make known to the Brethren of your Lodge that 
 I feel much flattered by their mark of respect as shown by 
 requesting that your Lodge may be named after mine, and 
 that I willingly accept the Compliment. 
 
 " It was with much pleasure that I granted your dispen- 
 sation to hold the office of Master another year, tho' usually, 
 I think it desirable that the office should be changed 
 frequently. „ Believe me, yours truly & fraternally, 
 
 " Yarborough." 
 
 Dec, 1850. An illuminated address of thanks was 
 presented to Bro. J. Guy on his having zealously filled the 
 chair 'of the Lodge for five years. 
 
 At the re-numeration in 1863 the number of the 
 Yarborough Lodge was changed from 61 1 to 422. 
 
 It is interesting to note that the present Master's and 
 Wardens' chairs, and pillars for the lights, were in use in 
 the old Prince of Wales' Lodge. 
 
 The Bible, printed 1613, originally belonged to the 
 Phoenix Lodge, Hull, 368. Three very rare and interesting 
 aprons, painted on leather, are also in possession of the 
 Lodge. 
 
528 Preemaionry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 THE BAYONS (OLD) LODGE, MARKET RASEN. 
 
 The Bayons Lodge, so called after Bayons Manor, 
 Tealby, the seat of the then Provincial Grand Master, the 
 Rt. Hon. Charles Tennyson, was warranted on the 29th 
 Sept , 1834, No. 612, being next to the Trent Lodge on the 
 Grand Secretary's list. 
 
 The first oiificers are shown on the following return 
 made April, 1836: — 
 
 Rt. Hon. C. F. D'Eyncourt, M.P., Privy Councillor, 
 
 Bayons Manor, P.G.M. 
 Z. Barton, Surgeon, Mkt. Rasen, W.M. 
 J. Thorpe, Sen., Land Agent, Usselby, S.W. 
 Ed. Pennington, Surgeon, Mkt. Rasen, J.W. 
 Geo. Saffery, Solicitor, Mkt. Rasen, S.D. 
 C. Chapman, Stonemason, Mkt. Rasen, J.D. 
 J. Dean, Joiner, Mkt. Rasen, Steward. 
 J. Thorpe, Jun., Farmer, Usselby, I.G. 
 W. Hooke, Pensioner, Mkt. Rasen, Tyler. 
 E. Melton, Plumber, Mkt. Rasen, Sec. 
 T. L. Thornton, Innkeeper, Mkt. Rasen. 
 Thos. Greenwood, Sadler, Mkt. Rasen. 
 — Quickfall, Innkeeper, Castor, E.A.P. 
 
 The Bayons first appeared at P.G.L. in the October 
 following its establishment. 
 
 A very successful Provincial meeting was held under its 
 auspices in Oct., 1836, full particulars of which are given 
 in the records of P.G.L. meetings. 
 
 Bro. Zephaniah Barton, the first W.M. of the Bayons, 
 was selected to fill the new office of Prov. G. Registrar in 
 1834, and held the post ten years. 
 
 The Lodge does not appear to have made any return 
 to P.G.L. after 1845, and was not represented at the 
 meetings after 1843. It was erased from the Grand Lodge 
 roll 3rd December, 1851. 
 
The Bayons {Old) Lodge, Market Rasen. 229 
 
 On sth June, 1845, Bro. Z. Barton, Treasurer, made the 
 following entry in P.G. Register : — 
 
 " Geo.Saffrey— Z. Barton— The Rt. Hon. C. D'Eyncourt. 
 
 " No funds in the hands of the Treasurer except from 
 ye above. 
 
 " Can get no dues, and am uncertain whether we have 
 any other members ; I intend as soon as I can get time, to 
 muster as many as possible, and come to some determina- 
 tion as to our existence. 
 
 Bro. Barton was an able and faithful Registrar. Like his 
 successors, as seen in the following note, made in the 
 Register, he was at times much troubled by the dilatoriness 
 of the various Secretaries : — 
 
 " The Witham Lodge sent in their return in Good time, 
 which was not enter'd, I, waiting for some others, that I 
 might enter them at ye same time, none arriVd until a day or 
 two before I was oblig'd to join the regiment of N. L. Y. Cy. 
 on permanent duty at Lincoln for 8 days, with the Rasen 
 troop under my command. Having no time to enter them, 
 I was under ye necessity of forwarding the original returns 
 as sent to me to the D.P.G.M. wh. accts. for ye state of 
 this Book at ye present time. 
 "Mt. Rasen June sth 45. "(Signed) Z. Barton P.G.R." 
 
230 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 THE SHAKSPERE LODGE, SPILSBY. 
 
 At a meeting of brethren held at Spilsby, on Friday, 
 27th March, 1835, it was unanimously agreed "that it is 
 expedient to form a Masonic Lodge at Spilsby, and having 
 purchased the Regalia formerly belonging to the Shakspere 
 Lodge at Stratlord upon Avon, it shall be called the 
 Shakspere Lodge." 
 
 A petition for a warrant from Grand Lodge was signed by 
 
 Major Edward Brackenbury, Olive Union Lodge 587. 
 
 Henry Wilson, Olive Union Lodge 587. 
 
 George Coltman, Apollo Lodge, Oxford. 
 
 Thomas Sandars, Olive Union. 
 
 Wharton Amcotts Cavie, Olive Union. 
 
 Thomas Bradley, Olive Union. 
 
 Titus Rainey, Olive Union. 
 
 William Walker, Lodge of Harmony. 
 
 William Hairby, Lodge of Harmony. 
 
 Geo. Bourne, Banbury, Oxfordshire. 
 
 The petition, recommended by the Lodge of Harmony, 
 the Lindsey, and Bayons, was forwarded to Dr. Oliver, 
 D.P.G.M., for transmission to the Grand Secretary. 
 
 A meeting of P.G.L. was convened on June nth for the 
 dedication of the new Lodge. 
 
 The warrant not having been received, the D.P.G.M. 
 granted the following dispensation : — 
 
 "To Brother Edward Brackenbury Esqr., Bro. Henry 
 Wilson Esqr. and Bro. the Rev. George Coltman, greeting. 
 I, the Rev.- George Oliver Deputy Provincial Grand Master 
 for Lincolnshire, by virtue of the power vested in me by 
 an appointment under the hand and seal of the Right Hon. 
 Charles Tennyson M.P., Prov. G. Master; do by these 
 presents authorize and empower you to form a lodge of 
 Free and Accepted Masons in the Town of Spilsby within 
 my province, to be called the Shakspere Lodge and to hold 
 regular meetings at the Town Hall there on Thursday 
 
The Shakspere Lodge, Spilsby. 231 
 
 nearest before the full moon of every month : and you as 
 the Master and Wardens of the said Lodge are hereby 
 empowered to open and close Lodges, to initiate candidates 
 into Masonry in a constitutional manner according to the 
 form of the order and the laws of Grand Lodge, and you 
 are to take care that during the period in which this dispen- 
 sation is in force, everything be conducted with order and 
 decorum. 
 
 " This Dispensation to continue in force Sixty days. 
 
 " Given under my hand at Spilsby this Tenth Day of 
 June in the year of Our Lord One Thousand, Eight hundred 
 and Thirty five, and of Masonry Five thousand Eight 
 hundred and Thirty ,f<ve. 
 
 ■"'(Signed) George Guv ^r 1>.P.G.M." 
 
 The Lodge was dedicated in masonic form by the 
 D.P.G.M. on June nth. A procession to Church, and 
 sermon by the Rev. Geo. Coltman. 
 
 The following return was made March 2Sth, 1836: — 
 
 Ed. Brackenbury, 50, Major in Army, Skendleby, 
 
 R.A., W.M. 
 Henry Wilson, 40, Solicitor, Alford, P.M., S.W. 
 Rev. G. Coltman, 24, Clei>k,M.A.,Stickney,R.A.,J.W. 
 Geo. Bourne, 54, Land Agent, Halton, R.A., Sec. 
 
 and Trea. 
 Thos. Sandars, 51, Prison Governor, Spilsby, R.A. 
 Wm. Walker, 60, Solicitor, Spilsby, R.A. 
 Wm. Hairby, 66, Gentleman, Hundleby, P.M. 
 Titus Rainey, 29, Chemist, Spilsby, M.M., I.G. 
 W. A. Cavie, 30, Surgeon, Alford, M.M., S.D. 
 Thos. Bradley, 28, Brewer, Alford, M.M., J.D. 
 Thos. HoUis, 35, Auctioneer, Spilsby, M.M. 
 Thos. Hawling, 31, Tailor, Spilsby, M.M. 
 Rev. A. P. Dunlop, 25, Clerk, M.A., Mumby, M.M. 
 Geo. Booth, 56, Land Agent, Wainfleet, M.M. 
 
 Date of warrant, 12th May, 1835. 
 
 A Lodge banner was purchased in 1 841, at a cost of 
 four guineas. A piece of flooring from the Holy Temple 
 at Jerusalem was presented to the Lodge by the Rev. G. 
 Coltman. 
 
232 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 In 1850 Bro. the Rev. G. Coltman proposed "that any 
 member disgracing himself and his brethren by being drunk 
 at supper or entertainment of the Shakspere brethren or 
 upon any other occasion when he appears as a mason, be 
 fined ;^i for the ist offence & for the next expelled." 
 
 The regalia mentioned in the early minute is exceedingly 
 interesting and unique. It consists of a Master's pedestal 
 of mahogany, about 5 ft. high ; a picture on copper let into 
 the front panel represents Shakspere leaning against a 
 column and pointing to the working tools laying on the floor. 
 At the foot of the pedestal are <'wo steps, the lower about 
 6 ft in len^t*- - ciLiier end are squai"^ holes, cut to allow 
 of pillars being let in. These pillaijs are of the same 
 material and height as the pedestal ; three sides of their 
 base are ornamented with the working tools, the letters J. B. 
 appearing on the front. The pillars have Corinthian capitals 
 of brass. Resting on the capitals are square blocks of 
 wood. On the sides of these clocks small masonic emblems 
 are worked in silver wiie and covered with dome-shaped 
 glasses about two inches in diameter. Two rows of fine 
 brass wire with little pendent pomegranates being suspended 
 from the top. 
 
 The furniture also includes Master's and Wardens' 
 chairs, pillars for the three lights, oak chest, sword, Bible, 
 and two large wooden figures. 
 
 The sword is of great interest, and bears the figure of 
 Shakspere, his crest and coat of arms, together with about 
 twenty masonic emblems worked in gilt on the blue steel. 
 
 The chairs are large gilded ones, the Master's having a 
 square top, on which are fixed carved Prince of Wales' 
 feathers flanked by a sun. The figures are about 5 ft. in 
 height, and represent soldiers of the eighteenth century. 
 What relation they bear to the craft is not as yet satisfac- 
 torily explained. 
 
 The following extract from the Minute Book and an old 
 bill found in the oak chest contain all the information 
 known as to their purchase : — 
 
The Shakspere Lodge, Spilsby. 233 
 
 "At a lodge of emergency held June 20th 1835 a vote 
 of thanks was passed to Brother Thomas Sandars for his 
 unwearied exertion and perseverance in behalf of estab- 
 lishing the Shakspere Lodge now first assembled, and for 
 his indefatigable zeal in obtaining the handsome Regalia 
 once belonging to the highly appointed Shakspere Lodge 
 at Stratford on Avon." 
 
 The bill states that Bro. T. Sandars purchased the 
 furniture of a Mr, J. Machin, of Birmingham, on Nov. 2Sth, 
 1834, at a cost of .^15, and that £\o was paid to a Mr. Mole 
 for refitting it. 
 
 Brother Rainey has endeavoured to trace these parties, 
 but so far without success, not the slightest clue being 
 found of their identity. 
 
 The Bible has printed on it " Shakspere Lodge Stratford 
 on Avon No. 416" (sic). This inscription and the Prince 
 of Wales' feathers on the Master's chair unmistakably show 
 the original owners of the furniture to be the Lodge 
 chartered during the Grand Mastership of the Prince of 
 Wales at Stratford-on-Avon 25th Jan., 1793, called the 
 Shakspere Lodge, No. 516, meeting at the White Lion Inn. 
 
 The dedication of this Lodge, according to the Free- 
 masons' Magazine, 1793, was held on Tuesday, 4th of June. 
 The account says : — 
 
 " Never since the Celebration of the Jubilee has there 
 been such a numerous and elegant assemblage of people ; 
 the Ladies in particular seeming to vie with each other, 
 who should best express their respect on the occasion. On 
 the next night a Free Ball was given, which for Beauty and 
 Brilliancy, far surpassed anything of the kind ever remem- 
 bered at Stratford. Every brother appeared in his Apron, 
 and the Grand Provincial Officers, and the Masters and 
 Officers of the different Lodges wore their Sashes and 
 Jewels. One Brother wore a suit of Buttons with Masonic 
 Emblems &c. elegantly set, which cost upwards of Ten 
 Guineas, and many wore Aprons worth from Five to Ten 
 Pounds each. 
 
234 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 " Bro. J. Bisset, of S. Albans Lodge, Birmingham, wrote 
 the customary song — 
 
 ' Great Shakspere's name the Pile shall boast 
 
 A name so much renown'd, Sir ; 
 With flowing Bumpers let this Toast 
 Then chearfuUy go round. Sir,' " &c., &c. 
 
 Probably the zeal of the Stratford brethren outran their 
 discretion, as the Lodge ceased to meet before the end of 
 the century. The warrant was some years ago presented 
 to the Shakspere Lodge, Warwick. 
 
 The Spilsby brethren also possess an old apron, a picture 
 of which appeared in A.Q.C. a short time ago. 
 
 In concluding my notice of this interesting Lodge I 
 must express my obligations to Bro. J. J. Rainey, I.P.M. of 
 the Shakspere Lodge. 
 
 Bro. Rainey is the descendant of a long line of Masons ; 
 the roll of the Craft includes father, grandfather, and great- 
 grandfather. He was initiated as a Lewis, and is the fourth 
 of his name who has filled the office of W.M. of the 
 Shakspere, a record which has rarely, if ever, been equalled. 
 
The Hundred of Elloe Lodge, Spalding. 235 
 
 THE HUNDRED OF ELLOE LODGE, SPALDING. 
 
 The Hundred of Elloe Lodge was warranted 20th March, 
 1840. A little over a century previous Freemasonry (so far 
 as the Grand Lodge of England was concerned) had been 
 introduced into Spalding, an early engraved list of Lodges 
 showing " Spalding At The Black Bull constituted 1739." 
 In the second decade of the present century the Welland 
 commenced operations, but, like its predecessor, was probably 
 not in active existence more than ten years. The Hundred 
 of Elloe is therefore the third attempt to plant Masonry in 
 Spalding, and the Lodge has, so far as one may judge from 
 the present status of the brethren, a long and prosperous 
 career in store. 
 
 The names of the following brethren appear on the 
 warrant: — "Hy. Young (first Master), Jno. Clark, Chas. 
 Rainey, Thos. Draper, Jas. Thornton, Wm. Butterwick, 
 Jarvis Rainey. Bros. Young and Thornton were members 
 of the Welland Lodge. 
 
 The original number of the Hundred of Elloe was 690 ; 
 at the last enumeration, in 1863, it advanced to No. 469. 
 
 Masonry in Lincolnshire at the time the Hundred of 
 Elloe Lodge was founded was somewhat under a cloud. 
 
 The P.G.M. seemed to be out of touch with most of the 
 brethren, especially with those of the Witham and Harmony 
 Lodges, who had sent a remonstrance and openly expressed 
 their dissatisfaction at the non-holding P.G.L. in 1840. 
 And notwithstanding apparently satisfactory reasons being 
 afforded for the course taken, affairs soon after assumed a 
 most serious aspect, an aspect by no means productive of a 
 good impression on the new Spalding brethren. 
 
 Between the Boston meeting, Sept. 29th, 1 841, at which 
 the Hundred of Elloe was first represented, and that at 
 Spalding the year after, Dr, Oliver had been dismissed 
 from his office of D.P.G.M. 
 
236 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 The ill-feeling thus generated caused the preliminary 
 assemblage at Spalding to appear more like two hostile 
 factions than a meeting of masonic brethren. 
 
 Possibly the Rev. W. Mockler's sermon was equal to 
 the occasion, and assisted in restoring harmony when all 
 was discord. 
 
 In 1843 the Spalding brethren experienced a very 
 serious calamity in the destruction by fire of their Lodge 
 Room, furniture, and regalia. The Lodge Room, according 
 to a paragraph in the Lincoln Gazette, March, 1841, was 
 well fitted up, and included " a splendid chair for the Master 
 of the Lodge, of massive construction of the Doric order, 
 lately manufactured in Spalding, and situated under a 
 throne or canopy." 
 
 This misfortune severely crippled the Lodge, so that 
 between the years 1843 and 1849 "o representation was 
 made by the Hundred of Elbe at the Provincial meetings. 
 
 On the 23 rd of Aug. of the latter year the Lodge asked 
 for extension of time to pay the arrears due to P.G.L., as it 
 had not had any regular meetings for some years on 
 account of the fire. 
 
 In 1850 the arrears were cancelled, and the Lodge 
 resumed a regular attendance. 
 
 The Hundred of Elloe Lodge has now for many years 
 deservedly held a high position in the Province. 
 
 The following names, in addition to those on the warrant, 
 were in the first return made to P.G.L. : — 
 
 W. Williams. 
 
 J. W. Greaves. 
 
 Matthew Thorp. 
 
 W. Earl. 
 
 R. N. Munton, Bourn. 
 
 J. Luff, do. 
 
The Ancholme {Old) Lodge, Brigg. 237 
 
 THE ANCHOLME (OLD) LODGE, BRIGG. 
 
 After a lapse of nearly half a century a second Lodge 
 was founded at Brigg, under the title of " The Ancholme,'' 
 the date of the warrant being 31st March, 1847, and No. 785. 
 The state of the craft in Lincolnshire at the time the 
 Ancholme commenced its labours was most unsatisfactory. 
 No meeting of P.G.L. is recorded in 1847, and only a very 
 scanty attendance at the preceding and following meetings. 
 The Ancholme Lodge was constituted nth Jan., 1848, 
 by E. A. Bromehead, P.S.G. Deacon, and was first repre- 
 sented in P.G.L. at the meeting held in Lincoln 6th March, 
 1848. This meeting is memorable as being probably the 
 smallest P.G. Lodge on record, and it is not unlikely that 
 the representation of the Ancholme Lodge was solely owing 
 to its W.M. being a resident in Lincoln and an old member 
 of P.G.L. than to any particular desire for attendance on the 
 part of the Brigg brethren. 
 
 The following members of the Ancholme Lodge, most 
 of whom were initiated in the Witham, were returned on 
 May 8th, 1849:— 
 
 Ralph Taylor, Cab: Maker, Lincoln, W.M. 
 
 John U. S. Smith, Gent, Melton Ross, S.W. 
 
 Amos Kelsey, Farmer, Wadingham, J.W. 
 
 Wm. Nicholson, Chemist, Brigg, Trea. 
 
 Adam Smith, Engineer, Grimsby, S.D. 
 
 Rob. Seaberry, Bookbinder, Brigg, Sec, 
 
 W. Squire, Innkeeper, Brigg, J.D. 
 
 Jos. Smedley. 
 
 J. Campbell, Farmer, Redbourne. 
 
 Ed. Farr Broadbent, Surgeon, Lincoln, P.M. 
 
 J. Rhoades. 
 
 — Paterson. 
 
 Earl of Yarborough, Peer, Brocklesby, P.G.M. 
 
 A Prov. G. Lodge was held at Brigg in May, 1852. In 
 the following December the Ancholme made the last return 
 of ten members, and on loth Feb., 1859, the warrant was 
 returned to Grand Lodge. 
 
238 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 THE ST. BOTOLPH'S LODGE, SLEAFORD. 
 
 The warrant forming the St. Botolph's Lodge was 
 granted by the Earl of Zetland, Grand Master, on March ist, 
 1851, to be held at Boston. Numbered 858. 
 
 The following names appear on the document : — 
 
 Robert Stainbank, W.M. 
 Edward Coupland S.W. 
 Alfred Reynolds, J.W. 
 W. H. Adams. 
 Chas. Rice. 
 Edward Ingram. 
 Wm. Stainton. 
 
 Soon after the formation of the Lodge it became apparent 
 that there was no prospect of carrying on the meetings 
 satisfactorily; and it was, at the suggestion of Mr. T. E. 
 Jacobson, ultimately decided to seek permission to remove 
 the warrant to Sleaford. 
 
 A meeting was held at the Lodge Room, Corpus Christi 
 Lane, Boston, 21st October, 1856; present, four members 
 of the Lodge and three visitors. 
 
 It was resolved "that an application be made to the 
 M.W. the Grand Master for permission to transfer the 
 Warrant of the Lodge of St. Botolph to the Bristol Arms 
 Inn at Sleaford." 
 
 The application being supported by the Prov. G. Master, 
 an endorsement to this effect was made on the warrant by 
 the Grand Secretary on Nov. 19th following. 
 
 The first meeting at Sleaford was held December 4th, 
 1856. Many visitors present, including the Masters of the 
 Witham, Harmony, and Elloe Lodges. 
 
 The three first initiates were : — 
 
 Thomas Edmund Jacobson, Surgeon. 
 Joseph Bellamy, Merchant. 
 John Clarke Count, Silversmith. 
 
The St. BotolpKs Lodge, Sleaford. 239 
 
 Bro. T. E. Jacobson was installed W.M. in January, 1861. 
 At the close of his year as Master he was elected Treasurer 
 of the Lodge, the duties of which important trust he has 
 continued faithfully to discharge up to the present day. 
 
 Bro. Joseph Bellamy was installed W.M. in Jan., 1865, 
 and again in 1875, having in the meantime filled the post 
 of Secretary. 
 
 Bro. J. C. Count was Secretary, and W.M. in 1863. 
 
 Among the early joining members at Sleaford were 
 Bros. W. S. Greenwood, of Boston, Joseph Shacklock, P.M., 
 and Ed. Foster, former members of the old Hope Lodge, 
 and Joseph Smedley, of the Apollo, Grimsby. 
 
 Bro. Greenwood took great interest in the Lodge, and 
 officiated as Installing Master until his death in 1865. 
 
 Some notice of Bro. Shacklock appears in the account 
 of the Hope Lodge. 
 
 Joseph Smedley was returned by the Apollo Lodge in 
 1826. At the time he was initiated and for many years 
 afterwards Bro. Smedley was one of a company of players 
 which periodically visited the local theatres. On his retire- 
 ment to Sleaford he kept a small stationer's shop. 
 
 At the Installation Meeting in i860 the following letter 
 
 was received : — 
 
 " My dear Brethren, 
 
 " Tho' absent in the body I am with you in the spirit, 
 but after numbering "jS years & the consequent natural 
 decline of social & I fear intellectual powers, I am forced 
 to shun excitement if I wish for prolonged existence, this 
 is my excuse ; for bad as the world is, I have no wish to 
 leave it as long as I can do any good in it— as an earnest 
 of which I now beg that our Lodge will accept the accom- 
 panying works of my old & valued Friend Dr. Oliver and 
 with a hope that my younger brethren will not fail to read, 
 mark, learn and inwardly digest them, whilst the author & 
 the donor are quietly sleeping in their tombs. Wishing 
 you every enjoyment within the Square 
 
 " Believe me dear Brethren 
 
 " Yours fraternally 
 
 " J. Smedley." 
 
240 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 On Bro. Smedley's death in March, 1863, "the Lodge 
 desire to record the high sense they entertain of their 
 departed brother — who displayed every moral and social 
 virtue in a truly masonic light, and to express their admira- 
 tion of his honesty, integrity and straightforward conduct 
 as a man in all the affairs of life." 
 
 1857. An address (very sincerely acknowledged) was 
 forwarded to the Prov. G.M., the Earl of Yarborough, con- 
 gratulating him on his recent escape when his yacht, 
 The Zoe, was wrecked off the Norfolk coast. 
 
 1859. A Past Master's Jewel presented to Bro. J. W. 
 Robinson, on the completion of his two years' presidency 
 of the Lodge. 
 
 1869, January. Edward Beverly Bogg, M.D., Islington, 
 was admitted a Joining Member, and immediately after- 
 wards elected W.M. 
 
 Brother Bogg, who was connected with Sleaford, took 
 great interest in the Lodge. He died in 1871. 
 
 1 87 1. The thanks of the Lodge voted to Bro. Jacobson 
 for four handsome brass stands, and to Bro. J. C. Lambert 
 " for having painted and presented the Lodge with a Floor 
 Cloth, the elegance and beautiful workmanship of which is 
 not equalled in this Province & perhaps not in any other." 
 
 Bro. Lambert, in conjunction with Bro. Barsby, was also 
 the promotor of a musical ritual in the Lodge. 
 
 A Masonic Library was started in 1884. 
 
 A Charity Fund was established in 1876, and taking 
 into consideration the number of members, very few records 
 show a better carrying out of this fundamental principle of 
 the craft than do those of the St. Botolph's Lodge No. 588. 
 
The Lindsey {New) Lodge, Louth. 241 
 
 THE LINDSEY (NEW) LODGE, LOUTH. 
 
 The revival of Freemasonry in Louth and the establish- 
 ment of the present Lindsey Lodge was due in a great 
 measure to the interest manifested in the proceedings of the 
 craft in 1853, when the foundation stone of a new Town 
 Hall was laid by the Earl of Yarborough, P.G.M., a special 
 'meeting of Prov. G. Lodge being summoned for the purpose. 
 
 On the petition of Bros, the Rev. Benjamin J. Wood, 
 Jesse F. Waite, Charles M. Nesbitt, Edward Watson, 
 Thomas Lyall, Samuel C. Blakelock, and William Marshall, 
 a warrant dated the 30th July, 1857, and numbered 1,014, 
 was granted to form the Lindsey Lodge, the three first- 
 named to be respectively Master and Wardens. 
 
 The meetings were held for some time in the Public 
 Buildings. There is no record of any dedication ceremony, 
 nor was the Lodge represented at P.G.L. for several years. 
 
 About i860 Brother W. H. Smyth, of Elkington, joined 
 the Lindsey, and was installed W.M. in 1863. 
 
 In 1864, after an interval of thirty years, the annual 
 meeting of Prov. G. Lodge was held at Louth. 
 
 At this meeting Bro. W. H. Smyth was installed Deputy 
 Provincial Grand Master, and C. E. Lucas, another Lindsey 
 brother, invested as P.G. Secretary. 
 
 With these two appointments not only the Lindsey 
 Lodge but the craft throughout the Province entered upon 
 a long period of prosperity. 
 
 Bro. Lucas' tenure of office was signalized by untiring 
 zeal and energy in the cause of the craft. 
 
 New by-laws for P.G.L. were drawn up, a scheme for 
 working the Benevolent Fund was, in conjunction with 
 Bro. Nesbitt also originated and carried out, and that 
 systematic disposal of the charities adopted which now 
 forms such an important part of the duties of the Prov. G. 
 Secretary. 
 
242 Freemasonry tn Lincolnshire. 
 
 Bro. Lucas was also well acquainted with the speculative 
 forms in the craft, a member of several of the modern 
 additional degrees, and the editor of a concise history of 
 Prov. G. Lodge. 
 
 In 1 87 1 Bro. F. D. Marsden succeeded to the office of 
 P.G. Sec, on the lamented decease of Bro. Lucas, and for 
 several years ably carried on the work of his predecessor. 
 
 On the elevation of Bro. W. H. Smyth to the dignity of 
 Provincial Grand Master, Bro. E. Locock was appointed his 
 Deputy, and retained the office till 1889, when he was 
 followed by Bros. Jas. Fowler. 
 
 To these brethren of P.G.L. should be added the names 
 of Bro. G. H. Porter, an officer of twenty-five years' standing, 
 and Bro. C. M. Nesbitt, the esteemed P.G. Treasurer. The 
 present year (1894) is the twenty-eighth anniversary of Bro. 
 Nesbitt's appointment to that important office, and he still 
 continues his assistance and interest with the systematic 
 and unflagging energy so characteristic of him. 
 
 All these brethren have filled the chair of the Lindsey. 
 
 The Lodge has, in addition to a well-appointed hall, 
 a small library, including besides the usual standard works, 
 several sermons, pamphlets, &c., connected with the old 
 Provincial days. Many of these were collected by the late 
 Bro. Lucas, who added from time to time the interesting 
 current events connected with the craft. 
 
 Bro. Walter Shepherd is the Local Secretary for 
 Lincolnshire in the C.C. of Lodge Quatuor Coronati 2076. 
 
The Pelham Pillar Lodge, Grimsby. 243 
 
 THE PELHAM PILLAR LODGE, GRIMSBY. 
 
 The Pelham Pillar, which gives its name to the mother 
 Lodge of Grimsby, is a noble column, standing on one of 
 the highest parts of the Lincolnshire Wolds, about ten 
 miles south-west of Grimsby. The Pillar, which is rectan- 
 gular in form, rises to the height of about 140 ft. The 
 exterior is built of stone and the interior of brick ; a stair- 
 case leads by easy stages up to the lantern, from which a 
 most magnificent view is obtained. It was erected by the 
 Earl of Yarborough, to commemorate the laying out of an 
 extensive tract of country as woods, an inscription over the 
 doorway stating that over twelve and a half millions of 
 trees had been planted on the estate between the years 
 1 787-1 823. The foundation of the Pillar was laid in 1840, 
 and the building was completed in about nine years. 
 
 Though a material landmark for many miles round, its 
 special connection with Grimsby and Masonry is not very 
 apparent ; probably the name may have been suggested by 
 the recent appointment of the then Lord Worsley as D.G.M. 
 of England. 
 
 In 1846 a petition, signed amongst others by three 
 members of the old Apollo Lodge, was forwarded to Grand 
 Lodge for a Warrant of Constitution for a Lodge to be held 
 at Grimsby by the title of the Pelham Pillar. This petition, 
 which nominated Wm. Cooper Robinson, Solicitor, of Hull, 
 as W.M., was granted in due course, and the usual Warrant 
 signed on Jan. 22nd, 1847, No. 783. Money for defraying 
 the cost of the Warrant and for the furniture and jewels of 
 the Lodge was subscribed by the brethren and passed to 
 the care of the W.M.-Designate, and arrangements were 
 made for constituting the Lodge and installing its first 
 Master. 
 
244 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 After considerable procrastination on the part of this 
 person, it was discovered that he had neither obtained the 
 Warrant nor paid for either the furniture or jewels, but had 
 appropriated the money to his own use. 
 
 An application was made to Grand Lodge for the 
 Warrant in 1855, but as both Wardens and the W.M. named 
 in the document were dead the authorities declined to 
 issue it. 
 
 The present Pelham Pillar Lodge is due to the initiative 
 in 1859 of Bro. Stephen Hardcastle, an old Witham member 
 and Provincial officer. The date of the Warrant is isth 
 June, 1859, and number 1,094. The Lodge was opened at 
 Chapman's Hotel on Sept. 29th, followed by a service at 
 the Parish Church and sermon by the Rev. E. R. Larken, 
 Prov. G. Chaplain. No mention of the event appears on 
 the Provincial record. 
 
 The return made to P.G.L. 31st Dec, 1859, recorded 
 thirty-one members and the following officers : — 
 
 Thomas Hewson, Clerk, Hull, W.M. 
 
 J. R. Sarle, Gent, S.W. 
 
 W. J. Whalley, Shipbuilder, J.W. 
 
 F. P. Cupiss, Surgeon, Trea. 
 
 J. Whitford, Postmaster, Sec. 
 
 D. H. Bunz, Shipbroker, S.D. 
 W. Marshall, Merchant, J.D. 
 
 E. H. Clark, Civil Eng., I.G. 
 
 In 1864 Dr. Oliver was elected an honorary member of 
 the Lodge. The venerable brother, in his reply to the 
 Secretary informing him of the event, wrote : — 
 
 "To be once more esteemed a Grimsby Mason is 
 
 amongst my greatest honours We (Masons) 
 
 simply seek to promote the best interests of mankind 
 through the medium of a pure and Christian morality, and 
 aim at that glorious result (which after all, may be un- 
 attainable) an universal brotherhood, and the promoters of 
 undisturbed peace and good will amongst men." 
 
 The Rev. Geo. Oliver took office in P.G.L. at the 
 Meeting held at Grimsby in 1813, and it is a curious fact that 
 
The Pelham Pillar Lodge, Grimsby. 245 
 
 the next time the brethren met there, after a lapse of 
 half-a-century, the minutes record their sense of the loss 
 they had recently experienced by his death. 
 
 The Pelham Pillar has now been for several years, 
 numerically, the strongest Lodge in the Province, its return 
 in December, 1891, showing a membership of 167. 
 
 Bro. W. Goodwin, in addition to a very liberal donation 
 to the Central Charities, has ably represented his Lodge at 
 the Charity Meetings for several years past. 
 
 The Grimsby brethren in general, and those of Pelham 
 Pillar in particular, owe much of their prosperity to the 
 zeal of Bro. Anderson Bates. Bro. Bates, in his capacity 
 as W.M. (1870), Secretary, Lecturer, and lastly as historian 
 of the craft in Grimsby, has done infinite service to the 
 cause ; and it is but doing simple justice to state that, had 
 it not been for his enthusiasm for the craft, much of its 
 early history would have been lost. 
 
246 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 THE FRANKLIN LODGE, BOSTON. 
 
 John Franklin, eventually one of the most renowned of 
 England's naval heroes, was the youngest son of a Banker 
 of Spilsby, and was born in that town April, 1786. At the 
 age of fourteen he was entered as Midshipman on board 
 the Polyphemus, and was present at the Bombardment of 
 Copenhagen on 2nd April, 1801 ; afterwards serving on 
 board the Investigator, on Australian Survey Service, and 
 on the Porpoise, in which vessel he was wrecked on a coral 
 reef near Cato Bank. Being desirous of returning to 
 England, Franklin took his passage in the Camden, one of 
 a convoy of East Indiamen, making the homeward journey. 
 The Admiral of the French Fleet, who had obtained infor- 
 mation of the traders' movements, waylaid them, in the 
 expectancy of securing an easy and valuable prize. Franklin 
 being in charge of the signals, well knowing that the whole 
 of the convoy could not muster as many guns as the smallest 
 of the French vessels, yet had the pluck and audacity to 
 make signal to form line of battle, and the Admiral with- 
 drew for the night. At daylight the convoy, instead of 
 attempting to escape during the darkness, was, much to the 
 Frenchman's surprise, still in line of battle. Franklin, em- 
 boldened by the success of the ruse, gave the signal to 
 make chase, and the French Admiral actually ran away 
 from a convoy of unarmed Indiamen. On his arrival in 
 England Franklin joined the Bellerophon, and was present 
 at the Battle of Trafalgar. He afterwards rendered im- 
 portant services in various capacities, and received the 
 honour of knighthood, together with many other expressions 
 of esteem from his countrymen. 
 
 On the projection of the expedition to discover a North- 
 West Passage, Sir John Franklin was appointed commander. 
 The expedition comprised two ships, the Erebus and Terror, 
 and a combined crew of 138 men. With these Sir John set 
 
The Franklin Lodge, Boston. 247 
 
 sail on 19th May, 1845, everything, so far as human foresight 
 could suggest, being carried out as regards fitting the vessels 
 for their perilous journey. At no period of England's history 
 had an expedition created more widespread interest, the 
 high character and eminent abilities of Sir John leading 
 the nation to entertain the most sanguine hopes of success, 
 and a confidence that the problem of a North-West passage 
 would at length be solved. No account of the party having 
 been heard of for several years, Lady Franklin at length 
 fitted out the screw yacht i^a;i;, under the command of Capt. 
 Mc.Clintock, to search for her husband and his comrades. 
 This expedition returned to England in September, 1859, 
 bearing the mournful tidings of the death of Sir John 
 Franklin and the total loss of the two vessels and their 
 crews. The intelligence created a most profound impression 
 throughout the country, expressions of sympathy from all 
 quarters being conveyed to Lady Franklin and the friends 
 of the other members of the expedition. A statue of 
 Sir John Franklin was soon afterwards erected in his native 
 town of Spilsby by public subscription. 
 
 It was about this period that the Boston brethren 
 determined to start a new lodge in the town. The name 
 of St. Botolph, the Patron Saint of Boston, being already 
 in the Province, the brethren (to quote the words of Brother 
 G. H. Gregory at a recent commemoration), instead of 
 ransacking the calendar for ancient saints of more or less 
 mythical history, took the wiser course of looking around 
 for some worthy of modern times. 
 
 The name of Sir John Franklin was then in everybody's 
 thoughts and on everybody's lips. 
 
 The county connection, the seaman's profession, together 
 with the heroic devotion to duty associated with the name, 
 rendered it a fitting designation for a Boston Lodge of 
 Freemasons. The new Lodge was accordingly named the 
 Franklin, and shortly after its formation Bro. W. H. Radley, 
 its sponsor, presented the Lodge with a banner pourtraying 
 
do. 
 
 Q.W.) 
 
 do. 
 
 (S.D.J 
 
 do. 
 
 (J.D.) 
 
 do. 
 
 (I.G.) 
 
 do. 
 
 (Treasurer), 
 
 do. 
 
 (Secretary). 
 
 do. 
 
 
 do. 
 
 
 248 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 an Arctic scene with the Erebus fast in the ice, and having 
 beneath, the motto " NuUi Secundus." 
 
 The Franklin, the third Lodge established at Boston, 
 was warranted i8th October, i860. No. 1,140. 
 
 The first meeting was held at the Peacock Hotel on 
 i8th Dec, i860, the following brethren being present: — 
 
 Joseph Best, Hundred of Elloe (W.M.) 
 
 Edward Jackson, Lodge of Harmony (S.W.) 
 
 George Hackford, 
 
 E. Lewin, 
 
 T. M. White, 
 
 W. H. Radley, 
 
 Danl. Jackson, P.M., 
 
 T. Small, P.M., 
 
 W. Greenwood, P.M., 
 
 G. Jackson, P.M., 
 
 E. Coupland, P.M., St. Botolph's. 
 
 A. Reynolds, P.M., do. 
 
 A. L, Keller, P.M., Shakspere. 
 
 J. Bellamy, St. Botolph's. 
 
 C. Fendelow, Lodge of Harmony. 
 
 J. Marjason, do. 
 
 No official attendance was made on the part of Prov. G. 
 Lodge. Bro. Greenwood, having read over the Warrant of 
 Constitution, the Past Masters present installed the W.M. 
 with the usual ceremonial, the various chairs being occupied 
 as shown within the brackets. 
 
 The Franklin brethren, taking into account the events 
 which had proved so disastrous to the former Lodge, agreed 
 to adopt the following course, viz., " That all offices should 
 be conferred according to seniority, combined with merit 
 and ability." 
 
 This, though an unwritten law, has been pretty well 
 carried out up to the present time, and without doubt much 
 of the prosperity of the Lodge is owing thereto. 
 
 The Franklin Lodge was also fortunate in its place of 
 meeting, Bro. Daniel Jackson, the owner and landlord of 
 
The Franklin Lodge, Boston. 249 
 
 the Peacock Hotel, was Treasurer until his death. He 
 spared no pains to promote the comfort and to further the 
 interests of the Lodge, and was much esteemed by the 
 brethren. 
 
 Some few years ago the Lodge subscribed and purchased 
 sufficient votes to qualify as a Vice-Patron of the Girls' 
 School. These were placed in the name of Miss Jackson, 
 who, with her cousin, had succeeded to the management of 
 the hotel in 1868. 
 
 On the death of Bro. D. Jackson the treasurership was 
 conferred upon Bro. W. H. Radley, Surgeon. 
 
 To none is the Province of Lincolnshire more indebted 
 than it is to Bro. Radley. 
 
 For twenty years he laboured incessantly in the cause 
 of the Masonic Charities. During this period the Provincial 
 Charity Organization was originated and brought into 
 working order, the Oliver and Sutcliffe Memorial Funds 
 were collected and regulated, and the Province was placed 
 in a satisfactory condition with regard to the Central 
 Charities. 
 
 The work of Bro. Radley was truly a labour of love, the 
 extent of which very few of the craft can form more than 
 a slight idea. 
 
 At the meeting of P.G. Lodge in 1885 an illuminated 
 address was presented to him on his relinquishing, after 
 sixteen years' service, the position of Prov. Charity Steward. 
 
 Bro. Radley, who was in failing health for several years, 
 died in London 8th December, 1890. 
 
 The liberal donations of furniture and money, made by 
 the founders of the Franklin, started the Lodge almost free 
 from debt. A steady addition of members has enabled 
 this satisfactory position to be maintained, the Lodge 
 apparently never having experienced any anxiety as 
 regards financial matters. 
 
 On one or two occasions during the early years the funds 
 were so flourishing as to admit of an allowance towards the 
 installation banquet. 
 
250 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 Soon after the appointment of Bro. Radley as Treasurer, 
 the Lodge zealously took up the cause of the Masonic 
 Charities. Starting in 1865 with the Prov. Benevolent Fund 
 by qualifying as V.P., the Lodge has up to the present time 
 annually contributed two guineas to the same charity. 
 
 In Bro. Henry Shepherd the Franklin Lodge has a 
 worthy successor of Bro. Radley — a true and faithful 
 craftsman. Bro. Shepherd joined the Franklin from a 
 Chester Lodge in 1864. During the last sixteen years he 
 has had the gratification of disposing on behalf of the 
 brethren a sum of nearly ;6^400 among the various charitable 
 institutions. 
 
 The brethren recently testified their appreciation of 
 Bro. Shepherd's services by presenting him with a very 
 handsome and unique Past Master's Jewel. 
 
 1 865, December. Bro. W. Greenwood, one of the founders, 
 died, after a brief illness. Bro. Greenwood, who held a 
 public appointment at Boston, was an excellent mason, 
 and much esteemed in the Lodge. A memorial was erected 
 over his grave by the Franklin brethren. 
 
 1890, January. Bro. J. T. Liddall, the senior member 
 of the Lodge, was presented with an illuminated address, 
 to commemorate his golden wedding. 
 
 In the month of October following Bro. John Fergusson, 
 P.M. and Sec. of the Lodge, died somewhat suddenly. 
 Bro. Fergusson, in addition to an active participation in the 
 affairs of the craft, was also a prominent member of the 
 Oddfellows' Society. 
 
 To perpetuate his memory in connection with the 
 Franklin Lodge the brethren endowed the Master's Chair 
 with votes of the Benevolent Institution. 
 
 Bro. Fergusson was an artificer in metals; several 
 specimens of his handiwork are in possession of the Lodge. 
 
 The following appeared in a special number of the 
 periodical Work, giving the awards at a recent exhibition : — 
 
The Franklin Lodge, Boston. 25 1 
 
 "We regret to record the sudden death of Mr. John 
 Fergusson, of Boston, in Lincolnshire, at the age of 40, 
 who applied for space on the 8th of October for an engraving 
 on ' Delta ' metal of St. Botolph's Church, Boston. 
 
 " He died on the 1 3th of October. Man proposes — 
 God disposes. We apply for a few feet of space, and lo ! 
 instead, we have six feet of earth and the illimitable space 
 of Eternity. The clockwork of the world goes on ; a pivot 
 drops out, another replaces it. Time loses naught — Eternity 
 gains. Farewell, comrade, for now is done thy long day's 
 work." 
 
 Bro. Fergusson's death was followed in 1892 by that of 
 his father, who was also a P.M. and active member of the 
 Franklin Lodge. 
 
 On 1 6th April, 1891, a Lodge of Emergency was held 
 to celebrate the 105th anniversary of the birth of Sir John 
 Franklin. After an interesting address had been given by 
 the W.M., Bro. G. H. Gregory, the Franklin coat-of-arms, 
 which now hangs above the Master's chair, was unveiled. 
 
 At the celebration of the Festival of St. John in 1892 a 
 Past Master's jewel was presented to Bro. Capt. W. H. Gane, 
 on the completion of a year of office that had witnessed 
 the Centenary of Prov. G. Lodge and the Jubilee of the 
 Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution, a year during which 
 the brethren of the Franklin Lodge had faithfully sustained 
 the landmarks of the craft and their own traditions by 
 endowing the office of W.M. as a Vice-Patron of that most 
 excellent charity. 
 
252 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 THE ALEXANDRA LODGE, SUTTON BRIDGE. 
 
 The national rejoicings which took place in 1863 on the 
 occasion of the marriage of the Prince of Wales with the 
 Princess Alexandra of Denmark are commemorated by the 
 establishment in that year of two Masonic Lodges bearing 
 the name of Her Royal Highness. One of these was 
 founded in Lincolnshire, at Long Sutton, on 2nd September 
 1863, on the petition of Bros. R. J. Metcalfe, W.M. ; J. A. 
 Richardson, S.W. ; E. F. Cole, J.W. ; J. Bell, J. Johnson, 
 and R. Flanders ; W. Johnson, I.G. Number of Lodge 985, 
 to hold its meetings at the Bull Hotel. 
 
 The Lodge was dedicated on Sept. 21st by Bro. W. Clegg, 
 of Boston, Prov. G. Warden. Brother S. S. Mossop being 
 appointed S.D. and Sec, and Bro. Patrick J.D. At the end 
 of the year the Lodge-roll contained the names of eighteen 
 brethren. 
 
 The Alexandra in its early years appears to have been 
 unfortunate in the choice of a Master. 
 
 As already stated, the first meeting took place in 
 September ; on 21st March following Bro. J. A. Richardson, 
 S.W., was elected W.M., and duly installed the following 
 month. In July a Lodge of Emergency was held, and two 
 initiations took place, the D.P.G.M. being also present. 
 
 At the Regular Lodge in September it is recorded that 
 instructions had been received from Grand Lodge that the 
 Master's installation was premature. Bro. Richardson was 
 accordingly re-installed. At the next election (September, 
 1865) Bro. E. F. Cole was chosen to occupy the chair. The 
 Master was unable, through serious illness, to attend the 
 October and November Lodges. At the February and 
 March meetings business was postponed owing to the 
 absence of the officers. After this date (March 19th, 1866) 
 no account of any Masonic transactions appear in the 
 Minute Book for over eighteen months. On Nov. i8th, 
 
The Alexandra Lodge, Sutton Bridge. 253 
 
 1867, Bro. Richardson in the chair, it was agreed that Bro. 
 Garthwaite be W.M. for the ensuing year. 
 
 " The members present in turn spoke with true masonic 
 feeling, and expressed sentiments that proved the Alexandra 
 Lodge meant to continue their meetings in good earnest." 
 
 In the following January Brother Garthwaite told the 
 brethren that his election was informal, but that he would 
 oocupy the chair as Past J.W. and hold Lodges of Instruction. 
 
 A lengthy correspondence ensued between the Lodge 
 and the D.P.G.M. on the state of affairs. In 1869 Brother 
 Cabourn Pocklington, of Boston, was elected a member and 
 Master of the Lodge. Under this brother's able guidance 
 and assistance, continued for several years, the Alexandra 
 Lodge resumed its regular meetings. 
 
 The death of Bro. E. F. Cole is recorded in Jan., 1871. 
 The brethren attended the funeral, and sent a letter of con- 
 dolence to the family, and record "how much we regret 
 having lost the services of so old and valued a member of 
 the Lodge." 
 
 October, 1871. Fraternal greetings from a native of 
 Long Sutton, a member of a Washington, U.S.A., Lodge. 
 
 In 1874 the Alexandra being again in difficulties owing 
 to irregular attendance, it was decided to hold the meetings 
 at Holbeach. 
 
 At the Lodge held March loth, 1884, being the twenty- 
 first anniversary of the marriage of the Prince and Princess 
 of Wales, a letter of congratulation was sent to the Grand 
 Master. In October, 1886, the brethren removed to their 
 present place of meeting, the Bridge Hotel, Sutton Bridge. 
 A Charity Association in connection with the Province 
 was formed during the Mastership of Bro. C. E. Ward, 
 and has proved eminently satisfactory. 
 
254 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 THE HEREWARD LODGE, BOURN. 
 
 It has been remarked that, unless it be desirable to 
 honour some brother eminent in the craft, the name of a 
 Masonic Lodge should denote its locality. 
 
 Looking over the list given in the Freemasons' Calendar, 
 in how few instances does this course appear to have been 
 carried out. 
 
 The brethren of Bourn are to be commended on their 
 determination to preserve the connection of their town with 
 the great Saxon patriot, Hereward the Watchful. 
 
 Hereward, Lord of Bourn, who was born about the year 
 1047, is one of the few famous men of that time of whom 
 trustworthy records remain. These, considering the age in 
 which he lived, show him to have possessed many noble 
 traits of character. 
 
 At the meeting of the Lincoln Architectural Society at 
 Bourn in 1861 a paper on Hereward, the Saxon Patriot, was 
 read by the Rev. Edward Trollope (afterwards Bishop of 
 Nottingham). This, together with genealogical tables of 
 Hereward's descendants, the Wakes of Courteen Hall, 
 Northampton, are printed in the Society's Reports of that 
 year. 
 
 Of Charles Kingsley's romance of Hereward the Wake 
 it is not necessary to speak. 
 
 The Warrant for constituting the Hereward Lodge, 
 No. 1,232, was granted August 29th, 1868. 
 
 The Lodge was dedicated at the Angel Hotel on 
 Monday, Nov. 9th, 1868, by Bro. W. H. Smyth, D.P.G.M., 
 assisted by many Provincial officers and visitors. 
 
 Bro. the Rev. E. C. Hadath was the first Master, 
 H. Lambden, S.W., S. W. Johnson, J.W., these, together 
 with Bros. Campbell, Powne, and Sills, being founders of 
 the Hereward. 
 
 Bro. Lambden, the second W.M., died during his year 
 of office. 
 
The Hereward Lodge, Bourn. 255 
 
 In 1873 the brethren subscribed for a memorial stone 
 for the late Brother J. Campbell, one of the founders of the 
 Lodge. 
 
 The Lodge banner, painted and embroidered byMrs.Bott, 
 wife of the esteemed Treasurer of the Lodge, was presented 
 in 1873. It represents the arms of Hereward quartering 
 those of Sir Baldwin Wake, and bearing the motto, 
 "Vigila et Ora." 
 
 Gifts of furniture from Bros. Chamberlain and Truman 
 are also recorded. 
 
 Brother the Rev. Doctor Ace joined the Hereward in 
 October, 1875, and at the ensuing election in November 
 was chosen W.M. 
 
 This proved to be a most unfortunate selection, and 
 resulted in a very unsatisfactory year of work. 
 
 April, 1877. The Hereward brethren raised the sum of 
 fifty guineas, which sum was placed to the credit of Miss 
 E. B. Bott in the Central Girls' School, she thereby becoming 
 a Vice-Patroness of that Institution. 
 
 The famous, notorious, and eventually unfortunate Dr. 
 Wm. Dodd, the first Grand Chaplain, was a native of Bourn. 
 
2S6 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 THE ANCHOLME (NEW) LODGE, BRIGG. 
 
 The present Ancholme Lodge was established by warrant 
 dated 7th September, 1869 ; number, 1,282 ; to meet at the 
 Town Hall, Brigg. 
 
 The following officers, together with six initiates, were 
 returned the following December : — 
 
 V. D. H. Carey-Elwes, J.P., Brigg, W.M. 
 Geo. Nelson, Farmer, Limber, S.W. 
 Decs. M. Robbs, Solicitor, Brigg, J.W. 
 H. H. Cave, Gent., Brigg, Trea. 
 H. L. Simons, Draper, Brigg, Sec. 
 Thos. Harris, Farmer, Ulceby, S.D. 
 Thos. Geary, Valuer, E. Halton, J.D. 
 J. B. Kirkham, Farmer, Brigg, I.G. 
 
 Apparently none of these brethren belonged to the old 
 Ancholme. 
 
The Bayons {New) Lodge, Market Rasen. 257 
 
 THE BAYONS (NEW) LODGE, MARKET RASEN. 
 
 The new Bayons Lodge, No. 1,286, was warranted on 
 the 7th of October, 1869, the founders being H. E. Tumour 
 (W.M.), G. J. Atkins (S.W.), E. E. Jevons (J.W.), G. Saffery 
 (a member of the old Bayons), T. Barsby, N. E. B. Turnour, 
 H. C. Chambers, and F. W. Makins. 
 
 The late Gerard Ford, a grandson of the Rev. Matthew 
 Barnett, for many years D.P.G.M. of the Province, was a 
 member of the Bayons, and took great interest in its welfare. 
 
 He was appointed Prov. G. Deacon of Lincolnshire in 
 187s by dispensation, being then resident out of the Province. 
 
 Bro. Ford was a most excellent Mason — a Past Grand 
 Deacon of England ; D.P.G.M. and Grand Superintendent 
 R.A. of the Province of Sussex. 
 
 The Rev. Matthew Barnett was for a long period Curate- 
 in-Charge of Market Rasen and Vicar of Willingham. His 
 grave is in Rasen churchyard, beneath the west wall of the 
 north aisle. A tablet in the Church records his death on 
 June i6th, 1833, in the 72nd year of his age. 
 
 The Bayons Lodge possesses a very unique Register, 
 compiled by Bro. the Rev. J. C. K. Saunders, a P.M. of the 
 Lodge. Besides being a chronicle of transactions connected 
 with the Province, it traces most of the members of the old 
 Bayons, and gives a full record of all the brethren of the 
 present Lodge who have died or resigned membership. Its 
 compilation must have entailed great labour and trouble. 
 
 Although it is impossible to carry out a Register like 
 this in many Lodges, yet no one will deny that a Lodge of 
 Masons ought to possess a more full account of the career 
 of its members, than the customary short notice of death or 
 resignation recorded in the minutes. In the case of old 
 Lodges, a Register like this of Bro. Saunders's is invaluable, 
 to the historian. 
 
2S8 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 THE ST. ALBANS LODGE, GRIMSBY. 
 
 This Lodge was warranted 19th Nov, 1869, No. 1,294, 
 and named after the Duke of St. Albans, at that time 
 Grand Master of the Province. 
 
 At the dedication ceremony, which took place at the 
 Royal Hotel, on February 3rd, 1870, interesting addresses 
 were given by the Prov. Grand Master, and the Rev. G. C. 
 Hadath, Prov. G. Chaplain. 
 
 During the Banquet was read a "Dedication Ode," 
 written by Brother A. Bates, which happily connected His 
 Grace the President with 
 
 " St. Alban, who in great love, and intellectual might, 
 " To this our Isle first shewed Masonic light." 
 
 A return of twenty members was made in December, 
 1870, including the Duke of St. Albans, Prov. G. Master, 
 and the following officers : — 
 
 J. Sutcliffe, Shipping Agent, Stallingboro', W.M. 
 
 F. Long, Timber Merchant, Grimsby, S.W. 
 
 H. Josse, Merchant, J.W. 
 
 F. P. Cupitt, Surgeon, P.M. 
 
 E. H. Clarke, Civil Engineer, S.D. 
 
 S. Walmsley, H.M. Customs, J.D. 
 
 C. B. Moody, Surgeon, Trea. 
 
 A. Bates, Solicitor, Sec. 
 
 R. T. Bord, Gent., Waltham, I.G. , 
 
 Gifts of furniture, &c., for Lodge use, together with a 
 very liberal endowment of votes in the various charities, 
 have placed the St. Albans brethren in a very honourable 
 position on the roll of the Province. 
 
 Brother Sutcliffe was Prov. S.G. Warden in 1871, and 
 Provincial Charity Steward in 1873. And on the formation 
 of the Mark Provincial G. Lodge in 1874 was nominated 
 and installed as P.G.M. His exertions on behalf of the 
 Masonic Charities are fittingly commemorated in the 
 Province by the " Sutcliffe Memorial Fund." established 
 in 1888, for the relief of aged Freemasons and their widows. 
 
The Olive Union {New) Lodge, Horncastle. 259 
 
 THE OLIVE UNION (NEW) LODGE, 
 HORNCASTLE. 
 
 The present Olive Union Lodge, No. 1,304, was founded 
 25th February, 1870. 
 
 The first return to P.G.L. showed a membership of 17, 
 including the following officers : — 
 
 Rev. J. C. Brown, W.M. 
 
 J. C. Osborne, S.W. 
 
 H. Hose, J.W. 
 
 F. W. Kenrick, P.M. 
 
 J. Ward, Trea. 
 
 J. S. Settle, Sec. 
 
 Rev. R. Winning; S.D. 
 
 R. Nicholson, J.D. 
 
 H. F. Sharpe, I.G. 
 
 H. W. Seager, D.C. 
 
 None of these were connected with the former Lodge. 
 
 Bro. J. C. Osborne was an old Witham member, and 
 P.G. Org. in 1846. 
 
 A considerable portion of the furniture and jewels of 
 the old Olive Union are in use in the present Lodge. 
 
26o Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 THE SAINT HUGH LODGE, LINCOLN. 
 
 On the 23rd of November, 1871, a number of Witham 
 brethren assembled by invitation at the house of Brother 
 Richard Hall, to consider the advisability of establishing a 
 second Lodge in the City. It being the unanimous opinion 
 of those present, that the welfare and prosperity of the craft 
 in Lincoln would be materially benefitted by the formation of 
 another Lodge, the necessary steps for obtaining and for- 
 warding a petition to Grand Lodge were resolved to be 
 taken. 
 
 At the ensuing meeting of the Witham Lodge, a petition 
 for a warrant to hold a Lodge in Lincoln, to be called the 
 Saint Hugh, was signed by the brethren present, about 
 thirty in number. 
 
 The warrant, which bears the name of John Glen Bayles, 
 Frederick Watson, Henry Watson, William Watkins, Thos. 
 Heffernan, Richard Hall, and John Norton, is dated the 
 i6th of December, 1871, No. 1,386. 
 
 On the 20th of March, 1872, the St. Hugh Lodge was 
 consecrated by the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, Brother 
 W. H. Smyth. 
 
 Bro. the Rev. J. G. Bayles was installed as first Master, 
 and Brothers Frederick and Henry Watson invested as 
 first Wardens. The proceedings, which took place at the 
 hall in Grantham Street, concluded with a banquet at the 
 Great Northern Hotel. 
 
 The Lodge is presumably named after the famous 
 St. Hugh of Lincoln, whose shrine in former days brought 
 much honour and wealth to the Cathedral. 
 
 Of the 150 names on the present roll of Grand Lodge 
 with the prefix of " Saint " the Lincoln Lodge is the only 
 one which bears that of Saint Hugh. 
 
The Saint Hugh Lodge, Lincoln. 261 
 
 The new Lodge entered at once on a season of prosperity, 
 over thirty Witham brethren becoming Joining Members 
 the first year. From its formation to the present the 
 interests of the Witham and the St. Hugh Lodges have 
 been identical. 
 
 In addition to occupying the same premises, the Lodges 
 are governed by a similar code of by-laws, and many 
 brethren are members of both Lodges. 
 
 Scarcely a meeting of either Lodge has been held, without 
 the hearty good wishes of the other being expressed, and 
 no festive gathering has taken place, without the toast of 
 the mother or daughter Lodge being duly honoured. 
 
 In short, the object of the promoters of the St. Hugh 
 Lodge has been fully maintained, " no strife between the 
 two except that noble strife or rather emulation of who best 
 can work and best can agree." 
 
262 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 THE SAINT MATTHEW'S (NEW) LODGE, 
 BARTON-ON-HUMBER. 
 
 The warrant of the present St. Matthew's Lodge is 
 dated 31st July, 1873, No. 1,447. 
 
 The following were the first members : — 
 
 Col. R. J. Taylor, Burnham Manor, W.M. 
 
 W. Swallow, Barton, S.W. 
 
 H. Ashton, Thornton, J.W. 
 
 W. H. Sissons, Barton, S.D. 
 
 J. B. Swallow, Horkstow. J.D. 
 
 T. M. Bennett, Barton, Steward. 
 
 W. Waddingham, Barton, Sec. 
 
 Rev. R. Bullock, Barrow, Chaplain. 
 
 G. R. Welsh, Barrow, Org. 
 
 F. Philpott, Barrow, I.G. 
 
 W. Hesseltine, Barton. 
 
 J. H. Shearwood, Barrow. 
 
 W. Gray, Barton. 
 
 J. E. Hall, Barton. 
 
 S. Kenningham, Barton, Tyler. 
 
 An interesting portion of the furniture used in the old 
 St. Matthew's was secured for the new Lodge by Bro. 
 W. H. Sissons. The early meetings being held in the 
 Volunteers' Hall. 
 
 On the 19th May, 1875, the foundation stone of the 
 Masonic Hall was laid by Bro. W. H. Smyth, D.P.G.M., 
 and dedicated the same year. 
 
 The important part taken by the S. Matthew's brethren 
 in the early days of Prov. G. Lodge has been stated. History 
 once more repeats itself: — 
 
 In 1793 Brother Matthew Barnett, one of the first 
 members of St. Matthew's Lodge, Barton-on-Humber, was 
 
The Saint Mattkeii/s {New) Lodge, Barton-on-Humber. 263 
 
 appointed to the office of Dep. Prov. G. Master; in 1893 
 this important position was filled by Brother Wm. Harling 
 Sissons, a first member of the new St. Matthew's Lodge, 
 Barton-on-Humber. 
 
 Another coincidence is that the brothers appointed to 
 the office of Deputy Prov. G. Master in 1792 and 1892 were 
 both members of the medical profession. 
 
 Brother Sissons is a Past Officer of the Grand Lodge of 
 England, a Justice of the Peace for the Parts of Lindsey, 
 and a Deputy Lieutenant of the County of Lincoln. 
 
 ISLE OF AXHOLME LODGE, CROWLE. 
 
 On 23rd January, 1874, a warrant (No. 1,482) was granted 
 to constitute a Lodge at Epworth, in the Isle of Axholme. 
 Members in the first return : — 
 
 A. Parkin, Doncaster, W.M. 
 
 Rev. D. Ace, D.D., Laughton, S.W. 
 
 J. K. Johnstone, Epworth, J.W. 
 
 G. J. Bell, Epworth, S.D. 
 
 J. Campbell, Owston, J.D. 
 
 Rev. W. M. Anderson, Epworth, I.G. 
 
 A. Taylor, Epworth, Sec, Trea. 
 
 W. E. Howlett, Kirton Lindsey, P.M. 
 
 And six initiates. 
 
 The establishment of a Masonic Lodge at the birthplace 
 of the Rev. John Wesley excited much interest. 
 
 The dedication took place on Monday, nth May, 1874. 
 Brother the Rev. Doctor Ace delivered an oration on " The 
 Psychology of Freemasonry." 
 
 A few years afterwards, the majority of the brethren, 
 finding Crowle more convenient for assembling, moved the 
 Lodge from Epworth to that place. 
 
264 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 THE HAMILTON LODGE, ALFORD. 
 
 The founders of the Hamilton Lodge were Brothers 
 C. Smyth (W.M.), R. Garfit (S.W.), F. Higgins (J.W.). 
 C. H. Bycroft, J. S. Cooks (LG.), T. C. Johnson (S.D.), 
 and A. Veitch (J.D.) 
 
 The Lodge was named after the Lord of the Manor. 
 
 The date of warrant is 25 th of February, 1876, and 
 number 1,600. 
 
 There were during the first year nine initiations and 
 three Joining Members, Bros. Nesbitt (P.G. Trea.) and 
 Marsden (P.G. Sec.) being amongst the latter. 
 
 THE LUMLEY LODGE, SKEGNESS. 
 
 The Lumley Lodge, No. 1893, named in honour of 
 Lord Scarbrough, was warranted 15th February, 1881. 
 
 The petitioners were H. J. Seels (W.M.), F. Cartwright 
 (S.W.), S. Taylor (J.W.), Chas. Hildred, David Shaw (all 
 members of the Shakspere Lodge), Geo. Dunkley (Sec), 
 and M. Enderby. 
 
 The Lodge was dedicated at the Scarbrough Estates 
 Offices by the Prov. G.M. on Thursday, April 21st, 1881. 
 
 About sixty brethren attended the Lodge and banquet. 
 
St. Lawrence Lodge, Scunthorpe. Smyth Lodge, Grimsby. 265 
 
 THE ST LAWRENCE LODGE, SCUNTHORPE. 
 
 The St. Lawrence Lodge, named after the Patron Saint 
 of the Parish Church, was warranted on 28th November, 1884, 
 the number on Grand Lodge Roll being 2,078. 
 
 The petitioning brethren were the Rev. Walter Horace 
 Insull, George Dove, William Moore, Roger Portington 
 Goodworth, William Langbridge, Thomas Harris, William 
 Campbell. 
 
 The Lodge was dedicated by the R.W. the Provincial 
 Grand Master, Major W. H. Smyth, on Tuesday, loth 
 February, 1885. 
 
 The Rev. W. H. Insull was the first W.M., Bro. George 
 Dove S.W., and Bro. William Moore J.W. 
 
 THE SMYTH LODGE, GRIMSBY. 
 
 The Smyth Lodge, named in honour of the Provincial 
 Grand Master, was warranted Sept. 26th, 1888, number 2,284 
 on the Roll of Grand Lodge. The first officers were : — 
 
 Jack Sutcliffe, W.M, 
 Jas. Cook, S.W. 
 H. Clark, J.W. 
 Alf. Wykes, Chaplain. 
 Mk. Cook, Trea. 
 Jn. Tonge, Sec. 
 R. J. Tonge, D.C. 
 R. H. Sharpe, S.D. 
 W. S. Morris, J.D. 
 D. Smith, Org. 
 Geo. Doughty, I.G. 
 Wm. Martin, Tyl. 
 
266 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 THE ERMINE LODGE, LINCOLN. 
 
 A petition for a warrant to form a new Lodge in Lincoln, 
 was recommended by the Master and Wardens of the 
 Witham Lodge at the regular meeting, Jan., 1890. 
 
 The Lodge meets in the County Assembly Rooms, 
 adjacent to the old Roman " Hermin '' or " Ermine " Street : 
 hence its name. 
 
 The warrant, numbered 2,351, and dated 21st January, 
 1890, was granted to Henry Edward Cousans (W.M.), the 
 Hon. Victor Ralph Anderson Pelham (S.W.), Col. Richard 
 George Ellison (J.W.), Richard John Ward, Richard Cotton 
 Carline, Thomas M. Wilkinson, and Edward Percy Dalton. 
 
 The Lodge was dedicated the following May by Col. 
 Shadwell H. Gierke, Grand Secretary, assisted by several 
 brethren of high standing in the craft. 
 
 Col. Richard Ellison was Worshipful Master in 1891, 
 the Hon. Victor A. Pelham in 1892, and the Earl of 
 Yarborough in 1893. At the Installation Meeting, 22nd 
 May, 1894, the Earl of Yarborough, Senior Grand Warden 
 of England, was again placed in the chair of the Lodge, 
 the other officers remaining much as before. 
 
 It is recorded with great regret that since writing the 
 above, and while these sheets were passing through the 
 press, four of the founders of the Lodge have passed^away, 
 viz.. Brothers Thomas M. Wilkinson, Richard CottonCarline, 
 Charles P. Kemp, and Edward Percy Dalton. 
 
The Rev. Samuel Oliver. 267 
 
 THE REV. SAMUEL OLIVER. 
 
 Among the brethren who attended the memorable P.G. 
 Lodge at Spalding in 1842, none created more interest than 
 the venerable father of the P.D.P.G.M. 
 
 Though never officially connected with Prov. G. Lodge, 
 Samuel Oliver was long resident in the county, and also a 
 member of the Grimsby Lodge for several years. His 
 masonic and clerical life was in many respects most 
 remarkable, and will doubtless be read with interest. 
 
 There can be little doubt that the eminent career of 
 George Oliver was due in a great measure to the excellent 
 example shown by his father, who through good report and 
 evil report, and under the most disheartening circumstances, 
 conscientiously fulfilled the duties of his high calling. 
 
 Samuel Oliver was born in the neighbourhood of 
 Nottingham about the year 1756. Of his early history, 
 which is somewhat of a romantic nature, little authentic is 
 known. 
 
 He is said to have received his mathematical education 
 under the celebrated Thos. Simpson, and to have been a 
 most enthusiastic scholar, astronomy and astrological 
 calculations being his favourite occupation during a portion 
 of his early life. 
 
 He married Elizabeth, daughter of Mr. George White- 
 head, of Bestwood, near Nottingham. The parish register 
 of Papplewick records the baptism on 9th Nov., 1782, of 
 George, son of Samuel and Elizabeth Oliver. 
 
 In 1788 the Rev. Samuel Oliver was, through the 
 influence of Lord Denbigh, appointed Head Master of the 
 Free School at Lutterworth, about thirteen miles from 
 Leicester, and eventually undertook the clerical duties of 
 several absentee incumbents. 
 
268 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 It is on record that Oliver had over fifty boys under his 
 care at Lutterworth, and that he was invariably at his desk 
 at seven o'clock a.m. 
 
 It appears to have been his usual custom on Saturday 
 night to ride over to one of his curacies, preach three times 
 on the Sunday, reaching home about midnight, after 
 travelling about forty miles. 
 
 On July 1 2th, 1797, Samuel Oliver was initiated in the 
 St. John's Lodge, Leicester, and became a most zealous 
 Mason, regularly attending the meetings, as a rule walking 
 the long distance, starting after school hours, and returning 
 when Lodge was over. 
 
 Bro. Oliver was doubtless held in high estimation by his 
 brethren and fellows. One who well remembers him later 
 in life says, that the old man when in company with his 
 friends, was a host in himself, full of anecdote and reminis- 
 cences of a long career, thoroughly appreciating his glass 
 and long pipe and the good things of this life, extremely 
 fond of a joke, yet withal a God-fearing man. 
 
 On the S. John's Day after his initiation Brother Oliver 
 undertook to write a song for each Lodge-night during the 
 Master's year. The MSS. of these songs, twelve in number, 
 afterwards presented to St. John's Lodge by the author's son, 
 are now among the most cherished possessions of the Lodge. 
 
 Oliver shortly afterwards returned to his native district 
 in the neighbourhood of Nottingham, where he joined the 
 Union Lodge in that town i6th April, 1799, being returned 
 to Grand Lodge as " S. Oliver, Clerk, Age 43 Gotham Notts." 
 
 In November, 1801, the Rev. Philip Fisher was inducted 
 into the Vicarage of Whaplode, near Holbeach. This 
 gentleman, being also Rector of Elton, Huntingdon, 
 Prebendary of Salisbury, and Master of the Charterhouse, 
 confided the spiritual oversight of his Lincolnshire flock 
 to the care of the Rev. Samuel Oliver, to whom was allowed, 
 to keep up the dignity of the Vicarage and bring up a 
 family of nine children, a modest stipend of less than ;^ioo 
 per annum. 
 
The Rev. Samuel Oliver. 269 
 
 This amount Mr. Oliver endeavoured to increase by the 
 exercise of his old profession, the following very character- 
 istic notice appearing in the Stamford Mercury o{ 1809: — 
 
 "Vicarage House, Whaplode. 
 
 "The Rev. S. Oliver proposes receiving a few young 
 Gentlemen as pupils, who will be genteelly boarded, tenderly 
 treated, liberally educated and moderately charged. . . . 
 
 " Mr. Oliver cannot in conscience think of promising 
 everything to every Parent, as though genius and ability 
 were to be bought and sold ; all that he presumes to say is, 
 that no exertion shall be wanting to form the mind, and 
 regulate the manners of his pupils, bringing them up in the 
 fear of God ; and ultimately ushering into Society a number 
 of youths who may prove a credit to their teacher, an 
 honour to religion, a comfort to their friends, and a blessing 
 to themselves." 
 
 It was Mr. Oliver's custom, after the year 181 1, to make 
 notes in the Parish Register. His summing up of the 
 character of some of his parishioners in these entries is 
 couched in very plain English, and one is simply amazed at 
 the state of the parish so graphically pictured. 
 
 Mr. W. E. Foster, in his Historical Notes of S. Mar^s 
 Church, Whaplode, writes : — 
 
 " Mr. Oliver was a man greatly respected by the better 
 class of his parishioners, and those residing at Holbeach 
 used to greatly aid him in his work, realizing the cruelty of 
 the non-resident vicar in taking the whole income from the 
 living and giving his curate little more than labourer's hire 
 to carry on the whole work of the Church unaided. There 
 was scarcely a resident vicar in the whole of the villages 
 from Spalding to Sutton. The large incomes from the 
 vicarages were sent to the incumbents holding other livings 
 far away, who never visited their fen parishes, and cared 
 nothing for their Master's work, but left the whole charge 
 to a curate, who often administered to the spiritual wants 
 of more than one parish, the whole object ot the pluralists 
 being to get a curate to do as much as they could at the 
 cheapest possible rate. The Rev. S. Oliver made many 
 notes in the registers which show how keenly he felt his 
 
270 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 position, and the total absence of religious feeling in Whap- 
 lode and the cruel persecution he endured at the hands of 
 those to whom he ' wanted to do good.' " 
 
 On Feb. 12, 18 13, Mr. Oliver makes note of his grief 
 that none of the churchwardens or overseers had stayed 
 sacrament since he had been there. Also the trouble he 
 had with the parishioners because he would have a collection 
 before the Communion Service. 
 
 Note is made on Sundaly, Nov. 8, 18 16, that the church- 
 warden stayed sacrament for the first time. 
 
 Mr. Oliver records on Sept. 28, 18 14, the sad fate of 
 those who confederated against me in the month of June, 
 181 1, when the infernal explosion took place "which the 
 scavengers of pandemonium had been engaged to prepare 
 for my life." 
 
 On Jan. i, 1813, he complains in a note that Mr. James 
 Measure, who took upon himself the place of village esquire, 
 withdrew from church, and that Mr. Measure consulted 
 several attorneys to defraud Mr. Oliver of his surplice fees, 
 but after paying the lawyer's fees Mr. Measure abandoned 
 his cause. 
 
 On Sunday, Nov. 8, 1818, whilst Mr. Oliver was per- 
 forming Divine Service, Joseph Blackith, farmer of the great 
 tithes, and Wm. Heely, overseer, insulted him ; but on 
 Wednesday, the nth, Blackith came and apologized and 
 gave ;^ 5, which Mr. Oliver sent to the Society for Promoting 
 Christian Knowledge. Heely came a few days after and 
 paid £t, which Mr. Oliver records he gave to the poor. 
 
 On Sunday, Dec. 20, 1818, James Blackith and Stavely 
 Blackith, Mr. Oliver records, insulted him whilst leaving 
 church. He reported it to the Archdeacon, who sent down 
 a severe monition to the churchwardens. 
 
 On Thursday, Oct. 7, 18 19, Joseph Blackith came to 
 Mr. Oliver's house and made peace ; but Mr. Oliver accuses 
 him, in the absence of his maid, on going through the 
 kitchen, of setting fire to his linen, which was drying. 
 
The Rev. Samuel Oliver. 271 
 
 On Thursday, July 20, 1820, Joseph Blackith was present 
 at the funeral of Delia Rose. He disturbed the service in 
 church, and when at the grave he frightened Mr. Oliver by 
 shaking the "portable shed," and having a horsewhip, 
 which he had " dextrously " used on some others, and by 
 his threatening manner Mr. Oliver " was in fear he would 
 use it on him." 
 
 Returning to Bro. Oliver's masonic life, we find his zeal 
 for the craft unabated. Distance which to ordinary people 
 would be insurmountable, seemed to be of no account, a 
 walk of over twenty miles being regularly undertaken in 
 order to attend the newly-formed Lodge in Peterborough. 
 On the occasion of the consecration of the St, Peter's Lodge 
 in that city in the year 1802, a sermon was preached in the 
 Parish Church by the Rev. S. Oliver, R.A.M., Chaplain to 
 the said Lodge, member of the Union Lodge, Nottingham, 
 and hon. member of the Scientific Lodge, Cambridge. 
 
 About this time George Oliver, who was destined to be 
 such a shining light in the craft, then a young man about 
 eighteen, w;as initiated in the Lodge, father and son, on 
 account of the latter being under age, taking the obligation 
 together. In 1821 the Rev. Samuel Oliver's name was 
 returned as a member of the Apollo Lodge, Grimsby, and 
 probably remained until the dissolution of the Lodge, about 
 ten years afterwards. 
 
 We will now pass on to the momentous event in the 
 now aged Curate's career, viz., the death of the Vicar of 
 Whaplode and his removal from the curacy. It can scarcely 
 be believed that such a scandalous piece of business could 
 have taken place ; yet it is a fact, that so far as the patrons 
 of the living or the new Vicar cared, Mr. Oliver would have 
 been turned adrift into the world, of course, at his time of 
 life, without the slightest chance of getting any employment. 
 
 Fortunately for him this calamity was averted, though 
 perhaps not quite in the way he would have wished. 
 
 The piece of good fortune is given as told by one who 
 had it almost verbatim from the old man's lips : — 
 
272 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 " One day, whilst going my parochial rounds, I met a 
 lawyer who periodically came down from London as Estate 
 Agent. ' I say, Oliver, would you like a living ? ' ' Should 
 I like a living,' repeated the Curate, ' Why I've not lived 
 for over 60 years ; I have only existed.' ' Well, I can offer 
 you the living of Lambley, near Nottingham, if you like 
 to take it.'" 
 
 From the conversation which followed Mr. Oliver easily 
 understood the position of affairs. Similar cases had 
 doubtless frequently come under his observation during his 
 long connection with the Church, and even at the present 
 day are occasionally heard of 
 
 The Rector of Lambley dying rather suddenly, it was 
 legally necessary to put in what has been denominated an 
 " Ecclesiastical Warming Pan," to keep the living aired 
 until arrangements could be made for its disposal. The 
 lawyer, in duty to his clients, naturally looked for the oldest 
 man he could find ; hence the Rev. Samuel Oliver, 42 years 
 Curate of Whaplode, age about 85, was advanced to the 
 dignity of Rector, and was duly inducted into the living of 
 Lambley, 2nd Dec, 1842. 
 
 Shortly after the old Rector was settled in his new 
 home the usual advertisement appeared, setting forth the 
 value of the living, its advantages and beauties, not forgetting 
 that " the present Incumbent is approaching ninety." 
 
 The old man used gleefully, to recount how one day a 
 young clerical individual was noticed peering round the 
 church and grounds, and trying to summon up his courage 
 to interview the supposed tottering old man who stood 
 between the purchaser and his purchase. The Rector, well 
 knowing the errand, came round the house corner with coat 
 off, shirt sleeves doubled up and spade over shoulder, 
 looking the picture of health, and in answer to his visitor's 
 enquiry as to his health exclaimed, " I never felt better in 
 my life. I am just going to have some bread and cheese 
 and porter, and shall be delighted if you will join me." 
 
The Rev. Samuel Oliver. 273 
 
 It is on record that when ninety years of age, Mr. Oliver 
 drove into Nottingham to attend the Visitation at St. Mary's, 
 afterwards dining heartily, in company with Archdeacon 
 Wilkins, Clergy, and Churchwardens, amongst the latter 
 being his grandson, B. Oliver, then a bookseller on Long Row. 
 
 The following is inscribed on a stone beneath the altar 
 of Lambley Church : — 
 
 In memory of 
 
 The Rev<l Samuel Oliver 
 
 Rector of this Parish 
 
 Died Aug. IXth MDCCCXLVII. 
 
 Aged XCII. years. 
 
 Also of Betsey, wife of the 
 
 Revd Saml Oliver 
 
 Died Nov. 4* 1844 
 
 Aged nearly 84 years. 
 
 Non sumus digit 
 
 qui vel micas coUigemus 
 
 sub mensa tua. 
 
 It only remains to be said that, notwithstanding the 
 rotten state of affairs at that period and the scandalous 
 treatment he had himself experienced, Mr. Oliver was a 
 staunch upholder of his Church, and allowed no occasion 
 to pass which gave him an opportunity of defending her 
 position. " He considered it his duty to defend the 
 principles of the Church of England to the utmost of his 
 power ; and he conceived that the best means of doing so 
 was by exposing the errors of those who had dissented 
 from her communion." He has been heard to say that he 
 felt himself divinely commissioned to " cry aloud and spare 
 not, and that if he omitted to do so he should grievously 
 wound his own soul, and be guilty of an unpardonable 
 offence against God." 
 
 Mr. Oliver's attendance at the Spalding Prov. Lodge in 
 company with his son and grandson showed three genera- 
 tions of Masons at Lodge together, an event probably 
 without a parallel. 
 
274 Freemasonty in Lincolnshire. 
 
 THE REV. MATTHEW BARNETT. 
 
 The following biographical account has been furnished 
 by Mrs. Ford, widow of the grandson of the Rev. Matthew 
 Barnett 
 
 Matthew Barnett was born in the year 1761 at Asby, a 
 village of Westmoreland near Appleby, itself a little sleepy 
 town with empty, grass-grown streets. He was one of a 
 large family. In those days wealth was not so distributed 
 as it is now ; there was a much stronger demarcation between 
 the rich and the poor. The immense fortunes of self-made 
 commercial men were practically unknown, and wealth con- 
 sisted much more than it does now in the possession of vast 
 landed estates. These were generally owned by the good, 
 old, historical families of the kingdom. Life was much less 
 complicated, and wants were fewer. A man with two or 
 three hundred a year was able to bring up a large family 
 respectably and to place them out in the world. Population 
 was lower, and competition less. Life moved quietly, and 
 the breathless race for wealth had not begun. There is 
 nothing known of the childhood of Matthew Barnett, but 
 his parents were not rich, and a good deal of economy must 
 have been practised to fit him for the position he afterwards 
 held. There is a tradition of his having acted as teacher in 
 a school at Asby, but it is difficult after such a lapse of 
 time to verify the fact. Early in life he seems to have left 
 his native county, and for a time he taught in Mr. Facer's 
 school in Staindrop, a quiet little market town under the 
 shadow of Raby Castle, in the county of Durham. It was 
 there he met Mary Ford, his future wife. 
 
 In the year 1786 he came to Barton -on-Humber. He 
 was then only twenty-five, but already the ruling passion 
 of his life had shown itself — his love of Masonry. He was 
 a member of the Raby Lodge, No. 372, of Staindrop, and 
 
The Rev. Matthew Bamett. 275 
 
 when he left there, to go to his new home at Barton, 
 he missed the companionship of his brethren of the 
 craft so much, and was such an enthusiastic lover of 
 Masonry — such a firm believer in its beneficial effect in life, 
 that he lost no time in applying to Grand Lodge for a 
 warrant to found a Lodge at Barton. This warrant is 
 dated 20th March, 1787. It was called the St. Matthew's 
 Lodge, and was No. 497. The name still survives in the 
 present Lodge at Barton. It was opened 21st September, 
 St. Matthew's Day, the yearly "feast," as they called it 
 then, being held on that day, a custom which is, I believe, 
 still kept up. 
 
 In 1788 Mr. Barnett revisited Staindrop, and was married 
 to Mary Ford, his true and faithful wife for forty-five years*, 
 and his survivor. Only one of his family, Emma, the 
 youngest, seems to have left children. She married her 
 cousin, John Ford, and in Gerard, her second surviving son, 
 the love of Masonry, so strong in Matthew Barnett, sprung 
 up again into vigorous life. He was a most enthusiastic, 
 devoted Mason, when he was taken from us ; he was P.G.D. 
 of Lincolnshire, a member of the St. Matthew's Lodge and 
 Chapter of Barton, the oldest subscribing member of the 
 Bayons Lodge at Market Rasen, D.P.G.M. of Sussex, and 
 P.G.D. of England. He was the founder of the Earl of 
 Sussex Lodge at Brighton, and its first Master. He took 
 the greatest trouble to collect memorials of his revered 
 grandfather, and had time been given him, intended himself 
 to have written his life, which he would have done most 
 ably. Every now and then comes a hiatus in the records 
 which he could have filled up ; little difficulties which he 
 could have elucidated must now remain unsolved. 
 
 After Mr. Barnett settled at Barton he still continued 
 his educational labours. His school-room, oddly enough, 
 was the old church at Barton. Very cold and very draughty 
 it must have been, in spite of a most disfiguring, but no 
 doubt, comforting fireplace put up by him, which remains 
 to this -day — a very ugly memorial of a good and worthy 
 
2/6 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 man. Doubtless the seeds of the disease — rheumatism — 
 from which he suffered greatly in later life, were laid here. 
 It is interesting to think that the influence of his upright, 
 energetic nature must still be lingering in the small town 
 on the Humber, for he moulded the characters of the grand- 
 fathers or great-grandfathers of the present generation. In 
 these days the duties of a pedagogue were very much more 
 difficult than they are to-day. School books were of the 
 fewest, and were so curiously stilted and disagreeable in 
 style, that one ceases to wonder at the school-boy going 
 " unwillingly " to school. The young schoolmaster, anxious 
 to make the road to the learning he loved plainer for his 
 pupils, published one or two books to help them. One was 
 an English Grarpmar, published, I think, in Hull, in 1806. 
 He took great pains with the education of his own children, 
 and would write out for them in simpler language, any 
 passage they found difficult in the books he wished them 
 to study. Could he leave his quiet resting-place now for 
 an hour or two, and enter one of our modern Board Schools, 
 how the multitude of well-written, fascinating school-books 
 would amaze and delight him ! 
 
 In 1799 he published a little book for the benefit of the 
 elder portion of his flock. Serious Hints and Friendly Advice 
 from a Minister to his Parishioners. Two or three of his 
 sermons were also published, one preached in 1804 at 
 Barton, before the Volunteers, during the time when all 
 agricultural districts shared with the ports the terror of the 
 threatened Napoleonic invasion. Another, published in 1 8 1 1, 
 in compliance with an appeal made to him in his clerical 
 capacity to obtain money from his congregation for the relief 
 of upwards often thousand British prisoners in France. An 
 interesting entry appears at a later period — that is, the 
 debiting to his Lodge three-sixteenths of a lottery ticket 
 It would be curious were particulars of that kind brought 
 into a treasurer's acconnt now. Among Mr. Barnett's 
 papers is also the copy of a " Loyal Address " to the Regent 
 on his marriage, signed by Lord Moira, A.G.M., and dated 
 
The Rev. Matthew Burnett. 277 
 
 13th Feb., 1795. When we think of the scenes at the 
 coronation of George IV., and later of the trial of the Queen 
 at Westminster, these congratulations to the royal pair on 
 their " felicity " are not without irony. 
 
 In 1799 Matthew Barnett became Vicar of Cranwell, 
 but, as was very usual in those days, he held the post as an 
 absentee, continuing to reside at Barton-on-Humber till the 
 year 18 12. In that year he was appointed Curate of 
 Market Rasen, and went to reside there; and there he 
 remained till his death, and there he was buried. He was 
 Rector of Ludford Parva, and also Curate of Ludford 
 Magna, during the lifetime of Mr. Holmes, the Incumbent ; 
 on the death or removal of Mr. Holmes he acted as seques- 
 trator of the living. After 1828 his name does not occur 
 in the registers of either of the Ludfords. He was also 
 Perpetual Curate of Usselby. He appears also as Curate 
 in the registers of the parish of North Willingham in 18 14, 
 and onwards till 1821. When he became Vicar he held 
 that office, in conjunction with his many other cures, till 
 his death. 
 
 No record is discoverable after his leaving Barton to 
 show that he continued to carry on his work of teaching, 
 so one may suppose that with his increased clerical duties, 
 and his work as D.P.G.M., he found ample employment for 
 his time and energy. 
 
 Mr. Harnett's connection with Masonry in Lincolnshire 
 extends over a period of forty-six years, from 1787 to 1833. 
 No Lodges were working in the county when he came into it. 
 
 A sermon, published in 1820, has a dedicatory letter to 
 Matthew Barnett, in which Dr. Oliver calls him " Father of 
 Masonry" in Lincolnshire. 
 
 It must have taken a very firm root and spread rapidly, 
 for in 1792 the Rev. William Peters was appointed Prov. 
 Grand Master, which office he held till 18 14. He was a 
 Prebendary of Lincoln. He, too, was a pluralist, and no 
 doubt had plenty of this world's goods, independently of 
 his duties as priest. 
 
278 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 Writing to his Deputy in 1792, he says, " I live mostly 
 in London." A journey to London from Lincolnshire was 
 no trifle in those days. His town house was No. 10, Great 
 Newport Street, Leicester Fields, a street that no longer 
 exists, and a neighbourhood which would not now be con- 
 sidered very desirable. 
 
 In the year 1800 circumstances occurred which removed 
 him still further from his Masonic duties. It will perhaps 
 be best to give the account of it in his own words as 
 addressed to Mr. Barnett : — 
 
 " Since I had the pleasure of writing last to you, a cir- 
 cumstance has occurred which will remove my residence 
 from this part of the country," — he writes from Knipton — 
 " but my affection to the brethren and attentive care to all 
 their concerns will not be diminished by the distance I 
 shall be at. You know I am a Prebendary of the Church 
 of Lincoln. My Prebend lies on the Borders of Gloucester- 
 shire, within three miles of the Post-Town of Lechlade in 
 the Village of Langford and is commonly called Langford 
 Abbey. The three lives which were in the lease of the 
 Estate on my being collated into it, are dead, and as we 
 could not agree about a renewal as the lives fell in, the 
 whole of it is now mine, and it being a peculiar, which gives 
 me all Ecclesiastical Power and a Vicarage of which I am 
 the Patron, it enables me to live there and hold all my 
 Preferments." 
 
 The end of it was that Lincolnshire saw less and less of 
 her P.G.M. 
 
 Writing in 1813, Mr. Peters dwells with much emphasis 
 on the perniciousness of the higher degrees, warning his 
 Deputy to be aware of admitting them into the craft in 
 Lincolnshire. He proceeds: — "As I have known some 
 very respectable and good characters in the Royal Arch 
 Degree, I do not suppose that anything very wrong is 
 connected with it. It is very dangerous to proceed further, 
 and I have reason to believe that beyond the Royal Arch 
 it is impious, and when carried to the length of some weak 
 and deluded men, approaches to Infernal ! " 
 
The Rev. Matthew Burnett. 279 
 
 It is curious to read this to-day, when the Grand Master 
 himself is a member of the Thirty-third Degree! One 
 would like to know the " reasons " for the belief held by the 
 Rev. W. Peters. 
 
 The whole machinery of Masonry'moved more slowly 
 then, and the organization was very different. Meetings 
 were called together by advertisements in the newspapers. 
 Amongst Mr. Barnett's papers is a note dunning him for 
 the cost of such an advertisement. Lodges frequently met 
 on Sunday evenings. 
 
 The magnificent Masonic charities were then in their 
 infancy. The oldest of them was called, " The Masonic 
 Society, established for the protection of the indigent 
 Brethren, their Widows, and Families." 
 
 One provision to meet the cruel laws of the time was 
 that "any member in reduced circumstances, imprisoned 
 for debt, to be allowed Four Shillings weekly, provided such 
 imprisonment be not occasioned by any act reflecting on 
 his character." 
 
 It may be interesting to compare with the Masonic 
 charities of to-day those of the year 1 804. In December of 
 that year those who were relieved weekly were : — 
 129 widows, 
 195 children, 
 23 orphans, 
 1 3 aged brethren, 
 58 brethren in sickness, 
 2 brethren in prison. 
 
 Naturally, a fraternity so kind and generous in its 
 sentiments as Masonry was occasionally imposed upon. In 
 1806 a printed letter was sent to the Lincolnshire Grand 
 Lodge from the Loyal Lodge, No. 365, Devon, warning all 
 Lodges against "a person of very pleasing address, in- 
 sinuating manners and calling himself Samuel Harris," who, 
 the letter proceeds, " hath imposed on many brethren and 
 swindled them of divers sums of money." This person is 
 " about twenty-four years of age, five feet in height, of thin 
 
2 8o Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 make, delicate Complexion, dark, brown Hair, tied in a 
 small Queue, generally wears powder, walks rather lame, 
 appears in a state of great Weakness from Ill-Health arising 
 from a wound in his Back, he constantly wears a green 
 mixture Frock Coat, with white Buttons, Boots, silk Hat." 
 Whether this "person" had any stockings or shirt, or 
 whether he ever turned up in Lincolnshire, history telleth not. 
 
 But in 1 8 17 the Welland Lodge, Spalding, was imposed 
 upon by a gentleman of the same kidney. The Secretary 
 writes to Mr. Barnett for advice in the matter. This man, 
 John Middleton, Trinity Lodge 222, New York, " attended 
 the Welland Lodge was relieved in consequence of being 
 a Mason, contracted Debts with several of the Brethren 
 without any probable or possible means of repayment. He 
 borrowed 'Preston's Illustrations' from Brother Rhoadly 
 which he immediately pawned at his Lodgings for 7/- and 
 has frequently stated to divers persons that he could travel 
 from Lodge to Lodge and obtain relief without work." 
 Unfortunately, there is nothing to show what action Mr. 
 Barnett took in the matter. 
 
 The Right Hon. Charles Tennyson, uncle of the late 
 revered Laureate, and an M.P., the first of the family to 
 assume the name of D'Eyncourt, held the honourable post 
 of P.G.M. for Lincolnshire from 1827 to the time of 
 Matthew Barnett's death and onward. Much correspon- 
 dence naturally passed between Mr. Tennyson and his 
 Deputy, and in every letter there are very solicitous 
 enquiries as to Mr. Barnett's health. He must ■ have 
 suffered very severely from rheumatism, for in 18 17, he 
 completely lost the use of his hands for a time, owing to 
 that terrible disease. He seems at a later period to have 
 been tortured by the disease in his feet, and was conse- 
 quently unable to walk any distance for some time before 
 his death, being wheeled about in a Bath chair. 
 
 He died at Market Rasen on the i6th of June, 1833, in 
 consequence (remotely) of a fall he had on some slippery 
 steps at Usselby House, the residence of Mr. D'Eyncourt, 
 
The Rev. Matthew Barnett. 281 
 
 where he had been no doubt to confer with his chief on 
 Masonic matters. He was buried at Market Rasen, and 
 sincerely regretted and mourned by a very large neighbour- 
 hood. His upright, honourable character, and earnest, 
 hearty manner, had inspired universal respect. 
 
 Amongst the papers of his grandson and disciple, 
 Gerard Ford, is the following note : — 
 
 " He died when I was three years old, yet strange to 
 say I remember him by unmistakable circumstances, having 
 been taken down from London to Market Rasen, and 
 accustomed to ride at his feet in his Bath chair." 
 
 This visit must have taken place in 1833, as Gerard Ford 
 was born in the year 1830. Tender as was the little fellow's 
 age, there awakened in him there and then a loving reverence 
 for his good old grandfather, and a desire to tread in his 
 footsteps in Masonry, that grew and strengthened to his 
 life's end. There can be little doubt too that the fine old 
 man, at the end of his pilgrimage of three-score years and 
 twelve, obliged at last to give up his active habits and 
 laborious manner of living, appreciated the companionship 
 of the little, happy child, and was soothed and gladdened 
 by the loving light of the boy's blue eyes. One pictures 
 him laying his kind old hand on the fair curls of his little 
 grandson, and wishing him God-speed in the weary 
 pilgrimage the small feet had entered upon. Anyhow his 
 mantle fell upon Gerard Ford, and Masonry never owned 
 among its sons a truer, more devoted servant than he. The 
 old man's influence may still be said to live and flourish, for 
 those brethren who have the happiness to be the Masonic 
 sons of Gerard Ford must have felt that the spirit of the 
 craft dwelt in him in no ordinary measure, and that spirit 
 was his inheritance from Matthew Barnett. 
 
282 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 THE REV. GEORGE OLIVER, D.D. 
 
 Few, if any, writers on Speculative Masonry, have 
 been more popular amongst the craft than the Rev. Dr. 
 George Oliver. 
 
 This excellent man and eminent Mason was born at 
 Papplewick, near Nottingham, the parochial register record- 
 ing the baptism of George, son of Samuel and Elizabeth 
 Oliver, on November 9th, 1782. 
 
 Little is recorded of George Oliver's early days beyond 
 that he attended the Grammar School at Nottingham. 
 This would probably be during the time his father resided 
 at Gotham. 
 
 As already noted in the memoir of the Rev. Samuel 
 Oliver, the family removed to Whaplode in the latter part 
 of 1801. 
 
 Soon after this, George Oliver was initiated as a Lewis 
 in the St. Peter's Lodge, Peterborough, Brother Stephens 
 being then W.M. It is somewhat remarkable that the 
 precise date of the initiation has never been satisfactorily 
 settled. 
 
 The following is transcribed from the Grand Secretary's 
 Letter Book : — 
 
 "Freemasons Hall 3rd Aug. 1819. 
 " Brother, The Rev. George Oliver, who was initiated in 
 your lodge about the year 1802- 1803 having applied for a 
 Grand Lodge Certificate, it has been found upon examining 
 the Books of the Grand Lodge that his name has never 
 been returned for registry by your lodge ; this neglect on 
 your part has been communicated to the Board of General 
 Purposes, and we are directed by that Board to require, 
 that you will immediately register the Name of that Brother, 
 and of any other which may have been neglected to be 
 transmitted for that purpose. " We are, &c. 
 
 " Master of 605 St. Peters Peterborough." 
 
The Rev. George Oliver, D.D. 283 
 
 What answer was returned to this request is not known, 
 but apparently the matter was never cleared up. 
 
 Among the Doctor's MSS. now in possession of Prov. 
 G. Lodge, is a draft of a speech delivered about 1842 
 relating his Masonic career. It begins, " When I was first 
 initiated into Masonry, in I think 1801, 1 resided more than 
 20 miles from a Lodge." 
 
 From this expression it is evident that nothing fixing 
 the date had come to hand. 
 
 The account of the proceedings of the St. Peter's 
 brethren, both in ordinary meetings and initiations, as 
 furnished in the Doctor's speech, is extremely interesting, 
 and one is not surprised to find the Secretary occasionally 
 omitting to register all their doings. 
 
 About 1803 George Oliver was appointed Usher or 
 Assistant Master of the Grammar School at Castor, Lin- 
 colnshire, and on April isth, 1805, he married Miss Mary 
 Ann Beverley, of an old Caistor family dating back many 
 years. According to the Doctor's reminiscences no Masonic 
 connection was kept up during the time he was at Caistor. 
 
 On May 30th, 1809, Bro. Oliver was elected Head 
 Master of the Grammar School at Great Grimsby, and very 
 soon set about forming a Masonic Lodge. In 181 1 Grand 
 Lodge was notified that the Warrant No. 510, granted in 
 1792 to constitute the Urania Lodge at Brigg, afterwards 
 removed to Louth, was established at Grimsby under the 
 name of Apollo. 
 
 In the following year the foundation stone of a Masonic 
 Hall was laid ; the Lodge entered upon a very flourishing 
 career, and its Master upon that study of the craft which 
 has rendered his name famous. 
 
 An extract from one of the Doctor's later works tells 
 us how absorbing at this time his thoughts and ideas of 
 Masonry became, and it may well be taken as the keynote 
 of those remarkable works which afterwards came so readily 
 from his pen : — 
 
284 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 " It was a noble Lodge Room appropriated to the sole 
 purpose of Masonry. I had a private key, and many an 
 hour have I spent in solitary enjoyment, when no one knew 
 the building contained an inmate. Here my first aspirations 
 to contribute to the benefit of the Order were imbibed. 
 Here vast projects were formed, with none present but my 
 Almighty Father and myself which have not yet been 
 developed. Here surrounded by the Implements of Masonry, 
 I became impressed with sublime ideas of its superlative 
 blessedness, and universal application to science and morals, 
 and determined to work out principles which were then so 
 feebly scattered as to give rise, amongst the uninitiated, to 
 fantastic notions and absurd opinions respecting the design 
 and end of the Institution, that derogated from the virtue 
 and holiness of this sacred handmaid of religion." 
 
 Brother Oliver appears to have been acquainted not 
 only with the degrees of Freemasonry recognized at the 
 present day, but with others now obsolete. 
 
 Several of the degrees were taken in Hull, where he was 
 highly esteemed, and where recollections of his genial 
 disposition and excellent company yet linger, among the 
 brethren of the Minerva Lodge. In 1845 Dr. Oliver was 
 one of the original members of the Supreme Council 
 33 Degree of England and Wales. 
 
 In the early part of the century some of these degrees 
 were conferred "according to merit and ability'' in the 
 ordinary Lodge. No instance of such, however, appears in 
 the Lincolnshire records except the Mark degree in the 
 Witham. The P.G. Master's instructions to his Deputy (as 
 seen in the life of the Rev. M. Barnett) on this subject 
 probably discouraged the practice. 
 
 In 18 1 3-1 5 George Oliver was ordained in the Church 
 of England, and became Curate of Grimsby, under Dr. 
 Tennyson, and Vicar of Clee on the presentation of the 
 Bishop of Lincoln (Tomline). 
 
 The preferment which Oliver afterwards obtained, has 
 occasioned his biographers, almost without exception, 
 under the erroneous idea that he simultaneously held all 
 his livings, to lay him open to a charge of being a pluralist. 
 
The Rev. George Oliver, D.D. 285 
 
 The following extracts from the Episcopal Records show 
 this imputation to be only partially correct, the reverend 
 gentleman apparently never holding more than two livings 
 together, the joint nett income from which only realizing a 
 modest amount : — 
 
 George Oliver instituted to the Vicarage of Clee 
 nth July, 1815. His successor was instituted in 
 
 1835- 
 
 George Oliver instituted to the Vicarage of 
 Scopwick 1 2th Oct., 1831 ; his successor in 1867. 
 Patron, Bishop Kaye). 
 
 George Oliver was appointed to the Collegiate 
 Church of Wolverhampton (a Royal Peculiar) in 
 1834. Patron, Dean of Windsor. His successor in 
 
 1847. 
 
 George Oliver instituted to the Rectory of South 
 Hykeham 17th May, 1847 (exchange) ; his successor 
 in 1867. 
 
 These appointments scarcely justify the expression 
 used by one of his biographers, that "Oliver was a fine 
 specimen of the Pluralist system." The duties appertaining 
 to the ministry were always conscientiously performed, and 
 gained for him the esteem and respect of his parishioners. 
 
 The following bespeaks the Man, the Mason, and the 
 Christian Minister: — 
 
 At a vestry meeting held on 27th April, 1840, at 
 Wolverhampton, to appoint Churchwardens for the ensuing 
 year, the Rev. George Oliver, the Incumbent, addressed the 
 parishioners on the subject of Church Rates — 
 
 " As to the legality of Church Rates," said the reverend 
 gentlemen, " I continue to hold the sentiments I have here- 
 tofore professed ; but when I consider that the granting of 
 such rates is optional, and that the discussion of the subject 
 only tends to create feud, to divide the town against itself — 
 to set father against son, and son against father — to sever 
 long-standing friendships, and to dissolve mutual ties ; when 
 I reflect also that the agitation of that question is little less 
 than a scourge on the public peace of the town, I cannot 
 consent to aim a blow so heavy and a discouragement so 
 
286 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 great on what I consider to be the interests of the Church. 
 I shall not give my consent, therefore, to the agitation of 
 the question of the Church Rates. My motto is ' Peace,' 
 and the banner I unfurl this day is the banner of Unity — 
 a banner which cannot, as it shall not, be raised to lead you 
 into contests in which all is to be lost and nothing is to be 
 gained. 
 
 " I know I shall be asked how I purpose, without a rate 
 to provide for the congregational expenses of the Church ? 
 My answer is simple. I have no doubt whatever of the 
 success of the voluntary system if it is properly tested. I 
 shall with the assistance of my warden and the colleague 
 you may appoint to act with him, give this plan a fair and 
 free trial ; and so long as I continue the resident incumbent 
 of this parish, I pledge myself never to go for a rate if you 
 will support me, which I repeat, I have no doubt you will, 
 in defraying the congregational expenses of the Church by 
 your voluntary contributions." 
 
 Sentiments like these were by no means common fifty 
 years ago ; they show the character of the Doctor, and 
 account in a great measure for the grief and indignation 
 which was shown when one of the great sorrows of his life 
 occurred — his removal from the office of D.P.G.M. Had 
 not this event so greatly affected our Province, one would 
 willingly have omitted so discreditable a chapter in Masonic 
 history. 
 
 One of the most active and energetic of the London 
 brethren was R. T. Crucifix, M.D., editor and proprietor of 
 the Freemason^ Quarterly Review, and who was a personal 
 friend of Dr. Oliver. 
 
 About the year 1834 Brother Crucifix, in conjunction 
 with others, suggested in the columns of his Review the 
 establishment of a third Grand Charity, " An Asylum for 
 Aged and Decayed Freemasons." 
 
 The idea appeared to be warmly taken up both in 
 London and the Provinces, and for a time every thing went 
 smoothly. 
 
 But owing to some cause or other the proposal was 
 coldly looked upon by an influential portion of the craft, 
 
The Rev. George Oliver, D.D. 287 
 
 including the Duke of Sussex (Grand Master), C. T. 
 D'Eyncourt (Prov. G. Master for Lincolnshire), and many 
 others who, while not showing direct opposition, yet treated 
 the scheme in a half-hearted manner. 
 
 The project dragged along till the close of 1839, the 
 breach between the parties gradually becoming wider. 
 
 On Nov. 13th a meeting of the governors of the Institu- 
 tion was held, Dr. Crucifix being in the chair. 
 
 During the meeting it was alleged that two brethren, 
 T. Wood and J. L. Stevens, had spoken disrespectfully of 
 H.R.H. the Grand Master, and they were accordingly sum- 
 moned before the Board of General Purposes to answer the 
 charge, Dr. Crucifix, as Chairman of the meeting, being also 
 summoned for not checking the speakers. 
 
 After a very one-sided trial the three were suspended 
 for a time from their Masonic privileges, the following 
 Grand Lodge dismissing their appeal and confirming the 
 sentence. Crucifix, naturally indignant at the way these 
 proceedings had been carried on, immediately took steps 
 to sever his connection with the craft. The Lodges of 
 which he was a member, viz., the Lodge of Concord, the 
 Burlington, and the Bank of England Lodges, received his 
 resignation with expressions of the deepest and most 
 sincere regret, the latter placing on its minutes " That this 
 Lodge desires further to record the expression of its 
 extreme sorrow and indignation at the events which have 
 produced a result so deeply to be deplored." 
 
 At the same time Crucifix addressed a very intemperate 
 letter to the Grand Master, announcing his withdrawal from 
 the craft, and charging the Duke with having been unmindful 
 of his obi. as regards the Ancient Charges, also that 
 on one occasion his language had been such "as was 
 calculated to lower the respect due to the person of your 
 Royal Highness and above all, to the dignified oiifice of 
 Grand Master." 
 
 There can be no question that this letter was ill-advised, 
 especially as the writer was simply susperded, and merited 
 from Grand Lodge the severest condemnation. 
 
288 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 At an Especial Grand Lodge held 30th October, 1840, 
 the case was gone into, and Bro. Crucifix tendered an 
 apology. 
 
 Amongst the speakers who supported a motion for 
 Crucifix being expelled, i.e., "that the apology be not 
 accepted," was the Rt. Hon. C. T. D'Eyncourt, P.G.M. for 
 Lincolnshire. 
 
 On a division being taken, 127 were for expulsion and 
 145 against. 
 
 As to the right and wrong in these proceedings, one 
 thing is very evident — both sides lost their temper and 
 their dignity. There is no doubt H.R.H. the Grand Master 
 fully appreciated his high position, and felt no misgivings as 
 to his ability and fitness in carrying out the attributes of 
 K.S. and H.K.T. ; and it must be acknowledged that the 
 craft attained much dignity and honour among the popular 
 world at large during his long term of office. 
 
 As to Crucifix, though unpleasant rumours were in 
 circulation as to his early life, the numerous letters received 
 by Oliver, now in our P.G.L. Library, testify to the high 
 character of the writer. He was an energetic worker in the 
 cause, of excellent business habits, and a writer of consider- 
 able merit. A great number of aged brethren and their 
 widows have had reason to bless the day that Robert 
 Thomas Crucifix saw the light of Masonry, and the 
 Freemason^ Quarterly Review for its persistent advocacy of 
 what is now the third Central Charity of English Masonry, 
 the Royal Masonic Institution for Aged Freemasons. 
 
 The publication in the Review of the proceedings in 
 Grand Lodge, was strongly disapproved of by a large portion 
 of the craft, as being both illegal and inexpedient, and it is 
 pretty evident that the opposition to the Asylum scheme, 
 partook more of ill-will to the Journal and its Editor, than 
 to the charity itself 
 
 In order to see how these events effected our own Prov. 
 G. Lodge it will be necessary to turn back a little. 
 
The Rev. George Oliver, D.D. 289 
 
 From the first suggestion of the new charity Doctor Oliver, 
 as would naturally be expected, gave it his heartiest good 
 wishes and support. 
 
 In his capacity as D.P.G.M. he sent to the various 
 Lodges a circular-letter of several pages, not only advocating 
 the cause as a Masonic principle, but giving a practical 
 instance of its necessity. 
 
 At the P.G.L. held at Grantham in 1839 Crucifix was 
 invited to attend and explain the principles on which the 
 Asylum was founded. And throughout the whole of the pro- 
 ceedings in Grand Lodge, Oliver's sympathy and assistance 
 were always with his friend to cheer and support him in his 
 efforts. How these were appreciated is shown by the 
 following quotation from the Review : — 
 
 " I must assure him (Dr. Oliver) that however I have 
 been cheered and inspirited under most eventful and trying 
 circumstances, by the sympathy of the kind, the generous, 
 and the free ; I have been mainly sustained by endeavours 
 to observe his directions — 'to rely with reverence and 
 humility on the justice of a merciful Providence.' " 
 
 Towards the end of 1 839 a movement was set on foot 
 to present Dr. Crucifix with a testimonial. A strong com- 
 mittee was formed, with Bro. J. Lee Stevens, of the Bank 
 of England Lodge, as Secretary. Notwithstanding that 
 individual subscriptions were limited to los. the fund rapidly 
 amounted to ;^250, and the festival was fixed for 24th 
 November, 1841, the presentation to be made by the Very 
 Worshipful Brother, the Rev. Dr. Oliver, " Unapproachable 
 in Masonic lore — inimitable as aMasonic writer — unequalled 
 in the performance of Masonic rites and the practice of 
 Masonic virtues — at once our oracle and historian, our 
 model and our guide — to whom, but to him, should be con- 
 fided this labour of love ? " 
 
 The announcement was received with general satisfaction 
 by the subscribers, to most of whom Oliver was personally 
 a stranger, and they hailed with delight the prospect of 
 seeing and hearing one who, besides being the intimate 
 
290 Freemasonry m Lincolnshire. 
 
 friend of Crucifix, was by far the ablest writer on the staff 
 of the Review. 
 
 The proceedings were held under the auspices of the 
 Bank of England Lodge, the following summons being sent 
 to members and subscribers : — 
 
 " Crucifix Testimonial Festival. 
 "BankofEnglandLodgeNo.329NewLondonHotelBridgeSt. 
 
 Bro. J. Lee Stevens W.M. 
 "Sir & Bro., "17 Nov. 1841. 
 
 " You are requested to attend the duties of the Lodge 
 on Wednesday next the 24th inst. at 3 for 4 o'clock in the 
 afternoon punctually. Dinner on table at Six o'clock. 
 
 " Subscribers to the Crucifix Testimonial & Festival are 
 invited to visit the Lodge at 4 o'clock." 
 
 Scarcely a member was absent on the occasion. As 
 soon as the brethren were arranged in their places, the 
 Lodge was opened, and the Rev. G. Oliver, D.D., was 
 unanimously elected an honorary member, pursuant to 
 notice previously given. 
 
 The Master then gracefully requested the Doctor to 
 accept the chair and preside for the remainder of the 
 evening, a request that was immediately complied with, 
 and the "Philosopher of Masonry" presided for the first 
 time in London, over the largest meeting of Masons ever 
 assembled in a private Lodge. 
 
 A portion of the First Lecture was worked by brethren 
 of the Emulation Lodge, and the Doctor delivered an oration 
 founded on the Fifth Ancient Charge. 
 
 Dr. Oliver, according to arrangement, afterwards took the 
 chair at the banquet, having Dr. Crucifix on his right and 
 J. Lee Stevens on his left. 
 
 The usual Loyal and Masonic Toasts were admirably 
 proposed, the toast of the evening, the health of Dr. Crucifix, 
 being given in such a manner as to add to the Doctor's 
 already high reputation ! The evident sincerity of his 
 praise, his sympathy with Crucifix in his late trials, and the 
 flattering testimony he bore to the value of the Review, 
 placing him in full accord with his audience. 
 
The Rev. George Oliver, D.D. 291 
 
 At the close of his speech the Doctor, according to 
 Lincolnshire custom, led off with the firing, a proceeding 
 apparently novel at that time to the London brethren, but 
 which pleased them intensely, and resumed his seat amidst 
 the most enthusiastic applause. 
 
 The festival was a great success, and although it could 
 not be otherwise but that some reference would be made to 
 the recent proceedings in Grand Lodge, the matters were 
 touched upon in such a manner as to convey no personal 
 allusion. 
 
 It should be noted that subsequent to the proposition 
 for the expulsion of Dr. Crucifix, moved, as already stated, 
 by the P.G. Master for Lincolnshire, and also after the 
 arrangements had been made for the Crucifix presentation, 
 Dr. Oliver, doubtless actuated by a nice sense of honour 
 and a desire of promoting the best interests of the craft, 
 tendered his resignation as D.P.G.M. 
 
 The P.G.M. at the Boston meeting announced the 
 tendered resignation, declaring his refusal to accept it, and 
 making an urgent request to the Doctor to continue in 
 his office. 
 
 This was on 29th Sept., 1 841. Early in the following 
 spring, the Witham brethren proceeded to make arrange- 
 ments for consecrating their new hall, and the Doctor wrote 
 to the P.G.M. to know his wishes on the subject, receiving, 
 doubtless much to his amazement, the following answer : — 
 
 " 5 Albemarle St. 
 " My dear Sir, " 4th Mar. 1842. 
 
 " I was at Gloucester when yours of the 28th reached 
 London. I confess I feel uncomfortable on the subject of 
 it. I do not know at this distance of time, whether I can 
 attend, and if I do not, you would have to officiate for me. 
 Now, it will probably have occurred to you, that I am 
 placed in a very painful situation in consequence of your 
 having presided at the dinner given to Dr. Crucifix. I have 
 not seen the Duke of Sussex, and have avoided waiting 
 upon him, because I think when I do so, I may have to 
 deal with the subject, but I cannot postpone my visit 
 beyond a few days. I know from private sources that His 
 
292 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 Royal Highness has expressed a very strong opinion in 
 regard to your presiding on the occasion I have referred to ; 
 and if you were now to be seen on a great public occasion 
 oiificiating as my deputy, he might consider me a party. 
 I came up to town above a year ago, when the case of 
 Dr. Crucifix was before Grand Lodge in order to be present 
 at the hearing, and took a prominent part myself in the 
 course of it. 
 
 " Under these circumstances it may be better to postpone 
 any reply to the Witham Lodge until it can be seen 
 whether I can attend. 
 
 " I am My dear Sir 
 
 " Yours truly 
 
 " C. T. D'Eyncourt." 
 
 The Witham brethren having received no answer to 
 their request, again wrote to the Doctor. He forwarded 
 the letter to the Prov. G. Master, and received the following 
 reply : — 
 
 " Bayons Manor Market Rasen 
 " Dear Sir & Brother " 28 April 1842. 
 
 "You are aware of the circumstances which have 
 influenced my judgment when I feel myself called upon 
 now to declare vacant the office of Deputy Provincial 
 Grand Master for Lincolnshire, held by you. In communi- 
 cating this my determination to you I beg to express my 
 best acknowledgements for the service you have rendered 
 the Masonic body within my jurisdiction during the time 
 you have held the office, and my regret that the interests of 
 Masonry should require me to deprive myself of your 
 valuable assistance. 
 
 " The separation gives me, personally, as much pain as 
 the cause of it ; and none the less because my decision is 
 one which I have thought it right to make on my own 
 responsibility, without reference to or suggestion from any 
 other party. 
 
 " I am dear Sir 
 
 " Yours fraternally 
 " Charles Tennyson D'Eyncourt 
 " Rev. George Oliver D.D." " P.G.M. Lincolnshire. 
 
 The Doctor on receipt of this letter communicated at 
 once with the various Lodges in the Province. The Witham 
 
The Rev. George Oliver, D.D. 293 
 
 brethren, at a Lodge of Emergency, passed a strong 
 resolution on the subject, copies of which were forwarded 
 both to the P.G.M. and his late deputy. 
 
 This was acknowledged by the Doctor as follows : — 
 
 " Scopwick Vicarage June 7th, 1842. 
 " My dear Sir & Bro. 
 
 " I beg to acknowledge the receipt of a resolution passed 
 in the Witham Lodge on the 2nd of May last, and beg the 
 brethren will accept my cordial thanks for the kind expres- 
 sion of their sentiments on my dismissal from the office of 
 Deputy Prov. G. Master for Lincolnshire. 
 
 " As I am not conscious of having violated any masonic 
 law, or neglected the performance of any masonic duty in 
 the above capacity, my conscience acquits me of any wilful 
 disrespect to the authority of the P.G.M. 
 
 " It is true I have assisted at the formation of a Fund 
 of Benevolence for the relief of worthy aged & decayed 
 Freemasons, and I have been an instrument in the hands 
 of the craft to reward the philanthropist who originated 
 that beneficent plan. 
 
 "If these be crimes to call forth public indignation, 
 then is my punishment just. But if on the contrary. 
 Benevolence be a masonic virtue, then I must consider my 
 dismissal to be undeserved. 
 
 " Believe me. Dear Sir, 
 
 " Your faithful Brother, 
 
 " Geo. Oliver, 
 " Past D.P.G.M. for Lincolnshire. 
 " The W.M. & Brethren of the 
 Witham Lodge." 
 
 Two days after the date of this communication the Witham 
 brethren met to dedicate their new Hall in Saltergate. 
 
 The P.G.M. having declined to fulfil his promise of 
 summoning a Provincial Lodge, the ceremony was performed 
 by the W.M. of the Witham, Bro. Robert Goodacre, assisted 
 by Bro. E. A. Bromehead as D.C. and Bro. W. A. Nicholson, 
 the Architect of the building. Dr. Oliver, in his capacity as 
 Chaplain of the Lodge, taking the consecrating portion. 
 
 The proceedings appear to have been planned and 
 carried out very effectively. Bro. Edw. Dearie, Mus. Bac, 
 
294 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 Cantab, (at that time a somewhat rare degree), directed the 
 musical portion of the ceremony, two of the hymns being 
 written respectively by the W.M. and D.C. 
 
 There was a large attendance of brethren, due in some 
 measure to the notice that the Lodge would celebrate its 
 centenary (how this was calculated is not recorded), but 
 principally, no doubt, to hear what the Doctor had to say 
 regarding his dismissal, it being his first public appearance 
 since the event. 
 
 In this they were not disappointed. The Doctor, in 
 acknowledging the toast of his health, read the letters 
 received from the P.G.M., and made a very lengthy and 
 telling speech, embracing the Constitutions, Provincial 
 By-laws, and the leading Masonic virtues, summing up the 
 matter as follows : — 
 
 " I was the instrument through whom the craft presented 
 a testimonial to Dr. Crucifix, because he is a benevolent 
 man, and has succeeded by a great sacrifice both of time 
 and money in establishing a noble Institution. The P.G.M. 
 proposed in Grand Lodge that this man to whom the craft 
 is under such weighty obligations should be expelled. Now 
 brethren, which do you think is to be most commended ? 
 I who was an instrument in rewarding virtue, or the P.G.M. 
 
 who would have punished it I can conscientiously 
 
 say that I have not sought popularity by illegitimate means 
 I have never endeavoured to make a party by the sacrifice 
 of masonic principles. I have on all occasions discharged 
 my duty without fear, favour, or partiality." 
 
 The following extract from the current number of the 
 Lincolnshire Chronicle exhibited not only the opinions of 
 the local brethren, but also of many others who saw in the 
 recent proceedings of Grand Lodge the only key to the 
 extraordinary action of the P.G.M. : — 
 
 " The only assignable motive which could have actuated 
 the P.G.M. in this extraordinary step, after the repeated 
 declarations he has made of how greatly he is indebted to 
 Dr. Oliver for his aid in conducting the masonic affairs of 
 the Province is, that he has been prompted by some high 
 power to make the attack. 
 
The Rev. George Oliver, D.D. 295 
 
 " The character of Dr. Oliver as a freemason, even with 
 those who are inimical to the craft is too high to need any 
 eulogy on our part ; the only intelligible motive is, that there 
 is a determination on the part of those behind the masonic 
 throne, to discountenance and even to punish any who shall 
 dare to promote a charity which is not yet recognised by 
 the laws of the craft ; and Dr. Oliver who has been justly 
 termed the ' Sage of Masonry ' has been selected as an 
 illustrious example to prove that such determination will 
 be carried out with no feeble or tardy spirit." 
 
 At the close of the Lincoln meeting a Committee was 
 appointed to take the necessary steps for presenting the 
 Doctor with a General Masonic Testimonial. Accordingly 
 a meeting was held on Thursday, nth August, 1842, the 
 Mayor of Lincoln (Bro. George Wriglesworth Hebb) in the 
 chair, being supported by Bro. W. H. Adams (Mayor of 
 Boston), Bro. Richd. Sutton Harvey, and representatives 
 from most of the Lodges in the Province, a Sub-Committee 
 being also formed in London to work with the Lincoln 
 brethren, of which the very energetic Bro. J. Lee Stevens 
 was Secretary. 
 
 There appears to have been an understanding that the 
 various resolutions submitted should contain no allusion to 
 the recent dismissal, and that the speakers should if possible 
 avoid any irritating reference. Doubtless this was wise 
 counsel, and the proper course to pursue, as it allowed both 
 sides to take part, and above all, enabled the P.G.M. to 
 show his appreciation of his late deputy's services without 
 loss of dignity, and thus pave the way for a reconciliation. 
 It was a most critical period for the craft in Lincolnshire, 
 and the next Provincial meeting, which had been fixed to 
 be held at Spalding, was looked forward to with great 
 anxiety and apprehension. The publicity given in the local 
 papers, the well-known character and ability of Oliver, his 
 personal friendship with all the working Masons in the 
 Province on the one side, against the evident unpopularity 
 of the P.G.M., marked a serious state of affairs. 
 
296 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 On 29th September the Rt. Hon. C. T. D'Eyncourt, 
 Prov. G. Master, attended by his new deputy, the Rev. Geo 
 Coltman, Rector of Stickney, opened Prov. G. Lodge at 
 Spalding. 
 
 The Rev. Dr. Oliver, P.D.P.G.M., supported by his 
 friends, Dr. Crucifix and J. L. Stevens, who had come down 
 specially to attend a testimonial meeting, the Doctor's 
 father, the Rev. S. Oliver (then in his ninetieth year), and 
 the Doctor's son — three generations — being also present. 
 
 After the usual routine business the brethren proceeded 
 in procession to Church, the sermon being preached by the 
 Rev. W. Muckler from Ps. cxxxiii., " Behold, how good and 
 joyful a thing it is, brethren, to dwell together in unity." 
 
 Mr. Muckler's name does not appear on the Provincial 
 roll. Whether he was merely the deputy of the P.G. Chaplain, 
 the Rev. G. Coltman, who under the peculiar circumstances, 
 could not very well occupy the pulpit, or whether he was 
 specially selected to recall the brethren to a sense of their 
 mutual obligation, is not known ; but it may be truthfully 
 said, that of the numberless times this masonic text had 
 been preached from, there never was an occasion which 
 presented a better opportunity for the preacher's eloquence, 
 than this assembly of Lincolnshire Masons in Spalding 
 Church on the Feast of St. Michael and All Angels, 1842. 
 
 On the Lodge resuming at two o'clock the P.G.M. 
 entered into an elaborate review of the recent events, in the 
 course of which there appeared, he said, to have been some 
 misunderstanding. 
 
 The address, which lasted two hours, would doubtless 
 show the eminent abilities of the speaker to the best 
 advantage. 
 
 Dr. Oliver replied, and the debate was continued by 
 Bros. J. L. Stevens and W. H. Adams. The Doctor's 
 speech, a draft of which is among his MSS. now in posses- 
 sion of P.G.L., was a most impassioned appeal for justice, 
 and one may easily imagine its effect upon the brethren. 
 
The Rev. George Oliver, D.D. 297 
 
 From the meagre accounts to be found of the meeting, 
 it appears that after mutual explanations had been entered 
 into, a better spirit prevailed, which was cemented by the 
 P.G.M. allowing the following resolution to be put : — 
 
 "That this Provincial Grand Lodge entertains the 
 warmest feelings of gratitude towards the Rev. George 
 Oliver D.D. late D.P.G.M. for Lincolnshire, for his unwearied 
 and successful efforts to promote the best interest of Free- 
 masonry in general and in this Province in particular, & for 
 the unequalled talent, research & industry displayed by him 
 as a Masonic writer. That being duly impressed with a 
 sense of his great public, private & social virtues this P.G.L. 
 cannot but deeply lament the loss of the very valuable 
 services of Bro. Oliver as D.P.G.M., the duties of which 
 office he for many years discharged so as to gain the 
 veneration and esteem of the brethren generally and to call 
 forth repeated marks of approbation from the P.G.M. That 
 the sum of Five Guineas be paid from the funds of this 
 P.G.L. in aid of the subscription now raising for the purpose 
 of presenting to Bro. Oliver a Masonic offering as a mark 
 of fraternal regard & of grateful acknowledgment of his 
 invaluable services in the cause of Masonry." 
 
 The proceedings, so far, point to a more harmonious 
 feeling existing between the friends of the P.G.M. and those 
 of his late Deputy ; but one is scarcely prepared for such 
 an exhibition of true Masonic spirit as was witnessed at 
 the banquet which followed the Lodge. Could anyone who 
 has followed these proceedings, or could any Brother who 
 attended at Spalding on that memorable day have imagined 
 that the dread and gloom which ushered in the meeting 
 would be dispelled, and the force of the preacher's text 
 " Behold how good and joyful for brethren to be in unity " 
 be exemplified in such a forcible manner as probably had 
 never been experienced by those hundred brethren who had 
 the good fortune to be present ? 
 
 And moreover, that the health of the P.G.M. should be 
 proposed by Dr. Crucifix, the man whose expulsion from 
 the craft had been moved in Grand Lodge by Brother 
 D'Eyncourt; that the P.G.M. in returning thanks should 
 
298 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 say, " that he (Crucifix) had repaid unkindness by charity, 
 and a too hasty judgment by the most benevolent con- 
 struction of human error." Yet all this took place. Brother 
 D'Eyncourt offered the right hand of fellowship to Brother 
 Oliver ; the worthy Doctor returned the greeting, comparing 
 " the present gratifying re-union to nothing more apposite 
 than the birth of Light. Freemasonry (said the Doctor) 
 like the Sun in its refulgent brightness shed its glorious 
 lustre over the plains of Lincolnshire, diffusing blessings 
 wherever its light was displayed. Suddenly its brightness 
 was obscured by a dense and threatening cloud. This 
 symbol of evil was the harbinger of terror and alarm. The 
 struggle between light anddarknesswasshort and transient — 
 the holy principles of Freemasonry prevailed — the heavy 
 cloud was dissipated. The Sun, emblem of Wisdom, 
 Strength and Beauty burst forth in all its splendour, and 
 when the Brethren were called from labour to refreshment 
 the brilliant prospect was renewed & the triumphant 
 dominion of Light now promises to be permanent and 
 enduring." 
 
 In closing the account of this very unfortunate dispute, 
 it is only fair to note that the Provincial G. Master was 
 placed in a very difficult position. 
 
 For some years prior to the Crucifix proceedings in 
 Grand Lodge, Mr. D'Eyncourt had filled the post of Equerry 
 to the Duke of Sussex, and very intimate relations were 
 understood to subsist between them. The annoyance felt 
 by the Grand Master with the contributors of the Review, 
 would be considerably increased by the action of Bro. J. L. 
 Stevens at the December Lodge, held to nominate the 
 Grand Master for the ensuing year, when Bro. Stevens 
 objected to the Duke's nomination and proposed the 
 Marquis of Salisbury. This nobleman of course refused to 
 stand, but the proceedings must nevertheless have been 
 very disagreeable. 
 
 The intimacy between H.R.H. and Mr. D'Eyncourt 
 accounts for the apparently anomalous action of the latter 
 in Grand Lodge, for anomalous it certainly was, when 
 measured by his well-known political principles. 
 
The Rev. George Ohver, D.D. 299 
 
 The relation of the Crucifix party with the old members 
 of Grand Lodge, may be likened in some measure to the 
 two great political parties of the day. The views advocated 
 by Crucifix in the Freemasons^ Quarterly Review were not 
 unreasonable, and it is certainly remarkable that the 
 " Radical Member for Lambeth " should move the expulsion 
 of one, who was looked upon by a section of Grand Lodge 
 in the same light, as the hon. member himself was by the 
 opposite party in politics. 
 
 Amongst other things commented upon in the columns 
 of the Review, was the lack of interest apparently shown by 
 many Provincial Grand Masters in not summoning their 
 annual Lodges. That the complaint was well grounded 
 could not be denied, and though Lincolnshire was not so 
 flagrant a case as some of its neighbours, the arrow evidently 
 struck. The Witham brethren appear to have memorialized 
 the P.G.M. on the subject, for in a speech at Lincoln on 
 the occasion of laying the foundation stone of their new 
 hall, Bro. D'Eyncourt says : — 
 
 "The brethren at Lincoln were quite right in the 
 respectful remonstrance which they had forwarded to him, 
 in saying 'that according to the laws of Masonry the 
 Provincial meetings ought to be held every year,' but," 
 reasoned the speaker, "that was rather recommendatory 
 than compulsory." 
 
 The Review in its criticism says : — 
 
 " Whatever may be the literal construction of the law, 
 whether it be recommendatory or compulsory, there cannot 
 be a difference of opinion as to its spirit — its true intent 
 and meaning. It may be very easy for those who sit in 
 judgment in their own case, either in Lincoln or in London, 
 to construe the law in their own favour. This is part of 
 their peculiar privilege; but neither common sense nor 
 masonic justice will be thus hoodwinked." 
 
 These were unpleasant remarks from a paper which 
 numbered Dr. Oliver amongst its principal supporters. 
 
 "Many mickles make a muckle," and doubtless they 
 would weigh in the adverse balance with the Doctor's 
 eminent services. 
 
300 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 The testimonial, or as it was styled " Masonic Offering 
 to Dr. Oliver," to which reference has already been made, 
 was presented on gth May, 1844. A banquet, towards 
 which Bro. Colonel Sibthorp contributed venison, was held 
 at Bro. Melton's, The City Arms. Owing to the lamented 
 decease of Bro. G. W. Hebb, the duties of the chair devolved 
 upon Bro. the Rev. J. O. Dakeyne, W.M. of the Witham 
 Lodge. 
 
 The " Offering," which consisted of a silver cup together 
 with a portion of silver destined for each of the Doctor's 
 children, was borne into the room by four Past Masters, 
 W. H. Adams, 339 Boston ; W. A. Nicholson, 374 Lincoln ; 
 J. W. Pashley, 611 Gainsborough; and Z. Barton, 612 
 Market Rasen; preceded by Bro. R, Goodacre, 374, as 
 Director of Ceremonies. 
 
 The presentation cup, in addition to the usual engraved 
 heraldic and Masonic devices, bore an inscription written in 
 Latin by Bro. Dakeyne, the following being a translation : — 
 
 To George Oliver, 
 
 Doctor in Divinity and 
 
 Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries Edinburgh, 
 
 Vicar of Scopwick, Incumbent of Wolverhampton, 
 
 Lately in the County of Lincoln 
 
 Of Freemasons 
 
 Deputy Grand Master, 
 
 Also of the Witham Lodge 374 A Member and Chaplain, 
 
 A Philosopher & Archaeologian 
 
 Second to none. 
 
 In Historical subjects most learned. 
 
 An Orator whether in Church or in our Councils, 
 
 Both in Knowledge and in Eloquence most excellent, 
 
 Of the Mystic Union 
 
 Founded in Brotherly love and truth 
 
 For 40 years the most Erudite Expositor, 
 
 A Brother of Reverence unceasingly most worthy, 
 
 The Brethren throughout the whole surface of the Earth 
 
 Celebrating the Rites of Freemasonry 
 
 For the sake both of Honour and love 
 
 Have given this 
 
 A.D. 1844. Offering. A.L. 5844. 
 
The Rev. George Oliver, D.D. 301 
 
 It may now be as well to glance at the clerical life of 
 Bro. Oliver. One might almost fear from the absorbing 
 devotion paid to Masonry, that the duties appertaining to 
 the ministry would be neglected : happily such is not the 
 case; the parochial records of Grimsby, Wolverhampton, 
 and Scopwick, all pointing to an exemplary discharge of 
 the office. 
 
 Scopwick, at the time Mr. Oliver was appointed in 1831, 
 was in such a state as to be a piroverb and a by-word 
 amongst the neighbouring villages. No schools nor school- 
 room ; the church walls and floor covered with green moss, 
 from which drops of water trickled continuously ; scarcely 
 any congregation ; the churchyard wall in a ruinous con- 
 dition ; and the vicarage house and premises uninhabitable. 
 All these were remedied in a few years. A new vicarage 
 built at the expense of the Vicar ; the church made fit for 
 service ; a new school-room built, and a regular attendance 
 of children both on Sunday and week-day. 
 
 In 1855 the Doctor decided to relinquish the personal 
 supervision of his parish, a resolve made five years 
 previously, but then withdrawn at the earnest desire of his 
 parishioners. 
 
 He preached his farewell sermon on March 25th, 1855, 
 in the course of which he said — 
 
 " I have been preaching the Gospel to you, my Brethren 
 faithfully and sincerely these many years, until my physical 
 powers are exhausted ; and as I cannot continue to discharge 
 the duties of the Church with satisfaction to myself or 
 benefit to you, I reverentially conclude that it is the will of 
 my Divine Master that I should no longer abide with you." 
 
 The rest of the Doctor's life was passed in Nottingham 
 and Lincoln, his son, Beverley Oliver, being in business as 
 a bookseller in the former town. 
 
 His first residence in Lincoln was Norman Place, here 
 Mrs. Oliver died in 1856. 
 
 For several years prior to his death the Doctor resided 
 in Eastgate in the house nearly opposite James Street, 
 Mrs. Pears, a widowed daughter, living with him. 
 
302 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 Though not taking any active part in the Province during 
 the administration of the Earl of Yarborough, the late 
 Deputy still took a lively interest in the proceedings of 
 P.G.L. 
 
 On the appointment of the Duke of St. Albans, in 1863, 
 he presided at the installation, and at the next meeting at 
 Lincoln, May lOth, 1866, he delivered his farewell address 
 to Prov. G. Lodge. 
 
 On Sunday evening, March 3rd, 1867, after an illness of 
 about nine days, the venerable brother departed this life, 
 his last act of earthly business being to send a donation to 
 the new Provincial Benevolent Fund. The funeral took 
 place on the following Thursday in the cemetery belonging 
 to the parish of St. Swithin. The brethren of the Witham 
 Lodge attended, and a portion of the Prestonian Ritual was 
 observed under the direction of Bro. Charles Harrison, the 
 W. Master. 
 
 The burial ground is now in the midst of a thickly popu- 
 lated district, and was until recently about as desolate a 
 spot as can be imagined. A modest monumental slate 
 stone near the south-west corner marks the last resting 
 place of this excellent man and renowned Freemason. One 
 looks in vain for any sign on the stone indicating the grave 
 of a Mason ; not even a solitary square and compass appears 
 to distinguish the grave from others around. 
 
 The following inscription is on either side : — 
 
 " In memory of 
 
 The Rev. George Oliver D.D. 
 
 who died the 3rd of March 1867 
 
 In the 8sth year of his age." 
 
 " In memory of 
 
 Mary Ann, Wife of the Rev. George Oliver D.D. 
 
 who died the 13th of October 1856 
 
 in the 80th year of her age." 
 
 Doctor Oliver is yet well remembered in Lincoln. All 
 agree in their testimony to his good qualities. Nothing has 
 (so far as is known) ever been laid to his charge unworthy 
 
The Rev. George Oliver, D.D. 303 
 
 of a Mason or unbecoming a Clergyman. In business 
 matters straightforward, charitable according to the limited 
 means at his disposal ; of a genial disposition, at the refresh- 
 ment board would sing a good song, enjoy a good joke, 
 and was excellent company ; but no whisper was ever heard 
 that he exceeded the bounds of moderation. Many years 
 ago, when hard drinking was the fashion, writing on what 
 is now a popular degree in the craft, he says, " it is to be 
 commended as containing an excellent charge on the beastly 
 habit of drunkenness." 
 
 In the latter part of 1865 a movement was set on foot 
 to gather subscriptions to aid the Doctor's somewhat 
 slender resources. Bro. W. G. Moore, of the Witham Lodge, 
 had the matter in hand, and a considerable amount was 
 raised. After the Doctor's death it was decided to employ 
 the money in founding an Oliver Memorial. Various 
 schemes were proposed, and ultimately it was decided to 
 raise the amount up to one thousand guineas, and devote 
 the interest towards the education of necessitous boys of 
 the Province. 
 
 The idea was warmly taken up, and the Oliver Memorial 
 Fund now perpetuates the memory of our late D.P.G.M. 
 in a manner doubtless he himself would have desired. 
 
 As a writer on Speculative Masonry Dr. Oliver has a 
 world-wide fame. Prior to his time the mine of Masonic 
 archaeology had scarcely been worked ; the publications in 
 circulation scarcely exceeded half-a-dozen, and even these 
 were by no means common in the country Lodges. The 
 amount of research brought to bear on the subject un- 
 doubtedly created a spirit of enquiry, and led many to join 
 the ranks of the craft. 
 
 At the present day opinions vary considerably as to the 
 value of many of Dr. Oliver's literary contributions. This 
 is not to be wondered at, considering the vast range of 
 Speculative Masonry, but it is yet a fact, that no author's 
 works are more frequently enquired for in a Masonic 
 Library than his. 
 
304 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 The Doctor's weak point is undoubtedly history. It 
 has been charged against him many times, that he made 
 facts of what he merely imagined to have happened. 
 
 It cannot be denied that this is so, but it should, however, 
 be borne in mind that the compilation of Masonic historical 
 matter was up to recent times, attended with great difficulty. 
 Grand Lodge records were jealously guarded, every enquiry 
 for information outside the officers of Grand Lodge being 
 looked upon with mistrust and discountenanced accordingly. 
 
 A well-known writer of to-day says. Dr. Oliver as an 
 historian laboured under great difficulties. He had to 
 make bricks without straw, as he never had access to the 
 records of either Grand Lodge or Grand Chapter. 
 
 It is a remarkable fact, that the brother whose name 
 even now is in the foremost rank of English Masonic writers; 
 should throughout almost the whole of his literary labours 
 have been discouraged by the rulers of the craft. This is 
 seen by the following letter, sent to our late Prov. G. Sec. 
 in answer to a request for permission to place the Grand 
 Master's name on the Doctor's subscription list : — 
 
 "Freemasons Hall 4th Sep. 1865. 
 " . . . . Lord Zetland believes that Dr. Oliver has 
 been an earnest & enthusiastic mason, yet in the opinion of 
 the best and oldest Masons in this Country, Dr. Oliver has 
 written a great deal which it would have been better to 
 have left unwritten, and that much both as to the laws of 
 our Order and its ceremonies has been published which is 
 not unlikely to lead Brethren astray. You will please to 
 understand that it is solely on public grounds that Lord 
 Zetland feels compelled to decline allowing his name to be 
 used in any way ; for his Lordship is unwilling to do any- 
 thing that could in any wise lead the Brethren to suppose 
 that he either sanctions or agrees in many of Dr. Oliver's 
 writings. 
 
 " C. E. Lucas Esq. " Signed W. Gray Clarke 
 
 P.G.S. Lincoln." G.S. 
 
 One wonders whether the octogenarian ever saw this 
 letter, and if he enquired of the Grand Master concerning 
 those points " which are not unlikely to lead Brethren 
 astray"? 
 
The Rev. George Oliver, D.D. 305 
 
 Our noble Grand Master little thought that within 
 twenty years, a Lodge formed expressly to promote Masonic 
 research, and to diffuse the same throughout the world, 
 would be holding its meetings under the very roof of 
 Freemasons' Hall, and that the Grand Master of England 
 would not only give his sanction, but show his approbation 
 by the acceptance of a record of its Transactions. 
 
 A Lodge formed on the lines of Quatuor Coronati would 
 have fulfilled Dr. Oliver's highest aspirations, and one is 
 sorry to think that he must have considered the feasibility 
 of such a gathering very remote. 
 
 Dr. Oliver's family consisted of three sons and two 
 daughters : — 
 
 Beverley, a bookseller in Nottingham. 
 
 George, a surgeon, accidentally drowned in the 
 
 Fossdyke. 
 Charles Wellington, who held an official appoint- 
 ment in Bath, where he died recently. 
 Mrs. Pears and Mrs. Rainforth; the latter died at 
 Boston in 1891. 
 The Doctor's brother, the Rev. Samuel Oliver, was for 
 many years Vicar of Calverton, Notts. He lived to a great 
 age. One of his sons is a Clergyman of the Church of 
 England. The following is a curious fact : — 
 
 About the middle of the last century two lads were play- 
 fellows in a village near Nottingham ; their sons became 
 respectively Vicar and Parish Clerk of Calverton. 
 
 Allusion has already been made to the Doctor's social 
 qualities. The following is a sample of the tales with which 
 he could entertain the brethren at the refreshment board : — 
 The Freemasons' Lodges of the eighteenth century 
 could scarcely be denominated schools of science, but they 
 constituted a very pleasant method of passing a vacant hour 
 on a winter's evening in the company of a few select and 
 tried friends. The old Lincoln brethren were a set of as 
 jolly fellows as any that England could produce. Although 
 the Master might be inflexibly rigid in the discharge of his 
 
306 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 duty, and in exacting from them the same rule of conduct 
 which he imposed on himself, yet, when the Lodge was 
 closed, and supper placed on the table, hey, presto ! he was 
 quite another man. No one was more jocose or full of 
 spirits than he was. He sang a good song, cracked his 
 joke, and was the life of the company. No prosy speeches 
 would he allow, for he said that time was precious at that 
 hour of the night, and he was determined to make the 
 most of it. 
 
 As an agreeable relaxation he introduced an amusement 
 called " Crambo," a practice which contributed to the merri- 
 ment of the Lodge during the hours appropriated to 
 refreshment for many years. The Master starts the game 
 with a line of poetry, ending with some rhyme which is 
 capable of considerable extension, and each brother under 
 a fine — which in these days was an extra glass of punch — 
 was obliged to improvise a corresponding verse in the same 
 measure and terminating in the same jingle. 
 
 On a certain evening, the business of the Lodge being 
 concluded, the brethren adjourned as usual to the supper 
 room But they had scarcely seated themselves at the 
 table when the landlord came in, and announced that there 
 was a solitary Bagman in the commercial room who was 
 out of his wits for want of company, and as he regularly 
 used the house, hoped there would be no objection to his 
 taking supper with them. 
 
 " Has he anything in him, landlord ? " said the W.M., 
 who was ripe for all kinds of fun. 
 
 " He is of the right sort," the landlord answered. 
 
 "Admit, admit him by all means," exclaimed the 
 Secretary. 
 
 " Can he sing a good song ? " enquired the S.W. 
 
 " Capital," the landlord replied. 
 
 " And carry away two bottles of wine under his belt," 
 said the J.W. 
 
 " Half-a-dozen at a pinch," the landlord responded. 
 
 " That will do," shouted the brethren, "Let's have him in." 
 
 And he was accordingly introduced and placed near the 
 chairman, and the supper was served up. 
 
The Rev. George Oliver, D.D. 307 
 
 Supper being over, the tumblers replenished, and the 
 pipes filled, the visitor remarked : — 
 
 " You seem to be a set of rare jolly fellows. Can you 
 give me a sign by which I may be admitted into such good 
 society elsewhere? But I suppose you keep all these 
 secrets to yourselves." 
 
 " Nay, friend," replied Brother Clarke in Quaker dialect, 
 "Thou art mistaken, for I will shew thee a Freemason's 
 sign if thou wilt consent to pay for a bottle of wine to be 
 drank by the company present." 
 
 " Agreed," said the Bagman, and the bottle was produced. 
 
 " And now, friend," the brother continued, " thou must 
 come with me into a private room, for there may be others 
 present who are not Masons, and it would not be fair dealing 
 to thee if I were to let them into the secret gratuitously 
 when thou hast contributed so liberally to the reckoning. 
 And if thou does not confess that I have shown thee a 
 genuine Freemason's sign, I will pay for the wine myself" 
 
 The proposition was too reasonable to be refused, and 
 the curious candidate for Masonic knowledge retired into 
 another room with his formal friend, when the following 
 dialogue took place : — 
 
 " So, friend, thou art desirous of seeing a Freemason's 
 sign ? " 
 
 " I am." 
 
 " Canst thou keep a secret ? " 
 
 " Try me." 
 
 " Good ! Thou knowest that our friend the landlord is 
 a Mason ? " 
 
 " I do." 
 
 " Very well." Then taking him by the arm, Bro. Clarke 
 led him to a window and said, " Dost thou see that gaping 
 head of the bloody Saracen, which swings from yonder 
 upright post in the light of the moon ? " 
 
 " To be sure I do ; it is our landlord's sign." 
 
 " Good. Then, friend, our landlord being a Freemason, 
 thou art satisfied that I have shown thee a Freemason's 
 sign, and thy bottle of wine is forfeited. For thine own 
 sake thou wilt keep the secret." 
 
3o8 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 The Bagman returned to the room with a look of 
 astonishment, confessing that he had received the desired 
 information, and the chairman, filling his glass out of the 
 forfeited bottle, and passing it round, proposed the new 
 brother's health, and the toast was merrily responded to. 
 
 The new brother, however, felt rather moody about it, 
 and continued silent, but Brother Clarke roused him once 
 more by saying, "Friend, does not the Freemason's sign 
 satisfy thee ? Well then, what dost thou say to being made 
 a Freemason at once? The token of brotherhood which 
 we can confer will open all the toll-bars in the kingdom, 
 and give thee free passage without the payment of a fee." 
 
 The Bagman pricked up his ears at this. He had heard 
 some hints of this privilege before, and as he passed through 
 several of these taxed gates every day of his life, he was 
 satisfied that the saving to him annually would be immense, 
 and he offered to pay the supper bill for his initiation. 
 
 The proposal was agreed to, and the party adjourned to 
 the Lodge-room, when, after many ridiculous ceremonies, 
 which will scarcely bear repetition, although they formed a 
 standing joke with the Lincolnshire Masons fifty years ago, 
 they told him that when he desired to pass free through a 
 turnpike-gate he was to place the first finger of his right 
 hand on the side of his nose and repeat the word " Twig." 
 The next morning, when passing through the south bar of 
 the city, he summoned the keeper of the gate, who happened 
 to be Tyler, and was consequently present on the pre- 
 ceding evening, and exhibiting the magic sign, significantly 
 exclaimed " Twig." 
 
 The keeper of the gate held out his hand and said " Pay, 
 sir, if you please," but the Bagman still continued to cry 
 " Twig," and the toll-bar man pertinaciously kept the gate 
 closed and demanded his fee. The Bagman, with his finger 
 on his nose, still cried out, "Twig, Sir, twig — don't you 
 understand me?" 
 
 " I understand that you are a Freemason, Sir,'' said the 
 keeper, quietly, " and as such you may pass through the 
 gate free of toll, but your horse is not a Mason, and there- 
 fore you must pay for him ! " 
 
Lodges under the Ancient or Athol Constitution. 309 
 
 LINCOLNSHIRE LODGES UNDER 
 THE ANCIENT OR ATHOL CONSTITUTION. 
 
 The history of Freemasonry in Lincolnshire could not 
 be deemed complete without an account of these Lodges, 
 which, though from the nature of their constitution never 
 came under the control of Prov. G. Lodge, nevertheless, 
 were popular in their respective parts of the county. 
 
 Until these last few years the origin and history of the 
 Athol Constitution, the only important schism in English 
 Masonry, were very imperfectly understood, the older 
 historians scarcely deigning to notice those whom they 
 deemed schismatics, doubtless taking their cue from the 
 Grand Lodge, which, having in vain tried to stamp the rebel- 
 lion out, ignored it as much as possible. Even at the present 
 day the majority of the brethren are very hazy in their 
 knowledge of the subject ; a few remarks therefore on this 
 most important epoch in our history may probably be 
 acceptable.* 
 
 As early as 1739 Grand Lodge took into consideration 
 the complaint concerning the irregular making of Masons. 
 It is difficult to say whether these irregularities at the 
 beginning were done on principle, or were simply careless- 
 ness or a rebellious spirit. In any case, if their proceedings 
 were to be carried on, it would be necessary for the so-called 
 culprits to justify their position. This they appear to have 
 done effectually, as their body steadily increased. 
 
 In 1751 they were governed by a Grand Committee, and 
 in February of the following year Laurence Dermott was 
 appointed Grand Secretary. This famous Mason was 
 initiated in Dublin, and joined one of the regular London 
 
 * See R. F. Gould's History of Freemasonry and H. Sadler's Masonic Facts 
 and Fictions. The former gives an authentic narration of the proceedings oi 
 the Ancients from the origin to the union in 1813, whilst the latter puts forth 
 a very interesting theory as to the principle cause of separation. 
 
3IO Freemasonry tn Lincolnshire. 
 
 Lodges in 1748. At the time of his election as Grand 
 Secretary Dermott, it is said, was working twelve hours 
 daily as a journeyman painter. 
 
 Bros. Mackey and Gould thus speak of this extraordinary 
 man : — " As a polemic he was sarcastic, bitter, uncom- 
 promising, and not altogether sincere or veracious ; but in 
 intellectual attainments he was inferior to none of his 
 adversaries, and in a philosophical appreciation of the 
 character of the Masonic institution, he was in advance of 
 the spirit of his age. As an administrator he displayed 
 qualities which we find united in no other members of the 
 craft, who came either before or after him. As Grand 
 Secretary, and later as Deputy Grand Master he was simply 
 the life and soul of the body with which he was so closely 
 associated. He was also its historian, and to the influence of 
 his writings must be attributed in a great measure the 
 marvellous success of the schism." Soon after the separa- 
 tion or secession, Dermott compiled a Book of Constitutions 
 under the title of Ahiman Rezon — "the law of selected 
 brothers," — ultimately securing a nobleman as Grand 
 Master, and so educated and ruled his party as to become 
 a most formidable rival to the older institution. 
 
 One of Dermott's greatest and most successful pieces of 
 audacity was, calling his own party Ancients and the old 
 Grand Lodge adherents Moderns — a most brilliant idea 
 and a marvellous success; the appellation stuck to each 
 party, and in a very short time the terms Ancients, and 
 Moderns became their common designation. Towards the 
 latter end of the century the rival parties were known as 
 Ancients or Athol Masons, and Moderns or Prince of Wales' 
 Masons, after their respective Grand Masters, the Duke of 
 Athol and the Prince of Wales. 
 
 The number of Lodges warranted by the Ancients was 
 almost on a parallel with that of the Moderns. One Ancient 
 custom, which accounts for the apparent seniority of some 
 of our present Lodges, was to keep the lapsed charters and 
 dispose of them to the highest bidder. A handsome 
 
Lodges under the Ancient or Athol Constitution. 311 
 
 donation to the Grand Charity would secure a twenty or 
 thirty years old warrant, and thus at once place the new 
 Lodge high on the roll. 
 
 What the points of divergence were between the 
 Ancients and Moderns have not yet, and probably never 
 will be satisfactorily settled. That they were considered 
 of importance is evidenced by the fact that re-initiation 
 was necessary in the case of members of either body. The 
 question has of late years received much attention, and it 
 must be allowed that the testimony so far adduced has 
 placed the Ancients in a more favourable light than was 
 formerly the case. 
 
 The following is one of several instances recorded in the 
 old Gainsborough minutes of an Ancient being made a 
 Modern Mason: — 
 
 "28th June 1797. Mr. Thos. Jeffries, Master Mariner 
 of Lynn (An Ancient Mason) beg'd to be admitted as a 
 Visitor, but, finding it contrary to our Constitutions, he was 
 anxious to be made a Modern Mason. It was therefore 
 proposed by the R.W.M. that he be initiated, paying the 
 usual fee, and it being a Case of Emergency by reason of 
 his going from this place to-morrow that he receive the 
 Three Degrees this Evening." 
 
 The same records also show that relief was afforded 
 alike to Ancient and Modern, a noteworthy fact, when it is 
 borne in mind that the Grand Lodge of the Moderns had 
 none among its adherents more loyal, than Gervas Parnell, 
 the R.W.M. of the Prince of Wales' Lodge. 
 
 For obvious reasons, as will appear, no mention of the 
 Athol brethren occurs in the Witham minutes. 
 
 Such was the state of parties at the time the warrants 
 of the two Athol Lodges in Lincolnshire were issued. 
 
 Before, however, proceeding with the account of these 
 Lodges it will be as well to continue briefly the narration 
 of the events which led up to the formation of the United 
 Grand Lodge of England. 
 
3 1 2 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 Early in the present century the necessity and desire of 
 re-union became manifest, several abortive proposals being 
 submitted. However, in 1810 delegates from each Grand 
 Lodge, with authority to associate with them from time to 
 time — discreet and intelligent brethren — were appointed to 
 meet and confer on the points of divergence. This was 
 called the Lodge of Promulgation, and it so successfully 
 carried out the intentions of its promoters, that Articles of 
 Union between the two rival bodies were signed and sealed 
 on November 25th, 1813. 
 
 In pursuance of one of these articles, nine worthy and 
 expert Master Masons from each body were formed into a 
 Lodge of Reconciliation, for the purpose of visiting the 
 various Lodges and obligating and instructing the several 
 members. On St. John's Day following (December 27th, 
 18 1 3) both parties met at Freemasons' Hall, and having 
 opened their respective Grand Lodges in adjoining rooms, 
 advanced up the hall in similar procession. The Duke of 
 Kent, G.M. of the Ancients, and the Duke of Sussex, G.M. 
 of the Moderns, taking their respective places in two equal 
 chairs on either side of the throne. After the Articles of 
 Union had been read, one Grand Lodge was constituted, 
 and the Duke of Kent, in an eloquent speech, proposed his 
 Royal Brother, the Duke of Sussex, as Grand Master of the 
 United Grand Lodge of Ancient Freemasons of England 
 for the year ensuing. 
 
 The whole of the proceedings reflects the highest credit 
 on those to whom was deputed the task of conducting this 
 delicate matter. It was entered upon in a give and take 
 spirit, and neither side had cause to complain of a loss of 
 dignity. The conduct of the two Royal Brothers is worthy 
 of all praise, and our present M.W. Grand Master may feel 
 justly proud of his descent from the last Grand Master of 
 the Ancients. 
 
Lodges under the Ancient or Athol Constitution. 313 
 
 The Good Intent Lodge, Stamford. 
 
 When taking into consideration the state of Masonic 
 government in the early part of the century, the position held 
 by our P.G.M., the Rev. W. Peters, both in the craft and in 
 society generally, invests the line of action taken by him in 
 connection with this Lodge, with a considerable degree of 
 interest. 
 
 The Good Intent Lodge, No. 87 on the Roll of the 
 Ancients, was held at the Salutation Inn, Stamford. Date 
 of warrant, ist May, 1803. As the Lodge never conformed 
 at the union, nor made any return. Grand Lodge has con- 
 sequently no records of the Good Intent, save that its 
 number was changed to 109, and classed amongst the 
 Lincolnshire Lodges. 
 
 Apparently, the Lodge was very active for some time 
 and, being in Mr. Peters' immediate neighbourhood, was 
 a source of great annoyance and irritation to him.* 
 
 The earliest notice to hand of the Good Intent Lodge, 
 is the following advertisement inserted in the Lincoln, 
 Rutland, and Stamford Mercury : — 
 
 " Masonic Procession. 
 " The brethren of Lodge No. 87 of Free and Accepted 
 Masons at Stamford acquaint the Fraternity that they 
 intend on Monday the 28th day of July inst. to Walk in 
 Procession to the Church of St. Mary, where a Sermon will 
 be preached upon the occasion by Brother the Rev. Robert 
 Lascelles Carr. Those brethren who intend honouring the 
 Lodge with their company are requested to favour Brother 
 Saile at the New Salutation Inn, in the Beast Market with 
 their intention on or before Thursday the 24th day of July, 
 that proper accomodation may be provided ; and to meet 
 at his house at the latest by Nine in the morning of the 
 above day, that time may be had to arrange the necessary 
 measures for the order of proceedings. 
 
 " Tickets to be had at the Bar los. 6d. each 
 
 " By order of the Lodge 
 
 " Geo. Goodwin, Secretary. 
 "Stamford 8th July 1806." 
 
 * See the advertisement concerning the Barton meeting, 1805, given in 
 P.G.L. Record. 
 
314 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 This advertisement was repeated in the next number of 
 the paper, the following announcement from the Rev. W. 
 Peters appearing just below : — 
 
 " Grand Lodge and Grand Feast. 
 
 " Peters Provincial Grand Master. 
 
 " The Annual Grand Lodge and Grand Feast of the 
 most antient and honourable Society of Free and Accepted 
 Masons, in the County of Lincoln, will be holden this year 
 in the Town of Gainsborough on Tuesday the 12th day of 
 August next, being the Birthday of their Royal Grand 
 Master George Augustus Prince of Wales. 
 
 " The Grand Lodge which will meet at Eleven of the 
 Clock in the forenoon is composed of all present and past 
 Grand Officers, and the Master and Wardens of every 
 Constitutional Lodge in the County; at which time and 
 place all matters relative to the prosperity of the Craft in 
 General and the County of Lincoln in particular will be 
 heard and discussed, and every step taken to diffuse the 
 great blessing of Brotherly Love, Charity and Peace to all 
 around us. 
 
 " The regular Constitutional Lodges are the St. Matthew's 
 Lodge, Barton-upon-Humber ; the Prince of Wales' Lodge, 
 Gainsborough ; the Witham Lodge, City of Lincoln ; the 
 St. James' Lodge, Louth ; and the Lodge No. 453 [removed 
 from the Drapery at Northampton to Boston]. 
 
 " And it is hereby made known, for the information of 
 the Magistrates and Clerks of the Peace in & for the said 
 County and whosoever else it may concern, that these above 
 mentioned are the only regular Lodges of Free and Accepted 
 Masons within their respective districts who are known to, 
 or protected by the Grand Lodge of England. 
 
 " By order of the Provincial Grand Master 
 
 " William Gray, Grand Secretary. 
 "Lincoln July 12th 1806. 
 
 " N.B. All business relating to Masons or Masonry is 
 to be addressed post paid either to the Rev. Matthew 
 Barnett D.P.G.M. at Barton-upon-Humber; or to the Rev. 
 William Gray P.G.S. Vicars Court Lincoln." 
 
 It is necessary to notice here, that in the year 1799 an 
 Act of Parliament was passed (which is still in operation) 
 prohibiting secret societies. Provision was made in the Act 
 
Lodges under the Ancient or Athol Constitution. 315 
 
 to exempt Freemasons' Lodges, provided they made a 
 declaration, together with a return of their members, to the 
 Clerk of the Peace, in the month of March in each year. 
 
 We gather from the following issue of the paper that 
 the notice had the desired effect, very probably being 
 supplemented by his Reverence with a direct communication 
 to the Clerk of the Peace : — 
 
 Masonic Procession. 
 
 " The brethren of Lodge No. 87 of Free and Accepted 
 Masons meeting at Stamford acquaint the Fraternity that 
 the Procession to have taken place on Monday the 28th day 
 of July inst. is Deferred till Thursday the 28th day of 
 August next when they intend to walk in Procession to the 
 Church of St. Mary in the said town where a Sermon will 
 be preached upon the occasion by Brother the Rev. Robert 
 Lascelles Carr Chaplain to Lord Mendip. 
 
 " It is with pity mingled with contempt that the 
 Lodge 87 have viewed the late efforts of impotent malice 
 in a certain Reverend Divine, pretending to high masonic 
 authority, who has taken so much fruitless pains to vilify 
 and defame them. To those of their own order, but little 
 need be said ; their minds can never be prejudiced against 
 their brethren by such unwarrantable and wicked attempts. 
 
 " But to Magistrates, Clerks of the Peace and others not 
 of the Masonic Order, it may be necessary respectfully to 
 observe that the Lodge 87 is as legally constituted and 
 consequently as much under legal protection as any Lodge 
 whatever throughout the United Kingdom. 
 
 " Deliberately to investigate, and completly to expose 
 the proceedings of the Reverend Gentleman in question, 
 they avow to be the purport of thus delaying their intended 
 meeting ; in the meantime they cannot help advising him 
 to pursue a line of conduct and make use of language more 
 becoming his character as a Clergyman and more consistent 
 with his obligations as a Mason. 
 "2ist July 1806." 
 
 The following account of the meeting is from the same 
 source : — 
 
 "Yesterday a very respectable, though not numerous 
 meeting of free masons was held at the lodge in this town, 
 
3i6 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 who went at noon in grand procession to Saint Mary's 
 church, when a spirited and able discourse was delivered by 
 the Rev. R. L. Carr from Luke ch. lo v. 36 [' Which now 
 of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell 
 among the thieves ? '] 
 
 " A vote of thanks for his excellent sermon and for his 
 upright conduct and strenuous exertions in the cause of 
 Masonry was signed by 
 
 W. Jackson . . . Master, Stamford Lodge. 
 
 J. B. Friend ... 557 Strict Benevolence. 
 
 J. R. Smart ... Royal Cumberland Chapter. 
 
 C.Jeffrey ... St. Peters." 
 
 In the meantime P.G. Lodge had been held at Gains- 
 borough, and " A letter was read from the Rev. W. Peters in 
 excuse for his absence, and circumstances respecting a 
 Lodge of Masons at Stamford were stated, and reasons 
 given for avoiding communication with them, and the pure 
 and upright principles of English Masonry strictly enjoined 
 to be observed." 
 
 So far as recent research has shown, there was not that 
 difference between the two bodies to necessitate, much less 
 to justify, this action of the Prov. G. Master. The news- 
 paper account of the Stamford procession calls them 
 " a very respectable" body, the term, respectable, at that time 
 conveying the same idea as is now expressed by the word, 
 influential. Such being the case, one is surprised to find 
 that the rev. gentleman did not deem it the wiser course to 
 ignore the schismatics and not rush into a contest, which 
 had on almost every previous occasion been a losing one 
 for the Modern side. 
 
 The annoyance of the Prov. G. Master a few months 
 later may be easily imagined, when he found the heresy not 
 only in full bloom in his county town, but receiving the 
 countenance and support of the Prov. G. Secretary, the 
 friend whom he himself had introduced into the craft. 
 
 At this time most of the British Regiments possessed a 
 Masonic charter, granted either by the Grand Lodge of 
 Ireland or by one of the rival bodies in England. Among 
 
Lodges under the Ancient or Athol Constitution. 317 
 
 these was a warrant granted by the Athol Grand Lodge to 
 the 76th Foot, commanded by the Hon. W. Monson, of 
 Burton-by-Lincoln. 
 
 This Regiment in 1806 was stationed in Lincoln, and in 
 November of that year a Parliamentary Election for the 
 City took place, the candidates being Richard Ellison, Esq., 
 the Right Hon. John Sullivan, and the Hon. W. Monson, 
 the latter heading the poll by a considerable majority. An 
 account of this election states that 
 
 " Colonel Ellison's house of rendezvous was the Saracen's 
 Head Inn. This gentleman had 1 5 beautiful flags of pink, 
 blue, and white, and the party was attended by the Lincoln 
 Volunteer Infantry band. 
 
 "Mr. Sullivan and his friends were at the Rein Deer 
 Inn. They had 15 elegant flags, alternative light blue and 
 white, and a very good band of music. 
 
 " Col. Monson was at Mr. W. Widdowson's house, but 
 the appointed Inn for the party was the King's Arms. 
 Colonel Monson had 18 handsome flags, crimson and 
 white, and the musicians of the 76th regiment, which he 
 had the honour to command, attended his canvass" 
 
 It is easy to understand from this account that the 
 Regiment and its Colonel were very popular, and that 
 anything taking place in connection with them would be 
 viewed with interest by all parties, varying, doubtless, 
 according to the colour of the banner they had recently 
 supported. 
 
 The following letter to the Rev. M. Barnett, dated 
 London, May 30th, 1807, is now in P.G.L. Library: — 
 
 " I did intend the moment I got a Frank 
 
 to inclose to you a letter written to me the end of last year 
 from Mr. Thorold complaining of an unheard of outrage 
 committed by Mr. Gray the P.G.S. who had the audacity 
 of forming and promoting a Procession of Athol Masons 
 who are at Lincoln, Soldiers in Colonel Monson's Regiment, 
 and marching up and preaching a sermon to them as 
 Brother Masons in the very Cathedral. He wanted Mr. 
 Thorold to join with the VVitham Lodge as followers of 
 these People, to countenance, do honour to, and support 
 
3i8 Freemasonry m Lincolnshire. 
 
 them; and they had the impudence to enter into the 
 Witham Lodge with all their Harlequin Aprons and 
 badges, but, Mr. Thorold much to his honour instantly 
 closed the Lodge and went away. 
 
 " The disturbance made last year by the vagabonds at 
 Stamford prevented me from immediately taking a strong 
 measure with Mr. Gray, but it shall not die away, and I 
 shall take care as soon as Dr. Pretyman comes into 
 Residence that such a thing shall never more be heard of 
 within the boundaries of that Church. And if I hear any 
 more of Mr. Gray Preaching to these kind of People in any 
 other Church, the Bishop shall be informed of it. 
 
 " I have long suspected Mr. Gray's private partiality to 
 Athol Masons & Masonry, and from what I have heard, do 
 believe he is very much inclined to be the Mr. Lascelles 
 Carr of Lincoln .... I do therefore request you to 
 take the acting part into your own hands, and to do and 
 act as you may find or have reason to believe will be for 
 the benefit of Masonry in general & of the County of 
 Lincoln in particular, and lest the Athol Masons of Stamford 
 should triumphantly say, as I have reason to believe Carr 
 they will say — that they have put down the Constitutional 
 Grand Feast & Grand Lodge, I think that the advertise- 
 ment announcing the change should be in this manner. 
 
 " The most Antient and honourable Society of Free and 
 accepted Masons in the County of Lincoln. 
 
 " On account of the Absence of the most worshipful the 
 Provincial Grand Master, and the necessity of the Right 
 worshipful the Deputy Provl. Grand Master attending his 
 office as Chaplain to the High Sheriff about the time that 
 the Grand Feast & Grand Lodge was appointed to be 
 held, notice is hereby given that the Grand Feast & Grand 
 Lodge must be delay'd until after the 12th day of August 
 next — And while the P.G.M. is out of the County it is 
 requested that all matters relative to Masons and Masonry 
 be addressed to the Rev. M. Barnett D.P.G.M. at Barton 
 upon Humber, on whom in that case the masonic govern- 
 ment of the County of course descends. — By order &c. 
 
 " . . , .1 am ever most truly, Dear Sir, 
 
 " Your sincere friend, 
 
 " Wm. Peters." 
 
Lodges under the Ancient or Athol Constitution. 319 
 
 No account of the Athols coming into the Witham 
 Lodge appears in the minute book. The minutes of 
 1806 with one exception conclude: — "The Lodge was 
 closed in due form and the evening spent in harmony 
 and brotherly love, all honours being paid to the 
 Grand Lodge." The exception is the Regular Lodge, 
 February 6th, which consists of only a few lines of the 
 usual page, and was evidently left to be completed 
 afterwards. 
 
 Peters' letter conveys the idea that the visit to the Witham 
 Lodge took place the same evening as the Cathedral proces- 
 sion. Whether this was the writer's intention it is impossible 
 to say, but it is scarcely probable that the Rev. W. Gray 
 would countenance such a proceeding after a refusal to join 
 in a religious service. On the other hand, supposing the 
 procession took place after the election, and the Witham 
 Master f Samuel Thorold, the Squire of Harmston) to have 
 been an opponent of the " crimson and white," his zeal for 
 the Constitutional Grand Lodge would naturally be much 
 strengthened by the result; hence his complaint to the 
 Prov. G. Master. It was without doubt a very unpleasant 
 position for all parties, especially for the Prov. G. Secretary, 
 and it is not surprising to find that, though Bro. Gray 
 attended the following P.G.L. and dined with the brethren, 
 another brother had taken over the duties of Secretary, It 
 is a fact that redounds to Bro. Gray's credit, that his 
 regular attendance, as Chaplain of the Witham Lodge, is 
 recorded for several years onward. 
 
 Little needs, or remains to be told of the Good Intent. 
 
 In 18 1 3 the Solemn Act of Union took place ; alternative 
 numbers were given on the new roll, the Good Intent being 
 placed 109. However, like many of the Ancients, the 
 Stamford Lodge made only a nominal obedience to the 
 new authority, and to P.G.L., as, notwithstanding a place in 
 the public procession was reserved for it, the Good Intent 
 Lodge is never recorded as being represented. 
 
320 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 In 1817 the Rev. M. Barnett, in answer to the enquiry 
 of the Grand Secretary, writes : — " As to the Good Intent 
 Lodge No. 109 Stamford, I have not learnt any particulars, 
 but understand that they have ceased to meet" 
 
 This supposition of Barnett's was, however, possibly 
 incorrect, as may be seen on reference to the account of 
 the meeting of P.G.L. at Spalding in 1818. After this year 
 nothing is known of the Lodge, except its erasure from 
 Grand Lodge roll on 5th December, 1827. 
 
 It may be stated, in conclusion, that enquiries at 
 Stamford elicited the fact, that not a vestige nor even a 
 tradition of the Good Intent Lodge exists. 
 
 The brethren of the present Lodge (Merit 466) meet on 
 the opposite side of the Welland, and are consequently 
 under the jurisdiction of Northamptonshire. 
 
 The Spurn and Humber Lodge, Grimsby. 
 
 The authority by which the Spurn and Humber Lodge 
 worked was a warrant originally granted for a London 
 Lodge half-a-century previous to its coming to Grimsby. 
 Grand Lodge record fixes this latter date 26th February, 
 181 1, No. 61, the new Lodge taking the position of the 
 original, according to the Athol custom previously referred 
 to. The first meeting, officially returned as being held at 
 Richardson's, Crown and Anchor, Silver Street, shows the 
 names of thirty members ; about a dozen more were added 
 during the twelve months, after which nothing further 
 appears except the erasure of the Lodge in 1823. 
 
 It is a remarkable fact that even the very name of this 
 Lodge should have been forgotten in the course of a few 
 years. So far as is known, mention of it only occurs twice 
 in the annals of the Province — once in a fragmentary 
 Lindsey (Louth) list of members, 1837, where a brother is 
 described as of the Spurn and Humber No. 61, and again 
 in a speech by Doctor Oliver at Lincoln in 1841, when, 
 speaking of lapsed Lodges, the Doctor asks, " Where the 
 
Lodges under the Ancient or Athol Constitution. 321 
 
 Spurn & H umber, where the Urania, where the Prince of 
 Wales ? the very names are almost forgotten, and I have no 
 doubt there are many Brethren present who never heard of 
 their existence." 
 
 Bro. Anderson Bates, of Grimsby, who has gone into 
 this matter very thoroughly, is strongly of opinion that the 
 Spurn and Humber Lodge was working several years prior 
 to 181 1. Bro. Bates bases his theory as follows : — 
 
 In the year 1800 the docks at Grimsby were in course 
 of construction. Naturally the work in a great measure 
 would draw to the town business men, one of whom was 
 David Simpson, a member of the Humber (Athol) Lodge 
 in Hull,by trade a joiner and builder. Brother David Simpson 
 (whose name is second on the return made to G.L. by the 
 Spurn and Humber) about the year 1804 owned and lived in 
 what is now 170-2, Lower Burgess Street, Grimsby. Behind 
 these houses is a building now two cottages, but evidently 
 erected for Masonic purposes. According to the statement 
 made to Bro. Bates by Simpson's daughter, her father about 
 the year 1805 built this room for the Freemasons, who 
 assembled there for some time. An unfortunate dispute 
 afterwards occurred between Simpson and the Masons, and 
 the latter removed to what was probably their original place 
 of meeting, the Crown and Anchor, Silver Street. Another 
 strong point in Bro. Bates's contention is, that in August, 
 1809, the Duke of Brunswick landed in Grimsby and was 
 feasted by the Freemasons, David Simpson being one of 
 the entertainers. This of course implies the Freemasons as 
 a body, and points at least to some sort of organization. 
 
 In 181 1 George Oliver, Master of the Grammar School, 
 Grimsby, started the Apollo Lodge, and built a new 
 Masonic Hall. Whether this had any effect on the Spurn 
 and Humber Lodge it is impossible to say with certainty, 
 but it is very remarkable that after this date scarcely any 
 mention occurs of the Lodge; neither do the members 
 appear to have joined the Apollo. 
 
322 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 In January, 1817, the Rev. Matthew Barnett, D.P.G.M., 
 wrote to the Grand Secretary : — " I have made Enquiry 
 respecting the Spurn and Humber Lodge No. 83 at Great 
 Grimsby, and find they some Time since sold their Warrant 
 & Furniture to a person in York." 
 
 Doubtless this information would be supplied to Barnett 
 by Doctor Oliver. The Lodge Bible remained in Grimsby, 
 having been pledged by the Tyler. 
 
 The last return (April, 1839) made by the old Lindsey 
 Lodge to the Provincial G. Registrar concludes with the 
 names of 
 
 David Simpson, 60, Gent., Grimsby, P.M. 
 Saml. Newby, 55, Builder, Grimsby, P.M. 
 
 The former of these was very probably the one referred 
 to in the portion of the members' list " as formerly of the 
 Spurn and Humber Lodge." 
 
Royal Arch Masonry in Lincolnshire. 323 
 
 ROYAL ARCH MASONRY IN LINCOLNSHIRE. 
 
 The earliest account of the Royal Arch Degree being 
 conferred on Lincolnshire residents occurs in the records of 
 the Minerva Chapter, then No. 35, Hull. 
 
 The register of that Chapter shows the exaltation on 
 2nd March, 1787, of three brethren from Barton-on-Humber, 
 viz.. Field Dunn, Tanner ; the Rev. Thomas Robinson ; and 
 Richd. Nicholson, Attorn ey-at- Law. 
 
 On July 6th following, three others from Barton are 
 also recorded as being exalted : — Wm. Hesleden, Attorney- 
 at-Law ; John Nicholson, Surgeon ; and Thomas Marris, 
 Attorney-at-Law. 
 
 The first three named received all the previous degrees 
 from the Minerva brethren, doubtless at the instigation of 
 Matthew Barnett, and afterwards with him became founders 
 of the St. Matthew's Lodge at Barton. 
 
 These brethren, in their turn, appear to have recom- 
 mended the R.A. to Barnett. 
 
 Matthew Barnett (the prefix Rev. does hot appear in 
 the Masonic records for several years) came from out of 
 Westmorland to Barton in the year 1786, and carried on the 
 profession of a schoolmaster, founding the St. Matthew's 
 Lodge at that place 20th March, 1787. 
 
 In the following year Barnett revisited the north and 
 was admitted into the Royal Arch Chapter at Darlington. 
 
 The Chapter of Vigilance, No. 56, Darlington, was 
 opened 24th February, 1788. The following is copied 
 from the Minute Book : — 
 
 " At a meeting of the Chapter of Vigilance No. 56 held 
 the third day of March A.L. 5792 A.D. 1788 present, 
 
 Comps Companion Basnett was exalted. 
 
 Companion Basnett's exaltation Fee £\ 7 - o." 
 
324 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 Companion Basnett also attended Chapter March lOth, 
 1788, and December, 1790. A later minute also records 
 that the registration fee was forwarded to Durham for 
 transmission to London, which, from a communication of 
 the G. Recorder to Barnett, now in possession of our P.G.L., 
 appears not to have been done, at least for a considerable 
 time. 
 
 Almost within two months of his receiving the R.A. 
 degree we find Barnett's name as First Principal of the 
 Saint Matthew's Chapter at Barton. 
 
 In this case, as well as that of the Lodge, he presided 
 without having filled any other office, and one marvels how 
 he learnt the working of either, especially that of the 
 Chapter, seeing that the officers of the Vigilance were but 
 a month his senior, and consequently could not have afforded 
 him much instruction. 
 
 The personality of Barnett comes strongly out in these 
 proceedings, for notwithstanding his comparative short 
 residence at Barton, he not only took the leading part in 
 the Lodge and Chapter but called them after his own name, 
 and appointed the annual feast, or, as it is styled now, 
 installation, on St. Matthew's Day, this probably being his 
 own birthday. 
 
Royal Arch Masonry in Lincolnshire. 325 
 
 The St. Matthew's Chapter, Barton-upon-Humber. 
 
 The warrant of the Old Barton Chapter, being the 
 earliest granted for Lincolnshire, is copied verb, et litt. : — 
 
 In the Name of the Grand Architect of the Universe 
 
 A No. 58 
 
 The Almighty Jah 
 
 To all the Enlightened OUR Brethren of the Several Degrees 
 of the Royal Craft : but more especially, those Citizens of the World, an Servants 
 
 of the 
 
 Omnipotent 
 
 who have been, or hereafter may be, honoured by Exaltation to Our Sublime Degree 
 
 Health Peace Good Will 
 
 Be it known That Out Excellent Companions Matt" Barnett 
 The Rev^ Thomas Robinson and Field Dunn 
 iving made known to Us, their desire of holding a Chapter of Our Order for the Cultivation of 
 le Grand, and Universal Science, in Hopes thereby, the more to extend their Aid to, and promote the /\ 
 [appinessof,everyterrestrialBeing.and Link Mankind together by indossolubleBondsofFriendship, 
 eace, and Harmony. And that We having taken their request into Consideration, and finding it 
 oncordant with Our Grand Scheme of Universal Benevolence, do hereby Grant to them, this 
 lur Warrant of Constitution, with full Power for them, their Companions, and their Successors, 
 ) open and hold a Chapter of Our Order at 
 
 Barton upon - Humber 
 
 r at such other Place, and at such Time, as Our said Companions and their Successors shall, with the 
 onsent of Us, and Our Successors, Grand Officers for the Time being, think meet, The first Chapter 
 ) be opened on Wednesday the iS" day of June now next ensuing by the Title of 
 
 Saint Matthew's Chapter 
 
 ith such Privileges, Powers, and Immunities, as do of Right belong to regular, established 
 hapters and Companions, of Our said Most Excellent Order, Subject Nevertheless, to the 
 reneral Laws and Ordinances already, or to be hereafter enacted, by Our 
 
 Most Excellent Grand and Royal Chapter. 
 
 iven at London, under Our Hands and the Seal of Our Grand and Royal Chapter this 
 le"" day of May A.L. S792 ; A.D. 1788— 
 
 T 
 H 
 
 James Galloway ' 
 
 s 
 
 a 
 
 Ja. Hesseltine Z 
 
 Ja. Hesseltine 
 
 . 
 
 A Benj° Lancaster H 
 
 Jno. Allen 
 
 9 
 
 John Frith J 
 
 
 
 John Frith C R'. 
 
326 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 ' The Reverend Thomas Robinson was appointed Vicar 
 of Horkstow in 1781. Bro. Robinson was the second Prov. 
 G. Chaplain. He died in the year 1808. 
 
 Field Dunn was an early officer of P.G. Lodge. 
 
 No record of the working of the St. Matthew's Chapter 
 is known. A portion of the furniture, together with the 
 warrant, are now in the possession of the present Barton 
 Chapter, the latter being discovered a few years back in a 
 solicitor's office. So far as the Grand Chapter records show 
 the St. Matthew's Chapter ceased working about 1804. 
 
 Among the papers in Prov. G. Lodge Library is the 
 following draft letter of Barnett's, dated Sept. i6th, 1799, 
 in reply to a communication of the Grand Recorder, enclosing 
 a copy of a recent Act of Parliament requiring all Chapters 
 and Lodges to be registered by the Clerk of the Peace : — 
 
 " Am sorry I did not sooner receive your letter requesting 
 a Certificate and Register of our Chapter, as it wou'd have 
 saved us some Trouble. 
 
 "Before the receipt of yours we had transmitted a 
 Certificate and Register of our Lodge to the Clerk of the 
 Peace, and the same might have been done with i-espect to 
 the Chapter, had we known it had been necessary: I mention 
 this because we have not a Magistrate in the Town. I 
 shou'd rather suppose it will not be necessary to have a 
 Register of our Chapter as we never hold one but on our 
 regular Lodge Nights. If it be absolutely necessary we 
 must cease to meet till some future opportunity, which will 
 be no great hardship upon us, as we are, I think, upon the 
 Decline." 
 
 The Warrant of the present St. Matthew's Chapter is 
 dated 3rd November, 1880. 
 
 A Prov. G. Chapter was convened at Barton on Monday, 
 2ist March, 1881. The Grand Superintendent, W. H. 
 Symth, presided, and the Chapter of St. Matthew was duly 
 dedicated ; Comps. Wm. Swallow, Thos. Fryer, and Wm. 
 Harling Sissons being installed as Principals. 
 
 The proceedings closed with a banquet at the George 
 Hotel. The usual Loyal and Masonic toasts were given, 
 
Royal Arch Masonry in Lincolnshire. 327 
 
 the health of the Grand Superintendent being received 
 with great acclamation, from the fact of this being the 
 anniversary of his birthday. 
 
 In acknowledging the compliment the M.E. Superin- 
 tendent congratulated the Companions on the fact of their 
 having made him this day Superintendent of a Perfect 
 Province by ,the constitution of a sixth Chapter, thus 
 forming the double triangle. 
 
 The Old Chapter, and the Saint Botolph's, 
 Boston. 
 
 The Minute Book of the Old Boston Chapter has 
 fortunately been well taken care of. The first entry is as 
 follows : — 
 
 " Holy Royal Arch Chapter Convened & held at the 
 Ship Tavern Boston by the Sanction of the Lodge of 
 Harmony No. 453." 
 
 "Chapter convened in due form 15 March 1807 when 
 R.W. Bros. Willman John Wilson & Cohen presided as 
 Grand Chiefs and finding Bros. Willm. Wells Jn. Brotherton 
 West Brotherton Adam Dods Wm. Wilkinson Jn. Barton 
 Hanson Scarborough & Thos. Wilson duly qualified e?calted 
 them to the sublime degree of R.A. Masons. 
 
 " Chapter then adjourned until next Meeting." 
 
 On March i8th Chapter again met and Comps. Willman, 
 Wells, and J. Brotherton were duly elected Grand Chiefs 
 for the ensuing twelve months. W. Brotherton ScE., 
 J. Wilson P.S., &c. Five exaltations. 
 
 "The Chapter then adjourned until next meeting in the 
 presence of the before mentioned Companions." 
 
 Next meeting, Dec 27th ; two exaltations. Adjourned 
 until the first Sunday in April. 
 
 1808, April. " R.W.Z. oblig'd the Companions with the 
 Sojourners Lecture. Exaltation Fee ;^i i o. is. per 
 quarter Subscription. Pd. for Life Line gd." 
 
328 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 1808, July 17th. Bros. Curtois, Peacock, Cresswell, and 
 Virtue were exalted. 
 
 These Companions became the founders of the Chapter 
 of Concord, Lincoln. 
 
 " Paid for Gold Cord & for Tassils 6s. od." 
 
 Meetings held quarterly, on Sundays. 
 
 1 8 10. "The Fund of the Chapter being indebted to 
 the Craft Lodge in the Sum of Ten Guineas, 7 Comps. 
 advanced the necessary amount." 
 
 181 1. "Bro. Com. T. Robinson who had been exalted 
 into the Degree under the Sanction of a Chapter held in 
 the sixty ninth regiment of Foot quarter'd at Lincoln* was 
 by us regularly exalted (to enable him to become a sub- 
 scribing Member of this Chapter) without expense." 
 
 It was unanimously agreed "That every Companion 
 resident in Boston who neglects to attend the Duties of the 
 Chapter after receiving a summons signed with + + + shall 
 pay a fine of one shilling unless he is sick or out of Town. 
 
 " And that Every Companion who neglects his attend- 
 ance after receiving a Summons signed * * • shall pay a 
 fine of two shillings and sixpence." 
 
 This order was soon afterwards rescinded. 
 
 1813. " Five Guineas given to the Craft Lodge towards 
 the expenses at the procession " (P.G.L. at Boston). 
 
 1816. " On account of the absence of the P.G.M., Bro. 
 Barnett D.P.G.M. be wrote too, to now his oppinion with 
 Respect to gaining a Warrant for Holding a Chapter." 
 
 1818. Bros. R. Roberts, J. Baxter, and W. Ball, of 
 Sleaford, exalted. 
 
 1820. "Cash to Br. Fortisque ;^4-iS-o." Fortisque 
 appears as a visitor, and presiding as Z. on one occasion ; 
 probably a Masonic Preceptor. 
 
 * This Chapter was under the Irish Constitution. 
 
Royal Arch Masonry in Lincolnshire. '329 
 
 1821. June 17th, an exaltation ; and it was proposed — 
 " that the Companions meet on Tuesday Evening June 19th 
 for the purpose of examining Accts., and Write to the Grand 
 Chapter for a Warrant." * 
 
 This is the last entry as regards the Old Chapter. 
 Near the end of the book is a cash account, "March ist 
 1821 " duly signed, showing a satisfactory balance paid over 
 to Peter Tuxford the new treasurer. These dates, June and 
 March, are puzzling. 
 
 Charles Wellman is recorded as presiding every year 
 except one, when his place was filled by Joseph Williamson. 
 Wellman, a brewer by trade, resided at Sutterton, about 
 six miles from Boston. He was Prov. S.G. Warden in 1820, 
 and died sometime about 1855. 
 
 Comp. Cohen, or Choen, was probably Preceptor, as the 
 sum of Five Guineas is recorded as being paid to him for 
 " his attendance and information." 
 
 Jphn Brotherton was Treasurer nearly the whole period. 
 
 Joseph and Benjamin Williamson, father and son, filled 
 various offices in P.G.L. The latter afterwards removed to 
 Spalding, and was returned with the members of that Lodge. 
 
 Some account of the other early members of the Chapter 
 is given in the record of the Lodge of Harmony. 
 
 Soon after the union of the two Grand Lodges, pressure 
 seems to have been brought to bear on those Lodges which 
 sanctioned an irregular {i.e., without warrant from Grand 
 Chapter) assembly of the R.A. degree. These are believed 
 to have been numerous, especially in the Provinces. 
 
 Grand Chapter, when granting a warrant would, in 
 addition to the charge for this document, ;^5 5s., require a 
 registration fee of Ss. for each member. This impost no 
 doubt many of the old Chapters would resent, and rather 
 than subscribe the money, and thus acknowledge a supreme 
 authority, ceased meeting. It is pretty certain that this 
 was the feeling at Boston, as the Treasurer had money in 
 hand sufficient to pay all the demands of Grand Chapter 
 
 * No application from Boston at this date is recorded at Grand Chapter. 
 
330 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 had the members been so disposed. But rather than take 
 this course they gave up the meetings, and, so far as any 
 records bear on the matter, never entered a Chapter again. 
 
 This decision, one must acknowledge, the vicissitudes 
 experienced by the Regular Chapter in after years, gave 
 whatever old members were living no cause to regret. 
 
 The revival of the R.A. in Boston appears to have been 
 due to the initiative of the Rev. George Coltman, the 
 D.P.G.M., a warrant being granted for holding the Chapter 
 of St. Botolph (named after the Parish Church) on 
 November ist, 1843. The Chapter, however, as will be 
 seen, does not appear to have flourished. Very few 
 meetings are recorded, and these at long intervals. The 
 minutes are transcribed in the old Chapter Book, in the 
 handwriting of the Concord (Lincoln) Companions, who 
 apparently took a prominent part in the Boston meetings 
 for several years. 
 
 " Holy Royal Chapter of St. Botolph No. 339 convened 
 in the Lodge Room Church St. Boston nth June 1844. 
 
 " The Chapter was opened in due form by the Com- 
 panions of the Chapter of Concord No. 374 Lincoln when 
 Bros. Companions Jas. Dixon & James Thornton of 
 Spalding were obligated afresh." 
 
 The Chapter was duly consecrated and Comps. the 
 Rev. Geo. Coltman, Rector of Stickney; Benj. Williamson, 
 of Boston ; and Zachariah Woodward, of Donington, were 
 installed as Principals. Coltman and Woodward had 
 previously been exalted at Lincoln. 
 
 Jas. Dixon, who was obligated afresh, was among the 
 last-named exalted in the old Chapter, he, together with 
 Joseph Williamson, being the only old members present. 
 
 In this year petitions for the appointment of a Grand 
 Superintendent for Lincolnshire were forwarded to Grand 
 Chapter; and, very possibly, one of the names recommended 
 for the honour did not meet with the approval of the Rev. 
 G. Coltman, as he apparently never held another Chapter. 
 
 The same leaf, which bears the account of the meeting 
 of 1844, also records that of May 28, 1846. 
 
Royal Arch Masonry in Lincolnshire. 331 
 
 Twelve Comps. were present, including eight from 
 Lincoln ; the Rev. G. Coltman was present, but does not 
 appear as presiding. Benj. Williamson appointed Z. 
 
 " The Grand Superintendent (The Rev. J. O. Dakeyne) 
 produced the Patent appointing him to the office." 
 
 The next meeting is April, 1850. 
 
 Seven Lincoln and four Boston Comps. 
 
 Chas. Rice installed First Principal ; six new members. 
 
 No meeting after this is recorded until June, 1862, when 
 Chas Rice presided, and Comps. W. H. Bailes, J. H. Tidswell, 
 and R. W. Stainbank were installed as new first officers. 
 
 Comp. W. H. Smyth, afterwards Grand Superintendent, 
 joined the Chapter, September, 1862. 
 
 After meeting in February, 1863, the Chapter again 
 slumbered until 1871. In that year a dispensation to 
 enable Companions Small, Radley, and Marshall to occupy 
 the various chairs, or, as the old Scribe would record, 
 " Preside as Grand Chiefs," was granted ; since which time 
 the St. Botolph's has regularly carried on the work of 
 its branch of the craft. 
 
 The Chapter of Concord, Lincoln. 
 
 The early minutes of this Chapter, with the exception 
 of those copied in the Register Book, have now been missing 
 for a many years. 
 
 The Register compiled about fifty years ago, probably 
 by Robert Goodacre and continued by E. A. Bromehead 
 and the Rev. Chas. Nairne, gives, in addition to the exalta- 
 tions, office bearers and number of meetings, the leading 
 events and matters of interest. 
 
 Conjecture only is possible as to the reason why the 
 Chapter was started without a warrant or dispensation. 
 
 That this was no unusual course is evidenced by the 
 Boston Chapter ; and the custom was doubtless encouraged 
 by the divided state of Masonic authority at the period. 
 
332 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 We have seen in the letters of the Rev. W. Peters that he 
 took no interest in the R.A., and also that he was very 
 bitter against the Athol adherents, who are believed to have 
 been zealous promulgators of the Chapter degree. The 
 nominal Master of the Witham Lodge in 1807 was Samuel 
 Thorold, Esq., a staunch and loyal supporter of the Prov. 
 G. Master and the Old Grand Lodge, his Deputy or Acting 
 Master being Charles Curtois. 
 
 The proposal to establish a Chapter in connection with 
 the Lodge, would of course necessitate the consent of the 
 R.W.M. Brother Thorold, looking on the degree in the 
 same light as the P.G.M. was apparently indifferent on the 
 subject, though perfectly willing to acquiesce in the request 
 of his able Deputy. 
 
 The Minute Book of the Old Boston Chapter records : — 
 "Chapter convened in due form 17th July 1808. When 
 Bros. Chars. Curtois Saml. Peacock Richd. Cresswell & 
 David Virtue proveing them-selfs worthy were by us exalted 
 to the sublime Degree of Royal Arch Masons and paid the 
 accustom'd fee." 
 
 Companions Curtois and Peacock also attended the 
 October Chapter. 
 
 The first entry in the Lincoln Register records under 
 date : — 
 
 " 1808, Aug. 21. Chapter of Concord opened at Comp. 
 Aaron Foster's King's Arms Lincoln. 
 C Charles Curtois. 
 Richard Cresswell. 
 
 Virtue. 
 Samuel Peacock." 
 
 Charles Curtois, probably a member of the family of 
 that name who were living in St. Swithin's in the early part 
 of the century, is recorded as joining the Witham Lodge in 
 1802. Some further account of him appears in the Witham 
 notes. Dr. Oliver, who doubtless knew Curtois well, writes 
 of him as " a talented and zealous Mason, whose early and 
 lamented death prevented him from rising to the highest 
 honours of Masonry." 
 
 " Founders 
 
 
Royal Arch Masonry in Lincolnshire. 333 
 
 His death (February, 1822) occurred whilst occupying 
 the chair of Z. for the eleventh time. 
 
 Comps. Cresswell and Virtue, who in the register are 
 marked as "sojourners in Lincoln," left the City shortly 
 after the Chapter was opened. 
 
 Richard Cresswell was, on the proposition of Bro. Curtois, 
 initiated in the Witham Lodge in May, 1808; F.C. in June, 
 M.M. and " Pass'd the Chair " in July, R.A. the same month, 
 and one of the Principals of the Chapter in August — a 
 fairly good record. His attendance at the Lodge is 
 regularly noted for about ten months. 
 
 David Virtue's name appears only once in the Lodge 
 Book, viz., as attending the dinner at the meeting of Prov. 
 G. Lodge, 1 2th August, 1808. 
 
 Samuel Peacock was initiated as a lewis in the Witham 
 Lodge, in July, 1806. He is there described as following 
 his fathers's trade of a watchmaker — but for many years 
 previous to his death, he was a Sheriff's Officer. 
 
 Comp. Peacock was a most energetic mason, and seldom 
 missed either Lodge or Chapter. 
 
 He, like Charles Curtois, " died in harness," having been 
 three times Z., three times E., and twenty times P.S. 
 
 His death is recorded February 7th, 1839, ^n<^ burial in 
 St. Swithin's. 
 
 Four exaltations took place at the first meeting of the 
 new chapter, and three the following month ; these included 
 the landlord of the King's Arms and Levi Green, the 
 Janitor 1808 — 1834. 
 
 September 4, 1808. First election of officers. Meetings 
 to be held monthly, on Sundays. 
 
 Quarterly subscription, 2s. 6d. 
 
 1809. Comp. Aaron Foster died, and the Chapter 
 removed to the Green Dragon. 
 
 " Name altered to Chapter of Independence (Concord 
 already in the County)." 
 
 This is rather a remarkable entry. Nothing is known 
 at Grand Chapter of any Lincolnshire Concord save the 
 
334 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 Lincoln Chapter. I am at a loss to suggest the place, unless 
 it be in connection with the Athol Lodge at Stamford. 
 
 1810. Five shillings out of every exaltation fee to be 
 paid to the Witham Lodge. 
 
 18 17, August 31. "Triple Triennial Festival." 
 
 This, I suppose, means nine years since the Chapter was 
 formed. 
 
 December 7th. " Correspondence with Grand Chapter 
 to become conformable." 
 
 "Charter ;^5 5s. od., and 5s. each Comp. for registration." 
 
 Enquiry at Grand Chapter elicited the following inform- 
 ation : — 
 
 " The Lincoln Chapter was the last Warrant granted by 
 the 'Moderns' prior to the Union of the two Grand Chapters 
 in 1 8 17. It was numbered 184, being the next oh the Roll 
 to the Aletheia, Grimsby." 
 
 The register of the " Moderns," contains a list of seven- 
 teen names, headed by Charles Curtois, Z. ; John Scott, H. ; 
 James Simpson, J. ; meeting at a private room in Lincoln. 
 This Chapter was brought forward in the new Register, 
 after the Union, as No. 557, attached to the Witham Lodge,* 
 and was retained on the list until 7th August, 1861, when 
 it was erased by Grand Chapter, in company with many 
 other Chapters, for having neglected to make returns for 
 several years past. 
 
 No meetings were held in 1818, probably waiting for 
 instructions from headquarters. 
 
 On 7th August, 1 8 19, a dispensation for reviving the 
 meetings at the Lodge Room, White Swan Yard, was 
 received. 
 
 1820, June nth. Chapter of Concord Charter of Con- 
 stitution received; delay from the signature of Grand Officers. 
 
 * By a resolution of United Grand Chapter "Every Chapter shall be 
 attached to some Warranted Lodge, and the rank or precedence of the several 
 Chapters shall be determined according to the priority of the Lodge to which 
 they may be respectively attached. 
 
Royal A rch Masonry. 335 
 
 Apparently the Companions misunderstood the regula- 
 tion of Grand Chapter referring to the attachment of the 
 warrant to the Witham Lodge, as it is recorded :— 
 
 " Payments of quarterage discontinued. 
 " No members but subscribers to Witham to be admitted. 
 "Funds of the Chapter paid over to Treasurer of 
 Witham Lodge." 
 
 The payment of exaltation fees to the Witham Lodge 
 continued for about fifteen years. 
 
 The Chapter in 1822 sustained a serious loss in the 
 death of Charles Curtois. 
 
 Between 1825 and 1832 the Chapter seldom met, and 
 for several years, no record of officers is made. 
 
 183s, June 28th. "Meetings changed from Sunday to 
 Tuesday. Grand Chapter of Promulgation convened. 
 M. E. Wright, Z. deputed." 
 
 Charles Wright was exalted October, 1834, and was 
 elected First Principal in the following June, not having 
 been elected to any subordinate office. 
 
 In July following a memorial was forwarded to Grand 
 Chapter complaining of the Humber Chapter, Hull, charging 
 only half fees, in consequence of which no exaltation had 
 taken place in the Chapter of Concord for eleven years. 
 
 This action on the part of the Concord members, appears 
 to have been due to the annoyance consequent on the 
 exaltation in Hull, of the promoters of the new Chapter at 
 Gainsborough. 
 
 From 1 837-1 842 meetings held only about once a year. 
 
 Doctor Oliver j oined the Chapter in 1 84 1 , being described 
 as "of the Witham Lodge. Initiated St. Peters Lodge 
 Peterboro' 1798. Exalted Industry Chapter No. 39 Hull 
 May 8th 181 3." 
 
 Robert Goodacre, the Rev. J. O. Dakeyne, Ralph Taylor, 
 E. A. Bromehead, together with several other skilful and 
 energetic Companions, also became members of the Chapter 
 about 'this period. 
 
 W 
 
336 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 1843. Companion Wm. Burton was buried at St. Peter- 
 at-Gowts with R.A. ceremony, the Rev. J. O. Dakeyne 
 officiating. 
 
 1 847. The warrant " brought back." Comp. Bromehead 
 presented a frame and glass for it. 
 
 1 848. The Earl of Yarborough, Second Grand Principal 
 of England and Prov. G. Master of Lincolnshire, joined the 
 Chapter of Concord. 
 
 After 1850 the Chapter became very feeble; few new 
 members. Chapter frequently not opened through absence 
 of officers. 
 
 The last entry in the Minute Book is November 17, 1857, 
 seven Comps. being present. The minutes are signed by 
 T. Heffernan. Upwards of £1^ was due for rent, &c., from 
 1854 to 1857. Two exaltations are recorded in 1856. The 
 Register shows the return to Grand Chapter in December, 
 1854, and also records in 1858 the names of the Principals — 
 Thos. Heffernan, Rob. C. Moore, Richard Hall. 
 
 In 1859 the name of Richard Hall appears as Z., but no 
 other officers are mentioned. 
 
 No return having been made to Grand Chapter for 
 several years, the Chapter of Concord was erased from the 
 roll on August 7th, 1861. 
 
 The warrant was mentioned in the last inventory taken, 
 though no trace of it is known at present. 
 
 The following Companions have filled the chair as First 
 Principals in the Chapter of Concord : — 
 
 Charles Curtois, E. A. Bromehead, 
 
 Samuel Peacock; R. S. Harvey, 
 
 Wilson Hickson, Ralph Taylor, 
 
 Page Cartledge, John Middleton, 
 
 Matthew White, E. F. Broadbent, 
 
 John Ward, Chas. Nairne, 
 
 Thomas Brown, W. N. Jepson. 
 
 Charles Wright, T. Heffernan, 
 
 Robert Goodacre, Richard Hall. 
 
 J. O. Dakeyne, 
 
Royal A rch Masonry. 337 
 
 The new Charter of Constitution is dated Sth May, 1869, 
 and contains the names of Rd. Hall, Thos. Heffernan, 
 Henry Cotton, Rd. Sutton Harvey, E. F. Broadbent, Chas. 
 Mann, members of the former Chapter ; and J. R. Rudgard, 
 Chas. Harrison, Fred. Watson, of the Minerva Chapter, Hull. 
 
 The Chapter was consecrated July 28th, 1869, by 
 W. H. Smyth, P.Z. of the Oliver Chapter, Grimsby. 
 
 The Aletheia and Oliver Chapters, Grimsby. 
 
 On Sth May, 18 13, (Rev.) Geo. Oliver, Master of the 
 Apollo Lodge, at Grimsby, was exalted in the Royal Arch 
 Chapter "Industrious," working in connection with the 
 Humber Lodge, Hull. 
 
 This Lodge met under an Athol Warrant which was 
 removed to Hull in the early part of 1809. 
 
 It is strange to find Oliver seeking exaltation in an 
 Athol Chapter, and more especially as the Minerva, held 
 in the same town, was the mother Lodge and Chapter of 
 the early Lincolnshire Provincial Brethren. 
 
 The following correspondence relating to the Grimsby 
 Chapter is, I believe, the only documentary evidence 
 existing, showing that W. H. White took any interest in 
 the Province over which he for so many years was the 
 
 nominal ruler : — 
 
 " Parliament Place, 
 "Dear Sir, " Westm. 3rd June 1813. 
 
 " Upon my return home from out of Kent whither I 
 had been for some days past I found your favor accompanied 
 by a Petition from certain of our Brethren to hold a Royal 
 Arch Chapter at Great Grimsby which I shall have great 
 pleasure in presenting to the Grand Chapter on the sixth 
 of July next — not doubting but that the Prayer of such 
 Petition will be most readily acceded to, & as soon as the 
 Warrant of Constitution is obtained I will send it to you 
 or rather Mr. Oliver of Grimsby aforesaid together with an 
 Account of the expenses attendant — Assuring you at the 
 same time I should feel particularly happy in attending the 
 
338 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 Constitution of said Chapter if I knew when it was intended 
 to take place & that I could make my arrangements 
 accordingly. 
 
 " I will thank you to inform me if you have already got 
 the necessary Regalia &c. for a R.A.C. or what you may 
 particularly want & if I can procure it for you here I shall 
 have great pleasure in doing & await your commands 
 accordingly. 
 
 " I am Dear Sir 
 
 " Yours most fraternally 
 " The Rev. M. Barnett " W. H. White, P.G.S. 
 
 " Barton on Humber." 
 
 " Dr. Sir & Bro. " Grimsby June i8 1813. 
 
 " I received in due course your kind communication 
 relative to the Royal Arch in answer to which I have to 
 state, that however gratifying it might prove to the feelings 
 of the Brethren belonging to the Apollo Lodge, to be 
 honoured with the presence of Bro. White, the Grand 
 Superintendent for this County, at the opening of the 
 Chapter here ; yet the low state of our Finances compels 
 us to decline that honour : for, in fact we are possessed of no 
 Funds at all and the Expenses already incurred have been 
 so serious, that the Brethren have been under the necessity 
 of contributing liberally to discharge the Debts of the 
 Lodge, and I am of opinion that any new appeal to their 
 Purses would be attended with great inconvenience, and 
 would be injurious to the cause of Masonry in Grimsby. 
 
 " I with great pleasure accede to your proposal of 
 opening the Chapter on the 1 3 of August ; and I have no 
 doubt, but on that day, there will be a sufficient number of 
 Companions present to do it without any additional Expense; 
 as to the Regalia, whatever is absolutely necessary, we are 
 already possessed of, the Robes as not being immediately 
 requisite we must defer the purchase of until our Funds 
 
 are recruited 
 
 " Rev. M. Barnett " I am Dr. Sir & Bro. 
 
 D.P.G.M. for the " Your Humble Servt. 
 
 County of Lincoln." " Geo. Oliver. 
 
 Another letter, dated July 24, after giving details of the 
 arrangements for the Provincial Meeting, &c., continues : — 
 
 " I have not yet received the Warrant of Constitution 
 for a R.A. Chapter, which I presume, will be transmitted 
 thro' the medium of you, our D.P.G.M. 
 
Royal Arch Masonry. 339 
 
 " I need not mention how gratifying it will be to my 
 feelings & to those of the rest of the Brethren of the Apollo 
 Lodge, if Bro. White should arrange his business in Lincoln- 
 shire, so as to enable him to honour us with his Company 
 on the 1 2th of August." 
 
 No evidence is forthcoming as to whether or not the 
 Chapter was opened in August. The next reference is the 
 following letter, among the Oliver papers in P.G.L. Library: . 
 
 " Freemasons Hall 
 
 "6th September 181 3. 
 " The Petition for a Royal Arch Chapter to be holden 
 at Grimsby was laid before the Grand Chapter at its last 
 meeting when an Order was made for a Warrant to be 
 granted, but Mr. Dent one of the Grand Principals being 
 out of Town & having been so almost ever since the order 
 was made I have not been able to procure his signature, as 
 soon as he returns to London you may rely on my forwarding 
 the warrant with the least possible delay. 
 
 " I remain &c. 
 " Mr. W. Langton." " William H. White, G.S. 
 
 The records at Grand Chapter show that on July 6th, 
 18 1 3, a charter was granted to George Oliver, E. D. Wedge, 
 John Green, and others, for the Aletheia Chapter, to meet 
 at Freemasons' Hall, Great Grimsby, No. 183. 
 
 The warrant apparently, however, was never taken up, 
 as it does not find a place on the register of that period, 
 nor was it brought forward after the Union. 
 
 Whether the funds were low, or whether, having waited 
 so long for their warrant, they determined to do like some 
 of their neighbours and work without, it is impossible to 
 state, no account of their proceedings being known. 
 
 That the Chapter flourished for several years is evidenced 
 by a newspaper cutting among the Oliver papers : — 
 
 " On Tuesday evening last a gold medal and chain were 
 presented to the Rev. Geo. Oliver, by the members of the 
 Royal Arch Chapter, Grimsby. On one side, in bas relief, 
 a pair of compasses are extended upon a line of chords ; 
 within which is the letter G. circumscribed by a pentagon ; 
 
340 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 the whole surmounted by a tesselated border. On the 
 reverse is this inscription 'Presented to Bro. the Rev. G.Oliver, 
 by the Companions of the R.A. Chapter, holden in the 
 Apollo Lodge, as a small token of gratitude for services 
 rendered to Masonry in Grimsby. A.L. 5820.'" 
 
 After this year (1820) no mention of the Chapter occurs. 
 
 A seal or medal of copper, the size of a penny, bearing 
 the inscription, " Aletheia Chapter Gt. Grimsby," is now in 
 possession of Bro. G. L. Shackles, Hull. 
 
 The present Oliver Chapter, which by its name 
 connects in a measure the old and new, is attached to the 
 Pelham Pillar Lodge, 792. 
 
 Date of warrant 3rd May, 1865. Comp. T. Walton, of 
 Hull, dedicated the Chapter on Sth June, and installed as 
 Principals Comps. W. H. Smyth, W. J. Whalley, and 
 Jesse Waite. 
 
 All Saints Chapter, Gainsborough. 
 
 All Saints' Chapter, bearing the same designation as the 
 Parish Church of Gainsborough, was warranted May ist, 1836. 
 
 The first meeting was held 1 5th August following. No 
 consecration or special opening ceremony is recorded ; 
 Comps. J. W. Pashley, I. Levy, and Wm. Jerrems, whose 
 names are on the warrant, presided as Principals. 
 
 The Saint James Chapter, Louth. 
 
 The name of this Chapter was selected as having been 
 that of the earliest Lodge of Freemasons in Louth. 
 
 The three principal officers of St. James Chapter were : 
 James Fowler, Edmund Locock, and Chas. Michael Nesbitt. 
 
 The warrant is dated 6th May, 1874, and the Chapter 
 was consecrated 31st July by Comp. J. Pearson Bell, Grand 
 Sup. N. and E. Yorks. 
 
Royal Arch Masonry. 34 1 
 
 The Doric Chapter, Grantham. 
 
 The founders of the Doric Chapter were : — 
 
 B. H. Russell, Z. G. W. G. Beaumont. 
 
 A. G. Gamble, H. R. W. Anderson. 
 
 E. J. Wigelsworth, J. J. F. Lyne. 
 
 S. G. Gamble. H. J. Bliss. 
 
 Rev. C. Elsmere. 
 The Charter bears date 4th November, 1891. The 
 consecration ceremony, which took place on the 26th of 
 the same month, was performed by the M.E. Grand 
 Superintendent, W. H. Smyth, assisted by Comps. Mark 
 Smith and G. F. Buckle (Peterborough). 
 
342 Freemasonry tn Lincolnshire. 
 
 THE GRAND SUPERINTENDENTS AND 
 PROVINCIAL GRAND CHAPTER. 
 
 The Rev. W. Peters, the first Provincial G. Master of 
 Lincolnshire was never a member of a R.A. Chapter. The 
 Rev. brother writes thus to his Deputy, Barnett : — 
 
 " I am well persuaded that your own good principles 
 both as a Christian and a Mason will insure your vigilance 
 over the Brotherhood, that no pretended degrees beyond 
 those sanctioned by the Grand Lodge of England get 
 admittance among them — as I have known some very 
 respectable and good Characters in the Royal Arch Degree, 
 I do not suppose that anything very wrong is connected 
 with it. It is not however known to the national Grand 
 Lodge — That Power from whom I am delegated, and of 
 which you are my Deputy, know no other denomination of 
 Masons than Enter'd Apprentices, Fellow Craft, and Master 
 Mason. It is dangerous to proceed further, and I have 
 reason to believe that beyond the Royal Arch, it is impious, 
 and when carried to the length of some weak and deluded 
 men approaches to Infernal." 
 
 This letter, now in P.G.L. Library, was written in 1813, 
 just previous to the Solemn Act of Union between the two 
 Grand Lodges, when the collective wisdom of the craft 
 made the remarkable and lucid declaration "that pure 
 Antient Masonry consists of three degrees and no more viz. 
 those of the E.A., the F.C., and the M.M., including the 
 Supreme Order of the Holy Royal Arch." 
 
 The earliest record extant of a Grand Superintendent 
 for Lincolnshire is the appointment of Walter Powell, i6th 
 December, 1802. He was succeeded 7th April, 1807, by 
 W. H. White, who seven years later was also appointed 
 Provincial Grand Master. 
 
 Both these appointments were probably accepted as 
 being merely honorary positions. As a matter of fact, so 
 far as Grand Chapter was concerned, there was no Lincoln- 
 
Royal Arch Masonry. Prov. Grand Chapter. 343 
 
 shire Chapter to superintend; the St. Matthew's ceased 
 working about 1804, and the Boston and Concord Chapters 
 had no warrant for many years. 
 
 The next allusions to the office are found in the Register 
 Book of the Chapter of Concord, Lincoln, where, in the 
 column set apart for "occurrences" is the entry, "1822 
 May 12 Rev. Mw Barnett recomd as G' Superintend-" 
 
 No record exists in Grand Chapter of this recommenda- 
 tion, nor was the appointment ever made, nor is it even 
 referred to in any portion of Barnett's known correspondence 
 
 1844, Feb. 22nd. A memorial signed by the three 
 Principals of the Chapter of Concord was forwarded to the 
 Earl of Zetland, praying for the appointment of a Prov. G- 
 Superintendent, on the ground that many irregularities had 
 lately taken place in the Province, and recommending Comp. 
 Dr. George Oliver for the appointment. 
 
 In the following September a second memorial was 
 forwarded, withdrawing the name of Dr. Oliver (who was 
 retiring from the active duties of Freemasonry on account 
 of great age) and substituting that of the Rev. John Osmond 
 Dakeyne. No answer apparently was received to this 
 petition until March, 1846, when a patent was granted 
 appointing Comp. Dakeyne as G. Sup. of R.A. Masonry for 
 the Province of Lincolnshire. 
 
 1846, July 22. The first Provincial Grand Chapter was 
 held at the County Assembly Rooms, Lincoln, under the 
 presidency of the Rev. J. O. Dakeyne, when the following 
 Companions of this Chapter (Concord) were appointed to 
 hold office in the Province : — 
 
 E. A. Bromehead, P.G.H. 
 
 J. Middleton, P.G. Reg. 
 
 R. Goodacre, P.G.S.E. 
 
 E. F. Broadbent, P.G.N. 
 
 R. Taylor, P.G. Soj. 
 
 J. C. Osborne, P.G. Org. 
 
 J. Hanson, P.G. Sword Bearer. 
 
344 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 The Rev. J. O. Dakeyne at the time he was appointed 
 G. Sup, was Incumbent of St. Benedict's, Lincoln, and 
 Rector of South Hykeham. The rev. gentleman was, I 
 believe, also a County Magistrate. He is said to have been 
 a clever and eloquent preacher ; but out of the Church his 
 conduct was by no means consistent with his high calling. 
 He was initiated into Masonry in the Lodge School of Plato, 
 Cambridge, No. 549, in 1824, and exalted in Chapter 
 attached to that Lodge the same year. He joined the 
 Witham Lodge in 1842, and the Chapter of Concord in the 
 following year. Bro. Dakeyne was W.M. of the Witham 
 Lodge 1 843-1 844, P.G. Warden same time, First Principal 
 of Chapter in 1844-5, and Chaplain of Grand Lodge in 1847. 
 
 Never since their establishment had the Witham Lodge 
 and Chapter such a muster of talented members as they 
 had from about 1840-50, and it is a matter of much regret 
 that the conduct of two of the most eminent should have 
 brought discredit on the craft. In 1847 the Rev. J. O. 
 Dakeyne exchanged livings with Dr. Oliver, and went to 
 reside at Wolverhampton, and thus severed his connection 
 with the Province. His death occurred in i860. Whether 
 or not he resigned his position as Grand Superintendent is 
 not known ; the last Masonic record we have is contained in 
 the Concord Minutes — " September 1850 Comp. Dakeyne 
 erased for none payment of dues, thirteen quarters arrears." 
 
 In 1849 the Earl of Yarborough was appointed P.G.M. 
 and Grand Superintendent of Lincolnshire. The noble Earl, 
 who had joined the Chapter of Concord, March, 1848, was 
 duly enthroned at the County Assembly Rooms, Lincoln, 
 on the 27th October, 185 1, by Comp. E. A. Bromehead, P.Z. 
 and Prov. G.H. Lincolnshire. 
 
 From this date to 1875 nothing is recorded save the 
 appointment of the Rev. Charles Nairne as Deputy Superin- 
 tendent. 
 
 Companion Wm. Henry Smyth, of Elkington Hall, 
 Louth, D.P.G.M., was appointed Grand Superintendent by 
 patent dated March 25, 1875, and was installed and 
 
Royal Arch Masonry. Prov. Grand Chapter. 345 
 
 enthroned at Lincoln, on August 19th following, by Comp. 
 J. Pearson Bell, G. Sup. N. and E. Yorks. 
 
 In September, 1893, Comp. Wm. Harling Sissons was 
 installed in the room of W. H. Smyth, resigned. 
 
 The Officers of the Provincial G. Chapter of Lincoln- 
 shire, on its revival in 1875 : — 
 
 W. H. Smyth, St; James, G. Sup. 
 
 Richard Hall, Concord, H. 
 
 John Moxon, All Saints, J. 
 
 James Fowler, St. James, S.E. 
 Francis Snaith, St. Botolph, S.N. 
 
 W. W. Copeland, Oliver, P. Soj. 
 
 Jas. Robinson, do.. First Assist. 
 
 Wm. Marshall, do.. Second Assist. 
 
 C. M. Nesbitt, St. James, Treas. 
 
 Fredk. Watson, Concord, Reg. 
 
 Thos. Heffernan, do., S.B. 
 
 Thos. Slator, St. Botolph, St. B. 
 
 Wm. Watkins, Concord, D. of C. 
 Rev. T. P. Holdich, Concord, Org. 
 
 R. Goodman, All Saints, Jan. 
 
 Benj. Box, do , O. Jan. 
 
 The Roll of the Province, according to seniority of 
 warrant, shews the following number of Subscribing 
 Members December 31st, 1893: — 
 
 St. Botolph 
 
 
 0" 
 
 40 
 
 Oliver 
 
 
 80 
 
 Concord ... 
 
 
 34 
 
 Saint James 
 
 
 26 
 
 St. Matthew 
 
 
 22 
 
 Doric 
 
 
 21 
 
 
 Total. . 
 
 261 
 
346 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 MARK MASONRY IN LINCOLNSHIRE. 
 
 The earliest reference to this degree in the county records 
 occurs in the following minute of the Witham Lodge, 
 April Sth, 1798:— 
 
 " The Lodge being opened regularly in the first, second, 
 third Degrees of Masonry & a lecture on each delivered, 
 Bro. Plunkett being present, & several Brethren, Members 
 of the Witham expressing a wish to be acquainted with the 
 Degree of a Mark-Mason, — he in conjunction with other 
 Brethren previously initiated in that Order did make & 
 acquaint & regularly initiate Brothers Simpson, Caparn & 
 Gray, after which a Lecture was given by Bro. Plunkett. 
 The Lodge was then regularly closed with that peace & 
 harmony characteristick of Men & Masons." 
 
 Unfortunately the attendance is not entered for the 
 years 1798-99, so we have no means of knowing how many 
 " brethren previously initiated in that Order " were present. 
 
 In June, 1794, among the names of visitors appear those 
 of Geo. Law, Robt. Manson, and Jno. Plunkett, loth Regt, 
 299 Ireland. In November, 1797, Bro. Plunkett is again 
 marked as a visitor. 
 
 From these two entries, we may safely infer that the 
 Mark Degree was worked at that time in some of the 
 Military Lodges. The minute also points to a ceremonial 
 of equal importance with the other degrees, as, like those, it 
 concluded with a lecture. 
 
 Whether or not the three Witham members continued to 
 work the Mark it is impossible to state, though an entry in 
 the Attendance Book in May, 1800, " that much masonic 
 business had engaged their attention since Feby. 1798" 
 may refer to this. 
 
 About the time of the French Revolution, and for several 
 years in the present century, there were frequent movements 
 of troops to and from Lincoln. The majority of the 
 
Mark Masonry. 347 
 
 Witham visitors were connected with one or other of the 
 various regiments, and many initiations of both commis- 
 sioned and non-commissioned officers are recorded. 
 
 The next mention of the Mark Degree in Lincolnshire 
 occurs in a minute of the same Lodge under date 27th 
 December, 1845, when the installed Masters were requested 
 " to take the requisite steps for reviving the Mark Masons 
 Lodge formerly held in connection with the Witham Lodge." 
 
 The Mark Masons Lodge referred to was, it is thought, 
 nothing more than the minute of 1798. 
 
 The Witham Lodge at this time (1845) was in a very 
 flourishing condition ; probably no Lodge had a more 
 efficient succession of Masters than had the Witham, in 
 Brothers Nicholson, Dakeyne, Goodacre, and Taylor. 
 
 The first Lodge in the County under the present Con- 
 stitution of the Degree was opened in the early part of the 
 year 1870, by Bro. F. Binckes at Sleaford, under the 
 auspices of, and by the same title as, the St. Botolph's 
 Lodge of that place. 
 
 The establishment of the degree in Sleaford was due in 
 a great measure to the Masonic enthusiasm of Bro. Edward 
 Beverley Bogg, the W.M. of the Lodge in 1869. Bro. Bogg, 
 who was connected with Sleaford through marriage, was 
 previously resident in Louth, and a Member of the Lindsey 
 Lodge. He was in practice as a Physician at Islington, 
 and is believed to have taken all the possible degrees in the 
 Masonic system. 
 
 The Minute Book of the St. Botolph's Lodge records, 
 in January, 1870, the grant of the use of its furniture, and 
 the loan of ten pounds to the Mark Lodge, No. 68. 
 
 Bro. Bogg died in 1871, and the Mark brethren appar- 
 ently could make no headway. After a languishing 
 existence of a few years, arrangements were made with 
 some of the brethren at Boston, and, after discharging its 
 liabilities, the Lodge was moved to that town. Here, how- 
 ever, it was no more successful, and eventually the warrant 
 of the St. Botolph's Lodge of M.M.M. was returned to 
 London. 
 
348 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 A warrant (No. 117) constituting a Lodge of the Mark 
 Degree in Lincoln, with Bros. C. Harrison, F. R. Larken, 
 and F. Watson, as principal officers, was granted on Sth 
 September, 1870. 
 
 The selection of the name of " Remigius," the builder 
 of the noble minster, as the designation of the new Lodge, 
 was a happy inspiration, not only from the point of view 
 apparent to all the Craft, but in addition, the strong 
 probability of the old Norman, Remigius (A.D. 1075-1093), 
 tool marks in conjunction with those, and the Mason marks 
 of Bishop Alexander (1123-1147), recently discovered and 
 tabulated, being of great service in elucidating this division 
 of Masonry. 
 
 Authority to open a Royal Ark Mariner's Lodge, in 
 connection with the Remigius, was granted February 20th, 
 1890, to H. E. Cousans, J. A. Robinson, R. C. Carline. 
 
 In 1874 Brother Frederick Watson, Master of the 
 Remigius Lodge, introduced the question of forming a 
 Provincial Grand Lodge of the Degree in Lincolnshire. A 
 memorial to Bro. John Sutclifife, of Stallingborough, to allow 
 his name to be submitted for nomination as P.G.M.M.M. 
 being favourably entertained, application was accordingly 
 made to Grand Lodge, and a patent of appointment of 
 Bro. Sutcliffe to the office was granted on 24th August, 1874. 
 
 The first Prov. G. Lodge was held at the Masonic Hall 
 Newland, Lincoln, on 29th October, 1874, under the presi- 
 dency of Bro. F. Binckes, when Bro. Sutcliffe was formally 
 installed as Prov. Grand Master. Brethren to the number 
 of 270 were entertained by the newly-installed P.G.M., who 
 also presented the Grand Lodge with the officers' collars 
 and jewels. 
 
 Provincial Grand Masters : Deputy Prov. G. Masters: 
 1874. John Sutcliffe,died 1878. Chas. Harrison. 
 1880. Chas. Harrison, M.D. Jack Sutcliffe. 
 1883. Jack Sutcliffe. Anderson Bates. 
 
 1892. TheEarlofYarborough. Rd.CottonCarline,diedi894. 
 
Mark Masonry. 349 
 
 The Province now comprises the following Lodges : — 
 
 No. II ;r, Remigius, Lincoln. September 5th, 1870. Number 
 
 of members, 58. 
 „ 172, John o'Gaunt, Gainsborough. January 15th, 1874. 
 
 Number of members, 24. 
 „ 188, Sutcliffe, Grimsby. August 29th, 1875. Number 
 
 of members, 68. 
 „ 209, St. Wilfred, Alford. August 6th, 1877. Number 
 
 of members, 21. 
 „ 326, Urania, Louth. November 9th, 1883. Number of 
 
 members, 26. 
 „ 387, St. Oswald, Crowle. February 1 8th, 1888. Number 
 
 of members, 37. 
 „ 427, Nene, Sutton Bridge. January 26, 1891 (ded.) 
 
 Number of members, 21. 
 „ 445, St. Swithin, Horncastle. July 20th, 1892 (ded.) 
 
 Number of members, 13. 
 
350 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 THE FRATERNITY OF MASONIC KNIGHTS 
 TEMPLARS IN LINCOLNSHIRE. 
 
 The early returns made to the Prov. G. Registrar, contain 
 the names of several brethren who had taken the Masonic 
 Degree of Knight Templar. 
 
 In the year 1848 some idea existed of forming a 
 Preceptory or Encampment for the county, and a letter was 
 forwarded to the Master of the Witham Lodge by Brother 
 Ed. Farr Broadbent, P.M., stating that he and other brethren 
 K. Templars contemplated forming an Encampment in the 
 city, and were desirous of knowing on what conditions the 
 Lodge would grant them the use of their room, &c. 
 
 So far as the Witham Lodge records show,_ no further 
 steps appear to have been taken in the matter. 
 
 On 4th April, 1879, authority to meet in Lincoln under 
 the designation of Temple Bruer was granted. 
 
 The consecration ceremony took place on June 12th, 
 the following members of the Fraternity taking office : — 
 W. Watkins, R. J. Ward, C. J. Hayward, G. M. Lowe, 
 F. Watson, A. Kirk, and H. C. Tumour. 
 
 Temple Bruer, the famous Preceptory or Commandery 
 of the Knights Templars, is situate near the old Roman 
 Ermine Street, or High Dyke, about 10 miles S.E. of 
 Lincoln, mid-way between the stations of Navenby and 
 Leadenham, G.N. Railway. 
 
 The buildings, which stood somewhat in a valley, are 
 said to have been erected in the latter part of the twelfth 
 century, and consisted of four corner towers, one of which 
 5 1 feet high is yet standing, and the usual circular church. 
 
 In 1833, excavations and plans were made under the 
 direction of Doctor Oliver, at that time Vicar of the adjacent 
 parish of Scopw'ick. Several stone coffins and other archaeo- 
 logical remains have also been brought to light in recent years. 
 
 So far as is known in the neighbourhood, no interest is 
 taken in this once famous building by the modern representa- 
 tives of the powerful Defenders of the Holy Sepulchre. 
 
The Provincial Charities. 351 
 
 THE PROVINCIAL CHARITIES. 
 
 Prior to the year 1865 no organized system existed in 
 the Province for the disposal of or collection for the charities, 
 the usual custom being for each Lodge to apply its funds 
 and votes for the benefit of its own members, or in case the 
 votes were not required near home, to entrust them to the 
 Provincial Secretary, who bestowed them on the most 
 meritorious case brought under his notice. 
 
 On the appointment of Bro. Lucas as Prov. Secretary 
 he, in conjunction with Bros. W. H. Radley and C. M. Nesbitt, 
 succeeded in establishing a systematic organization in the 
 Province, the efforts of Bro. Radley being continued for 
 many years in the capacity of Prov. Charity Steward. 
 The voting power for the Central Charities has now for 
 some years been exercised by Bro. Vickers, the P.G.S. 
 Under his skilful manipulation the Province has been most 
 successful in placing the votes to the best advantage. 
 
 The Provincial or local charities, i.e, the charities locally 
 administered, and generally restricted to brethren of the 
 Province, their widows or children, consist of the " Benevolent 
 Fund," "Oliver Memorial Fund,""Smyth Scholarship Fund," 
 and " Sutcliffe Memorial Fund." 
 
 The Benevolent Fund, after several unsuccessful 
 attempts, was got into thorough working order about the 
 year 1867. 
 
 It affords relief of a temporary nature to brethren, their 
 widows and children; it also contributes a small annual 
 sum to the Central Charities, and occasionally aids the 
 Provincial Charity Stewards by a substantial grant to their 
 collections. The Benevolent Fund is raised by contributions, 
 fees of honour on taking office in P.G. Lodge, and a levy of 
 one shilling from each subscribing member in the Province. 
 
 The Fund, which in 1892 amounted to ;^6oo Queensland 
 4 per Cent. Stock, has since been raised to i,cx)0 guineas. 
 
352 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 The Oliver Memorial Fund. — The amount which 
 afterwards became the nucleus of this Fund was a subscrip- 
 tion begun shortly before the venerable Doctor's death with 
 a view of adding to his somewhat limited means. 
 
 Various suggestions were made as to the disposal of the 
 money, one proposition being the erection of alms-houses. 
 
 After considerable discussion, however, it was agreed 
 that the amount should be transferred to Prov. G. Lodge, 
 and increased to a sum of one thousand guineas, the money 
 to be invested and the income arising applied to the educa- 
 tion of boys of brethren belonging to the Province. 
 
 The Provincial Charity Steward met with a hearty 
 response to his application. 
 
 Several sums from Lodges and brethren out of the 
 Province were also received, including a donation of fifty 
 guineas from Bro. Gerard Ford, a grandson of the Rev. M. 
 Barnett, the worthy Doctor's friend and predecessor in the 
 Province. 
 
 The Smyth Scholarship Fund was subscribed and 
 named as a mark of the respect and attachment felt for 
 their Provincial Grand Master by the brethren of the county. 
 Its funds are devoted to the education of the daughters 
 of brethren, and are administered on similar lines to the 
 Oliver Memorial. 
 
 The Sutcliffe Memorial Fund, consisting of a 
 similar amount to the Oliver Memorial and Smyth Scholar- 
 ship Funds (;^i,oSo), worthily perpetuates the services 
 rendered to the craft in general and the Province of 
 Lincolnshire in particular by the late Bro. John Sutcliffe, 
 of Stallingborough. 
 
 The income arising from the investment is applied in 
 granting annuities to the aged brethren and widows of the 
 Province. 
 
 In addition to the before-mentioned charities the Lodges 
 of the Province have, this year (1892), about 2,400 votes in 
 the Central Charities — Boys' and Girls' Schools and Aged 
 Freemasons'. 
 
The Provincial Charities. 353 
 
 The funds of the local charities are dispensed by the 
 Provincial Benevolent Committee (each Lodge being re- 
 presented by the W.M., I.P.M., and Wardens), at meetings 
 held in Lincoln in the month of March, and at Louth in 
 September. 
 
 The Committee also recommend to P.G. Lodge the 
 candidate for the Central Charity ; this selection as a rule 
 meets the approbation of the brethren generally, who confide 
 their votes to the Prov. G. Secretary, and thereby enable 
 him to carry out their wish. 
 
 For further particulars of the charities reference should 
 be made to the Annual Reports of Prov. G. Lodge. These 
 Reports, which have been circulated among the members 
 since the time of Bro. Lucas, give much interesting informa- 
 tion relative to the charities and other matters in the 
 Province. 
 
 If the present rate of increase continues in the craft, it is 
 evident that some alteration will have to be made in the 
 Central Charity Institutions to prevent their becoming 
 unwieldly. The difficulty of placing candidates becomes 
 greater year by year, especially in the smaller Provinces. 
 
 What this alteration or re-arrangement may be it is 
 useless to speculate, though it is manifest that if our Province 
 is to have a voice in the matter the effort to obtain votes 
 must go on as heretofore. 
 
354 
 
 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 ^bietilia. 
 
 THE OLD LODGE AT SPALDING. 
 
 The following references to this Lodge have been kindly 
 supplied to me by Brother M. Perry, the President of the 
 Spalding Gentlemen's Society : — 
 
 Spalding Gentlemet^s Society's Minute Books. 
 Vol. I., fol. 144a. 
 
 "The Seer, shew'd the Soc. a caracature or satyrical 
 Dutch Print upon a Sett of Italian Painters, being a Sort 
 of Freemasons." 
 
 Vol. III., fol. sob. 
 
 " Mr. Grundy communicated to the Soc. wch. the Seer, 
 read to ye Company a MS. entitled Charges and Regulations 
 laid down in the Several Rules which are to be Observed & 
 strictly fulfilled by every Brother that now is or may be 
 hereafter admitted a Member of our Antient & honble. 
 Society of ffree and Accepted Masons at our Lodge held at 
 Spalding in the County of Lincoln A.D. 1740 A.L. 5740." 
 
 Vol. III., fol. 1283. 
 
 " In a List of Regular Lodges according to their seniority 
 & constitution by order of the Grand Officers all Engraven 
 in 18 Copper Plates long 24 by T. Pine 1740 dedicated to 
 the most Noble and Rt. honble. John Earle of Kintore 
 Ld. Keith of Inverary & Keith Hall Grand Master wth. 
 King Solomon directing ye building of the Temple At 
 Jerusalem from a Frontispeice all neatly drawn & exquisitely 
 engraved — their Lodge "at this Town whereof Mr. John 
 Grundy a Member of this Society is the Master at Page 1 5 
 is thus (in Manner as the others) described in Columns viz. 
 
 in 
 
 BLACK 
 
 Spalding 
 Lincolnshire 
 
 
 Jun. 
 
 22 
 
 1739 
 
Addenda. 355 
 
 " N.B. — The Reason of the 4th Square in these columns 
 being here as in many Other Lodges left vacant is because 
 this Lodge hath not, as some a certain day of meeting but 
 is convened Occasionally or as the Master & Wardens call 
 It, but by the 6th Rule of the Charges & Regulations given 
 them in writing under the hand & Seal of the Rt honble. 
 Robert Lord Raymond Baron of Abbots Langley Grand 
 Master in the Year following (viz.) 1740. The Time of 
 opening and closing this Lodge is fixed to be from Seven 
 O'clock in the Evening till Ten and no longer ; and to be 
 held every first Wednesday in Each Month of the Yeare ; 
 except it be convened occasionally. 
 
 "This Black Bull is an Inn on the East Side of the 
 Towns hall kept by Mr. Matthew Everard where this Lodge 
 was first held and fixed. He being the only one of the first 
 Brethren here who kept a publick house when Mr. Richard 
 Collins a Painter and Member of this Society together wth. 
 Mr. De la Fontain another Painter and antient Brother of 
 the Craft had held meetings and initiated Several persons 
 of this & other Towns as Members in Masonry." 
 
 SHAKSPERE LODGE, SPILSBY. 
 
 Regalia. — From further investigations, we gather that 
 on the dissolution of the Stratford Lodge, the furniture 
 passed into the possession of the brethren of the St John's 
 Lodge, Henley-in-Arden, Warwickshire, No. 492, who there- 
 upon took the name of Shakespere, and added the sword 
 (which bears this number 492) to complete the regalia. 
 Lodge 492 removed to Birmingham in 181 1, and was erased 
 in 1837, doubtless having ceased to meet several years 
 previously. 
 
356 
 
 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire, 
 
 iiibfX. 
 
 Accounts, Expenses of P.G.L., 
 
 63. 70 
 Ace, Rev. D., D.D., 255, 263 
 Adams, Bro. W. H., 208, 295 
 Additional Degrees, 50 
 Address, Centenary, 102 
 
 to the Queen, 96 
 
 Ahiman Rezon, 310 
 Aletheia Chapter, 337 
 Alexandra Lodge, 252 
 Alford, Hamilton Lodge, 264 
 All Saints Chapter, 340 
 Alnwick, Operative Lodge at, 7 
 Ancholme Lodge, Brigg, 79, 
 
 237. 256 
 Ancient Charges, 287 
 
 Roll, 63, 310 
 
 Apollo Lodge, Grimsby, 65, 141 
 Aprons, Ancient, 227 
 Asylum, Freemasons', 76, 77, 
 
 286 
 Athol Chapter, 337 
 
 Lodge, 51, 63, 67, 223, 
 
 309. 334 
 Atkinson, Michael, P.G.S., 141 
 Attendance Book, 156 
 
 Banner, P.G. Lodge, 91, 209 
 
 Witham Lodge, 158, 
 
 163 
 Barnett, Matthew, 27, 31, Sij 
 56,69,131,215,257,274,324 
 
 Barton, Bro. Z., 73, 228 
 Barton-upon-Humber, Chapter 
 at, 275, 324 
 
 Lodge at, 28, 51, 55, 
 
 62, 72, 275 
 
 St. Matthew's, 262 
 
 Bates, Bro. A., Grimsby, 245 
 Bayon's Lodge, 73, 75, 221, 
 
 228, 257 
 Beatty, Bro. Dr., Lincoln, 168 
 Benefit Society, Witham, 159 
 Benevolent Fund, P.G.L., 77, 
 
 105, 241, 250 
 Benton, Wm., P.G.S., 142 
 Bible, Ancient, Grimsby Lodge, 
 322 
 
 Yarboro' Lodge, 
 
 227 
 
 Witham, 180 
 
 Binckes, F., 88, 347 
 Birthday Procession, 36 
 Boating Excursion to P.G.L- 
 
 at Boston, 159 
 Bogg, E. B., M.D., 347 
 Bonner, C. F., 92 
 Boston, Franklin Lodge, 84, 246 
 
 Lodge of Harmony, 64, 
 
 71, 203 
 
 Masonic Hall,Founda- 
 
 tion Stone, 83 
 
 St. Botolph's Chapter, 
 
 327 
 
 St. Botolph's Lodge 
 
 238 
 
Index. 
 
 357 
 
 Bourne, Hereward Lodge, 88, 
 
 254 
 Brackenbury, Maj. Ed., 74, 167 
 Branston Church, 9 
 Brigg, Urania Lodge, 58, 141, 
 283 
 
 Ancholme Lodge, 79, 
 
 237. 256 
 Bristow, W., Lincoln, 152 
 Broraehead, E. A., 237, 293, 
 
 331. 335 
 Bromhead, Sir E. F., 77, 169 
 Brotherton, J., 327 
 
 W., Boston, 204 
 
 Bullen, John, P.G.Sec, 44, 152 
 Burial Ceremony, R.A., 336 
 Bygott, Jas., 32 
 
 By-Laws, Breach of, 94 
 
 Code of, 73, 74, 241 
 
 Witham Lodge, 153 
 
 Cantata, P.G.L., loi 
 Capes, Geo, 31 
 Carline, R. C, 266 
 Caroline, Queen, 135, 142 
 Carr, Rev. R. L., 313 
 Cartledge, P., 161, 166 
 Catch and Glee Club, 160 
 Cathedral, Lincoln, 68, 96, 125, 
 
 317 
 Censure, Grand Lodge, 211 
 Centenary of Witham, 179 
 
 P.G.L., 99 
 
 Ceremonies, P.G.D., 69 
 
 Certificate, Latin, 177 
 
 Chair, Passing the, 50,153,157, 
 
 i59> 165, 206, 225 
 
 Chapel, Brigg, Procession to, 
 
 142 
 Chaplain's Jewel, 98 
 Chapter of Independence, 333 
 
 Justice, Nottingham, 
 
 P.G.R.A.,92,343,345 
 
 Charitable Assembly, 164 
 Charities, 86, 88, go, 98, 351 
 Charity Jewel, 98 
 Chivalric Degrees, 154 
 Church Rates, 285 
 
 Clare, Martin, 3, 9 
 Clarence, Duke of, 104 
 Clarke, C. M., Louth, 145 
 Clegg, Bro. W., Boston, 208, 
 
 252 
 Gierke, Shadwell H., 7, 133, 
 217, 266 
 
 Cohen, Bro., Boston, 327, 329 
 
 Coltman, Rev. G., 74, 296, 330 
 
 Columns, 7 
 
 Committee, Centenary Festival, 
 
 99 
 Concord Chapter, 328 
 Confirmation, Warrant of, 217 
 Consecration of Lodges, 73, 
 
 154. 156 
 Constitutions, New Book, 46, 
 
 49, 94 
 Constituting a Lodge, 47 
 Cooper, W., 57 
 Corinthian Lodge, Newark, 40, 
 
 59, 153, 216 
 Coronation of King Wm. IV., 
 
 164 
 of Queen Victoria, 
 
 168 
 Cotton, Bro. H., Lincoln, 176 
 
358 
 
 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 " Crambo," 306 
 Crauford, Earl of, G M., 47 
 Cresswell, Bro. Richd., 333 
 Crowle, Isle of Axholme Lodge, 
 
 263 
 Crucifix, Dr., 76, 218, 286, 290 
 Cumberland, H.R.H., Duke of, 
 
 126 
 Curtois, Bro. C, Lincoln, 63, 
 
 166, 332 
 
 Doric Chapter, 341 
 
 Lodge, Grantham, 39, 55, 
 
 213 
 Dormant Warrant, Application 
 
 for, 214 
 Dromios, The Two, 133 
 Duke of York, Death of, 163 
 Dunckerley, Thos., Life of, 48, 
 
 125. iSS 
 
 Dakeyne, Rev. J. 0., 78, 177, 
 180, 300, 331, 335, 344 
 
 Dandour, Temple of, 207 
 
 Darlington, R.A. Chapt., 323 
 
 Deacons, S. and J., Appoint- 
 ment of, 156 
 
 Decline of Masonry, 23, 72, 166 
 
 Dedication Ode, 258 
 
 Dedications, 65, 74, 175, 207, 
 
 233. 293 
 Degrees, ist and 2nd, 6 
 
 two or more conferred 
 
 at same meeting, 
 
 156, 157 
 De Grey and Ripon, Earl, 178 
 Dermott, Laurence, 309 
 Devonshire, Duchess of, 9 
 D'Eyncourt, 72, 135, 164, 176 
 Dickenson, H. P., 100 
 Dilatoriness, 229 
 Dinner Tickets, 74 
 Dismissal of Dr. Oliver, 78 
 Dissensions, 206, 222 
 Distressed Brethren, 168 
 Dodd, Dr. W., 23, 255 
 Dodsworth, Jno., Grantham, 
 41, 55. 56 
 
 Education, 93 
 
 Emulation Lodge, No. 21, 133 
 Elsmere, Rev. C, 94, 106 
 Enquiry, Form of, 93 
 Epworth, Isle of Axholme 
 
 Lodge, 263 
 Erasure of Lodges, 22, 44, 60, 
 
 210, 211, 213, 222, 228 
 Ermine Lodge, Lincoln, 266 
 Essex Fencibles, 156 
 Examination, 5 
 Expenses of P.G.L., 81, 82, 97, 
 
 163 
 
 Fee to P.G.L., 70 
 Ferneley, C, 219 
 Fire, Spalding Lodge Destroyed 
 
 by, 236 
 Firing, 291 
 
 Flag, Design for Provincial, 65 
 Floor Board, First Degree, 162 
 
 Cloth, 13, 240 
 
 Ford, Bro. Gerard, 97, 257, 
 
 275, 281 
 Fortiscue, Bro., 328 
 
Index. 
 
 359 
 
 Foundation Stone, Grantham,94 
 
 Masonic Hall,Barton 
 
 -on-Humber, 262 
 
 Masonic Hall, Bos- 
 ton, 83 
 
 Masonic Hall, 
 
 Grimsby, 91, 145 
 
 Masonic Hall, Lin- 
 coln, 78, 89, 171 
 
 Penitent Females' 
 
 Home, Lincoln, 81 
 
 Skegness, 93 
 
 Town Hall,Louth,82 
 
 Victoria Schools, 
 
 Lincoln, 168 
 Fowler, James, 91, 98, 341 
 Franklin Lodge, Boston, 84, 246 
 Freemasonry Defined, 174 
 
 in Lincolnshire, 1, 80 
 
 Freemasons' Calendar, 126, 158 
 
 Hall Fund, 168 
 
 Magazine, 32, <,%, 
 
 i2S> iSS 
 Quarterly Review, 
 
 169, 286, 288, 299 
 Funeral, 163, 176, 177 
 
 George Inn, Lincoln, 150 
 Gibson, W., Newark, 153 
 Gilkes, Peter, 161, 162, 163 
 Girls' R.M.L, 91, 98, 249, 255 
 Goodacre, R., 77, 160,173,177, 
 
 293. 331, 335 
 Good Intent, Stamford, 63, 67, 
 
 313 
 Gordon, Rev. C, Lincoln, 151 
 Gould, R. F., I, 22, 45, 107, 
 
 126, 161, 309 
 
 Gown-trowsers, 36 
 Grantham, Lodge at, i, 22, 45 
 Grand Chapter, Minutes of, 1 34, 
 
 i39> 334 
 
 Festivals, 52, 56, 58, 59, 
 
 62,64,69, 142,146, 155 
 
 Lodge of England, 45 
 
 Supt., Lincolnshire, 330 
 
 Gray, Rev. W., 62, 131, 155, 
 
 158, 316,319 
 Greenwood, Danl., Pamphlet 
 by, 30 
 
 W. S., 87 
 
 Gregory, G. H., loi 
 Grimsby Chapter, 339 
 Lodge at, 72, 141, 
 
 14s, 243, 267, 283 
 St. Alban's Lodge, 258 
 
 Smyth Lodge, 265 
 
 Hall, Richd., P.G. Sec, 84, 178 
 Hamilton Lodge, Alford, 264 
 Harmony Lodge, Boston, 64, 
 
 71, 80, 203 
 Harvey, R. S., 78, 85, 86, 165, 
 
 167, 172, 295 
 Hebb, G. W., 295 
 Hereward Lodge, Bourne, 88, 
 
 254 
 Hickson, W.,. Lincoln, 73, 166 
 Hilton, W., Lincoln, 1 58 
 History of P.G.L., 242 
 Holbeach, Lodge at, 253 
 Holy Temple, Piece of the 
 
 Flooring, 231 
 Honorarium to P.G. Sec, 93 
 Honorary Fees, 79, 175 
 Hope Lodge, Sleaford, 67, 70, 
 
36o 
 
 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 Horncastle, Lodge, at 72, 220, 
 
 259 
 Hughan, W. J., 155 
 Hull, Minerva Lodge, 29, 141, 
 284 
 
 Phoenix Lodge, 227 
 
 Rodney Lodge, 156 
 
 Humber Chapter, 335 
 
 Lodge, Hull, 226, 321 
 
 Hundred of EUoe Lodge, 81, 
 
 23s 
 Hutchinson, Wm., 27 
 
 Hymns, Opening and Closing, 
 
 208 
 
 Impostors, Masonic, 210, 279 
 Inchiquin, G.M., 47 
 Inclosure Bill, 138 
 Industry Chapter, Hull, 337 
 Initiation, 6 
 
 Fees, 168 
 
 Inner Guard, P.O., 74 
 Instruction, Lodges of, 68 
 Ireland, Grand Lodge of, 316 
 Irish Constitution, 156 
 Isle of Axholme Lodge, 263 
 
 Jacobson, T. E,, Sleaford, 212, 
 
 239 
 Jepson, Rev. W. N., 177 
 Jewells, 7, 162 
 P.G.L., 59, 61, 73, 81, 
 
 91. 95. 138 
 Johnson, Maurice, 20 
 Jubilee Festivitiesat Lincoln, 96 
 Honours, 97 
 
 King Geo. IV, 128, 164 
 Knight Templars, 349 
 
 Lady Day, Election of W.M., 6 
 
 Landmarks, 175 
 
 Langwith, J., Grantham, 41, 57, 
 
 149, 153, 214, 215 
 Larken, Rev. E. R.,82, 175, 244 
 Leicester, St. John's Lodge, 
 
 130, 268 
 Lewis, 282 
 
 Librarian of P.G.L., 105 
 Library of P.G.L., 108 
 of G L., 108 
 
 Masonic, Sleaford, 240 
 
 Lincoln, 181 
 
 Louth, 242 
 
 Lincoln, Angel Inn, 20 
 Architectural Society, 
 
 254 
 Concord Chapter, 331 
 
 Date Book, 163, 166 
 
 Dedication of new Hall, 
 
 Saltergate, 293 
 Ermine Lodge, 266 
 
 Ol^i^Lodge at, 2, 47 
 
 Second Lodge at, 18 
 
 St. Hugh Lodge, 260 
 
 Witham Lodge, 2, 49, 
 
 149 
 Lincolnshire Chronicle, 294 
 Lodges on Roll of 
 
 Grand Lodge, 121 
 Lodges, Summary of 
 
 Register, 122 
 P.G. Masters, 51, 
 
 54, 123 
 
 Revival of Masonry, 
 
 27 
 
tndex. 
 
 361 
 
 Lindsey Lodge, Louth, 73, 84, 
 140, 148, 223, 241, 320, 322 
 Locock, Bro. E., 88, 92 
 Lodge of Emergency, 131, 168, 
 
 293 
 
 Instruction, 163 
 
 Promulgation, 312 
 
 Reconciliation, 312 
 
 Louth, St. James' Chapter, 340 
 Lodge, 141 
 
 Town Hall Foundation 
 
 Stone, 82, 241 
 Lucas, C. E., P.G. Sec, 89, 
 
 241 
 Lumley Lodge, Skegness, 93, 
 
 264 
 
 Making a Mason at sight, 131, 
 
 Manchester, Duke of, 126 
 Mann, C, Tyler, 179 
 Mark Degree, 156, 175, 345 
 
 Masonry in Lincolnshire, 
 
 346 
 
 P.G.L., 258 
 
 Market Rasen, 74, 94, 228, 257 
 Marris, Rev. G., Brigg, 60, 66, 
 
 142 
 Marsden, F. D., 94, 242, 264 
 Marshall, Prov. G., 73 
 Masonic Benefit Society, 36,2 79 
 
 Church Service, 205 
 
 Hall Co., Lincoln, 178 
 
 Impostor, 279 
 
 Rival Processions, 315 
 
 Society, 279 
 
 Masonry, Decline of, 72, 142 
 Defence of, 9 
 
 Masonry, Introduction of, 69 
 Religion central point 
 
 of, 66 
 Master, Degree of, 5, 6 
 Masons to pass the 
 
 chair, 157, 159 
 Masters of Witham Lodge, 
 
 List of, 182 
 Medal, Centenary, 107 
 Michaelmas Election of W.M., 6 
 Militia, North Lincolnshire, 143 
 Minerva Chapter, Hull, 323,337 
 
 — Lodge, Hull, 141, 284 
 
 Mock Initiation, 306 
 Mockler, Rev. W., 78, 236, 296 
 Moderns, 310, 334 ' 
 
 Moira, Lord, 276 
 Monson, Col., Lincoln, 317 
 Montague, Duke of, 45 
 Moore, Bro. Bramley,M.P., 178 
 Mount Edgcumbe, Earl of, 106 
 Mozart, xoo 
 
 Nairne, Rev. C.,8i, 84, 176,331 
 Nesbitt, C. M., 105, 242 
 Newark, Corinthian Lodge, 40, 
 
 59, 210, 216 
 Newton, Sir Isaac, 20 
 Nicholson, Rev., 42, 56 
 
 Richd., 141 
 
 W. A., Lincoln, 76, 
 
 169 
 North Notts. Lodge, 59 
 
 Oath of Allegiance, 145 
 Officers of P.G.L., 74, in 
 
 of P. Grand Chap,, 345 
 
 P.G., Rank of, no 
 
362 
 
 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 OfTertory, i'o6 
 
 Old King's Arms Lodge, 9 
 
 Oldman, T. H., 93 
 
 Olive Union Lodge, Horncastle, 
 
 72, 220, 259 
 Oliver, Dr., 23, 52, 65, 85, 145, 
 
 1671I73. 174, 180,230, 
 
 244, 282, 335 
 Memorial Fund, 91, 303, 
 
 351 
 
 Chapter, Grimsby, 340 
 
 Rev. Saml., 267 
 
 Organ for Witham Lodge, 160 
 Organist, Prov. G., 74 
 Orme, Dr., Louth, 61, 144, 205 
 Orphanages, Girls and Boys, 76 
 
 Pamell,.Gervase, 33, 37, 51, 
 
 211, 311 
 Pashley, J. W., Gainsboro', 225 
 Passed Masters' Degree, 165, 
 
 206 
 Peacock, John, Lincoln, 152, 
 169 
 
 Saml, 159, 332 
 
 Pelham Pillar Lodge, Grimsby, 
 
 84. 243 
 
 The Hon. C. A. W., 137 
 
 Perfect Province, 327 
 Peterborough,St. Peter's Lodge, 
 
 i47> 203 
 Peters, Rev. W., 39, 42, 50, 55, 
 
 63, 123, 142, 146, 277, 313, 
 
 341 
 Petre, Lord, Portrait by Peters, 
 
 126 
 Petition to G.M. to hold a 
 
 P.G.L. in Lincolnshire, 164 
 
 Phoenix Lodge, Hull, 227 
 
 Pillar, Pelham, 243 
 
 Pindar, P., Criticism on Rev. 
 
 W. Peters, 125 
 Plunkett, Bro., 156 
 Pocklington, Bro. C-, 207 
 Porter, G. H., Louth, 242 
 Prayer, Masonic, 173 
 Present of Game to G. Sec, 162 
 Preston's Lectures, 158 
 Prince Geo. of Wales, Address 
 
 to, 55 
 
 of Wales, Address to Queen 
 
 on his recovery, 
 
 89 
 Address on his 
 
 elevation as 
 
 G.M., 90, 91 
 Lodge, 33, 55, 63, 
 
 227 
 Lodge, London, 
 
 127 
 Provincial Chapters, Roll of, 
 
 345 
 
 Charities, 351 
 
 Grand Chapter, 342 
 
 Grand Mark Masters, 
 
 348 
 
 Grand Lodge : — 
 
 First Meeting, 42 
 Jewels first worn, 223 
 Table of Meetings, 109 
 Officers, III 
 
 G.M., First appoint- 
 ment of, 47, 130 
 
 G.M., Installation, 55 
 
 Lodgesunpopular,79 
 
 Mark Lodges, Roll 
 
 of, 349 
 Psychology of Freemasonry, 
 263 
 
Index. 
 
 363 
 
 Pudsey, W. P., 57, 225 
 Punch Bowl, 176 
 Purey-Cust, Very Rev. A. P., 96 
 
 Quatuor Coronati Lodge, 107, 
 
 180, 242 
 Questions, 176 
 
 Royal Arch Degree, 278 
 
 Masonry in Lin- 
 colnshire, 323 
 
 Ark Mariners, Lincoln, 
 
 348 
 
 Brunswick Lodge, Shef- 
 field, 59 
 
 Proclamation, 42 
 
 Raby, Bro., on History of H. A., 
 
 227 
 Raby Lodge, Staindrop, 274 
 Radley, W. H , 249 
 Rainey, Bro., Spilsby, 234 
 Ray, John, 151 
 Regalia, Stewards', 92 
 Registrar, P.G., Creation of, 73 
 Register, Bayon's Lodge, 257 
 
 Provincial Lodge, 122 
 
 Witham Parchment, 
 
 159 
 Regimental Chapter, 328 
 
 Charter, 316 
 
 Re-initiation, 212, 311 
 Regularity, Lodge of, 133 
 Reindeer Inn, Lincoln, 150 
 Remigius Mark Lodge, 348 
 Reporting Masonic Business, 95 
 Reply from the Queen re 
 
 Jubilee Address, 98 
 Resignation of D.P.G.M., 80 
 Returns of Membership, 68 
 Ritual of P.G.L,, 73 
 
 Witham, 177 
 
 Robinson, Rev. Thos., 57, 59, 
 
 326 
 Rodney Lodge, Hull, 156 
 
 Sadler, H., Sub-Librarian G.L., 
 48, 51, 125, 133, 309 
 
 Saunders, Rev. J. C. K., 257 
 
 Scunthorpe,St.Laurence Lodge, 
 95, 264 
 
 Schismatics, 63, 316 
 
 Scientific Lodge, Cambridge, 
 139, 271 
 
 Scotch Certificate, 218 
 
 Scott, John, Lincoln, 149, 154, 
 
 334 
 Seal, Provincial, 88 
 SecretSocieties,Actprohibiting, 
 
 314. 326 
 Seniority, Ofiicers by, 248 
 Septennial Act, 136 
 Shakespere Lodge, Spilsby, 74, 
 
 80, 221, 230, 264, 3SS 
 Sibthorp, Col., 163 
 Simpson, Jas., Lincoln, 152 
 Sissons, W. H., 92, 104, 263 
 Skegness,LumleyLodge,93,264 
 Sleaford, Hope Lodge, 67, 211 
 
 St. Botolph's Lodge, 
 
 82, 238 
 
 St. Botolph's Mark 
 
 Lodge, 347 
 Smoking Mixture for Masons, 
 
 161 
 
364 
 
 Freemasonry in Lincolnshire. 
 
 Smyth Lodge, Grimsby, 265 
 MajorW.H.,86, 102, 139, 
 
 241. 331 
 
 Scholarship Fund, 93, 140 
 
 Sociability, Remarks on, 53 
 Somerset House Lodge, 126 
 Song, Lodge closed with a, 5 
 Songs, Twelve Masonic, by 
 
 Rev. Samuel Oliver, 268 
 Spalding, Hundred of EUoe 
 Lodge, 23s 
 
 Old Lodge at, 20, 354 
 
 WellandLodge,67,209 
 
 Speculations on Speculative 
 
 Masonry, 87, 219 
 Spring, P.G.L. Meeting to be 
 
 in, 80 
 Spurn and Humber Lodge, 
 
 Grimsby, 223, 320 
 Staindrop, Raby Lodge, 274 
 Stamford, Lodge Good Intent, 
 
 63. 313. 334 
 
 Mercury, 60, 220, 
 
 313 
 Stewards, Charity , Election of, 8 9 
 Stratford - on - Avon, Regalia 
 
 purchased from, 230, 232 
 Stukeley, Dr., Diary, &c., i, 21, 
 
 45 
 St. Alban's, Duke of, P.G.M., 
 
 85. 139. 179. 207 
 
 Lodge, Grimsby, 258 
 
 St. Botolph's Chapter, Boston, 
 
 327 
 St. Hugh Lodge, Lincoln, 180, 
 
 260 
 St. James' Chapter, 340 
 
 Lodge, Louth, 144 
 
 St. John's Lodge, Leicester, 
 
 130, 268 
 
 St. Lawrence Lodge, Scun- 
 thorpe, 95, 265 
 
 St. Matthew's Chapter, Barton, 
 324 
 
 Lodge, Barton, 28, 
 
 262 
 
 St. Peter's Lodge, Peterborough, 
 271, 282 
 
 S ummary ofProvinci al Register, 
 122 
 
 Sunday Lodges, 279 
 
 ■■ dispensed with, 
 
 68, 335 
 Supreme Council, 284 
 Sussex, Duke of, G.M., 71, 288 
 Sutcliffe, Bro. J., 90, 258 
 Jack, 348 
 
 Memorial Fund, 95 
 
 Sutton Bridge Lodge, 252 
 Sympson, Thos., 150 
 
 Tate, Bro. R., No. 14 Lodge, 
 
 162 
 Temple Bruer Preceptory, 350 
 Tennyson D'Eyncourt, Chas., 
 
 M.P., 68, 70, 13s, 164, 173, 
 
 298 
 Temple of Apollo, Delos, Stone 
 
 from, 148 
 Third Degree, 59 
 Thorold, Saml., R.W.M., 62, 
 
 157. 317 
 Three Degrees, Lecture on, 153 
 
 given in one 
 
 evening, 311 
 Trent Lodge, Gainsborough, 
 
 73> 225 
 Triple Triennial Festival, 334 
 Trowel presented to P.G.M., 93 
 
Index. 
 
 36s 
 
 Union, Articles of, 312 
 
 Lodge, Notts., 268 
 
 of Lodges, 312, 319 
 
 Urania Lodge, Brigg, 58, 141 
 
 Vickers, Benj., Lincoln, 351 
 Visitors re-obligated, 159 
 
 Warden of Louth, 145 
 Warrant, Ancholme Lodge, 83 
 
 of Old Doric Lodge, 
 
 214, 216 
 of St. Matthew's Chap- 
 ter, 325 
 
 Saleable, 143 
 
 Transfer of, 205 
 
 Urania, transferred to 
 
 Grimsby, 145 
 
 Urania, transferred to 
 
 Louth, 143 
 
 Witham Lodge, 149 
 
 Watkins, Bro. W., 179 
 Watson, Fred., Lincoln, 348 
 Welland Lodge, Spalding, 67, 
 
 209, 280 
 Wellman, Chas., 329 
 Wharam, Rd. (Antient), 35 
 
 White, W. H., P.G.M., 65, 
 
 132, 337 
 White, W. H., G. Sec, 133, 204 
 Bro. Matthew, W.M. 
 
 Witham, 163, 166 
 Williamson, Benj., Boston, 330 
 
 Joseph, 329 
 
 P.G.D.C., 172 
 
 Witham Lodge, Lincoln, 64, 149 
 List of Mem- 
 bers, 184 
 Worsley, Lord, 138, 176, 243 
 Wray, Sir Cecil, D.G.M., 3, 9 
 
 Sir Christopher, 9 
 
 Wren, Sir C, 20, 140 
 
 Yarborough, Earl of, 73, 80, 84, 
 
 137. 143. i77i 240, 
 266, 336, 348 
 
 Lodge, Gainsboro', 
 
 81, 225 
 Yeomanry Parade, 74 
 York, Dean of ( Very Rev. A. 
 Purey-Cust), 97 
 
 Grand Lodge, 46 
 
 Records, 2 
 
 Zetland, Earl of, G.M., 81, 304 
 
 James Williamson, Printer, High Street, Lincoln.