Preface

QJornell MnittBcaitg SIthrarg
FROM THE
BENNO LOEWY LIBRARY
COLLECTED BY
BENNO -LOEWY
1854.1919 BEQUEATHED TO CORNELL UNIVERSITY
Cornell University Library
The original of tliis book is in tine Cornell University Library.
There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text.
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HISTORY OF FREEMAf ONRY '^
IN SUSSEX; ^
CONTAINING
A Sketch of the Lodges, Past and 1'resent, with NuMEEiOAL Tables of Extinct and Existing Lodges ; The Peotincial Grand Lodge, with a List of Past Officers; a Review of the Order of Eoyal'Arch Masonry in the Province ; and an Appendix with some interesting reprints.
WITH COLORED ILLUSTRATIONS.
ALSO
A HISTORY OF THE HOWARD LODGE OF BROTHERLY LOYE,
No. 56, Arundel, A.D. 1736—1878.
COMPILED BY
THOMAS FRANCIS, W.M. 56, P.M. & Z. 804, P.P.G. Second Assist. Sojr. Hampshire and Isle of Wight.
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(With permission of the Frovimial Grand Master. J
Printed by Bro. Henry Lewis, No. 114, High Street. 1883,
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SIE WALTER WYNDHAM BUREELL, Bart., M.P., Slt0lrt ^(wsijipfMi '^voxtinsicd (Hvaui) Stta»teir ^f
' Brother to a King, Fellow to a Prince, and Companion to a Peasant if a Mason,''
THESE PAGES ARE RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED, BY THE COMPILER,
THOMAS EEANCIS.
I HE original intention of the Compiler of this Memoir was to embrace only the History of the Lodge of Brotherly. Love, with a short paper, by way of an appendix, on the Lodges, past and present, in the Province of Sussex; but as time went on much interesting matter came to hand, and I have therefore considered it best to place that part of it which will be most acceptable to the brethren in the Province first, and leave the History of my Lodge to fiU a subordinate place. The early records of that Lodge having been lost, as is the case with the majority of old Lodges, I must plead want of material for not being able to give more of the early history of its proceedings, a review of which would doubtless have thrown some light on the working of a Lodge throughout the greater part of the last century, as it was constituted only nineteen years after the birth, in A.D. 1717, of the MoTHBE Grand Lodge of Speculative Feeemasoney throughout the world, and about the period when dissensions first commenced which finally led to the formation of the rival Grand Lodge in 1750-1, the founders of which took the name of " Ancients," at the same time dubbing the original Grand Lodge as the "Moderns." Such being the case I have considered it a fitting opportunity to give a " Brief Sketch of Freemasonry" in the Province of Sussex, the chief interest of which is a list of Extinct Lodges before and since the union of the two Grand Lodges in 1813, with their dates of constitution, and their numbers as altered from time to time.*
* Since drawing up the list of Lodges with their dates and numbers, Bro. R. F. Gould, P.G.D. of England has compiled two very interesting works (" The Four Old Lodges," and " The AthoU Masons," London, Spencer & Co.) which will save much time and expenoe to those who may he searching for old Lodges, as the first-named contains lists of all the Lodges constituted by the Grand Lodge of " Modems " from 1717, and the other a list of Lodges constituted by the Grand Lodge of " Ancients " or " Atholl Masons" from 1751 to 1813.
The only cause for delay in isstiing a Memorial of the Centenary Festival of the "Howard Lodge of Brotherly Love " which was celebrated in 1878, was the difficulty in getting together the various notes respecting the Province ; that delay however has given me an opportunity of making some additions by way of an Appendix, which I trust wiU be of interest to the reader ; I refer more especially to the article on Eoyal Arch Masonry, and the reprint of "An Ode to Masonry by a member of the 'Lodge of Friendship,' 624," Chichester, 1811, dedicated to His Grace the Duke of Eichmond and Lennox.*
I must here take the opportunity of acknowledging the assistance of those brethren who have so readily supplied me with information which the materials in my possession failed to furnish. To Bro. V. P. Freeman, the Prov. Grand Secretary, who has kindly given me encourage- ment by forwarding valuable information which otherwise would have been out of my reach ; also to Bro, H. G. Buss, Assistant Grand Secretary of England, who has spent some time in searching the records of Grand Lodge in response to my numerous questions ; and lastly to that luminary of Masonic lore, Bro. W. J. Hughan, Past Grand Deacon of England, the author of many Masonic works, both historical and archaeological, as well as a constant contributor to the Masonic periodicals of the day, I am greatly indebted for many favors ; to each of whom, and to others who have kindly aided, I tender my thanks and hearty good wishes.
T. F. April, 1883.
* His Grace was the Master of this Lodge and was no doubt one of the founders. He was also for several years a, member of the " Royal Clarence " Lodge, Brighton; as " the Hon. General Lennox " he was elected its Master in 1805, and was annually re-elected to that office until 1816, when he was appointed Prov. Grand Master,
®i>ntent».
Introduction
Corrections and Additions
Description of Plates
Lodges Past and Present
Table of Extinct Lodges
„ of Existing Lodges
The Provincial Grand Lodge
Ceremony of laying the Foundation Stone of the Freemasons' Hall at Lewes, A.D. 1797
Warrant Constituting the "South Saxon" Lodge, Lewes, as the Prov. Grand Lodge
Eesuscitation of the Provincial Grand Lodge...
Death of the Duke of Kichmond ; the Province placed in charge of the Grand Eegistrar . . .
Appointment .and Installation of Col. G. C. Dalbiac as Provincial Grand Master
Appointment and Installation of the Eight Hon. Walter John Lord Pelham as Provincial Grand Master
Ceremony of laying the Foundation Stone of the Freemasons' Hall, Lewes, A.D. 1868
Testimonial to Bro. G. E. Pocock
Presentation of Stewards' Jewels in comme- moration of the Installation of H.E.H. the Prince of Wales, to Bros. J. H. Scott and v. P. Freeman
Appointment and Installation of Sir W. W. BurreU, Bart., M.P., as Provincial Grand Master
Page
V.
X.
xi. 1 29 30 31
32
35 40
47
48
51
52 53
55 58
Vlll.
The Piov. G.M., Sir W. W. BurreU, asssistedby his Officers, lays the Foundation Stone of the Childrens' Hospital at Brighton ... 63
Supplementary — The Eeport of the proceedings
of the Prov. G.L. for 1882 ... 69
Localities where the Prov. G. Lodge has been
held ... ... ... 98
List of Past and Present Provincial Grand
Officers ... ... 99
Koyal Arch Masonry in Sussex ... ... 108
Oration by M.E. Companion J. H. Scott ... Ill Eesuscitation of the Provincial Grand Eoyal
Arch Chapter, A.D. 1881 ... 119
EoU of Existing Chapters ... ... 121
EoU of Extinct Chapters ... ... 122
Statistics of Eoyal Arch Masonry ... 123
Page
Copy of the Warrant of the "Eoyal Clarence"
Lodge .. ... ... 124
Copy of the Warrant of the " Derwent " Lodge . . . 126 A Eeprint — "An Ode to Masonry," published at
Chichester in 1812 ... ... 129
Eeport of the Proceedings of the Prov. G. Lodge,
held at Erighton, in June, 1823 ... 136
" Our EoU of Lodges and Chapters." — From the
Preemason's Chronicle, 4th December, 1880 ... 140
" Our Institutions." — From the Freemason's Chron- icle, 8th January, ] 881 ... ... 144
" The Deputy Provincial Grand Master." — From the
Freemason of 8th May, 1880 ... 149
HiSTOET OF THE " HOWAKD LODGB OF BkOTHBELY
Love," Akctndel
X.
Page 19. "Wellington" Lodge, Eye. — The Warrant for this Lodge was granted by the Duke of Sussex, M.W.G.M. dated April 25th, 1814, No. 651, being the fourth that was issued by the United Grand Lodge, to the following brethren :— Samuel GiU (to "be the first Master), John Easton (to be the first S.W.), James GiU (to be the first J.W.), William Colebrook, James Crowhurst, James Crowhurst, Junior, Edward Chatterton, George Staffell and others — ^to be opened in a private room in the above town ; the meetings were held at the "London Trader Tnn" from AprU, 1823, to May 27th, 1836; then at the "Queen's Head ; " from thence the Lodge was moved on June 30th, 1837, to the "Lamb" Inn, on January 26th, 1844, after beiQg dormant nearly four years to the " Union " Inn ; for a few years the records are missing, but on June 13th, 1856, it appears that the Lodge was located at the " Crown" Inn, whence it moved to its present quarters the "Cinque Ports Arms" Hotel, on December 16th, 1858.
Pages 39 and 47. Bro. J. St. Clair, P.M. 38, in the "Freemason" of the 10th March of the current year, fiimishes the following information : — " The fifth Duke when Earl of March was on October 15th, 1812, ballotted for, accepted, initiated, passed, and raised in the ' Lodge of Friendship,' 624."
Page 40. Bro. Thomas Eeade Kemp died at Paris 20th December, 1844, aged 63.
^e&svipiUin x»f $riate».
THE FEONTISPIECE.
HE Frontispiece is a reduced copy of a Tracing" Board, unique and peculiar, not however in the figures and emblems displayed upon it, for these are all ■weU-known to the generality of the Craft, but more so in respect to the material of which it is composed.
The size of the original is sixteen inches by twelve, the part within the border being of iron cast in bold relief; at the bottom is a row of three steps of tesselated pave- ment, on the top of which are distributed the three lights, the rough and smooth ashlars, and the mallet; in the centre is the volume of the Sacred Law, opened at the 4th Chap. 1st Eook of Kings, on which rest the Square and Compasses ; behind this are the Wardens' Columns, the Level, Plumb and Eule, with the Sun in the centre above, and the Ladder, Moon and Seven Stars on either side, surmounted with the All Seeing Eye, the whole being supported on one side by a figure representing Hope, and on the other by a figure representing Faith, the entire being painted in emblematical colors.
The indented border of Eed and Blue of a little more than an inch in width, is part of a solid oak slab of an inch in thickness, into which the Tracing Board proper is sunk and fastened with screws.
There is no doubt it is of some antiquity and may probably have been copied from an earlier specimen of an oil cloth ; it however bears no date or name which can give any clue as to the period of its manufacture.
xu.
PLATE 1. Page 5.
This is a very neat group of Masonic Emblems, evidently of some antiquity; it was formerly the I.P. Master's Collar Jewel of the Lodge of " Brotherly Love," Arundel.
PLATE 2. Page 9.
This plate represents what we have no hesitation in deciding as the Prov. Grand Master's Jewel of the last century ; it has for many years been in the possession of the " South Saxon " Lodge, Lewes.
PLATE 3. Page 11. This is also an old Jewel of the Prov. G. Lodge, of a type somewhat similar to those in use in other Provinces during the latter part of the last century, but to what officer it belonged we are unable to decide ; it has for many years been in the possession of the "Eoyal York" Lodge, Brighton.
In the " History of Freemasonry in Oxfordshire," by Bro. E. L. Ha-wkins, M.A., a drawing is given of what appears to be an engraved silver Jewel of the same design as above, but much smaller in size ; it is in the possession of the "Alfred " Lodge, jSTo. 340, Oxford.
PLATE 4. Page 108. This plate represents the First Principal's Jewel, of a Eoyal Arch Chapter, " Moderns," a drawing of which was given in the RA. Eegulation of 1793, as well as the Second and Third Principal's Jewels, which had in the centre an " Irradiated Eye " and a " Mitre " respectively, within the square and compasses only ; the original from which this sketch is taken is in the possession of the " Union " Lodge, No. 38, and no doubt formerly belonged to the Chapter of "Love and Harmony," or to the "Cyrus" Chapter, No. 624.
A HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY
PROVINCE OF SUSSEX.
S:0ii0e» ^a»t anit ^ve»»nU
|T would be out of plaee in this sketch to speculate on the origin of Freemasonry or its earlier history. Modern writers of the History of Freemasonry have established, with little doubt, that the Speculative Masons of the seventeenth century were the offspring of the Mediseval Guilds of Masons which were connected with the different ecclesiastical structures of that period ; there is also good evidence that these Associa- tions of skilled craftsmen were framed much after the manner of the Eoman Sodalities which were instituted during the Eoman occupation of this country.
In the early part of the last century there was discovered at Chichester, (Regnum) in the North Street near to the site of the present Council Chamber, part of a stone tablet bearing a Eoman inscription to the effect, that a Collegium Fabeokum, or College of "Workmen, had been
B
FEEEMASONEY IN THE
erected there about 56, A.D., and dedicated to Neptune and MiNERYA ;* the province can therefore lay claim to an early connection with the Freemasonry or similar institu- tions of the Eomans, eighteen centuries hack ; and to come somewhat nearer to the present Speculative system, Bro. ■WUliam Preston, author of the " lUustrations of Masonry," states that in 1697 the Duke of Eichmond, who was elected Grand Master, was Master of a Lodge at Chichester.
There are many instances of Lodges existing during that century in England and Scotland. Elias Ashmole, the antiquary, was initiated at "Warrington, with three or four other gentlemen ; the " Grand Lodge of All England," at York, was in working; and the mere fact of Preston's statement, if true, of the election of " Grand Master," in 1697, would go far to prove there were other Lodges existing; for it is a time-immemorial custom that the Grand Master must have been the Master of a Lodge. The information respecting Lodges at this period is of such a scanty nature that very little is known of them, and this brief allusion of Preston's is all we know of the Lodge at Chichester.
During the reign of Queen Anne tradition says the Order was much neglected, owing to the infirmities of Sir Christopher Wren, who had held the ofSce of Grand Master for many years ; but after the accession of George I. the ever-to-be-remembered meeting of the members of the Four Old Lodges in London, in February, 1717, took place, for the purpose of appointing one of their number as Grand Master ; and it is from this period, known as the "Eevival," that the present Grand Lodge, with its various offshoots all over the world, takes its starting point.
One of the earliest enactments of the new Grand Lodge was that no Lodge should meet, excepting the Four
* For a description of which see " Mason's Goodwood," and Vol I, "Masonic Magaziae," London, 1871.
PKOVmCE OF SUSSEX. 3
Old Lodges, whose time-immemorial rights exempted them, without a warrant authorizing them to assemble and make Masons. During the Mastership of George Payne, Esq., in 1720, several new regulations were drawn up and presented to Grand Lodge, and approved in 1721; and about this period owing to enquiries being made for old manuscripts which were known to exist, some over scrupu- lous brethren, fearing that the secrets of the Craft would be exposed to the eyes of the profane, destroyed by burning many of the old records, and copies of ancient constitutions, which have many times been regretted by all lovers of the Fraternity.*
Turning to the early lists of Lodges we find there is none that received a warrant before 1721, and it is not till 1724 that we find any country Lodges being constituted ; and it is a remarkable fact that Lodges should have been constituted in those cities which were known to have been important Eoman Stations, such as Bath, Bristol, Norwich, Chichester, and Chester ; indeed, it would lead one to suppose that there were some members of former Lodges still living, and perhaps in some cases actually holding regular meetings, and that they must have held communi- cation with one another, and so arranged to acknowledge the new Grand Lodge. It was also in this year that the Duke of Eichmond, son and successor of the former Duke alluded to, was appointed Grand Master, and during his term of office the Fund of Charity (now the Grand Lodge' of Benevolence) was instituted. The Lodge f constituted at Chichester first met at the "Swan" Inn, in the East Street, it was afterwards held at the " Dolphin " where it
* During the last few years many of these old Constitutions have been brought to light, owing to the exertions of Bros. Woodford, Hughan, and others, and doubtless as time goes on more wiU be discovered.
t The Duke of Biehmond was, no doubt, a member of this Lodge, as he presented a copy of Constitutions in 1738 to the members, which is now in the possession of the " Union Lodge," No. 38.
b2
FEEEMASONET IN THE
continued as long as it existed. It disappears from the revised list of Lodges in 1770 : the numbers which this Lodge bore from 1724 will be found in the list of Extinct Lodges at the end of these pages.
In ] 730 another Lodge was constituted at Chichester, and, from its title, a rather significant one, "St. Book's HUl, near Chichester, from the time of Julius Caesar," shows that there stiU lingered some traditions of a bygone age, and in some lists there is added to the above, " Once a year Tuesday in Easter week." St. Eook's (Eoche) HUl bears traces of pre-historic man, and as it is the most prominent of hOls for many miles round, was probably used as a place for general assembly by our forefathers.* This Lodge was erased with several others at a meeting of Grand Lodge held on November 29th, 1754..
Freemasonry did not make much progress in the Province during the first half of the Eighteenth century, for, with the exception of Chichester, we find no knowledge of any other Lodge tUl 1765, when a Lodge was constituted at the " Eed Lion," Eye, No. 344, which, after a few years,
* St. Roche' 8 Hill, or the " Trundle," is an eminence of the South Downs, about a mile from Goodwood House, and its summit, on which is an extensive circular earthwork, is over 700 feet above the level of the sea ; this earthwork has for many years been a, vexed question amongst antiquaries, many of whom attribute it to the Britons, Romans, Danes, or Saxons. Camden, in his " Biitannia," mentions it as a Danish encampment, and says there existed the ruins of a Chapel in the interior, dedicated to St. Roche, and subsequent writers have generally considered it as a military stronghold of the ancients. Here we venture to differ from them. It is not at all probable that in the time of the Ancient Britons or Romans a fortified camp would be constructed on such an eminence, which is some distance from a stream of water, and that stream liable to be dry for several months in the year ; from its position and from the great care bestowed upon its construction, our opinion is that it was used for carrying out the mysteries of some of the former inhabitants of these parts, as well as being used as an observatory, perhaps by those invaders, the Belgse, who were sim. worshippers and had conquered this part of the country some centuries before the landing of Csesar ; and the cell or chapel already referred to was the " dark chamber of probation, where the neophyte had to undergo several days of solitude and fasting ; " and are we not told that our ancient brethren held their assemblies on the highest of hills, and in the deepest of vales f Of the latter there is Kingley Vale, a few miles to the westward, well known as containing one of the finest groves of yaw trees in. the- kingdom.
PLATE I.
PEOVINCE OF SUSSEX.
was moved to Lamberhurst, in the neighbouring Province of Kent
In 1766 another Lodge was constituted at the "Dolphin Inn/' Shoreham, which town was probably then of more importance than Brighton ; the existence of this Lodge lasted but a few years, for it is missing in the revised list of 1781. In the same year was constituted a Lodge at the " White Hart," Lewes, numbered 367, the one at Shoreham being 365, and this also was erased in or before 1781.
The next accession to the roll of Lodges in the Province was the removal of the " Lodge of Brotherly Love," No. 55, from London to Arundel, early in the year 1789 ; this is now the oldest existing Lodge in the Province. It held its meetings at the " Crown Inn," in that town, till 1809, and then moved to the "Wheat Sheaf," where it assembled till about 1838, when, owing to the want of enthusiasm on the part of its members, it ceased to hold communication till 1859, when the three surviving members, with the assistance of some brethren from Brighton, resuscitated it, and the Lodge now holds a respectable position in the Province. This Lodge was
The traditions in connection -with the former, doubtless lingered with successive generations for many centuries, and no doubt it was eagerly seized upon by the Christian Missionaries and dedicated to St. Eocho, the patron- saint of pilgrims, in Older to divert the minds of the people from their superstition. It is generally supposed that in the Middle Ages a hermit resided in the cell, and he would direct travellers on their way to and from the city of Chichester, for in close proximity to this spot several hill tracks concentrate, and one of the main ancient trackways, which can be traced for many miles east and west, also passes close by, similar to those known as bridle or pack roads. We have faUed to discover for what reasons the Cicestriau Freemasons of last century held their meeting here, or why they should have pitched upon " Tuesday in Easter week." We know that at the time of the vernal equinox the ancients held some of their festivals, and the " dies viola " of the Romans must have been about this time of the year, St. Roche's day being on the 16th August. They were, however, a little out with respect to the affix, " from the time of Julius Cffisar," this addition probably arose from the discovery of the tablet in 1723, already referred to as proving the existence of a Collegium Fabrornm at Chichester, and which was considered the greatest archaeological treasure of the last century. This building was, however, not erected for several years after Cesar's death.
6 FEEEMASONEY IN THE
constituted in London in 1736, and was granted a Centenary Warrant by the Grand Lodge in 1878; it is now numlDered 56, and if Lodges took rank according to date of constitu- tion it would rank as No. 29. There was a Eoyal Arch Chapter attached to the Lodge at the Union in 1814, named the "Mount Moriah," and it continued to work irregularly for several years after ; no trace of its existence can be found in the Grand Lodge records, and it was very probably a self-constituted body, emanating from a Chapter which existed at Chichester for a few years at the end of the last century. The Lodge has now thirty-eight members on its books, and meets on the third Thursday in every month at the Town Hall. In the same year some brethren residing at Brighton obtained a Warrant from the Provin- cial Grand Master to form the " Eoyal Clarence " Lodge, which document is dated August 8th, 1789, and is signed by Samuel Hulse, peov. g.m., and witnessed by James Galloway, past G.J.W., who appears to have acted as Deputy PEOV. G.M., and whose name is found on other documents. The original is still in possession of the Lodge, a transcript of which will be found in the Appendix. The first Master and Wardens designate were George Eawlinson, Eichard Thomas, and John Ade ; the place of meeting being the " White Horse " Inn. The first meeting was held on the 26th August there being present the following: —
Petitioners — WiUiam Henwood, Thomas Pryor, (as Tyler) Eichard Thomas, and John Ade.
Visitors— James Galloway, p.g.j.w., WiUiam Cole, No. 2,* James Stokes, No. 35,t William Henley W. Master, George Picknall, John Pell, No. 55, Arundel, and John PhiUips, Prince of Wales Lodge.
* Now No. 4, Eoyal Somerset House and Inverness Lodge.
+ This was also a London Lodge, constituted in 1732, "King's Arms " Marylebone, PiceadiUy; before the Union of 1814 it migrated to Wemeth, near Oldham, and was erased before 1863.
PROVINCE 07 SUSSEX.
A letter- was read from Bro. Eawlinson, named in the "Warrant as Master, apologising for his non-attendance and desiring that Bro. Galloway might officiate for him, in which desire the brethren assembled joined. Bro. Galloway officiated as W.M., and appointed Bro. Ade s,w., and Bro. Henley J.w. for the evening. At the next meeting, on September 23rd, a ballot was taken for aW.M.in consequence of Bro. Eawlinson decliaing to act, when there appeared for Bro. White 7 votes, and for Bro. Ade 1 vote. Bro. Spice was appointed Treasurer on September 30th; the W.M. appointed as his Wardens Bros. Shoosmith and Dr. Hall ; James C. Michell, Secretary and thanks were voted to Bro. Galloway for his past exertions in establishing the Lodge.
The Lodge was named in honor of Prince William Henry, third son of George III., who had recently been created Duke of Clarence, and on October ] 2th a letter was read from H.E.H. approving of the title, and on January 11th, 1790, an address of thants was ordered to be presented to H.E.H.
This was the first Lodge started in Brighton, and it appears to have been early patronised ; for at the first meeting ia August, the following residents were initiated : — Thomas White, William Lee, Edward Kenwood, Eobert Spice, Henry Piercy, and John Shoosmith. In September, Bro. Charles Geere, of Newhaven, joined, and the following were initiated :— Eichard Tilstone, Surgeon, John Hall, Surgeon, both of Brighton, Thomas Capel, Attorney-at-Law, Lincoln's Inn, James Charjes Michell, Attorney, Brighton, and Eichard Thornton, Brewer, Steyning.
The records of this Lodge are the most complete in the Province, and in looking down the roll of those brethren who have had the honor of presiding over it, we cannot abstain from remarking how prominent the name of Scott appears; for three generations this family has been honourablv connected with the Lodge, its present
FKEEMASONEY m THE
representative Bro. John Henderson Scott, p.g.d. England, D.P.G.M., having held the position of Master in 1859, 1865, and 1877*
The Lodge on being constituted was numbered 543; altered in 1792 to 452 ; in 1 800 we find it located at the " Old Ship" Inn; in 1814 the number was altered to 511; in 1832 to 338 ; and in 1863 to 271, since which it has taken up its quarters at the Eoyal Pavilion, where it assembles on the third Friday in the month, having a muster roll of eighty- two members. The senior Koyal Arch Chapter of the Province, the "Lennox," is also attached to this Lodge, having been constituted in 1811.
In 1790 another Lodge was started in Chichester, the " Harmony," meeting at the " Dolphin," and numbered 659, which was altered to 468 in ] 792 ; but its sojourn in the ancient city was a brief one, for after a few years we find it located at the " Fountain " Inn, Shoreham, and in 1814 it was re-numbered as 522 ; here it lingered for a few years, and was eventually erased in 1832.
On the 5th October of the same year a Charter or Warrant was issued to hold a Chapter at Chichester, No. 71 ; at this time Chapters were numbered independently of Lodges. Thomas Bull as Z. ; "William Midhurst, H. ; and Alexander WUliams, J., were the founders, the first named being a member of the " Howard Lodge of Brotherly Love," Arundel. It was named "Love and Harmony," and used to meet in private rooms, working also the degrees of Kadosh and Knights Templar, as was often the case during the last , century ; this is the earliest mention of K.A. Masonry in Sussex.
On the loth October, 1796, the Provincial Grand Master issued a Warrant to the following brethren, viz. —
* Bro. Edmund Scott was Master of the Lodge from 1796 to 1805, and during the Mastership of General Lennox, afterward D. of Richmond, from 1804 to 181a, he was the Acting Master.
PLATE II.
PROVINCE OF SUSSEX. 9
the Eev. Artlmr Iredell, A.M., William Lee, John Bray CatoT, I. Acton, John Ade, Thomas Pockney, Thomas Hall, and several others, to form and hold the " South Saxon " Lodge, No. 557, at the " Star " Inn, Lewes. The first three named petitioners were nominated as Master and "Wardens ; the document is signed by Bro. James Galloway, d. peov. G.M., and Bro. W. Lee, peov. g. seoretaey. On the 19th April, 1797, " Major General Hulse, Provincial Grand Master of the Society of Freemasons for the county ■ of Sussex, attended by upwards of two hundred brethren, and richly clothed in the habit and jewels of the Order, laid the first stone of a Freemason's Lodge intended to be built at Lewes" — so says the " Freemason's Magazine " of that period ; but we are rather inclined to doubt the statement with respect to the number of brethren present, for such a number would be considered a good muster in these days of rapid locomotion.
How long the meetings of the Lodge were held at the hall we have no evidence to show, for the existing minutes only commence in September, 1821, the place of assembly being in the Eastern Tower of the Castle, and they continued to meet here till July, 1852, when they removed to Bro. Butcher's : they subsequently held meetings at the " Crown " for some time, finally acquiring possession of the " Freemason's Hall," where the meetings are still held. This structure was rebuilt on a more commodious site in 1872, the foundation stone being laid by the Prov. G.M. Lord Pelham. In 1814 the number of the Lodge was altered to 581, and in 1832 and 1863, to 390 and 311 respectively, and there are now seventy-eight members on the books.
The last of the existing Lodges constituted in the Province by the Grand Lodge of "Moderns" before the Union, was the " Eoyal Cinque Ports," at Seaford ; the Warrant authorizing a Lodge to be held at the " Old Tree" Inn, in
10 TREEMASONEY IN THE
that town, was granted by Samuel Hnlse, Esq. peov. g.m. on 28th September, 1797, being numbered 566. The founders were James Cook the younger, William Hamilton, and Nathaniel Beard, who were the first Master and Wardens, John Kinningburgh, Morgan Davies, John McDoU, Henry Eeed, William Wood, Ephraim Insket, John Perry, and others, and it was countersigned by James Galloway, d. peov. g.m. and James Bicknell, peov. g. SEOEETAEY. In 1814 the number was changed to 587, and the last meeting at Seaford was held in December, 1822, when it was decided to remove the Lodge to Brighton ; and in January, 1823, they were located at the " Eoyal York " Hotel, and decided to petition the M.W.G.M. to be allowed to alter their title to that of the " Eoyal York " Lodge, in honor of H.E.H. the Duke of York. Their prayer was granted : their proceedings being considered somewhat irregular by the acting Prov. G. Secretary, Bro. D. Jacques, the Lodge was suspended by the Prov. G. Master, the Duke of Eichmond, who had recently been appointed to that office, at a meeting of the Prov.' G. Lodge, held at Brighton, on 24th July. Bro. C. Bew, P. PEOV. G.s.w., the W.M., however lost no time in endeavouring to get the suspension removed, for on August 4th, a petition signed by twenty-eight brethren was forwarded to Grand Lodge, in which they state that they had obtained a dispensation from the Acting D. Prov. G.M., the Eev. S. J. Tufnell, authorizing them to meet at Brighton, and that the charge of purchasing the Warrant was unfounded, and was brought about by three brethren who were not subscribing members of the Craft, who had been previously negoti- ating for the purchase of the regalia and furniture, with a view to removing the Lodge from Seaford to Brighton. The brethren had previously petitioned for a new Charter bearing their altered title, and this was granted to the following brethren, accompanied by the release of their
PLATE Iir.
PEOVINOE OF SUSSEX. 11
Lodge from suspension, viz. — Bros. Charles Bew, Leopold Altenacher, Henry Watson, William Johnson, James Eice, James Worger, John Barnes, Sake Deen Mahomed, and others, since which the Lodge has had an uninter- rupted existence, holding its meetings at the following houses in Brighton : in February, 1822, it removed to the Masonic Hall, St. James' Street ; in 1826 to the "Tierney" Arms ; in 1828 to the " New Ship " ; in 1830 to the "Artichoke"; in 1836 to the "Golden Lion"; in 1841 to the "Castle" Inn; in 1853 to the " White Horse;" and finally to the Eoyal Pavilion Eooms, where it has at last found a permanent resting place ; it has now ninety- six subscribing members ; the number of the Lodge was changed to 394 in 1832 and to 315 in 1863.*
The fijst Lodge constituted in the town of Hastings was the " Harmony " No. 583, in 1799 ; the Warrant was no doubt issued by the Prov. G.M. General Hulse; the house of Meeting was at the " Swan ;" in 1814 it was renumbered 601; in 1817 it met at the "Anchor," and then at the " Crown," and on 29th December of that year it united with the " Derwent," No. 54, now 40.t
A renewal of Masonic zeal appears to have taken place at Chichester, for on March 15th, 1811, the "Lodge of Friendship," No. 624, was constituted, his Grace the Duke of Eichmond already referred to in connection with the " Eoyal Clarence " Lodge, Brighton, being the W.M., the Eev. S. Joliffe Tufnell acting as his Deputy, the Eev. W. Youatt S.W. and Bro. J. Powell J.w. ; the place of meeting being at the " Swan " once a well known posting house in
* Ja^t recently Major Carvick, "W.M. of the Pelhani Lodge, discovered the three candlesticks formerly helonging to the Lodge when meeting at Seaford. Bro. Carvick purchased them, and graciously presented these relics to the " Boyal York " Lodge.
t The first Lodge we find meeting at Hastings was a Military Lodge, No. 282, " Ancients," attached to the Wiltshire Regiment of Militia, which was stationed there when the Lodge was constituted, on the 16th May, 1794: it flnaUy settled in Wiltshire, and was erased in or before 1832. This is the earUeat record of a Lodge under the G.L. of "Ancients" meeting in the Proyinoe.
12 FEEEMASONEY IN THE
the East Street, which was converted into shops ahout thirty years since. The number was altered at the Union to 632, and the Lodge continued to assemble at the " Swan," with the exception of a few months at the " Fleece," whilst the first-named hotel was being rebuilt, until 1828, when the Warrant was surrendered and it united with the "Lodge of Harmony." The "Cyrus" Chapter was attached to this Lodge and probably collapsed when the Warrant was surrendered.
Before proceeding to chronicle the birth of the " Lodge of Harmony," now " Union," Chichester, it will be as well to say a few words with respect to the rival Grand Lodge of " Ancients," which up to this period, 1812, had not obtained a footing in the Province, all the Lodges previously consti- tuted having emanated from the Grand Lodge of "Moderns," of 1717. TiU within the last few years much mystification existed respecting the position of several Lodges on the present register of Grand Lodge, and especially vdth respect to two Lodges in this Province, but thanks to the labors of Bros. W. J. Hughan* and E. F. Gould,t the discrepancies in the dates' of the various Lodges existing before 1813 are plainly accounted for.
It was about the year 1738 that the first signs of dissension commenced, and the following is extracted from a note by Bro. Northouck, in the Constitutions of 1784, respecting the proceedings of the Grand Lodge in December, 1739, wherein it was ordered that the laws be strictly put in execation against aU brethren who should for the future countenance, connive, or assist at any irreg- ular making : — " The Grand Lodge justly considered such proceedings as
an infringement on the original laws, an. encroachment
on the privileges, and an imposition on the charitable
* " Memorials of the Masonic Union," & " Masonic Register," Bro. Hughan. t " The Four Old Lodges, " and " The Atholl Lodges," Bro. Gould.
PROVINCE OF STJSSEX. 13
fund of the society. It was therefore resolved to discountenance those assemblies, and to enforce the laws against all brethren who were aiding or assisting in the clandestine reception of any person into masonry at any of these illegal conventions. This irritated the brethren who had incurred the censure of the Grand Lodge, who, instead of returning to their duty and renouncing their error, persisted in their contumacy, and openly refused to pay allegiance to the Grand Master, or obedience to the mandates of the Grand Lodge. In contempt of the ancient and established laws of the order they set up a power independent ; and, taking advantage of the inexperi- ence of their associates, insisted that they had an equal authority with the Grand Lodge to make, pass, and raise Masons. At this time no private Lodge had the power of passing or raising Masons; nor could any brother be advanced to either of these degrees but in the Grand Lodge, with the unanimous consent and approbation of aU the brethren in commu- nication assembled. Under a fictitious sanction of the ancient York Constitution they presumed to claim the right of constituting Lodges. Some brethren at York continued indeed to act under their original constitution, notwithstanding the revival of Grand Lodge of England in 1717 ; but the irregular Masons in London never received any patronage from them. The Ancient York Masons were confined to one Lodge, which is still extant, but consists of very few members, and will probably be soon altogether annihilated. This illegal and unconstitutional claim obliged the regular Masons to adopt new measures to detect these impostors, and debar them and their abettors from the countenance and protection of the regular Lodges. To accomplish this purpose more
14 TREEMASONKY IN THE
effectually, some variations were made in the estat)- lished forms, which afforded a subterfuge, at which the refractory brethren readily grasped. They now assumed the appellation of ' Ancient Masons,' pro- claimed themselves enemies to all innovations, insisted that they preserved the ancient usages of the order, and that the regular Lodges, on whom they conferred the title of Modern Masons, had adopted new measures, illegal and unconstitutional ; thus by a new species of deceit and imposition, they endeavoured to support an existence ; using the necessary precautions taken by the Grand Lodge to detect them, as grounds for a novel and ridiculous distinction of Ancient and Modern Masons. This artifice strengthened their party in some degree ; the uninformed were caught by the deception ; and in order to procure further support to their assumed authority, they also deter- mined to interrupt the regular mode of succession to the ofi6.ce of Grand Master by electing a chief ruler under that designation, and other of&cers under the title of Grand Of&cers, appointed from their own body ; convinced that the most probable means for establishing their opposition, would be by liberally conferring honors on their votaries to secure their allegiance, and to induce others to join them. They framed a code of laws for their government, issued patents for new Lodges, and exacted certain fees of constitution, from which they hoped to raise a fund suf6.cient to support their power. They so far succeeded in their new plan as to be acknowledged by many ; some gentlemen of family and fortune entered among them, and even many regular Masons were so unacquainted with their origin, or the laws of the society as to attend their lodges; and give a tacit sanction to their proceedings."
TEOVINCE OF SUSSEX. 15
Such was the opinion of a Masonic writer of the last century ; but in spite of the precautions taken by the Grand Lodge this rival Grand Lodge of "Ancients," 1751-2 con- tinued to increase in prosperity, and had Lodges hailing under its banner in nearly every province, as weU. as in the British Colonies.
In the foregoing extract mention has been made of the York Masons : this body had existed for many centuries in the City of York ; it was revived as the Grand Lodge of All England in 1725, and was acknowledged as an inde- pendent body by the Grand Lodge of England, London, 1717, though it never held rule over any subordinate Lodges, and it finally coUapsed in 1792. There were for a short period four separate bodies, each claiming the title of Grand Lodge. Some dissensions having arisen in 1778, in the Lodge of Antiquity, some members of that old Lodge came in collision with the Grand Lodge of "Moderns," and in the next year seceded, and being recognized under their time-immemorial constitution by the Grand Lodge at York, proclaimed themselves as the " Grand Lodge of England South of the Trent ; " they appear however never to have held rule over any subordinate Lodges, but simply existed as an individual body, recognising no superior : happily, however, in 1790 they became reconciled, and were again restored to their former position under the banner of the Grand Lodge.
In 1812 the Grand Lodge of "Ancients," authorized the formation of the " Lodge of Harmony," No. 85, at Chichester, and on ]6th April,* the E.W. Bro. Nathaniel Ashford, W.M. 79, as Deputy GM.; Bros. J. Griffiths, s.w. 138, as
* There are some discrepancies ■with respect to the date of constitution : Bro. Gonld in his "AthoU Lodges" gives the date of the Warrant as 22nd April, whilst the Warrant of conflrmation granted in 1828 gives it as 13th March. Very likely a dispensation was granted on the latter date to form a Lodge and the Warrant was not issued till the 22nd April, after the constitution had taken place.
16 BUEEMASONRY IN THE
G.s.w. ; 0. E. A. Minchinton, S.D. 1 38, as G.J.W. ; E. Heath, W.M. 138, as G.P.M. ; J. Dicks, 138, as G.S.D. ; J. Barker, 138, as G.J.D. ; J. Griffiths, 138, as G. tkeas. ; E. Hewlins, 138, as G. SEC. ; and J. Warren, 138, as G. tylee, opened a Grand Lodge at the "White Hart," East Street, con- stituted the above Lodge, and installed the following brethren : — Bros. Edward Atheson Gilbert, W.M. ; W. Shayer, s.w. ; and J. Humphrey, J.w. The Grand Lodge was closed, after which the "Lodge of Harmony" was opened, and Messrs. Benjamin Caffyn and J. Harris Wright were elected and initiated.* This was no resuscitation of an old Lodge, or warrant of confirmation, but simply the method practised by the " Ancients " in numbering their Lodges, which has led to so much confusion with respect to the numbering of Lodges on the roll of the United Grand Lodge, and which differed from the method practised by the " Moderns," thus : the latter at different periods, viz. in 1740-56, 1770-81 and 1792 altered the numbers of its Lodges by annexing the Lodge next in position to the vacant number of the extinct Lodge immediately preceding it, and putting up all the rest in succession, and then the new Lodges went on at the end of the roll. The "Ancients," however, left the number of an extinct Lodge vacant, and when the founders of a new Lodge applied for a Warrant, they had the option of purchasing the vacant number by paying some few guineas more than if they went on at the end of the list, and, indeed existing Lodges sometimes obtained a higher place by purchase, and this in some cases was done more than once ; for, on reference to Bra. Gould's " Atholl Lodges," it will be seen that sometimes
* These two Lodges, No. 79, and 138, were of course both "Ancient" or "Atholl," the former meeting at the " Spring Clock," Gosport, constituted in 1759, and again in 1780 ; the latter at the " Blue Anchor " Tavern, Portsea, in. 1808 ; the first Lodge attached to this number was at Leghorn in 1766 ; they have both been extinct for many years.
PROVINCE OF SUSSEX. 17
three Lodges, which in no way had any connection, had at different periods been attached to one number*
The Lodge in question does not appear to have met at the " White Hart " long, for in J.814 we find it at the freemason's Hall, the "Anchor,"t West Street, and the number altered by the Union of the Grand. Lodges to 52. In 1828 this Lodge, and also the " Lodge of Friendship," No. 632, surrendered their Warrants and received a Warrant of confirmation as " Lodge of Union," No. 52 ; thus the senior Lodge was absorbed by the junior, tempted no doubt by the higher position it held on the roll of Grand Lodge. §
In 1832 the number of the " Lodge of Union " was changed to 45, and in 1868 to No. 38, holding the first place on the Provincial roll : at the last return it numbered sixty-five members, and its meetings are at the " Council Chamber." The " Cyrus " Eoyal Arch Chapter is attached to the Lodge, and was constituted in 1874.
On the 12th May the following brethren opened a Grand Lodge of "Ancients " at the " Castle " Inn, Hastings, " under sanction of the Warrant No. 332,J pursuant to a Dispensation imder the hand of Thomas Harper, Esq.,
* The first Warrant, being No. 35, was granted to some brethren in London, but it appears the Lodge was never constituted, so that 1812 is the earliest date that can be awarded to No. 3d.
t These rooms, with a private entrance attached to the " Anchor" Inn, it ia said, were built after the designs of Sir Godfrey Webster, for the purpose of a Lodge, and for holding political meetings. There is a house in St. John's Street, known in the early part of the present century as the Freemasons' Hall ; it was probably always a private house, some part being portioned off for the use of some of the Masons during the last century : the B.A. Chapter of 1790 met in private rooms, and this no doubt gave to it the title of Freemasons' HaU.
§ The " Lodge of Friendship," 632 [624 " Modems "] was constituted March 15th, 1811 : the " Lodge of Harmony," S2 [35 " Ancients "] was con- stituted April 22nd, 1812 : the " Lodge of Union," 62, now 38, by Warrant of Confirmation, August, 1828.
X This was a Military Lodge of "Ancients'' attached to the 5Sth Regiment of Foot, constituted in 1805 : in 1814 it was numbered 421, and it was erased before 1832.
18 FREEMASONRY IN THE
Deputy Grand Master, for the purpose of constituting Warrant N"o. 36 * and installing the Of&cers," viz., — Eros. Thomas Slack, as D.G.M. ; John Fowler, as S.G.W. ; John Jackson, as j.g.w. ; Eichard Pease, as G. sec. ; Thomas M'Caskey, as G. teeas. ; W. Chambers, as S.G.D. ; John Eogers, as j.g.d. ; and John Hickling, as G. ttler — all of No. 332. The brethren installed as named in the Warrant were Bros. Thomas Sargent, W.M. ; Henry Eogers, s.w. ; Thomas Foster, j.w. ; the following heing apJ)ointed to the other of&ces : — Thomas Bayley, Secretary ; Peter M. Powell, Treasurer ; W. Gate, S.D. ; G. Eohinson, J.D. ; and W. Kent, Tyler. In 1817 the Lodge removed to the "Anchor;" in 1822 back to the "Castle" Inn; to the "Swan" Inn in 1823, till December, 1874 ; and in January, 1875 to the "Castle" Hotel, Wellington Square, where it still continues. In 1814 it was renumbered 54, and at the renumbering of Lodges in 1832 and 1863, it was numbered 47 and 40 respectively : at the last annual returns it numbered eighty- two members. The " Emulation " E.A. Chapter has been attached to this Lodge since November, 1813.
Before recording the advent of any more Lodges in the Province, it wiU be as well to say something about the Union of the two Grand Lodges, which took place in 1813. For some years previously attempts had been made to bring about a reconciliation of the two opposing bodies, but without effect; however, in 1810 some progress was made in that direction, when the Earl of Moira, acting Grand Master of the " Moderns," invited some of the " Ancients " to a Masonic banquet, which offer was accepted, and shortly after the "Ancients" rescinded some of their resolutions respecting " Modern " Masons.
* The first Warrant attached to this number was dated 14th August, 1754 : it had however been dormant many years, and the Lodge at Hastings was in every respect a new and distinct Lodge, having no connection with the former Ho, 36.
PEOVINCE OF SUSSEX. 19
In 1811 the Prince of Wales, who was the Grand Master of the " Moderns," appointed H.E.H. the Duke of Sussex as D.G.M. and the latter immediately com- menced to bring about the long desired union. In November, 1813, the Duke of AthoU, Grand Master of the " Ancients," resigned that office in favour of H.E.H. the Duke of Kent: these two royal Craftsmen, assisted by some of the most distinguished and zealous Masons of the two societies, soon drew up the " Articles of Union," which were considered and ratified at a meeting on the 8th of December, when some members from each society were appointed to form a Lodge of Eeconciliation. These articles were duly signed and sealed by the two illustrious brothers, and St. John's Day, the 27th December, 1813, was fixed for the happy event.* It was decided that both bodies should meet on equal terms — all differences being waived ; lots were drawn as to which should have the honor of placing its premier Lodge at the top of the new roU of the " United Grand Lodge." Unfortunately, we think, that lot fell to the Grand Master's Lodge, No. 1 "Ancients," constituted in 1759, and the "Lodge of Antiquity," No. 1 of the " Moderns," a time-immemorial Lodge, being the senior Lodge of the four which formed the Grand Lodge of 1717, was placed No. 2. The No. 2 "Ancients," and the No. 2 "Moderns," another time- immemorial Lodge, were placed 3 and 4 respectively, and so alternatively tUl the two roUs of Lodges were all renum- bered. The " Moderns " had 386 Lodges, and the " Ancients " 260, placed on the roll.
Early in 1814 the present Lodge at Eye, the " Wellington," No. 651, was constituted at Eye ; in 1832 and 1863 the number was altered to 426 and 341 respec- tively, and it had twenty-seven members on its books in
* Vide "Preston's Illustrations," by Dr. Oliver, London, Spencer & Co., and '• Memorials of tlie Union," Bro. "W. J. Hughan, Truro, 1874.
G 2
20" FREEMASONEY IN THE
June last. The next new Lodge in the province was " Harmony and Friendship," No. 701, at Maresiield ; after a few years it moved to Uckfield, where we find it in 1823 with the Eoyal Arch Chapter of Original Light attached to it ; in 1828 we find it located at Lewes, but here also it failed to flourish, and was erased by the Grand Lodge in 1831
In 1820 was constituted the "Eoyal Sussex," No. 720, at Worthing, it by some means escaped exclusion from the revised list of 1832, when the number was changed to 467, though it had not made any return to Grand Lodge since 1828 ; it was however erased in 1838.
The next new Lodge was constituted at Brighton in 1824, named the " Richmond and Lennox,"* No. 794, in honor, no doubt, of the new Prov. Grand Master, the Duke of Eichmond ; but in spite of its honorable name, it seemed never to have prospered, for it never made any return, and was expunged from the list in 1832.
The next in succession to the above was not more fortunate in • its short existence, for the " March and Darnley," No. 805, constituted in 1825, at Horsham, surrendered its Warrant in 1832.
After the lapse of more than a quarter of a century, a Lodge was started at Littlehampton, the " Mariners," No. 878, in 1852; this Lodge soon followed the footsteps of some of its predecessors, and was erased in 1859, another instance that a half-dozen" zealous Masons cannot keep a Lodge going for any time in these small towns and thinly- populated districts; and we feel sure that many of the Lodges started in the last decade, will be equally as short-
♦ On September 22nd, 1824, the following brethren attended the " South Saxon " Lodge for the purpose of obtaining the sanction and recommendation of the members for the formation of this new Lodge at Brighton ;— Barnard Gregory, PBOV. G.S.B., J.Vf. 62 ; J. W. Bennett, S.W., " Royal York " Lodge ; R. Killick Vallance, 611 ; Dennett Jacques, v.M. 52, pbov. g. sec, and EBGISTBAR. — Extrontfrom Minute Book of " South Saxon " Lodge.
Province ot sussex. 21
Kved as some of those whose existence we have abeady chronicled.
We have now done with extinct Lodges, and the next new one we have to call attention to is the " Eoyal Brunswick," No. 1034, constituted at Brighton, in 1857 ; the Warrant was applied for early in 1855, and a second petition was sent in the next year, but owing to delay at head-quarters, for which no cause was assigned, the granting of it was deferred for more than a year, though it was heartily supported by the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, Col. McQueen. The consecrating officer was Bro. J. Hervey, p.g.d., the late geand sec. of England The Lodge, however, soon began to increase when well started, and in a few years the "Eoyal Sussex" Eoyal Arch Chapter was attached to it : in 1863 the number was altered to 732 ; the meetings were for some years held at the " Old Ship," but it is now located at the Eoyal Pavilion and numbers fifty-three members.
The next is also a Brighton Lodge, constituted by Captain Dalbiac, D.P.aM., in September, 1860, at the " Old Ship," the " Yarborough," No. 1113,* which was altered to 811 in 1863 : it has now a E.A. Chapter attached to it, and meets at the Eoyal Pavilion and numbers forty members.
In April of the next year was consecrated the "Lodge of Friendship," No. 1153, Worthing, Bro. G. E. Pocock, the Prov. Grand Secretary being installed as the first W.M. ; the number is now 851, the Lodge meeting at the Stdyne Assembly Booms, and numbering thirty-two members.
On the 10th of October, 1862, the D.P.G.M. assisted by his officers consecrated the " Hartington " Lodge, No. 1218, at Diplock's Hotel, Eastbourne, so named in honor of the Marquis of Hartington, Prov. G.M., Derbyshire, who
* Named after the Earl of Yarborough, PAST D.o.M., enb, who was a niemter of the " Royal York " Lodge, 394.
22 FREEMASONRY IN TB'B
became a joining member. Bro. W. F. Fawcett, p.m. 98, was installed W.M. ; Bro. C. H. Law, P.M. 109, p.p.g.s.w. Herts, S.W. ; and Bro. I. Compton, J.w. ; the number of the Lodge was altered in 1863 to 916, and last year it mustered seventeen members.
In 1866, six years after tbe formation of the Hartington Lodge, some of the members deemed it necessary to found another Lodge in the fashionable watering place of Eastbourne : a Warrant was obtained, and on the 20 th of June Col. Dalbiac constituted the "Tyrian" Lodge, N"o. 1110, and Bro. V. P. Freeman, p. prov. g.w. installed as the first W. Master Bro. James Mackay Cunningham, m.d., who appointed as his Wardens Bro. C. H. Law, p.m. 916, and Bro. Walter Kirkland: it now numbers fifty-seven members.*
On the first of February, 1867, being the day fixed for the constitution of the "Mid-Sussex" Lodge, No. 1141,. the charter for which was issued at the end of the previous year, the brethren were assembled at the " King's Head " Hotel, under the gavel of the D. Prov. G.M. (the P.G.M. owing to a severe illness being unable to attend) ; he was assisted in the ceremony by several present and past P.G. Of&cers, the Worshipful Master designate Bro. F. Slight, PROV. J.G.D. being installed by Bro. G. E. Pocock, prov. G. SEC, PAST G.S.B., ENGLAND : the W.M. appointed as his Wardens Bros. W. Curtis and W. Challen ; the event was celebrated by a banquet at which about eighty sat down : the' number of subscribing members is now thirty-eight.
On Friday, the 29th of September in the same year, was constituted the " Abbey " Lodge, at Battle ; the ceremony was performed by Lord Pelham, prov. g. master, who had recently been appointed to that office, in the Great Hall of
* On the 23rd May, 1812, the G.L. of " AntientB" issued a Warrant for a Lodge to be attached to the 5th Battalion of Royal Artillery stationed at Eastbourne ; this Lodge was No. 101 and was erased in or before 1832.
PROVINCE OJ? SUSSEX. 2S
the Abbey, which had been kindly placed at the disposal of the fraternity by His Grace the Duke of Cleveland. The installing officer was the Prov. G. Secretary, who placed in the chair as the first Master of the Lodge, Bro. Benjamin Thorpe, p.p.g. treasukek, Kent, who appointed as his "Wardens Bros. Albion Thorpe and William Lamborn : the Lodge now numbers thirty-two subscribing members.
The next new Lodge was an offshoot of the " South Saxon," it was constituted at Lewes on the 22nd of April, 1870, by the E.W. Lord Pelham, prov. g.m., after whom it is named ; its position on the roll is 1303. Bro. A. Elmsley, PROV. J.G.W. was installed as the first W. Master, and he appointed as his Wardens Bros. Settle and Noakes : this Lodge has never been very strong in its number of members, the returns for last year showing but seventeen.
After a lapse of three years we find the Province taking part in the general and universal impetus given to Ereemasonry, as is supposed by many, in consequence of the connection of H.E.H. the Prince of Wales with the Order. In 1873 two Warrants were issued for new Lodges in the Province, but it was not till the 11th of March, 1874, that the " Ockendon," No. 1465, was consti- tuted at Cuckfield. On that day a goodly number of the craft assembled to do honor to one of its members, who had already by his genial disposition gained the good wishes of his brethren and fellows, Bro. W. W. BurreU, now the very popular prov. G. master, the W.M. designate of the new Lodge. Lord Pelham being unable to be present through ill-health, the ceremony of consecration was performed by the Deputy Prov. G.M., Bro. Turner, who was assisted by several of the present and past Officers of the Prov. G. Lodge ; the ceremony of consecration being concluded the following were appointed to office : — Bros. Byass, s.w,; Sergison, J.w. ; Gallop, SBC; Meek, S,D.
24 PEEEMASONET IN THE